Thursday, February 01, 2007
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 2/01/2007 07:59:00 PM
Saturday, September 23, 2006
We've been party hopping today, you know, that sort of thing that compels you to paste on a smile and do a lot and talking and listening to music and exchanging buss-es and filling your tummies with buffet after buffet of great food. Rows of Filipino, Italian, Japanese, countless desserts, even ice cream overflowed in various flavors! Burp! Excuse me. Why is it that regrets always sink in after the "fiesta"? It's because I feel like bursting tonight even after walking with Hannee and Pepper around the clubhouse area. I think I'll hate food for a week starting tomorrow.BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 9/23/2006 11:48:00 PM
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Life's Never Been this Peppery
LIFE'S NEVER BEEN THIS PEPPERY...
How many times do I have to type that? Well, I can't stop now. Yay! I'm back, like Sgt. Pepper's fleas! Hmm, come to think of it, that's why he deserves the name. There are times when his pinkish flesh behind the gold and light brown with streaks of black coat, gets sprinkled with some tiny black thingies smaller than font 8 periods, really pepper powdery in appearance. The difference is - can you guess? Ta-dah....! They grow - yup, like tomorrow, the tiny speck increase their size to, say, font 12. Ok, so you feel itchy now? You should be thankful you're not a dog, else there'll be season when you'll get them. No matter how adorable dogs are (of which Shi-tzus are the most huggable, ever, promise!), they get fleas and ticks sometimes. Hmm, I shouldn't be talking about Sgt. Pepper. But he's right down here at the left side of my bed, looking at me like a baby. Uh-oh, excuse me while I pick up a tiny something crawling over there. (Picks up the thing, walks to the bathroom and flushes the thing in it)
Now, where was I? Oh, a peppery life is like what this week has been. I've been in a boring but important IAS-IFRS seminar (ha ha! You don't know that, do you? Well, it's a financial seminar, period.) at Manila Peninsula Hotel with Merlie (you should know her, she's been a part of my life for a year now). Merlie thinks the venue was a nice and cool place to snore off while sitting down, to which I agreed, but I'm not really an easy sleeper. Well I have to admit I almost dozed off for some minutes past Wednesday's lunch after we were served smoked pink salmon as appetizer, dazzling chicken roast with potato, really yummy gravy sauce, plus mixed jazzed-up veggies, and a dessert of really heavenly chocolatey tiramisu and some tiny mango-crepe tarts, served with whips of chocolate and strawberry jel design here and there. To recap, eating beautifully garnished food and sipping nice brewed coffee were the best part of the seminar. All the rest are lullabyers. Wait, I'm not after that topic either. Sorry for the tendency to stray away.
What I only really wanted to say was: I've been necessarily bored to death for days, after which, I've been running like mad to finish off some work, and I can't push people enough to go live with SAGE ACCPAC Enterprise. Then Sam has to go somewhere north where the wind blows, leaving me (again!) to bring Han and Anjo to two weekend parties of his relatives. I haven't got the time to even go shopping for gifts and that royal attire that's supposed to be worn. (Genevieve, why o why is your party motiff Royal?) On top of this, I want to shed tears because today, a good friend just said goodbye to go off somewhere soon. People touching our lives for a reason is such a poignant reality, and then they go, and something goes kaput inside of you.
If only I haven't said yes to a morning breakfast buffet meeting (a.k.a. -gang gripe session), I will elaborate on what a peppery life is. But I have to go snooze early to wake up in time for that date and try to memorize a mantra before the event. Overeating is sinful... (recites 7x) It's nice to hug a just-bathed Sgt., lightly cologned Sgt. Pepper, with or without his peppery streaks. Goodnight!
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 9/21/2006 10:20:00 PM
Monday, April 25, 2005
Unexpected Perfect Morning-well almost!
For Sam and myself, it is extremely difficult to wake up and shake up at 4 a.m. but since Hannalee had arranged to go see Ocean Adventure at Subic Point with the others, we lazily but hastily got up to bring her and the others to the meeting spot. Sam stashed a bike inside the van in case I have the appetite to go biking somewhere.
After the drop, we decided to drive to Amari Complex at Roxas Boulevard because Sam so wished I’d be tempted to go biking again. Watching the colorful bikers drive fast in clusters along big circles, dressed to the teeth (I think I only saw two demure females biking in femme fashion out of maybe seventy bikers), I remembered I almost lost my face in a bike fall last year. With that thought, I’d rather do brisk walking by the seaside.
We jogged slow then faster, along the jogger’s path by the seawall, as our trainers stumped on the brick laden walk of several hectares, but we got bored early so we climbed the seawall and ran on top of it, one after the other. The other joggers stared at us and we laughed, what the heck! Ah, but the boulders by the seawalls, about the size of those at Stonehenge in UK, but round ones, looked inviting. So we got the thrill of going down the seawall, and hopped-balanced on the long pile of boulders, careful not to fall or get caught in between them. We climbed back onto the seawall after the L-turn and saw a big group of people, mostly females, led by a cool-looking male in bodyfit, doing aerobics and tae-bo routines along danceable music. It looked fun, so we joined in, until Sam felt awkward with the beat and told me to stay on while he goes biking. He got back in time as the crowd was breaking away and the sun was getting too hot for my skin.
Tired and sweaty, we got back to our Revo, changed clothing and drove towards Global City where Sam said I’d enjoy the best-tasting coffee ever. I thought we looked clumsy entering the classy UCC Coffee Terrace, looking worn out. But we got in, rugged carpenter shorts, tees and soiled rubber shoes, and settled to a wonderful breakfast in the most relaxed mood; once in a while stealing a glance on the other table where a past-president’s notorious and balding legal counsel was chattering giddily with some Chinos. While attacking my Japanese cheesecake, and sipping on my delicious iced sumiyaki, someone handed me an invite to see a condo showcase up the same building.
That morning, I fell in love at the penthouse condo unit overlooking the Golf course and Global City. Dreamy to be living in a breezy, comfy and stylishly elegant home atop a thirty floor high rise, with all the amenities. Sam was quick to check the heart-rending figures and told me if I were willing to make some adjustments, we can get one unit to invest in. Oh well, I’ll think about it or maybe forget it, but more on the latter. We’ll see what happens after the kids see it on Tuesday, on the launching dinner.
As it was very late, and I have people working in the office, I deemed I’d go just the way I am. I did, and was relieved that my staff wasn’t at all that shocked to see me all rugged and plain. Hmm, if only I’m not so worried that my kids are growing up so fast that I can’t cope up with, it’s all so good!
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 4/25/2005 11:27:00 AM
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Absolution by Muse: Reckless and Powerful
The first song declares an emergency; about changing the course of history. Just stop a while and savor the song. Indeed, the end is coming, and where shall that bring us? The second song, Time is Running Out reinforces that. Our time is running out, you can’t push it underground; you can’t stop it screaming out. It takes a believer to Sing for Absolution, that says the following in the end: “our wrongs remain unrectified, and our souls won’t be exhumed.” Even Stockholm Syndrome puts to reality what Solomon learned about life, when he said, “Vanity, everything is vanity!” Maybe, that was exactly what they had in mind when they penned these words: “look to the stars, let hope burn in your eyes, and we’ll love and we’ll hate, and we’ll die, all to no avail….”
Grossly for you, Falling Away With You, does not at all contradict the first songs, as it emphasizes the preciousness of time and something of more value in “all the loves we threw away, all the hopes we cherished, making the same mistakes again…all of the love we’ve left behind, watching the flashbacks intertwine, memories I will never find.” I mean there can’t be a more beautiful way of saying, “we screwed up, we should have known better!”
Oh, and Hysteria, it vividly describes the confusion of a man within as something bugs him, twists him around, endlessly caves him in and turns him inside out. It’s clearly turmoil in a man’s being, a battle that only he can choose to win, if and when someone asks something of a man, described in “’cause I want it now, give me your heart and soul. I’m not breaking out, last chance to lose control.” The response is hysteric, “I’ll feel my heart implode, I’m breaking out, escaping now (transition of which is wonderful!) feeling my faith erode.” And can you really afford to be in a total Blackout even when you’re young? It says “don’t kid yourself, and don’t fool yourself. This life could be the last (can’t be more true!) and we’re too young to care.” Oh well, no one is too young or too old to die.
The theme gets better with Butterflies and Hurricanes as it talks about “changing everything you are and everything you were.” What is meant by “Your number has been called?”. For me, it has something to do with the final judgment, when we all give account of ourselves in the great white throne on that exciting day. “Fights and battles have begun, revenge will sure come, your hard times are ahead…your last chance has arrived”. Oh, isn’t materialism epitomized in The Small Print? It’s about the devil deceiving people, compensating their greed with broken hearts. He is bending the truth but if one believes him, he only has himself to blame. Endlessly, well, for me it’s a promise that only God can keep. He just won’t give up on us, no matter how stubborn and bad we may be. His love is endless and if one believes Him, he won’t be let down.
Lastly, “Thoughts of a Dying Atheist.” This follows up on Hysteria, where the battle has been previously told. Who is it that is said to be “in this room” and “floating in between where our worlds collide”. Talk about life on earth, hell and heaven and the reality of these all bombarding the thoughts of a dying person. Dying is only physical ‘cause it is but a transition from earthly life, which is not even a fraction of eternity. Truly, it should scare the hell out of any unbeliever.
So much so that I think, that just like U2, Creed, Lifehouse, and Switchfoot, this band Muse is actually out to influence the world in a positive way. Watch out, they’re powerful, reckless and out to save and who knows who responds?
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 3/17/2005 03:27:00 PM
Friday, March 11, 2005
Trust: the Bridge Over Troubled Waters
“Mommy, take off those pumps, they don’t go well with that kind of formal dress”. I was almost done when Han said this. I said, “Really? Get me what suits this dress then.” She sped off downstairs while I tossed off the unwanted shoes. Anjo then asked, “Mom, why do you have to wear a hosiery? “ I said “Because it’s an evening affair, and a hose is usually appropriate.” Watching me while lying on my bed with arms under his head, he said “Umm, I don’t like them. You look formal enough with just that dress.” I looked in the full length mirror. “Hmm, let me see.” The hoses were gone in time for the set of not so conservative pair of shoes Han got for me! I hurriedly went down and joined Sam in the car before my kids could see what bag it is I brought. It’s incredible how things have changed. Just yesterday, it was me telling them what to wear, how to dress. Now, I actually respect what they have to say. It’s a good thing alright ‘cause when they dress up, they ask me if they look okay, and I would comment and they might change this and that, so I guess it’s mutual trust and respect.
It would be awful not to have your kids trust you. Yes, especially with the important things in their life, like when they seem to be swooning over someone you haven’t even seen or talked to. Wise mothers would know if their kids have big crushes or serious loves. Frankly, I wouldn’t worry about them getting this exciting feeling as long as I see they’re right in their heads. I would be more worried if no one takes interest in my kids. And so as far as I know, I’m pretty informed of what is and who is new. I’m glad they’re pretty normal and have these crushes, that they fuss about looking good and friends, and new technologies, even parties, go gigs and “walks”.
I’m all out to support them and let them enjoy the fullness of youth. Like when no matter how many times I’ve initiated grounding Anjo over games addiction, still I pushed Sam to buy him the latest slim type PS2 with two genuine controls plus 20 games so he’ll be updated. Like allowing Han to the different parties and “groupie walks” Hmm. At first, there were debutante parties (girl’s 18th birthday) where she had to wear either a gown or any classy formal wear. Then there was this different debut, a pyjamas party which she skipped attending because she heard there were guys coming and what would they be wearing, boxers? Han’s pretty suspicious about what else might happen. Then most currently, her invite is for a “Chucks debut party” where everyone’s to come in their ‘chucks’. What on earth are they going to do in there, wiggle-waggle their Converse shoes? But still, it’s ok, she can surely go with her old faded chucks.
And they can have their music, and bring over their friends, they can yell and quarrel like normal people ‘cause for all I know, they naturally make up later. It is fun to be a parent and be able to bridge the gap, to learn from your kids as you try to make them learn from you. Bridging the gap is pretty exciting, and so is knowing that while doing so, amidst the many series of opening ups and closing ins, you all keep pretty balanced, enjoy similar or non-similar stuff and are thereby guided on to a hopefully, brighter future ahead of you which is your common focus. It’s all very good, so let it be!
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 3/11/2005 01:47:00 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
My Christmas Message to my Friends
(Did I hear you say "Bah humbug!?")
Anyway, happy holidays to everyone and may the you all have a blessed one, free from man's self-imposed ostentatiousness. Just you and the silence of the early morning when all your kids, and yes, your extended family, are back in their beds and your noche buena is over and the early morning darkness brings with it the world's collective hush for a distant event so magnificent that we humans have not really found a proper way to celebrate it. Bask in its wonder, be still in its joy, just sit there and be in awe. And then have a Merry Christmas!
Love, sincerely,
Bing
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 12/29/2004 01:54:00 PM
Giving Away Love – Christmas Mania
I bring out a bag of gifts to lessen the pile of gifts underneath the little Christmas tree and when I get home, I bring along a bigger bag from my generous givers! Fantastic!
I mean, the vital idea is not in the physical things that we give to each other. It is the shudder of joy we get as we receive the merrily wrapped items. Why so, because it feels like a gentle pat on the back, or on the arm, or on our cheek that says, “You’re thought of ‘cause you matter.”, or "I care for you enough to take time to get this" or "Hey, I love you, get me?" or "For all you've been, I still care, whatever" or simply yet, it's a soft nudge in your heart that says it all.
So, as we open our gifts, let’s rid our minds of tag prices, or the utility, or the beauty of the presents but the thought and time spent in giving it.
As the years go by, we learn more about gifts and giving of ourselves, and what love means on a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain, because of love, yes because of love……
“As little children, we would dream of Christmas morn,
Of all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find,
But we never realized, a baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives
We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live.”
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 12/29/2004 01:41:00 PM
My Company-Aiming for Global Competitiveness
Not disheartened but reacting positively, the Newtimes Philippines management responded urgently to the challenge. Mr. Ulysses Young, determinedly focused on improving competitiveness, by way of improving the quality of our produced garments, upgrading production facilities for greater efficiency, and inspiring solidarity of purpose. The idea is to work harder, get better, cascade the synergy mania horizontally and vertically. Altogether, we say no to pessimism. Fearless and bold, we’ll go beyond survival and succeed!
BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 12/29/2004 11:57:00 AM
