Patches of Light and Darkness

In the book Victory Over Japan by Ellen Gilchrist, there was a character named Nora Jane who thought that ‘we are all patches of light and darkness… that cast shadows.’

Hmm… patches of light and darkness. I found myself trying to draw a parallel with what I witnessed yesterday.

After a tiring stroll at the Gateway in Cubao, we had merienda in the afternoon at home. I wanted to treat the kids to a pizza house but they told me they wanted to go home. During supper Papsie requested Daryl to wash the dishes because it was his turn supposed to be to wash the dishes after lunch. Seeing all the plates and glasses, Daryl’s face went glum. I read the meaning behind that and the pout – “I am going to wash ALL the dishes!? So many!” Then he stood up, cleaned the table and went to the sink, murmuring. I asked him if the reason why he is sad is because there are plenty of dishes to wash. He shook his head silently. Nanay heard what I said and put in her good words, “You know, we are lucky because we have many dishes to wash and that means we have lots of food to eat. If the dishes to wash are not many, that means we don’t have lots of food to eat.” We laughed. Daryl smiled, a patch of light from Nanay.

Nanay’s way to show her love is different from that of Diko *****, a relative. Diko ***** loved his grand son so much that he is always there for him. Let’s call the grandson Angel. That child would grow to be a rascal. He lies, he invents stories, and he cries out loud if they don’t give in to his whims. Diko***** is always there for his beloved apo. Yesterday, Angel went home whining and told Diko ***** that a cousin hid his ball. Diko ***** went out hurriedly and looked for the poor kid. He scolded him at the top of his voice despite the poor kid’s constant denial that he did it. After a while, somebody came and said that one of the kids Angel played with hid the ball. Diko***** did not even think of asking pardon for what he did to Angel’s cousin leaving the parents fuming. And they saw Angel grinned, a patch of darkness from his grandfather.

Nora Jane has to say “It always seems like there’s nothing underneath them. Like there’s nothing there.” It is like reading what the future holds for Angel. Unless Diko ***** changed the way he’s bringing up Angel, he should start saving for the bail.

Patches of Light and Darkness

In the book Victory Over Japan by Ellen Gilchrist, there was a character named Nora Jane who thought that ‘we are all patches of light and darkness… that cast shadows.’

Hmm… patches of light and darkness. I found myself trying to draw a parallel with what I witnessed yesterday.

After a tiring stroll at the Gateway in Cubao, we had merienda in the afternoon at home. I wanted to treat the kids to a pizza house but they told me they wanted to go home. During supper Papsie requested Daryl to wash the dishes because it was his turn supposed to be to wash the dishes after lunch. Seeing all the plates and glasses, Daryl’s face went glum. I read the meaning behind that and the pout – “I am going to wash ALL the dishes!? So many!” Then he stood up, cleaned the table and went to the sink, murmuring. I asked him if the reason why he is sad is because there are plenty of dishes to wash. He shook his head silently. Nanay heard what I said and put in her good words, “You know, we are lucky because we have many dishes to wash and that means we have lots of food to eat. If the dishes to wash are not many, that means we don’t have lots of food to eat.” We laughed. Daryl smiled, a patch of light from Nanay.

Nanay’s way to show her love is different from that of Diko *****, a relative. Diko ***** loved his grand son so much that he is always there for him. Let’s call the grandson Angel. That child would grow to be a rascal. He lies, he invents stories, and he cries out loud if they don’t give in to his whims. Diko***** is always there for his beloved apo. Yesterday, Angel went home whining and told Diko ***** that a cousin hid his ball. Diko ***** went out hurriedly and looked for the poor kid. He scolded him at the top of his voice despite the poor kid’s constant denial that he did it. After a while, somebody came and said that one of the kids Angel played with hid the ball. Diko***** did not even think of asking pardon for what he did to Angel’s cousin leaving the parents fuming. And they saw Angel grinned, a patch of darkness from his grandfather.

Nora Jane has to say “It always seems like there’s nothing underneath them. Like there’s nothing there.” It is like reading what the future holds for Angel. Unless Diko ***** changed the way he’s bringing up Angel, he should start saving for the bail.

Patches of Light and Darkness

In the book Victory Over Japan by Ellen Gilchrist, there was a character named Nora Jane who thought that ‘we are all patches of light and darkness… that cast shadows.’Hmm… patches of light and darkness. I found myself trying to draw a parallel with what I witnessed yesterday.

After a tiring stroll at the Gateway in Cubao, we had merienda in the afternoon at home. I wanted to treat the kids to a pizza house but they told me they wanted to go home. During supper Papsie requested Daryl to wash the dishes because it was his turn supposed to be to wash the dishes after lunch. Seeing all the plates and glasses, Daryl’s face went glum. I read the meaning behind that and the pout – “I am going to wash ALL the dishes!? So many!” Then he stood up, cleaned the table and went to the sink, murmuring. I asked him if the reason why he is sad is because there are plenty of dishes to wash. He shook his head silently. Nanay heard what I said and put in her good words, “You know, we are lucky because we have many dishes to wash and that means we have lots of food to eat. If the dishes to wash are not many, that means we don’t have lots of food to eat.” We laughed. Daryl smiled, a patch of light from Nanay.

Nanay’s way to show her love is different from that of Diko *****, a relative. Diko ***** loved his grand son so much that he is always there for him. Let’s call the grandson Angel. That child would grow to be a rascal. He lies, he invents stories, and he cries out loud if they don’t give in to his whims. Diko***** is always there for his beloved apo. Yesterday, Angel went home whining and told Diko ***** that a cousin hid his ball. Diko ***** went out hurriedly and looked for the poor kid. He scolded him at the top of his voice despite the poor kid’s constant denial that he did it. After a while, somebody came and said that one of the kids Angel played with hid the ball. Diko***** did not even think of asking pardon for what he did to Angel’s cousin leaving the parents fuming. And they saw Angel grinned, a patch of darkness from his grandfather.

Nora Jane has to say “It always seems like there’s nothing underneath them. Like there’s nothing there.” It is like reading what the future holds for Angel. Unless Diko ***** changed the way he’s bringing up Angel, he should start saving for the bail.

Question and Answer Portion

Congenial playwright Dean got this one from speculative writer Banzai Cat and told myself, “I could give it a try!” So i asked him to INTERVIEW ME. It felt like I was one of those candidates in a beauty pageant LOL (I can dream, can’t I?). This is fun really. The following are the questions Dean asked me.

1. Worldwide, the education system suddenly gets revamped – by you! What 3 books would you make required reading for everyone under the age of 18? a. The Bible b. A Life Like Mine c. Under 18: Knowing Your Rights
2. Coffee is important, right? But one day, all the tea and coffee in the world vanish. What would get you through the day?
   Awww… what??? No coffee?? How could I get through the day?? Ahh… Papsie and the kids!
3. If, at this very moment, you could find yourself front row and center at any living band or musical performer’s concert, which or who would it be? Would you sing along?
   I would like to sing along with SANTANA but he has to teach me the lyrics first, and he has to be patient! I love his music but most of them are not in English.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up, when you were a little girl?
   A journalist… you are making me sad, I did not become a journalist.
5. What are the most important or influential words anyone said to you?
   “Kaya mo ‘yan! Ikaw pa!” from Papsie.

Here are The Official Interview Game Rules:

1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions – each person’s will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. If you don’t have a blog, I will still ask you 5 unique questions and you can post your answers here.

Question and Answer Portion

Congenial playwright Dean got this one from speculative writer Banzai Cat and told myself, “I could give it a try!” So i asked him to INTERVIEW ME. It felt like I was one of those candidates in a beauty pageant LOL (I can dream, can’t I?). This is fun really. The following are the questions Dean asked me.

1. Worldwide, the education system suddenly gets revamped – by you! What 3 books would you make required reading for everyone under the age of 18? a. The Bible b. A Life Like Mine c. Under 18: Knowing Your Rights
2. Coffee is important, right? But one day, all the tea and coffee in the world vanish. What would get you through the day?
   Awww… what??? No coffee?? How could I get through the day?? Ahh… Papsie and the kids!
3. If, at this very moment, you could find yourself front row and center at any living band or musical performer’s concert, which or who would it be? Would you sing along?
   I would like to sing along with SANTANA but he has to teach me the lyrics first, and he has to be patient! I love his music but most of them are not in English.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up, when you were a little girl?
   A journalist… you are making me sad, I did not become a journalist.
5. What are the most important or influential words anyone said to you?
   “Kaya mo ‘yan! Ikaw pa!” from Papsie.

Here are The Official Interview Game Rules:

1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions – each person’s will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. If you don’t have a blog, I will still ask you 5 unique questions and you can post your answers here.

Question and Answer Portion

Congenial playwright Dean got this one from speculative writer Banzai Cat and told myself, “I could give it a try!” So i asked him to INTERVIEW ME. It felt like I was one of those candidates in a beauty pageant LOL (I can dream, can’t I?). This is fun really. The following are the questions Dean asked me.

1. Worldwide, the education system suddenly gets revamped – by you! What 3 books would you make required reading for everyone under the age of 18? a. The Bible b. A Life Like Mine c. Under 18: Knowing Your Rights

2. Coffee is important, right? But one day, all the tea and coffee in the world vanish. What would get you through the day?
   Awww… what??? No coffee?? How could I get through the day?? Ahh… Papsie and the kids!

3. If, at this very moment, you could find yourself front row and center at any living band or musical performer’s concert, which or who would it be? Would you sing along?
   I would like to sing along with SANTANA but he has to teach me the lyrics first, and he has to be patient! I love his music but most of them are not in English.

4. What did you want to be when you grew up, when you were a little girl?
   A journalist… you are making me sad, I did not become a journalist.

5. What are the most important or influential words anyone said to you?
   “Kaya mo ‘yan! Ikaw pa!” from Papsie.

Here are The Official Interview Game Rules:

1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “interview me.”

2. I will respond by asking you five questions – each person’s will be different.

3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. If you don’t have a blog, I will still ask you 5 unique questions and you can post your answers here.

Lazy Sundays

Of the days in the week, Sunday is the best.

Family day is Sunday for me. It is routine but I always love it. We get up around 7am to take a bath then gobble the yummy breakfast Papsie had prepared (sometimes I do prepare breakfast, but rarely). We go to church afterwards. I love the feeling seating alongside my loved ones in the church. I love the feeling of being with my family.

After church, it is my turn usually to prepare food for lunch. How they love to eat what I cook. When Daryl was younger, he used to ask why the food I cook is delicious. I would answer that it has a very important ingredient and it is love. From then on, Daryl would repeat it when he has a chance, during mealtime, or among his cousins, titos and titas. That brought smiles and laughter to those who had heard that statement.

In the afternoon, or early evening, we would all watch a DVD movie, or a movie from the cable channels. It is during these hours that I feel so fortunate to experience such wonderful moments. With feet atop one’s thigh, or just sitting with two feet up, or a head on one’s lap, we live through life’s splendor especially during these hours. How I love to hear my kids express their responses or their reaction to a scene we’re watching, or Papsie’s exchange of pranks with the kids, or the intelligent discussions generated from the movie. It is truly magnificent.

When Sunday really gets lazy, we would all go to sleep. Kay would always ask for merienda when she wakes up from the afternoon nap. My little girl turning into a budding woman could gobble so much in the afternoon snack and eat very little in the evening. There are also times she prepares hotcakes by herself and experiments with it like adding bits of hotdogs or grated cheese on the cakes.

Papsie usually prepares food for supper. I sometimes do, but then again, rarely. Suppertime is super time. How I love to hear the banters and jokes again while eating. How I love to see Daryl almost not making a sound when he likes the food, or Kay picking up another serving of food when she likes the food, too. I would always comment on those things. It is only on odd occasions that suppertime is quiet.

Wow, Sunday! That lovely pattern of life on Sundays is enough to make me feel I am blessed. Though one of the trying moments when my precious digicam and my cell phone got lost on a Sunday, it is still a special day for me.

Lazy Sundays

Of the days in the week, Sunday is the best.

Family day is Sunday for me. It is routine but I always love it. We get up around 7am to take a bath then gobble the yummy breakfast Papsie had prepared (sometimes I do prepare breakfast, but rarely). We go to church afterwards. I love the feeling seating alongside my loved ones in the church. I love the feeling of being with my family.

After church, it is my turn usually to prepare food for lunch. How they love to eat what I cook. When Daryl was younger, he used to ask why the food I cook is delicious. I would answer that it has a very important ingredient and it is love. From then on, Daryl would repeat it when he has a chance, during mealtime, or among his cousins, titos and titas. That brought smiles and laughter to those who had heard that statement.

In the afternoon, or early evening, we would all watch a DVD movie, or a movie from the cable channels. It is during these hours that I feel so fortunate to experience such wonderful moments. With feet atop one’s thigh, or just sitting with two feet up, or a head on one’s lap, we live through life’s splendor especially during these hours. How I love to hear my kids express their responses or their reaction to a scene we’re watching, or Papsie’s exchange of pranks with the kids, or the intelligent discussions generated from the movie. It is truly magnificent.

When Sunday really gets lazy, we would all go to sleep. Kay would always ask for merienda when she wakes up from the afternoon nap. My little girl turning into a budding woman could gobble so much in the afternoon snack and eat very little in the evening. There are also times she prepares hotcakes by herself and experiments with it like adding bits of hotdogs or grated cheese on the cakes.

Papsie usually prepares food for supper. I sometimes do, but then again, rarely. Suppertime is super time. How I love to hear the banters and jokes again while eating. How I love to see Daryl almost not making a sound when he likes the food, or Kay picking up another serving of food when she likes the food, too. I would always comment on those things. It is only on odd occasions that suppertime is quiet.

Wow, Sunday! That lovely pattern of life on Sundays is enough to make me feel I am blessed. Though one of the trying moments when my precious digicam and my cell phone got lost on a Sunday, it is still a special day for me.

Lazy Sundays

Of the days in the week, Sunday is the best.Family day is Sunday for me. It is routine but I always love it. We get up around 7am to take a bath then gobble the yummy breakfast Papsie had prepared (sometimes I do prepare breakfast, but rarely). We go to church afterwards. I love the feeling seating alongside my loved ones in the church. I love the feeling of being with my family.

After church, it is my turn usually to prepare food for lunch. How they love to eat what I cook. When Daryl was younger, he used to ask why the food I cook is delicious. I would answer that it has a very important ingredient and it is love. From then on, Daryl would repeat it when he has a chance, during mealtime, or among his cousins, titos and titas. That brought smiles and laughter to those who had heard that statement.

In the afternoon, or early evening, we would all watch a DVD movie, or a movie from the cable channels. It is during these hours that I feel so fortunate to experience such wonderful moments. With feet atop one’s thigh, or just sitting with two feet up, or a head on one’s lap, we live through life’s splendor especially during these hours. How I love to hear my kids express their responses or their reaction to a scene we’re watching, or Papsie’s exchange of pranks with the kids, or the intelligent discussions generated from the movie. It is truly magnificent.

When Sunday really gets lazy, we would all go to sleep. Kay would always ask for merienda when she wakes up from the afternoon nap. My little girl turning into a budding woman could gobble so much in the afternoon snack and eat very little in the evening. There are also times she prepares hotcakes by herself and experiments with it like adding bits of hotdogs or grated cheese on the cakes.

Papsie usually prepares food for supper. I sometimes do, but then again, rarely. Suppertime is super time. How I love to hear the banters and jokes again while eating. How I love to see Daryl almost not making a sound when he likes the food, or Kay picking up another serving of food when she likes the food, too. I would always comment on those things. It is only on odd occasions that suppertime is quiet.

Wow, Sunday! That lovely pattern of life on Sundays is enough to make me feel I am blessed. Though one of the trying moments when my precious digicam and my cell phone got lost on a Sunday, it is still a special day for me.

Coffee Please!

(written 9:30 am, this morning)

Today I feel so sluggish. And I don’t know the reason why. I slept earlier than the other late nights. I had my breakfast which consists of a hard-boiled egg, kutsinta with grated coconut and coffee.

I wanted to suspect my monthly period which is almost through. But PMS or premenstrual syndrome always comes before a period (that’s why it is has a prefix pre-). I wonder if there is another PMS which defines postmenstrual syndrome. And I am not nearing the climacteric period yet!

Then I thought I might just need another cup of coffee. I just love coffee and it is an effective stimulant for me – anything between soluble and decaffeinated. Despite the issues (that were not substantiated) about coffee, I go on with this caffeine-filled drink. It is really a drink that I cannot go without in a day.

True, I am a coffee lover but I am not the type who goes to coffee shops regularly to have a sip. Why go to a coffee shop when it can be available at home or in the office? Being a practical person (but not tightfisted), I think I can enjoy simple coffee made at home, or in the office. This is not saying I have anything against coffee shops. The simplicity, affordability and convenience really count for me.

The day is nearing its quarter now… gotta move and be on the go. Coffee please, Mo!

Coffee Please!

(written 9:30 am, this morning)

Today I feel so sluggish. And I don’t know the reason why. I slept earlier than the other late nights. I had my breakfast which consists of a hard-boiled egg, kutsinta with grated coconut and coffee.

I wanted to suspect my monthly period which is almost through. But PMS or premenstrual syndrome always comes before a period (that’s why it is has a prefix pre-). I wonder if there is another PMS which defines postmenstrual syndrome. And I am not nearing the climacteric period yet!

Then I thought I might just need another cup of coffee. I just love coffee and it is an effective stimulant for me – anything between soluble and decaffeinated. Despite the issues (that were not substantiated) about coffee, I go on with this caffeine-filled drink. It is really a drink that I cannot go without in a day.

True, I am a coffee lover but I am not the type who goes to coffee shops regularly to have a sip. Why go to a coffee shop when it can be available at home or in the office? Being a practical person (but not tightfisted), I think I can enjoy simple coffee made at home, or in the office. This is not saying I have anything against coffee shops. The simplicity, affordability and convenience really count for me.

The day is nearing its quarter now… gotta move and be on the go. Coffee please, Mo!

Coffee Please!

(written 9:30 am, this morning)

Today I feel so sluggish. And I don’t know the reason why. I slept earlier than the other late nights. I had my breakfast which consists of a hard-boiled egg, kutsinta with grated coconut and coffee.I wanted to suspect my monthly period which is almost through. But PMS or premenstrual syndrome always comes before a period (that’s why it is has a prefix pre-). I wonder if there is another PMS which defines postmenstrual syndrome. And I am not nearing the climacteric period yet!

Then I thought I might just need another cup of coffee. I just love coffee and it is an effective stimulant for me – anything between soluble and decaffeinated. Despite the issues (that were not substantiated) about coffee, I go on with this caffeine-filled drink. It is really a drink that I cannot go without in a day.

True, I am a coffee lover but I am not the type who goes to coffee shops regularly to have a sip. Why go to a coffee shop when it can be available at home or in the office? Being a practical person (but not tightfisted), I think I can enjoy simple coffee made at home, or in the office. This is not saying I have anything against coffee shops. The simplicity, affordability and convenience really count for me.

The day is nearing its quarter now… gotta move and be on the go. Coffee please, Mo!

Silent Retaliation

Any lone cause designed to shed light on some perturbing issues always has to face the consequences of mockery, of incrimination, or of silent retaliation, aside from laud and advocacy.

Lesser friends, or acquaintances, disregard, or contempt, and even attempts to ruin, or annihilate – this is the price one has to pay for being vigilant. But does one vigilant person need to be bothered by all these? The answer is plain N – O. Once an individual decided to go on with a cause, he or she should have taken more reflection on the ill results of his or her cause before initiating a move.

A lot of people, and this is evident in this country, who had acquired power, authority, or fame cling to their lucrative positions with not only their two hands but also with their feet. And if you are an imminent opponent or rival, you should be gagged in any way they think is possible. In fact, silent retaliation is rampant in any sector of the society.

Silent retaliation only goes to show the cowardice of an opponent, or the guilt. Power, authority and fame truly blind reason. If the Filipinos, especially those in positions, should learn to LISTEN, REFLECT, ACCEPT and CHANGE, this country will go a long, long way. Anybody in this country does not have any right to find fault with the governance if we are that unruly and undisciplined.

It is really a sad thought if those who could lead have innate traits of selfishness and greed, and of pride and arrogance. They will banish you from the face of this earth if you try to assert your views, even with silent retaliation.

Silent Retaliation

Any lone cause designed to shed light on some perturbing issues always has to face the consequences of mockery, of incrimination, or of silent retaliation, aside from laud and advocacy.

Lesser friends, or acquaintances, disregard, or contempt, and even attempts to ruin, or annihilate – this is the price one has to pay for being vigilant. But does one vigilant person need to be bothered by all these? The answer is plain N – O. Once an individual decided to go on with a cause, he or she should have taken more reflection on the ill results of his or her cause before initiating a move.

A lot of people, and this is evident in this country, who had acquired power, authority, or fame cling to their lucrative positions with not only their two hands but also with their feet. And if you are an imminent opponent or rival, you should be gagged in any way they think is possible. In fact, silent retaliation is rampant in any sector of the society.

Silent retaliation only goes to show the cowardice of an opponent, or the guilt. Power, authority and fame truly blind reason. If the Filipinos, especially those in positions, should learn to LISTEN, REFLECT, ACCEPT and CHANGE, this country will go a long, long way. Anybody in this country does not have any right to find fault with the governance if we are that unruly and undisciplined.

It is really a sad thought if those who could lead have innate traits of selfishness and greed, and of pride and arrogance. They will banish you from the face of this earth if you try to assert your views, even with silent retaliation.

Silent Retaliation

Any lone cause designed to shed light on some perturbing issues always has to face the consequences of mockery, of incrimination, or of silent retaliation, aside from laud and advocacy.

Lesser friends, or acquaintances, disregard, or contempt, and even attempts to ruin, or annihilate – this is the price one has to pay for being vigilant. But does one vigilant person need to be bothered by all these? The answer is plain N – O. Once an individual decided to go on with a cause, he or she should have taken more reflection on the ill results of his or her cause before initiating a move.

A lot of people, and this is evident in this country, who had acquired power, authority, or fame cling to their lucrative positions with not only their two hands but also with their feet. And if you are an imminent opponent or rival, you should be gagged in any way they think is possible. In fact, silent retaliation is rampant in any sector of the society.

Silent retaliation only goes to show the cowardice of an opponent, or the guilt. Power, authority and fame truly blind reason. If the Filipinos, especially those in positions, should learn to LISTEN, REFLECT, ACCEPT and CHANGE, this country will go a long, long way. Anybody in this country does not have any right to find fault with the governance if we are that unruly and undisciplined.

It is really a sad thought if those who could lead have innate traits of selfishness and greed, and of pride and arrogance. They will banish you from the face of this earth if you try to assert your views, even with silent retaliation.