Switching On the Sun

Among Star Wars fans, you'd know that famous line as from that of Darth Vader... It's similarly the same among fathers who have to fight for their rights over their children; not as "Darth Vader" though, but against "Dark Invader". Yet how "dark" could that "invader" be for a father to sacrifice almost everything including giving up the chance to be there for his kids? In a way, it's "Star Wars" when opposing sides respectively claim they're the "star" (of their side of the story) in their custody battle; usually at the expense of who they depict as the "antagonist" as if to justify their act as the right one and 'them' to be the chosen one; perhaps like Anakin who has gone to the dark side... "Anakin'ng pating!!" Have they even asked or considered as to whose expense is it actually; the feelings of the children corresponding with the emotional and mental implications as...

Congrats to my "forever baby" girl! Your rank may have tailed off but your general weighted average went up, thus, it's all good... What I'm most proud of actually is that you've accomplished all of these without even trying yet you manage to consistently secure a spot ... somehow, you're number 1 on that category... You know my stand on that, right? As long as you pass and understand the real essence of it all while enjoying the learning process sans animosity as you're only "competing" with yourself (if only to be a better person than who you were yesterday) as much as you should prove your true value for all the worthwhile reasons then it's downright alright. And that's under the pretense that "right" isn't always practical from a generally opinionated society's multifaceted standard... It's a good preparation for the real (or corporate) world ahead of you. You see, rankings and hierarchy are overrated as ...

FB reminded me of my wife's birthday 2 days ago... Not that I have to be reminded of such special day... As a matter of fact, I already greeted her the night prior as soon as the clock struck out of Sept 1's last second while presenting my gift to her in all its "unwrapped" glory... I was reminded again yesterday as if urging me on to FB-post a birthday greeting however late. But then, the thing is that, I don't really FB-post a birthday greeting for someone I can actually greet personally... As to anything event-related, I usually post an acknowledgment instead or a testimonial, a recollection and the like; not for her directly but for others to serve as witnesses to what I'd rather express seemingly shouting it to the world... My wife then asked me how come I haven't greeted her on Facebook via any kind of posting... I was like "Huh?! Like I already greeted you last night..." Yes, that was totally "unsweet(ened)" or insensitive ...

We took our kids to see Jurassic World the movie considering as well how our 7-year old son is so into dinosaurs. When we got home, we were yet talking about those prehistoric creatures. At the dinner table while conversing about the movie and some of its highlights, the scene where the lead actor's role "Owen" was guiding the raptors in hunting down the "monster dinosaur" came up. It had my son agree with the leading lady's nephews' assessment of Owen as their aunt's "bad ass boyfriend"... Nevertheless, "bad ass" means cool. From then on, I asked my son in jest, "So do you think I'm a bad-ass dad?" To which he flamboyantly replied: "Noooo!" "What? Why not? Am I not cool enough?" By then he thoughtfully answered back: "You are... but you're not bad. You're nice..." "Nice?!" (pause) So I'm a 'Nice-ass' dad?" as I thought would be my composed-sti...

Regardless of where I am, being with my family is what makes me feel at home… There are moments however when you also enjoy the serenity of that personal space’s exclusivity… I (or I believe, we – my family) experienced both in a fitting MOMent along a timely occasion at a suitable retreat – make that SUITE-able haven. The commemoration of Mothers’ Day just last Sunday of which subsequent to it was the national election the next day made it a long weekend. Usually, 3-day off from work is simply spent as a longer period for ‘family time’. What makes it rather extra special is some out-of-the-ordinary indulgence. And far from commonplace indeed, we seized the chance to spend 3 nights and 3 days in a 3-bedroom suite at Azalea Residences Baguio. Markedly, too much 3s there (3-day off, 3 nights/3 days, 3-bedroom suite…) but (and as if to substantiate ‘family man’ as this site’s essence…) the best ‘3’ for me however are the similarly “threefold” reasons: father, mother and kids – Fam...

Due to cough and colds, I was sent home from work last Monday. With an apparent suppressed cough which also had my head awfully throb, I seemed to have likewise acquired body pains. Either it was a physically-draining infection or it’s just that age is really catching up with me. I concede to the latter to be the real culprit. Those who really know me could attest that I’m not a sickly person. I believe, as much as I can physically feel it, I could have tolerated reporting for work still if not for due consideration on the possibility of a contamination. Cough, after all, even sounds off its process of virus-transmittal. Other than the possibility of transmitting the bug, chances are you also get that unwanted “Eww! Do you mind” stares; of which are added factors pushing you to rather go home and rest. As for the ‘carrier’, coughing is likewise coughing out resources. Needless to say, aside from medicines, other detriments go to “accommodating adjustments” for the patient: sort of f...

Last year (Fathers’ Day) I ‘said’ about how being a father is a privilege regardless of a fitting paternity approach. For which possibly depending on a child’s distinct nature, one’s parenting style could be reciprocally integral for both father and child. Thus, the basis of “the best dad” standards personally depends on every child’s recognition of it. Some children may deem their father to be the epitome of what a father should be but to expect that of someone else’s father as the basis of such commitment shouldn’t be the case. The person/s with the most if not the only right to declare that would have to be the father’s own child/ren. My father was more than a hero to me. I may not be able to level-up to the kind of a father he was but applying my own parenting methodology that of which works well for my children comes off similarly sound for me. That brings me to this year’s Fathers’ Day celebration… As I woke up early yesterday (Fathers’ Day) morning, just when there was this ...

My son getting snatched by a big spider woke me up from such a bad dream this morning. What it meant kept me wondering and somehow worried. Lately, dreams seem to be foretelling something I should be concerned about. Just the other night, I dreamt of having a short (life) term left due to brain cancer. Brushing it off was rather manifested until a text message from my kid brother had me contemplate on a probable signification. Inadvertently, in his dream that same night, he had a long conversation with our late father who appeared poignant and emaciated apparently asking him to help me out among other things. Coincidentally, I’ve been sensing unusual physical conditions lately. Yet what I thought of was the few remaining days before I turn 39. Not too long ago, I thought of the probable age I’d breathe my last – 38. Should the inevitable happen and I’m gone, I was talking my wife into (re)marrying someone who would fill the void and be involved to assume the role as husband a...

“Daaaaaaddyyyy, I’m dooooone!!” That’s my cue to washing off my son’s ass LOL! Still dependent of us, we have to be patient in cleaning up our children’s mess. It’s similarly a way to instill in them some sense of responsibility. It’s ironically an “inconvenient convenience” (if I may say) to inject values relevant to their upbringing. We somehow hope that such commitment will teach them to be as conscientious amidst some “inconvenience” in going about their activities without disregard for uprightness. If there was an “upright” thing from one father last night, it was his right hand’s upped middle finger before his kid. We were about to go through an intersection when a speeding black Honda Civic flickered it’s headlights to signal its intention to go ahead before we proceed. After braking to a halt, I defensively let them passed despite already having the advantage for a right of way. It stopped right in front of us for the young driver to flail a “dirty finger” on me. Goo...

Intense is how the RH (Reproductive Health) Bill has created quite a controversy. It instigated varied reactions and arguments. Each has something to say and a conviction to back it up. The problem with the concerned people’s line of reasoning is that it becomes a case of WHO is more precise more than the supposed contention as to WHAT is right. Focused on the ratification of a worldly regulation, does anyone between the opposing sides even consider and understand the law of nature? Debated to be passed into law with big names joining in as expected, it has become a credibility match (a heated one at that) as to who would sound more believable of which resolutions and decisions are dependent on. Would their decision for a belief be based on popularity as an assurance for support? Are they even taking advantage of the people’s lack of sense, as they claim (thus pushing the bill as an intelligent choice), to secure backing rather than educate? The reason behind every dispute on the mat...

Looking for a XXXL size diaper for my 3-year old son, I’ve realized that he is already big to still be using a diaper. Right there I thought the non-existence of such size means the “no-kid-as-big-as-that-could-still-be-using-one” probability (thus why even produce what would not sell thought the manufacturer perhaps)… Before he totally outgrows his current XXL-size for a baby diaper, he needs to learn how to practically answer those kinds of nature call. Practical it would be indeed as it will spare me of further expenditure. Though his Mamy Poko brand for a diaper could be proven to be more practicable as it lasts longer, still, the convenient non-use of it is rather preferred. Don’t get me wrong with my choice on trying to be cost-effective. It’s just that there may be a more inexpensive brand that could be as useful but causes diaper rash. We’ve been prodding him on how to use his potty trainer instead but to no avail. I’ve also shown him how to “manly” pee but only elicits amu...

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It’s neither positive nor negative… But if it’s a score out of at least a few, it’s negative. If it’s a result out of something that’s supposed to be consumed or dissolved however, then it’s positive. Thus zero could mean good or bad depending on what it’s tallied for. Age-wise, zero could perhaps be marked when one hasn’t reached the age of one or hasn’t completed a full year commemorated on his/her birthday. My son was born on a leap day 3 years ago. Technically, commemoration of his 1st birthday on its actual day would be next year. When asked how old he is, he responds with “zero”. By some means, he could be likened to zero. He is endearing yet he could be bothersome as expected of his age. Age? But then again, he’s “zero”… Exactly! He’s both delightful and demanding though his being “zero” is “him” being even and not odd; in the same way how exacting he could get nevertheless he is still some treat for an amusement. As he grows, his interest varies. He’s now into wearing my ...

Falling on a Saturday, my daughter’s 9th birthday was rather celebrated with family. The idea of throwing a party in school would mean celebrating it on a day other than her actual birthday. It’s not much of a tight spot but neither would it be exact… Thus, Feb. 19th proved its fitting essence.  Before another year adds to my daughter’s 9 years of existence of which is a closer stage to adolescence, the thought of taking advantage of her still not into “can-I-just-celebrate-with-my-friends” sort of awkward moment was rather set into an ideal perspective. Quite simultaneous, my brother was in town for a business trip. Being the generous person that he is and as a fitting birthday treat for her niece, he delighted us with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Manila. Having planned for an intimate family get-together for lunch somewhere similarly conveying that natural warmth for an ambiance, I asked my brother to extend a bit and join us to make the celebration more jovial. I ...

5 days to go… Sensing little time left before Christmas, one is time-pressed to rather complete the season’s requisites. Other than the thought of what to serve for a Christmas feast, gift-giving remains to be one if not the most joyful observed custom. It is after all an expression of what Christmas is all about – Giving. Thus, people are keen on conveying momentous bounty this time of the year. Speaking of which, whatever it is that’s given is secondary compared to the generosity behind it. If such gesture though is carried out just to express “giving” sans sincerity, it defeats the purpose. “It’s the thought that counts” is not to be believed as conscientious of the idea of giving but the consideration of what could possibly be either appreciated or needed – that’s thoughtful liberality as opposed to “as long as I’ve given something”. On the other hand, recipients have to be more thankful of the thought regardless of what it is (unless perhaps it was mockingly given to elicit disgus...

Today we celebrate Fathers’ Day. Now that the celebration is likewise intended for me having two kids of my own, certain still is that I’m also a son. In relation to the occasion, I was a son to my father whom I (still) look up to and to whom I have somehow patterned my fatherhood approach. Fatherhood actually depends on one’s distinct method. It is from these means that fathers are measured up by their children as to how they are as a father. The partiality behind it though is that in such gauging process, considering we normally have one father, comparison is based between one’s own and that of other children’s father. Thus, the probable claim “My Dad’s the best father” of one child will always be disputable… as much as rather than argue with one’s parenting style, regard the difference instead even if only for realization to set in for both father and child as to the idiosyncrasies and exclusive circumstance of their relationship. Recognizing how these disparities could work fo...

Children’s birthdays are preferably celebrated with a party at least for those who can afford. Whereas for the average family, it would somehow entail considerable budgeting. Yesterday was my daughter ’s 8th birthday. We thought of throwing a party for her at school with her classmates. Though (children’s) parties are usually prompted with themes in consideration of the celebrant’s liking, the parents typically impose its overall actuation. In some cases, ours perhaps, it’s the resources that dictate. However, could the children have favored otherwise or innocently cared less? Are the gifts thought of instead more than the gathering? Do they really assent to its realization? It’s likely for our comprehension of the reason behind celebrations. Thus, I asked our daughter what she likes for her birthday. After a-second-or-two of thoroughgoing contemplation, “so it seems”, she wants a “twist car”. I asked if she was sure, she affirmed in redundance as she said yes simultaneously smilin...

Firstly, Merry Christmas! Though ‘lastly’ would seem to be a more fitting inception since it’s been a while… When was the last? I’ve wanted to write about a lot of issues including what took a toll on why I haven’t blogged for quite a time. Busy! Somehow, Marketing’s 4 P's (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) seemed to have made sure of that… However, what really demanded of my time are similarly insistent 4 P's – Peak season, Party, Priority and Paternity. During these Holidays for a peak season I make sure festivities (or any form of a clients’ manifestation of the Christmas Spirit) live up to the concerned parties’ expectations as much as deliver likely results for our company. And as if that’s not taxing enough, as soon as I get home, I still have to set priorities being a father. It’s all worth it! For now, I just want to wish everyone Happy Holidays!!! ‘Lastly’ would not be appropriate after all… Till next…

We were just watching some love story wherein the female lead had a painful (love) experience making it hard for her to move on. Making it worse is that her father isn’t as supportive. Then, I thought of the likelihood when my children will be in such a predicament… Those constantly updated with every article posted herein know this blog’s purpose being geared towards providing some guiding principle for my children. Knowing life span’s incalculability, the thought of leaving some sort of a legacy early on is promptly addressed. Having had my share of life’s ups and downs, only God knows when the next is. Although what we are to focus on is not much of how high or how low we get but by how we make the best out of it after timely realizing the reason for its occurrence. The pain caused by my first major heart ache one August 28 years ago was overwhelming. If there’s even a logical p oint behind it though, it’s for 2 (other) good reasons why that happened to me in the first place – ...

I received a text message from a friend directly asking the essence of life. I then thought one of my purposes being to expound not so much on the query but the need to why even bother to ask such question if from our own understanding based on our individual lives we’d probably give diverse viewpoints. I could probably talk about my one role as a father being a life worth living, today being father’s day (others will be celebrating it on the 21st - See the diversity yet with 1 objective) , and in recognition entitle it with what could be a link to my wife if it’s to associate my being a dad for without her conceiving my children I wouldn’t be one… Then it occurred to me, the connection of the many lives into one account… Life is the opportunity to invest in eternity. It’s a chance wherein we are to address a purpose. Under such borrowed time, to understand the roles we portray as human beings is an essential cause in making life’s objective for a story worth all the subplots from...