My pix at Multiply

since the files are big, i've posted my recent pix at duchessnette.multiply.com.

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As of last count, i have less than 50 books of Andrew M. Greeley. He's a priest, poet, sociologist, professor and novelist of around 30 bestsellers. He's 78 years old and I hope I get to meet him someday. He changed my life, my views on religion but most importantly he influenced my enormous love for God. He reiterates that God lurks everywhere, shares our joys and our pains and that He pursues us with a passion, that God is madly in love with us. AMG believes in second chances, in love renewed and that everyone is a teenager at heart. I hope I get to complete my collection. More to go..

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/andrew-m-greeley/

Full Circle

Around this time last year, I was a sleep-deprived, struggling new Mommy. Those were tough adjustments and I was so tired. Post-partum stress is real. I wanted a break from the round the clock 2 hour feedings not to mention that Rye was colicky. Oh, the daily crying at 3 am made me want to cry myself.

A year after, my Rye sleeps like a log and takes over the entire bed. Last Saturday was his first trip to the zoo. And what a riot it was! We went to the Kinder Zoo - a petting zoo which is better than the entire grounds since you can touch and pose with the animals. Well, Rye and I touched a huge albino snake and a medium-sized snake was placed in my shoulder (I frozed!), a bayawak and parrots. He was patting the snake like it's just a dog.

Pix to follow.

Random Thoughts

This is a weird time..I haven't read a book in months. I haven't watched tv in a month (so I'll probably resort to season dvds of my fave shows coz we don't have cable). I haven't seen a movie in the cinema since Narnia I think. My past weekends were booked for workshops, pedia check ups, bonding with the kids and friends. And Grocery shopping. You won't believe that Thelma, Maro, Yen, Jen & I spent hours in Toy Kingdom and SM Supermarket. Had fun with the scanner thingy. Oh and a video store where we found sale vcds. Yey.

I'm just amazed that my usual multi-media filled existence is now reduced to listening to music on my way to work. And then seeing the latest celebrity news and pix online. It's fun though. Reading stories to Rye even if he slept while I was in the middle of my storytelling..Listening to JJ and Jom's basketball stories..

Celebrity moms boggle me no end. I'm bothered with Britney's about-to-go-on-a breakdown scene due to a barrage of seemingly mommy neglect news. Poor girl. And another one on the way. She looks exhausted. And then we see Jennifer Garner, all smiling and cool holding pretty Violet. Soo cute.

Rye is really announcing to the world he's a toddler now by way of his new tantrum trick - he dives backwards ala Pilita Corrales when he can't have his way or when he's upset. And he's been doing it with much effort. May buwelo pa. Tsk tsk..

Roseola Ruined Rye's Birthday

Everything was perfect. The weather (the week before there was a sudden storm), the venue, the party favors, the program, the people - the kids with their painted faces and the food. Except for Riley. He had fever and colds. Turns out he had 3 Day Fever a.k.a. Roseola Infantum a.k.a Tigdas Hangin. It's NOT measles. It's symptoms are like measles - fever, swollen glands, cough, colds and then yesterday, he had the rashes..all 101 million of them (according to Jayjay). He was the red spotted baby the day after his party.

I'll post the pix tomorrow. Thank you so much for coming! Though Rye was crying, we practiced how he'd blow the cake, how he'd smile and make beautiful eyes to his guests and clap his hands and do the close open baduy thing..He'd do all of those but Roseola ruined it. Wrong timing..

But he was happy. He was still spitting at the guests and he was pointing at Popeye and Olive.

Thank you God. Now that he's one, he's making it known by making the initial toddler tantrums..

post Mother's Day post

My back hurts. Badly need a massage. I haven't fully slept. Badly need a nap. My feet hurt from too much walking. Badly need a foot spa. I have read only 3 pages of Da Vinci Code since this weekend. But I am not complaining. In fact, it's fun! Being a mom to a one year old (in 4 days, wow!) and a guardian to 2 boys (with everyday tantrums) is amazing..Yesterday despite the rains, we braved the museums in Intramuros and had a blast. They learned about Jose Rizal, Philippine costumes and heritage,art works and historical places. In the afternoon off we went to Star City. It was one roller coaster ride (literally and figuratively) for me!

Dear Lord, I thank You for a year drenched with grace. I have witnessed milestones upon milestones of Riley's development and it's just the beginning! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU..

JJ and Jom in Manila

I'm so happy that my nephews are here on vacation. They're going to learn basketball and have field trips organized by me. I already have my itinerary planned and ready for implementation. Museums, heritage sites etc. Wohoo..I'm so maternal these days that it's actually fun. Contrary to my warped expectations. And they love Riley so much. And Rye loves them back. He spits at them (which he does when he's happy) and dives to them head first when they're sleeping..Yup, that's pure cousin(ly)affection.

Straight from the airport, they already went to Romina's party..Cool~!

Sweet Books

Last Saturday, we went to a garage sale and Sweet Valley High books were sold for P20 each. It was like a trip back to highschool. Like revisiting old friends. I was soo happy! I got 2 books, the Saga series and Jessica's Secret Diary. Although I love Elizabeth more, there's still something about Jessica that gets you hooked everytime. And the other subplots like the story of Regina Morrow and Bruce Patman..Ohh..cried rivers of tears... I'm gonna be back and check out more next week. There were Sweet Dreams, Archie Comic Books...my favorites growing up. Another member of the gang although it wasn't on sale was Nancy Drew. That's why part of me wanted to be a spy. She made it seem fun and mysterious of course.
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Rye is not afraid of Grimace the Purple Mascot at McDonald's. He just gave him a creased browed look and then turned his head away. Even when Grimace touched his face! I tell you my kid is a winner at deadmahan. We attended his cousin's birthday yesterday and boy, he attacked the food and my spaghetti almost fell in his lap coz he wanted to eat na. And he loved McFlurry too. Here's to a lot of birthday parties in the future!

11 months Baby!

Rye is 11 months today. Yipeedidoodah! We hit the beach last week and it was his first time to see the sand and the sea. It was such a classic precious moment, seeing him cringe at the feel of sand on his feet. The full moon was especially bright that black Saturday night. It was beautiful. Thank God for real friends. Thank You for Brother Sun and Sister Moon.

Almost a month to go before the Big Day

It's gonna be Rye's 1st birthday next month and I'm so psyched! Been planning it starting last week. So far I got the event details done today. I just need to confirm and finalize the other thingies to make the event more exciting and fun for the kids. My favorite kiddos will be there yahoo!

I've never had a fastfood birthday party venue at all. Not that I am complaining or anything since my Mom took a lot of effort preparing for my home parties and doing everything herself. With Dad doing the errands as well. I'll always remember her famous fried chicken, pancit bihon, lumpiang shanghai and macaroni salad. I miss her so much.

It's just that I'm excited that Rye can have different themes and venues all through his life, well...up until I can still handle it and if he wants it. I've read One year old parties are really for the parents since the babies won't remember it, thank goodness for video and photo coverage so he can see it when he's old enough to appreciate it. Like when Ayla saw her 1st bday about 2 years ago. She was so amazed. And I want Rye to have that too.

Rye's baptism was kinda in a hurry since we thought G-anne would be going to the province earlier than expected. So I moved it to an earlier date. But everything fell into place. It was a fun time to be with the people I cherished the most.

This time it's going to be really organized and although his birthday falls on a Friday, I'm gonna make it a Saturday just so it's convenient to the oldies (haha!) who have work. I hope the kids will enjoy the party. And Rye too.

Summer is here!

On Ayla's birthday, we had a pool party in Alpha Grand View condo in Malate. Indoor and private (since we're the only ones there plus George the Greek kid) and we had a great time! It was also a cool coincidence that the noontime show S.O.P had live broadcast in Baywalk so there were sailboats in Manila Bay as part of the show.

The large pool was so cold so Rye couldn't stand it and opted for the jacuzzi instead.

Old Grand Architecture

Let me tell you how fascinated I am to be surrounded with grand old buildings. I used to live in Bel-Air Apartments, a pre-war relic and just across is Elk's Building which is now Museo Pambata and behind it is Luneta Hotel. Now I see the Post Office Building everyday, El Hogar, Regina Building, Calvo Bldg, Capitol Cinema House..so much history! I hope Rye can still see them when he grows up. I gotta save pix of them though. You know how crazy city officials are when it comes to restoration. I love how they hold so many memories. If these walls could talk..

This entry was inspired by what I'm currently reading online - Meine Lieben: Swiss Letters from the Philippines 1919 - 1927. It's based on letters by two Swiss expats here during that time. It's a glimpse of Manila in the 1900's. You can check it out at http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/onlinebook/onlinebook.html I love it so much! History is really a favorite subject of mine. There is still a lot to learn. More secrets to uncover. More motives revealed. Stories untold. Never believe history books at face value as told by my college history professor. Thanks Dr. Dery.

On being sluggish

It's summer and I'm feeling the heat and the laziness of these days. Especially when I received texts from friends saying they're in some beach resort or just out of town. If green is the color of jealousy, what is the color of envy? Haha. And it doesn't help that I made a big booboo at work. Serious enough to merit an advisory on the website no less! My bosses are so kind. I don't think I deserve them. Though it's my first mistake here, I still feel weird about it. Incompetence has always been something I'm scared of committing.

I guess it's the routine. I'm so used to a life on the run. Like cutthroat dead or alive happenings in concerts or tv shows. In the corporate world, it's a verbal reprimand or a memo. And they do it ever so politely. I'm not sure how to react. But it's a wake up call for me. There's a phase in my job where I know the in's and out's already and I want a new challenge. I think here they want me to sell. Yes ladies and gentlemen, Sales. I'm gonna be a salesperson. Me, who took a summer job selling magazines but ended up getting the help of my mother (with oozing PR and God bless her wonderful soul) just to meet my quota. But now no one's gonna do the selling for me. I, who won't look people in the eye when I'm out in the streets and who won't greet people just for the heck of it..I need to ask a complete stranger to look at my product and convince him/her somehow to arrange for a meeting and then make follow ups. Arghhhhh...

I need a vacation! On my way to work, I'm near bus stations bound for provincial trips. I just wanted to hop in one of those and go away. Just for the day. With no luggage. No nothing. Just my everyday clothes and bag. And then I realized I have a son who will miss me..(I hope) and then I'm like, "Oh, I'm gonna save so I can bring Rye along"..

9 1/2

Rye at 9 1/2 months is quite a talker. He listens to every conversation and voices out his own baby babble. This week he's repeatedly saying "Ate", calling out to Ninang G, Ayla, KT and Teret...

When I was pregnant, I'd constantly create images in my head what he'll look like. And most of what I wanted --mop of curly hair, huge eyes, fair skin, my lips, soft hands, cute feet, dimples --he's got. I'd like to share his first Christmas, New Year and recent pix..

Bianca

I'm not sure I wanted Bianca Gonzales to be part of Celebrity Big Brother. It still boggles my mind why she joined the freak show in the first place. That is why I watch it. Just to see how she copes with the others. You see I came across Bianca's blog last year and instantly liked her. She was honest. In a refreshing kind of way. As a commercial model and tv host, she has spunk. I first saw her in the now defunct "Review Night" with Ryan Agoncillo.

I felt uncomfortable seeing her cry due to her Dad's grievances against her and telling the whole world how she felt insecure with the ex of her boyfriend. It just didn't feel right. Blogs were public enough but it is only a fraction to the millions who tune in every night to ABS CBN. I just felt she was violated. And for 1 million bucks? Not enough reason.

New family member

A new member of the family is due out this September (parang plug sa movie). My brother's domestic partner is pregnant. Oh, Riley's gonna be a Kuya. Come December, there will be 8 grandchildren who will surround Daddy Dad. Aww..cute.

I'm just glad I'm over the infancy stage. I'm happy with Riley being a baby. A big one who climbs stairs and bounces with Beyonce ;)

Jason and Tristan

on the music front, I love Jason Mraz. He's funny, cool and his lyrics are soo catchy. Try "Geek in the Pink". Anyhoo, I chanced upon his girlfriend Tristan Prettyman's song over Jam 88.3. and it's so cute..

Shy That Way
You know you’re stunning
You’re absolutely stunning
And I’m running always running
And now I’m crying
It’s only cause I’m caring
And if you were more daring
Maybe you’d stop staring
And come over and talk to me
Tell me bout how you’ve been waiting so patiently
And how you tried but I just turned away
And I’ll say yeah well you know,
I’m shy that way

Shy that way
Maybe I’m shy that way

Ohh you know you’re stunning
You’re absolutely stunning
But you’re always runnin
But I’ll catch up to you
The way you keep your distance is
Keeping my interest
So I’ll keep it persistent
Ohh maybe someday
Someway, somehow in some town
We’ll get together and
We’ll break it down
And I’ll ask why you’ve been
so shy, gotta be that way
Maybe baby, oh love, I like it that way

Shy that way
You know I love you so shy,
Shy that way

So keep it comin comin comin comin
Shy that way

There’s always too much talking
And I wanna just keep walking
But I keep staring baby
Keep staring
Though I may not know the right things to say
I’ll get it out to you one day

I’m shy that way
You’re shy that way
Do you like it
Do you like it?
When I’m shy this way?
Yes I like it
Yes I like it
When you’re shy

Shy that way

I like it
I like it shy
You know it’s alright, it’s ok
Cause we’re
Shy that way…

Jakey

Oh. Heart stop. Beating. I'm in love. Don't like Tom Cruise anymore. George Clooney is still gorgeous but...I'm so into Jake Gyllenhaal now. I first laid eyes on him in the film "Moonlighting" starring Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman. He with his puppy look, sad, haunting eyes, shy smile plus an endearing story reeled me in completely. I cannot believe he was the "Bubble Boy", he looked malnourished in that film. Then there was "The Day After Tomorrow" which made him recognizable at last. Based on my research, he auditioned for "Moulin Rouge" and almost got to play "Spiderman 2" but those films weren't meant to be his.

Hooray for "Brokeback Mountain", he's nominated for Oscars' Best Supporting Actor so I need to watch it because it's the first award to be given away that night! I got to watch him on Oprah last night. He was so adorable. Kirsten Dunst is crazy to let him go. capital CRAZY.

Love Day

as usual, it's the season to be in love and to love..In my former job, I used to work during Valentine's kasi peak season for shows and concerts. Now, 2 years na kong walang raket pag V day.

My memorable valentine's day (s) happened not with significant others (weird) but with my bestfriend Thelms. We used to watch horror films during this day because we didn't want to cry our hearts out watching sappy films back in the day when we were pathetic singletons (duh..i still am). We also stalked Claire Danes in her hotel room via phone call when she was here (yup, those days when she said Manila is a filthy place filled with cockroaches) and sent "My So-called Life" lines to my crush via beeper (yuck, how revealing our age ha..)

It's my son's first Valentine's. Geez, gotta photo op..bye.

Red Shadow Events

www.redshadowevents.blogspot.com

I am from

I am from a woman with a generous heart, overflowing with love and compassion. She did everything for her family and became more than just a light – she became a beacon which illuminated our lives. She dances and sings through life’s hardships, forgave people of her bitter past, betrayals which made her a stronger person. She adopted everyone in her care and fought for those she fiercely loved. She made friends with anyone, for her no one is a rotten fruit. She passed away at a ripe age of 61, still lingers within us and through us. She continues to guide all our life’s precarious choices by way of dreams and songs.

I am from a man who has a silent and calm disposition. He has remained meek and humble and honest. He who stayed loyal in his career path, steady and kind. He has provided me with companionship, support and adoration all through my days. He has accepted life with simplicity and strived to fulfill his role as a great father. He without speaking, has taught me so much. He is always there. Resilient. Like an anchor. Like a rock.

I am from a group of 4 siblings, each one different, each one distinct. But always united. Fights life’s storms armed with laughter and prayer. Strength to strength. Walang iwanan.

I am from a house made of pre-war materials and filled with historical value. It was a community of fun and mystery, intrigue and national pride. Long live Bel-Air.

I am from a clan of educators and landlords, a mixture of North Luzon and Vizayas. Bagoong and dried fish. Of sea and mountains and vast lands.

I am from a school composed of beautiful girls pretending to be boys and run by nuns. Of hymns and great teachers which changed my life. Of classmates that became friends for life.

I am from a university of the elite, which ironically made me more “masa”. Of various types of media and cool professors. Of Dopeyz and standing up for who I am. Of knowing my talents and maximizing it. Of photography, video, tv production, journalism and filmmaking. It is watching silent black and white films for hours on end.

I am from a church which is now a shrine. A place where the oldest Marian image in the country resides. Of which I can sing with all my heart and serve God no matter what it takes. Of people whom I will forever cherish and friendships I will never forget.

I am from books and music and films and television. I get lost in them. I am from travels and adventure. I am from dreams and goals.

I am from career path littered with entertainment. Of singing and performing. Of television shows and research. Of scripts and press releases. Of promos and corporate communication. Of websites and internet. Of events and workshops. Of being part of a great company in the making.

I am from relationships obscure and exhilarating. Of facing everything against all odds. Without rhyme or reason. Without rules but all passion. All heart. Which breaks into a myriad of pieces. But lives for another day. And another and another…

I am from a person I named Riley Matthew. A source of joy, fulfillment and hope. A gift that overwhelms me still.

I am from a God I call Dayspring. The One who refreshes my soul. The One I long for. The reason for my being. The grace which saves me everyday. The One who loves me. The One who will take me home.