See you in heaven

That particular night he was a man agog. He was not at his usual place, the place naturally reserved for him as the "man of the house". The familiar red glow at the end of his cigarette, was abnormally bright, an obvious sign he was excited of something a coming. The billow of smoke which rose above his head forming clouds one on top of each other, as if sending somebody a signal, a message perhaps of his whereabouts.

Hardly a minute would be gone and he is off his seat, pacing the dimly lit passage way between the house and the gate. Neck craned skyward, like that of a graceful giraffe, he would peek through the gate into the street. Once again returning back, puffing so strongly on his smoke by now resembling a midget with a red cap sandwiched between two strong pillars.

Suddenly outside the gate brightens, followed by an engine stopping. Immediately, the man sprung into motion, lighting up the passage way and opening the gates in one blur movement, welcoming a group of men hauling down a big box. With a big smile and a sigh of relief that the waiting is done, he, now in his usual place which is naturally reserved for him, started the unveiling...

I could never forget this particular evening, the night when my father bought our first colored television. One of the fondest memories I have of my father. He was a man with an inner strength you could feel, one which I wish to emulate. Though just like any other human, he too has his own weaknesses. I was glad he was around when I was growing up. Today is his fourteenth year in heaven. I miss you Pa.

Cholet...best mom ever!

"Our span is seventy years and eighty for those who are strong.."(Psalm 90:10). Ever since I have read this verse it always pops up every time I see celebrations of birthday. Every time I see old couples enjoying each other's company. Every time I read youth wasted on mere crap. And then I look at myself. The kind of life I have, had and will have. The many times and moments spent wisely or otherwise. Indeed the meaning, the challenge, the luster of the verse came in different hues as I aged.

Life is so awesome yet the strongest among us could only enjoy it in that much a time. There are so many things life is offering. If only we move our life with the right attitude every possibility is reachable. Our life span is not the problem. Time is not the problem. Life is not discriminating. Our approach to life will spell the difference between all of us.

Those who stop to smell the roses are those who are full of awareness of the world, of nature, of life. Fully alive. Fully human. Awareness creates better attitude.

Today my mother, Ma. Consuelo Castro de Ocampo, celebrates her 74th birthday! Still very strong. Still very actively participating in the activities of her group in the parish. Still goes to mass everyday. If ever there was an influence my mother had on us, hands down, it is her religiosity. She too never forgets birthdays and anniversaries of which she offers mass intentions. She is the queen of our kitchen. She not only cooks and bakes she makes you love to eat what she cooks and bakes. I love the way she bakes brazos de mercedez. I love it when she cooks bam-i. There are so many things I love about her. Of course she's no saint but she has been the best mother we ever had. I still owe you more dates alone with you. I know you're strong. I can still make up for time. Happy birthday Mama!

Choreography of poses

Someone once said "when friends meet hearts warm". So it was, five friends came together one fine January evening for a simple dinner. The ambience, in a small yet cozy private abode which added warmth and closeness to an already very close bond. Everything went as planned, eat, eat, and more eating with conversations on the side. A suggestion was thrown for agreement that the evening be captured in stilled moments. Then the happiest moment of the gathering happened. Without a lead choreographer and only the flash bulb as the silent metronome, the dance of poses begun. This proved that the friendship these kindred souls have was not a fluke. Everyone had a good laugh, one thats good for the body and also for the soul. With that the evening came to a close. Once again they went their separate ways. This time they are  evermore convinced that their friendship was beyond personality, beyond status. It was simply because they want it to be. 

Truly when hearts warm, the heartbeat of friendship becomes the rhythm of the choreography of poses.

Gone full circle

Our paths crossed in not so amiable way some seventeen years ago. That time people where busy preparing and excitedly awaiting the World Youth Day in the Philippines. Not only were the youth of different nationalities were coming to town but no less than the Pope is coming. Yes our beloved Lolek was coming.
After that first encounter and through the end of WYD'95, I never remembered a time we met again. Only after a week or two did our paths crossed again through our common friends. It was then that she reminded me of that first encounter (*grin*).

I remember her to be so aloof and shy (obviously why haha) but I saw in her something promising. But looking afar I saw a person with a new found happiness. As days pass and our friendship grew I knew she was more than promising, and even more than happy. She was a real friend. And warping time seventeen years, now I know I was right. Although in between the first encounter and today she went through a harrowing mixed up in her life, our friendship never wavered. Although she was lost in her struggle to retain the new found life brought about by WYD'95, our friendship remained intact.

Today she has gone full circle. I saw again the glow that once was hers when our friendship started. I am so glad that alas my friend is happy again. You deserve happiness just like anyone of us. Be happy and stay that way, I declare in Jesus Name!