You are never too old for roses. On the eve of Valentine’s Day I received a bouquet of Ecuadorian roses and snapdragons. I was thrilled.
Have you seen the latest Jollibee commercial? The burger chain celebrated love month and found our heartstrings. It tells us about falling in love, about winning and losing.
Jollibee has a gem. You will see some of the prettiest faces on TV today. It is a feel-good story with a twist, and a little “ouch” at the end.
What did you do on Valentine’s Day? The weather was balmy and breezy with enough of a chill to invite an extra cuddle.
I did traditional stuff. I went to a post-V show at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire. It was sold out on the 14th so I settled for the day after. It was just as packed. Lani was outstanding.
As long as his career has been going, I am still amazed and humbled to see the intense and often passionate response accorded the performance of my second son, who, once long ago in Hawaii, built me houses from shoe boxes and took the garbage out.
And, like on his very first concert at the Folk Arts three decades ago, I still worry about what he wears, if he brushed his teeth, does he know his lyrics, are the notes too high. I get nervous when he dances. God knows he is no Gene Kelly. And if he gets silly, I get nervous all over again. I guess it’s a mommy thing.
And when the last encore has been sung, I am exhausted, relieved and extremely proud. My mother, after doing an opera, used to say, “Their applause is reward enough.” And truly it is also that for me.
Early Valentine’s morning someone texted: “Why do we keep reminding ourselves and indulge in the craziest moments in our lives?”
Why indeed! Maybe it’s because remembering is almost as sweet, and every time we reminisce and get a little weepy, we can relive those days of wine and roses.
To inspire
“Inspirar.”
It is the title of a seminar featuring “ordinary people with extraordinary stories.” It means “to inspire” in Spanish. I thought, how novel, and wondered who put it together and why. I made a few inquiries.
“Inspirar” is the creation of Ronald “Bong” Rodriguez, a 41-year-old businessman, well-known for his innovative ideas for community service. It was born out of his desire for better conversations.
It is also the work of young professionals who, with Rodriguez, hope to contribute to nation building.
I was impressed by their “hype.” Inspirar. Believe in Good. Let’s Change the Conversation.
The group hopes that by spreading the inspiring stories of ordinary individuals, they can change the negative conversation of today’s society. I applaud this noble endeavor.
A second storytelling session is on the drawing board. I sincerely wish them success. God knows we need something to turn us around.
‘Found’
On my last birthday, I got this book from my granddaughter—“Found: Letters on Love, Life and God,” written by Isa Garcia.
The author is a teacher and social advocate, in her late 20s, born and raised in the Philippines.
A reviewer writes, “Isa Garcia believes that everybody deserves love letters. She wrote these letters in ‘Found’ for you: the girl who has been feeling a bit lost; the girl who likes to run from pain; the girl who is ready to go; the girl who is a lot of things at one time or another. Isa knows that there are days when you would need to be reminded that you matter, you are not alone, and the world is a far better place with you in it.”
The book comes with full color pullout postcards of quotes from the book, illustrated by Crae Achacoso.
I have read it, slowly relishing every word, amazed by the deep insight of such a young woman. The book is for girls (and boys?) of all ages.
“The Symphony of Silence” is my favorite chapter. It resonates in my heart.
“There will be days when you will be lonely—and that’s okay. Loneliness, I am learning, is part of the human condition. I know now that there are some things that can only be found in the quiet.
“These days I’ve acquired a taste for my own company. I plan trips. I fight for causes. On some days, I find myself asking unashamedly, for a table for one. I stay home. I meet up with friends. I read. I try to write books. I take delight in all these singular goodness.
“This period of solitude in the history of my life is shaping my becoming.
“You are not crazy for wanting the spark, the fireworks, the soft gaze of someone kind. But at the same time, you are not less for not having them.
“It’s easy to forget your birthright, that you are His beloved. When the lie threatens to steal your joy, know that your heart is a fighter and your God is good.
“While you deserve songs that speak of extraordinary love, sometimes you have to learn to write and sing them by yourself. And oftentimes, the songs sound better when you do.”
Isa signs this letter: “With love, a girl who prays you find the beauty of solitude.”
It is truly the gift of peace. I found it. I pray you do, too.