Fourth of July, Happy Independence Day

On this Fourth of July, Americans across the US celebrate the 238th anniversary of the country's independence from Britain. A national holiday, it is observed with parades, picnics, concerts, department store sales, blockbuster movies, hotdog-eating contests, and fireworks.

Courtesy of Macy’s, the night sky along the East River in NYC was lit with a spectacular display of fireworks with the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge in the backdrop. It was dazzling, electrifying, and patriotic. It was also a reminder of how the United States is a bastion of freedom, a leader of the free world.

I am thankful to and for America. From my native Philippines, I ventured to this faraway land and had spent half my life in this great country. As a naturalized citizen, I bow my head in a prayer of thanks for the boundless blessings and opportunities that were given to me and the countless other immigrants who now call this country home.

Let us remember the founding fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, as well as those men and women who keep the country safe. Let us celebrate those who sacrifice life and limb just so we can enjoy our freedom and independence and the inalienable rights granted to us by the Constitution.



Update 7/4/18:
And on this National Day of Freedom, may we all be humane enough to stand for those who seek the same freedom. Although we should always promote legal immigration, let us not condone the separation of families as a means to achieve that. Separating kids from their parents is JUST EVIL.


Update 7/4/2020:
Happy birthday, USA. The land of the free. Quite ironic that people are using the excuse of freedom of speech to malign and oppress. Also, quite stupid and ignorant to espouse the freedom not to wear a face mask when the nation is still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite all this, I am still blessed to be in the land of my dreams, where I have spent more than half of my life. Happy 4th of July, everyone.




God Bless America- written by Irving Berlin

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above
From the mountains, to the prairies

To the oceans white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home

My Favorite Women Writers

If a writing formula guaranteeing success can be bottled, I would have been the very first one on the line to buy gallons of it. My inner evil twin (thankfully repressed) would have surfaced and would have beaten the other wanna-bees to a pulp if they ever think of jumping the line.

If the writing genius genes could be absorbed by touching the books of my favorite women authors, I should have been as famous as J. K. Rowling, Maya Angelou, and Erma Bombeck.

If a magic wand drops down from Hogwarts, I would probably ask that all three women bless me with their brilliance. Ahhhh, if only.

My bookcases are crammed with my obsession with the written words. These three women- Dr. Maya, Erma, and JK- have opened fascinating and exciting new worlds for me. Their words captivated me by their power, their humor, their passion, their imagination.



DR. MAYA ANGELOU (1928-2014) is a hero to me. She was a phenomenally phenomenal woman. With her words of wisdom and strength in adversity, she had inspired whole generations of people of all races. All Renaissance woman, part warrior, part performer, the People’s Poet.

She wrote seven autobiographies, and several books of poetry, all of which are positive affirmations of her graciousness and her tenacity. From the small town of Stamps, Arkansas to the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C, to her final resting place in South Carolina, Dr. Maya Angelou brought hope and optimism for the future.

She was larger than life, an iconic figure who had triumphed far and beyond the expectations of her color and her origins by which she had further inspired those who aspire to such greatness. Her eloquence spoke straight to my heart. The story of her life is a masterpiece of how to overcome all odds and how to always strive to be a blessing to others.

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

J.K. ROWLING- Harry Potter turned J.K. Rowling from a welfare mom to the richest woman in United Kingdom. Joanne "Jo" Rowling is a British novelist who wove magic and sorcery with masterful and imaginative brushstrokes to bring us the adventures of Harry, Hermione and Ron.

The Harry Potter fantasy series gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold more than 400 million copies. The idea of a young wizard came to JK during a long train journey back home; one can never discount that inspiration comes in the most unusual places.

I was probably a bigger fan of the books than my son, often finishing the latest book before him. I am not ashamed to admit that I stayed late up into the wee morning hours mesmerized by flying brooms, Quidditch, teleporting and the Pensieve. Even Neville Longbottom got his shining moment when he transformed from a bumbling and mediocre character to the hero who decapitated the snake Nagini.

Hermione proved to be a strong heroine, JK Rowling’s double, much like I envision myself to be- strong, bull-headed, no-nonsense and passionately loyal.

And I like that she is nicknamed “Jo”.

ERMA BOMBECK (1927-1996) made me laugh out loud and made me cry. Such is her influence on me that I dream of being her nursing counterpart. Sadly, I still have yet to find my inner Erma.

Erma was a prolific American humorist with a popular and witty column about suburban home life. Copies of her articles were taped on refrigerator doors in households across America. Her witticisms on motherhood struck a chord that holds true to all generations; her self-deprecating humor about her passport photos made us look and laugh at our own likenesses. She was really a stand-up comedian who dispensed hilarious stories about everyday life, even when she was at wit's end.

As someone said, she made something extraordinary out of the ordinary. She had written 15 books, most of which became bestsellers. Her sense of humor propelled her to the top of her game.

And when she was not writing about septic tanks, she made me tear up with such poignant lines "If I had my life to live over again... Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle."

It was a sad day when she passed away during an unsuccessful kidney transplant operation.



"Getting out of the hospital is a lot like resigning from a book club. You're not out of it until the computer SAYS you're out of it."
"Giving birth is little more than a set of muscular contractions granting passage of a child. Then the mother is born."
"Never accept a drink from a Urologist."
"There is nothing more miserable in the world than to arrive in paradise and look like your passport photo.

Pay It Forward

“Pay It Forward”, that’s what a friend told me one day. This is from a friend who had unexpectedly come through at a time when I needed it the most. I am thankful for these small blessings. During the ups and downs of our lives, we appreciate those times when somebody helps you up, just like an angel sent from above.

Paying it Forward means to repay someone’s kindness by being kind to someone else instead of the original benefactor. The phrase is credited to Lily Hardy Harmond who wrote in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight: “You don’t pay love back, you pay it forward”.

Kindness gone viral. Goodness manifested several times over. Love being paid forward.

In the movie adapted from a Catherine Ryan Hyde book, the protagonist did three good deeds and asked the beneficiaries to do three good deeds to others.

Just after I finished high school, my Auntie Sol was that angel who helped me financially to start my Nursing course. I haven’t thanked her enough, but I truly appreciated her gesture to start me on my way. And in my own little way, I paid it forward.

Just like most Filipinos I know, the older siblings helped the younger ones and their less fortunate relatives. In a society where most families live a hand-to-mouth existence, education is considered a way out of continued poverty. It has been expected that the generosity be paid forward. My sister sponsors the education of my niece and another cousin’s offspring.

I am now mentoring a nursing student today for her graduate studies. To my pleasant surprise, her class professor turned out to be my own mentor in my Capstone project for my Masters class. This time, the loop had gone full circle.

There will always be a chance to be kind to others; a moment to pay it forward. There will always be that opportunity to extend a helping hand. To be a saving grace, an angel, a mentor.

The gesture need not be grandiose, but for that someone in need, that very well could be exactly just what they needed to turn their life around. Everyone just needs that fighting chance, and a helping hand makes it much easier to hope for a better tomorrow. An open door perhaps, a reprieve from a difficult time, a reminder that faith make things right.


Here are several heart-tugging examples:

Derrick Walton, once homeless himself, had turned his life around and now owns a pizzeria in Iowa. He closes his restaurant on Mondays to serve free food to those in need.




An 8 y/o boy, from Ohio found a $20 bill and gave it to a military airman. Myles Eckart, whose father died in service just before he was born, wrapped the money in a note that read: 'Dear soldier, my dad was a soldier. He's in heaven now. I found this $20 in the parking lot when we got here. We like to pay it forward in my family. It's your lucky day! Thank you for your service.' Signed, 'a Gold Star kid.'

That simple act has launched a $1 million grant to help the children of soldiers killed in war.




After Myles honored his father's memory at the restaurant, he asked his mother to bring him to his daddy's grave. How poignant this scene is, that of a son proudly telling his father of his good deed for the day.

http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/how-to-get-involved/

Here Comes the Sun: My Beatles' Musical Tribute

radaronline.com



Even my 19 year-old niece loves the Beatles. She must have been influenced by the good taste of her aunt.

On February 7, 1964, from across the pond, the Beatles started the British invasion. Moptops became the rage as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr charmed the women (and men) of America.

My fascination with the Beatles’ songs started much later, during my college years when some of the patients in the military hospital sometimes played songs like “Hey Jude, “Get Back” and “Yesterday”.

Fifty years after the group's first US televised live debut on the Ed Sullivan show, Grammy presented a tribute to the Fabulous Four from Liverpool. Only two of the Beatles, Paul and Ringo, survived, but the sons of John and George joined in the celebration of the musical act that had influenced countless musicians.

Beatlemania is still alive and well.

The producers of “The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute To The Beatles” assembled a diverse group of musical performers who both dazzled and confounded me (hello, Katy Perry). The sight of Yoko Ono with her trademark huge sunglasses as she danced/swayed/flailed was quite entertaining. I was thrilled to see my teen idol Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh from the Eagles with their guitar solos.

And finally, the irrepressible Ringo Starr and the musical genius Paul McCartney brought the house down and proved to one and all why their group the Beatles is considered pop's most influential musical act of all time. They made everyone (even those watching on tv) sing along with "nananana, nanana". Love it, love it, love it!

But if I were to put together another musical tribute, I would have chosen an altogether different group of presenters. Critics may accuse me of being bland or musically-gauche, but I really don’t care. To them, I say: make your own tribute. There.


Here are some of my favorite Beatles songs:


HERE COMES THE SUN - written by George Harrison for 1969 album Abbey Road (1969)



Sheryl Crow- on the “Bee Movie”



Bon Jovi-





COME TOGETHER - written by John Lennon, the opening track on the album Abbey Road, and was released as a double A-sided single with "Something", their 21st single in the United Kingdom and 26th in the United States.



Aerosmith- appeared in the movie and on the soundtrack to the film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,





I WILL- written by Paul McCartney



Allison Krauss





"HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney), recorded for the Beatles' 1966 album Revolver.



Clay Aiken





OH, DARLING composed by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney) and appearing as the fourth song on the album, Abbey Road.



Arnel Pineda When the band Journey was searching the internet for their lead singer, Neil Schon found this clip of Arnel singing this Beatles' song. And the rest is history.





IN MY LIFE – on the 1965 album Rubber Soul written mainly by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney.



Aiza Seguerra-



Charice-



Bette Midler-





LET IT BE - written and sung by Paul McCartney. McCartney said he had the idea of "Let It Be" after he had a dream about his mother during the tense period surrounding the sessions for The Beatles (the "White Album").



Ray Charles



Adam Levin and Tessane Chin on “The Voice”.





References: Wikipedia ( they’re useful)

I Love The Snow

Based on Dr. Seuss' "I Love My Job"

I love the snow. I really do.
I love the white stuff more and more each chilly day.
I love to frolic in the snow; it’s fun to play.
I love to shovel, just the best exercise.
Got sore arm muscles, but hey, no more black ice.

I do love the tall snow drifts and the brown slush.
It is so beautiful my heart turns to mush.
The winds are fierce and brisk, oh man, they do sting
Dig and sneeze, dig and sneeze, I merrily sing.

I love sub zero temps, oh, it’s bitter cold.
Never mind the aches and pains, yes I am old.
My nose, ears, and fingers are a-freezing
Just walk slowly, hey no more falling.

I love the ED patients with their ankle sprains
So many slip and slides, and even back pains.
Let them come, EMS, bring them our way
We are ready, they're most welcome to stay.

I love the winter storm and the blizzards
And the cars that crawl like lizards
Oh, how pretty are the traffic lights
In the dark, blustery, slippery nights.

I love the snow- I’ll say it again- I even love the friendly Sanitation men,
Those Sanitation men with their snow plow who salt the streets and even my car paint away.



Jan. 21, 2014-
Hello! Never heard these weather terms before. First, "polar vertex", "polar plunge", then “bombogenesis”. It's a term coined by meteorologists to describe an area of low pressure that “deepens rapidly,” creating a strong storm, or cyclone, that intensifies as it moves over the ocean. This crazy weather that turns an already long one-hour drive to three hours. Arggghhh!
I love the Snow. Not.

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

Surviving Yolanda: Disaster in the Philippines

Unknown source


How can one community survive from a disaster called the worst to ever hit the country? How can one recover from overwhelming devastation?

Typhoon Yolanda with its Category 5 winds slammed into the islands of Leyte and Samar in Central Philippines last November 8. 2013. The disaster left a path of destruction which flattened both the concrete houses and nipa huts, and left dead bodies in its wake. The storm surge swept away homes and people. Nature gone mad. A poor community was rendered helpless and hopeless.

Right now, the roads are impassable due to debris and collapsed buildings and fallen electric cables. Misery is everywhere. Even as donations pour in and rescue efforts are underway, there are still some survivors sheltering in makeshift structures, bracing for the next storm, even as they mourn for their dead loved ones. A whole family torn apart; sometimes single survivors left to pick up their shattered lives on their own.

The images posted on the intranet are horrific to behold. Thousands of humans and animal lost, properties destroyed ; the once beautiful coastal areas transformed into a wasteland of rubbles and dead people and animals.

A whole community struggles, waiting for food and water from rescue groups unable to reach the isolated areas fast enough. The lack of electric power makes it difficult to communicate on the whereabouts and destinies of the people of Leyte. The fate of some loved ones are uncertain.

There is an outpouring of sympathy from people around the world. And yet, there are some heartless individuals who begrudge the help that the US government had sent to the Philippines and had demanded that monetary aid be redirected to help domestic people first. Self-entitlement and selfishness sometimes rear its ugly heads.

The rest of the caring world can only watch helplessly as heart-wrenching stories of loss are recounted by the survivors. Prompted by desperation, men and women sought out television cameras to plead for help and to connect with loved ones outside of the affected areas, mostly to tearfully announce which family member had passed away. Good or bad news, those who were left behind just wanted to reach out to anyone who may listen.

Filipinos are known for their resilience. The country had been plagued by natural disasters over the years, but its people had always bounced back from the trauma, made stronger by their faith and the optimism for a brighter future.

Could it be that most of the affected victims have been empowered by the harsh realities of life and that they have learned to live in the moment because the thought of thinking far beyond the present is inconceivable? When there's nothing in the horizon, one can only try to treasure the fact that their lives were spared then give thanks for another chance of redemption.

This latest tragedy had shaken us to the core and had rendered the future bleak and unimaginable. But there is no other option but to survive. To just take each day as it comes. To just hold on to the flicker of hope that there is still something worth living for. To just keep the Filipino spirit of resilience, against all odds.

To find something to smile about. To just find the courage to live again.

My heart bleeds for you, Philippines. Be strong.

All I can offer (aside from my donations) is a prayer that our countrymen in the Visayas will pull through yet another tragedy. Mabuhay.












Please donate:
http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations
https://www.wfp.org/donate/typhoon
http://www.childfund.org/emergency/
http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate
http://www.care.org/emergencies/typhoon-haiyan
https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=16500&16500.donation=form1

Filipino Global photo- Amidst the destruction around them, these kids still managed to find something to smile about. A testament to the resiliency of children


Thank you, Anderson Cooper, for the brave reporting. You bared the ineffective rescue efforts in the country and incurred the criticisms from those who were offended by the truth. There are lessons to be learned in a disaster; it's just too bad that these lessons came at the expense of the victims.




“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
-Confucius