I got a very sweet message from a young reader who reacted to my last column. She wanted to know how she could bring some kind of solace to my “depressed” and “deflated” state of mind.

 

And she suggested, “I think you need to laugh.” I agreed.

 

I was reminded of a regular feature in the Readers Digest: Laughter is the Best Medicine.

 

Then I remembered that at a gathering some weeks earlier, my favorite florist and niece gave me a couple of tickets to “Hilarious Harmonies,” a benefit show at La Salle Zobel, starring Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor.

 

It was for the following night. My daughter had nothing scheduled and accepted my invite, excited to watch her favorite stand-up comediennes do their thing. So off we went Saturday night, both ready to laugh, eager for a change of pace.

 

The last time I saw this irrepressible duo was eons ago, in “Tit for Tat.”

 

Mitch and Nanette were all we expected and more. We were in stitches. The audience roared in appreciation, applauded their perfect timing and comedic expertise. These are seasoned performers. Even when one of the props on stage malfunctioned, they used it to their full advantage and it became a running joke.

 

I enjoyed their shtick on being Pinoy, about our unique quirks, and the aches and pains of seniors. I love it when we can laugh at ourselves.

 

They were careful not to get too risqué. There were young children in the audience as well as some priests and nuns.

 

I wish they had gone a little farther when they talked about the state of the nation. The audience was ready. They cheered, egging them on to keep going.  But the ladies were careful and did not wander off into dangerous territory. I so wish they had. I need someone to make me laugh about the mess we’re in.

 

It was a wonderful evening. I hope they have more of these presentations in our neck of the woods. No traffic to contend with. The Sylvia P. Lim Theater, now 17 years old, could use some refurbishing, but it sure is a comfortable and convenient venue.

 

‘Lola’ rants

 

An old friend from school called, all breathless and agitated, and deeply offended that she found out about the grandson’s engagement thanks only to Facebook.

 

She didn’t actually see it. It was her friend who read the post, and called to congratulate her. “Imagine, such important news, and I’m the last to know!”

 

I am a lola. I can relate.

 

It’s amazing how much we choose to “share” on social media. We know what people eat, drink, cook, buy, wear, don’t wear, whom they like or dislike, whom they friend or “unfriend.” We thoughtlessly post rumors without bothering to double-check. When we find out it is fake news, it’s too late. The damage is done.

 

Is this lola justified in feeling slighted? “Insulted” is the word she used. Was the grandson remiss in not telling her first?

 

Announcement etiquette

 

Question: Is there any kind of announcement etiquette? Is there a book of rules that guides us on how to prioritize those near and dear to us?

 

Yes there is. And it tells you, straight away, to start off telling those closest to you. You do this personally. Yourself. Face to face if possible.

 

The first rule is that if there are children from a previous relationship, they should be told first. It even tells you what to say.

 

If there are no children, the bride’s parents should be the first to know, and then the groom’s parents. For both occasions, it tells the couple to do this in person.

 

Next in line are grandparents, brothers and sisters and other immediate close relatives. Perhaps it would be easier and more fun to tell them all at a family gathering.

 

After the above are informed, close friends and colleagues can be told via phone calls or social media. The latest and “in” way to do that is to create a wedding website.

 

I urge engaged couples to seriously think about who would be hurt to not know immediately.

 

Or is it now cool to bypass the older generation?

 

I don’t think this is about old-fashioned formalities that have gone out of style. I believe this has everything to do with consideration and respect.

 

Taking a knee

 

And speaking of respect, news from the United States shows disturbing images of athletes and other sports personalities not rising for their national anthem. Some ignore it. Others go down on one knee or push a fist up in the air, in a sign of protest or dissent.

 

Many moons ago, I was at a football game in California and beside us was a bunch of kids who remained seated when everyone stood for the anthem. I was shocked.

 

Their parents did nothing. Those kids are now adults. Just saying.

 

I don’t know how you feel when your anthem is played. I have been known to cry.

 

And when I am in another country, I stand for their national song. It is a matter of respect.

 

I may not be enamored with our leaders, but it changes nothing about how I feel for the anthem, or our flag and what it represents.

 

There has never been a question in my heart about what I should do when our “Lupang Hinirang” is played: I rise. I’m on my feet. Hand over my heart. And I sing.