Tell Me Where It Hurts
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

I’ve never been a whiner. Let me rephrase that, I’ve never been a whiner when I am sick or in pain. I think I got that from my parents who up to this day, would not complain about being under the weather. My Papa would often attribute his being sick to lack of playing golf. It is either because they have a high tolerance for pain or they’re afraid of doctors. I think it’s the latter.

So I grew up paying no mind to any illness or pain. I could go to school even with a fever. Cough and colds were as normal as having a bad hair day. Scrapes and bruises were actually more big a deal when I was young. Isn’t it funny how your parents would scold you after seeing you with a big boo-boo on your knee? Nadapa ka na nga, pagagalitan ka pa. My Papa would often say, “Paano ka pa sasali sa Miss Universe niyan???” Paano nga ba? Haay!

By the time I reached college, I was unbreakable. I don’t think I ever got sick. I only absented myself when I got the Chicken Pox or if it was SM 101. I was indestructible. I once fell down the stairs at Euphoria. I quickly got up and just waited for my friends at the lobby. The physical pain was gone in 60 seconds but the embarrassment lasted for years!

But now that I’m older, sickness and pain are slowly starting to appear more often that I would want to. I can now have fever lasting for weeks! Cough and colds could last for a month! I fell down the stairs again during assembly in my previous school. Boy the physical pain was excruciating! Never mind the embarrassment of sliding down the stairs using my arms, chest, thighs, knees, shins and feet as a sled in front of the whole student body.

Tet’s family is exactly the opposite of mine. Sick people are treated like babies. Food and medicine will be served to you. There would be round the clock concern and care from everyone. You would think this would stop here but no, they would even bring you to the doctor themselves. I think they got this from Lola Sally. She loved going to the doctors. She loved checking into hospitals which turned into venues for family parties.

Ram and Sam got the best of both worlds. None of them are whiners but they do like going to the doctor for check-ups. Red, on the other hand, got the worst! He is not only a scaredy-cat when it comes to hospitals and doctors. But he is such a whiner! Here is an excerpt from his day of pain:

Red: My body hurts!

Mama: Really? Let me give you a hug. (hugs Red)

Red: Oww!!! Don’t hug me too tight. You’re hurting my spleen!

Mama: Sorry. (hugs Red from the back)

Red: Oww! My scapula!!!

Mama: Huwat??? What the heck is a scapula?

Red: I have no idea but it hurts!

I'm A Little Bit Country, I'm A Little Bit Rocknroll and I’m So Confused!
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

I’ve never been so confused in my life. Mondays are Grey’s Anatomy and Brothers & Sisters day. Tuesdays are reserved for E News, Top 10 and of course Age of Love. Wednesdays are crammed with American Idol, Last Comic Standing and Heroes. Thursdays begin with American Idol and end with Amazing Race Asia. But by next week I will be adding Private Practice to that day. I’ve finally written down all these shows and their respective channels. I once wasted valuable time changing channels, looking for Marc and Rovilson only to find them finishing the race already. Sigh! Now I am so prepared for the coming week. Hopefully, no other interesting shows come up. Weekends are my days off.

The last time I was into watching TV shows regularly was probably in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I really made ‘subaybay’. Weekdays were spent watching Gulong ng Palad and Flordeluna while weekends were spent watching Saturday Fun Machine and See True. Other shows I excitedly awaited week after week were Little House on the Prairie, Eight is Enough, Happy Days, Facts of Life, Different Strokes, Three’s Company, Love Boat, Bionic Man, Wonder Woman, Incredible Hulk, Man From Atlantis, Mork & Mindy, Bossom Buddies, Welcome Back Kotter, Greatest American Hero and so many more. Now that I’m writing this, I must’ve been more confused then than I am now! There were no DVD’s nor You Tube back then. If you missed a show, you will regret it for the rest of your 20th century life.

This brings me to my story. As I was channel surfing today, checking for more shows that I should write down, I chanced upon Oprah’s show featuring the Osmonds. Who could ever forget Donny and Marie? I loved them! I’m a little bit country, you’re a little bit rock and roll… Apparently, the Osmonds have been in the business for 50 years! And Oprah brought a hundred plus Osmonds to the studio and it was such a walk down memory lane. I sang and danced with them when I was growing up. And while watching the show, I was teary-eyed… let me rephrase that… I cried! I think I’m an Osmond!

May tomorrow be a perfect day
May you find love and laughter along the way
May God keep you in His tender care
Till He brings us together again…
Goodnight everybody!!!

A Senior Moment
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

Yesterday was an "I got It from my Mama" day. I was making drama about how my two teenagers never spend enough time with the family whenever we're complete. Ram had plans with his friends and Sam had a lot of plates to do for school. So our Saturday was spent with our 'only' child, Red.

But that feeling was fleeting. I was just having a midlife moment which according to Red was already a senior moment. (He could be right.) How could I stay in this 'moment' for so long when what I really have are two good and responsible teenagers.

I haven't been exercising for the past 2 weeks. Ram, on the other hand, has been running for four straight days with a friend.

Ram: Bye Mama! I'm off to go jogging.

Mama: Really? I haven't been running for ages!

Ram: It feels weird to have you with us when we run.

Mama: I know. It's okay Ram.

Ram leaves and after an hour and a half...

Ram: Hi Mama! I'm back.

Mama: Hi Ram! How was your run?

Ram: It was good. Next time you can come with us.

Mama: Aaaw, don't worry about it Ram. I'll start running next week.

Ram: Promise? That's good.

(Mama feels special to be asked.)

A week ago Sam was asking if she could go out on a weekend in Manila. This was a first! So I told her I would have to ask her Papa and get back to her after a few days.

Mama: Hi Sam!

Sam: Hi Mama!

Mama: How are you?

Sam: I'm good.

Mama: Your Papa and I talked and we decided not to allow you to go out this weekend. If it were only here in Angeles it would be alright but Manila's a different story. Maybe next time?

Sam: It's okay Mama. I understand.

(Mama now wants to allow Sam to go out. Sigh!)

Hmm... I wonder how it would be with Red.

(drum roll please)

Be Careful What You Pray For
By: Roxanne Estrellado –Limjoco

I used to be a monthly Manaoag-goer but with my teaching schedule, that panata was too hard to keep. So Red and I took advantage of the Christmas break and decided to go to Manaoag with my MIL and SIL. After the mass, I asked Red to buy 10 candles, 5 for me and 5 for him. Then we went straight to the “lighting” place.

As I looked at my son, I couldn’t help but notice how serious he was. And I wondered what could my baby be fervently praying for? He wouldn’t tell when I asked him on our way home because it might not come true. Umm... I think that only applies to wishes and not to prayers Red. Oh well…

What I prayed for was for Red to pass his entrance exam in De La Salle Zobel. He was so crushed when he didn’t get into Ateneo. I didn’t want him to go through the same ordeal. Baka makapatay na ako non. Well, something to that effect. Hehe!

Now, we found out that Red has passed the DLSZ exam but is on the waiting list. Tet and I suddenly panicked. (Waitlisted pa lang yan ha.) Our baby will be living away from us in 5 months! Would he be okay? Would he be able to adjust? Would he be able to sleep? When I saw the huge smile on my 6th grader’s face, something dawned on me. The questions weren’t for Red. They were meant for his parents. Sigh!

My story doesn’t end there. We have been spending more and more quality time with him as the school year draws to an end. We tried our luck once again to bring him to an R-13 movie, the reason being AVP2 or Alien Versus Predator 2. Red has been an avid fan of anything monster-like: Godzilla, King Kong, dinosaurs, dragons, Aliens and Predators. This time, we were successful! Our “13 year old” who was born on “January 20, 1995”, walked proud and tall, sat smug and paranoid in the movie house. He became jumpy each time anyone came near us. He didn’t even want us talking to him for fear of getting kicked out again. It wasn’t until the lights went out and the opening credits began that he breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, “I’ve been waiting and praying for this moment!” The skeptic in me got me thinking. This better not be what you prayed for Red. Haay!

Dating After 18 Years
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

For the first time in 18 years of being married, Tet and I decided to celebrate our anniversary without family or friends. We dropped of the two boys at my MIL's house and went to Manila. At first we were with our daughter and niece but as we brought them to their respective dorms, we were all alone.

We were checked in at Edsa Shangri-la. We relaxed in our room for a while then decided to walk the strip outside Shangri-la Plaza. (Feeling mag-syoting! Eew!) We haven’t done this in ages! We usually went out with friends or family. But this time, it was a real date. No bickering kids, no chattering adults… just two lovers HHWW-ing… with nothing to do, nothing to say. Haay!

I wanted to drink beer. He wanted to drink coffee. I wanted to check out the other bars. He wanted to stay in the first place we saw. So as a compromise, we stayed in the first place he saw and we both drank beer.

Our conversation revolved around wondering what our kids were doing, what they would be doing and what we would all be doing if we were all together. If they were with us, Ram would be ordering this, Sam would be taking pictures of this and Red would be hopping around and saying funny things. We then picked up our phones and called them. Red of course told us, “See? You should’ve taken me along then you won’t be that bored!” To which we both answered, “You’re right!”

A few pictures and five bottles of beer after, we went back to the hotel. By the poolside, I chugged my last bottle of beer and Tet sipped his last cup of coffee. We were both laughing at ourselves for taking the day off from the kids and yet we couldn’t get our minds off them. This triggered a wonderful conversation of our lives together from the past to the future. After a brief rerun of our 18 years as husband and wife and as a family, we called it a night. And we agreed to have more “boring” nights like these for the rest of our lives.

Bagong Taon, Bagong Walang Kwentang Usapan
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco

(during dinner)

Mama: Did the computer technician come today to get his money?

Ram: No.

Red: Oooh! Maybe he forgot!!!

Ram: He can sue us, you know, if we don’t pay him.

Mama: Actually, he can’t because he has no receipt.

Red: See kuya??? He doesn’t have proof!

Mama: But that’s mean Red.

Red: I know.

Ram: You know, when I turn 18, you could already charge me for rent.

Mama: Really? You’re giving me ideas Ram.

Ram: No no, I meant that for Red since he’s going to be living with you forever.

Red: Huwat???

Mama: Hahahaha!

Papa: Huh??? What are you talking about?

Mama: Haay naku! Not listening.

Papa: Ano nga?

Mama: DUH!!!

Red: Haha na-OP si Papa!

Papa: Hmph!

(we all laugh)

Ram: Hahahaha! What’s OP? Over Protective?

Red: Buwahahahaha! Over protective daw! Buwahahahaha!!!

Sinong Nadenggoy?
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

Hindi naman sa pagmamalaki pero paminsan-minsan nakaka-denggoy pa rin naman ako ng mga tao. May mga okasyong, napagkakamalan pa akong dalaga. (O ibaba ang mga kilay diyan.) May mga sitwasyong, hindi sila makapaniwalang anak ko sila Ram, Sam at Red. (Kapalmuks ba?) May mga panahong, natatawag pa rin naman ako upang mag-VTR para sa mga patalastas. (Puro mother roles nga lang.) At pag-swinerte, pumapasa rin naman ang inyong abang lingkod sa mga VTR na yan. Sa madaling salita, may natitira pa rin naman akong kamandag. (woohoo!)

Pero hindi diyan natatapos ang pagyayabang este... ang pagke-kwento ko. Noong Linggo, habang nasa sasakyan, biglang humirit ang aking bunso.

Red: Mama, you have so many jobs.

Mama: I do?

Ram: Yes you're a teacher and a principal.

Sam: You're a wife and a mother.

Mama: Aaw, you're making me blush.

Red: AND you're an actor!

Mama: Huwat???

Red: Well sort of, when you make commercials. Ok so you're a SMALL actress.

Mama: Gee thanks Red!

Red: AND you're also a SINGER!

Mama: Naku naman, that's too much.

Red: Oh ok, you're a karaoke girl then.

Mama: Salamat.

Red: OH! And you're a dancer too.

Mama: Ganon? Naku, don't tell me na lang what kind of dancer.

Ram, Sam & Red: Hahahaha!

Mama: But you know what my favorite job of all is?

Ram, Sam & Red: What?

Mama: Of course being your Mama.

Ram, Sam & Red: Our Hot Mama!

(Pati mga anak ko, nadedenggoy ko. Hehehe!)

My Children’s Thoughts (2007)
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco

*On Clubbing

(via text, Ram spent the night in Manila)

Ram: Hi Mama! My friends and I are having dinner in Eastwood.

Mama: Wow how sos! Are you going clubbing after?

Ram: NO. That’s irresponsible.

Mama: Oh, how Voring.

Ram: Gnyt Mama.

*On Rejection

(in the car while passing by an aunt’s ex-suitor’s house)

Papa: That’s the house of your Tita’s ex-suitor.

Red: Really? What happened?

Sam: He probably got rejected.

Red: (in a cheering voice) You got rejected, rejected. R-E, J-E, C-T, E-D… rejected. Yeah!

Mama: That’s so mean Red. What would you do if you got rejected?

Red: I’ll take it like a man and lock myself in my room.

*On Relationships

(the recent conversation triggered this one)

Sam: I’ve never been rejected.

Mama: I hope not Sam unless you’re the one making ligaw.

Sam: Of course not!

Mama: Good.

Sam: Besides, Papa said I can’t have suitors until I’m 25!

Papa: Talaga!

Sam: I think I’ll just be a lesbian.

Mama: That’s fine.

Red: Yes Ate, there’s nothing wrong with being gay.

*On Faith

(after opening the Christmas presents)

Red: Mama?

Mama: Yes?

Red: I still believe in the Three Kings. I thought you should know.

Mama: Oh thanks for the info.

Red: You’re welcome.

*On Puberty

(after seeing a growth on his nose)

Red: I hate puberty!

Ram & Sam: Why?

Red: It gives me a Puberty Imple aka PIMPLE!

*On Haggling

(during our recent Shanghai trip)

Tour Guide: Remember to go as low as 70 to 80 % off.

Red: How much is this?

Vendor: 350

Red: Make it 280!

(Tet & Rox amazed at their son’s haggling ability.)

Vendor: 300

Red: Make it 280!

(We had to step in.)

Mama: No. Too expensive. Should be 100!

Vendor: Friend, how about 250?

Red: Make it 280!!!

Papa & Mama: RED!!!

Blue is the New Green
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

Holidays make me happy and sad. I don’t know when it actually started but at the onset of the berber months, the blues creep in. Don’t get me wrong, I am a very Chrismassy person. I decorate the house as early as September, put down the decors after the Three Kings’, give gifts to almost everyone I know, play carols while putting up the tree, stop the carols after Christmas, make my children believe in Santa Claus and the Three Kings until now, and of course eat queso de bola, ham, relleno and ensaymada for Noche Buena. But as I listen to all the Christmas songs, Hot Mama turns into EMO Mama. Sigh!

As I rack my brain for answers, I can only recall one incident that might have triggered my holiday blues. When I was a young girl, I would often pretend to be asleep whenever my cousins would come over. My purpose was to surprise them by yelling as they entered my room. In one of their last Christmases with us, I did the same thing. All my cousins spent the eve at our house, my Papa being the eldest. I heard them coming and I hid under the blanket and closed my eyes. When I opened them, all I could see was darkness and all I could hear was silence. I really fell asleep! I actually slept through Christmas! By the time I woke up everyone had left the house. I felt so bad! My Mama was telling me how sad my cousins were to find me sleeping. I was angry at them for not waking me up. Haay! Soon after, my cousins migrated to other countries and I had to spend countless Christmas Eves wishing I never closed my eyes.

It was never really the gifts that I got or the new dress that I wore or the feast that my Mama & Yaya prepared, it was and always will be about family and friends. It doesn’t matter what gift you get, be grateful. It doesn’t matter what clothes you wear, be humble. It doesn’t matter what food you eat, be unselfish.

Now, I would like to share with you this wonderful and unique gift we got from our friend… a worry-free, hassle-free, tooth-cracking free, butong pakwan! I just hope that there is an existing butong pakwan cracking machine somewhere or else I do not want to know how this gift came to be. Hehe! Thanks Mandis & Kaye! :)

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends!

Two Decades and A Funeral
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco

It was not really a funeral. It was a Novena Mass held last Thursday at the Sanctuario De San Antonio for a batchmate, Antoinette Langcauon, who recently passed away. Text messages and emails spread like wildfire when we heard of Anto’s passing. I was never really close to her during our St. Scho days. We went with different groups but of course being together in the same school for years, we knew each other. I hooked up with her a year ago through Friendster. We exchanged a few messages and the last one was when she thanked me for a message I sent regarding her mother’s passing away early this year. None of the batchmates, as far as I know, was able to attend her funeral. But in our own little way, through the help of JJ Yulo, we were able to gather a few Kulasas to say a prayer, say goodbye and hope that she is in a better place.

Despite the shock and sadness surrounding this gathering, there was also a feeling of joy and excitement. We haven’t seen each other for 20 years (with the exception of my barkada of course). We couldn’t help but glance, grin and give each other a nudge from time to time. It’s amazing how decades of separation can suddenly disappear and we’re all back in high school. Somehow, Anto has given us the opportunity to be Kulasas once again sans the books and dirty looks. She has made us realize the true value of friendship and loyalty. To Anto, thank you and may you finally be at peace. To my fellow Scholasticans Batch ‘88, next year marks our 20th Anniversary… need I say more?

Hayop Hayop Paano Ka Ginawa?
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco

Last Friday as I was walking in our school campus, I saw a cat. There is nothing extraordinary about this. Our school is a haven to many creatures, from the occasional stray cats, hovering birds, multiplying goats to hundreds of crawling and flying insects. So seeing this feline didn’t cause a stir until I saw its behind. Stuck in its a-hole was a pink plastic bag! The poor thing probably swallowed this synthetic, non-biodegradable and indigestible product which now hung like an extra tail. I couldn’t bring myself to pull it out though. Eew! So sorry kitty cat. Then again, this is not my story. Segue lang yan...

We have been discussing the different animals in our Science class. My students love this topic. Each student has an animal story to tell and all excitedly raise their hands to answer all my questions:

Teacher Roxanne: What do you call a baby cat?

Student 1: Kitty!

Teacher Roxanne: What do you call a baby bird?

Student 2: Birdy!

Teacher Roxanne: What do you call a baby pig?

Student 3: Piggy!

Teacher Roxanne: What do you call a baby horse?

Student 4: Horsey!

Teacher Roxanne: What do you call a baby dog? Please don’t say doggy. It starts with the letter P.

Student 5: Puppet!

Teacher Roxanne: What do you call a baby frog? It is not froggy and it doesn’t end with a Y.

Student 6: Tagpole!

Pwede na rin…

To Stare Or Not To Stare
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

Why do we stare? When I was young, my parents would often reprimand me for staring, “It’s impolite to stare.” No matter how weird a person is dressed, you should not stare. It doesn’t matter if a couple is French kissing in public, no staring! Even if you catch a person cutting his nails in Church, thou shall not stare.

In school, my parents’ advice would often take a backseat. When you are as “maldita” as I was, staring is a necessity. You have to be good in staring. Of course “parinigan” was the top choice for girl fights but when a teacher was around, “titigan” comes off second best. You have to stare without blinking, the longer, the better. Actually, it’s the longer, the winner. Now that I think about this, we were so silly. Oh well…

Now that I’m oldER, staring seems to have new meaning. It’s so ironic how things are. According to my children, staring is subjective. Staring is not always impolite. I learn so much from my kids. While watching “Prison Break”, Michael and Sara looked into each other’s eyes and in a few moments, kissed.

Red: That is the 3-second stare of romance.

Mama: What? How do you know that?

Red: That always happens in the movies Mama. After the 3-second stare, they are sure to kiss.

Mama: Really now. What happens when the stare exceeds 3 seconds?

Sam: Then that would be the awkward stare.

Red: Yup, REALLY awkward!

Kakaibang Lindol
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

Today while having lunch, someone said "Naramdaman niyo yon?" At first no one could understand her until she said, "Earthquake!" We still didn't believe her until we all stood up and suddenly felt dizzy. It was actually a strong one. We let our students out for fear of an aftershock. But the children came out scratching their heads wondering what the fuss was all about. Better safe than sorry. I was actually scared thinking "what next?". First two simultaneous typhoons and then an earthquake. I quietly said my prayer.

But that's not my story. After our "nayanig na tanghalian", the one who first felt the tremor was quiet. We started talking about all the scary experiences we've had from the earthquake in 1990 to the Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and all the typhoons, floods and lahar that came. Then she finally spoke, "Ninenerbyos ako!" So we tried consoling her and telling her that we were too. But her reply gave us an aftershock of a lifetime, "You don't understand. Every time we have an earthquake, I get pregnant!" Nyak!

Red Strikes Again and Again
By: Roxanne Estrellado-Limjoco

Watched “Enchanted” with the whole family last Saturday. It was a welcome change from last weekend’s movie choice, “Beowulf”. From sad to happy, from heavy to light, I was actually singing on our way back to the car. My children and even my husband watched and listened with disgust. I didn’t care, I had LSS… “how do you know??? Lalalalala…”

There was a scene in the movie where Mc Dreamy was telling Amy Adams how relationships turn from fantasy to reality. That it is not always a happily ever after ending. Red then leans to me and whispers, “Mama, how is it for you? Is it still fantasy or already reality?” Haay Red!

Yesterday we were on our way to get lost at Trinoma. The car was unusually quiet. The kids were asleep or so I thought. So Tet and I did our own version of the “would you rather” game. We talked about trips we would like to take. We’ve always wanted to go on a Euro Trip. We started making plans until… “Can I go???” Red was not sleeping! I told him it was a trip only for the papa and mama… “Please!!!” …and that he was too young to appreciate Europe anyway. He then turned away, looked out the window and said these words, “One day when you look back and I’m already an adult, you’re going to wonder where the years went by and why you never brought me to Europe.” Umm… Red okay ka lang?

The strangest thing happened last night. I was multiply-ing as usual and a message suddenly appeared on my multiply site. It required me to copy a password, composed of a bunch of random letters and numbers. I was not affected by that since I encounter such messages from other sites but what was disturbing was the title. It said "Human Verification" or something to that effect. Supposedly, my site has been having too much activity that it needed to verify whether the user was human or not. I have been asked a lot of questions and even accused of many things but this is the first time my specie has been doubted. Hmmm... Pati ako napaisip. Tao nga ba ako??? I might just be a deus ex machina! (a word I picked up from Ram) Woohoo!

Would You Rather…
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco

During car trips we usually play the “would you rather” game. This game is played by asking one person what he would rather be, have, do or want and after answering he or she can ask anyone in the car until someone passes and loses. Questions would range from the non-sense to the bizarre to the morbid. Examples are: Would you rather be a person or an animal? Would you rather be rich and ugly or poor and beautiful? Would you rather eat poo or drink pee? Would you rather be in a crashing airplane or sinking ship? Yesterday the questions required more pondering than usual.

Tet was asked if he would rather stop playing golf or stop seeing his friend, Val. I was asked if I would rather give up my baby pillow or my baby girl, Sidney. Sam was asked if she would rather read or paint. Red was asked if he would rather keep Hobbes Delfino or Dino Spomoni. (Red almost cried here.) Although we were able to answer these, the feeling of guilt never left us. Then it was Ram’s turn to be interrogated. “Ram, would you rather get very, very high grades in the school you’re in right now or get average grades in the school you want to be in?” Ram was silent until everyone was bugging him to decide already. “It’s just a game!” “It’s not like it’s really happening.” “Haay!” Finally Ram opened his mouth and muttered, “I feel like Ross in Friends.” So we all asked him why. “When he was asked to choose between dinosaurs and sex, he felt the same way. Or just like Joey when asked to choose between food and sex.” This debate went on and on with all of us giving our views and yet Ram couldn’t choose. Come to think of it, I don’t think he ever made a choice! Oh well…

We forgot about this and spent time with my family in Alabang. Going home, Red initiated the game again. He asked me and Tet if we would rather give up food or sex. Then he said, “If it were me, I would rather give up sex.” Then we all laughed, with relief. He then quickly added,” For now that is my choice since I haven’t had sex… YET!” Yikes!!!

Pakilagay Ang SPINACH sa Taperwer at Ilagay sa Pridyider
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

Being a Filipino entails speaking in not just one language which makes us bilingual and even multilingual. But with globalization and the boom of call centers all over Asia, speaking in English has become a necessity for any nationality. And yet Filipinos are a notch above the rest. The way we speak can drastically change the linguistics of the world!

Growing up in a Filipino household, you must learn that the generic name for toothpaste is Colgate (Inday pakibili mo ako ng colgate na close-up.), for any plastic container is tupperwear (Pakilagay ang tirang ulam sa taperwer.), for briefs is Jockey (Dong naging bacon na naman ang jockey mo!), for refrigerator is Frigidaire (Sara mo yung pridyider, sayang ang lamig.) and of course scraping your knee would require an adhesive bandage called Band-Aid (Hay naku nadapa ka naman! Paano ka pa sasali sa Ms. Universe niyan??? Dali lagyan mo ng band-aid!).

When going out with the typical Pinoy family you can’t decide whether to eat palabok or yumburger at Mc Donald’s. You order for a coke and wonder why the waiter didn’t ask you whether you wanted Sprite or 7-Up. A trip to the salon would not only give you a great do sprayed with Aqua Net, it would also give you the chance to put on Cutex on your nails.

I am guilty of generalizing these proper nouns. I got it from my Mama and she probably got it from her Mama too. Hearing these words will not merit a look of shock or a tinge of laughter from me nor will it make me cringe. I love it! I thought I heard it all until one of my teachers during lunch excitedly said, “Ay muntik ko na nakalimutan yung tropic ko. Woohoo!” Then she rushed out of the canteen. The whole time I thought she was talking about a new drink like Tropicana. She emerged saying, “May suka ba?” Huh??? Why would she need vinegar? She then waved up a bag of fish crackers. Nyarks! Kropek lang pala. Turns out there once was a brand of fish crackers in Pampanga called Tropic thus the generalization once again. Oh well…

Of course I have to save the best story for last. Ten years ago we all went to Disneyland. To top off the day we decided to eat at Goofy’s Café. Before dinner ended , Goofy’s Sous Chef decided to pay us a visit. The kids were jumping with joy in seeing Pluto until my sister-in-law said, “Hi Goofy!” Time stood still. The kids’ jaws dropped. We were all floored! The stunned Pluto was ogling at the slanderer with both hands on his waist while tapping his foot. I slowly whispered into her ear, “Sis, that’s not Goofy. That’s Pluto!” to which her reply was, “Hindi kasi kami nanood ng papay nung bata kami e.” Whadda?!?!

Makulay ang Buhay
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco

Right after I took down my Halloween décor, my Christmas spirit was up. But as I checked all my lights, none of them was working. They felt they had to retire after ten years of lighting my life and my tree. Sigh! So off we went to National Bookstore. I did not want to take chances with the cheap lights at Divisoria. I excitedly bought ten boxes each stamped with the ICC Quality Mark seal and to my surprise I was given not a plastic bag but a canvass shopping bag. Wow!

On our way home Sam read the tag on the bag out loud and it said “Red is the New Green”…

Red: Red is the new green?

Sam: Yes.

Red: I don’t get it.

Sam: It’s like saying green is the new black. Since black is a classic color.

Red: Huh??? I don't get it.

Sam: The color green is associated with the environment and red is associated with National Bookstore.

Red: Oh!

Sam: So red is the new …

Red: Silver???

Mama: Huwattt?!?!

Red: Ummm… gold???

Sam: DUH!!!

Mama: Merry Christmas Red. Haay!!!

But that’s not the end of the story. At home, Sam and I retold the whole miscommunication to Kuya Ram. He loved stories like these so he could endlessly bug his baby brother. To our horror, this was his reply…

Ram: I don’t get it.

Red: See??? I don’t get it too Kuya.

Mama: Sam , your brothers are geniuses! Sigh!

Pwedeng Magyabang?
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco

After 2 months of waiting and a week of hibernation, the results are out. I am now a licensed teacher! Thank God!

“The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 18,376 elementary teachers out of 66,709 examinees and 16,811 secondary teachers out of 57,723 examinees successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T) given by the Board for Professional Teachers on August 26, 2007 in 19 testing centers all over the Philippines.” (Philstar.com)

After taking the LET exam last August I wasn’t confident nor was I happy. I was clueless as to how I did in the test. I found it quite difficult and told everyone who asked but nobody would believe me. Fine. I pretended not to think about it but my dreams would betray me not just once but twice! It felt so real, passing the board exam in my dreams. In both times, I didn’t want to wake up. The third time I saw my name on the list was the real thing. This time I didn’t want to sleep! I said a little prayer and began texting away, thanking my family and friends for all the prayers and support.

But this is just a segue to my real story…

Red is not going to be an Atenean. :( The letter came last Tuesday. I didn’t know how to break the news to him. Until he asked me…

Red: What are you holding Mama?

Mama: A letter.

Red: From?

Mama: Ateneo.

Red: Did I pass??? (with really bright eyes)

Mama: No baby. (trying not to cry)

Red: Really??? (in shock)

Mama: Red, it’s okay. This doesn’t change anything. Don’t let this bring you down okay??? You’re a very smart, young boy.

Red: But it was SO easy! (still in disbelief)

Mama: Well maybe many of you found it easy and they couldn’t accept all of you.

Red: I guess. Or maybe… I’m just too good for them.

Mama: YES you are!!! (sighing with relief)

There are so many things to be grateful for and to be boastful of: my loving & supportive family and friends, passing my exam, my two college kids (finally) doing well in school and Red being a very smart and brave young man. :)

Began reading this aloud to my husband today. Halfway through the letter i stopped. He asked why and as he looked at me he didn't need the answer...


Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.

I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz
was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall
bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed
to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical
Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there.
We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents
place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then
proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she
had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she
wanted to move around and listen to some music while I
grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of
Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2
entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she
turned right towards Filbar's while I went left
towards the restaurants. That was the last time I
would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at
the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her
appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1
through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn
the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave
from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped
as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the
same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried
getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too
much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to
make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without
a response only meant that she dropped it in the
confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med.
to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again
to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get
hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what
the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My
Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's
appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the
eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead
of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then
brought me to a small examination room. It was only
through a digital camera that I was able to confirm
(and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner.
I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should
have not chose to park where I did. I should have
braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should
have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to
breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source
of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you
on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber
starts asking for her Mama.

I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the
loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the
details of how her mother died, but more importantly I
would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a
loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and
nurturing. She has always cared for her family and
friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time
mom and home maker.

As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of
which I regret not going through. The sweet is never
as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of
marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only
to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets
about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond
her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked
and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want
now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish
each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty
simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to
ask you to please include Leslie in them until her
40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit
and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz