#ThankYou, Tatay Ko

2016 is one of the best years of my life!

This year marks memorable and major personal and family milestones in this journey of discovering the wonders and beauty of the world. Some of the unforgettable simple joys I achieved in the last 12 months includes scoring my first-ever “touchdown” in an inter-company patintero competition; conquered my fear of driving a car after more than a decade of avoiding the steering wheel due to a minor accident; and got promoted from being a contributing writer to a columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

I achieved these small victories on my 40th birth year which coincides with my only child Charles’ 7th birthday and 10th wedding anniversary with my dearest Leah.

Truly, I am very thankful to God for all the blessings that came my way in 2016. That’s why when I saw the AirAsia #ThankYou campaign video online, I was inspired to write about thanking someone who has rode and stuck with me in every bumpy and turbulent ride life had offered me. The clip was sincere and moving that it will make us realize that saying thank you is more than just an expression of appreciation but is also to tell someone that he has done well and should continue with his kind ways.

Being more close to my mother, I hate to admit it but I might have sometimes forgot to show my appreciation to my father and all the things he has done for our family. I hope that through this story that I will share, I would be able to really say the words I should have told him years ago. And what a perfect time to tell him this during this season of love and gratitude.

I’ve met people who consider their nice-looking cars or different gadgets as their prized possessions. Not my Tatay Momoy. For a simple man like him, his old but reliable hammer is his well-kept treasure. I want to share an anecdote that happened 10 years ago a few days before Christmas.

Tatay came here in Manila from Agoo, La Union in the late ‘60s as an innocent just-got-20-years-old man armed only with the tool he purchased using the money he have saved for years.

Good thing he easily got a job as a carpenter in Paco, Manila where he also met our future Nanay Conchit. To make the story short, they got married and had six children. I am the eldest and have witnessed how Tatay have raised this family for more than four decades and counting, though thick and thin.

I still remember my Tatay's way of expressing his appreciation every time I got high grades in school. When I was in third grade and entered top 10 in class, he made me a wooden scooter that was the “in” thing during those times. When I was second honor in 2nd year high school, he built me a pigeon house for my pets. I just can't remember if I even thanked him for all his efforts.

With Tatay Momoy, Nanay Conchit, my son Charles and my wife Leah

Today, Tatay no longer works as a carpenter because he claims that he already lost his “carpentry skills.” I think that is just his way of denying rheumatism and arthritis.

But of all the great things Tatay has given me, the one that he did in December of 2006 before my wedding day was the most memorable and touching of all. I just came home from work when Tatay approached me. He asked me to come with him and check something he made for the house I was building for my future family.

He led me to the kitchen and showed me a pink (favorite color of my wife) cabinet that he made under the kitchen sink. His voice sounded apologetic, “Pasensiya na anak ha? ‘Yan lang ang nakayanan ng Tatay. Wala pa kasi akong perang pambili ng wedding gift e.”

I know I wiped my eyes that time but I did not show it to him because I felt it was kinda corny. I can't minced a word to thank him because I might just burst into tears. But I know he knows I was very thankful that time with the way I reacted. I can’t help but smile when I saw a familiar fellow near the just finished cabinet --- the hammer that was used to build our home 40 years ago.

P.S. For the curious souls, below is a snapshot (almost) of the pink cabinet :-)

#ThankYou, Tatay Ko. Thank you for being the second tatay to my son Charles who you nurture with the same love (or even more) you have given me. If ever I’ll be blessed to win this blog contest sponsored by AirAsia Philippines, I will be able to finally fulfill one of your life-long dreams of being able to travel on a plane.

I prepared a list below of possible destinations you may want to consider. Pili ka na, Tay. I will hammer things out to make this possible. Promise, hindi mapapako.

Let’s Move & Let’s Love

Image credit: www.coy-dreamer.deviantart.com

One thing that has kept my relationship with my wife Leah stronger than ever is our ability to make one another laugh--- from corny jokes to sweet surprises to silly things that we do.

We are a fun-loving couple who have lived, breath, got use to and grew with each other's sense of humor. I lost count of the jokes we have traded, senseless debates on just about anything, and moments that we feel like we are just kids playing ‘bahay-bahayan.”

Leah also tries to understand and like my interests even though she doesn’t have a clue of what she’ll be getting into. She had accompanied me to the two occasions WWE superstars wrestled at Araneta Coliseum and when NBA Madness came to Manila. She didn’t mind the rowdy crowd instead she screamed and cheered with me throughout the event.

For that, I want to express my love to her in as many and creative ways I can.  I have sent her a love letter before full of "I love you" written and translated in different languages. Tonight, I'll make her a love note (something I have not done in a while) full of love ala-United Colors of Benetton style--- a list of countries with sweet meanings behind their names, all lovingly dedicated to my wife!

What's the reason behind this sudden lovestruck me? A promise from my wife that my favorite chicken adobo will be waiting for me on our dining table tonight. Now that's one tummy love fest I'd love to celebrate again and again.

AUSTRALIA - Adoring & Understanding Someone's True Reasons About Loving Intimately Always.
BURMA - Between Us, Remember Me Always
CALGARY - Caress And Love Grow Always in Relationship Yearly
CANADA - Cute And Naughty Action that Developed into Attraction
CHINA - Come Here I Need Affection
EGYPT - Everything's Great, You Pretty Thing
FRANCE - Friendships Remain And Never Can End
GERMANY - Great Emotion Really Makes Any Nerd Yell
HOLLAND - Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies
HONGKONG - Hug Only Nice Guys, Kiss Only Naughty Girls.
INDIA - I Nearly Died In Adoration
ITALY - I Trust And Love You
JAPAN - Just Always Pray At Night
KENYA - Keep Everything Nice, Yet Adoring
KOREA - Keeping Optimistic Regardless of Every Adversity
LIBYA - Love Is Beautiful; You Also
MANILA - May All Nights Inspire Love Always
NEPAL - Never Ever Part As Lovers
PHILIPPINES - Pure Hugs I Love It Please Please I Need Some
POLAND - Planning Our Love, A New Dream.
RUSSIA - Romance Under the Sky & Stars Is Intimate Always
THAILAND - Totally Happy Always In Love And Never Dull
VIETNAM - Very Intimate Emotions Towards Non-Appreciative Males

Speaking of Benetton, I just found out that the company is present in 120 countries today. Its network of over 6,500 stores, offers high quality customer services and top of the line products that has been part of many love stories worldwide.

As love is being celebrated in many parts of the world, Benetton lunches two of their newest fragrances, Let’s Move for men and Let’s Love for women. Love will never smell this good with such pleasant news.

So what's your story? Share what makes you smile, capture your heart and completes your day. Tell the world of that one great love story you have kept within because the perfect time to do it is now. Let's Move & Let's Love!

15 Things I want to discover at the T'nalak Festival

Image credit: Southcotabatonews.com

I first heard of the province of South Cotabato through the music of the legendary Pinoy band Asin in one of their popular songs.

Honestly, I have to admit that I grew up with a not-so-good impression not only on the province but the whole island of Mindanao because of the unpleasant news that I watched on TV, heard on radio and read in the newspapers about the region when I was a kid.

But things changed when I met some of my best pals in college who came from different provinces from the South. They shared great stories back home that made me want to visit Mindanao.

My first great experience in the region happened last year when I spent a week of business trip ni Cagayan De Oro.  There I met new friends during my short but fruitful stay.  During one conversation with a fellow participant in a conference that I attended, he told me that I should consider visiting his birthplace South Cotabato if ever I wanted to have another taste of Mindanao.

He was so excited most in discussing their very own T’nalak Festival which happens on July every year. From then on, I have included visiting the province and experiencing what is describe as a much awaited event in the region in my bucket list.

Image credit: Southcotabatonews.com

Hopefully next year, I can finally fulfill my longing to visit South Cotabato and finally experience first hand the great atmosphere and colorful celebration of their very own festival.  I have enumerated 15 things that I want to discover if ever I get a chance to be there. I made a list using T’NALAK FESTIVAL as my guide to easilily remind me of what amazing things are in store for me.

T'boli Tribe. I would like to interact with one of the indiginous peoples of South Cotabato who create and weave a cloth where the popular festival was named after.

Native costume Blaian. I am simply amazed with the colorful costumes that locals wear during the festivities that I also wanted to get into one or even buy as a souvenir.

Artistry and music. I have heard that the province has rich musical heritage consisting of various types of agung ensembles composed of different gongs. Listening to it would give a distint feeling that can only be found in the region.  

Lovely faces and warm smile. Mutya ng Cotabato has been a much anticipated annual event in the province. It feels like heaven when you see beautiful faces giving you a friendly smile not only in the pageant but in every corner you go.

Anniversary of South Cotabato. Taking part in the T’nalak Festival is like being a part of the province’s history since the festival is held during its foundation anniversary.

Koronadal City. The provincial capital which is also known as Marbel among the local population is the melting pot of the contrasting ethnic cultures and influences, many dialects and indigenous traditions in South Cotabato.

Float and parade. Some of the highlights of the celebration is the float and cheer dance competition and the T’nalak Parade or madai Bel which is such a joy to watch for the young people and those young at heart.

Entertainment. Every year, celebrities are invited to hold a show or concert where anyone can dance and sing their heart out along popular movie actors and professional singers and/ or bands.

Street dance. Local and foreign tourist flocked to the streets to witness world-class street dancing competition that features the best of the best of South Cotabato.

Tradition. The festival not only offers a feast for the eyes but also a glimpse of the rich heritage of the province--- the sounds, culture, beliefs and way of life are showcased in this week-long celebration.

Incredible tourist sites. South Cotabato has a lot of scenis places, amazing and enchanting natural attractions like Lake Sebu, Mt. Matutum, Koronadal Valley and the beautiful surroundings of Pao-Pao.  

Vegetable and fruits. The province is famous for its fresh harvests particularly pineapple and asparagus from the Dole plantation. Roadside stalls also sell bananas, durian, marang and other local produce at low prices.

Agri-fair and bazaar. When you are looking for great food and other stuff and your on a budget, this is the place to be. Every thing is eye-candy so better allot a budget to satisfy your cravings.

Love for one’s community. All in all, the T’nalak Festival is such a sight to behold because it reflects and tells how united the people of South Cotabato are as manifested in the time and effort they share to make the event a big success.

And my 15th reason of a guranteed wonderful and hassle-free visit in South Cotabato is the improved signal of Sun Cellular in the province. Now, I can call my frinds in Manila and have an uninterrupted and clear connection as if I am just a city away from them.

Making this list just made me more excited and decided to plan a trip down south anytime soon.  I just hope all my plans will fall into places so by next year, I will can finally take part of T’nalak Festival.

I wish to end this rambling of yours trully with this year’s theme of the very successful festival as to invite myself ang all the readers of this blog to try a new wonderful experience next year...

“South Cotabato, Making a Difference... Amo Na Ya!”

This is my submission for the T'nalak Festival 2012 Blog Writing Contest, which is made possible with the support of sponsors such as Hon. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr and the province of South Cotabato, Sun Cellular - get two days of unlimited text to all networks for only ₱15 with SUN TEXTALL15, Dole Philippines, Representative Teddy Casiño & Bayan Muna Party-List,  KCC Malls, SouthCotabato.Org and South Cotabato News. 

Thank You Mom

The month of May is one of busiest time of the year. While some are preparing for their town fiestas and the many activities it brings (basketball tournaments, sagala, beauty contests, etc), others engage in road trips and out-of-town adventures before the back-to-school season hit the scene.

But we should not forget that a special day is celebrated worldwide in the midst of the festivities and madness that the hot air of summer gives. Every second Sunday of May is recognized as the day of appreciation to the greatest women in our lives. I am not talking of our wives and girlfriends. It’s your mama, mommy, mom, nanay, ma, inay, mudra, inang, mum and whatever unique name you call her.

A few days ago, I was watching a video over Youtube when I saw a thumbnail of a video on the sidebar of the screen with the title, “Best Job.”  In the next two minutes, I felt a pinch in my heart and was just moved with the images and message of the short yet inspiring clip. After viewing it, I told myself that I want to do something special for my Nanay Conchit this coming Mother’s day.

I plan to cook tinola for her. Something that she always does for me every time I am down, with sickness or due to a sad episode in my life, and every sip of her wonder soup lifts up my spirit and brings a smile on my face. I also wrote her a letter which I want to share to you guys. Why?  You’ll find out when you read the note below. I decided to do it in tagalog and you’ll also know the reason for this in the letter.

Dear Nanay,

Huwag ka sanang magtaka kung bakit sinulatan kita. Wala po akong mabigat na problema, uunahan ko na po  kayo.  Magpi-pitong taon na yata ang nakalipas ng huli kitang sinulatan noong nagta-trabaho pa ko sa ibang bansa.

May mga bagay lang kasi akong gustong aminin sa inyo na dapat ay matagal ko nang nasabi. Ito na siguro ang tamang pagkakataon dahil malapit na ang Mother’s day.

Nay, hindi mo alam ito pero nung elementary po ako, tinanong ako ng teacher ko kung ano ang trabaho mo. Ang sabi ko isa kang businesswoman pero di ko binanggit na pagtatahi ng basahan ang negosyo mo. Mayabang kasi yung katabi ko at palagi sinasabi manager sa pagawaan ng kotse yung mommy niya. E tuwing Christmas party, mas maganda naman ang suot kong damit kesa sa kanya.

Tapos nung high school, napag-usapan naming magkaka-klase kung ano mga natapos ng mga nanay namin. Ang sabi ko undergrad ka pero di ko na binanggit na hanggang grade 5 lang inabot mo. Ako kasi nag-top sa buong batch namin sa National College Entrance Examination (NCEE). Baka sabihin nila nangodiko lang ako o tsamba lang yun.  E, magaling naman talaga kayong mag-review sa akin, diba?

Nung college ko naman, may naghahanap sa inyo kung kelan daw kayo makikilala ng mga barkada ko kasi hindi ko daw kayo iniimbitahan sa awarding ceremonies ng mga essay contest na aking pinagwagian. Kayo na din kasi nagsabi na baka pagsalitain kayo sa stage ng ingles e bilang lang kamo sa daliri ang English words na alam nyo.  Binabati ko naman kayo sa mga acceptance speeches ko bilang inspirasyon sa aking mga gawa.

Aminin ko man o hindi, pero hindi ko po kayo naibida sa ibang tao sa ilang bagay bilang aking ina. Ngunit nais kong linawin na hindi ito nangangahulugan na ikinakahiya ko kayo. Marahil noong mga panahong iyon ay inaakala kong nararapat lang ang aking mga ginawa sa mga nasabing sitwasyon.  Ngayon po ay nais kong isigaw sa buong mundo ang lubos kong pasasalamat sa inyo!

Salamat po na mula sa pagtatahi ng basahan ay nagawa n’yong bilhan at bihisan ako at ang aking mga kapatid ng maaayos na kasuotan.

Salamat po na kahit di ka nakatapos ng elementarya ay nakagawa kayo ng paraan at nairaos n’yo akong mapagtapos sa kolehiyo.

Salamat po at kahit hindi kayo magaling mag-ingles ay naituro nyo sa akin ng wasto ang ABC na siyang naging pundasyon ko bilang isang manunulat.

Nanay... nais kong lagi n’yong isaisip at isapuso ang mga salitang ingles na ito na hindi mo man madalas marinig sa akin ay alam kong maiintindihan ninyo, I love you so much, Nanay Conchit!

Lubos na gumagalang,

Richard

My nanay might shed some tears reading this letter.  I just know. She cries over sad movies and soap operas. So just to lighten up the mode, I prepared some original pick-up lines especially dedicated to my ever dearest mother. I’ll be using some products that I see in my nanay’s small sari-sari store so she can easily relate with my pa-cute messages. Here goes...

Find out how you too can show your appreciation to your mom.  Discover why the hardest job in the world is also the best job in the world.  Visit the official Thank You Mom Facebook page and be part of the celebration of love to the greatest women of our lives!   

The Suplado Experience (TSE)

Suplado!

This statement was posted on my Facebook wall by a classmate from college whom I last saw in person a decade ago.  I did not delete his post but instead placed a comment asking him why. 

After several minutes, I got a response saying that I snubbed him big time when he greeted me near the entrance of a mall the night before.  I apologized and explained my side.  I was on a rush to get home since the next day I have a flight to Cebu for a company event.  And for crying out loud! How would I recognize HIM in a dress.  I thought he or she was one of those “marketing specialists” asking people if they have credit cards that will be the key to great fortune which eventually will just end up as a monthly charge for an insurance policy for the unwilling “client.”

And besides, my last memory of him was us in a tight hug of goodbye during the last day of our Chemistry class--- which made me realized now what his hand squeezing my buttocks then means.  That pervert!

Actually, it’s not the first time that I was branded as a snub.  Some of my neighbors, especially those who just lived in our placed recently, might have such impression on me.  I can’t remember how many videoke and drinking sessions I have declined just because I am not into these past times. But the more “real” reason behind this suplado attitude is that my wife won’t let me sleep beside her when she smells the scent of liquor coming out from my mouth.  Under de saya? No, naman.  I want to believe that I am just understanding.

I am suplado. Something I hate to admit but my actions does prove that I am one.  It’s just that I am not the type who will start a conversation.  I will respond   if you’ll ask me a question and if I find that there is sense in conversing with you, I can be your best friend.

I can also be suplado even to those people I am interested to talk to because I am not good in initiating talk with a stranger.  I am still stuck with an embarrassing moment when I tried to impress someone I just met during a community work.  I found out that this pretty volunteer was interested in organizing a basketball competition for members of a youth organization and was soliciting funds to buy sports equipment. 

I have a couple of basketball in our house and so I excitedly approached her and offered my help, “I have balls but I left them at home!”

Suddenly, I heard a group of other volunteers laughing that made me realized that I just said something not right. How I wish I just stayed in suplado mode and avoided humiliation.  How I wish there was something or someone to guide me then on how to be firm suplado, proud of it and succeed.

Sayang! I only found recently about the existence of a man who claims he is funny and suplado and his book called Suplado Tips (Pa-English English ka pa, Sipain kita dyan eh!).  His surname already sounds like he’s a snub combined with a first name that means meadow that is stony, ikaw na the best ka, Stanley Chi!

Stanley started showing the world his brand of comedy via the comic strip Chopsticks for the Sunday edition of Manila Bulletin. He is also a stand up comic and a TV host for the comedy show Front Act. Libraries were never the same again when he became a certified book author.

Honestly, it was my idol Ramon Bautista, a TV and radio demigod, who convinced me to get a copy of the book via his moving testimonial, “Simula ng tinuruan ako ni Stanley Chi na maging suplado, nawala ang ubo ko!” (Perfect for someone like me who has asthma)

But seriously (heck, I never expected to use the word serious in this post), Suplado Tips is one gem of a humor book for those who wants to laugh ‘till they drop.  One can relate to the many tips since I would like to believe that there is a suplado side in each of every one of us.  For the non-suplados (tse! mga echoserang ayaw pang umamin), you’ll learn great advices like “Kung may nagsusungit sayo at sinabing mainit ulo niya dahil gutom siya, hiritan mo ng...'Hoy gutom din ako baka patulan kita'” (But this is not advisable to be used by understanding husbands like me to their wives, okay? Don’t tell me I did not warn you.)

The book also includes the 10 Suplado Commandments to remind grumpy people how to behave against people accordingly, the Suplado Meter to measure the level of angst in you and comic strips in case you loose interest in reading text entries.  

Because of the success of the book which is the fourth under his name, Stanley should start getting voice and dance lesson 'coz he might get a call anytime soon for a production number in ASAP Rocks over ABS-CBN.  Well, Stanley just joined the ranks of Iya Villania and Sam Milby as endorsers of UniSilver Time, with UniSilver Time releasing the Suplado Watch this August.   Hmm… what could be a nice background music for a Suplado interpretative dance? 

So, are you ready to be suplado, supladoer and the supladoest? Go to your suking (favorite) bookstore and grab a copy of the book in the surprisingly less than Php 100 lang price!

But wait, there’s more!  Stanley Chi is also a radiologist.  You can catch him over the Suplado Show, the internet radio on Dig Radio (formerly NU107).  Just log on to www.pinoytuner.com and get all the how to snub tips that you want.