One-week Challenge: Simple Joys

 

I always looked at my glass half-full, believing with all my heart that there are so many things to be joyful of. It would be easy to wallow in despair with all the horrible and sad news permeating the news headlines. But as I learned over the years, that defeatist attitude will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Dan Rather, American journalist, and former national evening news anchor tweeted two weeks ago, “There's a lot of pain and sadness in the world. And Twitter can be an endless doomscroll. So here's a challenge. Share a picture of something that brings you joy – a place, a person, a pet, a hobby, a favorite book. The more diversity the better.”

Doomscrolling is “the practice of obsessively checking online news for updates, especially on social media feeds, with the expectation that the news will be bad, such that the feeling of dread from this negative expectation fuels a compulsion to continue looking for updates in a self-perpetuating cycle.”

Thankfully, many people still find joy in simple things and Mr. Rather received hundreds of positive tweets in response. So, here’s my one-week challenge to myself. I collected pictures of my simple joys. I refuse to be a doomscroller.

 

INC Holy Supper

Last week was a holy week for the Church of Christ. The holiest day in our church is the Holy Supper where we celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ’s supreme sacrifice and our Almighty God’s benevolence and forgiveness. Food for the soul.

Cherry Blossoms

Roosevelt Island, New York, is where I started my nursing career in the United States. The cherry blossoms framing the skyline of Manhattan are so beautiful to behold.

 

Zoom meeting

A call with some of our college classmates to discuss our May 2023 reunion.

Amazon book ranking

My book ranked #15 last week and was a featured ad on my Facebook feed.

Jo Koy comedy show

Comedian Jo Koy brought his “Funny Is Funny” World Tour to a sold-out show at UBS Arena. His repertoire is filled with raunchy jokes and profanities, but it cannot be denied that Jo Koy is a proud Filipino American. The diverse audience learned about chicken adobo, tabo, and our love for karaoke.

BTS comeback

A new album coming. June 10, 2022. I. Cannot. Wait.

Shopping

I’m at home with Home Goods.

 

Anticipating my Vacation

Counting down the months until I can hug my Nanay again.

Travelogue: 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.

The Year That Was and The Gift of a New Year

As the year 2013 ended, it gave me much comfort to come to our church in Forest Hills for our Year-End Thanksgiving Prayer. The brethren gathered together in reflection of the year that was, and to pray for the year that will be. Even as New York City was in the midst of frenzied preparations for the ball drop, we bowed our heads in silent retrospection and gave thanks to God.

It has not been an easy year. Tragedy struck the Philippines, first the earthquake, then the super typhoon that had demolished Eastern Visayas.

Four special people passed away this year (Uncle Alex, Amy, Phyllis, Jennifer). Each one of them will be missed. When someone special had enriched your life and had touched your heart, the sadness comes from missing the grace or the knowledge of their presence. We can only hold onto the memories in our minds and give thanks for the gift of knowing them.


Because I am an eternal optimist, I look at the past year as a glass half-full. I was blessed.


FAMILY VACATION…

Who says I can’t go home?

After twelve years, I came home to the Philippines. This time, it was not to mourn my father’s death from a stroke attack. This time, it was to see my family, my mom, my two brothers and an extended family quite unlike any other.

My calendar of activities was filled with places to visit, things to do, people to see in just three weeks. I wanted my son Jordan to experience the land of my birth. He was just ten years old on his last visit; and this time, he came much prepared, his Tagalog vocabulary was much more extensive although still heavily accented with a New York twang.

The Filipinos are known for their extended families. A vacation brings all the cousins back to reminisce our childhood escapades; sometimes it’s the only time when the Cerrudo clan gets to see each other again.

I loved the food trips. Trying almost every restaurant in the mall and sharing the bounty with relatives. Bingeing on fruits (santol, lanzones, mango) and Nanay's home-made cooking.

Experiencing the Walled City of Intramuros. Soaking in the ambience of a world gone by- of old houses during the Spanish era with the wide lattice windows and open verandas. I could almost feel the ghosts of senoritas strolling around the paseo as they cover their faces with the fans.

Riding the calesa around Intramuros. Even if the horse looked scrawny and apathetic, unlike the beautiful horses in Central Park, it knew how to do a proper u-turn in a narrow street.

Jose Rizal's execution site in Luneta. As soon as we saw this tableau, I felt deep emotions at the sad scene of Rizal executed by the Spaniards, all in the name of patriotism. The sculpture pieces were amazing; they captured the life and death of our national hero. It was a history lesson for Jordan.

BALUT!!!!! “Fear Factor” audition recorded on camera. To see the look of utter disgust on Jordan's face- PRICELESS!!!!

Finally, I am thankful for the chance to hug my mother again, tightly but not long enough to last me till my next visit. In her 80’s, she is still a fireball of energy and humor; someone who will break into her funny chicken dance when the spirit moves her. I need another vacation; I want to tell her in person again how much I love her.


CAREER

I love my job. It has its share of challenges and stressors, but I know I have risen up above most expectations, mostly mine. The future holds more opportunities for me, more pathways to explore. So, since being a Clinical Nurse Specialist came up number two in the article "Best Jobs in America", that means, I'm doing alright.

http://money.cnn.com/pf/best-jobs/2013/snapshots/2.html


MY SON

Jordan continues to amaze me. He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. He dabbles in a strange world of molecular biology, genomes, genetics, polypeptides, mutagenesis, quantum physics, and whatchamacallit. He dissects mosquitoes in the lab, and plans to pursue doctoral studies in research. I might have my own Dr. Nye later on. A scientist who also plays the piano. Even though he does not still clean his room.

I guess, like mother, like son. (the cleaning, I mean)



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.


2014, I am ready for the gift to be unwrapped and to let my light shine even more. This year is another gift from God. Ready to face whatever life brings. This year, I am looking forward to celebrating the one hundredth year of the Church.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson