Reminiscing...

Some of the things I remember when I was growing up. Maybe some of you will be able to relate, some may find it strange and foreign, but nevertheless, the list will always be a part of my youth.

Here goes in random order: tira-tira, White Rabbit candies, Fat and Thin butong pakwan, Jack's burgers on highway54, maiz con hielo of Milky Way, La Cibeles, Campanero- chinese friend of my dad in Ongpin Resto. ( San Jacinto?) that had the best camaron rebusado and pata hamon, Ma Mon Luk, Rolling Pin, Cartimar, Acme Supermarket, Good Earth dept.store, Little Quiapo, Motorco, cosmos and Uva soft drinks, St.Paul nuns with starched white habit with matching "flying nun head gear", Sr. Mary Paul and Sr.Miriam Raymond, Mang Pedring bus service, Gregg shoes, 3 flowers pomade, Tanchotique, Halo and Prell shampoo, ye ye vonnel, onrubia sisters sashaying in the zoom zoom super shell commercial, Caronia nail polish, nite owl dance party, "tik eet awiy" joe quirino, Nineteeners and Laura Danao, 2 for the Road of Elvira Manahan, Twiggy, Julie Andrews in Sound of Music, Chitty-chitty Bang-bang, Bewithched, Lollipops and Roses, The Sensations of Ike Lozada, Apeng Daldal Cafeteria Aroma, John n Marsha, Magnolia kiosk in Quad, Bricktown, Rizal theater and Leila's, Makati Amusement Center, Maranao, Automatic center, Astro Bowl, Dairy Queen, Spaghetti of Makati Supermarket, Gumby cartoons, Betty Boop, chinese jackstones, chinese garter, Red Fox Band of Rene Garcia and the hot Padua brothers, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Mills and Boon, Zurbaran Market shopping, Ruby Tower Earthquake, Flower Power, Hair the musical, hot pants, Farah Fawcett hair, Bang-bang jeans, Nik-Nik, Kiss Me cosmetics, Kokuryu, Max Factor pancake foundation, Woodstock, Aldeguer sisters, Camay girls, Davy Jones and The Monkees, the blue Impala car of my dad, Better Home Appliances, WhereElse disco, Stargazer, Coco Banana, Bagong Anyo, Bayanihan and Fiesta Filipina Dance co., Penthouse Live ... among other things.

Ok now I just gave my real age away...

American Dreamer Wants To Make Basilan The Next Phuket Or Boracay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 29, 2002 (STAR) By Wilson Lee Flores - "Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars!" These words were uttered by then 94-year-old Dr. Norman Vincent Peale in his last speech in May 1992 at the Ohio Wesleyan University.

One of the risk-takers who will literally wrestle with anyone who dares dismiss the Philippines as hopeless is Tourism Secretary Richard "Dick" Juico Gordon. Unlike many of our hopeless politicians who enjoy pandering to the crowd to woo their votes, Gordon is obstinate in his straight-talking, cajoling, urging way. He even lectures pessimistic people to share his vision of a resurgent Philippine tourism. One of the staunch believers in Gordon’s bold vision of tourism as a source of Philippine economic salvation is 52-year-old topnotch American architect David S. Froelich. Dave is the man behind the bold and headline-grabbing plan to construct a 450-room beach and golf resort in Basilan province in Mindanao.

Furniture tycoon Leandro "Dinky" Lopez-Rizal Bantug on September 20 invited this writer to lunch at Dulcinea Greenhills with his friends Dave Froelich and his lovely Filipina wife Joyce Limjoco Tioseco. Dave established the Manila office of the world-famous Skimore, Owings & Merrill architectural firm in the early 1980s for design work of the US$100 million Asian Development Bank (ADB) project in Ortigas Center. He was also director of architecture and engineering for the Universal Studios projects in Osaka, Japan, also those in Orlando, Florida and California. When I half-jokingly suggested to Dave to design a resort project for Basilan province which will surely become world-famous, he said: "I already have made such plans. In fact, I’ve already written President Gloria Arroyo about my plans on November 12, 2001. I will also be meeting Secretary Gordon to ask his support in making Basilan a tourist destination."

In his letter to President Gloria Arroyo, the American architect said: "I am pleased that your plan to eradicate the Abu Sayyaf includes socio-economic development. Highly visible development and new jobs on their home turf of Basilan will eliminate such extremists... The beauty of Basilan is yet untapped for the tourist market... Here is what we propose be built by November 2004: a 450-room beach and golf resort that will create 900 permanent jobs, a regional airport that will create 250 permanent jobs, a hotel management school that will create 100 permanent jobs…roads and bridges. This development will be built as a self-contained, defensible village..."

Froelich was very glad that unlike most Filipinos who dismissed him as crazy or were shocked to hear of resort plans for Basilan, Secretary Gordon pledged all-out support and later announced to the mass media such plans. The landowner of the proposed Basilan project is the Alano family, whom Froelich got to know through the introduction of his friend Conrado Benitez II of Philippine Women’s University. His proposed name for the resort is "Kireihama," which is Japanese for "Beautiful Beach." Froelich can read and written Chinese and Japanese characters.

When almost all of his prominent Filipino friends expressed skepticism, pointing to the country’s terrible peace and order conditions, and saying his Basilan dream is too ambitious, Froelich would reply: "People always ask me if I would be successful in this dream project. What’s unacceptable to me is not trying to do this exciting and feasible project."

What budget does Froelich need to accomplish this resort project and who will fund it? He said US$150 million, and he wants to solicit a consortium of international investors, including wealthy Muslim nations in the Middle East and perhaps overseas Chinese business groups in Asia. When this writer commented that perhaps the capital needed was too high, the gray-haired Dinky Bantug gave an impish smile and replied: "If our politicians and military leaders are spending so many billions of pesos and wasting so many young Filipino lives in their long and unsuccessful war against the Moro rebels, why don’t we get private investors to fund this resort and help seek a permanent solution to the socio-economic crises in these islands of Basilan, Sulu and other places? I believe in the future of Philippine tourism."












If only Dave's dream became a reality ... tsk...tsk..tsk... Quo Vadis Philippines, my Philippines? Incidentally, Dave Froelich is married to my sister..the lovely Joyce ( hehehe), and Dave is more Filipino at heart, than anyone I know ! I always told him that he should've been an Honorary Consul to the Phil. I hope somebody from the DFA is reading this....

I ♥ Diane Sawyer !

When I was living in SF in the '80s, I looked forward to watching the news just because Diane Sawyer was in it. This woman never ceases to amaze me. I love love Diane Sawyer!( And no I am not a lesbian!) I watched her as an investigative journalist in 60 min. with Mike Wallace and the funny Andy Rooney; and in 20/20 and I thought she was better-looking and gentler than Barabara Walters; then on to becoming a newscaster with ABC's Primetime Live, etc... and has a long list of accomplishments.

I am happy that I still get to see her on Good Morning America to this day; and even featured the now famous "Papaya Dance of a local TV show here" and she even danced to it too, but looked awkward doing it! But who cares?

Diane Sawyer... so pretty and unassuming... and to think that she ranks #62 on the 100 Most Powerful in the Forbes list!

Watch the video below

Wishlist

I know, I know these are just shallow possessions that I can't bring with me in the afterlife. But who doesn't want an LV , a Goyard, Christian Louboutins, Jimmy Choos or a Marc Jacobs, or maybe just obsessing about it at one time in life? Well allow me to be superficial even in my dreams ...

For now I am content with just looking and saliavating for these... Ugh.

Diamonds are gorgeous too; but for some reason I am not that attracted to it. I didn't say I don't like them, ha.

Investment wise, diamonds are better, and lasts forever, but there are a lot of women out there now who are so addicted to bags and shoes that pre-owned stores have proliferated in the last 5 years or so.

In Japan there's Komehyo, 2nd hand Harajaku stores, and in Hongkong, Milan Stations everywhere!

A Tokyo-based research found that more than 94 percent of Tokyo women in their 20s own something made by Louis Vuitton; at least 92 percent have goods from Gucci; nearly 58 percent own a Prada item; and more than 51 percent have something with a Chanel label on it.

But like shoppers everywhere, they love a bargain (even an expensive one), and with a weak yen forcing luxury retailers to raise their prices in Japan, thrifty consumers are increasingly seeking to gratify their craving for conspicuous consumption without paying full price.

For people like me, with no qualms about wearing previously owned clothing, jewelry,bags,etc.., the rise of this kind of store is something that should surely be taken advantage of. But make sure you're getting the REAL deal.

Migraine GO AWAY !!!!

A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.

Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, usually vision disturbances, that serve as a warning sign that a bad headache is coming. Most people, however, do not have such warning signs.

A lot of people get migraines -- about 11 out of 100. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46 and may run in families. Migraines occur more often in women than men. Pregnancy may reduce the number of migraines attacks. At least 60 percent of women with a history of migraines have fewer such headaches during the last two trimesters of pregnancy.

Until the 1980s, scientists believed that migraines were due to changes in blood vessels within the brain. Today, most believe the attack actually begins in the brain itself, and involves various nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain.

A migraine attack can be triggered by stress, food, environmental changes, or some other factor. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by:

• Allergic reactions
  
• Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
  
• Physical or emotional stress
  
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Smoking or exposure to smoke - (guilty)
  
• Skipping meals
• Alcohol - ( yup..was just drinking red wine!)
  
• Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills - ( duh...menopausal)
  
• Tension headaches
• Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami) - (there goes the tocino and tapas!)
  
• Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods. - ( what's left to eat now?)
  

Symptoms

Migraine headaches, which can be dull or severe, usually:

• Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating
• Are worse on one side of the head
• Last 6 to 48 hours

Symptoms accompanying migraines include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness

Warning signs (auras) that can precede a migraine include seeing stars or zigzag lines, tunnel vision, or a temporary blind spot.

Symptoms that may linger even after the migraine has gone away include:

• Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp ( yeah right)
  
• Increased need for sleep ( yehey more sleep!)
  
• Neck pain
  

Follow Your Dream...

I am excited for my daughter Diana. On July 13'08, she'll be well on her way to Dubai for a comprehensive 6 month training program as a cabin attendant for Emirates.

Last April, Diana graduated BS Nursing, and we thought she was going to pursue a job as a nurse. I guess, she would rather see the world first; nothing wrong with that. She's young, pretty, and talented ( plays the piano and has a nice singing voice, but too shy to sing in front of an audience!) Well, she has plenty of time to think about whatever she wants to do later on in life. *sigh* ....To be that age again ... sarap di ba?

I am so so excited for her. Fly fly fly the butterfly... hahaha... Thing is, her sister Monica is getting married in November and she will be sorely missed - her presence and in the entourage. She was going to be the maid of honor ! Also, her 24th birthday is coming up on July 20... But, Diana has made up her mind, and we love and support her just the same.

And so to our dear Diana-Banana... it will never be a good-bye for us, but more of, we shall see you in -----> Dubai soon. Take care of yourself, don't forget to say your prayers, enjoy this new chapter of your life ..... and update us, ok-dokie?

BIG HUGs and Mwahs ... MOM

The 5th Child

I come from a big family; 9 kids! And being the 5th child makes me the middle child literally. The sequencing was, girl-boy-boy-boy-me-girl-girl-boy-boy. I don't think I had a middle child syndrome.

"The middle or second born child or children often have the sense of not belonging. They fight to receive attention from parents and others because they feel many times they are being ignored or dubbed off as being the same as another sibling. Being in the middle a child can feel insecure. The middle child often lacks drive and looks for direction from the first born child. Sometimes a middle child feels out of place because they are not over achievers and like to go with the flow of things. -( nailed it !) Being a middle child would mean they are loners. They really don’t like to latch on to a person in a relationship, there fore they have trouble keeping one due to lack of interest. Not liking to take the limelight for anything, they are not over achievers and just simply work enough work to get by, and typically that goes with school as well as a career. They are however very artistic and creative. If forced to use abilities they will work well, but do not work well under pressure. They often start several projects but rarely keep focused long enough to finish a project. The best career move for a middle child would be along the lines of using their creative. Going into a writing or journalism career, and into a career that they could freely express themselves would be good. Anything that would have hours that are flexible, and projects that frequently changed would be good for a middle born child. - ( Okay okay... I get it .) Since relationships are not of high importance to a middle child, often times they are alone. However, the best possible match for a middle child would be a last born." - from Family and Parenting.

I was not a loner; infact I was outgoing then.. and had lot's of friends... and I got along well with my siblings; never started a fight with them - we were 4 girls and 5 boys. I was what you'd call a flexible child, and when there was trouble among any of the members of the family, they would seek me out for advice, that is, if I wasn't the cause of the problem. hehehe... Well, I was no saint. I had my share of my parent's headache that's for sure.... Poor mom, she'd often say that I was the cause of some of her white hair growth. Hahaha... Sorry about that.

Blog....what blog?

"Mom you should start a blog"... my youngest daughter Kim, said to me about 2 years ago. Huh what's that?

I am a stay-at-home-mom eversince I got married 28 years ago (wow that's long!), my life had been spilled milk, diaper changing, pedia/dental visits,grocery shopping, family days,ballet-piano-taekwondo trips, PTAs, yaya/maid problems, etc...and keeping house for my 5 kids and husband. Boring? No time for that. But I am no Martha Stewart ha.. I had to do what I had to do. And like anything else in this world, there are ups and plenty of downs. But with this new technology called the Internet, I am able to keep in touch with family and friends and surf the net ( shop on-line!) in the comfort of my home. But Blogging? It was all new to me.

Anyway, back to my daughter Kim... I was helping her write an article for her school newspaper, and I must have made an impression on her; ( wow, my mom can actually write!)and so the topic about blog writing. Yeah right..me a writer!

Maybe I will ...