Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Grateful for 2019 and Excited for 2020



The year 2020 is almost upon us. Onward to a new decade. On this last day of 2019, I looked back to the year that was and made a checklist of my accomplishments, risks and opportunities, and my goals for the coming year. These reflections had grounded me and put into perspective the year that was. If I have to describe my 2019 in three words, it would be: Blessings, resilience, and inspiration.

I feel an overwhelming gratitude for the inner peace of having lived a full life, with no regrets and with thankfulness for all the good things in my life. It was not a dull year for sure, there were a few challenges along the way but they were nothing I have not survived before. I am more resilient than ever, mostly because I appreciate the little things that matter the most. There were more gifts than I deserve.

I AM GRATEFUL…

For being a member of the Church of Christ.
For the gift of life. For spiritual blessings. I am thankful for the exponential growth of the church and I stand proud of its accomplishments amidst the apathy of non-believers. As I deeply meditate, I am humbled for the Almighty God’s spiritual guidance. When you feel God’s presence in your life, nothing else matters.

“O, my Father, I now deeply meditate
On the blessings You give day to day
Truly, you have never failed to care for me.
And You provide my every need.”



For my family.
I am grateful for the chance to see my family again in the Philippines. With my son Jordan and sister Bheng, we had a grand reunion that saw relatives coming from near and far. When the elders in the family sat down for posterity photo, I was awed by the richness of their lives, not because of their material blessings but because of the influence and inspiration that they gave to the younger generation.

I am grateful to hug my mother again. All other things fade behind the complete joy of embracing my 88 year old mom. I hugged my mother close and often, to feel her fierce embrace and to smell her sweet scent; my remembrance until I see her again.


For my work.
There are many challenges in working in such a fast-paced and high-stressed environment but I am thankful for the staff that I have. Such hard-working nursing leaders who only want the best for their department and for the staff who continue to save and touch people’s lives every day.

I am proud to be an ED nurse, albeit not in the frontline role but still able to make a difference. ED nurses make a difference every day. We had a Great catch- One of the nurses thought that a pt who came s/p seizure from the street was an unreliable historian. The 61 y/o pt was disoriented. She looked the pt up in Crime Stoppers and saw that the pt was listed as missing since March. She called NYPD and pt was reunited with son.

Then, a patient came to say Thank You to the ED staff for another chance at life. The 51y/o patient came in on Dec. 25 with syncope then had Cardiac arrest in the ED. Pt was resuscitated and sent to Cath Lab then CCU. That pt was discharged today. He received a dual chamber internal cardiac defibrillator as secondary precaution. He and his family came down to the ED to thank the staff for saving his life. His wife was in tears as she thanked the nurses and doctors.


I am thankful…
For the opportunities that came my way; for being able to spread my wings even out of my comfort zone.
For the places that I have vacationed at; for the warm breeze and white sands, for ancient houses , and for that touching play about the heroes of my native land.
For the warm heart that forgives and understands.
For a mind that continues to be excited for knowledge beyond my horizon and for new skills to be conquered.
For the music and books that soothe my soul.
For friends who remained so despite my busy schedule. That's what friends are for, isn't it?
For the inspiration to become a better person. For gaining strength on the strength of others.
For paying it forward whenever and as often as I could.
For the chance to put words on paper; for finding a channel to fulfill my love of writing; my blogs.
For my son and my family. They will always be my reason for being.


I brought back the New Year’s resolutions that I had in 2014. I think that these are more relevant than the trite resolutions of diets and exercise that everybody else have.
MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS:
1. Choose the people who whisper things in my ear. I choose to surround myself with friends who are trustworthy and with co-workers with no hidden agenda or crab mentality. I will treasure friends, near and far, who grace my life with their presence.
2. Look for things that inspire, and uplift. Life is too short to waste on inconsequential people. I will draw my strength from those who give positive energy and inspiration, despite all odds.
3. Go for it. Live life with great appreciation for the gift of living and be not afraid to explore where else life can take you.


Happy New Year to one and all !!!

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Priceless: My 2019 Philippine Vacation




I wrote this as soon as I returned to New York on September 7th.

The jetlag is real. My brain is a little addled with lack of sleep; no thanks for my body’s inability to discern the difference between two times zones. My circadian rhythm is messed up, still synced to Manila time. I need to go back to work tomorrow so I have to come out of my zombie-like trance and get back to New York time.

The vacation is over. But even with all the jarring reality of the return to the challenges of work, I am energized with the memories of my two weeks (and two days) of vacation. Even with the 15-hour flight. Thank God I have my son assisting me with my luggage and encouraging me to walk beyond what I’m used to in New York.

It's more fun in the Philippines. The memories are PRICELESS.

Here are the highlights of my August trip.

1. NANAY- My beloved 88 y/o mother cried when my son Jordan and I finally arrived, apparently overwhelmed with emotions, after two years of communicating via Facetime. Thanks to my sister Bheng (who arrived two weeks earlier) for capturing this moment.

I hugged my mother close to make up for those times when I had to content with blowing kisses on video. I hugged her often, just trying to memorize her sweet scent. I love her quick smile and her sharp wit. My mother will always be the most important reason why I endure the long plane ride. I cherish the times I spent with her. Priceless moments.




2. FAMILY REUNION- August 25, 2019, Las Pinas, Manila, Philippines.
The Cerrudo-Segovia reunion with all the branches from the tree joining together- Calvo, Gallardo, DelaSerna, Tano-an, Momoy, and Enalpe. Attendance was 80+ strong. It was great to reconnect, to forge new bonds, to celebrate family. It was also a reminder that time passes so quickly and life is uncertain so it is most important to tell our loved ones that we love them.

Talent runs in the family with great singers and dancers, notwithstanding the amateur dancing (trying hard) from the 50 y/o + ladies fumbling to the steps of “Dahil Sa Iyo” and to the inimitable duo of Charlie and Edwin with their wild gyrations, all in good fun.



3. HIGH SCHOOL REUNION OF CLASS 1975-
There were twelve of us who were classmates at the Generosa De Leon Memorial College (Centro Escolar University) who met at Dr. Cheryl's beautiful residence. Cheryl, Leny, Asuncion, Monica, Bessie, Eileen, Nancy, Helen, Minda, Irene, and Ana. My classmates from 44 years ago. This is my first time since our graduation to see them again. I was pleasantly surprised with the easy camaraderie between all of us. We shared high school life remembrances and we all joined in singing the school songs, "Sampaguita Interlude" as well as the music we grew up on.

Thank you for the combined August and September birthday celebration for the four of us. Sooo much fun. I never thought I will see them after all these years or that they will even recognize me. Thank God I am no longer that gangly, skinny, and awkward teen with skin darkened by my ROTC years. My classmates have turned out to be good-looking ladies who are successful in their own right.



4. BORACAY-
Boracay is just one small island (3.98 sq. miles) out of the 7,640 other islands that comprise the Philippine Archipelago but it has clearly been the country’s top tourist destination. After a 6-month rehabilitation, Boracay is now open to the public. We spent our second day island-hopping and my son enjoyed his snorkeling and helmet-diving. I enjoyed having to navigate the floating empty gallons of water that we stepped on as we swayed on our way to the boats.

My most favorite moment was just sitting in the sun on White Beach early in the morning before the tourists woke up and littered the beach to do their selfies. At about 6am, Boracay was at its most peaceful. White sand, blue waters, cool breeze, invigorating air, and flip flops. No calls from work, no emails to sift through. God is good!

Time stood still in this beautiful and tranquil paradise. It was time for reflections on what a beautiful world it is, that it energizes the soul when you just let go of the stresses of your non-vacation world. It was like a yoga moment. Breathe in, breathe out and forget that vacation will soon end.





5. BATAAN- LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR

Our day trip to this resort in Bataan is a cultural enrichment. The collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses is a testament to the richness of the Filipino heritage and the ingenuity of Filipino craftsmen. The spectacular Hotel Oriente brings you back to the world of Filipino elite during the Spanish colonial area. The carvings on the walls and on the staircase and on the massive doors were impressive.

We enjoyed the tour around the property through cobblestone roads and the fluvial balsa ride along the Umangol river with the marvelous houses and arched bridges, even through the downpour.

It was also an incredible experience to watch a short historical play about the national hero “Jose Rizal” as he bravely marched to his execution place. When he turned his body as he was “shot”, it was his one last stance of defiance against the Spanish guards. It was an emotional moment.

Then came “Andres Bonifacio” as he called for the revolution and asked his supporters to tear their “cedulas” (registration cards). "Andres" was so intense as he exhorted the audience to join the revolution. Earlier, the production staff gave our group replicas of the cedulas. Andres Bonifacio, "atapang na tao", I remembered an old joke. But it was surreal when Andres stood before us as if we were in a secret cabal trying to save our nation against the Spaniards. I felt a shiver run down my body as I raised my hand in support of the Filipino heroes. I was also pulled out to join the cast at the finale. I learned that I still know the lyrics to the Philippine National Anthem.




6. RAK OF AEGIS
This original Pinoy musical was in my to-do list. So, it was well worth the long ride to Quezon City to see a fabulous group of talented singers belt out the powerful hits of the OPM icon musical band Aegis. The production was well-staged with actual flood waters right in the middle of rickety-looking wooden walkways and stairs.

“Rak of Aegis” is a musical about big-voiced Aileen who dreams of viral fame on Youtube in the hopes of securing a spot on the Ellen DeGeneres show as well as to provide help to their flood-submerged barangay. The stars were impressive as they sang “Halik,” “Sinta,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan,” and many more.

The musical is about hope and resilience but also showcases the Filipinos’ sense of humor against adversity and their love of music. Kudos to the stars Shaira Opsimar, Bayang Barrios, Renz Verano, and the hunky gondola driver Tolits (Joshua Bulot), and the rest of the ensemble cast.




7. FOOD TRIP
As the new Jollibee commercial claims, "EATS more fun in the Philippines. There are more flavors than islands in the Philippines". We brought our family along as we explored the different restaurants in Las Pinas. More than the food trip, it was our chance as a family to bond over food with my brothers Allan and Edwin and their families, and my cousins Tess, Baby, and Cladys. It was also so much fun to watch my mom and my aunts enjoying the food and each others' company while we feasted on Chicharong Bulaklak after they took their anti-hypertensive meds. I purposefully chose the exotic-sounding names that could not be seen in New York Filipino restos. Ngohiong, Daku pochero, Sisig in a pouch, tinapa rice, pasta adobo, lechon belly roll, sizzling kangkong ala pobre, pinaputok na tiyan ng bangus, even "dirty ice cream".

My son voted the Chowking halo-halo as the best of them all. The neighborhood taho was just what I needed. And my Nanay’s cooking is the best not only because she really is a good cook but because it was served with love. I just love the grin on my mother’s face as I closed my eyes and proclaimed all that she cooked as heavenly.





8. COFFEE PROJECT

Filipinos love selfies and they love posting their Coffee Project selfies on Instagram. To be honest, I just wanted to see why the Coffee Project also has been hailed as the most “Instagram-able” coffee shop.

Look for yourself. I hardly noticed the coffee and the cake but I was bemused with the brilliant interiors with flowers, greens, comfy sofas, and unique knick-knacks that gave this garden cafe a homey and so-relaxed-you-can-spend-hours-in-it vibe.




Now, it's back to the grind of daily work. I can't complain because I do need to save for another vacation.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

GUILTY PLEASURES, Part 3- Audio books, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Jigsaw puzzles, Videos, and Cartoons



Living life to the fullest means you should take pleasure in everything you do. The term Guilty Pleasures no longer mean to me as something to be hidden or to be guilty about, for who cares for others' opinions anyway. It just means exploring the things that make you who you are, someone unique and interesting. I am my own person, someone who’s comfortable in my own skin and my own eccentricities. I am celebrating all my flaws and imperfections.


1. AUDIO BOOKS-


I once said I will never ever do Kindle because I would rather smell my books and dog-ear the pages. Well, not only did I do Kindle, but I switched to Audio books. As I drive to and from work, I switch on the Audible app on my smartphone and listen along to versatile narrators bringing my favorite books to life. I have listened to Watchers by Dean Koontz, and although I have read the book many times before, I thrilled to the spoken words. I laughed, I cried, and I squealed in suspense. What would have been a trip of road rage against reckless drivers turned into a pleasant stress-reducing journey, I did not mind the vagrants crossing the streets against the traffic lights along 125th Street in Harlem.

The audio book also doubled as my pronunciation tutor. I learned to pronounce words like “brusque”, and “Worcestershire” and finally learned the difference between “Bon Mot” and “Bon Appetit”. However, I gave up with “Otorhinolaryngologist” and just called it as ENT.

I have enjoyed other Dean Koontz books like “Lightning” and “From the Corner of His Eye” and they sounded as fresh as when I read them years ago. My next audiobooks will be the Harry Potter series; I have read all of JK Rowling's books but it would be magical to re-imagine them again through the narration. Then, I will get the “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. I cannot wait!!!!


2. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE

Brooklyn Nine-Nine found its second life in NBC after Fox canceled it. The show continues to thrive in its new environment with a raucous cast of characters set in an NYPD police station in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct. Who knows that goofy detectives can be also amazing in their job? The ensemble cast is quirky and irreverent. I love Jake, Amy, Rosa, Terry, and the inscrutable Captain Holt with his deadpan reactions.

I would love Brooklyn Nine-Nine even with this one line-up episode. I sang the chorus with Andy Samberg with the same gusto. I really like it that way.




3. JIGSAW PUZZLES


After a hard day’s work, I wind down the day with the online jigsaw puzzles. Much more convenient than the 500 or 750 tile pieces that used to litter my dining table. About twenty years ago, I spent countless of hours assembling the tessellating pieces, while my son was contentedly singing along to Barney.

Now, the online jigsaw puzzles are my de-stressor. I forget about work and just concentrate in moving the classic-shaped tiles around, as the full picture emerges. I visualize my neurons working, making their stand against Alzheimer’s. A research study actually confirmed that “lifelong jigsaw puzzle experience might be one out of many cognitive activities that may contribute to a delayed clinical manifestation of neurocognitive disorders” (Fissler et al, 2017).

Hmmm, not bad as an inexpensive way to protect the brain.



4. VIDEOS OF CAKE DECORATIONS, SEWING HACKS, AND NAIL ART-



I confess that I get mesmerized with videos that I have no plans of doing. I don't bake since I almost burned my eyebrows, I hate sewing, especially since I cannot thread the thread into the needle, and I would rather pay money than mess up my cuticles again. Maybe, it’s what I do in an alternate universe, but not in this reality. Maybe I should stop making fun of my friend who loves watching chess moves online; maybe the chess master’s droll voice is his own guilty pleasure. Like watching paint dry.

https://www.facebook.com/tastemade/videos/479403805941590/
https://www.facebook.com/5min.crafts/videos/887066671625257/
https://www.facebook.com/yatinaildesigns/videos/1971710606465956/


5. DRAWING CARTOONS


I would love to publish a Nursing Comics Cartoons book. I dreamt of having a panel of comic strips showing a nurse in her milieu. Sadly, I am not any near as good as I want to be, so I just draw for pleasure. Maybe someday?





Guilty Pleasures Part 2- https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2012/12/guilty-pleasures-part-2.html
Guilty Pleasures Part 1-
http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-not-feeling-guilty-about-guilty.html

Sunday, June 2, 2019

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Lives On



Original Pilipino Music (OPM) lives on.

When I left the Philippines in the early ‘80’s, the country was awash with nationalistic fervor and government protest actions. I eschewed the more political folk songs and preferred pop songs, especially ballads. Singers like Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and Nonoy Zuniga appealed to my romantic heart. In my apartment in New York, I surrounded myself with cassette tapes of Tagalog music and listened to them when I was feeling homesick.

Soon I gained a more eclectic appreciation of all genres of music in my new home in the United States. Life happens and I did not have much time to indulge in music except for the easy-listening music on 106.7 as I drive around and kid songs that my young son loved to sing over and over again. Thankfully, my son outgrew Barney (You love me, I love you...) and I was able to listen to regular music again.

The wide reach of the internet and the social media have finally exposed foreign music to those who may not even understand the words but do appreciate the universal appeal of a good melody. Non-English songs in the worldwide music directory? Not really unheard of because we did have French songs like La Vie en Rose and C’est Si Bon and Italian songs in the international market before. However, the dearth of non-English songs in popular media is pitiful.

The popularity of Luis Fonsi’s Despacito brought Spanish music into mainstream again. Hey, if Justin Bieber can sing in Spanish, so can everyone, right? K-pop (Korean pop) buoyed by massive support from their Asian fans, invaded America. Psy and the phenomenal Gangnam Style video achieved 3.3 billion views on Youtube, even though he was singing and rapping in Korean. BTS, a seven-man South Korean mega-group, looks like a reincarnation of the Beatles with their massive success among fans of all races and ages, although most of their songs are in Korean.

OPM lives on, now with a new breed of artists. These are songs written in Tagalog and sung by Filipinos, but now they have broader appeal and had reached the global audience. Their Youtube videos have garnered millions of views from Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike. In one of the reaction videos, four African-American males were belting out "Akin Ka Na Lang". I fervently hope that OPM will achieve the same success as K-pop and Latino songs. The OPM songs are beautiful, catchy, and can actually be pronounced if you try your best to roll your tongue. Baby steps. Since some Tagalog words have been derived from Spanish, surely, even Justin can sing "Buwan"?



BUWAN- by Juan Karlos Labajo
(English: “Moon”)

Juan Karlos started as a contestant in “The Voice Kids edition”. Now, as an 18 y/o rocker with his own band, he has achieved platinum status with the song “Buwan”. The viral music video which he wrote and released in September 2018 received 117,001,309 views, because “Buwan” is truly a beautiful and poignantly haunting song. The video is somewhat weird and confusing which had birthed many weird and confusing explanations, too.


.

Angeline Quinto - Buwan (Live Performance)
Out of the many versions that followed the song’s release, this is my favorite.









DAHIL SA ‘YO- by Inigo Pascual
(English: "Because of You")

Inigo emerged from the shadow of his immensely popular actor father Piolo. Inigo wrote this catchy melody "Dahil Sa’Yo," which dominated the Billboard Philippines charts for several weeks. This feel-good song has been featured in many local TV and movie soundtracks, and in dance videos. The dance steps are so challenging and definitely more complicated than Electric Slide. I really wish that I have the moves and easy rhythm of the Millenials and the Generation Z'ers. If only I can do the steps!







AKIN KA NA LANG- by Morisette Amon
(English: “Please be mine”)

This 2014 song, written by Francis Salazar, showcases Morissette’s incredible five-octave range and whistle that caused many of her video reactors’ jaws to drop. This “hugot” song is a love song to her former lover to return to her; not exactly what I would urge for strong women like me. But all is forgiven, because Morissette is an incredibly versatile and talented singer who is destined for a bigger worldwide audience. This song has been sang in Tagalog by a slew of foreign singers from Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and France.





IKAW- by Yeng Constantino
(English: “You”)

An accomplished singer-songwriter, Yeng penned this song as a wedding gift to her husband in 2014. It was the most played OPM song for that year and continues, to this day, to be a favorite wedding day song. This song is a heartfelt message of enduring love and the charming wonderment of the gift of love.



Ikaw ang pagibig na hinintay
Puso ay nalumbay ng kay tagal
Ngunit ngayo'y nandito na ikaw
Ikaw ang pagibig na binigay
Sa akin ng may kapal
Biyaya ka sa buhay ko
Ligaya't pagibig ko'y ikaw


You are the love that I waited for
My heart has grieved for so long
But now you are here
You are the love
That was given to me by the heavens
You are the grace in my life
You are my happiness and my love


Sunday, April 7, 2019

Damn the onions: Okay, Those Commercials Make Me Cry




“Oh no, I will not cry, I will not break down”, that’s what I told myself before I sat down to view the latest Jollibee commercial titled Choice. And then I proceeded to bawl. What an ugly cry it was.


Choice
Team Paul or Team Jay?




I cannot blame the onions. I cannot even use my hormones as an excuse. I lay the full responsibility to the Filipinos’ penchant for love and drama, for knowing how to tug on the heartstrings, all these with not-so-subtle product placement. I guess I am a sucker for a good love story. I admit I am an incurable romantic, despite everything else that happened in my life.

Jollibee has just released its latest Valentine Day commercial. The omnipresent fast food giant, (the Philippines' answer to McDonalds) does not just offer yummy burgers, crispy Chicken Joy, sweet spaghetti, the scrumptious halo-halo, and the finger-lickingly delicious peach mango pie. Jollibee has embarked on a cultural tradition when it released a trio of videos that were beautifully-written and cleverly-produced. I hope that Jollibee continues with their annual Valentine tradition, just like the John Lewis ads for Christmas and the much-hyped, super-expensive SuperBowl commercials.

The Jollibee kwentos (stories) were launched last Valentine Day in 2017. Filipinos and foreigners alike have reacted phenomenally and rendered Vow, Crush and Date to viral status within days of their showing. Just look at how many video reactors swooned, sobbed, and giggled with “kilig” (a feeling of exhilaration or elation caused by an exciting or romantic experience). Some video reactors have now joined the "Try not to cry" challenge, presumably to prove to themselves that they still look good on camera as they try to hold back the tears.

The stories are not all sad. Some are cute and romantic that leaves one smiling and uttering "Awwws". All are feel-good stories because the characters triumph over whatever adversities they are put through, with some help (magic maybe?) from the bumbling jolly bee. I think the Choice is the longest so far, but all the other videos run for just about less than 3 minutes. All are inspired by a true story, powerful mini-films with shocking twists that take less time than to finish a bucket of Chicken Joy.

In 2018, the advertising genius proved the first-year success was not a fluke and gifted us with a kilig-inducing and feel-good videos (albeit with some tear-jerking scenes) with Homecoming, Signs, and Parangal (Tribute).


Vow-
To all those who found joy in loving unconditionally





Crush-
To those who never gave up on love.




Date-
For love that never ends






John Lewis’ Christmas ads and the Thai masters


Thai masters

Thailand is not just known for its temples, beaches, and cuisine. It has produced a long list of commercials that are tear-jerkers and heart-wrenching even as they peddled phones, insurance, and restaurants. Just like the Philippines, love for family is of paramount importance in Thailand.

So if you’re a glutton for punishment and do not mind coming to work with puffy eyes, just sit down and watch these videos but prepare a box of tissues and a bottle of water to rehydrate. And if you're a masochist, you can binge-watch all these Thai commercials. I promise you, it is a catharsis.

Thailand 🇹🇭 Commercial - Teacher and Mother

“The Waiters’ Mom (warning: this will remind you of your mom, so prepare a whole box of tissues).






The British department store chain John Lewis & Partners started in 2007 an advertising campaign that turned out to be an annual tradition of Christmas ads. The commercials featured an assortment of characters from a trampolining dog, a forlorn penguin, and Moz the monster. The iconic ads heralded the beginning of the yuletide season, a time of great joy for the Brits.

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2018 - Elton John