111th

2 weeks ago we celebrated the 111th Philippine Independence day. Growing up, the only participation I have had in the past with regards to commemorating this day would be school related activities. I find politics a challenge specially during election time and reading about the presidential rumpus and senate squabbles are just too much for comprehending.

My 10 year old Basti volunteered (yes, he is oozing with over confidence, this kid) to sing the boy’s part of the song ‘Kaming mga Kabataan’. He reasoned that his Bisaya is better than the already Kiwi speaking kids that also joined the group singing presentation being here for less than a year.

I joined the 20 member group who danced the Paradista (the bisaya version of the Kutsero song). Other than my commitment to support the Bisaya group in Auckland, I also wanted my sons to not forget.  They are brown.

The presentations brought me back to the Linggo Ng wika days where different groups presented songs from their respective provinces. There was the tinikling of course, the kundimans, kids playing Sarangola ni Pepe…

Maybe I just missed cebu or maybe I am just too melodramatic. But when everyone was asked to sing ‘Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas’ with the lyrics projected. Tears just started to drop in trickles up to the part…

Pilipinas kong minumutyâ, Pugad ng luhà ko’t dálitâ, Aking adhikâ, Makita kang sakdál layaaaaa!

Being in another country, made me realize how much I truly am Filipino. Apil ang pagka-Over Acting. Even news of Michael Jackson’s death tore right up the heart. A different kind of pain though. (or maybe the same)

One that reminds us to live life to the fullest and make a difference and never forget our true color. 

Just like the death of Francis M, it takes time for me to recover.  Over acting lagi ko. It must be the rain. Winter just brings so much drama.

Vanilla June

We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary on the 4th of June. Nothing grand, just us two sharing fries and soda at a mall’s Burger King joint before taking the bus home.

Funny how there are days I wish I could drown him with his pillow when he starts to snore crazy, while there are nights I worry that he will expire on his own wheezing and make me a widow before our 20th. This is how my man makes me cockoo.

The hub was never perfect to start with. He over promises and lean towards always pleasing everyone (specially people who don’t deserve it). He spoils not only his family but his friends too.
He has weird temper tantrums. (matingala nalang ko why siya gi sapot all of a sudden – artist moods kuno).
He dyes his hair and leaves black spots at our bathroom that is so hard to remove.
He can’t remember names (never). He forgets occassions (always). He is obsessed with bikes (na-’possessed’ is a better word).

He can’t finish a movie without sleeping and snoring (turn off). He carries his mobile user manual just so. (btw, it takes forever for him to know how to operate his phone). He can’t even remember his own phone number. He forgets where he places his things and makes so much fuss over it. (ma-Ukay mi tanan). He invites friends to come over. He loves being around people (it’s the cleaning after that I detest). He gets lost (often). He shops more than me. He stores a lot of rubbish (useless ones at that). He farts and tell. He can be tactless at times you don’t want him to be. He keeps on repeating the same mistakes. I never win debates over him.

He needs a lot a lot a lot of pushing and reminding (read as nagging) to get his life in order, the car fixed, to pick up something from the store, yaddah yaddah

He never goes to see a doctor. I have given up on changing him and dread the thought that old age will even worsen what I hate most about him.

BUT, he is my number one cheer leader (and the kid’s too). He is a neat freak when it comes to his cabinet. He wakes up at 5:00 am to cook breakfast for all of us and prepare our lunch boxes. He iron his clothes. He fixes things around the house. He makes sure dinner is ready by 7:00 pm. We always laugh at his jokes and he makes a litany of “I love you’s” sumpay sa “Be good always” each day. He prays. He forgives even if I don’t. He cries with us too. He holds my hand while driving. (so wreckless). He remember faces. He can carry a tune and dances just because…

 
and that is enough for me      to bear years of being his Queen!

Rain visits Auckland

Rain and me (basti in the background )

I will not allow her to leave Auckland without us meeting.  I had been stalking her site ever since Aileen wrote about it.  We had dinner at Nando’s and I am still in awe at how super this “dalaga” is.  She is so full of talent and I wish her all the best for Graphic Star NZ. Mag “eye-ball” na pud unya mi together with Normita the next time she visits.  She not only bewilder men but bewilders women as well. Attractive gyud siya in person. (very charming). Sa sunod Rain, I will be driving and will know where to go. =)

May Colors

May passed us by so quickly, it would seem that the days are in a mad rush to 2010.

Each day continues to be a blessing for us despite not having much and I am not only thankful but wishful that family and friends around the world, draw closer to their destiny.

 * For Ayen who graduated top of her class. Valedictorian does not only stand for the best in class but for a supergirl, supermom, superwife and superfriend who I will always be proud of. Nurse Ayen, may your new wings take you higher.

* For Malou (the amazona) who will be facing up to a new challenge this weekend, my prayers are with you and I believe that someone up there is watching over you, as always. Sending you angels that will sooth your emotions.

* For Ananda Celine who has turned into a beautiful 1 year old, I continue to wish I could hold you one day. For now, your photos and stories give comfort in the knowing that you are well.

* For Micmic who is married to the academe, I will always be here to support you and love you — bad hair days or not.

* and for Mom, who I feel so much for. No day passes by without me knocking and pleading on heaven’s door that your troubles will soon be over. You will always have Auckland. We await.