Favorite Music Soundtrack from Non-Musicals

 

What is the soundtrack of your life? In moments of self-reflection or melancholic exercise, I remember those songs at certain milestones in my life. If my life is a movie, this playlist reflects the ups and downs of a life marked by challenges and disappointments and triumphs and resilience. Songs like "You Are" by Lionel Richie and "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart are musical counterpoints in my life.

As Carole King wrote: "My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue. An everlasting vision of the ever-changing view". Perhaps one day, I will elaborate more on my life's playlist; not as colorful as a celebrity's, indeed not as scandalous.

Favorite musical soundtrack from non-musicals

Over the years, some movie and tv theme songs have captured my attention, sometimes mutating (no pun intended with the current Omicron problem) from their original issue. The songs below achieved their fame or notoriety. They have become my personal playlist of soundtracks from non-musical films.

THE ENTIRE "SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE" SOUND TRACK

I enjoy movie musicals, but I also love when great songs emerge from non-musical films. Sometimes, the musical soundtrack defines the movie or tv show. The story becomes richer and more powerful because the music provides the backdrop to one or more scenes in the show. The cinematic experience is enlivened by melodies that speak to the soul.

About ten years ago, I found my old VHS tape of the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan romantic comedy "Sleepless in Seattle" that I bought in 1993. I rediscovered Louie Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, and the rest of the gang. I plopped myself on my most comfortable chair and sang along with the music, even chuckling at the song, "Making Whoopee." Twenty-eight years since the movie about Sam, Annie, Jonah, Dr. Marsha, and the Empire Street Building, I am still watching. This has been an annual tradition for me during the holidays.

Some critics may dismiss this rom-com as cheesy and simplistic. Honestly, I don't know what I love more, this story or the music. Still, I love it for its quirkiness, its whimsy and magic, its unrelenting message of romance, and love the second time around with the melodies perfect for every scene. This is an anomaly in itself because I love every single song in this movie. Most of the time, only one song in a film would appeal to me.

. 

“YOU DON'T OWN ME” from the movie First Wives Club

This was a triumphant declaration of Women Power; a female anthem, if you will, of overcoming rejection and betrayal and of living life to the fullest.

 

“OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL” from the movie Risky Business

Tom Cruise in his boxers. Enough said.

“I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER” from My Best Friend's Wedding

Just a giddy sing-along in a restaurant. Karaoke heaven. I can easily envision myself joining in. Can somebody start this in my key, please?

 

“TWIST AND SHOUT” from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Imagine taking over a parade float and having everybody bopping along to a beautifully lip-synced version of the Beatles hit. Sway your hips, flail your arms with wide abandon, just twist and shout.

Sounds good to have the whole crowd just enjoying the music. Way before Covid-19 pushed for physical distancing and masks.

“UNCHAINED MELODY” from Ghost

 A love so strong that it protects even from beyond the grave. The pottery wheel/ceramic-making scene has become steamy and seductive. I must confess that I started laughing uncontrollably when I attended a clay pottery class during a vacation in Ilocos. It was awkward because my mind went to the gutter.

“HOW DID YOU KNOW?” from the movie All My Life

 “How did you know I needed someone like you in my life?”

 Knowing that there is a sad ending, wouldn’t it be still worth it to spend precious time with the one you love? Would it be better to save up on beautiful memories while you can? This was a tear-jerker Filipino movie that could rival "The Notebook."

 

“IKAW AT AKO” (You and I) from the movie Hello, Love, Goodbye

A promise for a forever love between two overseas foreign workers (OFWs) in Hongkong. I am impatiently waiting for a sequel. 

My favorite quotes from the movie:

Ethan: Kung mahal mo ako, bakit hindi ako ang piliin mo, Joy? (If you love me, why don't you choose me, Joy?)

Joy: Kung mahal mo ako, bakit pinapapili mo ako? (If you love me, why do you ask me to choose?)

Cue in the music, and the tears (mine) fall.

“YOURS” from the Korean TV series Jirisan

 There are much more memorable original soundtrack (OST) from tv shows. but that's another list. The theme from Voltes V and Hawaii 5-0 will surely be in the Top 10 list.

Here's my new LSS (Last song syndrome) from my bias Kim Seok-Jin (WWH) from BTS. Jin's voice is emotive and draws you in. He had me at the first note. His "Latatata" went down several octaves, down to just a piano accompaniment, and Wow!

Fangirling aside, Jin infuses his songs with emotions; his voice telling a story. I am mesmerized.

 

OPM Music and Beyond

Even before BTS produced their last 3 English-language songs, this South Korean supergroup had already crossed over to global superstardom. Their 300-plus discography was in Korean, and yet, that did not prevent them from exploding into the international scene. Thousands of international fans are now learning to speak this Asian language. 

Over the years, several non-English songs managed to capture the world’s attention. Aside from the 4 BTS songs, “ON,” “Boy with Luv,” “Fake Love,” and "Life Goes On," other non-English music infiltrated the much-touted American mainstream. Yes, beautiful music transcends language barriers. 

These non-English songs placed on top of the American pop charts: 

1. "La Bamba" (1958 & 1987), Ritchie Valens & Los Lobos 

2. "Despacito" (2017), Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber 

3. "Gangnam Style" (2012), PSY 

4. "Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)" (1996), Los Del Rio 

5. "The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)" (2002), Las Ketchup 

6. “Guantanamera” – (1966), The Sandpipers 

7. “Dominique”- (1963), The Singing Nun 

 It is my wish that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) will finally claim its place on the global stage. The following OPM songs broke through some of the barriers, with some songs translated into other languages, and other songs actually being sung in the Tagalog language. It is a matter of time.

  ANAK (“Child”), 1978 

 Written by Filipino folk-singer Freddie Aguilar for the Metropop Song Festival held in Manila. The song is of remorse and apology by the son to his parents, like a prodigal son coming back home. The poignant lyrics were translated into 27 foreign languages and generated cover versions in Korean, Malay, Japanese, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Dutch, and several other languages. "Anak" is 43 years old this year.

 Freddie Aguilar (original)

 

Maria Fiselier

Korean band

Kang Jimin

J-Morning

Johnny Walther

IKAW (“You”), 2014 

 Written and recorded by Filipino singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino. This is a love song and was sung by Yeng in a pre-nuptial video to her then-fiance. In English, “You are the love I waited for” pretty sums up the romantic sentiments of the bride, which had made this song popular at weddings. 

 Yeng Constantino (original)

 

너에게 Noege ”IKAW” Yohan Hwang (2017)

 

Dave Moffatt

BUWAN, (“Moon), 2018 

 Written and sung by Filipino actor, singer, and songwriter, Juan Karlos Labajo. This rock/alternative song was released on June 22, 2018, through MCA Music. The song won several local music awards and became more popular through song challenges overseas. Local versions by Bugoy Drillon and Angeline Quinto are also worth listening to. 

 Juan Karlos (original)

 

Christo

Fanzi Ruji

Bugoy Drillon (What the heck, I'm including Bugoy's reggae version)

SAYANG NA SAYANG, (“What a Waste”), 2006 

 Performed by the Filipino pop-rock band Aegis. The group came together in 1995 and is composed of the 3 Sunot sisters on lead vocals, 3 other females playing instruments, and one male member Rey on guitar. The vocals are incredibly high, searing to the heavens, and emotionally charged. Most of the songs were composed by Rey’s brother before he passed away. The songs about love, loss, regrets, and pain are iconic, well-loved by the common people, and have become the soundtrack of many Filipinos’ lives. 

 Aegis (original)

Minje Kwon

Here’s another Aegis song “Luha” covered by J-Morning (who also covers several other OPMs)

 

PAUBAYA, (“Letting Go”), 2020 

Moira Dela Torre is a singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt lyrics and sweet melodies. In 2018, she was the No. 1 most-streamed artist on Spotify Philippines. She recorded the song "Paubaya" which she later released as a music video. It is a song about unrequited love where the couple let each other go to give in to true love to happen with somebody else. 

 Moira Dela Torre (original)

US Navy Band

Waleska Herrera- a well-known video reactor (also a singer)

AKIN KA NA LANG, (“Please Be Mine”), 2014 

 Written by Francis Salazar and performed by Asia's Phoenix Diva Morissette Amon. Morisette is known for her belting prowess, whistles, and signature voice “crack.” This phenomenal song garnered 137,177,234 views on Youtube as of August 2021. 

 Morissette Amon (original)

Piet Arion -

Indonesian Cover by Thalia Sharon

 

It is good to note that Filipino songs have captured the interest of chorale groups all around the world. In chorale competitions, the pieces on “Da Coconut Nut,” “Rosas Pandan,” “Paru-parong Bukid” and many more traditional Filipino songs are wildly popular.

Rosas Pandan- http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Rosas%20Pandan 

Da Coconut Nut- http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2017/08/da-coconut-nut.html

Top 6 Comfort Songs Playlist

 

On this dreary rainy August afternoon, I pulled out my Playlist of comfort songs. These are the songs that uplift me, like an earnest tug at my heart, like a cool breeze on a summer day, like a hug on a sad day, like a loving embrace, and at other times, like a warm blanket on a cold night

These comfort songs are an eclectic list and range from romantic to spiritual. The rest of my playlist is instrumental; others are head-banging and mind-clearing melodies. They calm and encourage; my list is an emotional first aid kit and a self-love exercise. They're not only for those times of melancholy or turbulence but mostly when I feel introspective and sentimental. 

 Here are my top 6 comfort songs. I listen to them quite often, even during happy times. I put my headphones on and let the music wash over me, ease my mind, and lift my spirits. Just me and my music.

HAVING YOU NEAR ME

Bugoy Drilon - (cover)

An original song by Air Supply. Written by Rex Goh, Clive Davis & Graham Russell and released in 1980. I love Bugoy Drillon’s cover of it. He’s one of my favorite Filipino singers and he infused this love song with some swag and a sexy twist. “Tagos sa puso”. Although a romantic love song, this song appeals to me on a higher level. When you have your loved ones close to your heart, that’s being content and at peace. Sometimes, knowing you're loved is enough. Or it could be as mundane as your dog snuggling up to you. It will be alright.

 

FIX YOU

BTS Performs 'Fix You' (Coldplay Cover) | MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS

This is a Coldplay original song released in 2005. This British rock band collaborated on this song, started by Chris Martin, to comfort his then-wife Gwyneth who was grieving her father’s death. There is something especially romantic when someone offers to fix your broken heart. My new obsession, the supergroup BTS, performed an MTV unplugged version. They said that this song comforted them during the pandemic isolation. Coldplay tweeted their approval and praised the BTS cover with this: 아름다운 (which means beautiful).

 

 

YESTERDAY

Reneé Dominique-  The Beatles (cover)

 Although "Yesterday" was written by Paul McCartney as a heartbreak song in 1965, I never thought of it that way. Maybe this song is just symbolic to me of the Beatles' genius and greatness. As sung by Renee Dominique, another Filipino musician, this song is an aesthetic eargasm.

 

EPIPHANY

BTS (방탄소년단) LOVE YOURSELF 結 Answer 'Epiphany' Comeback Trailer

Okay, I confess, my “bias” ('favorite' in modern lingo) in BTS is Kim Seok-Jin, Mr. Worldwide Handsome. But I love Epiphany for its beautiful melody, its anthemic celebration, and its inspiration of/for self-love. In live concerts, the Army fans sing along to the chorus, “I’m the one I should love,” their purple lights swaying to Jin’s emotional performance. 

This epiphany is an unapologetic discovery of the importance of loving yourself first. You cannot give when you're running on empty. I can listen to this song continuously in a one-hour loop.

 

3 THINGS

Jason Mraz - 3 Things (Official Audio)

Simply put, the lyrics explain why it’s a comfort song.

 

There are three things I do when my life falls apart

Number one I cry my eyes out and I dry up my heart

Not until I do this will my new life start

So that's the first thing that I do when my life falls apart

Oh the second thing I would do is I close both of my eyes

And say my thank-yous to each and every moment of my life

I go where I know the love is and let it fill me up inside

Gathering new strength from sorrow,

I'm glad to be alive

And things are looking up

I know above the clouds the sun is shining

Things are looking up

Love is still the answer I'm relying, oh right

Three little things

Things are looking up

Oh, the third thing that I do now when my world caves in,

Is I pause, I take a breath, and bow and I let that chapter end

I design my future bright not by where my life has been

And I try, try, try, try, try again

Yes I try, try, try, try, try again

 

HOW GREAT THOU ART

 Josh Turner - How Great Thou Art (feat. Sonya Isaacs) (Official Audio) ft. Sonya Isaacs

Sam Santiago

This Christian hymn started as a Swedish traditional melody and a poem. It was translated from Russian to English and is now considered the second most favorite hymn after "Amazing Grace" of all time. This song was covered by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Anne Murray, Carrie Underwood, Pentatonix, Home Free, and then 9-year-old Sam Santiago (now 19 y/o).

HAPPINESS IS… BTS, Lavender, Ube, Children Dancing, Rainbows

Last week, I was stuck behind a school bus when I saw some kids playing in their front yard blowing soap bubbles. The joy on the kids’ faces was contagious. Four kids (three girls and a boy), about six years old, were running around to chase the soap bubbles being blown by an adult. The children laughed as they reached out into the air and tried to pop the bubbles. Their excited screams were music to my ears. Their innocence and simple joys lifted my heart. 

 Indeed, random moments of happiness occur when least expected.

  BTS 

 Happiness is…watching a BTS video. I am just a recent fangirl to BTS. Just a month ago, a video appeared on my Facebook feed. Epiphany was sung by BTS member Jin or Kim Seok-Jin. “I’m the one I should love”. That line could not have come at a better time.  The song was poignant and emotional and emphasized a fundamental truth: Love yourself. I have always maintained a strong façade amid all the problems in life, always putting others first. But as the song says, self-love has to come first. It has to. 

  Epiphany- Jin

Over the years, I have heard of BTS but never watched their videos until I watched Epiphany, and suddenly, I was hooked. Down the rabbit hole, I tumbled down. BTS is a 7-member supergroup from South Korea; they are a worldwide phenomenon. The group broke all kinds of music records, conquered the cultural divide, sold out arenas and stadiums. Tickets in Citifield sold out in 10 minutes. 

 Their lyrics are introspective and do not shy away from talks about maintaining mental health and promoting peace, empowerment, and self-love. Their music transcended languages and cultures and its Army of fans include all ages, races, and genders. BTS is beyond K-pop; it is its own genre. It was BTS that made me overcome my aversion to rap music, lol. 

 BTS is shattering glass ceilings and is forcing the Western world to understand their Asian neighbors. Non-Koreans are singing the Korean lyrics. Hopefully, this will pave the way for more global appreciation of all kinds of music, maybe even Pinoy music. Hopefully, this will open goodwill among all races. With their songs, they are a beacon against prejudice and for inclusivity and diversity.  It is my fervent prayer that we can shine the spotlight on anti-racism and anti-Asian hate. 

 'Butter' Official MV

LAVENDER 

 Happiness is... celebrating nature's beauty amid fields of lavender blooms, with the clear, blue sky up above, and the aromatic breeze calming heart and soul. The fragrance fills the air and cleanses my spirit. No wonder, these multi-purpose perennial lavender plants are widely used for aromatherapy. Doing my Ujjayi breathing.

 

UBE ICE CREAM 

 Happiness is… indulging in Ube Ice Cream in pandesal. Ube or purple yam is typically found in the Philippines. It can be prepared as ice cream, cake, bread (pandesal), flan, pudding, and mostly as topping on the delicious halo-halo. 

Ube is the new Matcha, a new obsession in food culture due to its vibrant color that is especially eye-catching on Instagram and other forms of social media. Filipino chefs here in the US are experimenting with ube in waffles, pancakes, and sugar pies. One consolation, Ube is known to have extra-high levels of antioxidants.

CHILDREN/TEENS DANCING

 Happiness is... watching kids and teenagers having fun. Innocence overload. 

Masaka kids Africana- Dancing to “Jerusalema”

In 2019, the South African song called Jerusalema became a summer anthem and a global hit and inspired online dance challenges all over the world. The upbeat disco-house track was composed by DJ Kgaogelo Moagi and sung by singer Nomcebo. It didn’t matter that the lyrics were in a little-known Zulu dialect. When the music moves you, you dance.

Ranz and Niana Featuring Natalia- Dancing to BTS – “Dynamite”

Ranz Kyle and Niana Guerrero are siblings in a blended family from the Philippines who rose to fame on YouTube with their dance videos and prank vlogs. But my heart melted when their youngest sister Natalia joined their dance. That little girl can dance way, way better than me. What a sweetheart!

UNICEF photo

RAINBOWS 

 Happiness is… seeing rainbows after the rain.

I wrote this in 2013- 

Driving home from Brooklyn on the Belt Parkway, I was thankful that I witnessed the magical display of Mother Nature. The bright colors of the rainbow triumphed in stark contrast against the backdrop of gray, angry clouds; its full arc high up in the dark sky. 

 The setting sun's fierce rays behind me turned the drizzling rain into silver on my windshield and transformed the waters of the Narrows Strait shimmering like gold. There was a calmness in the air as if everyone was held spellbound by this beautiful thing in the sky. 

 And as I was coasting along the Belt, right where the "Fuhgeddaboudit" sign clued me that I was leaving Brooklyn for Queens, the majestic rainbow loomed right in the middle of the road, beyond the horizon. The colors were so distinct and the rainbow so amazingly near that it took my breath away. The cars slowed down and I could almost hear the collective "ahhs". 

 I vaguely remember the scientific explanation about the rain as the prism that creates the spectrum of colors. How the lights are refracted when the sunlight hits the raindrop at an angle. ROYGBIV. In grade school, I hardly paid attention to the science behind this phenomenon. 

 As a child, I was more interested in the story of the pot of gold over the rainbow "where troubles melt like lemon drops and happy little bluebirds fly". It was our magical "bahaghari" from those innocent times when skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true, just over the rainbow. 

 And if you just look closely, there's a second rainbow! With blue on the outside and red moved to the inside. Double reflections, double pots of gold. 

 A Special Performance of "Rainbow Connection" from Kermit the Frog | The Muppets

Michael Pangilinan performs "Rainbow" (South Border) LIVE on Wish 107.5 Bus

Oldies and Revivals

 

When they were in grade school, my son and my nieces were held captive to Oldies music as I drove them around in my SUV. Back then, they were content in listening to 106.7 Easy Listening radio. In truth, they did not have a choice because they were “forbidden” to change to any other radio channel.  Thankfully, this was after my son tired of his obsession with Barney and kid songs and he, obediently, ceded the radio control to me. As they grew older, they led their own lives and listened to their own music. Years later, I was pleasantly surprised that they actually appreciated my Oldies music to this day; thankfully (again), they abhor those curse-laden rap songs. (P.S. After my son read this post, he cautioned me against generalizing against Rap music. I clarified that there are some rap songs that I actually like, but I do cringe at the profanity on most of the songs).

Oldies music covers the beautiful music of the mid-1950s to the 1980s: pop, rock and roll, and doo-wop. It is the music of my youth, the songs that I heard growing up in the Philippines. I am glad to hear their music recreated by the youth of today. And when I am being nostalgic and sentimental, I happily search for new covers.

 

I'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU

A 1964 single by the Australian group The Seekers with strong-voiced Judith Durham as the lead vocal. The song reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom pop chart and No. 4 in the United States pop chart and No. 2 Easy Listening on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The lyrics make me cry; the song a paean to everlasting love. For those lucky ones who will be together with their loved ones "forever and a day" in the promised land.

When the group toured for their farewell concert in 2013, the guitar intro still thrilled the audience and the then70-year old Judith's voice still soared beautifully and with conviction. This song has become my latest LSS (Last Song Syndrome).

The Seekers - (1964)

Keith Potger and Nicki Gillis (2017)

Keith Pother was an original member of the Seekers.

Mirusia Louwerse (2020)

There's a new world somewhere

They call the promised land

And I'll be there someday

If you could hold my hand

I still need you there beside me

No matter what I do

For I know I'll never find another you

 

There is always someone

For each of us, they say

And you'll be my someone

Forever and a day

I could search the whole world over

Until my life is through

But I know I'll never find another you

 

 

CRAZY

The ballad was composed by Willie Nelson, but the most popular version was by Patsy Cline. My first memory of the song was that of or waitress in my grandmother’s restaurant who used to sing along to the jukebox. She said it was a song for her crush who was in love with another woman.  

Patsy Cline  (1961)

Allison Young (2018)

BEYOND THE SEA

The song was written in 1945 and has been recorded by many artists, but Bobby Darin's version is the most popular one. There was a Navajo version in the movie Finding Nemo.

Bobby Darin- (1960)

Reneé Dominique (2017)

 

HAPPY TOGETHER

A song by American rock band the Turtles. The groovy folk- oriented song was featured in several tv shows and movies: Big Bang Theory, King of the Hill, a Stephen King movie, and the Super Smash Bros.

The Turtles (1967)

REO Brothers - (2020)

IMAGINE

John Lennon wrote his biggest single of his solo career, apart from the Beatles. The song was quite controversial but for me, it was a hymn of comfort, a promise, and an encouragement to imagine a world in peace. Ironically, I remember sobbing in the movie theater as the music played in the end credits of  “The Killing Fields” of the war in Cambodia.

John Lennon (1971)

Davina Michelle (2018)

REO Brothers (2020)

THAT'S LIFE

Written in 1963, Frank Sinatra recorded it later. The song's uplifting lyrics told us to pick up ourselves from any setback whether you were just a "puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, a king".

Frank Sinatra (1966)

Dennis van Aarssen (2019)

The Best of Renee Dominique Cover Playlist

 

REO Brothers' Top Favorites (compilation)

 

As an Oldies fan, I am happy to discover young ones preserving this beautiful music. There is still hope for this world. These songs will stand the test of time, and hopefully, the profane and demeaning rap songs will just die a natural death, forever consigned in music hell. 

 Update: 6/21- Because of my new-found enjoyment of K-pop BTS music, I am now enamored of 'some" rap songs. Who knew that this Oldies fan will bop along the rapid-fire raps of the BTS. Consider me part of Army nation now, hahaha!

 

Family Memories: Laput-Cerrudo

 

My Auntie Remy passed away on March 5^th, 2021.  She was the last one of the Laput-Cerrudo siblings; five children borne from the union of Olympia Laput from Zamboanga and Jose Cerrudo from Aklan. I have mourned them when they died, but now I would like to remember the beautiful memories they left behind.

I am certain that I was my aunt’s favorite niece, although my youngest sister would probably dispute that. I am thankful that I saw Auntie Remy via Zoom when several of our relatives celebrated my mom’s 90^th birthday. Looking gaunt and in pain, she watched silently but with a smile on her face as the cousins chatted with each other, from different countries, different time zones, sometimes talking over each other. I think Auntie Remy, Uncle Pat, Auntie Zeny enjoyed watching the banter.  We also had a few relatives on my mom's side on the Zoom call. That was the only reunion we could afford during these pandemic times; we could only blow kisses to each other.

I am paying homage to the Laput-Cerrudo siblings, even if it is too late. I never had a chance to honor them in life, but I hope I am able to convey my love for them. Theirs is a legacy of love for family, of supporting each other through life's challenges. 

Auntie Sol was the eldest of the five. Married to Uncle Tito, a lawyer with a big personality, children Bobong, Boboy, Bing Imelda, and Bebot. She was the reason why I was able to start nursing school. She financed the early years and told me that she wanted me to be a nurse so I can help my family. I remember her always sitting on her rocking chair reading a book. I must have gotten the love of reading from Auntie Sol.  I can never thank her enough.

My Tatay Cezar came next. Married to Neneng/Marina, children: Nenet/Jo, Toto, Edwin, Allan, and Bheng. He was the joker of the family. He loved to dance; he loved to tickle all his children and chase us all over the house, even my mother. My Tatay was an OFW and worked in Laos, Iran, Angola, among other places. When he came home from his contract abroad, he loved to spend a lot of time with the kids. He used to tell stories of super heroes and supernatural beings, just so we can play hide-and-seek.

My Auntie Remy was the tall, statuesque one. Married to Uncle Pat, children Baby/Charlotta, Jun, Cladys, and Charlie. She was always made up, her lipstick perfect. She was always on the go, so active, always dancing.

Uncle Toto/Romeo- Married to Auntie Zeny, children Efren, Erma, Nelson, and Earl. This Cerrudo branch settled in Los Banos, Laguna. Uncle Toto used to stop by at our house in Baclaran just to check on us kids. I loved our trips to Mt. Makiling and Nagcarlan. 

Auntie Fe was the youngest. Married to Uncle Billy with the most children- Vener, Vernie, Arthur, Gemma, Junior Gamatoy, twins Mar and Leo, and Dennis. I remember Auntie Fe as always humming, with a song on her lips. I wonder how she managed all eight kids? 

I love my big, crazy, fun-loving Filipino family. The Laput-Cerrudo siblings spawned the new generation, and we, in turn, expanded to an even bigger group who somehow managed to come together to reunions, at least every two years.

Growing up in Davao, the Cerrudo/Gallardo/Calvo/DelaSerna cousins were a rambunctious bunch, always getting in trouble with the kids from the squatter near the river. Not that we were brats to those kids, but those kids were truly mean and loved to bully my brothers and cousins, so Baby and I usually swooped in like superheroes, like Darna and chased the kids away. We were the vanquishers of those snot-nosed kids. However, when we were caught doing some mischief, our grandma lined us up, from oldest to youngest, and spanked our butts. By the time our grandma was halfway down the line of kids, she was tired.

Mama, the matriarch

The cousins lived with our families with our grandmother Olympia who we all called Mama in a 5-story building in Magallanes St, Davao City across the RMC school. Mama operated the Oro's Refreshment & Restaurant on the first floor which catered to the school crowd. After school hours, the restaurant was often crowded with some dancing to the latest tunes on the Jukebox, The cousins would often line up the stairs behind the cashier and our Mama would sometimes shoo us away with some hot Mami noodles, bread, and Coke.

But during class time, the wait staff gathered in front of the restaurant as they waited for the throng of high school and college kids to finish school and to come rushing to the restaurant for their snacks and to play the jukebox. It was also Mama’s siesta time. So after our maids slept themselves as they tried, unsuccessfully, to get the kids to do their nap time, the kids crept down to the first floor-restaurant. Behind the display counter, with my younger cousins acting as sentry, and a few others distracting the wait staff, Baby and I swiped/stole a piece or two of the durian cake. Then, about ten kids shared our bounty, bonded by our little thievery.

My sister Bheng always reminded me that she almost choked because Baby and I shoved a banana cake down her throat when we heard our grandma leave her room and come down the stairs. My sister also reminded me that the kids used to slip to the kitchen to beg the cook to give us bowls of hot mami and pancit canton. My grandma probably wondered why we always ran out of food.

We also spent some time in Matina when our Gallardo cousins bought a house there. The bravest of the cousins climbed up the manzanitas tree and fed the fruits to the younger cousins, much to the consternation of Mama who worried about broken bones. And then there was the unfortunate, but oh-so-much-fun, incident when one of the pigs escaped the piggery and the cousins chased the pig around the yard. We were chastised by the maids who had to wash all our muddy clothes.

Later on, my family moved to Manila. The Calvos and Dela Sernas followed suit. But as life would have it, we were caught up in the demands of life and school, and we drifted apart as we moved places and raised our own families.

Reunion

Now, as we await for this Covid-19 scourge to finish its course, I cannot wait for our next family reunion. The second cousins may not know everyone in this generation; they don’t have the bonding experience we had in our childhood years, but I am sure they will form their own memories with their own first cousins.