Happy Father's Day!

I might be one of the lucky ones who still has a living father till now. I know of friends who lost their dads at an early age, friends who lost their dads when they were young men and some who even recently lost theirs. It is a humble experience to note that no matter what, you will see yourself in your dad (and in your mom) somehow, even if it isn't something you would care to like.

My dad is cool in a way that he never worries - something that i took early on as a lack of care. Of course, that built in my mind and heart a strong dislike and furstration as I was growing up. I wanted him to be somebody else - don't we all want that?

But as I grew old (and grew in wisdom, I suppose) I realized that changing your parents, or anybody else, is not your business. I have learned to love and respect my dad now that he is old. He has his ways, as everyone else, and most of the time, people misjudge him, especially the very ones that he loves. Yes, he loves us in his own way - in a way that he knows exactly what you want and what you need at any given time, as you grow up. He loves us in a way that makes him wake up early in the morning to take care of the pets that you promised to take care yourself, in the first place. He loves us in a way that he quietly lets you get your way even if it is not right, and will not mumble a word against it, and wouldn't use it against you in the future. He will just keep quiet and move on.

My dad is a cool dad in a way that he was never ashamed to hug us or kid with us, even when we are all fully grown. Most of all, my dad made up for all his faults by giving us what he does best - cooking for us, opening cans and bottles, fixing old furnitures and stuff, opening us to new hobbies and interest, taking the time and effort to like what we like (even when I know he wouldn't do it for anyone else, not even in a million years). He didn't have much to give us in terms of material wealth and didn't try too hard, since he knows he's not good at it. But boy did he make up for it. He can build a house for me, heck, I know he will do anything for me - without so much as a grumble or a word of complaint. In fact, he never complains.

So for all these things, and for all his shortcomings, I wouldn't trade my dad for anyone else, no matter what others will say. I love my Dad! Happy Father's Day, Pops!

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When 40 sinks in

I have been single all my life. I guess it is now just a matter of fact – that I will probably never marry. But I have gotten over somehow, a little I guess, to the worries of not getting married. The wondering and guessing if I am doing right, if I am not being a worthy human being for not procreating, the envious stares at married friends and kids. Then it hit me. The only thing I will ever regret probably is not having a child of my own. Well, there is still time for that, especially since I am male. I guess the pressure for men is lesser for women. The stigma with being single is greater for women and can never be more evident than the names and connections being a single woman are attached to. They call you spinster, for crying out loud. They call me perpetual bachelor. There, the stigma is evident. I guess with men, age doesn't really matter. I can see that I look better now than when I was young - not that i look better in any way. When I was young, I kind of look old for my age. Now it sort of caught up with my age. A few more years and I will probably look young for my age.

My parents stay with me, in a house I bought. I know that to a point, the roles have reversed somehow, but the signs are most appalling in the little things that happen. When we were kids – and I am part of a big family, the third of six children – we would often huddle in one room, usually my oldest sister’s room since it’s the biggest and it smells good there, and we would tell each other how our days went. We could go on for an hour or so, and every now and then, my mom or my dad would run into the room, or pass by or try to eavesdrop. We would shut up when they enter the room, as if grownups are not allowed into our solid clique. It was fun times then. Being a teen with lots of brothers and sisters was probably the best thing growing up. We would share so many things and experiences that no bonding could ever replace. Two weeks ago, I roamed into my parent’s room, looking for something I don’t even remember now. They were inside, just watching TV, vegging out in their bed. They were also talking, since I can hear a small mumble, exchanges of comments that were punctuated with gasps and random laughs. When I opened the door, they stopped and looked at me like I was trespassing or something. It wasn’t a weird, angry stare. It was a languid stare, waiting for me to get out of the room so they can resume talking. Role reversed!!! I have become my parents! I have become the old one who shouldn’t know what my parents are up to!! It was funny realizing that and I realized that my parents have entered a phase where they can enjoy each other and not worry about us anymore.  And I realized – 40 is when it starts.

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funnies

seen at the back of a truck - getting angry is actually punishing yourself with the mistakes of others. Talk about profound insight from a back of a truck. Serves you well during traffic and near-road rage incidents, especially with stupid drivers in Skyway who do not know the meaning of "follow the yellow lane" and insist on using the old markings.

Forbidden Rice!!!! - ooh, is it toxic, or is it magical and was stolen from a genie, does it have a marijuana like effect? No, it's just organic rice. Get over it. The name is just to get your attention.

Did i miss another winter olympics? Where in the world is VANCOVER? Is it in asia, in the arctic region, is it covered courts where you can do indoor winter sports? Tell me! Where is VANCOVER?

hey before you get back to work, you have to be squeaky clean with fresh breath. I don't care where you have been over lunch, just do it. Apparently, there might be a deluge of lunchtime affairs in this office. GO DIRECTLY TO THE COMFORT ROOM before you infect us!!!

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what do they mean?

What does Figaro mean when they labeled one of their brand "Country" blend? Was it made in the countryside? Was it beans from some country? Did Country singers blend and roast it? Will you start loving your country when you drink it? Are the beans talking "Y'all!"? Di ko alam eh. Why don't you tell me? Or we can ask Doraemon who is sneaking the pack out of the cabinet.

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dragonfly up close

dragonfly up close
Originally uploaded by titusarce

I have been noticing that there has been a lot of insects and animals in our little garden - this is a good sign since this only means that our garden is bright and healthy!

Last month, I took a close up shot of this dragonly - fantastic! It has been years since I last saw a dragonfly. And this was a rather large one with menacing eyes and a sold tail. Nice!

A few days ago, I decided to use some fertilizer for my orchids who were all going nowhere in as far as flowers are concerned. Since I was already there, I decided to use the spare liquid I prepared on other plants - guess what, all the other plants have been flowering profusely, EXCEPT THE ORCHIDS! At least I have a profusion of other flowers.

Bowler's Restaurant in Makati

One of the newest (not really) hangout in Makati is in Paseo Parkview in Salcedo Village, and this place is really reminiscent of a Godfather study or private room. But more than that, it's the food that is really great - i like their sausage platter and their cheesecake. And it is fast becoming a full house friday hangout for weary office people of Makati. Named after the bowler's hat, it literally has a bowler's hat in the coat hanger at the doors of the restaurant. One of the owners told us that they are planning to open a series of various restaurants named after hats of different cultures and will offer fares from the said area - salakot for Filipino, and so on. They already have Fez in high street.

Check out Bowler's if you are ever in the area - works really well with good friends and a happy disposition.

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my versions of campaign songs and lines

...Si Manny Villar!!!...ang maglalagak sa atin sa kahirapan!!!!

...Sa Makati... maraming mahirap...Sana sa buong bansa ganun din....Sa Makati...malalaki ang lubak... sana sa buong bansa ganun din...

...si Bayani ang Engineer... ng kalokohan... dadanak ang dugong pink...

...pag si noynoy naging presidente, wag kukurap. baka ang tenga natin ma-corrupt ni Kris...

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the thing is...

...things can only get better all the time. Today, I had a bad morning with muscle aching all over, after getting back in the gym after the holy week holidays and days of gorging. But, things can only get better. If i stay on track with my exercise regimen, my muscle won't ache as much and will probably on my way to end the year below 200 pounds...

...good old friends are always the best friends you will ever have. I had dinner with good friends from way back in college and I realized that despite our lives leading us to different roads, it was like there was never a day missed since we last saw each other. We always have a good time every time we see each other. Good friends stay good no matter what.

...no matter how much you worry, it will not change anything and will not add anything good or bad to your predicament. wake up, push on, move on and things will be alright.

...things will never be dependent on situations you are in. Whether you are in dire straits or with a windfall of anything, it is up to you to make things good. Joyfulness and contentment knows no situation.

...I will always be a learning student and will continue to enjoy life no matter what.

...my bike's tires are flat as it hasn't been used in the past 2 years. I guess it's time to add biking into my exercise regimen soon.

...work is called work because it can be hard at times. But work can be a pleasant journey of endless wonderment to entertain you and to push you further into realms you thought you can never do.

...today I am joyful for all that I have got, knowing that God is behind everything that I have and everything that I am. Good night, world!

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why am i a pleaser?

ever since i was a kid, i was a pleaser. I always think of what people will say and if they like me or approve of me. I remember when it started. When i was really young, I was like every other kid - i say what I think. And it has gotten me into a lot of trouble - other kids thought I was a snob and an asshole. I remember the exact time I converted into pleaserboy. I was watering the garden in front of my house when about 4 of my friends came over and told me off. It felt like an intervention, but it was more of them ganging up on me because they can't tell me stuff each on their own. I was astounded and flustered. How dare they? But my feeling of being part of the group got me more than my pride. So from then on, I became a pleaser. I guess I have learned to say no and also not care about what people will say in some areas of my life where it mattered. And as i grew older, I knew I wasn't going to let of of it entirely - it's like an addiction that you don't entirely grow out of (my friends probably knew about it, hence the "intervention"). But hey, now that I am writing a blog, this is probably one space where I can say what i want and wouldn't care if people care about it. So, I guess , from now on, that will be added to my blog list - this blog will include uninhibited opinion from me, whether you like it or not. ok? is that ok? i hope  so. oh well.

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Katrina's Place Lomi House

If you are ever in San Juan, the best place to pass by for good local food is Katrina's place. It is a Lomi house, which is pretty much like all other restos in San Juan, Batangas. But believe me, they have one of the best food there, and it's worth going to for a decent road trip, just to get fresh air and some good food along the way.

We had the Lomi, which is their signature dish - just the right stickiness and the noodles bite just right, not soggy at all.

The Lumpiang Shanghai is also really good - crunchy on the outside and meaty and savory inside.

They also have Kalderatang kambing - fantastic! Just the right kind of spiciness, and the meat was really tender.

Although their Bulalo was nothing spectacular, their pansit canton is the best i had for a long time now!! It might be that I have been desensitized by all the Lucky Me Pancit Canton I have eaten, but believe me, their pansit canton rocks!!

Try Katrina's Place. Fantastic food that is worth a road trip by itself.

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is it me or is the world meaner?

One of my colleagues has a bad habit of wearing her emotions on her sleeves. While it is understandable sometimes, most of the time, it becomes unbearable and downright insensitive. Everyone has problems, so come on, suck it up and move on. Not everyone has to know your latest sadness saga. Of course, I don't say that. Sometimes though I have to stop myself. You see, there is this small but strong part of me that either has to please everyone or is just genuinely nice. So one day I approach her and, while I don't want to discuss her latest emotional upheaval, I try to post a bright happy face, say something nice and try to cheer her up. Guess what, it doesn't work, and what's more, she gets pissed and makes it clear to me that she doesn't need my cheery propositions. In the end, I am the one who feels guilty for offending her... it  always happens. Short of groveling, i try harder until she cheers up. isn't that great? No! it's exhausting and insensitive. After this, I realized, I am not getting too feely about it, people are just downright meaner these days. Gone are the days that we are obliged to be nice to everyone, not for propriety's sake but because it WAS THE DECENT THING TO DO! Oh well, i get in a fit because i get easily affected by these. Sometimes, I have to buy myself new stuff to feel better (not that I don't want it). i don't get it....and i don't want to get it anymore.

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one more resolution done!!!

hahaha! I got my Batman and batpod set!! It's cool! It's nice!!! It's trivial and inconsequential! I don't care! I love it!!! And noone should tell you that getting your favorite things, no matter how useless it is, is not worth every penny you spend on it....nuff said.

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to learn is to know

Two years ago, I bought a Squier Fender acoustic guitar. It hasn't moved out of its box since. While I am a fan of guitar playing, I never really gave it much thought to actually learn to play the guitar. I guess it's time to get that guitar out of the box and learn to play. My inspiration? Andrew Garcia of American Idol made guitar playing seem smooth and cool. Hats off to that. I guess one guitar in the world is finally clapping its hands (or fret, or whatever) and raring to play. I know it's not one of my resolutions for the year, but it's worth putting into my "bakit" list. LOL! time to know if playing the guitar is indeed smooth and cool.

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i know I'm forty part 2: the problem with metabolism

... is that it just doesn't work out the way you want it at any age - when I was younger, I literally ate everything, thinking that I would beef up somehow. The only line i knew from high school to college was, where's the beef? I was lean as hell. Enter 30, after my physical confrontation with a 10-wheeler coke truck, I think that truck literally stopped my metabolism on its tracks. I started ballooning like crazy!!!! My diet didn't change at all, so there you go. One extra burger means extra pounds somewhere. I secretly thought at one point that shaving all my extra body hair would shave off a few pounds. Talk about stupid desperation.

Enter 40, and now the big bulk is happily joined by Mr. Hypertension and Mr. Diabetes! My only consolation now is that there is a minority group of people around the world who thinks big bulky men are sexy. Why, thank you! I know!!!!

IN the past two weeks, I've waged a mini-battle with the weighing scale. I never thought I would come to a place in my life where weighing can be very ceremoniously anticipated, to see that nothing has changed. Well, at least, i have stopped putting on weight since December. But the pain, oh the pain of knowing that metabolism will never be my ally...now it even counts chocnut as a potential cargo super loader. Not. funny. Enough of the whining, though. I guess 40 is a reminder that if it is the new 20, then I should work out the same way when I was 20. Now that is a real battle!

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10 reasons why I am voting for Gordon

1. Gordon is a nice name - very superhero.
Now for the serious reasons....
2. Gordon shuts up and works. nuff said.
3. Gordon has no political agenda - he doesn't brag and just wants to help. I know when people are playing me, and this brother is no bullshitter.
4. Gordon has a clear agenda for improvement - education and work. Works all the time for clear empowerment of the people.
5. Gordon has a proven track record to back up no. 4. Subic, even after him, still thrives. Now that's what I call a gooood foundation.
6. Gordon doesn't spend as much - ergo, not much to take back when he assumes office.
7. Gordon helps others before he helps himself. The only way to know this is to look at what others say about him. And people aren't paid to say this. You can't let a good guy down.
8. Gordon doesn't mince words. We all need this. A leader will not shy away from saying the right thing if it means helping you in the process, no matter how hurtful.
9. Gordon is a true nationalist. He is no grandstander. In fact, he often stands in the sidelights when needed and goes in front when the Filipino spirit is being crushed - often, by the very people that Filipinos vote.
10. Gordon understands that traffic rules are the start of peace and order - Subic was peaceful and orderly because he put order in the streets first, literally.

In the end, if you have anything against Gordon, it pales in comparison with the other clowns running for President - so when you ask yourselves, "Who should I vote?", think about 3 things: will, proven mandate and track record. You will see that only one measures up - the name is Richard Gordon. Vote for him, not for him but for yourself and our country.

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