Where hope's in bloom (watercolor on paper)

A daffodil

For hope,

Faith,

Good fortune,

and new beginnings…

I did one last summer. It’s not as remarkable as a pro’s work, but as I was looking at it the other day, it became clear to me why I chose this particular subject and picked those hues from the box of watercolor tubes, gathered  several paintbrushes, and started working.

Flowing Leaves (9x12 watercolor on paper)

This piece, which I named “Flowing Leaves,” was done almost four months ago, the same time I had to make a major decision. It is now that I realized why I picked those leaves from the garden and painted the watercolor pad in blue: because at that time, I was turning over a new leaf; taking my life in a new direction. I thought that although the water in the stream has a particular destination, I have decided to go against the current and create my own channel.

So far, I’m loving the decision I made. Life is good (and the Almighty’s making it even better). I couldn’t be more grateful.

But all I needed was courage and decide what would make me a happier, much better person. I didn’t know I possessed that much bravery until I let go and let fate guide me to a new path.

I should thank the circumstances which led me to chose the dive. Yes, I did, but with some cautions. And as with other storms, it did pass. I’m alright. I feel free, a master of myself. Fear has no room now.

And so, I start another phase of life with a new-found courage and a rekindled passion to strive and hope for better things.

I’m back on track, finally. 

Christmas is well-celebrated occasion in the Philippines. Preparations for the holidays comes ahead than preparations for the Halloween. Shopping malls will start dressing their display windows and shelves with scenes and themes of Christmas. It’s a funny scene in October, when establishments are decorated with both Christmas and Halloween items; that if you’re not used to it, you would think you walked into another dimension. But that’s how we are. We love to indulge ourselves and really get into the spirit of the Holiday season.

In a matter of days, there will be tents in almost every street and on the sidewalks, selling puto bongbong and bibingka. I miss eating those. I would probably be one of those lining up for a piece or two of putobongbong , waiting patiently for my turn. Mmmm… I can almost imagine its taste: sweet, creamy, and with a hint of salt and butter.

Here are some snaps of Christmas last year:

*The first photo shows displays of Let it Snow decors in a mall.

*Second photo is the giant Christmas tree in Araneta Center, Cubao. I wonder if they’d use the same tree this year or construct a new one. Will they decorate it with the same ornaments (those gigantic butterflies, and huge Christmas balls) or should I expect for new ornamentst?

*Third one is a photo of the lobby of our office building. I hope they’d think of a new concept. Been seeing the same decorations for two years already!

Start making your Christmas list now, people. You don’t want to be caught in the Holiday rush.And commodities are still cheaper this time than when it’s November or December already.

It’s a hundred and fifteen days before Merry Christmas!

I’m sure all of us are excited about the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, which will officially open in less than a month(look at the countdown in the sidebar). Wherever we are in the globe, we’d want to take part in this event, right? You must have listened and watched Jackie Chan sing “We Are Ready,” even if you barely understand the lyrics of the song. I am also very sure that you’d like to have a souvenir of the Olympics, no matter how little it is as long as the Beijing 2008 Olympic logo is carved on it.

We’ll, I’ve got mine already, and you can grab one too. Because at McDonald’s – one of the official partners of the Olympics – for only 20 pesos, you can have a Limited Edition Luminarc glass with the Coca-Cola logo on one side and an Olympic event and the Olympic logo on the other. There are five designs (Olympic event) to choose from. All you need to do is buy any of McDonald’s value meals, add 20 pesos to buy one glass or you can buy all five. Me I bought all the five glasses!

My Olympic glasses from McDonal’s

Unknown to many, a nature sanctuary is nestled right in the heart of Quezon City, where one can experience serenity, even for a while. The La Mesa Eco Park has been there for years. It has been rehabilitated a few years ago and is now open to the public again. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers, health buffs and for families who want to spend some quality time with each other.

Whatever your interests are, something will definitely suit you at the eco park. Enjoy a boat ride with friends at the boating lagoon, located just a few meters from the administration building. As you go around, you’ll have the view of the old dam. Fitness buffs have a reason to love La Mesa Eco Park. It has a fitness trail equipped with courses and obstacles designed to help improve the physical condition of the body. If you feel like swimming, you can do that, too. The eco park boasts of its saltwater pool, which is healthier, friendlier to your skin compared to regular swimming pools. Shaded by trees, surrounded by floras and varieties of orchids, the Orchidarium is a haven for horticulturists and of course, orchid lovers. It’s one of the most peaceful areas of the park. You can sit on a bench, read a book and you won’t even notice the passing of time. And, you get an extra treat from the birds with their melodious chirping. This area is also very conducive for students reviewing for an exam. No one will bother you here. Not so far from the Orchidarium is the amphitheater, a good venue for concerts, programs, stage plays and other cultural or artistic endeavor. You may also want to climb the stairs leading to the top of the flower terraces, where you can witness an explosion of colors when flowers are in bloom. After seeing these places, you can take a rest, eat lunch or snacks at the picnic tables and engage in a hearty chat with the whole family or barkada for as long as long as you like. You can even try the fishing lagoon for a catch or two that you cook after.

Personally, I wasn’t aware that the eco park still operates until a colleague asked me to take photos of the park for her newspaper article. My only knowledge of it is that it is part of La Mesa Watershed. Located in East Fairview, Quezon City, La Mesa Eco Park is very accessible. You can either drive or take a bus, FX-taxi or jeepney bound for Fairview and ask the driver to drop you off at East Fairview Subdivision. From there, ride a tricycle that will take you to the park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may also hike. Just make sure you ask for proper direction first so you wouldn’t get lost. For a very low entrance fee, commune with nature and breathe fresh air, because nature tripping is something that you can still do in the city.

Here’s the rule: Answer the questions with song titles (your favorite song or songs that you like to play most of the times). No side comments please. Let the song titles explain your answer.

Here we go:
1.) How am I feeling today?
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing by Leo Sayer/Anne Hathaway

2.) Where/when will I get married?
Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

3.) What is my best friend’s theme song?
If We Hold On Together by Diana Ross

4.) What is/was high school like?
Don’t Get Lost in the Crowd by Ashley Ballard

5.) What is the best thing about me?
Smile by Nat King Cole

6.) How is today going to be?
It’s a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

7.) What is in store for this weekend?
Love by Matt White

8.) What song describes my parents?
Together Forever by Rick Astley

9.) How is my life going?
Purpose from Avenue Q

10.) What song will they play at my funeral?
Sa `yo Lamang by Joey Albert

11.) How does the world see me?
True Colors by Phil Collins

12.) What do my friends really think of me?
I’m Your Angel by Celine Dion and R. Kelly

13) Do people secretly lust after me?
Chances Are by Bob Seger and Martina McBride

14.) How can I make myself happy?
Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson

15.) What should I do with my life?
Go the Distance by Michael Bolton

16.) Will I ever have children?
Someday by John Legend

17.) What is some good advice?
Miracles Happen by Myra

18.) What do I think my current theme song is?
Rule The World by Take That

19.) What does everyone else think of my current life?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious by Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins)

20.) What type of men/women do you like?
True to Your Heart by Raven

21.) Will you get married?
I Can Hear the Bells by Nikki Blonsky (from Hairspray)

22.) What should I do with my love life?
We Can Work It Out by The Beatles

23.) Where will you live?
Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland

24.) What will your dying words be?
I Love You by Celine Dion

I’m passing this on to mommy kengkay, missyel, rhapsody, witchy, nemcy, vera, conrad and mc.

Being surrounded by these people, I’ve learned to appreciate the arts at an early age. I’ve learned to open my eyes and somehow see beyond a picture or painting. Most of all, I got to try my hands at painting/drawing! Here, take a look at some of my pencil drawings:

These are the only ones (and a couple more pencil drawings) I was able to save from my now very battered sketchbook. These were experiments; me trying to discover if I could do pencils and/or charcoal. Before, my sister and I used to have “art sessions” at home. We would spend a whole day doodling on our sketch pads, trying different mediums. In those “sessions,” I’ve discovered that I’m more comfortable working with watercolor (tube ones). Unfortunately, most of those works in watercolor have been ruined or got lost. And I don’t know if they’re any good; all I’m saying is that I love using that medium.

I’ve tried sketching animé characters as well; got carried away with the animé fever in the Philippines back then (click here to see a sample). And I attempted doing “nude sketches,” too. I was able to save one, which is barely recognizable now.

What do think of my works? I plan to explore this avenue again, rediscover this skill or talent (if there’s any) in the visual arts. I bought a new sketchpad and some pencils and trying to find a better kind of tube watercolors. And I found this website, which gives step-by-step instructions in drawing and painting. I have a feeling it will be very helpful.

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You may also want to check the following related posts from my other blog:

forgotten passion

playing artist

Pilita’s Restaurant is located at Greenhills Shopping Center, near the movie theaters. This cozy little place is owned by Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corales and her husband Don Carlos. Pilita’s has a very relaxed ambiance, a perfect place to hang-out after a long day at the office. Its walls are filled with numerous memorabilia of the hip-bending singer from her career. One wall serves as a gallery of her photos in black and white. Meanwhile the upper wall behind the stage displays covers of her vinyl records in the past.

Our group ordered pizza, pasta, green salad, mashed potato and grilled pork chops. The fun part of ordering at Pilita’s is with the pizza, whose flavors are named after the twelve signs of the zodiac. We chose the Gemini and Cancer pizzas, both tasted very good, although the slices are a bit small for the boys in the group. The salad looks ordinary but you’ll be surprised once you take a bite. We hinted wine in its dressing, although we forgot to ask, so we really don’t know. The creamy mashed potato sure stood to its name: creamy, tasty, melts in your mouth.

Pilita’s new print ad?

Aside from the usual iced tea drink, some of us also ordered coffee. My personal pick is the Affogato, which is coffee topped with vanilla ice cream. Yeah, you can list this beverage under dessert also. Now I know why café affogato is sometimes called “cold shower,” since when you mix the hot coffee and ice cream, you’ll get a cold drink afterward. I did not mix the two immediately. I spooned a small amount of ice cream and dipped it into the coffee at the bottom of the glass. You get a sort of mocha flavor, but not really mocha, since the coffee and ice cream alternately teases your taste bud. Mixing the two components will result into something like the frappuccino in a well-known coffee shop.

Another good thing about hanging out at Pilita’s is you’ll surely chance upon the Asia’s Queen of Songs herself! Yes, Ms. Pilita Corales regularly graces her restaurant together with her husband. Obviously, both love music because even before Ms. Pilita arrived, Don Carlos has already been performing with the other musicians present that night. She performs for the audience, so it was like we attended a mini-concert. Also, if you want to sing, you surely can. Like our friend, Conrad, who got to perform on stage.

Pilita’s is mainly a hub for the older generation, but it doesn’t matter. We enjoyed our stay so much it was almost midnight when we left.

I have an ever-changing color preference. Depending on my mood. But seeing those green straps, my fascination for purple (supposed to be my current favorite) was slowly slipping away. Immediately, I tried on the sandals, asked for my size, and tried them on again. Satisfied with how it on my feet, I headed for the cashier to make the purchase. I was so excited with my find and planned to wear them the next day at work.

A few stores from Kultura, I passed by another shoe shop — Mendrez. They’re having this “Sale in the City” promo, so I decided to go in and check their items. I do love the shoes in Mendrez. I can honestly say that almost all my foot wears, I buy from them. Their shoes fit me well and make my feet look dainty even if I don’t have the prettiest feet. I tried on a few sandals and office shoes, but I wasn’t that interested. I went around some more. After a while, a pair of foot wear caught my eyes, and yes, they were in the shade of green.

For a couple of seconds, I just stared at them in wonder. They look so comfortable and soft that I wasn’t able to resist the urge to try them on. There was another pair of the same style in Ecru, but my mind has already decided that it has to be the pair in green shade. I asked for a pair in my size, tried them on (they really felt good my feet) and found myself in front of the cashier paying for them. Yeah, an unplanned purchase. But what the heck! I like them so much.

Here, take a look at my finds:

I simply adore the straps.

Isn’t this pair cute?