Free will. My first recognition of English and the realization that there is another language was when I was about four. I remember singing the song "Somewhere Out There". I did not know much less understood the lyrics past those first three words so I filled the melody with made up words. And then I realized that even though I was just making them up, I was making sounds that were different from if I made up Tagalog words. In Filipino, we say, there is the "twang" factor that is quite unique to the English language. Another occasion which I remember was not long after was when I grabbed a newspaper and pretended that I was reading the news. Actually … [Read more...]
Taguig, My Hometown
July 12, 2009 By 30 Comments
It was 1987 when we first moved to Taguig. There was where I lived the longest in the Philippines. History. I remember the time when it was spelled as T-A-G-I-G (minus the U). In grade school, through a research homework, I learned that the inhabitants during the Spanish regime were called "taga-giik" (one who threshes harvested rice). And so the name evolved to how it is pronounced now - tuh-gig. Geography. Taguig is a part of the National Capital Region. It is by Laguna Bay and has within it two rivers. Around it are the town of Pateros, the province of Rizal, and the cities of Pasig, Makati, Paranaque and Pasay. Weather-wise, the whole … [Read more...]
Consider yourselves warned.
June 24, 2009 By 31 Comments
I went to an annual Filipino picnic in St Louis last Saturday and it was so much fun. The weather was perfect. The sun was out, the Pinoy food was bountiful and delicious as always. I saw lots and lots of my kababayans. And what else was present? A karaoke, of course! My mother in law drove me and my kids to the venue park as Jeff had to work. After a little bit, she and the kids headed home, while I was left so I could "enjoy myself". And I really did. I caught up with my old friends, got introduced to new ones. I even played kickball with another Filipina and her husband. And of course, I karaoke'd my heart out. We Filipinos are very musically … [Read more...]
The Earliest Memories of My Life
June 5, 2009 By 32 Comments
I believe my parents lived briefly in Sta. Ana, Manila but it was in Pasig where my eldest brother and the rest of us were born. I am not sure exactly when they moved but that would put my parents in Pasig by 1974. By 1975, Pasig became a town in Metro Manila after being the capital of Rizal province for a long time. When they first moved in Pasig, they rented a house in San Joaquin. It didn't take long until they moved again this time to a two-storey house where we stayed until I was six or seven. The farthest that my memory can take me was when I was maybe a year and a half or two years old. I remember being surrounded by and looking at my … [Read more...]
June Pride
May 31, 2009 By 30 Comments
When I called my Dad the other day, I asked if my niece was in school that morning. He said no because she was still on vacation. I realized that the Philippine school year has not even started yet. But it should, soon. Unlike here in the United States, schools in the Philippines open in June. After a brief Christmas vacation, classes resume usually after the Three Kings in January. And close in March. During my time, we did not have semestral breaks. I was told they started those in 2005. I feel a little disappointed in myself because I haven't finished packing the box that I have been meaning to send to my niece who will be in third grade … [Read more...]
An Introduction of Sorts
May 25, 2009 By 53 Comments
The couple who raised me. My parents hail from a neat small town in Pangasinan. Like many, they decided to move to Metro Manila after getting married. My mom worked as a public school teacher, my dad, as a truck driver. They were blessed with three sons. And then they had me. My mom and my dad are both the eldest in their respective families. Many times before, I have heard that an eldest child should not marry an eldest from another family because it is highly likely that both would be bossy and that wouldn't help for a harmonious union. In fairness to my mom, and as far as I am concerned, she has been nothing short of a submissive, patient … [Read more...]
Cover Letter
May 21, 2009 By 63 Comments
For my first LiP article, I decided to publish a letter that I sent to Bob asking to be part of the LiP site. Here it goes: I hope you are having or have had a good day when you open this email. If not, go ahead and close it. It is not that urgent. For the longest time, I have been wanting to write a book about my childhood experiences. Someday, I always tell myself. Someday, somehow. Anyway, that is still my plan but I have not been very motivated to start Chapter 1. Not until I found your site. LIP brings back wonderful memories. And for that I thank you, the site contributors and your regular readers. Like I said, I am feeling more motivated … [Read more...]
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