Why I Like Sam Witwicky

Late this afternoon, I watched “Transformers” again, after Chief and I had “merienda” at McCafe. She says. “It is the first time that I have seen you watch a movie again.” And I replied, “I would like to see it again, before Wednesday.” Right now, “The Simpsons” have bumped off most of Harry Potter. Chief had already finished reading the 7th and last book by J.K. Rowling. We saw the 5th movie at Rockwell a couple of weeks ago.

Why am I watching Transformers again?




Maybe, because it is a Steven Spielberg produced movie. And directed by Michael Mann (who worked on the Miami Vice, one of my favorite TV shows). Maybe, because for a couple of hours, I want to be a kid again like Sam Witwicky who gets to drive his first car (like I had my first red Gemini year ago) and gets into an adventure of saving the world plus gets to impress Megan Fox as Mikaela Banes played by Megan Fox. Isn't she cute and sexy specially as she tries to fix "Bumblebee."



Maybe, I want to think of my dad again. I remember back in the late 90s, when my dad, my nephew and I used to go at the old Burger King (now closed) outlet along Sucat Avenue, Paranaque. Dad and I would read the newspaper while enjoying pancakes. Miguel would play. Miguel has grown up now and dad has moved on.

And of me being a dad with Christian Gabriel last year, and the endless possibilities of being a father and a parent.

Six babies plus Harry

It is a quiet Saturday morning here at Seattle’s Best, Rockwell. Chief is among the first Filipinos to read of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” She had pre-ordered the book, together with thousands other Filipinos and nearly 2.2 million who ordered on-line. Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders are reporting that more orders have been placed for this book than for any other in history. Publisher announced initial print run of 12 million copies.

Even on the “Today” Show, they showed footage of people staying in line… rather sleeping in line to be among the first to read the 7th book by J.K. Rowling.

This is the last book from Rowling. She completed the book while staying at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh in January 2007. On a marble bust of Hermes in her room, she left a signed statement that reads "JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (652) on 11 January 2007".

Rowling also says that the final volume relates very closely to the previous book in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, so much so that the two books are "almost as though they are two halves of the same novel.

Reading today’s edition of the PDI, Pam Pastor reports (as she read an advanced copy of the book) that two characters are killed within the first 100 pages. Who? Am sure Chief will tell me after she reads these 100 pages.

Outside, two ladies are probably around Chapter 10 plus already. They probably have been around as early as past 7am, wanting to be the among the first Filipinos to finish the book. Even Chief has joined that race. Me? I would rather catch up on my blogs. Not really a Potter book fan. Would rather read some tech book, which reminds me that I have to finish the “Google Story.”

Also in the news, sextuplets were born last June 11 and made their presence felt in today’s issue of Phil. Daily Inquirer. The sextuplets named Savannah, Bailey, Grant, Cole, Molli and Blake, were born 7 weeks premature at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Years from now, these 3 girls and 3 boys, will probably be watching reruns of all Harry Potter movies on HBO. Maybe, even our own little kid (hopefully, if Chief gets pregnant again?) would be watching these reruns?

Camaro and Gemini

While the movie has all the action by Michael Bay and the special effects of Steven Spielberg, the movie does have a few family moments.

There was this seen when Sam and his father go to Bobby Bolivia to buy a second-hand car. The car dealer, played by Bernie Mac, sells Sam an old 1976 Chevrolet Camaro. (who is actually Bumblebee) I remember when my dad first taught me how to drive, using our old 1978 Red Gemini. He said, “When you don’t see the plate number of the car ahead of you, that means you are too close to that car.”



In another scene of the movie, Sam’s parents see Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox) in his bedroom. Both parents are surprised to see Mikaela pop out of nowhere in his room. His dad is happy that his son has found a girl… a beautiful girl. Am sure my own dad is smiling as he watches over me and Chief.

Here is another for parenthood. Cpt William Lennox (played by Josh Duhamel) has not seen his child since he has been in Qatar. He is extremely excited to see his baby via video conference just minutes before the attack by the Deception’s Blackout.

The leader of the U.S. Army Special Ops team survive the desert and the final battle in Mission City and finally get reunited with his wife and child.

At the Cinema 2 of Rockwell today, Chief and I saw many parents watching with their kids “Transformers.” Definitely, it’s a “thumbs up” movie (says Guy Oria) and might watch it again, before Harry Potter hits the screens this Wednesday.

Go watch it again too, if you have not seen it yet!

Free Donuts on Father's Day

Last Sunday afternoon, after Chief and I had walked around the shops at High Street, in The Fort, Bonifacio City. we went into the Krispy Kreme outlet. It was our first time to be in Krispy Kreme. And this is also their first outlet in the Philippines. And it was also the first time to see the donut making process. Fresh out of the oven.

This donuts chain have gone a long way since 1937 when Vernon Carver Rudolph, the founder of Krispy Kreme, bought a doughnut shop in Paducah, Kentucky, from a French chef from New Orleans. At that time, Vernon received the rights to a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe. Probably, the “melt in your mouth” secret recipe.

Customers who were in line, along the long window between the customer area and the kitchen, could actually watch the operation of the doughnut making machines. The machines produce rings of dough, yeast raise, bake, deep-fry, flip, and glaze the doughnuts. There is a sign "HOT doughnuts now."

I got one free donut as I waited in line and gave it to Chief. She ate half and I are the other half, after I had paid 385 pesos for a dozen donuts and free Krispy Kreme coffee mug. Not bad, specially, on Father’s Day!


Today, Chief gave six donuts to her Nestle Team, while I would bring the other box of six for our PR Team. Trans fat or not, the donuts taste good. But would not make it part of my daily eating habit. Maybe, only on “Father’s Day.” And maybe, next year, Chief and I, like really proud parents, will be here with a little toddler

Cheers to all dads in the world like me!

Fantastic Wedding

It was a fantastic wedding. Yesterday, Chief and I went to watch "The Fantastic 4 and the Rise of the Silver Surfer." In this ovie, Reed gets married to Storm, played by Jessica Alba. The first attempt of their marriage was at the rooftop of a building in the middle of Manhattan. Been there. But not yet done that! hehehe.



But with the threat to destroy the earth, the Fantastic Four jumps into action against the Silver Surfer. The wedding is stopped for another day.

Back in November 2001, Chief and I also had our own fanstastic weding. Not at the rooftop of a building in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. But on the 4th floor of "Nha Tho Duc Ba" along Le Van Sy. It was a busy Monday morning. Just like Dr. Reed who was preparing the tracking machine that would track down the Silver Silver. Chief was busy managing McCann Erickson Vietnam. But there was no threat of annnihilation in HCMC. Just another day in an advertising agency.

The Sound of Music on Father's Day

Today is Father’s Day. And I owe it all to Christian Gabriel. As wives and kids treat their fathers out today, Chief and I are enjoying a quiet, slow and relaxing Father’s Day here at The Fort, in Bonifacio City.

We had lunch at Brother’s Burger. TGIF was full and people, rather, families were waiting in line. That would take away the fun of Father’s Day.

Now, here at the Coffee Bean, somewhere in “The Fort” along High Street, Bonifacio City, I am scribbling about Father’s Day.
Chief is enjoying her brewed coffee while reading Nick Joaquin and is probably eager to go around to look for a new clothes cabinet for our Greenhome.

Last Friday night, when we had Ricki Arches, CEO and President of McCann WorldGroup at home for dinner, together, with Agnes Francisco, Ricki mentioned to Chief that we needed separate clothes cabinet in our bedroom. Hahaha. Would that still fit in our 70 sqm condo at Legazpi Towers 100.

Earlier after Mass at St.John Bosco Church, we tried to find the Makati’s own antique alley somewhere in Barangay Bangkal.

After asking for directions, we did find the alley. But most of the shops were closed. Only one shop was open, and our fingers flipped through old vinyl long-playing records and laser disks. Each costs only 25 pesos. A real bargain. We got the soundtrack of the Sound of Music and a collection of big band music by Glenn Miller. A small kid named Michael was initiating conversation, encouraging us to look through the rows of old records.

“Mayroon ba kayong Beatles?” I asked. But he would definitely not know the Fab Four.

Guess, wherever Christian Gabriel is right now…. Looking down upon Chief and I here at The Coffee Bean, is probably smiling and saying, “Happy Father’s Day” Dad!

William Turner

Tonight, after hearing Mass at St. John Bosco Church, Chief and I went to watch Pirates of the Carribean 3 "At End's World."

I was touched by the relationship of William Turner (played by Orlando Bloom) on his father, "Bootstrap Bill" Turner played by Stellan Skarsgard

Turner is a blacksmith turned pirate who hopes to free his father who is cursed to serve an eternity aboard The Flying Dutchman. He is slowly losing his humanity, and grows confused over whether his son will rescue him or not.

Wil is determined to save his father at all costs. Even Elizabeth, played Keira Knightley, tries to save her own dad as she she sees his soul pass by in a dinghy. Her dad is murdered by Cutler Beckett played by Tom Hollander. She is unable to save her dad and vows to avenge her father's death.



Towards the end of the movie, Will must spend ten years with the Flying Dutchman while Elizabeth waits and am assuming they had a kid already. Now, Wil and Elizabeth are parents too.

Looking back, if I had only courted Chief much much earlier... maybe, when she was still with J Walter Thompson, then would have a little man watching "At World's End."

7 Years

Seven years ago, today, my dad, Hector Urbano Velez, passed away and moved on to another life.

It was seven years ago, today, when Chief and I received an early morning call in our 1st Greenhome in Ho Chi Minh City. The call came at around 2am. It was my sister, Violet. And she was crying. Immediately, we felt that it was bad news. Sad news. Terrible news. I could feel tears and sadness in our home in BF Paranaque. Miguel was crying. The three girls, Carla, Geneve and Nicole were still asleep, unmindful of what was going on at home.

I talked to mom. Trying to comfort her. Assuring her that we would be on the first available flight back to Manila.

After the call, Chief and I stood outside our veranda. Just holding hands. Close to each other. We were both still in tears. I kept recalling my last phone conversation with my dad. "Na-miss ko na iyon mga midnight snack natin," he said to me. And I would quickly remember how we would wake up at around midnight, eat some biscuits, drink coke or have some ice cream.

He also said, "Baka hindi mo na ako abutan."

When I left Manila (April 2001), I know he felt really sad that I moved on beyond BF and start a new life with Chief in Vietnam. And to this day, those images of me packing my bags and going to the airport are as vivid as they can be. My dad didn't bring me to the airport. My last image of him was... he was seated near the dining table. I was teary-eyed. Holding back my tears. Trying to be strong for my parents.

Today, seven years after, there are still tears in my heart. Some questions which will never be answered. But am sure that my dad, Hector Urbano Velez, looks down upon Chief and I every day.... smiling and very proud of us.

I love you dad. Miss you terribly.

Rebel Vulcan Mothers

Yesterday, we saw an episode of Enterprise. Earth's embassy on Vulcan is bombed. Both humans and Vulcans dies in the attack and evidence points to the rebels "Syrranites. They are rebel Vulcans that follows revolutionary interpretation of the teachings of Surak, the father of Vulcan logic.

Aboard the Starship Enterprise, T-pol receives a "family heirloom" which is actually a secret message from her mother. who is now part of the rebels. T-pol is played by Jolene Blalock. She is a Vulcan who serves as the science officer aboard the starship Enterprise.

Soon, she and Archer embark upon a treacherous journey through the Vulcan desert to look for her mom. They have to survive electric sand storms and beasts, until they finally meet Arev, Vulcan.

Arev asks Archer "Who said 'Logic is the cement of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos, using reason as our guide'?

Guess, it all part of logic and reason for a daughter to find her own mother.

Lessons from The Wild Hogs

Chief and I met up with Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy a few weeks ago at the Power Plant Cinema in Rockwell. We watched the four middle-aged men hit the road to rev up their boring city lives with a freewheeling motorcycle road trip.

Sometimes, we all take a moment to stop and look our “boring city lives.” Review our daily grind between home and work. And wish to get away from it all.

“Wild Hogs” did give us a moment to get away from it all. Maybe, even a bump or a push to get me “on the road” with my best friends.



I could imagine me, Cesar Pareja, Bob Novales, Guy Oria and Bien Perez getting on the road like the “Wild Hogs.” Driving all the way up to Baguio. Or whitewater rafting in Cagayan? Kayaking in Taal Lake? Or Pagudpod?

Or even with my cousins, Mario, Atok and Beng-beng?

The movie is more than about the fun on the road. The breather from the stress and tension of our jobs, maybe, even of our own responsibilities with our families.

The uncertainty one faces.

The “villains” in our daily lives, the “Del Fuegos” (led by Ray Liotta) in our lives who reign at work. The bosses who look over our shoulders. The taxi drivers who refuse to give us a ride during the rush hour. Or the bus drivers who cut across our lanes along EDSA.

There are also heroes. Woody Stevens (John Travolta), Doug Madsen (Tim Allen), Bobby Davis (Martin Lawrence), and Dudley Frank (William H. Macy) are at first reluctant heroes.



Staying for the night in a small town in New Mexico, Dudley discovers his love for Maggie (played by Marisa Tomei).

The next day, the “Del Fuegos” begin to terrorize the town.

Dudley’s love turns into strength and courage to face the “Del Fuegos” as they attempt to burn down Maggie’s diner.

Soon, the “wild hogs” are fighting the “Del Fuegos. Outnumbered, the four are easily defeated, until all the townpeople come to their rescue. Even the original biker, Peter Fonda (his character from “Easy Rider”) comes to the rescue.

Everyday in our homes, there are heroes. Our own parents, Hector and Meya. Edwin and Aurora. Throughout their lives, they have always sought for what is best for Cecile and I. They have become our “heroes” to give us a good Thomasian education. Make us become better persons and real Christians parents.

Uncle Firmo and Tita Eva

We lost two relatives last week. Or rather, they have moved on beyond life. Beyond the daily grind of living and surviving through old age.

Uncle Firmo was my mom’s elder brother. He had lived alone with his grandchildren for nearly 17 years since the death of his wife, Aunt Mary, in 1990.

He lived in their old house in Cubao. It was just a few meters from our own old apartment in 64 West Point Street. During the 70s, whenever I would come home from ICPS (Immaculate Concepcion Parish School), I would just drop my bags, run to their house and meet up with my cousins. We would play basketball or race Matchbox cars.

Today, we are all grown up. Uncle Firmo’s two sons live and work in the States. His eldest son, Ricky, flew in Tuesday from the States to attend the wake. Another son couldn’t come home. Only Atok was around and had worked on all the funeral arrangements.

Tita Eva joined her husband, Tito Nick, nearly one year after he died. She died last Friday, 11 May 2007. And will be cremated on Wednesday. Boyet and Tessa and their 3 kids, Chuchay, Chino and Chinky had been with Tita Eva through long days and nights. Cared for her. Kept her company and spirit high despite her growing tumor.

Here is a link to what Chuchay wrote about her grandmother. http://www.thecitylifestylist.com/

Photo shows Kuya Boyet reading God's words during Mass last Sunday.

Both Uncle Firmo and Tita Eva died peacefully in their sleep.

Both had been parents to our cousins who continue to face the challenges of raising their own kids the way their own parents probably would have raised them… with a lot of Christian love, uncompromising care and moral guidance amidst a fast-changing world.

Uncle Firmo and Tita Eva…good luck on your journey to meet Christ and give my dad a tight hug when you see him along the way!

Sparks and Smiles

Just waiting for Cecile's parents here at our Greenhome, somewhere in Legazpi Village.

Cecile is catching some sleep in the sofa.

Am watching the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Net playoff game.

We are all visiting Tita Eva in Quezon City. She has been sick for the past few months, but continues to be under the tender loving care of Boyet and Tessa and their 3 kids, two daughters and one son, fondly called C1, C2 and C3.

Dad Gabutina hasn't seen his sister in a long long time. She was not able to make it during the Gabutina Clan reunion last December. Cecile and I did visit her a couple of months ago. She was cheered up when we visited her. But with the passing away of Tito Nick last year, her zest for life has affected. And visits from relatives and loving care from Tessa and Boyet and their kids do give her lots of sparks and smiles!

Chinkay also proudly showed off her artistic prowess. She is building her own portfolio. Boyet and Tessa are very much supportive of her creative pursuits, bringing her to art exhibits and buying her the tools of her craft. Really cool and loving parents. Hope Chief and I would be cool and loving parents soon!

Boyet is the elder brother of Jeffrey San Diego, who was my classmate in UST HIgh School. While Tessa is into writing romance novels, very much like my barkada, Edith Garcia from college. Boyet and I also share the same "activism" during his days at U.P. while me... as a labor union officer during the long strike at the Manila Bulletin in 1987.

Worker's Parenthood

During the mid-1980s, I was an active union leader with the Bulletin Employees Union. That was more than 20 years ago. The Manila Bulletin was my first job. My mom recommended me to the late Mariano Quimson, who then the President of Manila Bulletin.

Quietly, I worked for five years with the Advertising Department. Accepting classified ads. Proofreading copy. Measuring ad space. Responding to advertiser’s complaints. Worked in all three branches. Cubao (front of the old Mamunluk Restaurant). Makati Peninsula. Grace Park, Caloocan City. Earning around 6,000 pesos a month.

Sometime in 1987, I was elected to the Board of Directors of the BEU (Bulletin Employees Union). A series of union-busting activities by management led to a company-wide strike in August 1987.

How does being a labor union leader relate to parenthood? At that time, I was young. Single. Only had a girlfriend. But I saw many parents among the union members who were sacrificing their life and careers for what they believed in. Their rights was workers. Organized union. Respect for law. Just and fair wages. All of which would ultimately benefit their own families. And make them even more responsible parents.

It has been over 20 years since the strike. Many of us from the BEU had moved on. Others continue to work for the Manila Bulletin. A few joined the Inquirer. Some ventured to their own business.

Me? Still on the road for the pursuit of parenthood.

Today, Chief and I pay tribute to all the workers who get less for a day’s work. Specially, those out in the open field and out of the country. We offer prayers for strength and hope for a better life with your own families.

Off To Coron

Finally, Chief and I are went on our first local trip, since we took a December 2001 trip to Boracay. We flew down to Coron, Palawan last Wednesday, 04 April 2007. We booked just a few days before the Holy Week. Luckily, our friend, Chin, was able to find us SEAir tickets and accommodations at his place called “Darayonan.”

At around 1pm, we were on a taxi going to the Domestic Airport. A regular 20-minute ride stretched to 45 minutes. Heavy traffic. Our taxi driver took a shorter route, passing through Nichols Air Base. Today, I learned a new route. Good.

Checking in wasn’t a hassle except that I didn’t bring an real ID. Left my UST id and driver’s license at home. Even convinced Chief to do the same. Luckily I had an old BPI ATM card which allowed me entry into the airport.

“Sabi ko na sa iyo…” Chief said to me.

We were the first to check into the SEAIR afternoon flight to Coron, Palawan.

We saw David Guerrero of BBDO in the waiting lounge. Angel Guerrero was also around, together with her sister. But our paths didn’t cross. Now, I wished I had come up to them and exchanged pleasantries. Chief had not personally met David. Angel used to work for McCann. She is also a Comm Arts grad from UST. Same blood. But different types.

Chief was assigned Seat # 19. I took Seat #17, just in front of her. Chief asked why we were not seated together. “Kailangan po balanced ang weight ng plane,” explained a stewardess.

I chuckled a little as it emphasized my point that Chief had gained extra weight through the years.

It was a two hour wait for an hour flight, flying around 10,000 above sea level.

SEAIR gave out complimentary Nestea drinks for the one-hour flight. Really a budget flight. No in-flight service. No stewardess to explain emergency procedures. Only the pilot said, “In case of emergency landing, life vests can be found underneath your seats.” DG455 really a far cry from an SQ flight.

Mom’s Travel Plans

Last month, we talked about mom’s travel plans. She had gotten Canadian visa and wants to visit my sister Minnie, in Alberta, Canada as well as Laly and the three girls in California. I have no objections on mom going to the States and Canada. But the rush and the timing seem to be wrong.

While I might not be able to understand how a mom feels on how much she misses her grandchildren and youngest daughter, but I can't understand or rather feel the anxiety of her traveling without a reliable companion.

She is not in tip-top health condition. She has “vertigo” which causes imbalance, which can cause her to fall. And we all know what a fall can do for someone’s brittle bones. She also has high-blood.

She would argue, “Di naman ako ganoon katanda.” But definitely, she doesn’t have the body of a 65 year old, when she visted Chief and I in Vietnam. Or three years ago, when she and Minnie and I went around HK.

The last time she traveled was to Bangkok, Thailand. But she was with a group of soroptomists. All senior citizens. But it was only a two-hour flight.

Going to North America is a long-haul flight. Plus, who will handle all the luggages she would carry? Knowing her, she would have a lot of pasalubong. I can’t imagine her running after her bags in the carousel. Even Cecile at her age has trouble lifting her bags on the carousel.

Mom will definitely need a reliable travel companion.

Earliest I can see her leaving is around mid-April. I told her that summer would be ideal as her grandchildren would be on summer vacation and she can spend as much time with them as possible and even go around California.

What I can’t understand is why she doesn’t want to make a trip to the East Coast and spend some time with Tito Rene, my dad’s elder brother. Am sure that visit would make my Dad very happy.

Or maybe, travel with Chief and I when we go to the States in December. Wouldn’t it be a most memorable sight to be spending Christmas in New York with Tito Rene and Tita Nenen and our first cousins, Renelle, Benjamin and Patrick. But Mom says she can’t let Violet and Miguel spend Christmas alone. “Silang dalawa na lang sa buhay.” Mom would explain.

“Bakit naiiyak ka?” she asked me when we were talking about her travel plans. I could also see some tears in her eyes as I know she misses the three girls and Minnie terribly. All part of beng a mother and a grandmother.

Maybe, when Chief and I are blessed with kids, we will understand parenthood even more.

Next Steps for Parenthood

If Christian Gabriel had lived, CG would be around 3 months old. CG would be giving us countless smiles and tears of joy at our Greenhome in the middle of Legazpi Village, Makati City. We would be have been greeted by a CG' smile today,maybe even skipping breakfast just to be besides CG.

But am sure, CG looks down upon us and is smiling as we prepare for another working day.

Wherever you are CG right now, you are terribly missed and loved at the Greenhome and please be with us always as we plan the next steps for parenthood.

We visited Dra, Susan Nagtalon last Friday afternoon at St. Luke's Hospital and at UERM last Saturday after my class at UST. The good doctor adviced us to seek "counselling" as we prepare the next steps for parenthood. But most of all, we ask for HIS guidance and enlightenment.

300

Last Sunday, Chief and I watched "300." We have not seen a movie since we saw "Night at the Museum" at MOA a few weeks ago. "300" was a great movie and worth every popcorn. It is about fighting for one's land and country. Standing up for what one believes is right even if it is not popular. Fighting side by side with friends. Protecting one's family from harm and death. Chief and I left Greenbelt 5 Cinema a little teary-eyed.

The movie reminds me of "Gladiator" with Russel Crowe. Easily, he could have played the lead role. And the last death scene also reminds me of the death scene of Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe in the "Last Samurai."

The color and cinematography gives life to the an epic battle of Spartans against Persians. It just like the graphic novel came to life with sound and motion.

I remember King Leonidas last words, "It is an honor to have lived besides you." as he spoke to a dying Spartan before the rain of arrows fell down upon the remaining Spartans.

Would I watch it again? Yes, given the chance. Cheers to Frank Miller!

But, I would also like to read the graphic novel.

The Meltdown Victory

It is over. Last 13 and 14th of February, thesis for the Focus 16 Team was over. Gerald barely made it. He forgot his endorsement stickers and I had to guarantee that his “Matchbox” thesis was endorsed. Even had to talk to Prof. Mortel to endorse it. “I don’t think he should fail out of a technicality. Maybe, just penalize him for it.” Sayang. His creative were all hand-rendered. Even Chief liked his creatives.

Kat, Tracy, Tasha, Mark, Carlo, and Carla also made it. A few revisions here and there. But they passed. Was hoping that Tracy’s work on “IAFT” would bag a high grade as she had focused on one creative idea throughout the year. But apparently the jury wanted a more “emotional approach.”

“There is a learning from today.” I told Tracy over yahoo messenger that night after her thesis defense as I know she was disappointed. Chief says I might have raised expectations too much? Maybe?

Mothers came in full support too. Kat and Tasha’s moms were in school on the first day of defense. All for moral support. Felt guilty that I was not able to “tsika” with them as I was busy signing endorsement slips and giving last minute tips and saying a “team prayer.”

Geno pulled off the biggest surprise. He had been bogged down by financial and family problems through the year. He seemed honest and determined to graduate, which is why I extended to the “Pepsi Max” his deadlines. Other advisers would have probably dropped him from the list. He got a grade of 2.00 for his “Fully Booked” Ad Campaign. While Kat who had worked much harder and had a more socially-relevant campaign about “Phone Ethics” only earned a grade of 2.75.

From the team, two got perfect scores. Chantily Tan who did a campaign on “Breastfeeding” and Jem Cuyos who worked on an Special Events thesis for “E-Games.” Plus, Princes Anderle’s “Mango” and Ged Bernardino’s “Aji Ichiban.” A total of four from the team gets their work to be part of the “Thesis Exhibit.” Am extra proud of their achievements. And Chief shares these moments with me.

Moments like these make us feel like proud parents too!

Minnie's decision

Minnie is my youngest sister. Still single. Living wih my mom and Violet, my other sister, in Paranaque.

At 40, you will probably think she is in her late 20s or early 30s. Her small stature, fair complexion and baby-like face will not give away her real age. But for the past couple of days, she probably has matured and grown way past her real age. A dermoid cyst was discovered this week in her ovary which needs immediate surgery.

We went to see Dra. Nagtalon, Chief's new OB Gyne, last Wednesday morning at UERM. The cyst was confirmed and the doctor stongly adviced for an immeidate surgery as it could "rupture." The cost. 100,000 pesos.

Now, Minnie faces a crucial chapter in her life. A decision to be made. UERM or Medical Center Paranaque? A major operation. A possibility she might lose her own chance for motherhood. A ckean bill of health for a chance to work in Canada.

As my sister goes through these ordeal, we had many long conversations. We had lunch at the UERM Canteen and told her that the cost should not be a factor in making a decision on where to have surgery. Even if MCP was half the cost of UERM. Does she trust the doctor? Is she an expert in this types of surgeries? Why is the MCP price half the cost of UERM? How are their facilities? It is definitely no among the ranks of Asian Hospital or St. Luke's or Medical City. There is definitely a big gap between the standards of UERM and MCP... And I trust UERM better. They will not even notice you entering the emergency room of MCP. We know. We experienced it when we brought in my mom for an emergency a couple of months ago.

Is there a previous relationship with the doctor? After all, she and mom only discovered her by chance at MCP, unlike Dra. Nagtalon, with whom Chief has gone through a D & C for Christian Gabriel. Told Minnie that we

Gave her my "expert" opinion, after all that I have learned being with Chief as we went through our own parenthood steps with Dra. Desquitado and Dra. Nagtalon. I could have "insisted" Minnie have her surgery at UERM. I could have asserted my role of being "kuya" But ultimatelly, Minnie and my mom will decide.

She has made her choice. Prayers for Minnie will help. Faith and trust in God is all I have now. Plus, Angel Christian Gabriel looking after my sister, Fermina Velez.

Late night coffee with Fr. Armand

Last Sunday, June 25, 2006, we finally met up with Fr. Armand Robleza.

It was our second time together to hear Fr. Armand's words at Mass in Don Bosco. Tonight, he focused on three words, faith, focus and forgiveness!

Fr. Armand talked about man's fears. "Natatakot ba kayonsa mga multo" he asked the parishioners. He explained that our own fears are multiplied many times over. "Iyon multo ninyo dumadami kapag natatakot kayo. Mayrun na sa kuwarto, sa sala, sa banyo, sa kotse." he described.

He said that we must conquer our own fears with the "3Fs." He narrated the story of how the apostles feared the thunder and lightning and the storm out in the Sea of Gallilee. They called out for Christ's help out of their own fear, even though they were much familiar with that sea and its storm, being fishermen.

After Mass, Chief and I waited until all his well-wishers and friends has said goodbye and good night to him. Fr. Armand was such a popular priest here at Don Bosco Church and it was usually a 15 minute wait until he was totally free. People would come to him for blessing or even just a warm hug, specially , among the younger one. We saw a whole family come to him for prayers and blessings. He spread his arms and prayed over them.

Finally, he was all ours. He changed to a black t-shirt which said, "Bosconian ako... from elementary to eternity." I noticed he was wearing Dockers slacks. Black.

I said, "Ang ganda ng shirt mo Father. Mayroon bang kapatid iyan."

He replied, "Kaya nga suot ko. Mayroon puti nito."

I asked if he had dinner already and replied "I will have coffee with you." There was a slight drizzle was we walked to Shaq. He sat in the front as Cecile took a back seat.

We proceeded to Starbucks at Greenbelt 1. We talked about many things our own lives. Vision of Code Red. Ateneo. Greis wanting to meet him. Fr. Nim leaving the Jesuits. His studies in Rome. Giving up and again handling Don Bosco Communications. Homilythics. Out of the box thinking for seminarians. Spies from San Carlos Seminary. Mass during EDSA 2. "Sugog mga kapatid" Homily. March to Malacanang. Decency and no name-calling against Erap. Other priests afraid to give homilies during EDSA 2. USP for eggs by Don Bosco. 21 million pesos needed for his magazine to reach more schools nationwide. The kindness of Menlu from San Miguel Corporation. UCPB's IT team help for a website. Recording his Sunday homilies. Teaching media education at Don Bosco Seminary or High School. Driving down from Baguio and guessing number of churches along the highway. Karol's Ten years. Importance of communications from the philosophical and practical viewpoints. Sainthood. Working with DECs on values for students. Faith. Unborn babies becoming angels.

Cecile was surprised to find out that Carol San Pedro, was the editor of "CODE Red" Magazine. Carol and Cecile were colleagues in J Walter Thompson. Fr. Armand even called her up at the late evening and handed his phone to Cecile so that the two ladies could talk. Apparently, Carol had not known that we had returned from Vietnam already.

I was teasing Cecile to get involved in the publication too. Even Fr. Armand brought up the idea. But I did offer to write and asked Fr. Armand to let Carol call me so we could discuss these possibilities.

Fr. Armand adviced us to pray to St. Sabio, a young 15 year old Don Bosco saint, whose miracle was giving a baby to a couple. He also said to pray to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. I told him that Don Bosco Church was very significant to us it was the last new churach that we had both visited and prayed together for a baby.

He told us a story of a woman who had two abortions and was being overcome by guilty about it. She now had one baby but still couldn't overcome the feeling of losing two lives.

And one evening, they were talking on the phone. Around 1am. He advised the woman to get over the loss and move on... by lighting two candles in their house in memory of the two babies who died. He waited on the phone as she lit her candles and prayed to the two babies. "Kausapin mo sila. Magdasal ka sa kanila. Mayroon ka ng dalawang angels ngayon." Fr. Armand explained.

Now, we were even more convinced that we had Angel CG looking down upon us. And ever more grateful that the Lord gave us a chance at parenthood and help bring about a new angel.

Definitely, we shall have coffee again with Fr. Armand. Soon. I hope.