Milestone Memoir 2009

December 12, 2009

Dear Baby Kitten,

I was on my way to bed, in fact, I've lain beside you and Ninang when suddenly, I remembered that not only do I need to "lose some weight" but also needed to write you to avoid unnecessary backlogs and hiatus. Although I'm more compelled to write since last night (or more like really early in the morning) I reviewed my old journal, which I called THE EXILE JOURNALS; one which I wrote when I was still in Manila...exiled. I realized that it helps if I wrote down my memories because it's both entertaining and useful if I ever needed to remind myself about my feelings. I was amused when I read it, simply because I sounded different.

Just like that woman who sang with Ninong Poloy in the video - the old me. The Queen_B and it's funny how I sound (and sound when I write it) so differently from now. Transition! :D

Today, I went out to pay my dues in AVON and at the same time, picked some gift items for everyone. Then I went to scavenge busy Taiwanese shops to scout for probable giveaways for your first birthday. I ended up buying because they came cheap; some Hellow Kitty buttons, which will be worn by the guests upon entrance to the party and PENFUMES (perfumed pens), which they could take home with them.

Love, Mamimeow

Strawberry-No-Jam 017

December 12, 2010
Ebanit & Ramos Residence
Villanueva, Misamis Oriental

Dear Jam,

So after I dropped you off at Carmen, I proceeded to join Mamilou and Nahnang in SM to watch the latest installment of THE CHRONICLES of NARNIA in 3D. So nowadays we have the clear glasses in the stead of the blue-and-red classic 3D glasses. I didn't feel the effect immediately as I wore it against my graded lenses. The first film preview that came on was that of the Filipino made animation. I have nothing against it or our industry but perhaps in that department, we need a little more improvement. It wasn't until the preview for YOGI BEAR 3D with slugs and water thrown up the screen like they were falling right on our faces did I feel the excitement. The movie didn't disappoint. In fact, I was more disappointed that it had gotten better since its first two prequels as Harry Potter's first part of the last movie failed to fill in what anticipation I had for it.
The movie is beautiful and so are the characters. Thankfully, it was a little closer to capture the idea of C.S. Lewis, an admired and beloved author. I have a complete volume of the Chronicles, I'd love for you to read them when you grow up.

When I got out of the theater, I got a message from your Tito Dixie, his stringent searching. He was asking me where I was and whether I was to honor our agreement of gracing their house for the feast or not. And though his place was far, which I initially thought was just around the city, I braved to go on a long distance ride alone.

On my way to the Villanueva terminal, a family of three; a mother with two boys about your age, stepped into the jeep a little later after me. See, they weren't rich, they weren't even as fortunate as we are though we have seemingly eternal daily struggles. They collectively looked like they came up from bedding the streets and look as if they could hardly afford a bath. But what made me really appreciate their bunch albeit the boys were causing a ruckus with their sibling rivalry, is the realization that patience favored no status. Their mother, in the middle of her sons' racket, in the middle of critical eyes looking at them pointedly, only smilingly told off her children. She didn't want to bow down to other people's meddling just to compromise her sons' time together. She even turned to everyone with an apologetic smile and when she turned to me, I didn't hesitate to return it. It was a beautiful scene to look at, to capture in video. Until here came two Koreans, I bet boyfriend and girlfriend who totally changed the whole mood.

I felt like in my whole trip to Villanueva, I was sitting at the edge of my seat, constantly craning my neck to check if I was going to get lost. I've been to Villanueva before but I had taken the easy ride at the back of the Ramos' family van. They, other than your Tito Dixie, gave me more reasons to pay Villanueva a visit.

I had a great time. They were constantly teasing me about my life in the business before but for the most part, I think what I really enjoyed was their company.Tito Dixie's family is rather colorful and loud, it reminded me of the good old days with our own family where we had the gatherings, there was singing, talking and a smorgasbord of fun. So yes, I enjoyed being with Tito Dixie and his family. While I was a little bit more sane as well as sober, I gave the Ramoses a surprise visit. They barely even recognized me with my eye glasses on, I don't know if I should take that as a compliment. Haha! Anyway. So where I once came from a banquet, to a banquet I was again invited. I had dinner and exchanged a lot of thoughts with the trio of old acquaintance. I missed the folks, your Tita Jorren, who I have forgiven now for mistaking be to be whoever else she had thought me to be other than myself, Tita Joan, and Mommy. But I missed your Tito Jovan most of all; my director, mentor and even more than that, my friend. He was a little preoccupied with the angst-ridden atmosphere of a show he was directing. We never got to talk even as I left.

Oh well, that was, in a nutshell, some adventure. I got home around 9PM and that's to see your diaper eagerly jump off before you could do so to greet me.

Love,
Mommy