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Showing posts from 2008

VIP

Sunday: Traffic was unusually heavy although likely with the influx of Baguio visitors. G o ing to mass was already like a sacred procession in itself. Although behind schedule, we almost made it to church. I fervently hope that our intention of attending mass based on our faith is strong enough to be acceptable in the eyes of Our Father. We’re about to enter when we were blocked and led out by policemen seemingly guarding the perimeter. With the idea that they were under direct order to secure the place for the safety of no less than the President, I repetitively sought for the elusive answer from one policeman if it was indeed because of who I thought it was, he reluctantly confirmed. Why drive parishioners away with the notion that they (or we) are possible threats if the reason for going to mass in the first place is supposed to be founded on faith. Faith that in God’s hand, one is not to worry… Faith that in God’s hand, everyone will be saved… Don’t they have faith? Doesn’t

When the Son Dims yet Radiates

There is a correlation as to the term son with that of the Sun, both of which denote life-sustaining light. Like so, bearing of a son is sort of lighting the path towards the upholding of a man’s (father’s) legacy. An officemate was telling me how isolated he felt keeping his gender identity in the closet for the longest time from his family. Until, he pondered on liberation thus his revelation. His mother was apparently at a loss for words in disbelief. Yet the word spread… Closet queen no more, his true emancipation came recently when his most feared uncle, while intoxicated and already aware of his ‘gender issue’, expressed acceptance of his clandestine sexuality even referring to him as his niece. So much goes for ‘the son (light) of his brother’.  Disappointments are usually the sentiments (intensely for fathers) ( Father encourages students to maul 'gay' son at Dunoon Tech ... ) behind such disclosure, consequently compelling gay people to rather ‘stay in the closet’.

Red

When our daughter came into being, I had this inkling about my tough yet fulfilling responsibility ahead in view of babies’ animated nature. While on occasion I took charge on tending to our baby then, making her sleep was far the most demanding. Other than that, it was tolerably smooth. And easier it became when I discovered how our gas-guzzling vehicle then proved to be that of what will soundly lullaby her to sleep. Talking about cost-effective… effective however costly. Tough indeed! (Lol) All the while, that was easy (except for the (fuel) outlay); then came our son. The excitement he feels every time we go for a ride seems to ascertain the difference between boys and girls. He prefers to stay awake or at least tries to. Reaching for and touching every button on the console panel seems to be more of his (boy’s) natural interest for anything technical than out of curiosity. Positioned behind the steering wheel, he yelps and mimics a moving car sound in glee presumab

"Jobless ka nga ubing!"

On our way home, we were brought to a stop by the red light. It was as well a cue for an alarming exploit. Apparently their version of the Christmas rush, children come rushing towards halted cars wishing even for a few loose change in exchange for a Christmas carol. They weren’t playing nor experiencing normal childhood. Innocently, they were meagerly working. At that moment, I told my 6-year old daughter the importance of valuing her education… More than the likely stability of a compensating job, it was more of the related realization of the subsequent generations. Then, I remembered that one time I was ‘jobless’. Like normal children usually do, my cousins together with my brother and I used to play a lot during our youth. We ran in circles, scampered up and down the stairs, climbed and carved our names on the guava tree. Our Grandmother’s house was anything but serene. Getting to be bothersome was the least of our worries until we hear a familiar berating voice

Medicinal Property

I was sent home from work yesterday due to severe dry cough. In as much as I can still work despite the infection, we have to be considerate of others who might get infected. Thus, the urge not to avail of an SL (Sick Leave) considering its (cash) conversion at hand was rather forgone. (Tsk! lol) Then again, I needed the rest as no matter how much I’d earn wouldn’t suffice should my condition turns to worst. Health is wealth could as well be a nourishing principle I should take into serious consideration for the sake of my family. Suspecting Baguio’s bracing weather this season to be the culprit, I contentedly wrapped myself with the coziness of a thick blanket. (“Ooh comfy!”) I was by myself then… On the surface, the warmth I felt shifted to glum coldness though as all of a sudden I longed for the warmer embrace of my family. I’ve realized that the intrinsic crisp air Baguio exudes is not as breezy without someone special to warmly cuddle with in fending the coldness off. Emotio

Heavyweight

The Dream Match was how the De La Hoya – Pacquiao welterweight boxing match was regarded. Dream Mismatch would have been more apt. That said, it’s more of waking-up-to-reality for De La Hoya and his fans and supporters as well going into the fight as the favorite. With the deemed 'mismatch' going the other way around, it would have been regarded as an upset. In such a shake-up, the loser would have been upset… But no, seemingly preserving his 'golden' name, Dela Hoya conceded defeat early on. Yet, was it really like that to begin with? Pacquiao’s admittance of his admiration for the more celebrated De La Hoya could probably be more of the reason why it was a dream match for the Pacman in the first place. How about for De La Hoya? Was it because despite of his expected loss, being the bigger star assured him of a heftier purse? Like the “Mexicutioner” (a title even the Pacman doesn’t like) , I’ve always been a fan of the Golden Boy. I cannot see myself cheering for him

Behind yet at the forefront

Yesterday, a Road Manager was coordinating with us on behalf of her represented celebrity in line with the latter’s scheduled autograph signing and photo op (photograph opportunity). She was keen on suggesting their preferred operation (i.e., set-up; queuing; security, et al.) for the said event. Demanding seemed to be how she expressed their provisions. Understandable as it is, she was making sure the occasion will turn out to be ‘fitting for a star’. How will these stars glitter more without those who outwardly switch their luster on? Then again, one would still considerably wonder how it would be like to be in that celebrity’s ‘comfortable shoes’… For a minute there, I thought of the wide-ranging difference between the life of the rich and famous and those who rely on salaries for the assurance of the former’s further convenience. Also, I’ve come to reflect on an article I wrote years back… sharing it with you, read on and appreciate the men behind the production of that what yo

Pampered Innocence

Having been asked to host an awarding ceremony for an event yesterday, notable realizations filled my thoughts. The occasion was with regard to babies as the stars of the moment. Conceivably, every parent , believe that their baby is a star. Yet, until when… Since the time sagacity served me right, I’ve reflected on some observations pertaining to parent-child relationship. While admirable are those who have shown unfailing parenting, on the contrary, it’s quite awkward to see parents seemingly harsh on their already-grown child. Whereas babies are so much cared for to the point of pampering them not j ust with the best ‘baby stuff’ but more than anything else, with invariable attention but they‘re rather dealt with differently once they’re ‘up-and-about’ and naturally manifes ting childlike-bothersome behavior. Reasonable indulgence in investing emotional attachment is acceptable but to apparently push that aside soon after one’s baby is a little older and understandably mischiev

Michael Forgot To Rock

“25 Minutes too late” would suitably be the song ‘Michael Learns To Rock’ (MLTR) fans could be singing in line with the cancellation of the band’s Baguio concert. Furious ticket holders were aghast to have found out of the show’s cancellation on the last-minute. While it was scheduled for November 21, the announcement of its “postponement” was inadequately relayed on the same date. A lot of those who bought tickets were not even from Baguio, who, on the assumed day of the concert, excitedly came over for probably the “Sweetest Surprise” only to find out the sourness behind their enthusiasm. The day before could have even stirred their anticipation “When Tomorrow Comes” . Thus, finding out that their tickets were seemingly symbolic of a rain check instead, “The War Is Not Over” so it seemed as their enduring anger look as if “It’s Gonna Make Sense” . Why wouldn’t it be? Reason for its cancellation weren’t even disclosed. Was it rather a case of “Michael Learns To Duck”? Are they just

"Hayop ang Dating!"

Do you ever wonder how animals would probably feel and react if they're aware of being compared to certain human behavior? It's how much I wonder why the kind of association. As if it's unusual for these animals to act their nature; it is rather "out of proportion" to be cited for such "beastly" peculiarity, especially if used to associate with people who have the ability to act sensibly and be responsible for their own actions unlike the animals that are merely being 'it' as naturally expected. Pigs, upon seeing one among their own being clean and elegant at that, don't alienate that pig and start teasing it with "ang tao mo naman" ("oh you're such a man"). And two people fighting know they can avoid such squabble if they want to, not as if their hostility is due to their instinc t like that of aso't pusa (dogs and cats). Prostitutes don't have wings, for if they do, they will just 'fly high' and

Reality Check

It's funny when we tend to criticize a certain story, may it be a movie or TV drama perhaps, for its unrealistic plot. Whereas it makes critics out of us or pull the wool over our eyes, we seem to be unaware of our own life's unlikely story lines. Though it's realistic for us to assess these unbelievable movie themes, we become the opposite in dealing with our own "drama". There's partiality with our reasoning, very much the subject we tend to disapprove of. That's the truth, however reality bites. Here are 5 reality check 'list': MOVIE : We approve ( giggle ) of two people falling in love with each other and having an affair despite both being attached to their respective "cruel" partners who end up as the anti-heroes we "hate" for being the hindrance to the two "in-love" characters as we assent to separation or what have you as long as they end up together. REALITY : Will we still feel the same way if the

Grounded Stone

While walking along roads, standing still or just loitering somewhere, whether we're being observant with what's going on or simply oblivious of our surroundings, there are reasons for all that are moving about or that of what's stationed in its designated settings. The bird that just flew by, chancing upon your dream car perhaps, even those of our current state and including the stone on the ground, all have a purpose. Everything happen or exist for a reason. Did it ever occur to you that spending a few seconds of your time, let's say, picking up what seems to be a useless stone can actually make considerable changes on how your (or others') day will come to pass... If the stone lying on the ground has life and a mind of its own, it could have picked-up itself to avoid being stepped-on or simply ignored but it doesn't have that capacity. If we're going to relate ourselves to that stone, most of us would like to change one or a few things concerning ou

UNDISPUTED

Wonder how or why men try to boost up their ego when in denial of a failure? May it be from a relationship, a certain match-up with that of the same ‘breed’ perhaps or any of those things that did not allow them to meet what they believe is expected of them, much more from that of their own presumption. Somehow, men find ways to justify such letdown. After a good boxing match-up for instance, assuming neither of the two pugilist kissed the canvass, the ‘defeated paw’ will claw back to glory by insisting that the decision should have been the other way around if it’s not because of too many objectionable reasons. While on the other hand, the victorious fighter, despite its swollen face would probably brag about not even having been bothered nor hurt by what he claims were ‘slight’ punches from, what the obvious thought, who roughly turned out to be such ‘a destructive force’ after all. Of course, there are more challenging ego-busting issues that knock men out of what for them are th

Realization

Gone are the days when all I thought about was fun Gone are the days when I was more of a boy than a man Days when most of the time I was up and about Proving myself with a juvenile clout Going through stages of self-imposed maturity Only to fall in a trap of awkward ambiguity Thus nothing seemed to matter not even what I said An enlightening experience likewise leveling my head Seasoning my consciousness to who I will be Occurrences that taught the meaning of modesty Up till now I incessantly gain unfamiliar essentials Enough to admit my lack of potential Who I was molded who I am Though with limited know-how I’m not dumb Embracing new insights is equally welcomed As I accept the realization of my being human

A dose of my own medicine

Pride is the absence of submissiveness over the admission of a weakness, most likely along with an obnoxious exertion of superiority. Early this morning when my 6-year old daughter was about to buy Taho , she insisted on having hers be put in her small cup. We have often used the pint-sized cup. Buying only half of the usual amount we've been ordering would exactly measure up in her cup being her reason. I, on the other hand, firmly contended that she still use our regular cup as half of it would somehow amass even more than the capacity of her small cup for the same peso value. Quite unconvinced, she obliged anyhow. I thought I'd point it out to her my argument by pouring into her small cup the same-price-amounting-content of the bigger cup to illustrate the brimming difference. Seemingly fooled by my visual perception, a case of optical illusion akin to that of Gestalts Law's Proximity, I was proven wrong! (Laugh) True enough, far from a proximate rej

Trick or T(h)reat?

“Trick or treat?” would have been a more reasonable and a familiar greeting from a most likely costume-clad (identity-concealed) stranger during Halloween… However, with an apparent irate voice over the phone early on the other morning, a woman was complaining about our ineffectiveness. She was furious on how her grandchild’s finger almost got severed while seated on a moving escalator. Questioning as to why we haven’t placed a cautionary signage indicative of the unsuitability of such device to be seated on by a child as she was insistent that we do… She continued with her tirade by introducing herself as the owner of a prominent local establishment seemingly asserting her influence. Consequently, should we fail to comply, she’ll be addressing the matter on paper. Trick or treat? Well, she put emphasis on “not that she was threatening”, she just demanded that the putting up of a signage be done. Looking for a scapegoat to cover-up a parenting letdown, tsk tsk ... Fact of the matte

Old's Cool

Being young, one is most likely to be accustomed with the in-thing. Most often than not, whatever is the trend is even humorously compared to that of what the current generation apparently deem as old-fashioned. Time will come when that 'thing' will as well turn out to be "... so 5 minutes ago!" True to such expression, time's fast and changing. What's up-to-the-minute as of the moment could be out-of-date in 5 minutes figuratively speaking. Although outdated, this part-of-the-past movingly becomes a reminder. Conversely, it is such an instance wherein realization sets in - "We're old!" Yet somehow, upon realizing how outlandish we could be if some things from our past would be presently carried out, a bracing and comforting self-condemnation takes place ("Damn! I wore those stretchable skinny jeans?!") . There will be something new that could push what used to be the latest thing behind the times. Behind yet advanced... Like wi

Growing up without the 'i' and 'g'

One way or another, all adults have gone through the stage of growing up. Either it was a  time worth the experience or otherwise, it's a significant life's segment relative to that of what molds our character as much as what seasons our being. Fact of the matter is that growing up is a nonstop process or so should it be. Regardless of how old or seasoned we are, we continue to learn. That's where maturity comes in. We grasp to accept new developments and knowledgeable enough to adapt to it. After all, as they say and as apparent as it is, change is the only constant thing there is. In understanding so, we set aside pride as well as the authoritative approach in dealing with variations. Taking it from the title of this article for instance, the ' I ' and ' G ' being referred to could in effect stand for ' I mportant G auge' (or even ' I nvaluable G ains') in recognizing how considerable it is to acknowledge what we all have

S.O.S.

Normally in a conversation when corresponding parties are amenable to talk about anything, such candor signifies an exchange of thoughts about “practically anything under the sun.” It’s a kind of openness usually shared by people with close ties. Talk about irony, “they’re close yet they’re open.” Speaking of which, there is nothing peculiar about this blog site’s title: Switching On the Sun . As candid as every article in here will be, it is initially intended to be my unsolicited guiding principle to my children. As of the moment, they’re quite young to even read this. Inspired by the movie “My Life” starring Michael Keaton, I thought of ‘blogging’ about possible views I could be exchanging with my kids when they’re both grown-ups however in a sad and unpredictable circumstance I might not get a glimpse of. I’m not dying just yet or so my current health condition says so. Then again, the incalculability of our being motivates me to be rather ready. What if I'm gone just when