Pangkaraniwan na sa ating mga Pinoy makakita ng mga ganitong signs, lalo na sa mga commercial establishments. Sadya sigurong mahilig magpatawa ang mga Pinoy, kahit paminsan-minsan, corny.

Ang sign na ito ay nakasabit sa isang maliit na kubo nung  pumunta kami sa Puerto Galera noong 2004. Di ko lang sigurado kung ang pinagbabawal nila ay ang mga tindero o ang mga mahihilig yumuko.

Marami pang lahok dito!

After about a week of no updates, you’d think I would have something substantial or exciting to tell you about, but it’s really just lack of will (and time). So, yeah. I’m sure it happens to the best of us.

I hate to bore you with details but it’s mostly about the baby lately. Last Saturday, my cousins and sister-in-law threw a surprise baby shower for me. They pulled it off rather well, but somehow I sensed that it was going to happen that weekend. I don’t think I ever mentioned that I don’t like surprises, did I? The thing is, I don’t hate them, I just need to know so I can prepare. It was pretty embarassing (and funny) when one vegetarian guest came but what we’ve got on the table was a hodgepodge of carnivorous filipino foods like sisig, liempo and menudo. So he resorted to eating rice and the sauce from liempo. My gulay, hehe. Anyhow, many thanks for the lovely shower!

I bought this prenatal yoga dvd from eBay not too long ago and have been at it for a couple of weeks, and all I can say is I wish I had a go at it sooner. I highly recommend yoga for expecting women out there, because the stretches really does help a great deal, and I’m doing it myself (which doesn’t say much, it’s probably a half-ass effort) at home, I bet it’s so much better to attend a class with a yogi (no, not the bear).

I just noticed I have this habit of inserting parenthetical phrases in every paragraph (like this).

We had our first childbirth class last night and J was teasing me that I was a boring classmate because I don’t share knowing glances with him and well, I was taking the session too damned seriously. The thing is, I have not changed a diaper since I took care of my brother (and he’s now 22, mind you); I believe the procedure for holding a newborn is a). I lie down, then b). someone plops the baby on my chest and then I get up; and lastly, now I finally understood what my Science teacher was talking about in high school about the reproductive system. He wasn’t just babbling! Now, do you blame me for taking it seriously?

dear ladies,

go on, don’t feel guilty about that impulsive purchase or shopping spree. we’ve got our friends dopamine and serotonin to back us up.

Research shows that when we shop our brains release chemicals like these, creating brief euphoric moments — when we discover new things (like handbags), turn onto a new uncluttered aisle, see a nice store display, or encounter a friendly sales associate. So the whole idea of retail therapy — that shopping makes us feel better — is a scientifically proven phenomenon.

Read more here.

Now you can stop looking for justification with that monogrammed purchase.

Summer is truly upon us, and it manifested itself with scorching weather over the weekend. Any semblance of shame and embarassment was stripped down to the last layer as I happily soaked myself at a friend’s pool last Sunday. I can’t help it - it’s bad enough that the temperature was a scorcher, being pregnant and feeling heavy amped up the heat factor all the more. We finally got a break from the heatwave since the weekend today. Stepping out of the house without the humidity suffocating you and feeling the light morning breeze is literally a breathe of fresh air.

I’m on my 7th month and tipped the scale at 1xx lbs. I weighed myself last night and let’s just say the number I saw was enough to make me stop eating the pack of Chocnut by my bedside table. Well, at least not the whole pack in one seating! I’m right on the dot with the minimum required weight gain but I have a couple more months to go, so I’m trying my friggin’ darnest not to go over 30lbs. May the force be with me. If all else fails, I can always make ice cream and milkshakes my scapegoat - I need all the calcium that I can get, it’s for the baby, what can I tell you.

Also, if there’s ever any time when I’d be a sucker for glutathione, now’s probably the best time for you to market them to me. The thing is, my not being fair-skinned never did bother me, but seeing dark splotches all over makes me want to shamefully try whatever I can to make it go away, after giving birth that is. Papaya soap, anyone?

Man. Pregnancy sure brings about vanity in women, huh. Either that or I’m overly analytical of stupid insecurities. I say it’s the latter.

 

 

Para sa linggong ito, ang lahok ko ay kuha nung minsang naglalakad ako galing sa Brooklyn Bridge at nakasalubong ko ang tila bagong kasal, marahil ay magpapakuha din sila sa bridge. Medyo pa-sikreto ang aking pagkuha sa kanila kaya naman gitnang-gitna ang litrato.

I bought a pair of Sam and Libby ballet flats at Century 21 for $24 bucks last week. Not bad right? Actually, since I usually have a hard time finding flats in my size that do not hurt (aminin, W ang paa ko), I got them in two different colors. The soles aren’t slip resistant so I decided to take one pair to the cobbler next door at work and have them re-soled. I went back to pick it up after a couple of hours and I was charged $20.

Ulk.

So obviously nabudol-budol gang ako because lumabas mas mahal pa yung suwelas kesa sa shoes mismo. I got home and showed J the shoes and the cost of the “damage”.  He said, “Naku bente pesos lang yan kay Mang Chito eh”. Ayos.

Talk about adding insult to injury.

Ever wonder why a spelling contest is called, well, a bee, as opposed to, say, Spelling Owl when we all know owls symbolize wisdom (or something to that effect)? I was watching the National Spelling Bee last night (aha, how’s that for a Friday night, huh?) and the thought just occurred to me.

I didn’t want to google just yet in case any one has any ideas/theories why it is so.

[Random dubiousness tells me something: Stop staying home on Friday nights.

Spelling Bee?

Why???]

Panaderos tagged me with this many moons ago and haven’t really had the chance to do it until now. I answer tags on the other blog lately, but I opted to do this here as I feel that I have more personal things to say about my answer.

Here are the rules for this tag:

1. Link back the person who tagged you and write what was the last movie he/she or his/her family enjoyed watching recently.

2. Now your turn to tell about the movie you or your family just watched.

3. Tell something about the movie and spoilers are accepted. (hehehee)

4. Write anything that has something to do with movies: Trivia, your top choice or favorites and why, your family’s story about your favorite motion pictures, the first film you watched with your spouse/partner/special someone, any traditional film the family’s been keeping, etc… etc…

5. Copy and paste the rules of this meme on your blog and pass the tag on to as many friends, bloggers, and movie lovers you want. Don’t forget to tell them they’re tagged and to leave a comment on your blog once they’re done with the task.

I saw The Namesake last night, a movie directed by Mira Nair, based on Jhumpa Lahari’s novel of the same title. It is the story of an Indian American family’s experiences while living in the United States. The movie basically explores the thin line between being firmly rooted with your cultural identity and coming to terms with (adjustments to) the place you now call “home”.

I’ve seen quite a few films about an individual, or families, migrating or leaving their homeland behind for a number of reasons. While those films share a generic narrative about the joys and hardships of adjusting to a new place, I’d have to say that to me, this film evoked so much emotion, the actors’ performance are so heartfelt. It’s such a poignant, must-see film for anyone who’s had to go through the dance between their culture and assimilated identity.

I moved here when I was almost 18 - old enough that my being a Filipino is without and cannot be compromised - it is ingrained in my heart and soul; yet young enough to assimilate comfortably in the new environment I was plopped in. I have this special kinship to my homeland that perhaps, no matter how long I’m gone I’d still find my way home. I have childhood christmases, I have vivid memories of the mango tree in our QC home to hold on to. I have a connection with the food, the friendship and the warm tropical climate that will ultimately make me long for Manila, at times unbearably, but always with fondness. Longing. It will always be there.

However, watching this movie kind of made me think about how my child will make that connection with his being Pinoy, not discounting the fact that he’ll be born and perhaps, ultimately be raised here. I can only wish that my son would have the same attachment as I do, even with the most mundane things - a ubiquitous craving for Adobo, an innate need to feel that Pinoy Christmas spirit, a random interjection of “Pala, Eh, Ayy, and Naku” peppered in between conversation - anything, even the smallest things that would hint of his being Pinoy.

I don’t know, perhaps I’m thinking about the initial fear I had for myself when I first realized I was no longer living in my comfort zone. But so far, I turned out (relatively) okay. I guess in the end, how our son sees himself will depend a great deal upon how we raise him. After all, I’m pretty sure his world - our world, isn’t just made up of black and white. It’s a blank canvass, and I guess we can all be Jackson Pollock in our own way.

There was a Dine Around Downtown right by work yesterday, an annual tradition where around 50 of the finest restaurants in Lower Manhattan showcase their menus for around 3 - 6 bucks. We were spoilt for choice, but there were just too many people you tend to go to a kiosk with the shortest queue. I got myself a crab and corn slider, and for dessert I OD’d a little bit and got a chocolate mousse with vanilla creme, cheesecake dome and a cup of tiramisu. I ate the mousse and took the rest home for J and I to feast on.

I was halfway through this Tiramisu cup when J unjustly snatched it from my hands, and I didn’t get away without a reprimand.

I know, I know there was a hint of liquor in it, but I was hoping it was just the coffee, plus I can’t help it. I don’t do desserts but lately cakes and pastries and anything sweet has become a staple after my every meal. He had one taste and all I’m left with are memories of this one Italian lover.

Naalala nyo ba yung commercial ng Tang orange juice noong late 80s? May isang frame dun kung saan pagkalagay na pagkalagay ng juice sa baso nagform ng parang perfect na bilog yung tampisaw ng juice. Nung medyo bago pa ang gamit kong camera sinubok kong ire-create sa pamamagitan ng mansanas na nagtatampisaw sa tubig sa lababo namin.  Pero hindi naman ganun ang naging effect ng experimento ko.

I am too tempted to whine about how sluggish I feel but let me try to start this on a positive note, then let’s see where it takes me. We spent our weekend at Cape Cod (thanks to Glo, for the discovery) and stayed at a lovely bed & breakfast in Chatham. I was hoping we could do a little bit of traveling before August, and as much as I am up for trekking the Himalayas, that’s probably stretching it a little bit considering my condition, so I gladly took this chance to get out of town even for a short while.

It was a pretty relaxing weekend with a touch of an English town charm - quaint shops, friendly people, good food. I daresay, perhaps we got so used to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, that being in a town where most shops and stores close as early 5-7pm is quite unnerving. All’s well that ends well. We returned on Monday after doing a really quick stop in Boston, and here I am. There are a couple of photo updates here (yes, I’m maintaining another one for, well, let’s just say possibilities) and a few photos on the flickr site, so feel free to hop on over if you have nothing beter to do.

*

It’s J’s birthday today and the most that I’ve done so far is get him a cake. I’m not one to forget dates, and lest you think I’m a bad wife, I’ll have you know his gift was given way in advance. I’m feeling major love for Peking Duck, Flounder and Sio Mai, so we’re probably going to order take out from this authentic Chinese place (funny how we always say authentic, but who’s to say it really is? taste, as we all know is relative) have some family over and finish it off with the Pistachio Ganache cake. For that alone, I know I’m going to Wifey Heaven.

 *

Lastly, thanks to everyone who sent Mother’s Day wishes. I never got around to wishing and thanking all of you since we took off Saturday morning, but I hope everyone had a grand time with your mommies and kiddies.

Well, will you look at this, a couple hundred words of trivial spews. I hope I didn’t bore you to tears.

The Straphangers Campaign thinks there are many other challenges frequently facing riders in the subways. So we are releasing our list of “ten plagues of the subways.” Bedbugs don’t make the list. While city transit has improved in many ways, riders must deal with these problems all too often. These are the subway curses of:

• Overcrowding
• Delays
• Long waits
• Flooding
• Summer heat
• Dirty seats
• Garbled announcements
• MetroCard mis-swipes
• Just missing a train
• Traveling with your newborn

 Read more here.

I’m not surprised they came up with a list of “Ten Plagues of the Subways”. People have become indifferent to rats that are as big as cats scurrying past the train tracks, anything less than that probably wouldn’t faze them.

This morning I got on the 4 line and stood by the door so I could get out rather quickly, since there aren’t too many people. The train has not even inched forward when out of nowhere, the loud, booming voice of this Jamaican lady took everyone’s attention and started to preach the litany of all litanies. I don’t care much for preachers, but this is one of the few times, especially on a Friday, when you just want to get through the day and get your job done. And again, the last few minutes before you get in the jungle are the few precious minutes you want to savor, however which way you try to create that zen-like feeling with several people riding with you on a train. But, what the hell. She’s probably doing her job, the same way I have to do mine.

Matapos ang isang napakahaba at abalang araw sa trabaho nung isang araw, gustung-gusto ko na lang umuwi sa bahay nang may nakahandang pagkain, at pagkatapos ay matulog na ng diretso. Wishful thinking, kumbaga. Saktong pag-akyat ko mula sa tren, nakita kong nag-iwan ng message ang aking ina, at kinakamusta ako. Bigla na lang ako nakaramdam ng lungkot at naisip ko din na magaling talaga sa timing ang Mama ko.

*

You know how it was when you were young and you wanted to explore and do things on your own? You cower at the unchartered territory you’re about to get into, and with your mom’s prodding, that very thing becomes undaunting. Easy, even. Then you grow up, and you become this independent, strong individual you thought yourself to be. You tell yourself you can do everything on your own, with a little bit, if not zero handholding from anyone else. And then you hear your mother’s voice, and for a moment you want to be young again, if only to hold her hand again like you used to, so you can cower all you want and let your mother face your fears away. 

Photo taken in Ocean City, Maryland

*heaves a big sigh of relief*

I’m back. Well, kind of. We completed the proposal we’ve intensely been working on for the last couple of weeks today, and to reward myself, I went to get a pedicure. Yes, no biggie, but as I’ve mentioned before, things like those don’t come cheap around here, no matter how ubiquitous our Korean friends are in the neighborhood. Finally. After about a year, my cuticles have finally seen the last of its hey days. Hello there, toes.

Three months to go, and we haven’t finalized a name yet. Ye gads.

I should probably get off the computer now. We’re roasting, or more apropos, “turbo-ing” a chicken, and this ghetto contraption stops every few minutes and fails to heat up. I know I should’ve just popped it in the oven, but I’m too stubborn to give up. Better yet, I could’ve gotten a cooked one at Costco minus the aggravation. 

 Ang larawan na ito ay kuha nung kami’y nagpunta sa Philadelphia para sa Live 8 2005, kung saan napakaraming tao ang dumalo para mapanood ang iba’t ibang performers sa larangan ng musika. 

Habang naglalakad kami papunta sa entablado, napansin ko ang lungkot na nababanaag sa kanilang aksyon, sa gitna ng kasayahan.

~~~

Apologies for not being able to visit Litratong Pinoy participants at this time. Too toxic at work, I’ll make my rounds in a day or two, hopefully.

* I’m having a case of the sniffles due to allergy season. I feel so lightheaded and woozy in the morning, and still lightheaded and woozy when I come home at night.

* The current weather is as fickle as a woman. It went from Spring to Summer to Winter again.

* Since my belly started showing, there have only been 5 women and one Asian guy who offered me a seat to date. I’m too proud to take the seat when it’s offered (I’m only a few stops away, anyway) so I gratefully refuse, but I’m still keeping a head count. Those big, burly men who looked at me, then my belly and then pretended to be asleep or too friggin’ immersed with the newspaper to notice the protruded belly? Shame on you and your mothers.

* I spend quite a few sleepless nights tossing and turning (and worrying) about the impending changes in the next few months. The only thought that puts me to sleep? God will provide.

* I don’t see the lady with the floral, puke-inducing scent in the office halls anymore. I think I miss her. Not.

* No matter how ahead you are of your game, kung tamad at papetiks-petiks ang mga katrabaho mo, magiging atrasado ang project. Bad trip.

* I should stop eyeing the Marc Jacobs Sloane bag in Sun at Bloomingdale’s. But I think the color suits my personality. I wonder if I can get away with a pre-mother mother’s day gift this year.

* The Wii console is da bomb.

 

Eto ang pulang parihabang pampublikong, err, ahhh… sasakyan. 

Makikitang ang hugis ng bus, pati na din ang kanyang mga bintana ay parihaba. Isa sa mga tanyag na icon ng bansang Inglatera. 

Mula naman dito, mapunta tayo sa isang mas malaki, at mas makatotohanang sasakyan, ang Eurostar. 

  

In the last two days, I’ve been ogling at photos and description of the food/menu at Gerry’s Grill’s website.

Over the weekend, I satisfied my Ukoy and Bibingka craving from Cendrillon (we saw R@fe Totengc0).

However, for love of all things greasy, I’d love to jet over to Manila right now and get my fix of Inihaw na Pusit, Kinilaw na Tuna and a hot bowl of Bulalo soup. Torture talaga. Di ko na kaya. Alright, I’m going back to look at the menu again.

When we heard mass yesterday, there was a family of five seated on the pew right before us. Two of the kids, a boy and a girl, were busy coloring their books for the most part and naturally were not paying attention to the mass.

When the adults were just about done saying “Peace be with you” to each other within their distance, the little girl - perhaps no more than three years old - suddenly put her crayons down, crossed her arms, loudly uttered, “No one’s giving me Peace!” and then pouted. I think, as menacing as she can muster, if at all possible for a precocious child her age. 

Man. The little girl has no idea of the abundance of peace she has to offer. 

A little too late for this announcement, but NYC is celebrating the Poem In Your Pocket Day today, April 17 and an open-mic is being held at Bryant Park right this minute (what are you waiting for? get on the train, quick!). Even the city’s mayor joined in and published a poem in today’s edition of Metro:

 Press Conference

Pardon me, sir, I’ve a question or two …
You.

Sir, you said poetry is a delight…
Right.

Reading it makes you smarter, more mature?
Sure.

But is it better for people not to read verse?
Worse.

Do you read sonnets?  Limericks?  Odes?
Loads.

All these short answers.  Why?
I -

Follow-up!  What do you do in your free time?
Rhyme.

Could poems appeal to the Press?
Yes.

But can they help with traffic congestion?
Next question.

The man rhymes! I hope he didn’t have his secretary write this, because it is pretty amusing to me.

*”it’s always better
to reject yourself
before the editors do.”

By the way, I don’t think I ever mentioned that I got a rejection letter from NYU’s Washington Square after I submitted 5 mediocre poems a couple of months ago, when they were just about closing in reviews for publication. Heck, I’m not even surprised - I had to give myself a pat in the back for even having the chutzpah to put the damned envelope in the mail. I think I’ll make like *Charles Bukowski and collect one rejection slip after another. What can I tell you, I am a slave for sacrifice.