Mandela Moment

The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th US President was over and done with. And yet, people cannot stop discussing about it. In fact, it set a new record in terms of the largest television audience, breaking Ronald Reagan’s inauguration record set way back in 1981. Days before and after the inauguration took place, it felt like overly hyped but it was for some good reasons.

Obama’s win on the US presidency was dubbed by many as US’ own version of “Mandela Moment”. Obama’s visions not just for his country but for the rest of the world going through global financial crisis is a breath of fresh air. Listening to excerpts of his inauguration speech the other day, I couldn’t help but cringe. Although idealistic to a certain extent, every word that came out of Obama’s mouth reiterated hope for everyone of us. Obama is just too articulate and clever that I figuratively hang on to every word he said.

Obama was the kind of leader America wanted (and needed) for a while. He isn’t the type to employ bully tactics, but rather embraced and encouraged us all to move forward. With a hazy future that awaits in 2009, especially in the economic aspects, having a leader that would make us believe (in ourselves and the leaders who run our respective countries) is something that we could all take comfort in.

the art of make-up

Cosmetics is an art. It was an art that I, however, was unable to embrace until recently. Way back in college days, I disliked the idea of wearing make-up. To begin with, I found it uncomfortable while I also lived the idea that “simpler is better.”

When I graduated however, things changed. I was encouraged to wear make-up so I would look my age. Aside from being petite, my features made me look like I am 16, as my mom would often point out. Wearing make-up (because I never did give in to my mom’s persistence that I wear more corporate-looking outfits) seemed like the most suitable alternative so I would look like my chronological age.

Like all forms of art, you have to be precise with the amount of make-up you wear though. You cannot overdo it, or else you could end up looking older or worse, trashy. It entails just the right amount of shading and combination of colors, something of which I enjoy working to achieve. I would often go in to cosmetic stores and leave with a few pesos off my wallet and a bag of cosmetic products. It’s my guilty pleasure, and most certainly one of the ways to pampering myself.

I hope I am not perceived as being kikay though, as Ed once teased me about. The thing is, it is more functional than aesthetic. If it is able to enhance one’s looks, then I could take that. Especially when it makes you feel good about yourself and helps you become more confident. Hopefully, we’ve also gotten past the stage wherein the use of cosmetics is associated with trying to become the object of male gaze.

anecdotes

On my way to work today, I saw an old man wielding a sign at the back of the jeepney that read:

“The world might end today, repent!“

This was supposedly a verse from the bible, but I was unable to read from which chapter it was extracted from. Poor old man, I thought. But after contemplating, I found the statement ironic.

In a highly Christian-driven society as we have, repenting is such a potent part of our faith. But, for me, the idea of gaining salvation through repenting only encourages sin or, rather, doing sinful acts.

Most of us live life in a reverse fashion. We are too caught up with mending relationships, instead of building strong foundations. We like to find justification for our previous actions instead of learning from them and (hopefully) making informed decisions in the future. Maybe it’s just human nature. I am not trying to profess self-righteousness here, don’t get me wrong. But what if the so-called “end of world” or “apocalypse” happened today? Where in the world do you stand?

Parallelism: Inanimate Objects and People

Here I am, worrying to death about whether I’d make the article quota for today and yet still having the time to squeeze in a blog. A week ago, I went through files on my computer and I found an essay I wrote for one of my classes in college (I could not even remember which one) regarding Russell Baker’s essay, The Plot Against the People.

I am amazed by the semblance of how most people and inanimate objects behave. According to Baker, inanimate objects can be broken down into three major categories: those that break down, those that get lost, and those that don’t work. Furthermore, he claims that “the goal of all inanimate objects is to resist man and ultimately to defeat him…”

Those that break down.

Like inanimate objects, people can often times be a challenge and, to say the least, a test of patience. While it is common knowledge that our individual level of capacity and understanding vary, they tend to break down at times most inconvenient to you. When life seems to be going smooth for you, they always manages to find ways to tick you. Unlike inanimate objects, you cannot recharge, fix, or tweak these people; they need to do that for themselves. And that’s the start of your doom.

Those that get lost.

As much as inanimate objects develop a sound technique for concealing from human’s view when they are needed, some people have also managed to perfect this very same technique. They find themselves in peculiar places just to hide from your view. And the worst part of all is, (which is the exact opposite) they meddle with your affairs even when the person concerned does not ask for his or her opinion.

Those that don’t work.

I have to agree with Baker that out of all three categories, these people (and inanimate objects) are the most curious of all. It would be stupid to say that they don’t work at all because we are all equipped with “something”. However, they are ridiculously inconsistent. One time, they work perfectly and with such precision. Other times these people wait for an outside prompt, such as having someone to push their button on or off, instead of executing their own actions. They never seem to have the initiative to work as they were designed for. And the worst thing is, they achieve high status although they have been known to achieve nothing.

time for some update

A busy week. Not just for me but for the rest of the world as well (insert sigh here).

Kadayawan ‘08 is already a closed chapter in Davao. But for the rest of the world (or at least my world of interest), things are still at the exposition part and climax is a long ways off.

Heads up first, CBS has finally revealed the official cast for Survivor Gabon: Earth’s Last Eden. Speculations are over and we have names, faces, and first impressions to gnaw on. I never had the time to really get to know the casts yet, aside from the fact that they comprise of the typical “hot” chick, Ivy League student, the hunk, and the old guy (yes, indeed old enough to be your granpa). However, what I like best about Survivor is that despite of its predictable cast, the game as a whole is unpredictable. And that’s when each of the contestant’s pangs come out as the quest for million dollars turn them into more cunning individuals.

(to my friends who are hoping to watch this, apparently local channel QTv will be airing Survivor Gabon. will do update you on timeslots.)

On another topic, the US Open commenced this week and already it is making headlines. Nadal and Federer both survived the first round with ease, Federer notably winning in straight sets. Top-seed Nadal and Venus Williams have scheduled matches for today.

only in its 2nd round, there are already some major upsets. The biggest one so far happened this morning before I left for the office. I got to catch the tail-end of French Julie Coin’s (rank no.88) match against top-seed Ana Ivanovic; just in time to see the World No.1 bow down and end her hopes of winning the title in 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 match. According to Yahoo! sports news:

Never before in the Open era that began in 1968 had the No. 1 woman lost this early in the tournament.

Whoa! I can’t wait for the next round!

ten reasons why i am happy

1. I just finished my latest article.

2. It hasn’t been raining since Sunday.

3. I finally found the perfume I have been looking to purchase in a long while.

4. I am seeing an improvement in my eating habits. not to say i have eating problems, but i am working on gaining more weight. haha.

5. I haven’t saved money but I am enjoying everything that I’ve worked hard for.

6. I will be getting enough sleep tonight.

7. I finally got to write a new blog entry, following several failed attempts.

8. It’s another weekend. No work for a couple of days; a chance to revive my sanity and reconnect with the outside world.

9. Yesterday (Ed’s birthday) was a perfect night, if ever there is indeed one.

10. Tomorrow is Ed’s post-birthday celebration; will be having videoke and dinner with some friends.

painful truth

While surfing channels last night, I came across Oprah at a local television station. Though I had a penchant for switching channels during commercial breaks, the issues discussed glued me to the show. At the risk of sounding cheesy, when women are confronted with women’s issues in society, I always get the urge to listen.

After writing several stories about women for my thesis, I always have been fascinated (for lack of a better term) about women’s stories, specially the most common ones. Although there has admittedly been several powerful and successful women nowadays, it is undeniable how fear dominates most part of our everyday living. So, to cut a long story short, Gavin de Becker’s book The Gift of Fear enlightened women on how to dispute their living fear.

On wrapping up discussion, one statement pointed out by the book’s author Gavin de Becker drew responses and several nods among the predominantly female audience:

“When men says no, it means the end of a discussion. When women says no, it means the start of a negotiation.“

He is so right!

mourning

For days, I’ve been juggling ideas, wanting to write a new post on my blog, and share some deep-wrought thoughts. These thoughts went through major revisions in my head (because I am very keen on censoring myself before voicing them out), flipping thoughts over one side to the other, thinking of better ways to pen down those ideas-slash-perception-slash-insight-slash-whatever you call them. Until…the thought was lost.

I cannot revive it. I kept going back into the deepest recesses of my brain and it was gone. Only now, it is gone forever.

Maybe next time random would work better for me. Argh!

you’re the poem i cannot (or failed) to write

For several months now, I’ve been attempting to write a poem for Ed. Last week, I was able to write a couple of lines, then I got stalled.

Meanwhile, I found this wonderful poem by Richard Brautigan as I was wandering through the web. I guess this is what I can afford to give you as of the moment…

***

-2

Everybody wants to go to bed
with everybody else, they’re
lined up for blocks, so I’ll
go to bed with you. They won’t
miss us.

- Richard Brautigan

***

Meanwhile, I’d continue working on that poem.

blissfully happy

Note: I am cross-posting this blog entry from my multiply site because (whether I refuse to admit it or not) my new task has managed to drain out my writing enthusiasm, as of the moment, at least. Also, I wanted to close off this week on a happy note. Weekend again, yey!!

Different people find happiness from many different things. Oftentimes, it reflects what priorities people have in their lives.

For me, I find happiness in the simplest things. I’d like to believe I was brought up in a very optimistic and loving environment that it takes a lot to wipe that smile off my face. But I can pretty much conclude that I am at the happiest I’ve ever been. No, it hasn’t been perfect and yet I can’t stop being thankful for everything that happened to me.

After eight hours at work, there are times things start to become quite catatonic. But once I’m out, there’s been so much to look forward to. First off, seeing Ed’s face whenever I step out of the office and him asking me how my day has been. Then, him sharing how his turned out. Simple conversations like that make me happy.

No matter how I complain of how tired I have been, I always still have that last surge of energy to savor what’s left of the day to spend with him. Whether shooting hoops, or playing PSP, or window shopping, or shopping perhaps, I always get that burst of energy.

And when I get home, my nephew Andre (I’m lucky if he’s still awake) would come to greet me in his welcoming voice and burrowing eyes. He would shriek out “Tita! Tita!” Then, he would kiss me on the lips and cheek and ask if I had brought something for him. When I hand out his favorite chocolates, he would immediately ask me to open them for him. When I have done that, he’d tell me in his most innocent voice, “Thank you.”

Just before I go to sleep, I would always get a “good night” call or text from baby. Then, I’d hug Miming tight (since like Moo and Meow for Ed, we each had these cuddly toys for sleeping partners).

That would be my definition of a perfectly happy day.

wishful thinking

today, i got a new set of tasks from my client. he promised me before that i’d be writing something totally different, meaning it has nothing to do with playstation games whatsoever. sure thing, that made me excited.

when i arrived at the office today, i was curious to find out what that new task is. turns out, i’m going to write a sort of feature article of some of the major attraction cities in the US. one heck of a job right? i mean, i just returned from a brief vacation and having that short break only fueled my desire to have an even longer break, maybe out of town this time, who knows? and i here i am, writing about these famous tourist destinations and telling potential readers the best places to go in, say Beverly Hills or Miami, when I, myself, have never even been there yet. not only do i lack the means (right now, at least), but time is my biggest adversary as of the moment.

i guess i should quit procrastinating and return to writing my articles. cause then, i will not only be able to have a glimpse of places i’ve never been to, but also visit those that are so lovely and pristine, they existed only through the human process called imagination.