American writer Max Ehrmann’s famous prose-poem Desiderata (1927) states with finality: And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.… Read More »
Widower Impong Tasyo (IT for short) is very fascinated with his techno gizmo, the latest cellular phone-camera-recorder (CPCR) he got as a gift from his son during his 71st birth anniversary a few weeks ago. Quivering fingers that insisted on moving elsewhere after his mind has coaxed it to press either a green or red icon never deterred… Read More »
Heydyo, wanabaywats? Wat? Yulusyurwats? Wanabayitagen? Beritsip onliporyu. My nose bleeds each time I recall my father’s funny but ridiculous oral mimicry of the above post-World War II comedic ‘sales talk’ scenario that reverberated in war-ripped Manila. However, my heart bleeds when it dawns on me that my dad’s aper was of war-ravaged Filipinos desperately scrounging for any means… Read More »
“Sa palagay mo, pare, sino ang mananalo sa mid-term November elections sa Tate – Republicans o Democrats?” tanong ni Tandang Asyong sa mga kasamahan sa pulong-sulong ng mga oldies na nagkakape at muffins sa food court ng mall. “Hindi ako mapalagay, pare,” sagot ni Ka Mentong. “Kahit sino pa ang winner sa halalan, wa epek sa akin. Hindi… Read More »
Get groovy. Reach Cloud Nine. Get high on nostalgia. Listen to electrifying upbeat tunes of the bands that created and built the unique Taglish (or Engalog?) musical genre known as “Manila Sound” in the Philippines some four decades ago. Savour memories inspired by songs its lyricists penned eons ago for all to hear, relate with and sing in… Read More »
Lolo Santi: My mate is a nag. What should I do? Kaka Demi: Get the TV remote … and press MUTE. ***** If it doesn’t work, and it won’t, here are seven worn-out tips from a really good old buddy, Kabesang Betong: When the nagging begins, gently interrupt and remind the mate of a beautiful wedding; and zoom… Read More »
The likes of Impong Tasyo will always be a booming voice to reckon with anywhere, especially at a mall’s reconfigured square tables where seniors mill, with a small cup of coffee and a muffin to while away the hours. Always abuzz like a wasp about to sting, Impong Tasyo seizes every intervening second of silence to get himself… Read More »
A reference notes that June continues to be the marry-est month of the year. How about merriest? ***** Many still believe that a wedding in the month named after the Roman goddess Juno is conducive to success and prosperity, as Juno is known to protect women, especially in marriage and childbearing. Juno was the daughter of Saturn, the… Read More »
The 42nd Ontario general election is set on June 7, 2018. “Brod, sino ang iboboto mo?” “Kandidato sa riding ko.” ***** “Ano’ng partido ang kikilingan mo?” “Saranggola ni Mang Kepweng.” ***** “Sa tingin mo, sino ang magiging premier ng Ontario?” “Wala nang iba kundi yung nanalo.” ***** “Naniniwala ka ba sa mga pre-election surveys?” “Ano ‘yun? Mapapagkitaan ba?”… Read More »
Pat’s grandson just made a fearless forecast: “Winter will be back … after fall.” So it was said, so shall it be. Pat asked him back: “Now, why are penguins unafraid of walking barefoot on ice?” Without batting an eyelash, he said with conviction: “Because they have happy feet.” ***** No, Pat disagrees with the view that his… Read More »