Day 30: So you wanna be a chef eh?

"I want to do that, Mom" were the six words I heard my only son speak when he saw the very first episode of Junior MasterChef Australia.  Then he kept repeating, "I want to be a junior MasterChef too, Mom." 

So how does a Mom react to that? Well, my son has always been fascinated with food, at least eating it. I never considered him being interested in cooking although I've noticed he'd always ask things whenever he finds me doing something in the kitchen.

I thought it was wonderful that he's beginning to take interest in cooking so I told him that if he really wanted to be MasterChef, he needed to learn one of the most basic cooking skills - boiling rice. He pretty much did a great job the first time that he's gotten used to cooking the rice for dinner and weekends now. 

A few days ago, I found out that there's actually auditions going around for the Pinoy edition of Junior MasterChef and I thought that maybe under my tutelage, I can get Jarred ready to actually join the contest in the next year or so. Who knows? Maybe my son is destined to be a chef...not bad eh?

Day 181: Dismayed and yet...hopeful...

(photo courtesy of REUTERS)

Today marked an important day in the country's history...President-elect Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, nicknamed Noynoy/P-Noy was sworn in as the Republic of the Philippines'  15th president. 

During the recently concluded national and local elections, I was quite vocal about my personal choice for the country's top post and P-Noy it definitely was NOT. I didn't think he had the qualities I was looking for as the country's leader nor did he have the necessary qualifications and experience to run a troubled nation such as ours. I still stand by these beliefs but I also have to acknowledge and accept that the greater majority of Filipinos have spoken and made their choice.

As I was watching the live coverage of the Inaugural Ceremonies, I cringed at how a dignified event turned out to be more of a Wowowee episode. Even the President's Inaugural Address left much to be desired. Sure, it was done in Filipino but a close scrutiny of the content would reveal that it was nothing but a well-dressed can of empty promises, nothing concrete nor measurable. 

More focus was given on non-essential things like "wang-wang"...as President, P-Noy should know that there are certain security protocols that cannot be compromised, the highest position in the land need to be protected (for all citizens sake). C'mon! There are more important and pressing problems that need attention...focus!!!

I watched and as I continued to do so I got more and more dismayed and frustrated...with what I've seen and heard, I'm expecting the new Aquino government to fail but I have to remain hopeful and prayerful that it doesn't...for all our sakes.

Day 130: PILIPINAS and SoLey...on a balance...

This is the paradise in SoLey that's awaiting a bright tomorrow...Together with the rest of the nation, its future is hanging on a balance.

Today is Election Day...Go out and exercise your right to vote!

Your country and fellow Filipinos need you to make a stand for a principled choice. Whatever happens to us and the future generation lies in your mighty hands.

I pray that tomorrow will be as clear and as beautiful as what you can see here. I see hope and peace on the horizon. May God keep us in the safety of His bosom and may He bless us all!

Day 128: A Song of Hope

The very first time I heard this song, it moved me to tears. Listening to it awakened the dying embers of my love for country. More than anything, it gave me hope...it gave me reason to believe I can dream again - not for myself but for my children and theirs. 

Before viewing the video, look at the lyrics below first, scan one time. Then play the video while looking at the lyrics. *** I purposely blocked out the lyrics containing names so as you can appreciate the song for its message and not as campaign material.

Regardless of who you're choosing to lead this country, may you find strength, inspiration and hope in this song as I have.

BAGUMBAYAN

Jose Villanueva III

Gumising ka na, buksan ang iyong mata

Sabayan ang pagsikat ng bagong umaga

Bumangon ka na, wag kang mag-alala

Sa biyahe ng buhay kasama kita

Sa hamon ng bukas, sa bawat pagsubok

Abutin ang tagumpay hindi tayo susuko

Ikaw ang pinaka–hihintay mo

Ikaw ang pagbabago, tayo ang pagbabago

CHORUS:

Bagong bayan, bagong puso,

Bagong pag-asa, bagong kamalayan

Pilipinas tulong-tulong, hindi uurong

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…) Repeat 4X

Gising, bangon, tumayo na

Harapin mo ang bagong umaga

Sumabay ka na tatagan ang iyong puso

Manalig, mangarap hindi ka mabibigo

Tayo ang makabagong bayanihan

Tayo ang bayani ng bayan

Ipagmalaki mo ang iyong kulay

Ngayon natin ipakita ang ating husay

Pumiglas sa gapos ng kahapon

Wasakin ang pader ng iyong utak ngayon

Sa pag-asa na bukas taas noo

Matayog ang lipad ng pangarap mo

Sa bawat laban lahat tayo ay bida

Sugpuin ang kalaban, ang tuso, ang siga

Panahon na para buhayin ang pangarap

Tayong lahat magsisilbing liwanag.

CHORUS (REPEAT 2X)

Bagong bayan, bagong puso,

Bagong pag-asa, bagong kamalayan

Pilipinas tulong tulong, hindi uurong.

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI (woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang pagbabago

Ngayon na ang pagbabago, Bagong Bayan

Gordon at Bayani. Tayo ang pagbabago

Ngayon na ang pagbabago, Bagong Bayan

Gordon at Bayani.