Monday, May 12, 2008

Poseidon's Keep

MOTHER'S DAY 2008... MOTHER-IN-LAW'S BIRTHDAY 2008












At the end of the Day, wala na kong cash. Kaya isang maliit na Birthday Cake na lamang ang naibigay ko sa Byenan. AT ang candle ay ang dalawang lollipops.

Friday, May 09, 2008

Greatest Love Of All

Dear Sage, This is the first song you chose to sing at the Center for Pop Academy. It's a beautiful song. From that academy, you finally started to learn the art of BIRIT.

Although I've always wrestled with the idea that learning to love one's self is the greatest love of all, I agree with the song's theme of independence. The most ridiculous interpretation of the theme was what I read in a school organ that said that the greatest love of all was the act of revolution (teka, ako ba sumulat noon?) Anyway, I also agree with the song that the passionate struggle to preserve one's integrity should be taught while we are babes.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Quest for the True North

Dear Sage, As blog titles go, this one really takes the cake. It's the title of an old comrade's blog dating back to the subic wars. She used to call herself "Scout". (You guys should've noticed by now that I'm partial to bloggers who got their nom d' plume from a particular Novel.)

I really, really loved the way she raged against the status quo. and I've been trying to find her. As fate would have it, a few days ago I noticed that she left a comment in bingskee.com , hence I was finally able to get hold of her.

When I clicked on her name I was greeted by the header (the title of this blog entry). TRUE NORTH. It was oddly familiar. Last weekend I found out why. While waiting for you to dress up for your voice lessons I watched a movie on HBO. It was "Message in a Bottle" a Costner movie.

I heard the movie has become a cult classic. Well it was a nice enough movie. I mean, it's not like Junger's Perfect Storm but I stayed until he finally sailed that beautiful boat deep into Poseidon's domain right into the heart of a raging storm.

I'm not really sure but I think there are atleast Two "Norths" as far as navigators are concerned. One refers to where the compass of the needle points to and the other one is the geographic north in the approximate direction of the North star (Polaris). TRUE NORTH refers to the latter. They say if you base your bearings just on where the needle of the compass points to, you might still lose your way. But if you fix your site on the North Star, your reading of the navigational charts will be more accurate.

Wherever you want to go, you need the moral compass within you. Your Mom instilled it in you. I helped a little too. That moral compass points to God. I always say that too much religion is like cholesterol, it's bad for the human heart because it gives one too much prejudice and pride. But GOD's LOVE is above any religion or religious practice. When things get rough and Fair Winds are few and doubt abounds, Never doubt GOD's LOVE. That's the only compass that will guide you out of the storm.

Friday, May 02, 2008

First Picture


McCain's Megiddo

I read in the news that Obama had to sever his ties with his Personal Pastor (Wright) over the latter's bad habit of shooting at his own foot (while standing on Barak's head). I have to agree with Barak, his pastor is a certified loony. I'm just wondering why John McCain hasn't followed suit. NO, his pastor is not Wright but he is no less of a loony and deserves to be called Pastor Wrong. Pastor John Hagee has endorsed John McCain and is actively seeking to curry his favor. McCain should be discriminating of his religious advisers. Pastor Hagee holds views different from Obama's Pastor Wright but both are revolting and their opinions deserve to be marginalized instead of being taken as gospel truth. These 3 are his worst beliefs:

First, Hagee believes that the ancient church of Christ, the Catholic Church, is the whore mentioned in the book of Revelations. McCain must renounce Hagee even for this alone or he will alienate those self-respecting Americans with the religious conviction of that Irish-Catholic American President (Jack Kennedy).

Second, He believes that to question the political decisions of Israel's secular leaders is a violation of the scriptures (i.e., even if Israel kills innocent palestinian women and children as collateral damages, the world must look the other way). Again, McCain must sever his ties with Hagee because of this. I'm NO preacher, but if I remember right, God NEVER tolerated the sins of ancient Israel (JUDAH). In fact, FALSE PROPHETS in Jeramiah's time kept on playing the part of the pied piper by assuring Judah that it will not get any retribution from Jehovah despite of its grievous sins. THEY WERE WRONG. Jeramiah was right. Those preachers, like pastor hagee, who believe that we shouldn't condemn Israel's treatment of the Palestinians are just like the False Prophets that condemn Jeremiah's bitter message of repentance.

Third, He believes that the Palestinians should just walk away from WEST BANK and GAZAstrip because the "HOLY LAND" belongs to the Israeli's-- Not Palestinians.


This is where the title of this blog entry came from. THE POLITICS OF ARMAGEDDON


Why does he believe these things? Simple. He is willing to support Israeli policy of eye for an eye to agitate the Palestinians to do the unspeakable because in his twisted mind this will hasten the second coming of Christ.

He believes that American Foreign Policy should be centered on fulfilling their flawed interpretation of biblical prophecy: that the state of Israel should be given the land promised to Abraham even at the cost of Palestinian and Israeli BLOOD. I'm not sure if they still want the literal real estate mentioned in Genesis 15:18 (From the west of euphrates to the East of the Nile). I really don't know if they care that there are 5 or 6 Arab countries that call that vast tract of land HOME.

If John McCain does not condemn Hagee, if he does not emulate what Barak Obama did with Pastor Wright, then we cannot be faulted if we assume that he tolerates the beliefs of this False Prophet and that he will bring to the Oval Office (should the American electorate see fit to send him there come November) the flawed POLITICS OF ARMAGEDDON. The only purpose of which is to bring about...

THE END OF THE WORLD.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Message to my unborn child

Dear Sage and Sabine, Sage wants the new baby to be a BOY while Sabine is praying for a GIRL. Basta kami ni Mommy, we hope he or she will be very healthy and strong, we hope that Mommy will stay healthy and strong too.

The lines below are from a cult classic, "Cocktail." Tom Cruise was asked to recite an impromptu poem while serving drinks in his own bar. His pregnant wife, Jordan, sits among the crowd.

"If Jordan gives birth to a fine Irish son /
There will be Cocktails and Dreams for him one day to run /
A business that will yield the financial windfall /
To be franchised in every suburban shopping mall. /
If a daughter arrives to bless our clan /
I guess the shit will finally hit the fan /
But this I shall promise thee /
I'll never let her marry a guy like me. /
Still if our child is the naughtiest of girls or the wildest of young men /
I swear I'll be the best dad I can
And never ever get spooked again."



Honestly, if you are gonna be a Boy, I'll take a leaf from a Denzel Washington Movie...

"Treat all girls like Princesses. Because that's what they are."

Baguio 2008

Dear Kids, These were taken during our visit to Baguio.




This is "Doglas" a mine's view park regular attraction. But it's the first time we had our pictures taken with him.


Sage and Sadie Navigating what will always be to me the Wine-Dark lagoon of my childhood.


Wright Park horseback ride with the Yaya.

Dominican Hill. I took the wrong turn and ended up in the Groto.

This was what I was looking for at the Dominican Hill.

We were able to check our emails inside (among other things.)


these pictures were taken inside Nazarene Bible College's White House where we stayed for 4 days and 3 nights (through the courtesy of your Ninang Joy)




Your Mom's favorite spot is where we can see from the window the whole La Trinidad Valley below.You picked strawberries later in the valley.



We call that window our 120-inch TV, the one I was referring to in Snglguy.com's blog

"Sa Umaga ang gandang panoorin ng sunrise, sa hapon makikita mo ang fog as it rolls in, at sa gabi may fireflies. Swerte kami nung Friday evening, bigla nalang may 10minute fireworks. Front seat kami."



Her silhouette against the 2 "TV screens"

Monday, April 21, 2008

GOTTA GO MY OWN WAY...

Dear Sage, you're having voice lessons at Center for Pop Music and your voice has improved a lot. One of your favorite songs so far is "The Greatest Love of All". It's the song you sing onstage during music class

Now we are watching High School Musical 2 and you are planning to study how to sing this song...

Gotta Go My Own Way Lyrics


Saturday, April 19, 2008

Big Tummy

Dear Sage, Some kids call their Dad "Big Daddy"

you call me... (I'll let you type it here)

BIG TUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(You are the one who typed the text, I just highlighted it in RED)

Now, just a few minutes ago, I heard Sadie call me that too


BIG TUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(You typed this one too while I was helping Sabine)

We are blogging from downstairs. On the sofa. Kasi may wifi na kami! And we can even blog kahit nasa garahe tayo....

YEAHHHHH!

ok, you can call me big tummy again.BIG TUMMY IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD,UNIVERSE,SOLAR SYSTEM,INFINITY AND BEYOND AND HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Sage With Honors

We went to Miriam today (Yesterday, 4/8/8) to get Sage's report card. ALL Her grades in ALL subjects are marked OUTSTANDING!

YEAH!!!

itutuloy...

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

COLD

Sage said this stolen shot was taken by Sabine. Looking back, it's very poignant. It was a beautiful day. I wish I could hold on to it. 



Happy Birthday Manuel IV!!! (April 1)

Boing is the favorite cousin of Sabine. He is seen here welcoming a celebrity-guest to Bigsound Cabanatuan.


(From Left, first row) Manuel Jr., Nita Fajardo, Dominic, Myka, Justine. (From left, Second row) Kristie Kenney, Manuel IV, Kitkat.

She may not be as hot as Dana Perino, the current whitehouse press secretary, but Boing (Manuel IV) likes her... and her name is only one letter away from "Kennedy"

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Happy Birthday Sexy 1!!! (April 1)

Isang araw sa isla ng Boracay...


Sexy 1: Friend, tingnan mo o, hindi tayo pinapansin ng mga hunks.

Sexy 2: OO NGA! at lahat sila tumatakbo papunta dun sa isang chick na...

Sexy 3: AMPOCHAH, ni hindi man lang naka bikini?!!!




Hunk: dapat mauna ako... ano ba ang mayron sya na wala ang mga chicks na naka Thong dito sa beach?


















AFGHANISTAN OFW: Hmmm... Grabe! Sulit talaga ang pag gamit ko ng

DOWNY FABRIC SOFTENER.

Ang Bango!!!

(Teka, san galing itong mga lalaking naglalaway sa paligid ko???)



Saturday, March 29, 2008

March 28, 2000


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAGE!!!

Dear Sage, 8 years ago yesterday, I became a Dad.

You are a born princess. Everyone of you. Everytime Sabine says "Dad, I'm a Princess. And you are a Prince." My response is always, "Mommy made me a Prince..."

Yes she did. 8 years ago yesterday.


BTW, here are pictures of your birthday dinner with Grand Dy and Cousins at QC




The next day you swam at the village pool...



Saturday, March 22, 2008

Elegantly Black Sat.

"Dad, I want popcorn!" That's Sabine's simple wish after graduating from Nursery with HONORS. Partida pa yan, bilis mag review nyan. Frankly, the fact that she enjoys studying makes going to a school named "Calvary" worth it.



Sabine with Teacher Bessie

Dear God, thank you for being faithful to me despite of my weaknesses, my pride, my rage, my pettiness, my defiance... thank you for being faithful despite of myself.



After a week of heartaches, when I took a picture of these kids this morning, I had an inkling that my luck had changed for the better... (That's Kitkat and Boing. They slept over)

Notice my hand... I was really getting lucky.

After the short play about the life of David son of Jesse, the Honor Students were announced. That's Mom on stage with Sabine accepting the Medal for the 5th Honors.


Just before bedtime... there's the talent show. Hosted by Ate Sage and Ate Kit. First one up is Sabine... Click on the arrows to play the video



Presenting.... Boing (it's a cover of the cuppycake song but he just composed the lyrics himself on that very night)



the amazing Sadie





Heeeere's KitKat!!!




Heeeeerrreee's Sadie!!!




and Finally... SAGE!!!


Friday, March 21, 2008

Spring Equinox 2008

Dear Sage, Sabine, Sadie; Yesterday morning, we left the house in Pasig and after picking-up your Mom at SLMC, we stayed here at QC to visit my Dad and to take care of Kitkat and Boing. Ninong El and Ninang Jen are in Baguio to monitor Bigsound FM there which just went on air. The only one left in Pasig is your lola. You guys played all day and upto around 10pm. When we were kids like you, we were not allowed to play, to watch TV, even to laugh out loud before black saturday.

Two Years Ago I wrote a blog entry about a Prose that mirrors the event that we are remembering today- Christ's sacrifice on the cross, the sacrifice for Love. It's from the book "Thorn Birds" . I think it's appropriate to re-post it here.

"There is a legend about a bird
which sings just once in its life
more sweetly than any creature on the face of the Earth.
Upon leaving its nest it searches for a Thorn Tree
and does not rest until it has found one.
Then, singing among the savage branches it impales itself
against the longest, sharpest spine.
And dying, it rises above its own agony
to out-carol the Lark and the Nightingale.

with ONE, superlative song-- Existence the price.
Yet the whole world stills to listen,
And God in his Heaven smiles.

For the best is bought only at the cost of great pain...

or so, says the legend."--Ralph Cardinal DeBricassart

May the Glory of Easter Morning, and the mornings to come after that, more than balance the Gloom of Good Friday and the days leading up to it.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Whatafool!

Dear Atticus,

I just read your latest blog entry (click on the link and lyrics below)

http://mayamanako.blogspot.com/2008/03/kissing-fool.html


You are far
When i could have been your star
You listened to people
Who scared you to death, and from my heart
Strange that you were strong enough
To even make a start
But you'll never find
Peace of mind,
Til you listen to your heart

People
You can never change the way they feel
Better let them do just what they will
For they will
If you let them
Steal your heart from you
People
Will always make a lover feel a fool
But you knew i loved you
We could have shown them all
We should have seen love through

Fooled me with the tears in your eyes
Covered me with kisses and ties
So goodbye
But please don't take my heart

You are far
I'm never gonna be your star
I'll pick up the pieces
And mend my heart
Maybe i'll be strong enough
I don't know where to start
But i'll never find
Peace of mind
While i listen to my heart

People
You can never change the way they feel
Better let them do just what they will,
For they will
If you let them
Steal your heart

And people
Will always make a lover feel a fool
But you knew i loved you
We could have shown them all

But remember this
Every other kiss
That you ever give
Long as we both live
When you need the hand of another man
One you really can surrender with
I will wait for you
Like i always do
There's something there
That can't compare with any other

You are far
When i could have been your star
You listened to people
Who scared you to death, and from my heart
Strange that i was wrong enough
To think you'd love me too
I guess you were kissing a fool
You must have been kissing a fool




ang sabi mo, Atticus, si George Michael wrote it with a man in mind (anselmo) and not a fascinating girl? Lalaki ang inspirasyon nung kantahin nya ito at hindi isang magandang babae???

Lintek sya!

Sorry, pero in my book, that's more blashphemous than saying "Happy Good Friday..."

Man! I'm in such a foul mood I'd probably eat dinuguan and puto bukas (byernes)! I hope you and our friends from abs-cbn (lalu na yung nasa bora who's wearing her expensive bikinis) have much better luck than yours truly. Darn. I sound just like... I might aswell change the title of this blog to snglguy.com2

Letters to my kids about their childhood adventures



To Sage, Sabe, Sade & 3Stan

To Sage, Sabe, Sade & 3Stan
WELCOME!