GROWING OLD

SA ATING PAGTANDA

Isang taon na naman
Dagdag sa aking buhay
Maraming dagdag-bawas tiyak nakaabang
Iba’y nakakainis, iba nama’y kapakipakinabang
Ngunit lahat ng ito’y spices of life, bahagi ng buhay.

Mga kulubot sa mukha
Tiyak dadami na naman
Pero Olay Total Effects lang katpat niyan
Kakapal ang mga uban, di na mabilang
Isang box ng L’Oreal lamang
Tiyak burgundy lahat yan.

Mga excess fat at bilbil maglilitawan
Push ups at jogging lamang
Tiyak tunaw lahat yan.
Arthritis at gout naku!
Dapat nating abangan
Ngunit ABS Bitter Herbs lamang atras lahat yan.

Sabay sa dagdag na edad
Tiyak na ang dagdag na responsibilidad
Di bale, mga kaibigan, dagdag na experience
At sure na extra income yan.

Mga detractors at inggitera tiyak dadami yan
Pero lilipulin sila ng mga tapat na kaibigan

Ang pagtanda ay sadyang di mapigilan
Ngunit ito’y di dapat katakutan
Sa halip sa Lumikha ito’y pasalamatan.

Dapat tayong magpasalamat
Panibagong buhay at pagkakataon
Na magmahal at ituwid ang ating mga kasalanan.

jpp/02242010

PLACES and MEMORIES

It is always a heartwarming experience to go back to a place you once considered "home"...it's nice to meet friends who shared your childhood memories...you can always go back to these places and friends to renew ties and even to search for some missing links that have made your life today empty, even unfulfilled...and everytime you go back, you will be surprised that while some have changed...some have stayed the same...and in every going back...you always try to find that missing link...is it really there or has it gone somewhere else?

barely two weeks ago...we had a reunion with grade school and high school friends...there was so much fun and laughter yet at the end of the day...behind the smiles and giggles and songs and stories...i felt so empty and frustrated because the "the missing link" was not there...but like the gallant fighter... i will never give up for in my heart i know that one day, at the right time and at the right place...that elusive link will be right before my eyes...i do not even need to search for it!
i wish to share with you this song popularized by the beatles...a song i thought would best describe our last reunion....
There are places I remember
There are places I remember all my life
Though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
Of lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I loved them all And with all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new


And I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I loved you more

In my life I loved you more

Page One, Chapter One!

“ We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.” Ellen Goodman

The start of each New Year almost always leads people to review their lives in the year that was. Yet sometimes we are too engrossed looking back on the not so good things we did in the past year that need to be altered or modified and we tend to overlook the opportunities ahead. We spend so much effort feeling sorry for projects we should have started, work we should have finished, people we should have loved more, friends we should have visited and words we should have said.

The trouble with some people today is that they are too troubled thinking of things that should have been, spill so much tears for people who have walked out on them, spend hours grunting on broken relationships and waste days blaming themselves for all these miseries. There is nothing more we can do about all these things that have passed, neither remorse nor self-blame can reverse them and self pity can only aggravate the pain.

As we bid goodbye to each year, let us learn not to linger on the sorrows and pains, rather, let us start every year in our lives looking at new things, new blessings, new love, new opportunities.

For everyone, I would like to share some New Year Reminders from George Carlin that would surely give you a better year ahead!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is God & ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people.... who cares?

A lazy lunch at "Bale Dutung"

"Bale Dutung" garden

Lazy weekend afternoons are what I always look forward to, though they are as rare now as "unblemished" government officials in the Philippines. Yet I never really thought there is such a thing as a "lazy lunch"- lunch for four straight hours...I could not imagine myself doing such a luxury with the piles of work waiting for me at home and in the office...but to my surprise...I just had a taste of this rare experience last weekend. What adds to the surprise is to meet, savor his dishes and be "entertained" by one of the country's culinary gurus-Claude Tayag in his restaurant “Bale Dutung” which is translated as House of Wood.

At first sight, Bale Dutung does not really look like a restaurant, it is an old Spanish house peculiarly built at the heart of a contemporary subdivision in Angeles City, Pampanga. Claude and wife Maryann warmly welcomed our group (there were six of us) but even before they did, me and my curious buddies already roamed around the place - enjoyed the garden, the unique pieces of antique kitchen gadgets, the kamalig and slouched on the hammock.

Claude started the conversation with a brief history on how Bale Dutung started, how the structure was made and where the materials were sourced. While it looked like a house built in the 1800’s, he said it was constructed after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and inspired by the kamalig, a rice storage house.

Then the bigger surprise came with the serving of the “welcome drink”- a refreshing concoction of fresh fruits, followed by a taste of their signature sauces – taba ng talagka, balsamic vinaigrette dressing and XO sauce served with crackling crackers. A series of authentic Kapangpangan dishes came after, served on the dining table one after the other…if my memory serves me right, there were about five varied appetizers including sushi plate composed of sushi topped with taba ng talangka and camias, rolled mustasa leaves filled with balo balo (fermented rice) and fried hito (catfish) and marinated quail.
a pose after the "lazy lunch" with host, Famous Filipino Culinary Guru Claude Tayag

There were three main courses – seafood kare-kare and the one I liked most, the bulanglang ( a combination of hot guava sour soup,huge tulang (fresh water prawns), bangus, with gabi and kangkong. After more than three hours of food “installments” came the finishing course, the dessert- called paradise made of kamote, ube, and macapuno in carabao's milk – this according to Claude is his signature dessert. Each of us had to take a “break” after two recipes were served so we could finish the whole buffet as we were advised when we started the meal that there would be about ten or so courses. More so that we did not have ay idea how the servings would look like and of course, we all would want to taste the last recipe.

I never really expected this delightful and relaxing experience, all I thought was that we were to go to Pampanga to have a pre-production meeting for a new television show we are about to make. The Bale Dutung experience was my first taste of a “lazy lunch” yet I realized it was not really a “lazy” one at all…it was just a taste of that luxury called “relaxation”.

A Toast To Bread and Coffee

TWO GLASSES OF WINE...

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine theory...

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items on his desk in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'YES.'

The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else; the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first', he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the good things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. Do one more run down the ski slope. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend.'

The Joy of Being a Mother

Happy Birthday...MIKKA!

Twenty five years ago on this same day, a few minutes past dusk...i was rushed to the delivery room of the hospital...several hours later...a baby girl saw the light of the world! My heart was filled with joy but the elation was suddenly changed to sorrow...I noticed that my attending doctor and the nurses around were a bit worried...As I was so weak then, I could not move and ask them why. Suddenly, I became drowsy until I could no longer hear their voices.

In my hospital bed, as I opened my eyes, the first thing I asked my mother was "how is my baby?" When she replied " There's no cause for worry, everything is okay", I felt so much relief and gratefulness. Then I learned that my little girl had difficulty breathing and the doctor suspected she must have some heart problems. Fortunately, the tests showed negative results, and she was stable.
Well...that was twenty five years ago...Today...this little girl is now a young lady...a daughter any parent will really be proud of. On this special day, I would like to offer this post for her...although she is miles away from me... I know she will be happy and safe as the Lord is with her.

HE is everywhere

Few weeks ago, I started working on days. And I have to adjust to all the early morning routines, the hussle and bussle of the early morning traffic and commute. My car is not in the top shape now. I was going home one day when suddenly my car stucked in the middle of the busy road. I have to hit my emergency signal to warn other incoming drivers- probably I'm a bit lucky when I about to abandon my car 2 guys from nowhere showed up and offer me some help to push the car on the side. I did not think twice on their offer...I feel relieved for the moment and they start pushing the car to the parking area and when i parked the car. I asked the guys, how much it gonna cost me ?... I know it cost me something, I'm not surprised on their reply and with all the smiles in their faces, it seems i found some answer. I asked them again, now with assurance and they reply the same answer....NO THANK YOU... as soon as i get out of my car, they are gone... the way they appeared in front of me is the same way they vanished in the parking area...like a magic trick...

I knew that doing something good will return to you in 100 ways. a good KARMA. So people out there do not expect in return if you do some good things to others because it always come your way unexpectedly. THANK YOU again whoever you are. You save my day.

etch on your epitaph

The news of the untimely demise of pop icon Michael Jackson jolted the world and triggered a cyberspace traffic jam. In many parts of the globe, vigils were held by his loyal followers and even those who suddenly became his fans.

The impact he made on the music industry and the lives of many people cannot be under estimated - he broke racial barriers, paved the way for modern pop music, and made great humanitarian contributions. The unstoppable juggernaut made unparralleled influence in the lives of the old and young generations worldwide.

Although I like a few of his songs, I am not really an "MJ fanatic", but his death made me pause and ponder about the ultimate meaning of life. What is the real meaning of our existence? Definitely, no one, not even the so called "evils trapped in a human body" were brought to this world for nothing - there is always a purpose for everyone and everything.

For his part, MJ declared his life's purpose: "Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever." What is mine? I never really had the chance to seriously ponder what is my life purpose, perhaps for the simple reason that I really didn't care much about it.

Maybe as a person comes to age, the idea of life's purpose crosses his mind once in a while. I don't want to think that this is part of mid-life crisis, but, if it is, then I think it is really worth everyone in this age some time.

Whether we consider mulling over our life's purpose or not, one thing is certain - we don't live in this earth forever. Fame and fortune could not stop the grim Ripper from taking away our lives.

What really matters in the end is not our wealth, our fame, positions, titles and social status but our relationship with our Creator and our fellowmen!

When we leave this world, what would be etched in our epitaphs?

This reminds me of the words of Fr. Alfred Delp, renowned Jesuit Priest, who was executed for his resistance to the Nazi regime in Germany who said:
"When through one man, a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth comes into the world, then that man's life has had meaning"

a daughter's angst

Dear Dad,
where ever you are, i know you are happy and i know that despite the fact that we now live in two different worlds, you are always beside me in times of joy and pain. it has been thirty years since i felt your last physical embrace but the feeling and memory remained and will stay in my heart for the rest of my life. i just feel so sad that i can no longer hear your crispy laughters, your manly voice...but Dad, i know you can hear me.
i am again in a stage in my life where i'm feeling alone...there is no one beside me whom i can share my griefs and aches with...i am depressed, yet the thought that your spirit is with me, makes things a little better.
i have friends around, i have my kids with me, but the feeling of incompleteness lingers. behind the smiles at the end of the day, there still remains an empty space...I am still waiting for that someone whome i can share my grief and joy with, whom i can share the rest of my life with. Dad, do you think he will come? if he does, will i still have to wait for a long time? or if he doesn't, will i still find completeness?
there are so many questions in my mind and in my heart....it is just really frustrating, no one is here beside me...if only you were here, Dad, maybe things would be different. i am sorry, i am suppose to be giving you cheers today, but i just can't help...i can't really hide my feelings, and you know that - that's why i am "special" to you, right? i have always been honest with how i feel, you can tell when i am angry, when i am happy, when i am in love, and when i am depressed - because i show how i feel. i am not a hypocrite, and you really loved me for that! thanks for teaching me that value, Dad, I embibed that until now. well, i was able to create a number of enemies because of my being "honest" but of course, there were more friends i gained because of being one. and you were right all the way - just be true to yourself...and the world will love you!

anyway...on this special day, i want to tell you again, as i always did, i am too grateful for having you as a father. no one in this world can really take your place....happy fathers' day ....i love you, dad!

your dear little girl,

The Promise....

It has been two years since I was assigned in this office, and almost everyday, I use this "girls' restroom". It is clean and a number of beautiful posters adorn the tiled walls. Yet, I do not really read the quotes on the posters, until two days ago, my curiosity was aroused so I read what was written on one. And I was suddenly moved to ponder. I thought, maybe the reason why my marriage and even the subsequent relationships I had failed. Then I told my self, I will imbibe these so that the next time I go into a relationship, I will put them into practice, as religiously as I could.

I would like to share these Gifts to my readers, especially those whose relationships are in the verge of collapse. These may help in bringing back the flame that enlightened their first few years together as husbands and wives.

50 Gifts for Marriage

1. Start each day with a kiss
2. Wear your wedding ring at all times
3. Date once a week
4. Accept differences
5. Be polite
6. Be gentle
7. Give gifts
8. Smile often
9. Touch
10. Talk about dreams
11. Choose a song that can be 'your song'
12. Give back rubs
13. Laugh together
14. Send a card for no reason
15. Do what your spouse wants before being asked
16. Listen
17. Encourage
18. Do it the other's way
19. Compliment your partner twice a day
20. Call just to say 'l love you'
21. Slow down
22. Hold hands
23. Cuddle
24. Ask your spouse's opinion
25. Show respect
26. Welcome each other home
27. Look your best for your mate
28. Wink at each other
29. Celebrate birthdays in a big way
30. Apologize
31. Forgive
32. Set up a romantic getaway
33. Ask, 'what can i do to make you happier?'
34. Know your mate's needs
35. Fix his (her) favorite breakfast
36. Be positive
37. Be kind
38. Be vulnerable
39. Respond quickly to your mate's requests
40. Talk about your love
41. Reminisce about your favorite times together
42. Treat his (her) relatives with courtesy
43. Send flowers every Valentines Day and anniversary
44. Admit when you're wrong
45. Be sensitive to your mate's sexual desires
46. Pray for him (her) daily
47. Watch sunsets together
48. Say "I love you" frequently
49. End each day with a hug
50. Seek outside help when you need it