Mommies

I was lining up to get into the airport terminal, when I heard this loud screaming kid. "Mommyyyy". She was crying. The young mom, who was in front of me, was headed for Japan as her luggage tags declared. I guess she was going for a job which will earn her more money for the little girl she was leaving behind. She did what she had to do for her family.

Over the past week, I saw my mom in action. She attended to my brother's needs, my dad's demands (hehe) and my whims. (ya, I can be spoiled sometimes:)). I saw her be patient while juggling tasks, strong while waiting for doctor consultations, busy while preparing our meals and totally caring as she listened to my stories. What amazes me is that she seems to know how to do almost anything. She's my hairstylist (yes kids, its back to medium ash brown), my seamstress and my friend. "Dont fall in love too easily" is one of the things she constantly tells me. Hehe.

Got me thinking that, sometimes, moms are not given that much credit. Usually, the dads are being talked about as they are the head of the family. But is it not true that the silent workers are the best workers? And moms are like that. They are the strong, resilient women behind the scenes who hold the family together. They should be given a million credits and more.

I just wish that when my turn comes (if ever it happens), I will be as great a mom as my mom is...

Manila Chronicles

It's always weird when coming back from a long break. I have been clearing my work emails the entire day and I'm not really here. My mind is floating... thinking of my weeklong afternoon chats with my mom while watching tv... that relaxing 90 minute massage...chillin' with my brother. I'd rather do any of those than this. Hehe. As Orange would say, though, it is not "weird", it's just "back to reality".

In a nutshell, I'd describe last week as "bonding time". I did a lot of talking and hanging out with the people who matter most to me - my family and close friends. Our time was short but precious.

Here are the highlights of my Manila trip:

May 20: Retro
My mom and I spent the afternoon and early part of the evening just going around Greenbelt, mostly catching up and discussing the latest events and issues. We had steamed garlic fish at Big Buddha and went off to grab dessert and coffee. This reminded me so much of Friday nights with Rhea and Pam where we'd have that exact same routine --- Dinner. Dessert. Good company. Great conversation.

I, then, spent the night catching up with Jeng at our old Kingswood condo. It felt so familiar, as if I were not really gone for a year. Additions to the place included a 24-inch, 10 year old TV,
which had to be hit everytime the picture tube acts up. Haha. I got my good share of Koreanovelas with that especially sweet scene from "My Girl" as finale.

May 21: Gateway
It was my first time at Gateway mall. Fael and I went to see The Da Vinci Code, which I really didn't find that great. The book was tons better. What caught me by surprise was the Accenture Tiger Woods commercial being shown as part of the movie previews. I saw that and I was like "Huh?". Hehe. I guess they're actively recruiting.

May 22: Rest Day
Sleep. Colds. Sleep. Coughs. Sleep. Headache. Sleep. Fever. Sleep.

May 23: Brother time
Our morning was devoted to Rafael and understanding his latest CT scan results. The doctor was helpful in answering the questions that we had. I particularly had a few important ones and that session helped me comprehend better.

Our afternoon was, then, devoted to Jayvee, who had a few hours of free time. It was good to see him as being on his semi-secluded year, I don't get to talk or text him that often. Moments like these happen seldom with the entire family together - just talking and laughing. It was sweet.

May 24: X-Men
After the yummy eclairs at Jack's Loft, Jumie, Fael and I went to see X-Men 3. One word - Wow. I'm neither a fan of the comics nor the cartoon, but I should say the story is quite gripping. I especially loved that scene with Wolverine trying to stop Jean Grey. Ok, I admit that I loved it because it showed Hugh Jackman's amazing body. Hehe. But aside from that, I think that scene is quite deep... Sometimes, we have to hurt the people we love as it's the only way to save them. True ey?

May 25: Spontaneity
After dinner at the Dampa market, Marian, Shay and I were walking around, thinking of what to do next...when the answer just appeared before us.

Kontessa Family KTV. Hahaha. We spent almost 2 hours singing the weirdest songs and the entertained staff gave us a few songs free. To close the night, we thought of singing our theme song. Then, we realized that we didn't have one. We ended up picking "Thank You" by Dido. Nice!

It is spontaneous moments like this that are most memorable :)

May 26: Falling In Love
I fell in love... with Wentworth Miller. Thanks to Jumie and Fael for introducing "Prison Break" to me. The dude is simply, amazingly, I'll-marry-him-in-a-heartbeat kinda cute. Sigh :)

The TV junkie in me just couldn't let the opportunity pass. After my 90 minute Mind and Body Massage at the Suriya Spa (totally relaxing!!), I went home and started on the series...Then, I was hooked.

Unfortunately, time wasn't enough for me to finish all the episodes. So, to whoever has the entire season, please help a girl in love and send me copies. Hehe :)

May 27: Mi Familia
One thing crossed my mind during the Saturday gimik with my cousins... Time flies soooo fast. Gone were the days when we'd play at Rina's "bahay kubo" and have "Shirt Tales Club" meetings. Now, we were swapping boy stories, wedding plans and future baby names over Chococinnos at the Mandarin Deli (highly recommended) and margaritas at Cafe Adriatico. It was great. I just wish the next generation of Zunigas will be as closely knit as we are.

May 28: Run, baby, run
As soon as I got off the last security checks, I heard the announcement: "PR501 to Singapore, last call for boarding". Yikes. I had to run just to get to the gate on time. I did make the flight... and here I am now, writing.

As I sit here, I kinda wish I didn't hear the announcement, leisurely walked to the gate, and missed my flight. Haha.

Going home is great... always is, always will be. It will always be that only place where I'd feel safest and unconditionally loved.

I'm beginning to wish I was back home...

Fleeting Moment

Ever had those moments where everything just seems in place... not totally ideal but just right... where the smiles are heartfelt... the happiness genuine... the noise of the outside world just seems to die down...and there's a minute or two of total peace...

I had one perfect "Northern Lights" moment today. Though fleeting, it was wonderful :)
...

Happy, Happy Birthday my dearest Rhea! :)

KL

If there's one thing I mostly did over the weekend, as in all the other times I am alone, it is to write... Nothing so profound, just my thoughts - plain, simple, "vintage vida" (Rocky, used your term, hehe) thoughts.

It's funny how I titled these pieces. I guess the thoughts were flowing but the creative titling was just not working for me. One was called "Over lunch and coffee". Next one was "Over coffee (again)". Next "Over coffee (yet again)". Hahaha. I'll put in proper titles later.

Aside from lotsa writing, here are some stuff from the weekend:

1) The highlights of being alone

This includes and is not limited to the following: almost getting lost, getting picked up and getting freaked out.

Taking public transportation in a foreign land is something I'm kinda scared of. I think I got ripped off more than once from the cab rides, but when I figured I'm nearly lost, I was willing to pay just to get where I should be going. Hehe.

Then there's the white dude. For once, I got picked up by a non-African American. Ain't that progress? I guess I still have "it" - just limited to the foreign, non-Asian market. Haha.

And the cable car ride... 5 words - I'm never doing it again.

2) The downside of being alone

I don't have a single picture with me in it. Seriously. I tried the "I-hope-I'm-in-this-picture" shot, but I have yet to see if I'm successful. Then, there's the vocal chords relaxation. Haha. I mean not having anyone to talk to for 3 whole days. It was a good opportunity to reflect though :)

3) New Sights, New Sounds

I could have passed as a walking ad for Google. I was able to go to all the places I surfed and researched. It was pretty cool. Think my favorite is going to Batu Caves which was quite unique.

At several points during the trip, I have been mistaken for a Malay and a Chinese gal but luckily, almost everyone speaks English. Hmm..this got me thinking that I should learn how to say "I don't understand" in a few languages :)

4) Realizations

I was having a cup of coffee, writing, and I thought of one episode of Kim Sam Soon (Ya, I'm a tv series addict). In that episode, Sam Soon trekked the mountains and when she got to the top, she kept shouting out her name as if to make herself known to the world.

I guess to some extent I can relate to that scene. I was up the mountains, having my lovely cup of coffee, and there I was asserting my independence. I am my own self and living out my own plans. It was a good feeling :)

All in all, the weekend was a cool one. It made me realize that it is important to venture out of one's comfort zone once in a while.

I'll definitely be doing this again...

Alone Time

I'm back from a long weekend...alone :) It turned out to be a real adventure. Now back to the confines of my warm, comfy, familiar bedroom, I feel like I've accomplished something over the weekend.

I saw new sights and heard a new language. I drank several cups of coffee but still ate chicken. Hehe. A lot of my thoughts made it to the written world (ie pages and pages of unedited random stuff). I gained a new perspective on some things and stumbled upon answers which I wasn't really expecting.

Most importantly, I learned more about myself... bonded with myself... and loved myself a little more...

Highlights from the weekend on my next post... For now, it's time to rest :)

Pill

I have a serious headache. I feel the throbbing on the right side of my head... but nothing that can't easily be fixed by Ponstan. My personal Mercury Drug (aka Orange) just handed me a pill and in around 20 mins, I should be ok.

Got me thinking... ain't it grand if we had a pill for every single ailment known to man (ie, physical illness, heartbreak, weakness in spirit, and economic depression) ??

Just me wishing :)

Blessed May

As I grow older, I realize some things are just "clutter". They occupy space in my life but then again, they are not really essential. On the other hand, some things are can't-do-withouts ... like music, cheese flavored chips, and writing :)

I guess to some extent, the same principle applies to people. Yes, everyone counts... But, of course, there are a certain few who occupy meaningful space - those who I can't really do without :) Six of them will be celebrating their birthdays soon. May is a blessed month. I am truly lucky to have them.

Ira May, Rhea May, Jayvee, Jeng D, Keith W, Jerome Keith - Happy Birthday :)

Proof

Being the scientists that we are, we always require proof before we believe. Doctors do not diagnose based on sheer observation; they need tests. Teachers base grades on exam results. We can call James Blunt's album a success based on record sales and MTV air play. There are statistics - left and right - and the number of votes determine who the "American Idol" will be. Everything just seems quantifiable.

On one occasion, I think it was Tegs who asked me what my favorite Math subject is. I easily responded "Geometry". Similar triangles. Bisecting angles. Congruent figures. I think I like it because in this world, one can never get lost. Everything makes perfect sense. Very much unlike life.

In life, not everything can be easily explained. The existence of God or a Higher Being has never been proven. Hope springs even when the odds say otherwise. Love can neither be measured by the number of "I love you's" declared nor verified by the carat size of an engagement ring.

Sometimes, to find proof is futile. We just need to believe, to trust and to feel...