The Language of Sycamores

I'm not an avid fan of books that deals with our humanity, I'm more of a fictional, conspiracy, mystery, occult/fantasy kind of a reader. I like to escape to places I've never been or will never have a chance to go to. Where the never ending ascent of gasoline, commodities and political garbage is the least of my problems. But from time to time I stumble upon literary gems far from the genre I have grown to appreciate that is worth sharing.
"The Language of Sycamores" by Lisa Wingate is the third installment of the book series "Tending Roses". It follows Karen Sommerfield as she goes through a life changing experience after finding out from her doctor that she may have cancer (again) and losing her "Power Job" at Lansing Tech. When Karen tries to rediscover herself and renew her ties with her family she met a little girl named Dell who rescued her from her old self and allowed her to discover the real story behind Grandma Rose's fallout with her own family. Lisa Wingate is a good story teller, she gives vivid descriptions of the environment, (I swear I could feel the wind blowing). The book reminds me of a quote sent to me by Kyko Castaneda that I posted on my other blog "Writings on the Wall". Life is too short, if we don't take our time to find out what's really important in our lives we may end up old and miserable. Sometimes I reminisce about the good old days of my youth like it was just yesterday... Then I think maybe it was, and I ask myself "where did the time go?". I definitely recommend this book to all those who keeps waking up in the morning wondering "what am I doing with my life?", those who stare at their mirror reflection and not recognize their own image, those who are so immersed in themselves that they forget to be a part of the magic that is life. "Live life each day to the fullest, be thankful, be content".

Wow Phils

I try my hardest not to be so negative, I guess my angry teenage self is still with me after all this years and will always make it's presence felt whenever an opportunity calls for it. A couple of days ago on my way to work I was running late so I took the fast but crowded route via MRT. I need to get off in Buendia and take an FX that will take me to Ayala, the fare is supposed to be 10.00Php (minimum for FX's). Since I did not have any change I gave the driver a 20, so he turns to me and asks "do you have anything smaller?", "Sorry I dont" I told him, so then he asks the rest of the passengers if anybody could brake my 20... One good samaritan did, problem solved. But then when he gave me my change it was 2.00 short, so I ask the driver nicely if the fare went up and he casually said yes, he lied. That afternoon on my way home there was a long line of commuters at the MRT station all tired from working all day and a lady (if she even deserves the title) came out of nowhere and cut in the line. Some people protested to the guard on duty, instead of taking action I heard him say, "nasa Pilipinas ka", (you're in the Philippines). What does it mean!? That it's acceptable to cut in line and to overcharge fares in the Philippines? Because times are hard and everyone is desperate? This is not the first time I've experienced this, its rampant, its everywhere. Its in our streets, our homes, our schools and especially in our government. This apathy towards corruption, mis-education and crab mentality is inside each and everyone of us. Are we doomed to suffer? Dont be naive the answer is too obvious.

"BONE"

Last saturday night after our office party at our soon to be new address in Ortigas, Quezon City. I headed out to Kolumn Bar in Timog to show my support to my cousin JERC's latest funk band "Bone", only three days old, composed of friends, musicians and lovers of the chili pepper sound, Bone played true to their "Red Hot" influence with orignal songs like - Count to 10 muna (subtitled: Anger Management Song)-. Although they are in the early stages of bandhood, their talents made up for playing together live for the first time. The night was capped by "Radioactive Sago Project" who really brought the house down with - Astro - as a finale. - Special thanks to Shine of Sunshine Productions, the rest of "Bone" and Pareng JERC.
... More power and Goodluck to your future gigz, RAKENROL Pare...
Watch Out for their gig schedules to be posted ASAP.

She's 70, "What a surprise!!!"

"The Daughter of Mameng"
I call her "Mommy" she's my aunt who took care of me when I turned 8 months after birth, she turned 70 last May 29. My cousin Ate Tessie rounded up the rest of the family to give her a surprise birthday party that was held at "Rufina Homes Clubhouse" in Malolos, Bulacan last May 27 (on a Saturday). A thanksgiving mass was held officiated by Fr. Norman, then lunch was served, followed by a documentary presentation on the "Life and Times of Tita Nits or Tanits (as she is fondly known to all the cousins), "With some of her closest friends and relatives in full support the party was a huge success from my point of view.




"The 70th Birthday Surprise Party (Games Committee), Ate Nel, Deeth and Me [Holding the cam] at Gateway, Cubao preparing for the event"





"Me, during the 70th birthday blast"