Lua Hagedorn

     2 days ago a friend of mine, Maria Sofia Nacionales, celebrated her birthday. After years of  separation I really didn’t remember when her birthday was. Was it my age?

     Greeted her through email.  And asked if she was going to have a parteeey!! And her answer got me to really think…… Are we getting old?

    Palawan is a beautiful island. In fact,  I am previledged to be a native of Puerto Princesa, the best city. Studied in the old elementary school of PPPilot Elem. School, attended high school in the Laboratory High School of then Palawan State College, and went away to Dumaguete for 2 years of college, but  came back to palawan to finish studying in my  old school-with-new- name Palawan State University.

     As I was growing up, nightouts was basically just going to the local pub and watching singers from manila belt out favorites like "laklak" and "alone"by the group " heart. Sipping the iced tea that came with the entrance fee was a talent we all honed to perfection.  That one glass of iced was all we drank till the third and final set of the band after which we would go to the fave lugawan called "chowqueen" along rizal ave.

     During late 80’s, the popular night places were "The Rig" disco and "musikahan".   If you wanted to dance you go to Rig, if you wanted to have a night of singing then go to Musikahan. In the 90’s, there was Rig disco turned Ballroom dancing venue which we didn’t frequent, again there still was the musikahan plus 2 new additions which were "The Blackbox" and "Club Uno". Now a decade later, all these listed above is history. Now we palawenos have Kinabuch and Scenario. There are a lot of night destinations but I think everyone will agree that these 2 dominate the nightscene.

     Now let’s go back to Sofie. I asked if she was going to have a parteeey!!  Living in New York I thought she’ll have a more exciting nightlife than us natives. I couldn’t be more wrong.  Turns out she just did what we always do. Have a quiet dinner with close friends. Miles apart and we do the same thing. Is it the way we were raised? Or are we aging?

     Growing up in Puerto I always  dreamed of being able to experience the night scene I only see in the movies. Those beautifully dressed people dancing to the same rythm. All having that glassy eyed faraway look of someone who’s alcohol level is at its peak. Everyone’s brotherly towards one another yet distant as to leave everyone to do whatever. I wanted to have a piece of it. Or I thought I did.

     Last summer of 2006, my cosmic brother Reujen Lista invited me to such a place. "Sige sis,  I’ll bring you to Embassy". I  coudn’t believe my ears.  I finally was going to have what I dreamt of all these years. And he was going to get us in.  You see it’s not that simple. Embassy is a nightplace yes, and you can go in anyday as long as you are 1. have 600 and 2. you’re properly attired.  But that’s not it. I didn’t just want to go to Embassy? I wanted to go to Embassy V.I.P!!! I know that’s where the action was. And that’s not an easy room to be in.  You have to have contacts. And as a native of Palawan I didn’t know who had access. So can you imagine how ecstatic I was to find out that Reujen was letting us in. I finally  was going to be one of those beautifully dressed people zonked out of my brain with intoxicating substances(mixed alcoholic drinks) that my mother would be shocked to find out I drank. I was going to experience it!!! I was really bouncingly excited. So tickled that I couldn’t wipe my grin off my face for 2 days.

     We started the "Embassy" night getting wasted at "Jill’s". At 2am, I was beginning to be depressed.  It’s almost pack up time and we were still at Jill’s.  Are we even going to Embassy? Did Reujen forget? Finally, at quarter to 3, Reujen stood up. "Tara!!! It’s time. Woooohooo!!! Tuloy pala. I was practically bouncing to Embassy.  All the wengweng downed was I guess instantly metabolized by my body. I’m so sad for Reujen,  because he was with a  wide eyed open mouthed ignorant kid promdiprovince. That must have been embarrassing for him and Ceska(his girlfriend). With Mark at my side, we entered into what can be compared to a dark hole. It was dark!! Nothing to light our way but the rhythmic stacato on and off of the lazer light beating with the  techno music.  Listen, I used to hate techno.  It’s waaaay too annoying for me. But with their sound system? They must have spent millions on the sounds.  I loved it.  And that night "GOD WAS IN THE HOUSE!!!!". I loved it. I just watched everyone. Just sank down in the sofa and continued downing the bottle we brought in with us.

     Ok, ok I did enjoy Embassy.  It was the day after that I suffered. I had a hangover that lasted for 2 days.  Yes, I did enjoy the night. But if 8 hours of happiness meant 48 hours of suffering then I can truly say I can pass up on any night outs anytime. It was an experience. And I was glad I was able to dip my finger in it. But I wouldn’t make a habit of it. Am I getting old?

     Now back to my peacefull town. Our perfect nightout would be having dinner with friends starting at about 7sh. After a no carbo meal,  we’ll probably have a cup or 2 of splenda laced coffee or if everyones up for it  which rarely happens,maybe have some cocktails. At about 11,  we would all be yawning and emagining our beds.  That’s how our weekends go.  It’s just old friends getting together, and talking about each others lives. Just catching up.  I always thought maybe it’s because we live in a place like Puerto where the choice of night places were limited. I always blamed our complacent way of having fun on the place  we live in.  The limited choice, the lack of liniency perhaps, and most of the time just plain lethargy.  But why does Sofie who lives miles away, in an exciting place like New York doing the same routine?  With all those choices of pubs to go to, she opts to just do the same as her native counterparts. Just a quiet time with her close friends. Now,  wouldn’t you wonder if you were me?  I must be getting old. Or worst!!! Maybe I am old.

     Mark just left with the two kids. He’s dropping them off in "Jungle Base"( that’s my in-laws house).  Emily just delivered an adorable baby boy and they’re very excited to play with the baby.  I still don’t know what they’ve decided to call him.

     Lara is grumpy.  Trying very hard to ignore me. She’s now in the room reading a book. And everytime our eyes meet she sticks out her tongue at me. She’s really mad. I didn’t let her go with her siblings. She really has to rest.  She’s been under the weather lately. 

     Lya is losing weight  gradually.  I noticed her shirt fitting better on her. She’s improving in her swimming as well.  Nanay promised her something if she reaches 78 lbs. Maybe that’s why she hasn’t been overeating lately.

    Leon is as usual in high spirits.  He’s been like that since he found out that  his circumcision will be postponed to next summer vacation. 

     I excused myself to going with Mark today.  I’ve been neglecting McCoy’s these past few days.  I’m just so happy I can trust my staff. They’re really reliable. I’ll spend the whole afternoon in McCoy’s today.  Have to do a lot of paperworks.

    Well, I guess todays going to be routine. What a boring day.

     I started having this habit of reading several books at one time when I was in college.  Silliman University had the biggest library in Asia during the early 90’s and the fact that my dormitory was just 3 minutes walk away made it easy for me to come visit it anytime I wanted to.

     It was just a different world in there. Rows and rows of books on shelves beginning from floor to ceiling. It was amazing for me see. Three whole floors of plain reading materials. I was dumbfounded.  It never occured to me that such a library existed.  It was as big as the ampitheatre!!! I think even bigger.

     I started being the typical borrower doing typical reading.  Borrow a book,  read it, return. That’s how it goes. But there were too many books and only 4 years of study. I began hoarding books.  Students were allowed to borrow up to a dozen books at a time and believe me,  I always had a dozen book written on my "borrow card".  In my room there were 4 piles of books classified as books "just borrowed", "reading now", "to be continued", and "to be returned". It was always a mess in my study table(it was too small to begin with anyway), and my bed( which was just a little bigger than my study table). All those books borrowed and magazines bought classified into what I call an " organized mess ". Within my area I called home while in Silliman, books always surrounded me. Literally!! In the confines of my room, within the organized mess that I managed to attain, was a small clearing on my bed.  A space just enough for me to curl up in everynight when I finally can’t prevent my eyes from closing. Reading had been an escape for me. Then and now. It’s a way for me to get away from it all. It’s the fastest and cheapest way to do so. This weird reading habit of mine was my coping mechanism, a way for me to wait things out. Throughout my life, I’ve discovered that sound judgement is rarely done in haste. That patience is indeed a virtue.

     Right now  I am reading 4 books. All providing inspiration for me. The main book that I’m reading now is "All Things Made New by John Ferraby"," Created Rich by Patrick Barker", "DayBreak By Christine Kurzius-Krug" and "House of Bush, House of Saud by Craig Unger". The first 3 books are all Baha’i books, thus very inspirational for me.  And the last book was lent to me by my friend Melrose Oquendo-Tan, this book is purely for entertainment.

     Each book has it’s own character, that’s why I prefer reading many books at a time. When I’m in a dark mood I read All things Made New.  When I’m in a dilemma,  I read "Created Rich" Or "Daybreak", when I’m ecstatic,  I read my prayer book, just to say "thank you", and when bored I’ll pick the "House of Bush, House of Saud". It’s pretty simple, I have a book in every mood and I’m really not in a hurry to finish reading a book.  I believe that books should be enjoyed. The pleasure is in reading it. Not in finishing it.  Though back in college, this weird reading habit started because of my impatience, today it’s my method in gaining patience. Nice no?

     Just accomplished sending the kids to sleep.  It’s been a while since they’ve done this. Nap, I mean. After lunch I told them to nap and threatened to spank anyone who doesn’t. Now, an hour and a half later,  I’m about to wake them up and bring them to Dolce Vita to have their daily swimming.  I intend to do this the whole summer.  Kids should grow up with enough sleep and exercise.  Lya is now 10 years old and Leon is turning 9. I once read in a book that it is "imperative" for a human being to have at least one sport,   and one musical instrument.  I totally agree. Furthermore,  I do believe that the love for reading should be instilled in children.

     I remember long time ago.  When I was a child roaming the streets of taft and Quito.  My dad strictly prohibited us from watching too much tv and reading too many comic books.  Of course the "too much" is relative. Watching anything that’s not news was considered "too much". Reading comic books other than the weekly edition of "Funny comics" is  "too much". I used to think I hated these rules.  But now that I’ve grown into a parent.  I understood what he was trying to instill in us.  And am doing the same for my kids.  So now,  my kids probably feels the way I felt about my dad before,  but I’m sure when they grow up,  they will appreciate what I’m trying to do for them and will love me for doing so. This summerlong training will be hard for them but once they know how to swim.  They will be happy I insisted they do it.  Just Do It!! That’s my motto in life.

     Finally there’s electricity. I’ve been feeling down this past 48 hours because of the lack of it. Last saturday I came home to a really dark subdivision.  It was hard to accept because everyone outside the subdivision seems to be enjoying their normal fill of electicity and we inside the subdivision can do nothing but punch the now unforgetable number of "PALECO-Complaints and Quick Response"  I had my complaints alright,  but their quick response wasn’t that quick.

     This morning, after waking up and finding out that we were on our 36th hour of no electricity. I decided to bring the kids to Dolce Vita and spend the whole day by the poolside. Wading in the pool sure does beat the heat in the house. The dust makes it worst.  Construction is still ongoing and dust is everywhere.

     At about 4 this afternoon,  Alicia said there was already power back on. The kids immediately wanted to go home. They were already discussing/arguing who would use the computer first. They had this game of "batobato pick".  Whoever won would use the computer and the two losers would just have to make do with the television. Ever since summer vacation began,  I never were able to lay my hands on the computer and the tv remote. Not unless they were sleeping. Like now.

     Began teaching Lya how to swim properly today.  She learns fast.  I have to buy floaters so I can improve her stroke. I used to be in the swimming team when I was in college.  I never got to go to big time competitions nor did I get a chance in the local competitions.  I used to wonder why I ever was in the swimming team. Now i know why.  It’s because, so I’ll know how to teach my kids how to.  This summer,  I put it upon myself to teach my three kids to be good swimmers. In doing so,  I would be able to save money and spend time with my kids. Take note,  I didn’t say quality time.  Oh my Lord,  please give me patience,  do not let this experience be traumatic for them. These are children. Comparable to delicate plants.  Whatever I do today they will carry on for life.  Waaaah!!! I don’t think I’m up for it.

I woke up at the sound of rain this morning and smiled to myself.  Just last night,  the weatherman was threatening  everyone watching the news to expect heat, heat, heat and more heat. Yesterday, he said was in fact the hottest day of the month of March.  That may be true if you lived in Manila.  But here in Palawan, we palawenos experienced the first rain this summer and the whole days’ weather was fantastic.

   Lara, Mark and I had to wake up early since we had to go through the whole ritual of the kindergarten’s graduation.  It was a well prepared program and it was nice seeing the kids sing and dance for us parents.  I had to choke back my tears watching Lara sing the opening prayer. She was really good.  Memorized the lyrics and swayed gently to the music. Mommy and Daddy were really proud beaming parents.

     Mark had to leave early because he still had to attend a wedding somewhere in Sta. Monica.  But Nanay arrived just in time with my sister Neva to take Mark’s place. After the graduation rites,  we brought Lara to Lenzwork to have Ms. Len take a picture of her while she was in her toga. She was really cute.  Such a little miss.  I’ll post her pix once I get it next week.

     Lya is slowly losing weight.  I don’t know if it’s because of my controlling the rice she eats or if she’s growing taller? Maybe both? She seems to be growing taller these past few weeks. From 92 lbs she’s now 86 lbs.  But she’s  still overweight for her height.  So we are targetting 75 lbs.  That’s the normal for kids her age. So many people would think that I shouldn’t put my 10 year old child on a diet.  But my uncle who’s a pediatrician put me up to it.  If I don’t put her on a diet now,  I would never be able to make her lose weight.  This is the only time when I can control her. Once she reaches puberty,  dieting would be more difficult for her.  And if I really did love my child, I will put her on a healthy weight as early as possible.

     Leon is enjoying the summer vacation as early as now. Sleeping late and playing with Jeremiah and the 2 neighbors does beat regular classes.  But I had to put my foot down last night.  I had to pry his hands away from playing with the computer until dawn because he needs his sleep.  I spend so much on growth boosting vitamins to ensure he grows really tall,  I won’t make that go to waste with his late nights.  After all,  growth happens when the child sleeps.

     This summer,  if Lya is on a slimming diet, Lara on the other hand is on the fattening diet.  She eats a lot yet don’t gain weight.  I’m getting really scared.  I have to bring her to the doctor to have "general check up".  I’ll try to fatten her up for two weeks.  If there’s no improvement then she has to have extensive check up.

     This summer is going to be hectic.  I’m enrolling the kids in the summer workshops of Kamarikutan.  I’ve only enrolled them once before because they were simply not ready for it.  Now I think they’re ready.  I’ve enrolled Lya in piano lessons.  And all three would be enrolled in the Summer Art Workshops.  I know they’ll enjoy it.

    I guess this would be it for now.  I still have to step out and get paper for the printer. 

As I was growing up, my idea of good singers were Barbra Streisand and Kuh Ledesma. When I went to college I sort of leaned to jazz music hence bought the cassette tapes of Manhattan transfer and Seawind. Believe me I bought every single tape they released.  Knowing that the lead singer of seawind was a filipino, made me like the group even more.

Years went by and I was a witness to a lot of artists’ rise and fall.  One more talented than the preceding batch. Artists are getting younger and younger.  I guess it really does prove that the raise is indeed improving.  And we should anticipate 4 year old artist being released.  Wow!!! That would be the day.  Why not?  There are 12 year old college graduates being produced in this century.  The idea of having a real young talented artist coming up is not that impossible.

5 years ago,  there came Britney.  I can still remember my seeing her first video.  I knew she would be a big star.  She had something in her that I knew would make her one.  So even if personally I know for a fact that Christina Aguillera is a much better singer than Britney.  My collection of Britney’s cd is more complete than that of  Christina’s.

Now,  she may not have any singles out but she’s still the headliner that she was.  Her antics just makes me smile. From french kissing Madonna to showing her private parts.  She’s really different.  Guts!! That’s what she has.  She knows how to stay in the game even when her artistic juices are running dry. 

Go Britney,  some people still love you. And I’m not shy to publish that I’m one of them. haha Funny me,  I grew up listening to great singers yet now I admire performers who barely know how to sing.  Namely Madonna and Britney. I really do love them.

Yesterday was pretty hectic I didn’t even get to check my email.  Maybe it was also because I overslept. Kaya my time for coffee and email was forfeited. I hate staying up late.  Because my next day is affected.

Got a piece of jewelry for Mark.  I’m so glad he liked it.  I had to get it for him when I saw it.  It was the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen.  I’m happy he was willing to wear it.  He doesn’t care much for it.  But this one was really nice.

Lya visited Ria. Spent the whole afternoon with Elaine in Aunt Czarina’s house. Wanted to stay over but Mark wouldn’t hear of it. Actually it was ok with me that she sleeps over.  But Mark will never allow it.  And I understand him.  My father was a strict man.  And sleepovers was a no-no. So I never experienced pyjama parties while growing up.  Except once in Nora’s house and then I slept so early,  I missed all the fun. Well if I didn’t sleep early they wouldn’t have fun. Until now I am haunted by the picture they took of me sleeping. Some were with my mouth open. Yaiks!!!! So, Lya? Sleepovers aren’t that fun anyway,  so go home and sleep here.

Now, the kids are on vacation except for Lara who still had to graduate.  Graduate?  With one year of kindergarten.  Why does one have to graduate in kindergarten.  Is it because the quality of students are degrading by the year and mothers are afraid it’s the only graduation they are going to experience?  It’s a bunch of crap if you ask me. It’s plain waste of time, effort, and money. Lya and Leon now can sleep up to what time.  But I had to wake up Lara because she had to go to "general practice".  What is this? A concert? Well…… it can be compared to a concert.  They practice endlessly, they have a costume( the toga ) and we were made to pay an amount which was necessary for graduating.  Haaaaay!! But I guess it’s ok because Lara looked cute in her toga.  So cute that I had to bring her to a studio so a professional photographer can take a pic of her.  Will post it here once I get it.

Now,  I’m just waiting for Lara to finish eating breakfast.  Then I have to go on with my day.  Take Lara to "general practice". Go to McCoy’s and do my daily routine, get Lara again. Cook lunch, nag the kids the whole day, do my surprise visit McCoy’s again. Make some sauces perhaps, critisize my kitchen, etc etc just to keep my staff on their toes. But don’t get me wrong.  I love my staff.  They’re wonderful. Been with me for a long time.  Some are on their fifth year.  And they’re like family to me. But I have to do my job so they will do theirs right?

Oooops,  I have to end now.  Lara is now brushing her teeth and it’s almost time for us to go.  Today is another day,  I am praying it goes well for me and all my family.  Have to visit my mother,  she’s complaining ever since I married she’s lost a daughter daw. Maybe this afternoon after all my chores.

March 14, 2007

Early this morning, right after my morning chores, I was enjoying my routine coffee in front of the computer while checking my email. As usual,  friends dropped a line or two just to keep in touch.  Just to let me know they remembered me first thing in the morning or late last night. I spent the next hour answering my emails.  Towards the end of my routine cybercommunicating. I thought to myself, this was the best thing I did this month.  With this internet connection I not only connected with long time friends but I polished up my typing prowess as well.  hehehe I felt as if I’ve accomplished something. As the morning sun became too unbearable( I check my email at 6 am. when the sun is just shining on me gently and I can feel it kiss my arms and back)I decided to go about my daily chores.  The whole day was hectic, but manageable.  Later this afternoon,  Neva and I even managed to go to the parlor and have our monthly hairspa( whatever that is but since they said it was better than "hotoil" so be it.) I spent time with Neva until it was time for Neva to break her fast.  Hurrah!!! Another day of discipline accomplished by my sister.(We Baha’is fast every year from March 2 to March 20.) Dropped Neva and our friend "Rashida" to the internet cafe and went home. Had to decline Jamela’s invitation to have coffee Itoy’s because I was already tired and Lara had a little fever.( but after a little loving,  my little "turtle" was fine.) Leon spent the whole day playing outside with the neighbors sons and Ulya monopolized the computer to herself. I guess my day went really well.  Did everything that had to be done. The kids are happy,  Mark is doing really well and my staff in McCoy’s can manage without me.  Always remember,  the sign of a good manager is when your people can go on well even at your absence.  Well……at least that’s what my mother told me. Now,  I am getting ready to sleep…………….I hope tomorrow will be another day like this, if it’s better then i’ll be more than lucky.  God really loves me.

A year ago a friend lent me a book entitled " Kitchen confidential".  Oh My!! I read it two times as a missed some portions because my mind was somewhere else while reading. Ang kapal ng mukha ko kasi pinahiram ko pa sa kaibigan ko ang book because it was so hilarious I had to share it with as much people as I could.  Sept 2006,  I was in National bookstore in my must window shopping everytime I go to Manila,  I saw that they had the book in stock.  I had to buy it.  And more!! The second book by the same author was in stock as well. Gosh ang mahal ha.  But minsan lang naman ako mag give in sa luho.  And I really love reading.  Now I’ve finished reading the second book of the Chef/Author " Anthony Bourdain.  And now gusto ko na din magtravel because if the first book was about restaurant running. The second book was about where to eat  when you travel around the world.  Masama na ito.  Parang guidebook baga kung san ka kakain. Peeps!! Do read these books. Aliw.   I had fun and I think you will too. 2 recommended books both by Anthony Bourdain. 1)Kitchen Confidentials and 2) A Cooks Tour.

Have fun!!!