I am bitten by a bug called Samsung. Last week I posted on my Facebook that I want a Samsung Galaxy Note II for my upcoming birthday. Actually, I have yet to own a Samsung gadget but nevertheless the first and only Samsung unit I purchased is actually not a gadget but a huge refrigerator as a gift for Nengkoy. Today, after having chanced upon an adorable Thai short-film entitled “Love at First Flight“, I can officially say that I am a Samsung fan.
Love at First Flight is a 30-minute Samsung commercial-ad-cum-romantic-comedy movie. The story, the Thai actors and the plot are sooo cute. The movie is such a bastion of pure charm. It would be pretty hard not to purchase yourself a Samsung gadget after watching this…
No wonder Samsung is the best selling electronic gadget of our time. And it looks like Samsung’s virtual ship has sailed and is watching how Apple gets smaller and smaller who’s standing on the shore punching its fists up in the air…
While I was searching and relying on the powers of internet for an idea on what would be my suggestion to my family’s uniform t-shirt design for Christmas (which by the way has been part of my family’s tradition to wear on Christmas Eve), I stumbled upon an awesome Facebook page.
I wanted our t-shirt design this year to bear our beautiful family’s surname in Arabic calligraphy. I surfed on through the internet but there seem to be very limited source where I could adopt my surname written in classic Arabic calligraphy.
Thanks to Arabic Calligraphy Names, a Facebook Community Page, developed by an artist and graphic designer named Nihad Nadam. By “liking” this amazing community page through your own Facebook, you can actually have the chance that your name be chosen and written in Arabic calligraphy form. What is more remarkable is that Nadam’s work is FREE of charge.
My surname was luckily picked (since I accumulated significant numbers of “likes” on my request/comment) to be written in calligraphic form. And in just a couple of hours Nadam, the Genius, had it published on the community page for me to see, download and adopt.
Here is how it looked like…
Through the help of my officemate Frankie (who is an equally awesome graphic artist), this is how my first t-shirt design suggestion looked like which I presented to my crazy relatives…
Thanks Mr. Nihad Nadam! I tremendously adore your work…
Its official! At 75, Nengkoy (my mother) is now a netizen. She is now an official Facebook member. Miggy, one of her grandsons signed her up while me, my sister Joy and elder brother Wreigh patiently taught her how things are done in Facebook. I can’t believe how fast Nengkoy gets the heck out of Facebook. She was actually chatting with my niece Erika who’s based in Japan in minutes after she was signed up!
nengkoy’s present profile picture
Being so used to snail mail, she was so surprised how fast a message can be sent and received by the recipient who’s at the other end of this planet. We were laughing when she remarked, “Ang bilis naman dumating sa Japan!”
While teaching her how things are done on Facebook, we were watching the X Factor Philippines 2012. I was a bit disappointed with the judges and the contestants considering that the show is already on its last stretch. I don’t want to sound like a sore thumb but I do not feel the X factor vibe from the contestants and I find the judges too corny, retardedly emotive and enormously cheesy. I wanted to throw my expensive slippers on the TV screen.
The show is so unlike the 2012 British version. Their version doesn’t look for the best singing voice, the most gorgeous looking neither the financially-challenged contestant who gains mercy from the viewing public to win. They are looking for the elusive X factor! The judges are naturally cool and their show has more soul and essence. They were looking for somebody like the 16-year-old, Ella Henderson. She does not possess a pretty face, a drop dead gorgeous body neither a spotless singing voice. But when she sings you know you she exudes the brilliant X factor.
Watch how Ella moved the judges and wowed the crowd…
I’m pretty sure, Nengkoy will post Youtube videos like this in her Facebook account in the future.
Congrachuleysions kay Nengkoy at Ella. Pareho kayong may eks paktor.
According to my dubious computation based on the mathematical formula of space-time distortion combined with quantum mechanics, the total number of posts in this blog since the time it started is actually equivalent to a very short period of time as compared to an average yet more popular blog.
Putting it in simple words, the number of posts in this blog is too few. Reason? The only time I post a piece of writing is when my leisure time has a leisure time.
Still and all, I am proud that this blog managed to reach considerable years of existence. Today, June 20, 2012 Nengkoy (blog) is six years old!
me & nengkoy with 6 reindeers… each reindeer represents a year of this blog
Let me thank all those who looks forward in reading a post in this blog; those who clicked the “like” button at the end of each post; those who took time in writing a “comment” at the comments section; and, those who cared to follow this blog. You just don’t know how delighted I am every time “interactive” occurrences happen in this piece of blog.
Thanks and happy reading!
Anim na taong kalokohan, ka-engotan at kaartehan… Salamat! : )
While the whole world is still trying to figure out how to swallow the bitter reality that Manny Pacquiao lose a fight yesterday to Timothy Bradley, have you ever seen your dad, brother or best friend how they looked like while watching the controversial fight?
Every time there is a key boxing event, I am always reminded of my late father. In my childhood days during these major events no one in the household could watch anything on TV. Switching the channel would be like chasing bad luck and adversity. Thus you would have to settle with other forms of entertainment. But for me my dad is my source of entertainment during these TV boxing episodes.
He is not the commonly overt cheerer type. He is neither a clapper nor a shouter. When he watches a fight, he would slightly sway his body from left to right front and back as if he would parry, dodge or deflect an opponent’s punch. These movements are so faint and subtle you wouldn’t notice it unless you would stare, watch and observe.
That is why every time my father would watch a boxing match I would cunningly observe him. When his posture and movements would go too obvious, I would laugh out loud. He would then gently ask me why I am laughing and I would just say nothing and pretend as if I am also watching the match aired on TV. When he would shift his center of attention back to the fight on TV I would again watch him and laugh out loud once more when his swaying movements would yet again gone too apparent.
Bradley, Pacquiao, Maywheather, Donaire and other pound for pound kings may popularly break through the history of boxing and will eventually retire but Tatay Joe’s eccentric yet barely obvious moves will always remain as the most entertaining to watch during a boxing match. I of course will forever cherish those treasured moments.
So the next time your dad, husband or brother would watch a boxing match on TV try watching them instead and be entertained!
I don’t want to expound but let me describe Nengkoy as a mother in one sentence.
Nengkoy is the type of mother who would say she hates pizza if there are three people and only two mouthwatering palatable slices are available on the table.
I have been happily suffering from grandeur delusion believing that I have legions of devoted fans. Getting nutty or not, one thing is for real, my biggest fan will always be my mother. There are no ifs or buts about it. And because of what I quoted above, the feeling of course is mutual.
To His Royal Highness who sits on the Chrysanthemum Throne,
Good morning.
Let me take the pleasure of sending you a word and your imperial army that the most delicious earthling is due to arrive in your splendid land and noble empire anytime soon. In so doing, your gracious directive and decree is hereby in order which your dwellers have to ensure:
First requirement: Ensure that the delicate flowers that signify the welcome of spring season in your dynasty will be in its full bloom. The delicious earthling would like to witness this incredible phenomenon.
Second requirement: Your land being at the zone of the planet’s ring of fire must ensure that no tectonic-shaking circumstance must take place at any time during the length of stay of the delicious earthling. The delicious visitor hates the feeling of disequilibrium and whirling sensation.
Last and final requirement: Your kingdom is known to have preposterous fees and sky-rocketing prices. The delicious earthling plans to trade his wealth and richness with your abundant commercialized treasures. In other words, he plans to go on shopping! Therefore, ensure to assess and lower down the financial value of your land’s commodities during the delicious earthling’s stay. Otherwise, the delicious earthling will carry with him tons of Ma-Ling (canned luncheon meat) and large boxes of ensaymada (sugar-sprinkled buttered pastry bread).
Your Comrade in Wealth,
The Delicious Earthling
Dahil malamig dun, magbabaon din ako ng Kopiko tri-in-wan copi.
Abundantly lined-up are red plastic bags hanging on the branches of massive trees at the edge of a long stretch of highway in Tarlac contains a local fruit. My family on our way to Manaoag Pangasinan last Saturday noticed and initially wondered what those red plastic bags contains. Until one of us realized that it contains Camachile being sold by the local folks right under the shade of the trees.
I haven’t tasted Camachile so I told my siblings inside the vehicle that I wanted to buy and savor its taste. But when I told them this, we already passed Tarlac and no vendor is in sight. Nengkoy however explained that it is okay since Camachile is actually not a tasty fruit variant. She added that I will not actually like it. But on our way back to Manila the following day, I insisted on buying and hopefully enjoy the taste of the fruit for the first time which is considered rare for a city dweller like me.
My brother-in-law considerately stopped the vehicle when we were along the highway stretch of Moncada Tarlac to purchase two full plastic bags. Each bag cost twenty-five pesos. I gave Kuya Bogis (my brother seated at the front seat of the car) sixty pesos to hand over to the lady vendor for two bags of Camachile and told him to tell the vendor to keep the change. Nengkoy gave me her usual indescribable stare to express her disgust on why she was not given the chance to practice her price-haggling-skills. When we continued our journey back to Manila she told everyone inside the vehicle that price haggling is supposed to be done to lower down the price of the item being purchased and not to swell it higher which I, according to her, unacceptably just did. Nengkoy of course is just being her usual self! That was the moment that I told everyone that I won’t give them even a little piece in case I liked it.
When I excitedly opened one bag of Camachile, I was surprised to find that all of the fruit’s skin crusts were cracked open. In full shock I shouted and asked them that this may no longer be edible since the fruit’s edible meat has been exposed! Everyone laughed because of my stupidity and explained that the crusts are expected to be naturally open to signify that the meat is already ripe and could already be devoured.
With full gentleness, I picked one fruit and took off the seed beneath the white meat. I chose the one whose skin crust has turned red expecting it to be sweet. But when I placed it in my mouth and chewed it, the only words that came out of my mouth was, “Ay! Lasang papel!!!” (It tasted like paper!). Nengkoy and the rest of the pack broke a big laugh.
Nengkoy then told me “I told you so…” and practically started her usual litany by saying that sixty pesos could have purchased a kilo of sweet ripe mangoes in Villasis Pangasinan and that I was such a bull headed monster for not listening to her. With my insistence I again tried another Camachille expecting a sweeter version but to no avail. That was the moment I offered everyone inside the car to have Camachile as their snack while we headed back to Manila. Some took a little piece, tasted it and by no means asked for another one.
Nengkoy wished that her 75th birthday be held and celebrated in the vast coconut plantation estate that was converted into a tourist destination located south of Metro Manila. True enough, her wish was made into a reality when Nengkoy, twenty seven crazy members of my family and I trooped to Villa Escudero Plantation & Resort on her birthday.
Every member of my family was treated with a 2-day glimpse of a typical life of rural Philippines. Upon arrival we were served with refreshing “gulaman” as a welcome drink. After which, the whole pack were led to the magnificent museum that houses the marvelous antique and unique collections of the Escuderos. There were all forms of Catholic statues and statuettes. We saw an overwhelming array of Filipino costumes, jars, vases, indigenous forest hunting gears, stuffed Pinoy-once-endemic fauna and other eclectic treasures made, found and discovered in the Philippines. I was particularly was astonished by the collection of authentic handwritten letters of Philippines’ National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal displayed in that marvelous museum.
facade of the museum
After feasting our eyes to the overwhelming collections found in the museum, we were then taken for a ride on a carabao-drawn cart for a tour around the vast resort. Seated at the end of the cart were two resort staffs in traditional Filipino clothes. One played the guitar while the other sang traditional Filipino songs while the cart was being drawn to lead us to checked-in at our respective nipa-like villas built right at the edge of a serene lake. The villas were reminiscent of a traditional Filipino house called “Bahay Kubo”.
my monster "pamangkins" on their carabao caravan ride
jumpshot!!!
We then immediately proceeded to one of the highlights of our stay. The scrumptious buffet lunch served and eaten al fresco style few meters away from the base of a waterfall. Still typical of a Filipino dining set-up, we ate on native bamboo-craft-woven plates with banana leaf as its lining and our soup bowls were coconut shells! Breakable chinaware was non-existent! Flowing water on the ground touching and lashing our feet add up to the delicious dining experience.
An hour after lunch, we then headed to one of the resort’s pavilions where a Filipino cultural dance display is being held. The show featured various ethnic and colonially influenced Filipino dances performed by the employees of the resort. The costumes, the music, the colors, the graceful dance moves were all but a rewarding add-on during our stay in Villa Escudero.
a piece of a young coconut palm leaf weaved to form like a fish handed to me by one of the dancers
After the show, we proceeded to our assigned villa for a short afternoon rest. The villa is not equipped with TV, sound system and not even an internet. All you got is the refreshingly beautiful scenery of what the old Philippines were plus the melodious sound of birds lurking around the area.
Later in the afternoon, majority of us lined up to get our respective paddles plus a life vest for we did a little of rowing at the pristine lake using an old-fashioned kayak in the form of a bamboo raft. While we do the rowing, other members of the family were busy trying to catch live fish from the lake or just busy lazing around. In the same afternoon, a number of employees of the resort serenaded Nengkoy at the villa singing a couple of Kundiman songs plus of course the classic birthday song in Tagalog version.
erika and the band!!!
Dinner buffet was served inside an elegant pavilion. This is the moment when Nengkoy was greeted by the singers performing during dinner time and was surprised when a birthday cake was brought to her table for her to make a wish and blow the candle. After which, the rest of the night was spent bonding and chitchatting before everybody hit the sack with smiles on our faces.
nengkoy about to blow her birthday cake candle
Our stay and adventure in Villa Escudero to celebrate Nengkoy’s 75th birthday is no doubt one of my family’s memorable experiences! I actually don’t know how to end this writing. But one thing is for sure Villa Escudero is one authentic representation of Filipino pride, culture and extravaganza.
It made me want to dance the Tinikling as sang by the 50’s circa Pinay diva, Sylvia La Torre…
When I was still new to my chosen profession, I am often asked by my Tatay Joe and Nengkoy (my insanely beloved parents) on what are the usual questions I ask a job applicant. They would often ask if I’m a strict or a lenient interviewer. With full enthusiasm, I would of course answer to a slant that they would be so proud of me.
But my answers never seem to amaze Nengkoy. She told me that I am just giving a hard time for another person to land a good job. When I asked her why, she told me that when she applied for a job more than fifty years ago in PEMCO she was never asked a single question. The Catholic priest who was supposed to be the interviewer simply instructed her to loudly pray the Hail Mary and the Our Father. And when she did, she was automatically offered the job.
PEMCO, the leading manufacturing company of incandescent and fluorescent lights decades ago, is the only organization that Nengkoy worked with because she did not resigned to transfer to another company and instead rendered more than forty years of loyal service to that organization. This makes Nengkoy never to have been subjected to any professional job interview yet worked for a company for more than half of her life.
That’s how rare the snippets in Nengkoy’s professional life who is by the way celebrating her 75th birthday today. Happy Birthday to the Diamond Girl…
I am bitten by a bug called Samsung. Last week I posted on my Facebook that I want a Samsung Galaxy Note II for my upcoming birthday. Actually, I have yet to own a Samsung gadget but nevertheless the first and only Samsung unit I purchased is actually not a gadget but a huge refrigerator as a gift for Nengkoy. Today, after having chanced upon an adorable Thai short-film entitled “Love at First Flight“, I can officially say that I am a Samsung fan.
Nengkoy 