Remembering Panoy

It's October 30 today. It's a day of the year we always remember. It's my brother Panoy's birthday.

He would have turned 32 this year. But our beloved brother is frozen at age 23. He died a hero in Surigao del Norte on May 2, 2005. The last time I saw him was on October 2004, when he fetched me at the Manila Airport. He was very excited to meet with me then. We had a long talk about life, family, his ambitions and plans as a soldier, and about his girlfriend Deen.

Panoy wanted to spend more time with his sisters. Bonding time, he said since we were not able to really bond during our college days. I spent my college days in Miagao, Iloilo while he spent time sweating it out at PMA. I was her big sister, especially during his elementary years when most of our elder siblings were off to college in Iloilo. I was the one who would bring him to school. Who would attend the PTA meeting when Nanay can't attend. I was the one who would wash their dirty uniforms and help coach him when he joined a declamation contest. 

Oyen's Food Milestone: Pasta with Basil and Olive Oil

Finally, we were able to wean my son Oyen from milk. You see, Oyen was a finicky eater. He would only drink milk from his bottle and eat only crunchy food. Anything that is not crunchy, he won't eat. That meant his diet was pretty limited. No vegetables, no fruits and no soups.

Last month, he underwent a major dental procedure meant to get rid of his decayed teeth and correct his oral sensitivity. Oyen is more or less milk-free now, except for the occasional ice cream and sprinkle of cheese. But ever since we weaned him from milk, he had been eating non-stop. Cereals, GF-chips, biscuits and bread. He looks for food every 15 minutes! He now also explores different tastes which used to turn him off. He used to crinkle his nose on vegetables and would spit out mushy fruits. Now, he eats peach-mango pies, maja blanca and rice noodles (bihon).

Today, I made some pasta for him and I'm glad he liked it. I'm sharing with you my recipe so you can try it. It's a basic pasta recipe and you can prepare it in less than 30 minutes.


PASTA WITH BASIL LEAVES AND OLIVE OIL

Pasta with Basil and Olive Oil. Healthy Yummy.

NAYA AND ME Episode 3

HOW TO BUILD A KITE
October 20, 2013


NAYA: Nanay, I know how to build a kite. 
ME: Really? How do you build a kite? sige be.
NAYA: You follow these steps.

Step 1 - First you think.
Step 2 - Then you eat
Step 3 - Ligo anay kay bahu na ako eh. (I'll take a bath first coz I'm smelly already)
Step 4 - You build the kite
Step 5 - You get a string and tie it.
Step 6 - You go outside the house
Step 7 - Wait for the wind to start blowing
Step 8 - You run!

Me: Baw damu-damu steps ba. (There are too many steps)
NAYA: May ara pa. (There's more)

Step 9 - you smile because you're happy.
Step 10 - Go home na and go to sleep.

THE HOSPITAL

Two hands clasped together
Over a rounded belly
In anticipation
Of a new life
A gift
Waiting for that first glimpse
Of that black and white image 
The first picture 
Of a life about to be born

A pair of arms cuddling
A new life created
Familiarizing
Protecting
Nurturing
A smile exchanged between 
Two beings who made
This new bundle of joy
A new life chapter awaits

Starting a Moon Series of Poetry

The moon is a constant feature in my memory bank. There are a lot of memories in my life - happy, sad, painful - that the moon had been a witness to. Last night, a big, golden full moon evoked strong memories from the distant past. And it inspired me to write a poem. Actually, I'm inspired to write a series about the moon.

I'm a bit conscious about my writing. I'm more of a reader than a writer. Decades ago, I attempted to write poetry but somebody told me I don't have it. And so for sometime, I did not write again.

Poetry writing is a form of therapy, so I'm writing again. Even if somebody will tell me I suck at it. 

Moon Series I
08/21/2013

A golden moon
Wrapped by dainty finger-like clouds
Brings back memories
From a hundred moons ago
Of coconut trees caressed by sea breeze
Of gentle waves kissing the shore
Of young, beating hearts whispering
Innocent vows towards the perfect moon
No words were required
A sigh, a glance, a heartbeat
Spoke a thousand meanings

But that was before.

Another attempt at poetry, one boring afternoon

I got bored last Wednesday, so I tried writing some poetry. I originally posted it on Facebook but hey, I guess it also deserves a post here on my blog. 

Literary critics would definitely raise their eyebrows especially with the English title and the Filipino content. I'll try to translate it in English next time. 

A Reader's Wish
(Original work, in Filipino)
June 26, 2013