I am thankful for all the simple things in life. If you realize that every day is a gift, your heart will treasure every moment, and your mind will remember how you are truly blessed, maybe even more than you deserve. My box is complete. My cup is full.
Happy Thanksgiving to and your family.
Some songs tug at your heartstrings, sometimes at first
listen, and most times, the familiar music holds a different meaning when you
are vulnerable or just because the song resonates with you profoundly, from
earlier memories, happy and sad. Other music touches you because of the
hauntingly beautiful melody, even transcending language barriers.
The sheer beauty of music brings tears to my eyes. Stendhal Syndrome, Florence Syndrome, or hyperkulturemia is an emotional response to music and art that triggers a physiological response that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Some complain of rapid heartbeat, fainting, confusion, and even hallucinations. In my case, it might just be a mild case of being teary-eyed and nostalgic.
That might explain a nine-year-old boy’s
spontaneous awe-struck exclamation of “WOW” after a classical performance by
the Handel and Haydn Society. Ronan Mattin’s one-word praise after the last note
of Mozart’s piece was so genuine and wondrous that the audience erupted in
laughter and applause. It turned out that Ronan was an autistic child who barely
spoke, but his appreciation of the music brought out the Wow, which was heard
around the classical world.
www.https://wfacebook.com/watch/?v=1239206220856774
Justin Bieber- “Lonely”
What if you had it all
But nobody to call?
Maybe then you'd know me
'Cause I've had everything
But no one's listening
And that's just lonely
I'm so lonely
Lonely
With recent bombshell news about Sean “Puff” Diddy’s arrest related to criminal wrongdoings, I learned about Justin’s unfortunate experience with those who should have protected him. Drawn by the lure of Hollywood, Justin, at 15 years old, descended into a life of drugs and a perverse lifestyle. Thankfully, he came out of it and found a new life with his wife and a new baby.
“Lonely” is a plaintive plea for help from a tortured soul.
Celine Dion-
"Hymne A L'Amour", July 2024
Celine Dion is a fighter. Stiff-person Disease kept her out of the limelight for four years. Still, she triumphantly returned to close the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, France, with a stunning tour de force performance of Edith Piaf’s "Hymne A L'Amour". Singing on the balcony of the Eiffel Tower with the giant Olympic rings framing the scene, Celine showed the world what courage and perseverance look like.
“If the sky should fall into the sea, and the stars fade
all around me …”
Young Forever fancam - London Wembley Stadium (Army
surprise BTS!), 2019
The BTS fans known as the “Army” had a secret mission to
surprise the BTS supergroup by singing 'Young Forever' during their concert at
the London Wembley Stadium. The song made the boys tear up!
Andre Rieu- “The Rose”, 2014
Tender, melancholic rendition of the Amanda McBroom composition,
made famous by Bette Midler in her 1979 film.
Josh Turner- “How Great Thou Art”
This song started as a traditional Swedish melody and a
poem. It was translated from Russian to English and is now considered the
second-favorite hymn after "Amazing Grace" of all time.
Carol Banawa- “Iingatan Ka”
My song for my mom. I miss her. So much.
I’ll take care of you
I’ll watch over you
In my heart, you are my
greatest dream.
In this world
There’s no one else but you
I live my life for you
forevermore.
Today, July 20, 2024, at The Forest Hills locale, our mid-year Thanksgiving service is a celebration of the extraordinary
journey of this church from the Philippines. It is a momentous occasion that is being observed by fellow members worldwide. Coinciding with the break of the First World War on July 27, 2014, Brother Felix Manalo registered the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church
of Christ) with the Philippine government in Punta, Santa Ana, Manila,
This is the INC’s 110th anniversary. From its humble beginnings in a tiny nipa hut, the Church's exponential growth can be seen in its glorious and magnificent houses of worship in over 166 countries. This is a testament to the promise of the Almighty God to watch over His people. The Church's expansion to foreign shores and including non-Filipinos in its burgeoning membership defied all odds and surpassed all expectations.
Throughout the years, I felt God's love as I navigated life's challenges. Even through the darkest times, I did not feel alone. Life could have been easier if I had not had to stay true to my faith, but instead, my life is so much richer with spiritual blessings. Yes, we only live once, so why not make it worthwhile, not with fleeting pleasures, but with the assurance of eternal life?
The Lord Almighty saved me on that fateful day, Sept. 11, 2001, and He has guided me to stay on the straight road, no matter what.
I am privileged to be a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo. My favorite hymn reminds me of this. I am blessed; truly, I am blessed.
“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.”
https://incmedia.org/rising-from-the-far-east/
https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-centennial.html
May 12, 2024
This Mother’s Day is our first without our Nanay. She passed
away on January 31st, 2024, 14 days before her 93rd
birthday.
Random memories still bring tears to my eyes. We
are luckier than most because we had our mother for a long time, but how can you
teach your heart not to break?
As I wrote to her once: My heart belongs to the one person
who can bring me down to my knees with a single look when I was naughty as a
kid; the one person who can lift my heart with a sweet smile; the one person
who can make me giggle until I jingle when she starts her chicken dance; the
one person who inspires me with her resilience and quiet strength; the one
person who can make me open my wallet with just a little wink; and the one
person who can get me bawling like a baby with a single tear.
Some days are easier than most when I remember her funny
dance and her easy laugh. I remember her eyes lighting up whenever she saw a
Barbie doll in Toys R Us in the 1990s. Her Barbie collection was her most
prized collection, and we will honor her fervent wish to preserve
her dolls for eternity.
There are times when the emotions hit like a freight train, and I just let the tears flow, knowing that I have to navigate the full
spectrum of the grieving process. I understand that this emotional journey that
all my siblings and everyone who loves her will abate in its intensity as time
goes by.
I would like to imagine Nanay and Tatay together, with my
father chasing her to dance the Rico Mambo. I pray the Almighty God will
look after them in His enduring wisdom and kindness.
We all grieve differently and cope in the best way we
can. The profound loss will always remain because the memories will not dim our
love for her. As I have done in the past, I will continue to write about my mom;
this is my emotional catharsis, how I rejoice in her glorious presence in my
heart.
I just miss her so very much.
Feb.14, 2024
Today should have been the 93rd
birthday of my dear Nanay. Her children wanted to celebrate her memories.
Although our hearts are still reeling from her loss, we are still grateful that
she did not suffer. I am comforted by the outpouring of love from family and
friends. I am strengthened by her memories, as well as by remembrances from
everyone. My brothers and our relatives celebrated her in our home in Las
Pinas. In Aklan, Bheng, Jordan, Tess, and I celebrated with her siblings, pamangkins, and apos. She is well-loved, and death cannot steal her beautiful memories. In
her absence, she still makes me smile. My Barbie-loving mom, I love you so
much.
Jan. 31, 2024
My heart breaks, splintered in so many pieces. My Nanay
passed away today after a massive stroke. She would have been 93 this coming
Feb. 14th. She would have enjoyed the party we were planning for her. And now,
she is gone. She will be forever in my heart. The following days will be tough,
but it's made easier with the love from family and friends. My mother lived a
full life. And now, she rests. Those she left behind need to be strengthened
and comforted by the memories of a strong, formidable, and loving woman.
May 14, 2023
The sentiment remains the same. Today, on Mother's Day, I
can hug you virtually, Nanay. You are my guiding light and inspiration. I
can't wait to see you again on our next vacation. Nag-iipon pa.
Feb. 14, 2023
My dear Nanay, even though I am not
with you on your 92nd birthday, I am happy you got your fervent wish to
spend your special day with your brothers and sisters in Aklan. The joy on your
face is priceless as you reminisce and laugh about your childhood memories or
whatever sisters talk about in their old age.
May you stay as joyful as you are. Your sisters have adopted your unique
way of dancing (flapping) with your arms, hahaha! The videos and pictures demonstrate
how you are well-respected and well-loved, like a queen. Bheng, can you get the
Segovia siblings to sit still for a group picture when you get there? And then,
give her the biggest hug for me. Nay,
Mother dear, I love you so very much.
Feb. 14, 2022
On your 91st birthday, Nanay, I send
my warmest virtual hug and kisses. Across the miles, on our video call, I
sensed your eagerness to travel to Aklan. Don't worry; just be a little
patient. Just get your booster dose first, and you will see your sisters
again. And I get to see and hug you in real life in a few months. It will
be the most precious time. It is so heart-wrenching to be far apart from you,
not being able to see my family in the Philippines during this Covid pandemic.
Love you so much.
https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2021/02/love-letters-to-my-nanay.html
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of
weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.
They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of
unspeakable love.”
– Washington Irving
It thrills me whenever I hear foreigners singing Filipino songs. Although Filipino songs have not yet gained worldwide attention, musical choirs, and glee clubs worldwide seem to be fascinated by the melodies, cadence, and intricate harmonies of long-forgotten folk songs from my native Philippines.
LERON-LERON-SINTA
Composed by Alberto Tolentino. Arranger- Saunder Choi
In January 2024, a Swedish choir bagged the Grand Prize in a European chorale competition with their exuberant rendition of “Leron-Leron Sinta” (My Dear, Little Leron). The multi-awarded acapella choir cHägersten A Cappella sang this Tagalog song with enthusiasm and vitality.
Composed by Alberto Florentino, it is believed to be a traditional work song in Tagalog sung in a call-and-response mode by men and women during the papaya harvest season. The lyrics motivate workers to keep moving forward and stay positive to attain their goals.
Sweden's Leron Leron Sinta Grand Prize in Europe (+ Awarding
Night )
Here are some of my favorite chorale renditions:
Filipino Song: Canada vs Korea vs Germany (Ay, Ay, Ay, O
Pag-ibig by George Hernandez - Arranger)
The Big Sing 2023 National Finale - Session 1, Takapuna Grammar School Chorale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9l4vteAI6g
Rosas Pandan", a Visayan Folk Song arr. George Hernandez, performed by the Chamber Ensemble with soloist
Yerra Buena Gardens Festival
The Baylor University Men's Choir sings Da Coconut Nut by Ryan Cayabyab.
Performed by: The Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus
Tong Tong Pakitong Kitong, Dandansoy— Loboc Children's Choir
in Melbourne
Children's choir from Bohol, Philippines performs in Melbourne
I love the Fall foliage so much so that I thought it deserved its own post before the cold of Winter brings shivers to my fingers and my mind. Autumn is smacked between the sweats and bugs of Summer and the dreary, slushy Winter. For me, Autumn is a season of glorious splendor.
Autumn shows off the vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow against the bright blue sky. The leaves are dancing in the wind, as the trees hold on to their crowning glory, even as the chlorophylls, anthocyanins, and carotenoids work behind the scene.
There is music as I walk on a carpet of leaves. The air is crisp and smells of pumpkin-spiced latte. And I get to wear warm and cozy sweaters to cover my belly flab and saggy arms.
The mosaic of colors brings a sense of warmth and peace, triggering my orbitofrontal cortex. Breathe in, breathe out. My serotonin-booster.
The Fall season ushers in nostalgia for traditions that bring comfort and joy. As the trees prepare to hibernate, it is also the time to rest and contemplate. To snuggle with a fuzzy blanket, a great book, and hot cocoa.
Autumn is a chance to wind down from the hectic activities of the Summer, reflect on the past, and plan for the future, even if just to mentally strengthen for the rigors of the winter season.
It is the time to give thanks for God's blessings.
"How silently they tumble down / And come to rest upon the ground / To lay a carpet, rich and rare / Beneath the trees without a care,"- Elsie N. Brady
A few years ago, I couldn’t imagine that I would admit to my
real age. I am not vain at all. I just wanted to slow the time of reckoning. I wanted to preserve the idea of youth where
opportunities still abound and the world-is-an-oyster kind of optimism. I
wanted to remain agile, adventurous, and creative.
Well, today, I overcame all those crazy ideas, and I proudly
proclaim that I reached the milestone. I am finally 65 years old. Just don’t you
ever tell me that I don’t look a day over 64 because I will disown you as a friend
for life. I am not old; I am wiser.
Yes, I can now claim Medicare, although I am still working five days a week, and have not yet claimed my SSN benefits. My head is still full of ideas, my neurons are still active. I can actually work full-time for two more years and even longer, if I want. I guess, I am still crazy.
Sixty-five is a milestone that anyone should aspire to. Twenty-two
years ago, that almost did not happen. I have written about that fateful day on
September 11, 2001, when I stood on the platform of a Manhattan-bound train, eager to
spend my morning at the Starbucks café in the World Trade Center. For the grace
of God, I changed my mind and went home.
A few years after the 9/11 tragedy, I was even reluctant to celebrate my birthday until someone told me that I deserved to celebrate my special day and so I did, in a low-key manner, mindful to not encroach on the grief that permeates that particular day. I have actually written several blog posts about my mixed feelings about this day (I am so emo, I know).
Today, I took a day off from work and just spent my special day enjoying that I did not have to do anything, lazing around in my BTS t-shirt gift from my sister Bheng. Read
some historical romances, listened to music from BTS, SB-19, Lee Suhyun, and AKMU, and played
with Boomer. Later tonight, we will feast on a Jollibee spread of chicken joy,
hamburger, pancit palabok, and coconut pineapple pie. I had three
birthday celebrations already prior to today. My heart is full of joy for the birthday
wishes on Facebook and Messenger. Thank you all so much.
Since this is a day of reflection, I want to list the many
ways that I am thankful for:
My bucket list, what’s left on it:
