I am going HOME

I am currently in the Boston Public Library to print the re-booking of my flight from Hong Kong to Manila. In about 45 minutes, I shall bid adieu to the Town of Boston, a place I have come to love for the brief duration of my stay here in England. We shall tentatively arrive at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 by around 1600H. My plane, a Boeing 747 flown by the British Airways shall depart at exactly 1835H (London Time) bound for Hong Kong International Airport.

Good bye Boston. Good bye England. Good bye Your Majesty. Good bye to all the persons I had the pleasure to meet and befriend. Good bye to my family, Dad, Mom, Nice, Pipoy and MJ.

I shall return.

Be with you

As I was about to sleep, my tita turned on the telly and it was accidentally tuned to BBC One Radio. On the air was playing a song by Enrique Iglesias. I have heard this song before, probably way back in college. As I was listening to the lyrics, it has never had this profound effect on me as it had now. Bloody song, almost made me wanna punch the wall. Now I know, it is really my fault.

Monday night I feel so low
Count the hours they go so slow
I know the sound of your voice
Can save my soul
City lights, streets of gold

Look out my window to the world below
Moves so fast and it feels so cold
And I'm all alone

Don't let me die
I'm losing my mind
Baby just give me a sing

And now that you're gone
I just wanna be with you
And I can't go on
I wanna be with you
Wanna be with you

I can't sleep and I'm up all night
Through these tears I try to smile
I know the touch of your hand
Can save my life

Don't let me down
Come to me now
I got to be with you some how

[Repeat Chorus]

And now that you're gone
Who am I without you now
I can't go on
I just wanna be with you

[Repeat Chorus]

Living in London

It has been 2 weeks since I last posted on my blog. It is because I am currently in "merry ol' London", looking for a job to move my bum ass out into the city.

It is quite an experience actually. For those who know me, most of my life was spent in Cavite, in the safety and convenience of living with my parents and relatives. The first time I ventured out alone was in first year college when I studied in Manila. But I still live in Cavite. I go home everyday, with food waiting for me, ready cooked and sometimes already served. I don't have to do the laudry, I don't have to worry about the bills, and most importantly, my house is ours. When my parents left for the UK, although technically alone, my Lola was there to support me in every possible way. When I fired my house helper back then, I started cleaning the house, and doing the dishes, but still, I am living within my comfort zone.

But now is a little bit different. I am living in a foreign country. I am currently living "free" with my mom's second cousin Ate Elaine, here in the London Borough of Hounslow. Ang lapit ko sa London Heathrow, I can here the airplanes land every now and then. For the meantime lang to, bcause the house is actually owned by an Espanol, married to my mom's second cousin Ate Marilyn. Since it is there business to rent rooms (madami silang bahay napaupahan, I think ten houses with about 5-6 rooms each), there shall come a time that I have to find a place that I can pay, because the room I am currently staying is £75 per week, eh wala pang nakatira, so doon na muna ako pinatulog.

I have no scheduled work yet, but I am already employed in a catering business, as waiter, porter, chef and general assistant. It is actually an agency, but I can do nothing. I have to find work. I am going to be paid the minimum rate, so around £5.75 per hour. I have no scheduled hours, so I cannot compute how much I am going to earn.

I have always wanted to live life like a bachelor, and have my own place. Back home, I wanted to move in Manila to be near the school. I never expected that my first experience would be living alone and far from my family in the megacity of London. Wow! It is a very beautiful place. But I reserve describing life in London and its sites in another post. I don't know when I can do that. I have an open ticket back home, but I have no personal PC here, nakikigamit lang ako.

All hopes for the best. Whatever happens, its God's will!

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 10 - Pagmamano and Christmas Day

Christmas Day in The Philippines is primarily a family affair. Prior to the stroke of 12 midnight on the morning of December 25, the Misa de Aguinaldo is being celebrated. It is usually attended by the whole family. Misa de Aguinaldo is the Holy Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Roman Catholic Church and Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan) in the Philippines' main means of celebrating Jesus Christ's birth.

Misa de Aguinaldo is also celebrated at dawn or in the morning between immediately after sunrise and 10 a.m.; this schedule is preferred by Filipinos who choose to celebrate Christmas Eve with a night-long celebration of the Noche Buena.

Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respects. This custom of giving respect has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called "Pagmamano"; this is done by touching one's forehead to the elder's hand saying Mano Po. The elder then blesses the person who has paid respect. "Aguinaldo", or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills is given after the Pagmamano, mostly to younger children.

A Christmas Lunch usually follows after the "Pagmamano". The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family. Rich families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts that consist of Jamon de Bola, Queso de Bola, Lechon and other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the family is settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done. Godparents are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.

When nighttime falls, members of the family usually take part in family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols. Some may opt to have a glorious Christmas feast for dinner.


Source:

Christmas in the Philippines - Christmas Day


When it is all said, only one thing remains to be done.

Mula sa bansa ng Inglatera, at galing sa aking puso, isang mapagpala at maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 9 - Noche Buena

For Filipinos, Christmas Eve ("Bisperas ng Pasko") on December 24th has the much-anticipated Noche Buena – the traditional Christmas Eve feast after the midnight mass. Family members dine together around 12 midnight on traditional Noche Buena fare, which includes: queso de bola (Spanish: "ball of cheese"; this is actually edam cheese), "Tsokolate" (a hot chocolate drink) and jamon (Christmas ham), and some would open presents at this time.

Noche Buena, often translated as "Good Night", is a Spanish word referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Custom in Spain, Cuba, the Philippines and Latin America, the evening consists of a traditional dinner with family.

In the Philippines, this usually comes after the entire family has attended a late evening mass. Often on the table are: lechón, pancit, fried chicken, lumpia, rice, adobo, among others for the main course; desserts include halo-halo, bibingka, rice cakes, puto bumbong, ice cream, pastries and cakes; drinks include soda, wine, beer, juice, and goat milk.

Throughout the country, the meals vary according to the place's respective traditions.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV


Source:

1. Philippine Christmas traditions - Christmas Eve
2. Noche Buena

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 8 - Philippine's Panunuluyan and Kawit's Maytinis

Panuluyan or Panunuluyan (Tagalog for "asking for lodgings") is a Philippine Christmas dramatic ritual narrating through song the Holy Family's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem for Jesus Christ's birth.

The panunuluyan originated from the Mexican nine-day Christmas ritual called posadas. The only difference between the two is that the panunuluyan only takes place over one night. Mexican sailors from the galleons during Spanish colonization probably brought the custom to Tagalog and Bicol towns.

The panunuluyan is held on Christmas Eve. The procession begins with the images of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary on floats being wheeled out of the church courtyard at about 7 pm. Two singers vocalize the two parts accompanied by musicians. They stop at three or four homes throughout the barrio or town, representing different inns or houses in Bethlehem. At each, they plead for lodging in song. The singers representing the house owners or innkeepers all refuse to provide lodgings and give various reasons. One sings that his house is overflowing with guests; a couple may claim to be too poor to take them in; another person gives the excuse that the real owner is out; another argues that it is unsafe to let in strangers at night. The ritual ends towards midnight, at the church where the midnight Mass is about to begin. At the singing of the "Gloria" the nativity scene is unveiled at the altar.

In the town of Kawit, Cavite, the town commemorates this tradition by holding the annual Maytinis.

Like many other traditions, the origin of Maytinis is shrouded in mystery, no one knows exactly when or how it started. But it is commonly believed that the Maytinis cannot be less than three centuries old, since the Kawit Church itself was built around 370 years ago. The most common belief as to how the MAYTINIS begun is that it was probably started by the Spanish Priests to facilitate the natives' understanding of the Catholic Religion. Kawit, three centuries ago, could very well be a preliterate society made up of simple folk who can only deal with practical things. Thus, there was a great need for presenting the religious teachings and constructs by the use of what is visible, and the festival called MAYTINIS answered this need.

The MAYTINIS is essentially a portrayal of the history of mankind's salvation, from the Old to the New Testaments. A procession is held in which various Biblical scenes and characters are portrayed by means of picturesque floats, played for by characters selected from the various barangays of Kawit.

The responsibility of organizing the annual MAYTINIS celebration rests on the shoulders of the Confradia de Sagrada Familia in cooperation and coordination with the Pastoral Council.

The Confradia choose the "AMA" (Hermano Mayor) and the "INA" (Hermana Mayora) for the year who acts as the principal sponsors of the "MAYTINIS" festival.







Source:

1. Panunuluyan
2. Maytinis
3. MAYTINIS - Kawit Traditional Cultural Event

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 7 - Dia de Los Niños Innocentes (Day of the Innocents)

Every 28th of December, the Church celebrates Niños Innocentes, marking the sacrifice of innocent boys aged two or under by King Herod the Great in his futile attempt to get rid of the Christ child born in Bethlehem.

During the Holy Mass, the reading of the Scriptures will recount the children’s martyrdom that came about when Herod, wary of the foretold birth of the Messiah, failed to find the newborn child despite his attempt to guile the three magi who came to Jerusalem inquiring about the baby born in Bethlehem.

By the way, Herod "the Great," king of Judea, was quite unpopular with his people because of his connections with the Romans and his religious indifference so he was insecure and fearful of any threat to his throne. He was a master politician and a tyrant, however, capable of extreme brutality including the murder of his wife, his brother and his sister’s two husbands, to name only a few.

The three magi must have known Herod’s nature and kind so that when they found the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, and after praising Him and giving Him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, they returned to their land, skipping Jerusalem along the way.

Then, Joseph, warned by an angel in a dream, brought Mary and the baby Jesus safely to Egypt.

Troubled, and chagrined by the fact that the magi made a fool of him, Herod ordered that all newborn babies and first-born children in and around Bethlehem be killed so that his throne could be secured.

Well, what is the catch for the celebration of the Filipino Christmas?

While the faithful continue to observe religious rites like that for the Holy Innocents, it only takes Pinoys to add a "twist of humor" even to the solemn commemoration of their martyrdom — they have turned the day into something akin to the American "April Fools Day," or an opportunity to play pranks on unsuspecting folk.

In the spirit of fun, practical jokes and some harmless trickery like "borrowing" money or other things will likely be sprung on "innocent" victims who, in the spirit of fun as well, are expected to accept the fact they could no longer recover the "borrowed" things.

Source:

Beware, Today is Niños Innocentes!

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 6 - Dia de Los Tres Reyes Mago (Araw ng Tatlong Haring Mago)

The article titled PASKO was first written by Alejandro and Chorengel

Aside from being the symbolic end of the Christmas season for the Filipinos, the Feast of the Three Wise Men have a symbolic meaning for us.

For Centuries, the magical bearers of gifts for Filipino children were the Three Kings, not Santa Claus. Shoes were brightly polished and left on the window sills toferther with the cleanest socks, fresh from the laundry. The children knew that the Three Kings, on their way to Bethlehem, would pass by theri homes to fill their shoes and socks with gifts. Some would thoughtfully leave some straw or dry grass for the camels; if these were gone in the morning, surely the cames must have been terribly hungry.

The Feast of the Three Kings (Araw ng Tatlong Hari) is celebrated on the First Sunday of January. It is also known as the Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), the day specially honors senior citizens. The feast is also called "The Epiphany" which commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.

They were called Melchor, meaning "king of light", Gaspar, "the white one", and Balthazar, "the lord of treasure". In the Middle Ages, Gaspar was depicted young, Mechor as middle-aged, and Balhtazar as ancient. They came bearing gifts or gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In the city of Manila, it has been a tradition for dacades for the prestigious club Casino Español to organize a Three Kings' parade on January 6 or the first Sunday of January. Dressed in royal robes, the Three Kings ride on stately horses as there are no camels in the Philippines. They parade down the block, and end at the clubhouse where children of the Spanish community await them to receive more Christmas gifts. There are gifts prepared for the poor children and orphans, too.

In the town of Gapan in Marinduque, a religious folk play is presented in which the Three Kings follow a star and meet Herod who later "runs amok" by chopping off the heads of infants, as well as demolishing his own palace. The Kings eventually find the holy manger with the Infant Jesus.

This feast of the Three Kings marks the official end of the litrurgical Christmas of the Philippines.

Source:

Araw ng Tatlong Hari

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 5 - Puto bumbong at bibingka

Puto bumbong and bibingka are two native holiday treats that are bound to the pre-drawn Misa de Gallo, which starts December 16 and is held everyday for nine days until Christmas Day.

In the city, even well-dressed matrons buy them dripping with melted butter and sprinkled with niyog to get them going for the nine dawn Masses. The number of street stalls serving these delicacies have been where most Filipinos get this delectable treats, but recent years show restaurants serving these traditional Christmas delights.

Source:

That unmistakable flavor of Christmas, Pinoy-style

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 4 - Belen

Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the belen -- a creche or tableau representing the Nativity scene. It depicts the infant Jesus Christ in the manger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals and angels.

Belens can be seen in homes, churches, schools and even office buildings. The ones on office buildings can be extravagant, using different materials for the figures and using Christmas lights, parols, and painted background scenery. A notable outdoor belen in Metro Manila is the one that used to be at the COD building in Cubao, Quezon City. In 2003, the belen was transferred to the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan when the COD building closed down. This belen is a lights and sounds presentation, the story being narrated over speakers set up and most probably using automatons to make the figures move up and down, or turn, etc. Each year, the company owning it changes the theme, with variations such as a fairground story, and Santa Claus' journey. Construction for this year's show started around the 1st of September.

On the other hand, Tarlac, known as the "Belen Capital of the Philippines" holds the annual "Belenismo sa Tarlac". It is a belen making contest which is participated by establishments and residents in Tarlac. Giant belens with different themes are displayed in front of the establishments and roads of Tarlac for the rest of the Christmas season.


Source:

Wikipedia article on Christmas in the Philippines

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 3 - Christmas Songs and Caroling

Caroling is a part of the Filipino Christmas tradition. Once the Dawn Mass known as "Misa de Gallo" or "Simbang Gabi " starts, carolers will be on their feet singing Christmas carols from house to house spreading the spirit of the season through songs.

Children like to form groups and enjoy hopping from one house to another every night singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night and traditional Filipino Christmas songs like Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit, Pasko Na Naman, at Namamasko.

They usually have handmade musical instruments like tambourine, made from bottle tops, cans or biscuit tins used as drums. They will be happy if you give them a coin or if your feeling generous a peso or more will make them sing another song for you.

And this is what they sing to thank you for your generosity... "Thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo ...thank you...."

It is not only children who go on caroling, church organization, clubs, group of friends, raise funds through their yearly caroling. Some of these groups will give you a letter in advance, informing you the date and time they will sing carols to your house with an envelope attached to it for you to put your donation.

Most of these strolling minstrels are well equipped with their musical instruments like guitar, drums and tambourine, they have practice their songs weeks ahead and they are ready to sing with all their heart in spreading the joy and warmth of the Yultide season. They do hope that you will be generous enough to dig deep into your pocket to help them raise funds for their club or organization.

Source:

Christmas Caroling in the Philippines

-----------------------------------------------

With 11025.22 kilometers from home, and some 8 days before Christmas, I cannot help but be quite nostalgic of celebrating the season at home. So to lessen the homesickness, I browse the web for some Tagalog Christmas songs.

Some of the songs are new novelty songs popularized by the Sexbomb, Willie Revillame and the like. But the classics do stand out.

Advance Happy Christmas to everyone.

~TAGALOG Christmas Song

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 2 - Parol

Parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration, a five point star-shaped Christmas lantern.

Originally made of thin bamboo frames and covered with colored cellophane or with rice paper also known as Japanese paper or papel de Japon. It has two tails that serve as the rays of the star.

Parol reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their way in search of Baby Jesus.

During Christmas season, parols are seen everywhere. As early as November, parols are hang on windows or door of every Filipino homes, offices, schools, shopping malls and even streets are adorned with these multi-colored lanterns. You will even find mini parols hanging on buses and jeepneys and cars. Today, the parol become more colorful because of the twinkling bulbs in dazzling pattern that help illuminates each parol.

Filipinos used new and recycled materials to make parols, like plastic glasses, candy wrappers, soft drink straws, recycled papers and shells. The present day parol come in different shapes and sizes it doesn't have to be star- shaped, it can be round, rectangular or even square, like a diorama with the Nativity on it.

Parol represents the Filipino innovation, creativity and it is the greatest expression of Christmas spirit. Parol making is a traditional folk craft. School children are taught how to make parol and they usually have a lantern parade to showcase their work.

Elegant Christmas Parol made from capiz shells are very popular in the Philippines and are exported to other countries. Parol making is not only a Christmas symbol, it is a symbol of hope for lots of Parol makers. Parol making business is a source of income for lots of Filipinos. They make parol as early as June, a lot of them are sold in the market from October. Parol vendors can be found everywhere, you will see them on the side walks, bus stops, jeepney stops or even along the highway.

Parol has become the most recognizable Christmas ornament for Filipinos not just in the Philippines, but in any country where there is a Filipino community. Parol are sold overseas, these are usually made from capiz or shells and are intricately designed, these last longs and can be used every year. There are also Parol that are sold online.

The parol uplifts the spirit, instills a sense of pride and hope, it not only brightens Filipino Christmas, but it serves as an inspiration for Filipino ingenuity.


Source:

Parol - Filipino Christmas Lantern.

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 1 - Simbang Gabi

As a contribution to my list of Top 10s, I am compiling 10 unique Filipino Christmas traditions, one that a Pinoy can truly say, "Onli in da Pilipins!"

Parishioners attend the Misa de Gallo at the Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Graces in Digos City, Davao Del Sur, Thursday.

Simbang Gabi is part of the Filipino tradition when observing the season of Christmas. It is one of the longest and most popular traditions in the Philippines. This is a time when Catholic churches across the country open the door shortly before the break of dawn to usher in people to the Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi literally translated means Mass at Dawn observed as a series of nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother Mary. Simbang Gabi is alos known by its famous Spanish name as the Misa de Gallo or “mass of the rooster”. The annual novena starts at December 16 as early as 4 in the morning. It is symbolical to Catholics since it commemorates the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is quite traditional to see the “panuluyan” reenacted during the mass as an effort to show how Joseph and Mary found a birthplace.

“Panuluyan” is best illustrated with a “Belen” or the Nativity Scene that counts as a Filipino Christmas decoration. Ii displays the baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary and Saint Joseph. The holy family is surrounded with shepherds and farm animals. A complete set of Belen includes three wise men along with their gifts to infant Jesus and the shining star of Bethlehem guiding them in their journey.

Origin of Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi was born following its roots in Mexico in 1587. It was when the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the covenant of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Mass outdoors during Christmas. The Church then could not accommodate the large number of people who were attending the evening mass. The pre-dawn mass is usually announced by the ringing of the church bells during the old times. While in some rural areas, a brass band plays Christmas carols loud enough to be heard all over the town. It was believed that parish priests would go as far as knocking on doors to wake and call all faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Some farmers also pray for a good harvest when they hear the Gospel before going to the sea and fish.

How Simbang Gabi Changes

Up to this modern age, Simbang Gabi is upholded and celebrated in new ways. It continues to be a part of the tradition of Christmas in the Philippines. Christmas is felt everywhere even at churches where lanterns or parols with colorful lights fill every streets and every window. Christmas songs are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends, lovers and relatives frequent to the nearest local church to attend the nine day novena of Simbang Gabi.

Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies are sold in stalls outside the church. It is usual to see Filipino favorites like bibingka (rice cake), puto bungbong, suman sa pasko, suman sa ibos served with tea or coffee. Breakfast roll or hot pandesal are also a popular breakfast food among Filipinos. When the last of the nine Misa de Gallo has ended, families hurry home to celebrate Noche Buena and feasts on bountiful Filipino food and delicacies such as queso de bola or edam cheese, tsokolate or hot native chocolate drink jamon en dulce or ham, pancit, barbeque, lechon or suckling pig, Western and native cakes, lumpia, rice among many others.

Importance of Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi is more than a mere tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. Simbang Gabi continues to be a significant moment where it strengthens the relationships among family members and a time to restrengthen our faith in God. This is a special time when we feel the loving presence of our Lord and a spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Most Filipino believes a sincere wish granted when the nine series of masses are completed. It does not matter ,however, when one failed to attend the Simbang Gabi from December 16 up to eve of Christmas. The blessings given by the Lord does not depend on the number of masses attended. What really matters is what lies inside the heart and the sincerity and morale o the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.


Source:

1. The article is courtesy of Simbang Gabi: A Filipino Christmas Tradition.
2. Lower image is courtesy of Geonarri Solmerano, and GMANews.TV.
3. Simbang Gabi Readings

Complete again!... $:-D

In about a couple of hours more, my sister Nouelle shall be with us here in the UK. Medyo napaaga ang alis niya sa Pilipinas nating mahal kasi sa mahal ng treatment for kidney stone, which unfortunately, meron siya (thanks sa Piatos, Boy Bawang, Nova, Ice Gem, Lemon Squares, at kung anu-ano pang chichirya na lagi niyang kinakain). And because that lousy and good for nothing school behind the unfinished church in Cavite did not want to give her further leave of absence for medical treatment, after some hard decisions, we decided that it is best that she drop from school. It is sad, but it circumstances intervened from the plans.

After three years and twenty-five days, my family is complete again. Matagal tagal na rin pala kaming hindi nagkakasama together, mapapalitan ko na rin sa wakas yung lumang family picture na nasa wallet ko. I am kinda teary-eyed writing this!

Ang saya ng feeling, eto pala ang reason why Dad and Mom wanted us both to be here, to the point of sacrificing everything just that I and Nice be here. Sa mahal ng pamasahe ko (US $ 4,276) tapos yung pamasahe pa ni Nouelle, just imagine...

In less than 2 hours, we shall be leaving our house for London Heathrow Terminal 3 to fetch my sis, and in less than 2 hours, our family which Dad and Mom have cared and nurtured for almost 25 years (kinasal sila 1984, ako lumabas sa eksena 1986), shall be complete once again.

I can't wait!

A new English word - 'Meh'

Courtesy of Homer Simpson

Bothered Much? 'Meh' Is A Word

6 hours 46 mins ago

Sky News

• Print Story

It might be nothing to get excited about, but there is a new addition to the Collins English Dictionary. Skip related content

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Bothered Much? 'Meh' Is A Word

The preferred response of the apathetic, "meh" is the newest word in the famous lexicon.

The word, defined as "an interjection expressing indifference or boredom", beat off hundreds of others to gain entry.

It has won its place between "megrim" (whose plural means "low spirits") and "meibomian" ("the large sebaceous glands of the human eyelid") thanks to generating a surprising amount of enthusiasm among lexicographers.

Cormac McKeown, head of content at Collins Dictionaries, said: "This is a new interjection from the US that seems to have inveigled its way into common speech over here.

"It was actually spelled out in The Simpsons when Homer is trying to prise the kids away from the TV with a suggestion for a day trip.

"They both just reply 'meh' and keep watching TV; he asks again and Lisa says 'We said MEH! - M-E-H, meh!'

Publisher HarperCollins said that the word had been chosen from terms suggested by the public for inclusion in the dictionary's 30th anniversary edition, to be published next year.

The dictionary will define "meh" as an expression of indifference or boredom, or an adjective meaning mediocre or boring.

Examples given by the dictionary include "I feel a bit meh about the whole thing" and "The Canadian election was so meh."

The dictionary's compilers said the word originated in North America and spread through the Internet.

to all me contacts

hi guys,

please add my sister MJ in your contact list... i encouraged her to open a multiply account so that she could post her essays, poems and stories. i believe she is a budding writer in the making. so give her a pat in the back if you can..

her multiply id:http://mjoi24.multiply.com/

thanks and cheerio!

-kulot

Pulis encounter, again, again, again!

KAILANGAN PA BANG I-MEMORIZE YAN!

P*t*ng nang yan, hanggang dito, pulis pa rin! Wakekekekek!

Last night, while we are watching television, someone knocked at the front door. Being the eldest son, and whilst my father is away for night shift, I was the one who answered the door. When I saw it was a policeman, I called my Mom.

The policeman then said in advance, "This is no cause for alarm." 

Then he proceeded, "Do you own a black BMW, with plate number N387 MG0, registered under the name of Mr. Manuel (he pronounced it as MAN-NEW-WELL) Encar... (had a difficulty pronouncing the surname, I think he said it is EN-CARNA-YON)?"

Sagot ni Mommy, "Encarnacion. Yes, what is it?"

Sabi ni pulis, "It was seen early this morning, parked near St. Mary's (MJ's school) at Ashlawn Drive. Someone reported that one of its passengers took photos."

At ano pa ba, ako nga ang may kasalanan. Eh di, umamin na si Kulot, "It was I, officer, that was taking the photos this morning. I was taking pictures of my sister on her way to school. Is that prohibited?"

Sabat ni Mommy, "He hasn't seen his siblings for a long time, that is why he is taking their photos."

Sagot ni policeman, "Ah, its alright. We just responded to this call from Ms. Parkinson (St. Mary's Secretary). She gave us a ring after someone from school told of the incident. Okay please just write your name here (pointing to the incident report paper)."

Ano pa ang gagawin ko kung hindi sumunod. I wrote "IAN ENCARNACION, Brother of MARIONNE JOI ENCARNACION." Then the policeman left and said, "Okay, have a safe night!"

Tinanong ko kay Mommy bakit ganun kahigpit. Sabi sakin, mahigpit daw talaga kapag dating sa mga picture taking sa mga bata, kasi daw madaming pedophile dito. Anak ng pating! Mukha ba akong pedo??? Wahahahahahaha!

Ay naku, kahit kelan ka kulot ka, takaw huli! Wakekekekek!

Town Trip II

Went to the town center again, this time with Mom and MJ. We went to Pescod Square, an Ayala style type of mall here in Boston, to buy some stuffs, including a lip balm, as my lips have already chapped due to the freezing temperature here. On our way there, we passed by the Town Center, the Municipal Buildings, and St. Botolph's Church. After going there, we passed through some street corners and went to shop at Pescod's. After buying some stuffs, photo sessions again at the Garden of Peace War Memorial, the Central Park and the Boston Windmill.

Just check photo gallery at my Multiply site.

Trip to Town Center and All Saint's Day Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church

Today I went to the Town Center of Boston to buy and check on some things. According to Dad and Mom, every Wednesday and Saturday, the town center is abuzz with stalls selling their goods and stuffs. And this day was no exception. Ang daming tinda, most are worth from a few pence, to a several pounds. 

Bumuli kami ng crab. It was two large crabs, as in large talaga! It was worth £8. I also bought a Nokia cellphone charger. It is worth £3, yung car charger lang ang binili ko, kasi yung socket charger, £6 eh! Hehe!

After a late lunch, we went to church to hear mass at the St. Mary's Church for the All Saint's Day Mass.

Just check photo gallery at my Multiply site.

Halloween 2008

Trick or treat!

Ang tanda ko na, sumama pa ako sa Halloween activity ni MJ and Mika (anak ni Kuya Arnold, Pilipina friend ni MJ). We moved around the neighborhood, knocked at people's houses and asked for sweets, or we shall treat them with tricks.

It was MJ's first trick or treat because nobody could accompany her. So its Kuya's way of making up for years that I wasn't there to see her grow.

Medyo hazy ang pics! Ang lamig. 2 degrees lang ngayong gabi, tapos may hangin pa!

Just check photo gallery at my Multiply site.