Thank You Mom

The month of May is one of busiest time of the year. While some are preparing for their town fiestas and the many activities it brings (basketball tournaments, sagala, beauty contests, etc), others engage in road trips and out-of-town adventures before the back-to-school season hit the scene.

But we should not forget that a special day is celebrated worldwide in the midst of the festivities and madness that the hot air of summer gives. Every second Sunday of May is recognized as the day of appreciation to the greatest women in our lives. I am not talking of our wives and girlfriends. It’s your mama, mommy, mom, nanay, ma, inay, mudra, inang, mum and whatever unique name you call her.

A few days ago, I was watching a video over Youtube when I saw a thumbnail of a video on the sidebar of the screen with the title, “Best Job.”  In the next two minutes, I felt a pinch in my heart and was just moved with the images and message of the short yet inspiring clip. After viewing it, I told myself that I want to do something special for my Nanay Conchit this coming Mother’s day.

I plan to cook tinola for her. Something that she always does for me every time I am down, with sickness or due to a sad episode in my life, and every sip of her wonder soup lifts up my spirit and brings a smile on my face. I also wrote her a letter which I want to share to you guys. Why?  You’ll find out when you read the note below. I decided to do it in tagalog and you’ll also know the reason for this in the letter.

Dear Nanay,

Huwag ka sanang magtaka kung bakit sinulatan kita. Wala po akong mabigat na problema, uunahan ko na po  kayo.  Magpi-pitong taon na yata ang nakalipas ng huli kitang sinulatan noong nagta-trabaho pa ko sa ibang bansa.

May mga bagay lang kasi akong gustong aminin sa inyo na dapat ay matagal ko nang nasabi. Ito na siguro ang tamang pagkakataon dahil malapit na ang Mother’s day.

Nay, hindi mo alam ito pero nung elementary po ako, tinanong ako ng teacher ko kung ano ang trabaho mo. Ang sabi ko isa kang businesswoman pero di ko binanggit na pagtatahi ng basahan ang negosyo mo. Mayabang kasi yung katabi ko at palagi sinasabi manager sa pagawaan ng kotse yung mommy niya. E tuwing Christmas party, mas maganda naman ang suot kong damit kesa sa kanya.

Tapos nung high school, napag-usapan naming magkaka-klase kung ano mga natapos ng mga nanay namin. Ang sabi ko undergrad ka pero di ko na binanggit na hanggang grade 5 lang inabot mo. Ako kasi nag-top sa buong batch namin sa National College Entrance Examination (NCEE). Baka sabihin nila nangodiko lang ako o tsamba lang yun.  E, magaling naman talaga kayong mag-review sa akin, diba?

Nung college ko naman, may naghahanap sa inyo kung kelan daw kayo makikilala ng mga barkada ko kasi hindi ko daw kayo iniimbitahan sa awarding ceremonies ng mga essay contest na aking pinagwagian. Kayo na din kasi nagsabi na baka pagsalitain kayo sa stage ng ingles e bilang lang kamo sa daliri ang English words na alam nyo.  Binabati ko naman kayo sa mga acceptance speeches ko bilang inspirasyon sa aking mga gawa.

Aminin ko man o hindi, pero hindi ko po kayo naibida sa ibang tao sa ilang bagay bilang aking ina. Ngunit nais kong linawin na hindi ito nangangahulugan na ikinakahiya ko kayo. Marahil noong mga panahong iyon ay inaakala kong nararapat lang ang aking mga ginawa sa mga nasabing sitwasyon.  Ngayon po ay nais kong isigaw sa buong mundo ang lubos kong pasasalamat sa inyo!

Salamat po na mula sa pagtatahi ng basahan ay nagawa n’yong bilhan at bihisan ako at ang aking mga kapatid ng maaayos na kasuotan.

Salamat po na kahit di ka nakatapos ng elementarya ay nakagawa kayo ng paraan at nairaos n’yo akong mapagtapos sa kolehiyo.

Salamat po at kahit hindi kayo magaling mag-ingles ay naituro nyo sa akin ng wasto ang ABC na siyang naging pundasyon ko bilang isang manunulat.

Nanay... nais kong lagi n’yong isaisip at isapuso ang mga salitang ingles na ito na hindi mo man madalas marinig sa akin ay alam kong maiintindihan ninyo, I love you so much, Nanay Conchit!

Lubos na gumagalang,

Richard

My nanay might shed some tears reading this letter.  I just know. She cries over sad movies and soap operas. So just to lighten up the mode, I prepared some original pick-up lines especially dedicated to my ever dearest mother. I’ll be using some products that I see in my nanay’s small sari-sari store so she can easily relate with my pa-cute messages. Here goes...

Find out how you too can show your appreciation to your mom.  Discover why the hardest job in the world is also the best job in the world.  Visit the official Thank You Mom Facebook page and be part of the celebration of love to the greatest women of our lives!   

So you think you are Astig?

ASTIG - (ahhs-teeg) is a Filipino slang word used to describe anything cool, kick-ass or badass awesome. Derived from the Filipino word "tigas" which means hard or tough.

I always thought that I am one astig person not because I can bully around people or stab fear in the heart of anyone with a mere grin.  That's not me.

I am astig because I want to believe that I have given the best I can in everything I do.  I have conquered some of my fears... reached places I never imagined I can go... accomplished tasks what were once seems impossible.

What the heck am I talking about. Dami kong pasakalye! Actually, all I want to say is that I have found a cool product that just suit my taste.  It just happened that its brand name is the same as my blog.  The next time you visit your favorite grocery store, try to grab a tetra pack or bottle of Astig Energy Drink  and you'll find out why I am into this drink these days.

It was in my vacation in Aklan last week when I stumbled upon this energy drink. And it was love at first sip.  It should have been a relaxing 3-day vacation but I need to finish some stuff for my blog and good thing, I have something to keep me going for a few more hours before I hit the bed.

Astig Energy Drink is a functional beverage made with unique blends of high quality ingredients. It invigorates the mind and body for optimal performance. It's one of the quality products from Juan Republik Foods and are now available in Puregold branches Like Astig Energy Drink on facebook and get updates for upcoming events and promotions.

Just to make this clear, I am not paid to do this post. I am just pumped up with this beverage that I can't help but blog about it!  

Summer is definitely more fun with NIVEA SUN! My top summer wonder is Baguio City

I grew up with the idea that Baguio as synonymous to summer.  For me Baguio is to summer as North Pole is to Christmas.

I just love this place not only because it’s my favorite destination during this time of the year but also for the fact that every trip to this friendly and accommodating city brings new unforgettable moments. It’s my home far away from home and that is why it’s my top summer wonder.

You know it’s summer when your neighbor gives you a broom (or a figurine of a man in a barrel) as pasalubong, canisters of peanut brittle go rounds in your office courtesy of your boss, or your friend prepared you a strawberry jam sandwich one afternoon you visited him.  You don’t need a degree to tell that just a few days ago, those guys were actually basking the below 20 degree Celsius fine weather of you know where.

Baguio deserves to be recognized as one of the Summer Wonders in the country.  It’s moniker says it’s all: The Summer Capital of the Philippines.  Also known as the City of Pines, Baguio is gifted with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions that makes it a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists.  Now, what makes Baguio a unique summer wonder is that it is actually the home to popular summer wonders that are simply must-visits.  Here are my personal choices for the top 7 Wonders of Baguio City (and also the reasons why Baguio is my top summer wonder).

Burnham Park. Dubbed as the “Mother of all Parks” in Baguio, this tourist spot has an attraction in every corner. Built around it are the majestic Baguio Cathedral, the city market and the commercial center Session Road.  I am pretty sure that somewhere in your old photo albums (or Facebook albums, perhaps, you have a picture riding on a boat at Burnham Lake. Wanna bet? :)

Baguio Cathedral.  Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral is located on top of Mount Mary hill in the heart of the city.  Its striking rose-colored structure, richly-decorated inside and twin spires makes it one of the country’s most beautiful architectural structures.  When you’re up there, you’ll be treated to a wonderful bird’s eye view of Session Road and the city’s landscape.  Now if you have a  fear of heights like me, the better!  This will make you pray more and harder inside the church.

The Lourdes Grotto. This is another popular Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of the city where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes, a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week.  Access to the top of the grotto could be made by driving a light vehicle through a winding, narrow and steep asphalt-paved road or by a challenging yet exciting way--- climbing the 252 steps.  When you’re up there, it feels like you don’t wanna leave (I hope it’s not because of the 252 steps again to go down).

Session Road. It is Baguio City’s main thoroughfare and commercial center with a variety of shops and establishments lining each side.  If you miss the lights and sounds the metropolis during your stay in Baguio, you’ll have a dose and more at Session Road either by shopping in Baguio City Market or in a big mall on Luneta Hill or stepping into the many restaurants and bars lining the street.  And of course, your visit in the city is never complete if you were not able to get a Prada, Gucci or a Benetton from the ukay-ukay stores.

Camp John Hay.  Arguably the most popular visitor attraction of Baguio City.  With its pinetree-lined roads, amazing landscaping, quaint cottages and wide open spaces, this beautiful resort in the mountains also features a world class Jack Niclaus-designed golf course, hotels and other got-to-see tourist spots.  And if you’re lucky, you might meet here Manny Pacquiao doing a run around.  Err... I mean training for a fight.

The Mansion.  This official summer residence of the President of the Philippines is located along C.P. Romulo Drive. Here’s a useless trivia you might not know: The Mansion is actually older than Baguio City.  It was built in 1908 as the summer home of US Governor Generals.  With its rich history and appealing structure, this landmark is also one of the most photograph places in Baguio.  Just a little reminder, you can do planking here but please no Noynoying.... Ordered by The Management.

Mines View Park.  Although the main attraction of the park nowadays are the commercial activities such as the souvenir and silverworks stores by the park or a stop at the Good Shepherd Convent for the famous ube jam (yum yum yum), you’ll still get that undefined feeling while in this ridge where you’ll witness the spectacular view of Benguet’s gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountains.  Don’t you ever dare asked me if I wore a bahag and carried shield and spear for a photo op because... yes, I did!

Wright Park, Botanical Garden, Bell Church and other attractions could still be included but I decided to keep this short list. I want to invite you to discover or rediscover why Baguio is a top summer wonder in our country and for you to make your own list.

While many of us would love to take a dip in the refreshing waters offered by beaches and resorts around the archipelago, I prefer to engaged in a long road trip to this place were some of my wonderful childhood memories still lives on.   I just feel that my first boat ride, horse-back ride and hill climb were all very memorable experiences in my life because they all happened in Baguio, my top summer wonder!    

Join the on-going Nivea Philippines 7 Summer Wonders contest on FB and get a chance to win NIVEA Sun gift packs, Charina Sarte swimwear, SONY products or a trip for 2 to the Ultimate Summer Wonder! Just click http://www.facebook.com/NIVEAPhilippines/app_180716052039522 to join and vote now!

PLDT myDSL & Nuffnang bring you The Avengers!

April is one of my favorite months.

Not only that I would be able to take a long-awaited vacation during this time, it is also the birth month of my wife.  The very moment April Fool's Day hit the clock, my creative juices already starts to flow not to think of pranks but to plan on how to surprise my wife (again) on his birthday.

For five years and counting, it has been like a superhero task to come out with something different from last year's .  I always see to it that what I'll be cooking up for her coming birthday is better than the previous ones.  If only creative juices or superhero potion are bought in drug stores, I'll take a dose everyday until I can think of another clever idea.

Talking about superheroes, I just remembered that Marvel's The Avenger will be shown in theaters this month. Hmm... I know my wife loves sci-fi, weird stuff and monsters (just some of the reasons why she married me), I hope this exciting hero flick will do the trick.

Incidentally, PLDT myDSL and Nuffnang will have a special screening of The Avengers on April 26 at Shangri-la Cineplex. If you want to score tickets to this event, just click HERE.

When you talk of PLDT myDSL, it can only mean fast internet connection.  And here are some Avenger-like effect that will happen to you if you have fast connection:

Hulk. You can be unstoppable and can dominate online games. You'll be the master of Tetris and all you puny opponents can't do anything but turn into green with envy (no pun intended).

Captain America.  You'll feel like living in the US because you can easily get updates and breaking news about your favorite Hollywood stars and TV shows.  Now, if you can only figure out how to vote for Jessica Sanchez, you'll be two-thirds American in no time.

Iron Man. Like Tony Stark, you can live a bachelor rockstar-like life for a day singing along your all-time favorite bands via Youtube. Ready, sing... "You treat me like a rose, you give me room to grow..."

Thor. I'm pretty sure you love mythology.  And the web is one great place where you can find myths as mysterious as Thor's origin.  Now there is one mystery that I really wanted to be answered, "Is Loki a viking or a bi-king?"

Aside from these fun stuff and great news, I have more good news to share.  Have you heard about PLDT myDSL Great Payday Sale?  This summer is the perfect time to enjoy the strongest connections at home with PLDT myDSL’s Great Payday Sale happening on April 27-29, 2012.  All you have to do is register at the nearest PLDT Home booth or malls nationwide on April 27-29, 2012 with 1 valid ID, no cash out! You can also upgrade your Internet with PLDT myDSL’s biggest Internet sale ever.

Freebies like a WiFi+Modem with free installation and 1 month DSL will be given away. That’s as much as P5,000 savings! For more information, you can visit www.pldtmydsl.com where online application is also accepted.