Monday, February 28, 2005
coming home
now with pictures!
Year 2000. This was the year I walked out of the halls of The School of the Holy Spirit, QC, (or SHS as it is known) with diploma in hand. I had spent 12 years of my life there, and I couldn’t wait to see what was outside the walls of the convent school that I felt had restricted me for the last few years of my life. I wanted to see who I could be in the bigger world, what I could be without all the strict rules of conduct imposed on us by the nuns. I left high school, raring to spread my wings, and I never looked back. That was 5 years ago.
Now I am a college graduate, and high school has begun to seem like a distant dream. Are my memories real? Do I really remember what color the floors of the classrooms were, how to get to the library, the smell of the broom closet behind the blackboard? Or are those details just things my mind made up to fill in the blanks of incomplete memories? For all I know, I could turn the corner at J. Paredes St. in Capitol Hills and find that SHS never existed in the first place.
But the buildings of Holy have been calling to me in my dreams. I’ve had so many dreams of wandering the maze of corridors and staircases of Holy Spirit, dreams of trying to find my way to my old school, but never quite getting there, of walking around and around the big tree in front of the prep building.
When they announced last year that in honor of the school’s Jubilee Year there would be an alumni homecoming in February, I felt it was truly time to return to the place.
So last Saturday, I showed up at the School of the Holy Spirit with Charlene, dressed in my sister’s 1960s wrap dress. Since I used to dress like a hobo in high school, I wanted to show up looking like class. (Afterwards, I regretted not having taken the opportunity to violate the SHS dress code on the one day on earth I could’ve gotten away with it. All my other batch mates came in spaghetti straps and halters, which was a big fat no-no in high school).
After registering, Char and I had just begun to stroll through the dear old halls of Holy Spirit when we came to a blinding realization. We were trotting the halls for the first time as non-students, and therefore were unencumbered by rules and would receive no punishment for any hanky panky we committed. In short, we were free from the system!!!
So with a new sense of self-importance, we strutted down all the corridors acting like we owned the school. We ducked into empty classrooms and rummaged in all the drawers. We opened the broom closets to see if the wet-rag-floor-wax smell was still there. We went to the bio lab and doodled on the blackboard, and checked if the human brain was still there in its jar of formaldehyde. We cackled like witches at the statues of St. Maria Goretti and St. Arnold Janssen. We took pictures of ourselves. We went to the faculty room, to bug the teachers.
Then we had to cut the clowning because the program was about to begin. We had a pleasant little mass, then proceeded to the covered courts for dinner.
I forgot to mention at the beginning that I was being called back for another reason also, one that I wasn’t expecting. For it’s Silver Anniversary, the school wanted to award several of its alumni that they deemed outstanding in their contributions to different fields of specialty. I was totally surprised to find that my name had somehow made its way into that list; amongst other alumni, so much older than I, who had gone on to become missionaries, pediatricians, educators, artists, etc. Needless to say, I felt totally undeserving and felt as there had been some kind of mistake on their part. Where did the “Endorser and Media Personality” (as it said in my write-up) fit in among all these selfless super women?
Maybe they liked my essay (all nominees were required to submit one). I think I wrote something about being able to hold on my individuality and principles in an industry where you are made to conform, and where so many young showbiz hopefuls would willingly sell their souls just to get on TV. It was all very abstract. I don’t feel like I’ve done much for society, unless you count being on a billboard or introducing a music video as changing the social landscape. Sure I’ve done charity here and there, have offered my services pro bono for good causes, but I wouldn’t call it award-worthy.
You can imagine that up until the last moment, I refused to take my award seriously. Even when they were already calling me onstage, I sat in my seat cringing in semi-embarrassment.But when I actually went up onstage to receive my glass medal that said: “This medal is awarded to Angela Paredes as an outstanding SHS Alumna…”, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly honored. To feel honored is not the same as to feel proud. If anything, I felt absolutely humbled right at that moment. My school, my alma mater, was genuinely proud of me and I felt incredibly touched. Maybe I didn’t feet deserving but it warmed my heart immensely to have my school believe in me so much. So maybe I’m only 21 and haven’t gotten to where I want to go. But seeing the smiles on their faces, and being hugged by my teachers makes me feel that maybe, just maybe, I’m on the right track. I am honored. :-)
I made up an acceptance speech 5 minutes before I was called on stage, dedicating my medal to batch 2000 (represent!), and thanking all my educators. For sure there will be many more from my batch to receive that award during the years to come. By then, we’ll be in our 40s, and we’ll have a whole lifetime lived!
When I got out of high school, I was raring to leave the convent that I felt restricted my individuality with all its rules on prudence and simplicity. I felt that a lot of people were narrow-minded because they wouldn’t let me dye my hair purple, and didn’t like my crew cut. Ah, teenage angst.
Now I see that the conservative upbringing didn’t really do me any harm. It didn’t kill my individuality, and probably even tempered me for the better. Because our school was very simple, I learned to be happy with very little, and that gave me a sense of character. All my batch-mates have grown into smart, hardworking, and one-of-a-kind women. I think we all turned out quite remarkably.
Now that time has passed, it is a dear old place that will never leave my heart. These were the walls that saw me grow up. Some of us may have left the school hating or resenting some of our teachers for all the emotional scars they couldn’t help but inflict. But in the end, these dear ladies will welcome you back with joyful and open arms like a father receiving a prodigal son. How lovely it was to see them.
And finally, I’d like to share with you the profound little quote, painted on a strip of wood in bold red letters, hanging above the blackboard of every single classroom in SHS: ”Truth in Love.”
Our school anthem. Never saw the beauty in it while I was still there.happy birthday CB!
My SHS batchmate CB celebrated her birthday last Saturday with a prom-themed garden party. Took the opportunity to be a man for a night. Funny how when a girl wears men's clothes and changes her walk, she is totally unrecognizable for a good few seconds, even in bright light.
It's good to be a man sometimes.
Posted by
at 12:14 PM 20 Comments!
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
I haven't been in the mood to write about anything blog-worthy. But what the heck.a hairy affair
Last Sunday was my tita Vangie's birthday. Her husband, my tito Marty planned a surprise party for her at Chef and Brewer's, where she sings regularly with her band.
My tita Vangie begins chemotherapy for breast cancer today. Like anyone in her situation she is frightened by the inevitable suffering caused by chemo. As soon as she found out she had breast cancer, she cut her hair a few inches shorter, knowing she would lose it all some day. Through the weeks before her treatment, her hair has gotten even shorter and shorter, as she slowly began to lose attachment to this object of vanity.When I saw her last Sunday, her hair was 2 inches long, and she was already wearing a scarf, as if she didn't have hair anymore.
How strong she is. I am amazed by her attitude of total acceptance, of how she has chosen to bow her head to the things to come.
In support of the treatment she is about to undergo, my tito Butch bought 17 afro wigs for all of us to wear when we surprised her at her party. My sister Erica also suggested we all wear pink, the color of the breast cancer campaign.
When she walked into the venue, we all yelled "surprise!" and sang happy birthday in pink shirts and afro wigs.
It's still amazes me how quickly cancer has become part of the reality of my family. It is very possible even for me to get cancer one day. I am now officially at higher risk than people who don't have cancer in their families. It used to be such a far-fetched thought. Just can't predict what life chooses to hit you with.sibs
just had one of my late night talks with my siblings Erica and Mio. They're crazy. I can tell them anything and they will take my secrets with them to the grave.I love my sibs.
I am also slightly tipsy on Amarula right now.
The other night, I went out on a date with my father-dearest to watch "Phantom of the Opera". We both loved it and had a big, sappy smile on my face during all the love songs. I would have cried in the end but I was with my father :-p
Neverthless, I want to watch it again.
I want all of Emily Rossum's dresses.
Posted by
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
happy un-valentine's to me!
Tuesday, February 15
♥ A surprise sunset picnic on the roofdeck of the 10-story high parking building of Garden Square Condominiums.
♥ A car-trunk filled with 23 red balloons and a bouquet of red roses.
♥ A bottle of wine, some low-fat, artichoke spread on melba toast, my favorite onion rings, and Leonida's (this was my contribution), all consumed on the hood of Nino's car.
♥ Dancing at Nin's condo (even though we both suck), and a box of Belgian chocolates for me!
♥ And to end the night, a fully vegan, candle-lit dinner, all from my favorite restaurant, Satya's. Even dessert was vegan. (Vegetarians need not be miserable on special occasions).
He sure knows how to treat a lay-deh! Yes, he does. If there is one man who has done nothing but spoil me to death...
Every girl deserves the whole wine-and-roses deal at least once, or twice (or thrice) in her life. In my case, this is my first. :-) I'm lucky to have a boyfriend who doesn't lack the romance gene (and he's a rockstar, too!). :-p
Monday, February 14, 2005
celebrating the other kind of love
I just had the nicest Valentine's day ever. I spent it with my family, including my lolo, my titas and titos from my mother's side of the family, family friends, and boyfriends (Nino and Tristan). We spruced my lolo's garden up with candles, lights, and flowers, and made the place look like a real high-class production. We all brought really yummy home-made specialties (including my special pizza). There was caviar, and wine, and chocolates, and more dessert than we all could handle.
You're probably wondering why I'm not out being wined and dined, and celebrating with the masses. Truth is, I've never really celebrated Valentine's day and mostly, I just wait for it to pass. I never really got excited about it and up until I got a boyfriend, I never had any reason to expect a present or anything. My only other memorable Valentine's day was when I set up some tables out in the garden, littered them with rose petals and candles, and had my girlfriends over for some some all-night wine and chocolate fondue, no boys allowed. I got my first Valentine's bouquet just last year, at age 20 (c/o Nino), but before that, Valentine's has been romance-free for me.
So I have absolutely no objections to celebrating the most romantic day of the year in the most platonic way possible, with my family. Through time, the more I realize that my family is the most special thing in my life. It's not like we can choose our families, but I feel I'm the luckiest person to be born into this particular web of intertwining destinies. Some people are forced to spend time with their families, but it's never a chore for me because I enjoy their company and friendship so much.
Tonight, there was a warm glow. My dad brought out his guitar and we spent the night singing oldies and making the baby dance. I saw my lolo in his wheelchair with a huge smile on his face for the first time after several challenging weeks of dealing with chemo-therapy, and the emotional struggle that comes with it. Cancer has really changed the landscape of our family. After my lola, my mom, my tita, and now my lolo contracting the illness, it's made every moment together more sacred (though it's mostly unspoken).
I was going to leave the dinner early and go to Nino's gig at the UP fair, but right before we were supposed to leave, I realized I was leaving behind a moment I might possibly regret missing and decided to stay.
My real, romantic-type Valentine's day celebration is tomorrow. Nino and I wanted to be avant garde and celebrate the day after. No traffic, no rush, no squeezing into over-crowded restaurants. Besides, the 15th is just as special as the 14th... to us at least (wink, wink).bombing...
... all over the country again. Just when things were picking up, and all those bomb-sniffer dogs just lay around in malls and hotel lobbies all day doing nothing. When will it ever end?
Posted by
Saturday, February 12, 2005
here comes the bride
... but I changed my mind.
Yesterday we shot bridal wear in the gardens of U.P. for Lya Armovitz. I do have some nice pictures where I look like a more, er, traditional bride. I just wanted to post the goofy ones.is it true?
Stevie Wonder is coming in December? It if it is, then that's one dream come true on my concert wish-list. When Stevie Wonder sings, he just emanates with pure life energy! My dad told me that when he came hear some decades ago, he graciously sang about 20 songs and even asked some local artists to come onstage and perform with him. I hope he has not lost his graciousness as a performing artist.
We get so many foreign acts in our country now-a-days that charge and arm and a leg for a chance to see them (even if they don't have the talent to back their price-tag up) and deliver only 10 songs, and if their generous enough, an encore.
So Stevie, I'll pay an arm and a leg to hear you sing be "Sir Duke", "Do I Do", "Signed Sealed Delivered", "Knocks Me Off My Feet", "As", and "Superstition". If you deliver I will love you ten times more than before.
Other foreign acts I would dearly love to watch:
1) Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani- I'm not a guitarist and so I probably will never have as deep an appreciation for guitar-heroes than actual guitarists do. I think it's beautiful and amazing anyway.
2) Lauryn Hill- Just because her album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" inspired me in so many ways, and to this day, I consider it one of those albums you keep for life.
3) Paul Mccartney- Dear God, let me watch this Beatle perform live before he passes from living legend to absolute immortality.
I would have loved to see the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holliday perform, or Motown Greats like Marvin Gaye, the Isely Brothers, and Al Green. But I was born 20 years too late.
Posted by
Sunday, February 06, 2005
boracay funboard cup!!!
Each time I return from Boracay, I always have this slight, dreamy hang-over that lasts a day or two, and I'm always a little sad to be home. It's such a magical island. I don't care that it's congested or that it's beeen invaded by capitalist companies pasting ads and posters on every possible surface. It is a wonderful place.
So when Mike invited me for a 6-day free stay in Boracay to write about the Enervon International Funboard Cup, I said yes without even checking if my schedule would permit it. And who cared if I didn't actually know anything about windsurfing?
To quote somebody from the Funboard Cup: "If this were tennis, Andre Agassi would be here". We had some heavy-weight, international pros on the island like Dan Ellis, Lucy Harwood, Gonzalo Costa Hoevel, and Hawaii's number 1 Junior windsurfer Connor "Con-air" Baxter. Pretty exciting!
I initially wanted to learn kiteboarding but after hearing some of the sordid stories of real life accidents from some of the kiters, I decided to try windsurfing instead. Some people said I had potential as a windsurfer.
But Gonzalo Costa Hoevel, the 6th world's best windsurfer told me afterwards that I was doing alot of things wrong. Crticism straight from a pro haha! Just you wait till next year...
I had gone to Boracay all alone and spent my first day miserably wandering the sands in a daze like an abandoned waif, thinking that nobody would want to hang out with me or talk to me. Until I was rescued by the Leung boys, and eventually met some other great people there!
And needless to say, we partied every night, and pigged out on Nutella crepes, and ate pizza from "Hey Jude", and tried to ward off the sleazy, old men who would try to pick us up in "Summer Place", and drank till we went blind.
Boracay, I'll be back. And soon.
signs of the Philippines
I am a collector of signs. The weirder the better. The Philippines is teeming with bizarre, weird, wonderful, inane signs! Signs on sari-sari stores, small beauty parlors, carinderias, jeepneys, tricycles, packaging , and what-not.
I have an awesome talent for spotting a good sign. Even Nino cannot deny my talent. I have fast eyes. On a moving car, I can spot an unusual sign in the split second it takes for the car to whizz past. Here are some of my favorites:
- "Big Dick's Car Wash", San Juan- What wonderful word play! Haha!
- "Fashionate Collection", on a clothing store in Anonas- "fashionate" sounds so much cooler than fashionable haha!
- "Hairbert Salon", Makati (?)- Herbert creatively combines his name and his passion for cutting hair to form Hair-bert! Ingenious! And of course, there's the ironic... (read on)
- "Pinagtiisan Convenience Store", The Fort- Doesn't the word "pinagtiisan" make it more of an inconvenience store? Ba't kailangan pagtiisan?. Then there's the inane but strangely hilarious Baware of Dog (next).
- "Baware of Dog", C5- It's just a typo but I almost popped a vein laughing when I saw this one. Yeah, I'm weird like that.
It is my dream to someday photograph and catalogue these wonderful signs but I can never seem to whip my camera out fast enough. I've managed to take a few good ones within the last 2 weels though. *wicked grin* Just click on the links.
"Don't tease the snake"- taken at the cobra pen of our very own animal paradise, the Manila Zoo.
Walking through that zoo makes me nervous, what with the poorly-kept cages and lecherous looking animals. Then there's the sign... I don't know if anyone else finds this sign funny but it filled my head with all sorts of sick, funny accidents involving people stupid enough to tease the snake! Wahaha! (Yeah, I'm weird like that).
"You can't call a person as a true man of rock holding a guitar only to impress the girls or singing the hardest song to be please or appreciate wearing a sabbath shirt to recognize by your contemporaries, a true man of rock is in the heart ...... it is in your emotion"
- taken inside a tricycle in Katiklan.
Wow! According to my friend Richie, it's Rock Philosophy 101... in the unlikeliest of places! I love the utter lack of punctuation. It's oh so... rock! Astig, mehn!
"Dolphin" -taken at Katiklan Airport. It's a poster showing all the things you're not allowed to bring out of Boracay by law, like shells, and corals,a nd certian types of fish, or sea weed.
They've been using this damned poster since last year! That's NOT a dolphin! It's a WHALE! A KILLER whale! Unless it's the "Philippine Killer Dolphin" or something.
"Wanted for Murder: Corey Dickpus", taken also at Katiklan Airport.
I will leave this one to your imagination. I don't want anyone named Dickpus biting me in the butt for this. :-p
Posted by
