Philippines (More and even more fun!)

More Blessings In The Philippines

I just returned again from what always feels like pure heaven each year. A trip to the Philippines. It gets better each time and once again I remain so very grateful and blessed by my love(Lorna) who introduced me to her country, now four years ago. We've been back each year ever since. Check the pictures and you'll see how blessed I feel. How can one not feel like you want to extend your vacations for several months with experiences like these. Everything from the bustling excitement of Manila to the glorious simple life in the province of Pangasinan. That's my favorite. Being in the province takes me back to my childhood summers on my grandparents farm. Back then, life was simple and under-appreciated by yours truly because I was so young but I can definitely now feel what my grandfather felt. He had his special love in my grandmother and on top of that, surrounded by the natural wonders of country life. However, in Pangasinan where we stay at most of the time, its like the best of both worlds. Picture Malibu, California mixed with small town country living circa 1970's east Texas... I love it..  Of course you have to also throw in the culture and beauty of the philippines and you have pure heaven...  

On this trip, I developed more appreciation for Manila thanks to a good friend, Bong Cura who showed me around as many areas as we could squeeze in in one day. Mostly, I wanted to see and experience Quiapo and Chinatown. Bong took me deep in the heart of those areas. We set out early on a saturday morning and walked endlessly, enjoying great conversation, great scenery, an occasional delicious treat and all the smiles and warm, curious hellos along the way. This would turn out to be one of many highlights of the trip. We ended up walking for I believe, five or six hours. Incredible time, it was. Even the Dunkin Donuts near the Quiapo church was super delicious! One highlight that I haven't gotten over was this place in chinatown where we stopped to buy lumpia aka egg roll. The lady made it fresh right in front of us and this thing was the size of a large burrito. I can still remember the taste of it, especially the special sauce you pour over the top of it... wow!  Also, besides visiting the incredible church there in Quiapo, we also visited the Mosque. Bong was very good with talking and communicating with anyone and everyone along the way so he managed to get us inside for a nice tour. We met several gentlemen there and one who had a very detailed history, whether true or false(I dont know) about his kinship to President Obama by way of Indonesia and Kenya. I guess a very very very distant cousin. Nevertheless, the man was very kind to show us around and give some historic background to the mosque and its relationship to the area of Quiapo and sharing the area with the large catholic community...

Love and I went to Palawan. We stayed at an island resort called Dos Palmas. It was beautiful though we frowned at the fact that there were no TV's in the rooms and the internet rarely worked. Still the place was nice and the water that surrounded it was gorgeous. On our last day there, we awoke to one of those moments you hear about in movies. The kind where they say the water and sky appear to look the same and you dont know where each one ends or begins..I enjoyed that moment spent with my love. It was sort of our official honeymoon moment and it was very special and beautiful despite not having the luxuries of life that we enjoy so much. Note to Dos Palmas Resort, you really should get TV's in the room! And they could also use a greater supply of foods to offer their guests...

We saw the underground river. Definitely worth the title of being one of the seven wonders of the world. It is an amazing site to see and experience. Afterwards, you're treated to some very delicious food and that was a big plus considering the disappointment with the Dos Palmas menu. I was glad to get back to Manila and eventually the province of Pangasinan.  And just like last year, we were blessed to treat the local kids and families to some delicious spaghetti that love prepared along with the help of caretakers, Efren and Violi and our lovely niece, Mynar. We also had a generous donation of water and ice from the Calasiao Ice Plant. A good friend of love's owns the business and her contribution really helped alot. The kids enjoyed it and it was a very successful day...

One common theme in the Philippines whenever we go is food, food, food! I mean, everything from the usual Jollibee food to the street food, to the various discoveries in and around the areas we travel. I ate so much sisig on this trip and really enjoyed it. There was Tribu Grill in Pampanga, Victor's in Tarlac and Road Roaster's Grill in Dagupan City. All of these places made some incredible sisig, though I'd tip my hat to Tribu Grill for edging out the others in the flavor department. It was very good..  Then there was love buying a lot of furniture but as always, she has great taste and knows how to turn a not so good decor into a fabulous decor... 

Anyway, there's too many stories to mention here or to remember but needless to say, its beyond more fun in the Philippines and every trip seems to surpass the last one. This one out did them all and I can't wait as usual to go back. The life and times we experience there puts things in perspective for me because whenever I come back to the states, I see a whole lot of energy and time put forth in the wrong direction by others. In the Philippines, I never wonder about anything.. I just enjoy, experience, appreciate and feel completely spoiled and blessed.... And speaking of blessing, I became a Godfather aka "Ninong." That's an honor I take very seriously and am very grateful for that privilege..  God Bless baby Dylan and also God bless all those happy kids we fed and enjoyed.. I believe it was around 130 or possibly a little bit more... Love fed a parrot in Palawan. Haha..  That was a treat too! *smile*

Luckiest Man On Earth

I usually hate it when I'm watching news programs and the people talking begin their sentences with the word, "so.." and I know there's a lot of men somewhere out there in the world who feel the same cliche' in my title that I do but I don't think enough men actually say it. I'm gonna use that word...  Soooooo.... I got MARRIED yesterday! Wow! It feels like its been a forever journey to get to this point in my life and how I wish so much that my mom was still alive to witness this moment. I also wish that my love's father was here to see this as well and so many others that have passed on including my own father. It was pretty special in that yesterday was love's father's birthday so I felt really happy to do it on that day, March 18, 2013. We almost had a last minute scare with someone working at the counter trying to say we didn't follow the proper procedure with setting up the ceremony but alas, she was wrong and I was simply following what was told to me by the person over the phone. And the day went perfect! Can't stop this kind of love! The commissioner was impressed by us as a couple and I guess because of the traditional 'Barong' that I was wearing; it probably brought back memories of his homeland, the Philippines. He was also impressed by all of the bling-bling in the room.

My love looked absolutely beautiful and I was proud to enjoy this day with her. It ended up being a long day because of the other things we had on our calendar to do but despite all of that, wow! what a blessing. It took a long time to find and be apart of what I always dreamed of but in the end, struggles, ups and downs and everything in between just allows you to appreciate more that blessing when it comes. We haven't had our official honeymoon yet but that's just around the corner as every day has felt like a honeymoon since we found each other... Thanks my love.

Another Wonderful Christmas...

Normally I can't stand Air Supply, the group or perhaps I secretly enjoy some of their songs. Thing is, many times when I think about how blessed I am to have the love that I have and have had for I believe six years now, I can't help but hear the same song floating thru my head.
"Your every woman in the world, to me.."
If you've heard Air Supply before, you probably now can't get that tune out of your head too. I don't even know the rest of the words, but that part stays on repeat inside my head. I'm still and forever will be grateful for the love that was discovered mutually by myself and my love, Lorna. That mutual thing is both a blessing and a dream come true. Its what I believe and always knew I could find but something this incredible I guess needs to be earned. You have to journey thru other experiences in order to achieve the very best; a test of worthiness perhaps? Either way, life has become one big pot of love in a sea of surrounding craziness. The world can be strange and you still have people who get off on simply being mean. I often wonder why..  I mean, whether its some grumpy lady in an Old Navy store, a doctor making selfish demands, or someone driving recklessly fast inside a parking structure knowing full well they're not going anywhere special. This was my experience last week, by the way.  Anyway, that's why I like to say that real true unselfish, mutual love is the best way to escape from the world. It's an island you never want to leave and shouldn't need to...  Merry Christmas Love....

Just some thoughts to share...

Wow.. I haven't blogged in a long while.. Even an angel reminded me of this the other day. It's mostly due to writer's laziness.. Thinking more than writing but actually thinking about writing... *smile* Nevertheless, it's like this...Sometimes I use this space to workout problems, issues, thoughts that seem to flood my mind. Lately, I haven’t had a lot of issues. I’ve been more focused on just simply enjoying each day as it comes and capturing each moment as it comes, either with camera or in memory with a smile. I’ve had a lot of reasons to smile in recent years because of my love. Though of course, sometimes there’s those unexplainable moody moments that are like trip wires. You stumble head first into frustation wondering “what happened now?” and/or “what can be done to instantly make this better?” I just always feel like life is too short.  Why not spend time on what is real and trying to achieve the best that life has to offer- together. Five years goes by so fast that it feels like one year. Ten years? Twelve years?? I can remember when it was 2000 and we worried so much about world issues and it feels like so much of my life passed me by. Right now is a great time personally and I want to keep building what is the love I've been looking for since I became an adult and dreamed of love. I think about the future now in more important ways. I research and plan so that WE can do amazing things together. I never think as "I" or "me." This journey is about us/we and I've got plans that I hope to achieve. Money is a worry because the work place at times can be strange but nevertheless, I feel like when your heart is in the right place, things will workout in your favor. I learned that thru experience when I used to give so much to situations that weren't good for me. Situations where nothing was ever given back, materially or otherwise. I mean, this is both funny and pathetic to me now but I can remember when I was asked to buy the card that someone wanted to give to me so that they could write something "nice in it." I was dumb enough to buy it but still never received it. That moment was typical of the kind of give and take that I got used to from about three different situations. But my heart was in the right place, so I was told and because of that, one day I'd be blessed, just because.. Thing is, I never did anything with the intention of being blessed.. I simply do what's in my heart... and my heart is full now so I wish to do a lot! That’s what I always want and strive for…. and have wanted to strive for during the last 20 years or so... again, life is short and this journey is going fast....faster. That's why I love and look forward to saying I do, I will, always and forever... I miss the days apart so when the days are here, I wish them to be perfect in every way, without allowing outside pressures and influence to cloud the moment.. That's why one tries to find a special place to escape from the world because today's world is so unkind. People get behind the wheel and become angry. People look so angry as they walk to get where they're going. That's why you look to the heavens and thank God for what you have and for who you are blessed with..  This is no easy journey but it's still been fun... and definitely more fun to have in the future for as long as you're blessed with life...

It's More Fun In The Philippines- TFC Connect

I forsee so much fun coming ahead when that day comes that love and I return to the Philippines. Not sure when that will be. Sometimes I find myself wishing, praying and imagining something incredible happening so that she and I would be able to visit not just once a year but maybe two or three times a year and stay much longer whenever we do go. I'm already enjoying the fact that time goes so fast because perhaps we're closer to that next visit. It's March already! Scary how fast time flies but that scariness turns into blessings when you have something you look forward to. Then when you have someone who means the world to you, any and all blessings are multiplied by 100. That's how I feel with my love. She's my shield that keeps me protected from the world, basically. There will always be bad days and challenges that come forth in life to knock you down for a moment but when you share in something so magical, so special and very real.... I mean, solid... the downtimes become like dust that you can quickly brush off your shoulders. Time moves too fast and life is too short to wallow in what takes away your smile, I've come to learn. That's definitely why I never allow one day to go by without celebrating my love, be it in quiet reflection of just thinking about her or doing something like what I did about a month ago when I wrote to the filipino channel for what they called "Love Month." One morning I heard the request for anyone to write in with a love story and attach pictures along with it. There was no way I could let that opportunity slip away without trying. And what a wonderful surprise it was to see and hear what I'd sent in being played on worldwide television on the TFC Connect program... Very cool... *smile* Here it is below..

It's More Fun In The Philippines... yep.. :-)

My yearly blessing has come once again for the third time. Three times- in the Philippines. They have a campaign going on right now to attract tourists called “More Fun In The Philippines.” I agree 100 percent with that idea though my reason may differ in depth. I mean, there are some gorgeous and stunningly beautiful scenery there but give me the hidden beauty of the small villages, the provinces with farmlands, the trees, the crowded town propers, and most of all, the people and you’ll find me having that fun they speak of. I went to Makati for the first time and it was beautiful. I could definitely see the growth and potential for more growth but hopefully not at the expense of the people... The SM mall, Glorietta, etc are enormous in size and have every store and restaurant you could wish for or imagine. A place of pure heaven for my love... Her eyes widened with excitement. But where do I truly get excited? In love's home province of Pangasinan! Let me eat some Lechon Manok, Rellenong Bangus and drink Sparkle or Royal soda. Puto in Calasiao. Hang with the beautiful children in the Rabon area of San Fabian, Pangasinan. More fun, yes! That’s where heaven is for me, especially since I get to enjoy all of this together with love. She’s my reason for this blessing in the first place... I'm so grateful. And what a blessing it was when she came up with the idea to feed the local kids after noticing how each day when I walked back to the house after visiting with them, I'd always have a few kids following me home. "Why not invite 25 or so and we can feed them.." she suggested. That 25 turned into 100 kids and a few mom's but that just made the experience so much more fun and they were all so kind and appreciative... We also gave away slippers for the children but we only had 37 pair after giving three pair to children standing outside the store that we purchased the slippers at. Maybe next time.. *smile* This trip was so special and it was capped off by the great 75th birthday celebration for love's mom and not to mention all the friends, classmates, and especially family that were there along with us... Bringing in the New Year in the Philippines. What an incredible way to start the year off... Thanks to love and thanks to the people we encountered each moment. Every hello meant something special.... Can't wait to go back!!

OccupyLA

I'm lovin the power and energy of the movement that's going on right now. I've had the pleasure of going downtown to the Los Angeles version of what's going on in NYC and the Occupy Wall Street. I've heard about other cities across the country that have the same movement. It's pretty amazing. Sort of like the 60's again and it's definitely needed. Too much has happened and too many people have been asleep at the wheel of comfort, watching from the sidelines. And when you watch the politicians play childish games and debate trivial issues at the expense of lives, you wonder why is this allowed to happen. I'm glad to see what's happening with the various "occupations" and I pray something vital comes of all of it. For sure Washington is listening and watching but them actually doing something is a whole different thing. I don't believe the system will change or be overhauled so to speak but I do hope all this sweat, blood and energy will force things in the right direction and keep the so-called political leaders in check. I was also blessed to see Dr. Cornel West and Tavis Smiley speak at the OccupyLA site downtown and that was a real treat. I'll definitely make my way downtown again to capture more incredible moments like these... God Bless those good people sacrificing for everyone...

Overcast Dayz...

Today was a beautiful, peaceful, overcast day. I was off from work so I decided to visit a couple of cemeteries where my mom and grandmother were laid to rest. Normally, it might take me an hour or and hour and a half to visit both locations but being that this is LA traffic on a friday, it took me twice that amount of time. Still, it was nice to visit and place flowers on their graves, say a few prayers and take in the moment. I sometimes wonder if other family visit as I feel that no one should ever forget and always pay respect to loved ones. I realize we all have our own ways and hold onto the belief that those spirits are perhaps with us all the time but nevertheless, I feel its important to still visit the places where we lay their bodies to rest. Just doing that today made it a special day but after that, LA traffic took away my motivation to do anything else.. I guess I'm not into driving too much like I used to be... God Bless mom and grandmother; Gloria Rivers and Alzata Moorings....

Back again for more...

"When there's never enough time, you always look forward."
-VAR

There's an old saying that I hear from time to time when I least expect a moment of reminiscing and that is "if only they could see me now" or something to that effect. Usually when I hear that in my mind, I'm thinking about my mom. So many times I wish she were here to be a part of what has become so special in my life. I can recall many moments when she wished she could see and experience what it would be like to visit other countries. It didn't matter which one, though she did have at the top of her list, Great Britain, France, maybe China but if she were still around, she would've experienced the beautiful times I've had now in the Philippines. She would've gotten spoiled and amazed by her discovery and probably asked my love if she could simply stay in her house by the beach and do absolutely nothing. Out there she might miss her TV shows and especially her sports but she'd love the scenery and those delicious sausages every morning aka Longaniza.

Anyway, I say all that to say that recently I returned to the Philippines for my second visit. It was just as wonderful as the first time around. It felt again like home though this time my love and I just stuck around the home province rather than venturing off to other places like Boracay, Tagaytay, etc. This time it felt as if we were practicing being retired and in between all of that practicing was adventure, drama, baptism, lots of love, me sort of getting sick and gorgeous mornings followed by beautiful sunset filled evenings. Wow... watching a sunset every single evening never gets old. It was better than TV. And the highlight for me was the same as the first time around; the people. The kindness and endless smiles... This time, many of those smiles came from young children, especially those close by to my love's house. A stroll down the beach will find you in the middle of some wonderful people and the sweetest children who laugh, smile and wave at the mere sight of someone seemingly different from them. That someone being me. I had the greatest time just walking in the area, which was something that I wanted to do more so than anything on my return visit. I'm hoping for more of the same the next time we go. Again, I wish my mom could've been there. True, she's always with me in spirit but what an incredible time it would've been to hear her famous words of expression when she'd witness so much kindness from those that are seeing you for the very first time. She'd say "goodness!" and then she'd laugh in amazement.

I love the pride I see in the Philippines amongst everyone. I pray they never lose it or become jaded or take for granted that feeling which keeps them so positive despite the obvious poverty or lack of the so-called finer things. There was a lot of pride in the U.S. back in the day; a lot of smiles too. Now, you see anger, arrogance, a lack of caring, which sometimes gets the most attention. The spotlight loves that sort of thing in a strange way but nevertheless, it feels amazing when you come across pure goodness no matter what country you're in. And when it comes to the Philippines, I would say 95% of the time it's that kind of good feeling, at least so far... *smile* No doubt they have issues as we all have. As I said, there was drama on our trip; the kind that's controlled by man's inability to see what he has or to recognize the importance of time that goes away in a heartbeat. And many times, that drama got in the way; our way.

Pangasinan is such a great province to be in. I love the small towns and cities. To me, everything is there. All you could ever need with respect to food, fun and scenery. I'm amazed by all the various town fiestas that happen throughout the year and if you dont mind being out in the crowds, the heat and everything else then every day would be a party in those places like Mangaldan, Dagupan City, etc. I was hoping to find a really good spot where we could sit and do some people watching but we didn't discover that just yet. Next time, perhaps but it was still great.I could go on forever as the discovery continues even for me in memory. I think and imagine the times that my love and I have shared in her home country, including my very special baptism, which was something that my mother wished for and wanted to see even just before she passed away. She told me during those final days that it was her only regret. Looking forward to my next visit and the one of a kind special moment that will become the highlight.... Last year around this time we were in the final days of our vacation in the Philippines. Time is so fast but in memory, it lasts forever!

Just a day...

Today seemed to be one of those days when my senses were heightened, I suppose. I mean, I could pick up on a lot of things, with respect to human behavior in this crazy town of LA. I haven't felt this since the best days of my writing when I was actively seeking these sort of moments. It was funny, it was weird at times, it was cool; each and every moment. I had planned several errands to take care of today and at first I was lazy. It's hot outside and I didn't want to leave the comforts of home. It took me a while to get out but after basically shouting at myself to get up and take care of business, I did just that. Had some bills to pay, buy some stamps, smog check, grocery store. Nothing major but still it needed to get done rather than to be put off and remain on my mind.

At the post-office when I walked in, I noticed several people standing with the arms folded, some tapping their feet and some taking in huge breaths. I knew then that, uh-oh, someone is taking forever and driving folks crazy. The post-office had three windows open and two of them had people who asked a million questions. They tried every angle they could to get out of paying too much money. One guy even brought a print out of the rules and regulations about priority mail shipping and tried to debate the person behind the counter. He kept underlining things and saying the clerk was wrong. At the other window was a woman who didn't understand the difference between international and domestic mail. She kept saying that when she mails things to New York its not that expensive. So the clerk said "but this is going to Germany, ma'am? International rates are different." They went back and forth and were still debating each other as I was leaving. And I was five people behind the other debating customer. That was a trip, especially to hear all the whispers, deep breaths, laughter, and maybe one or two people saying "I don't fricken believe this!"

The smog test place was cool. I was pleasantly surprised by the nice help, good atmosphere, and quick service. Not much to observe there except for the expensive price of sixty-five dollars but as I waited, I had a chance to say hello to my love, which of course is always a blessing and keeps me smiling...

Smart & Final was funny... The guy working there that brings in the carts had major attitude and when I approached the cart area to grab one, he gave me the evil eye but didn't make eye contact. He just stared at my shoes. I was gonna greet him and say hello but there was just too much weirdness going on there. Haha.. Anyway, inside the store as I browsed the aisles this guy with a great southern accent greeted me as he was searching for his coffee. He explained to me the differences price-wise with the coffee and he was right. He pointed to this tiny bag of flavored coffee that cost over twelve dollars and then showed me the seven dollar, very large bag of regular coffee that he had and smiled. "Ya see what I mean?" He wished me a nice day and a great weekend and when I said to him to have a great weekend too, he responded with a very hearty "YESSS!! I will certainly do that!" He had me feeling happy just to be in the store... Haha Haha... Then I must say, it was funny to hear this guy talking on his cellphone. I usually try to ignore or getaway if I can from folks who talk way too loud on their cellphones but this guy was funny as he said to the caller "I can't hear you right now, I'm walking past the aisle with the pancakes and muffins so its probably screwing up the coverage. Can you hear me now!?!?!" Several of us laughed that were standing in the area...

So, that was about an hour and a half of my day... It's nice to know that my antenna still works as I still believe every moment of our lives is important, even the most trivial because there's a story waiting to be told everywhere. And as I was returning to my car at Smart & Final, I saw the cart guy again, he still gave me the evil eye but he looked up and almost smiled but I guess it's just not cool in his mind to be nice rather than weird.. *smile* Such is life.... at least out here..

Last Sunday...

Time is so unforgiving because it flies by without giving you much time to reflect or to absorb and observe each moment to the fullest. Seems like the days, nights; the hours and minutes zip by a lot faster than many years ago when it felt like days would last forever. They say it’s because when you’re older, that comes with the territory; time flying by. I used to agree with that but several times I’ve even heard some that fall under the category of being “young,” curse the days because they went by so fast.

“School again! What happened to the weekend; dang!”

This is why I try not to do as we all have done; fall into that groove of taking each day for granted. Do I ever take it for granted? “Sometimes” is the answer as everyone is guilty, including me. It’s another reason why I try to appreciate each moment with love and to feel so grateful when she spoils the heck out of me; which she does constantly. And this past trip we took to her home in the Philippines, though we didn’t do a lot of “exciting things” nevertheless it was beautiful and wonderful. It was like a pre-cursor to being retired together and not having a care in the world, which was almost the case due to some drama from a swindler (first initial ‘D’”) and some land issues and some umm, spirits visiting, but that’s a long still in development story. *smile* The bulk of our time there was fabulous.

Anyway, my main reason for writing this was/is to pay tribute and respect to not only the passing of a wonderful lady but also the beauty of a tradition that I believe should be practiced by everyone. I’m speaking of the tradition of celebrating the 40th day after the passing of a loved one. It gives you a chance not only to pray for their soul but to also gather and keep strong, the bond between family. That’s a moment that should never go un-appreciated. This past Sunday was the day for such a celebration in memory of Emiliana Perez; the grandmother of my love. I looked forward to it because I knew it would be plenty of smiles, laughter, great food and just an overall special time. I enjoy even just the voices that I hear. They remind me so much of the voices I'd hear from my Texas family on my father's side back in the day. The similarities are interesting. I could visualize not only stories from what I hear but great memories; both in the past and in the making... I also enjoy the handshakes; seeing my hero Julius *smile* and gazing at my love and the closeness she shares with her two sisters. Their bond makes you smile and their laughter is contagious. And, not to mention, their beautiful mom continuing on in the tradition of Emiliana. Truly a great family. 40 days, I can’t believe have already gone by! Just like with my mom, I can't believe the time since her passing so much that I hate counting just how long its been...

Still...

As Valentines Day approaches, I'd like to make mention of my grandfather, who remains an inspiration to me after so many years and even decades since his death. I continue to think about him and perhaps feel his presence. I even remember his voice not only during the good times when he'd smile and take me around the small town of Mt. Pleasant Texas but also the time when my parents snuck me into the intensive care area of the hospital to see him one last time. He was curled up in bed and in a lot of pain due to stomach cancer. He said my name as I walked in the room and his voice stuck with me ever since. From that moment, I never forgot the love, just as I've never forgotten the inspiration and dream set forth by his love for my grandmother. I've always prayed, wished, hoped for the same sort of love that I knew would be possible if I could be placed in that moment to where I stood face to face with a special someone who could give and receive the same sort of love that I believe could exist between two people. I've seen it in action thanks to my grandparents. Passionate, respectful, sweet, endearing, always caring, prideful and true.... LOVE... Yes, I found that in someone who not only reminds me of my grandmother but also my mother. And it makes me feel the same sort of thing that I believe my grandfather felt when I'd see him in his favorite rocking chair, smiling with so much pride flowing from his heart and beginning from the deepest part of his soul... My grandfather was always in love until the very end and my guess, they're up there in heaven, celebrating Valentines Day all the time. Love always has the potential of being truly amazing. And when I think of my grandfather, that's when I realize love IS amazing.. Happy Valentines Day to my grandparents and especially the love of my life.... it's a blessing that should never be taken for granted..

Happy New Year Review..

"It's one of those things where if you let it, it'll make you a better person.." I remember this guy telling me one time as we sat in a dark club with music pounding; money and drinks flowing everywhere. This was back in the early part of the last decade when I would frequent a local stripclub and became a noticeable regular. They pretty much knew what I would drink or eat without me having to order. Those days are interesting now as I look back on them; a sort of habit of the moment, at the time... That period in my life seemed to go hand in hand with what I look at now as being somewhat superficial fun. Age and maturity I guess does that to you. I mean, the jerseys over some jeans and Timberland boots. The chain around the neck. The nice watch and large amounts of money to waste and toss in the air. I did too much of that but it was fun- at the time. I was basically living in the moment, impressed by what seemed to appear as cool until noticing I’d become a caricature what was in. Then there were those nights when I’d run across actual good conversations, enlightening moments, and times that ended up as inspiration for what I would write about later. And occasionally, there are times when those voices from the club come to the forefront of my mind. Just the other day as I sat wondering what I would write about for my year end review, I couldn’t think of much to say. I struggled with this tradition I created for my blog... 2010 went by so fast and ended without any sort of feeling that, wow! It’s time to scream Happy New Year!! I didn’t feel like screaming but instead just wanted to relax and feel good because I had a three day weekend to enjoy with family and my love who makes every day, celebration in the deepest sort of way. 2010, where did it go and what happened? I don’t remember much except the end as my love had to go through the unexpected experience of losing her father. It hasn’t been a good feeling to see her go through it but at the same time, its been a blessing to be there by her side and to also be a part of such a great family that comes together and supports each other. And as that voice from the club re-entered my mind, I remembered that particular conversation was about adversity; the ups and downs of life. I remember this guy loved to speak in a serious but reflective tone for a moment and follow that with a satisfied smile. His satisfaction almost seemed like discovery as if he were surprised by the wisdom that accompanied his voice. Adversity, life changes, loss, and even the best of times can teach a great deal, if you let it but it’s those down times that cut the deepest and stain you with some sort of realization. The key is to pay attention and not allow it to knock you off your feet. You might trip but try not to fall. I don’t want to say 2010 represented adversity because it didn’t. It just ended with loss but for the most part, it was decent. The best part was my trip to the Philippines and the day to day, moment to moment love that I’m blessed to share with someone so special. She makes me feel like it's finally alright to love someone passionately... Other than that, each day blended into the next and at work, it was all about change, preparation, and vice verse. 2011 will probably be more of the same but with any luck, it’ll be highlighted by great times, adventures, and escapes from the day to day. So, I say Happy New year and just like every year now since late 2009, I miss my mom and pray she’s watching over me with pride.

Follow up tribute..

I’m old enough to have been blessed with the kind of experiences where I never feel like I’m missing out when it comes to the wild, the crazy, or the sort of experiences of today that are considered the “in” thing to do. What I miss is the potential of what could’ve been and how special the potential long lasting memory would feel like after having gone through it. Such is the case when I think about Mr. Narciso Peralta. The funeral has come and gone. He is missed especially by his daughters, his son, his wife and grandchildren. And I miss him very much too. It makes me question time and why things happen when they happen. Though he lived a full and wonderful life, I wish God could’ve given him many more years so I could enjoy his presence a little longer.

After experiencing my first trip to the Philippines last year, I placed within my heart a new dream to look forward to that would coincide with the dream that I experience every day. Like when I see my love’s smile or hear her voice or rest my head on her shoulder. My new dream and it may sound simple to others, but I truly looked forward to that day when I could hangout on the front porch with Narciso in San Carlos, Pangasinan in the Philippines and also going walking with his wife, Myrna to the market or to church; anywhere as long as I could experience what to me would feel really nice and special. I’m a strong believer in moments and how much they can potentially mean to your life, though it’s probably human nature to waste time and not realize the greatness of what you have. As I’ve grown older, I’ve gotten better at appreciating what means the most and what I can carry with me regardless of where I travel. That sort of thing is carried within the heart and soul, filed under experience and hopefully exuded through some kind of wisdom that allows you to see and actually care about all that you’ve endured. Right now, this is a moment to endure because the pleasure that I could’ve received had that simple dream been allowed to come true would have been enormous. Not to mention the blessed occasion of seeing Narciso and Myrna enjoy their golden wedding anniversary and all the smiles, laughter, and togetherness of the family. Wow, it would’ve been the ultimate in good times.

Sadly, reality is a different story and dreams have to climb in the backseat sometimes. There will still be incredible moments and a lot of love shared amongst family but the presence of Narciso will be missed a great deal. His memory however, will be treasured forever… He’s gone too soon... Another one of those, “life ain’t fair” moments.

Narciso Peralta

God took with him another great one from this world. But this man leaves behind one of the most incredible families to ever exist on this planet. I'm sure he feels proud though he left too soon because I was looking so forward to many more smiles, great stories and blessings on the front porch. I will miss Narciso Peralta very much but the little time that I've had in his presence will carry me a long way in memory. And each one of those memories makes me smile. I was just wishing he could be there for the special days ahead and what a thrill it would've been to sit with him on a porch somewhere in the Philippines. I imagine he'll simply be there in spirit and I look forward to that moment. For now I pray he watches over his beautiful family and guide them from heaven. Rest in peace and in love..... always....

Shining Moment...

I had a nice shining moment today. I was honored at work with what they call the Presidential Award. I felt like Obama with my nice new suit purchased at the Hollywood Suit Outlet for a nice low price.... *smile* The moment was nice. I was honored and touched. As always, missing my mom and wishing she could've spent that moment with me but as they say, she's watching down on me with pride. If there had been a moment of words given to us who received this award, would've definitely raised the trophy in her honor. Nevertheless, I was blessed to share the moment with friends and my love who keeps me shining from within, always.... So, cheers to the moment!

What's the curve on this midterm?

"In a perfect world where America is sincere about helping or even allowing Obama to do good things for this country, everything would surely be alright for everyone or at least headed in that direction. Right now, direction is about as sure as a coin toss."

Leftcoast Sanity

I hungout on a Saturday morning checking out the "Rally For Sanity" put on by John Stewart. Or, I should say, a smaller version of it held in Los Angeles. It was okay... I'm not sure if it inspires sanity but hopefully the overall effect of it inspires folks to go to the polls and vote intelligently. The event here in LA looked like there was maybe a little over 100 folks in MacArthur Park; all watching a slightly large projection screen that broadcasted the actual rally held in Washington DC today. It looked like a pretty amazing event to experience live in person. I've always wondered what it would be like to stand in the Washington mall and witness a sea of people as far as the eye can see. I heard a report stating that this event today was "this generation's Woodstock." Yikes! *smile* Respectfully, I dont think so. A major event. A pretty cool idea, but a couple hours can no way equate to 3 days of a life changing, true representation of the culture during that time. This event will fade away. Woodstock; we will forever continue to watch the movie and be amazed by what went down... Still, I think John Stewart has something to be proud about. I wish the turnout in LA was larger and with a greater representation from all that make up this huge city but nevertheless, it was cool... Now, time to vote...