quick notes

only my 2nd update for this month, and in a not so pleasing news, this is another death post. after attending the devotional prayer last night, we (wifey & i) were greeted by a surprising SMS from my cousin: "patay na si uncle non ngayong 8pm, nasa new era gen hosp pa sya at si auntie loida." i just don't know how to react. my mom just sent them something for the month and i am about to contact them any day from now. and then this news. after getting more details, i called mom and broke the news to her. i knew she's sadden by what i've told her and three of her brothers died while she was away from the country. uncle non is the youngest among the boys, and my mom never forgets to look after him and his family. just imagine how it feels to lose a loved one, and not being there. i talked to my aunt and inquired since when were they in the hospital and she told me that they just came in there the day before. cardiac arrest was the said cause of death. it's just nice to note though that family members were immediately ready to help my widowed aunt.

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i'm currently struggling in terms of monetary savings the past few weeks. but my faith says "hold on." indeed, blessings come at the time you never expect. i'm happy to support wifey with her new online business. she's still in the process of starting it and we both hope it could at least complement and sustain our savings versus the monthly expenses. i just want to clarify that we're not spend-thrift and we prioritize the basic needs. need i mention that i don't get to buy new stuffs for me anymore? and we've also cut expenses already, and plan to squeeze out some other things a bit more. amazingly, i don't feel any sense of panic with this current situation, even if in a couple of years time, little Aya will also be going to school already. i've always held on to this: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

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after 26 years, i came back to Iloilo--- not for pleasure but for a business trip. it was nice seeing the place again, although i don't recognize any resemblance of the present Iloilo from the former. Too many changes already. It was also nice being with my colleagues Didith & Ricky who were my companions and guide in our projects there in the province. Iloilo offers a good number of great food and we didn't miss them: batchoy, seafood, and those pasalubongs that Manilenos also love. When I come back there, i still need to taste some specialty food i wasn't able to eat during my two-night stay. that would be in September!



more photos here.

The Nation Just Lost Another Treasure

Dolphy, 1928 - 2012

Being a martial law baby, i grew up being a fan of a Filipino sitcom which was very popular during the early 80's, and which lasted for more than a decade on Philippine TV. TV programs then were not as "liberal" as the shows of today. Humor used to be simple and most of the time "clean." As far as I can remember, there were three popular TV shows back in my childhood years: two of them were soap operas and the other, an undisputed sitcom which portrays the typical Filipino family life--- John 'n' Marsha. The sitcom was starred by couple Dolphy as John and (the late) Nida Blanca as Marsha. They have two kids named Rollie (played by Rollie Quizon himself) and Shirley (portrayed by the Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano.) Both of them started young and grew up with the sitcom. Notable scene in its every episode is the mother-in-law's (played by the late Dely Atay-Atayan) endless blabbing against her son-in-law John, and the 'echoing' of the sermons by the 'biyenan's alalay,' Matutina. When John N Marsha ended, the king of comedy continued to make people happy through his unique comedy, and family-oriented sitcom again went on air in the 90's--- Home Along Da Riles.

Dolphy is more than just how today's generation knows him. In an article written by Gibbs Cadiz, Dolphy is a national treasure. He gave laughter to millions of Filipinos, generation after the other. He didn't give in to the pressure of entering politics, "Eh paano kung manalo ako?" as he said. He's one of the humblest Pinoy celebrities i know that's why millions adore him, respect him.

King of Comedy... THANK YOU. your throne in the industry will forever remain!