Like a virgin, I waited patiently across the UP (University of the Philippines) Palma Hall, in the heat of the noontime sun, with open eyes and mind, my stomach grumbling after missing breakfast – definitely NOT to see naked men parade in front of me (I’ve seen enough) but to experience the 2007 UP Oblation […]
Read the rest of UP Oblation Run 2007 – from the eyes of a mom
My 50 symbolic and real gifts
It made me feel young once more as a child by the Christmas tree: awed by the size of the gift box and eager to know what could be inside it for me. When I opened the box, I was amazed that it contained not just one but 50 individual […]
Read the rest of Turning 50 In One Red Land, Differently, part 4 - gifts
Tonight, it’s my turn.
For most of our parties, I handled reception and guests, games and party activities (since my family and I have long realized that I have not been blessed with culinary talents). Tonight, I am relieved as Arthur (my youngest brother) substitutes for me as the party clown-mascot. Tonight, I celebrated a passage […]
Read the rest of Turning 50 In One Red Land, Differently, part 3 - games
Today, 9 November 2007, I turned 50.
Unlike my past milestone birthdays at 18, 30, and 40 when I wished for, planned minute details and held big parties attended by relatives from different sides and friends from school, work and business – months back, I told my siblings that I will just have a […]
Read the rest of Turning 50 In One Red Land, Differently, part 1
My 50th birthday prayer
Inspired by the familial love I felt all around me and in thanksgiving for God’s gift of a half-century of life on earth, I prayed before our usual graces:
Lord, thank you -
For your gift of life and love for the past 50 years;
[…]
Read the rest of Turning 50 In One Red Land, Differently, part 2 - prayer