inspiration, yes; a saint, no!

In my opinion...

I am totally in favor of having President Cory as an inspiration to bring the best in every Filipino, but making her a saint, in my opinion, is too much. I think we have a problem here.

A lot of Cory supporters have been clamoring on making her a saint, some have even suggested that we pray to her. Hello! I have nothing against my Cabalen. In fact, I am encouraged to become a better Filipino because of the love she has shown for our country. But, don't you think that elevating her status to that of a saint, thus eventually praying to her, would be acceptable in heaven? Have you thought of her own opinion on this matter? Would she even entertain the idea of becoming a saint?

God, I believe is the Only One to whom we should pray to. No one else should we direct our supplications other than God. There are 3 important facts. Only God is:
a) Omnipresent - that is, God is everywhere and is present at all times. He is present here in my room as well as in the place where you are right now.
b) Omniscient- that is, God is all-knowing. He knows your business. He knows your secrets. He knows your prayers even before you speak of them.
c) Omnipotent - that is, God has unlimited power. He is almighty. He can do anything.

Until the day when my Cabalen becomes these 3, elevating her in the same level as God will just be an illusion. And I won't wait for that day to come. In my heart there is only one God. And, it is only to Him that we should pray to and it is only through Him that we receive anwers to our prayers.

no less than tofu

Spicy Tofu in Black Bean Garlic Sauce

Constant leafing through pages of various food magazines inspired me to whip up a simple yet tasty dish – Spicy Tofu in Black Bean Garlic Sauce. The ingredients are easily available in the supermarket and it’s cooked in no time. My first attempt was a success judging from the clean plates left on the table.

A friend asked me if I follow recipes to the letter. I don’t, honestly. I think recipes are there to guide and inspire you but the final dish should always be according to your taste. Baking is another matter, ok. By the way, I don’t measure ingredients. As Rachel Ray would often say, “Just eyeball it!” And, that’s what I do ever since I started experimenting in the kitchen.

I still have half of the firm tofu soaking in water. I have no idea yet if it will turn into another delish dish.

Wait and taste…;)

the Queen we never had

a sea of yellow dedicated to a woman who made yellow as meaningful as freedom

Last Wednesday, the heavy rains prevented us from going to Manila Cathedral to view President Cory's remains. We decided to visit her house in Times St. instead. We offered yellow flowers but we're unable to light the candles because the rain just won't allow us. We came very early in the morning, anticipating the heavy crowd that may troop the place. As soon as we stepped out of the car, one can feel the grief of her loss but I felt an instant outpouring of love as manifested by an abundance of yellow and white flowers, notes of thank you, and people offering their time to stop by and say a little prayer for her soul.

D trying to light a candle infront of Tita Cory's Times St. residence

A lot has been said and written about her, most of which are positive notes about her life, her work, her passions, and her dedication to preserve the democracy of our beloved country. Tita Cory, in my opinion, is a selfless person, always willing to let her and her family's interest take the backseat in favor of national interests. Can there be another Cory in the making in our lifetime? Oh, I really hope so.

I also hope that her legacy and that of Ninoy's will remain inscribe in our hearts so that we will not be threatened by whoever sits at the throne of power.

Paalam po, Tita Cory, hanggang sa muling pagkikita!

hail to the king of pop

I am not into idolizing artists and celebrities but Michael Jackson is an exception. Last night, I was literally moved to tears (and I think the world did as well) while watching his public memorial. A lot of good and kind words were spoken by his family and friends. A lot of singing was heard. It was a show celebrating the life and work of MJ.

I just realized that MJ's songs contain deep messages that we need to ponder upon. Yes, one can easily be entranced by his angelic voice or by his graceful moves that the song's message is completely abandoned. The lyrics of Man in the Mirror opened my eyes to a new level of self realization. The song talks about change. CHANGE that should start in us and within us. This is a tall order for a lot of us but then we need to try and start in small and baby-step ways, then probably, the man on the street will take notice and heed MJ's call.

I wish and pray that this emotion felt by the world is not fleeting and that it will carry on even when MJ has long been put to rest. I hope the messages of his songs will continually give inspiration that will cause us to effect the change we crave for.

I like what the Pastor said on his closing prayers: "Let us celebrate our uniqueness and respect our differences.." We are people who constantly seek for happiness, for change, for peace.. What should we do about it?

The time has come for MJ to exit this imperfect world and enter the perfect world of God. He can sing and dance with all his might and nobody will disturb him, probably, only the angels, who will sing with him in the chorus of his new and perfect life.

The King of Pop has bowed down on his knees to the King of all Kings... ;) peace!

i think i'm fine now

I have written about D moving out of our room to the comforts of his own room. Exactly six days after my post, he told me that he's ready to sleep in his "own bedroom." What can a mother do but give in, right? The newly furnished bedroom needs to serve its purpose.

Last night before i went to sleep, I checked on him as I always do everynight. I don't know what's got into to me again that I wanted him to sleep on our room again. I think I miss him. I think I miss his snoring. I think I miss our "kulitan" before lights are off. Weird isn't it? So, last night, I spent a little time with him in his bedroom... probing and confirming his activities in the recent days. D is a patient young man. He bears with my questioning. He doesn't complain at all. He is not irritated by my comments.

Seeing him comfortable in the four corners of his room makes my heart glad. it was really time for me to respect his privacy eventhough the idea leaves slivers of pain in my being.

I think I'm fine now. And I thank God for it. ;)

D survived his first week

Ha! D survived his first week in Pisay, from waking up early to sleeping late at night, he seems fine with the schedule so far. D said he gained a network of new friends. His teachers are nice and kind.

Once, he got lost looking for the library, but he said its fine with him and he added that he is optimistic that soon he'll familiarize himself with his new surrounding. Hmmm, very positive outlook, eh?

Hopefully, in the days to come, all will work out just fine, of course, with God's big help!;)

ready or not?

Finally today is THE day when D is moving out from our bedroom to his own sanctuary after 13 years and 11 days of sleeping with us. Several times have I asked him if his ready to move out or not but his constant answer is a plain and simple, "Yes, Mama, I'm ready!" Ouch!

You see, D is an only child, thus consequently, I cannot bear to have him sleep in another room. I don't know but I just feel safe and peaceful if I see him sleeping in our bedroom.

The furniture-maker just delivered a nice custom-made bedframe; the bed foam is thick and comfy and the beddings all starched and scented; the black out curtain is hung; the faint smell of paint still lingers inside the bedroom; i guess, it's time...

"I'll get used to the idea, eventually," is all I can say to myself. Hahaha! I am having some dramatic moments again. I could feel the lump in my throat and my eyes are heavy with tears... If only hubby can see me now...hahaha! But honestly, Im sad. My baby is all grown-up. No matter how I try to freeze time, it ain't gonna happen. Reality hurts.

So, i guess, the question of being ready or not is truly for me and I should answer it with enough courage and confidence...

Hard as it is, my reply will always be, "No, I'm not yet ready."