Monday, February 21, 2005

WEDDING FILE 3: "IN OR OUT" ('AM I IN OR OUT?)

"IN OR OUT", this is what Korean teenie bopper Sandara Park is singing now a days. I hate this song but it somehow got stuck in my mind together with the Filipino radio stations catch phrase "Kailangan pa ba'ng i-memorize yan?!" To tell you the truth, I have never imagined that my countrymen would be this corny. The melody is a mix of childrens songs fused with Charismatic melodies. WTF is going on?! With the number of coffee shops mushrooming all over the country I have always thought that we are heading towards the cappuccino fad or the elite culture. But what is this? It has been 4 long years since I left the homeland and look at how these bubblegum songs thrive! Nevermind the Sexbomb Dancers or the Viva Hot Babes. They are so cute even if they look dumb while they sing their cheap songs...ahhhh... NO OFFENSE GIRLS! I'm a big fan of yours!

So what is the connection about Sandara's song to my story? This song popped up in my head after the Pamanhikan - (asking the girl's parents for their daughter's hand). My head was still hanging on cloud 9 after it was over and done. But the question was, am I in or out? (ok! I better stop saying the in or out phrase because I know that some of you are already having goosebumps. hehehe) I think that I'm in! The event was a success! I managed to patch things up with dear o'l mama Mila, meet the family, and my family seems to like Lany's family. We finally got it made! So to hell with Sandara and her sick song!....although I still can't get it off my mind! Damn it! =(

The next day we were already working our butts off finding a real nice Barong for me (Traditional Filipino Mens wear. A formal attire for a very formal occasion like a wedding or for funeral...sounds synonymous right? Just kidding!). It is so hard to find a nice one in Divisoria. Most of of the designs are old and floral. And trust me I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a floral Barong! I a very picky person when it comes to these things. And what made me more pickier, is the fact that I'm the only one in the entourage to not have a barong yet! Lany's parents had already bought a very snazy design made of Pina Suqsoq (Pineapple (flavor...NOT!) fabric. One of the expensive variety). So, the thing here is that I have to exceed the beautiful fabric they have. I have to be unique. Afterall, I'm the freakin groom!

During the barong hunt in Divisoria I was with Lany and her mom. We have several errands at that time. One of which is to go to the printing press to hand in the final proofing of the invitation. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy to find this place. Lany found this press on the internet. They were suppose to make very good quality invitations for a very reasonable price. But the catch is, its very hard to find the place especially if you dont know the Binondo area (China Town). At that time I forgot to bring the address, which makes it more difficult to find the place. Stupid huh? So who knows the place better than the residents right? But it is also dangerous to ask just anyone from this place. Divisoria and Binondo is a haven for pick pockets and hooligans. We figured it is best to ask the Diaguars! (Pretty macho name for "guradia" huh? Astig no? Tagalog slang for security guards.) Most of them don’t know the street. Some of them were just plain dumb and pointed us to the wrong direction. Anyway, we found ourselves lost and drifting to a familiar Chinese deli… ENG BEE TEN. This place rocks for selling the best hopia and tikoy in town. It was packed with costumers buying their new year supplies. My mouth was already watering from the smell of their goodies. Yum! Yum!

After falling in line at the cashier, I found out that it was my destiny to become a porter. Mama Mila bought a dozen tikoy (Chinese rice cake) to give to their relatives in the province. (…she’s not Chinese…) That’s how thoughtful she is.

After shopping we tried to hire a pedicab to find the street. But these guys are asking us for a lot of money so I figured that we just ask the other security guards near Binondo Chruch. We asked a couple and marched our way towards nearby bridge. Much to our surprise, there was a man tailing us. Before we got to the bridge he was already volunteering to take us there…the fishy part is that he wants to take us to use the other route. If I was not there, my honey and her mom would have been held up. The man was so nice that you wouldn’t get a hint that he is luring us away. Then I said: “We don’t know this guy! And we didn’t even ask him to help us in the first place, so why follow him?” So we walked as fast as we could. On the way I asked for my pen. Maybe I can use it as a weapon! Right then I felt my senses heightened, like a wolf. I try to keep my pace as I peer to my sides. Constantly looking for the danger that might surprise us.

In minute I saw a man who just popped behind us. I tried to look tough. I tell you, if somebody touches me at that time I would have sprung to my Kung-Fu mode! I was already reviewing the enemies weak points and martial techniques in my head. And if these men touches a hair on my honey I will definitely kick their ass! Whoaaa!!!

When we got to Metrobank, we were scared shitless about our stalker. He just disappeared! Good thing that the nice security guard pointed us in the right direction. And as soon as the coast is clear, we hurriedly walked towards the printing press. But as we turned, Lany has spotted the scary looking guy standing near a sari-sari store waiting for us! He might be a professional stalker/hoodlum, but he aint no match for our feet! damn were fast!

Even evil has its limitations. After an hour at the printing press I guess the fugly man left us. He knows how fast we were on foot. I'm thankful that nothing bad had happen to us that day. Just a brush with danger, thats all. But it has its advantages. Atleast my dear mama Mila knows that I won't let nothing bad happen to her daughter. And thats 100 pogi points for me!

As the day went by we found ourselves at SM Manila scouting for barong. I'm so picky! I still cant find the perfect one. Our invitations were redesigned and ready before Christmas. And I have another experience to blog about.

posted by: Dennis

Sunday, February 20, 2005


...we finally got married! Posted by Hello

Our doves wouldn't kiss each other. They were both male! Posted by Hello

Prenuptual photo at Baywalk Manila by Chito Vecina Posted by Hello

Friday, February 18, 2005

MANO PO 3 (LAST PART NA PO!)

Mano Po 3 continued…

This is the last of the mano po series. It's hard to finish this with my busy schedule. Nowadays time is a luxury thing for me. But I have to finish…Your imagination might be running wild after mano po 2. So before my blog becomes misinterpreted, here is the rest of the story.

We were received warmly by Lany's family. Everybody is wearing their best smile. I have seen Daddy Tony receive guest before, but this time it's more personal. I'm glad everything is running smoothly. How wonderful! But I still can't remove this funny feeling inside me…

I try to become a part of the household and make myself useful. I figured this is the time to practice being a family. So in my own little way I try and help them. But it's hard to be helpful if you have Che-che around. She is the second eldest in the family. She put herself in charge of overseeing that everything is in order.

After gathering everyone in the sala, the old folks went to their strategic position. Brandy has been served to the men, and light refreshment for the women. At the sight of it, looks like it's only going to be an acquaintance party. But after a few minutes everything fell into position. Like a chess game. Touch move!

We were in the center, like two stranded individuals in an island surrounded by sharks! Daddy Tony is firing the questions left and right. I can't remember everything. My mind at that time was blocked and in a shock. The questions become personal, while the one answering questions is getting loaded with brandy. Thank God that all the questions were properly answered. Lany and I are so tensed! Especially when it was her moms turn to speak.

I knew that there is something wrong with the way she looks at me. She told everyone how she felt about me. And being a parent, I know that it is her right. And that she is only being protective about her daughter. She made it clear that she doesn’t like what she saw in me that morning. She didn’t like the fact that I am impatient when it comes to waiting. She doesn’t like the idea that I left the meeting place despite the fact that they are late. It comes to her that I am not right for her daughter. I know that I am not at fault. Lany knows it! She kept whispering “I’m sorry” to my ears as the roasting goes on. She tried to shield me, and explain why those things happened. And it's entirely her fault that she didn’t communicate with me at all. Clearly I was misunderstood. I tried to reason out, but her mind was set on it. For her “Dennis spells EVIL” no matter how you mix the letters.

The debate concluded with good remarks coming from the head of the household. We all ate a delicious meal care of yours truly and Lany’s family. All the men went outside to continue the male bonding that they so enjoyed. Our women stayed in the sala where they entertained themselves singing songs from the videoke. I, on the other hand felt like Osama bin Laden. I wanted to tunnel underground and hide myself in shame.

I joined the men and try to be with bond with them. I felt good knowing that my father and Lany’s father were getting along so well! The two bigotillo’s (men with mustache) are really connecting. Advice comes very cheap that night. They really wanted our relationship to work!

And as the night becomes deeper, I knew that I have an obligation to explain myself to Lany’s mom. And when we were ready to go home, I found her in the kitchen alone. It's my chance! I held her hand and thanked her for the nice reception that we had in their house. No hospitality can compare to what they have done for my family.

I tried to explain to her what had happened that morning. And that there was a miscommunication between me and her daughter. I couldn’t remember my exact words, but I knew I got through her. So, in that very spot, we settled our differences. At last, we buried the hatchet and try to understand each other. It’s the start of a good relationship…

So we said our goodbyes, and went home. Another page of our book has been turned. Now its time to move on with the wedding preparation. It's only a few weeks before our wedding. We need to pull ourselves together and make it happen. And for the meantime, I can finally sleep and stop worrying. No blood has been spilled. Peace reigns.

THE END (with a capital "T" for tikoy)

Hey Doc Philip! I saw your moms pic at Chito Vecina's webpage. Why is she crying? Chito is one of the best photojournalist in Pinas. We love how he covered our wedding. He's a real master!

Posted By: Dennis

Monday, February 14, 2005

...singit lang...

HAPPY VALENTINE HONEY!!!

LOVE,
DENNIS

Monday, February 07, 2005

WEDDING FILE 2: "MANO PO 2"

Mano Po 2, continued...

As you might have guessed, there is a "Mano Po 3" after this blog. I'm sorry if I have written a long one. But you've made it this far. => so whats the point of quitting!?

So there I was cornerd. My plans of perfection was shattered. To tell you the truth I really hate it when my plans don't work out. No matter how small it is, the disappointment that I feel is huge. Although for years I try to remove this bad habit from me.

When Lany, Daddy Tony, and Mama Mila got to my town I took my better half and rushed home. It was rude of me not to have entertain them, or even invite them to have some refreshements at nearby fastfood shop. But I know that this is all for the better.

We had a quick lunch and ask my aunt to help us find her friend at the town hall for our marriage liscence. In most of the government offices it pays to have someone you know. It somehow removes the red tape, and moves your document request forward. Ofcourse, we need to lube it up with money grease! How convinient! At that time, we only did not bring extra lubricant, we also brought imported soap as opposed to their request of chocolates. Unfortunately, sorry for them. My chocolate supply had been consumed by relatives and friends in a matter of 3 days! Hah! Beat that record! Hehehe!

The processing of the marriage liscense was a breeze. There is nothing that a motivated government employee couldn’t do if they just put their mind to it. Thanks to my Tita Wena and her friends, things were easy for us. They were even kind enough to exempt us from the Family Planning Seminar. Anyway, there is nothing that the FPS can give us. We are medical professionals! I myself work at an IVF Center which deals with infertility day in and day out. I probably know more than them. Their kind of seminar is the “Family Planning: For Dummies” type. Yes its true! My friend Ferdie told me all about it. He said that they gave him the wrong instructions for the Billing Method (the rhythm or the calendar method of contraception). Therefore, giving his wife 2 pregnancies in a span of 1 year! Wow!

We finished about 3pm, then we headed to my place to prepare for the main event. The whole household was busy. We prepared a welcome gift to them, composed of fresh sea food, Pancit Malabon, Puto and a bottle of brandy. If there was room for fish sauce I would have generously bought some. But, there need to be room for the relatives in the vehicle. We are packed like sardines in one Tamaraw Fx (Pirated version! Who disguises to have an air-conditioning system that doesn’t work at all.) care of our helpful neighbor Ajie Martin. Thank you very much sir!

At past 4pm, although I know that we are going to be very late, our long time family friends (the neighborhood tambay’s) gave us a warm sarcastic send out! My father was so excited that he told all of them that we are going to my future in-laws to do the pinoy tradition, the pamamanhikan. Its his first time kasi, that’s why. Anyhow, we embarked on our long journey to the far far away land of Fairview. On the way there we Tito Marcelo was on a roll cracking jokes left and right followed by my dad’s smart alec remarks. It would have been a riot if I wasn’t nervous. I know that something fishy is going to happen to me.

If there was one thing that I could wish give our country , I would wish that we don’t have “traffic”. Its been 2 hours and we’re still in Sauyo road. My dad who had been experiencing a discomfort in his stomach was begging that he be let out of the vehicle or be dropped to his brother’s place in Novaliches. He couldn’t bear shitting on my in laws toilet and spreading his lethal gas. I would cause a big embarrassment on our part. Poor dad, he is sweating bullets. I know that he is going to explode. I have to agree that we have to drop him at my Tito Ernesto’s place.

When we got there, my father immediately jumped out of the vehicle and rang the door bell. I could see from his eyes that he is using his x-ray vision and heat vision to get through the steel door while he waits for the maid to open up. He must go or else! Hehehe! The consequence for not visiting your relatives for so long is that, the household doesn’t know you. Specially the new once, like this housemaid. She wouldn’t let us in without a clearance from her boss. After a few more minutes, Tita Sianing opened the gate. She looks stupefied by the sight of us. She didn’t have an idea why the hell we were there! After a few seconds of rubbing her eyes, she welcomed us with open arms. Dad was quick! As soon as the door opened he already rushed to the toilet to find his ZEN.

We were received at the family’s sala. Tita Agring (my cousin Ria’s mom) and my mom reminisced the past. How much they have grown old, and how fast the kids were growing, preparations for my wedding etc. etc. Not that I mind, but we are so late! And so, as soon as my dad showed up I gave them the signal to go. Lany’s mom has already been calling her mobile now.

When we got to the Caras territory there were already men having drinks at gate. After a few seconds, Daddy Tony had already made himself visible and gave us a warm welcome. I gave him the Mano Po, then introduced my parents. Tita Glo came out and gave a cheerful greeting while Mommy Mila gave a mysterious smile….Oh no! That mysterious smile again!


To be continued…

Does Marina prefer fish balls rather than squid balls? Will the Mulawin clan die from bird flu? Tune in next time as the drama unfolds in “Mano Po 3”!!!

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

WEDDING FILE 2: "MANO PO"

Before I start, I would like to thank Richard Vinluan for the invitation to write comments on his blogsite. Nice piece of work!

Secondly, I'm happy that our visitors reached the 400 mark! I never knew that anybody would be interested in these things. It surely gives me a reason to blog about. To everyone out there, keep reading! And don't be afraid to write your comments.

MANO PO:

I never really watched any of the Mano Po movies, but I felt that I was in it during the Pamamanhikan thing. I don't even know how the movie goes but I'm pretty sure that it will be as cheesy as what I will tell you. All these will be from my point of view ok. Let my wife tell you about her's. Hee-hee!

And so, two days after the arrival we planned for the first family visit to Lany's family in Fairview. I felt so nervous! Finally my folks will be stepping on Caras territory. Knowing a little bit of our family's differences made me feel uneasy. All we wanted is that our families will get along very well. Like they say, "First impressions, last...". And I haven't made a good impression to her parents yet!

This day didn't start well. You see, we wanted to secure a few documents during the day before we take the big move during the afternoon. We were suppose to meet up in Jollibee Cubao at 8am. And then well go to the Navotas City Hall to apply for our Marriage Contract, have lunch at my place then bring my parents to Caras territory in at 4pm. But as always, my better half is always late.

And so there I was in Cubao, earlier than usual. I took extra care in planning for my trip to Jollibee so I won't be late and not waste any time sitting there. I want to get things done asap! Afterall, I haven't had a descent sleep before and during our trip to pinas. We've been very busy with the preparation. (And I thank God and Bill Gates for the internet! If it wasn't for this medium we would have organized this whole event.)

After a cup of coffee and 1 order of Jolly Longanisa Breakfast, it was already 8am and Lany hasnt showed up yet. So I ordered a glass of Jolly Iced Tea to cool my nerves. My intuition tells me that she will be very late. And it will make me very mad! Afterall, patience has never been my best virtue. I messaged her time and time again, but with no reply. I tried to call her but she wouldnt answer....little by little, the fiber of my ever thining strand of patience is running out. Thank God, Farmers Plaza has opened a few minutes early. I have walk to cool down. And so I messaged her that I will stroll around the mall while I wait for her. Message sent! A couple of minutes inside National Bookstore I still didn't get any message from her. And so I took out my phone. My grip starts to tighten as I peek at the LCD... "I have a full signal. What happened to her?! I hope she is ok."

Hours later I found myself tired, unproductive, and sitting on a chair at malls internet shop. I found myself blogging for some reason. Trying to get my feelings out to anyone who wants to read it. I felt that its easier to pull a chicken out of my ear that to wait for someone who might not even show up. (sorry honey! I felt I'm murdering you. But I have to justify the event. =>) I texted her to say that Im going home. I have to go and get our marriage liscence. See you tonight.

I rushed for the bus stop. My head is throbbing from thinking what had happened to her. My battery is running low. After finding the most comftable seat in the bus, my phone rang! Its my Honey and she already in Cubao! Darn! I have not passed SM North! "Do I have to go back there?" I asked myself My Jolly mood that I got from Jollibee has changed already. And so I told her that I will meet up with her tonight. I can't go back there. My mood has changed. Bad mood na! but she was persistent even as I hang the phone twice. She messaged me to ask directions to my place. Her father will drop her at my house. I got angrier. My folks dont expect the meeting to be so soon! The house is a mess! We didn't prepare anything for them! My GOD! I felt a Tsunami hit my chest. I want everything to be perfect, but whats happening?! Am I cursed? All these things were crushing my brains, as the funny voice on the radio said, "Kailangan pa bang i-memorize yan?" I knew I'm doomed!

I gave her the directions to my place. I also send a message to my sis Bab's to get ready. They might meet my inlaws early. She did not reaply but I know she will do something...some sort of a miracle perhaps.

When I reached home, my parents were already busy preparing food for them. The house was semi-presentable now. I bought a can of air freshener to lighten up the smell of seafood that my dad is cooking. Its the best that we can do for a surprise visit.

to be continued....

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

SLEEPLESS IN MANAMA

There are times in our busy lives that we just can't sleep for no reason. In my case, we slept at 4:00 in the afternoon and woke up at 1am. I might had my fair share of sleep earlier thats why I can't get any tonight.

I opened my laptop to check my mails. Maybe there is a friend who will share an experience that will make me sleep! hehehe! Joke! I read all of your mails. Except for the forwarded messages! I dont like those things. I had one that said I will get bad luck for seven years if I dont forward his email. What a friend?! He might as well send me a bolt of lightning to go with it.

Anyhow, I'm giving myself up to 3am to cybersurf and then close my eyes and try to force myself to sleep. Or! There is a bottle of vodka lying around here. I'm tempted to give myself a shot or two. But I don't want a hang over later. I have an important job to do.

Its almost 3am and I have to go. Wish me luck that tomorrow when I go to bed everything will flow smoothly. Be sleeping in my side of the bed with my brand new wife! hehehe! goodnight to all! bye!