 Oops They Did It Again!
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco
Pinoys did it again. I don't know what it is in our race, blood or attitude that makes us unexpressive, passive or simply deadma. When I was younger, I would often tease my friends who would stifle their laughs and warn them of developing gas. What makes it so hard to laugh out loud? To express satisfaction? To just be plain silly?
I love laughing. My family and I always find humor in everything. It is actually through difficult times that we often become comics and this eases the hardship and the pain. I remember the torture of giving birth but I also remember telling the nurses 'not to shave it all off'. I remember my brother, Ricky, being hospitalized with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and while being prayed over in his hospital bed, still managed to giggle seeing his siblings seriously touching his feet. I remember nervously riding the 911 ambulance with Papa and wondering how it would be possible to take some pictures while being thrown all over the vehicle. Oh well... my family may be weird but it works for us.
Which brings me to my point. Today Sam, Red and I watched Mamma Mia. I haven't enjoyed a movie from beginning to the end until now. It's a good thing my kids were with me because we laughed our asses off. We tapped our feet and hummed at every song. We clapped and we cried at all the right places. But it seemed like we were the only ones in the cinema. I heard a few 'pigil' laughs but mostly soundless smiles. And once again my thought bubble appeared... "Kabagan sana kayo." Haay!
 Kulasas, La Sallistas at Si Mang Joe
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco
I was a bus rider from Preschool to High School. I envied my classmates who were brought to school by their parents or guardians. Some of the mommies would even drop off their kids by the door of our classroom, with their never-ending goodbyes smothered with kisses and hugs.
I still remember my first ever bus ride with Mang Joe. A lot of firsts here: 1st big school, 1st non-military school bus, 1st Yaya-less trip but I was a fearless Prep student. Mang Joe repeatedly told me where the bus would be parked after class, by the Pergola gate. But when I saw my cousins at the Singalong gate, I went home with them. I don't know what kind of ruckus I caused then. Whatever it was, it has been deleted from my memory. :)
Little did I know that I was building another branch in my family tree. Not only did Mang Joe become our 2nd father but he also gave me siblings from Paranaque to Pasay City. Not to mention being busmates with the one and only Rajo Laurel! Saan ka pa? Yes DLSU at that time still had Grade School.
Mang Joe always celebrated his birthdays in the bus. I don't know how he did it but he managed to give each of us a scoop of ice cream. And these were not fun sticks mind you, he scooped them out of a gallon container into our cones. Mang Joe also boasted of his 'accelerated' bus riders. Almost all of his riders skipped the 7th grade and went straight to HS. I was of course scolded (by Mang Joe) for being a candidate for acceleration and messing up the 'interview portion'. Oh well, that's another story.
Mang Joe also had his naughty side. The 2nd trippers (that I was always a part of) would still be on the road after sunset so what our beloved Mang Joe would do is to pretend he had to pee and park the bus right in front of the cemetery. He would only return when he heard sobbing ang screaming in the Ford Fiera.
Of course his naughty side was nothing compared to how nice he really was. Since I was the last rider to be dropped off and we had a long way to go from BF Homes Paranaque to Villamor Air Base, we would always stop for a date at this Panaderia. He would buy me a soda and a pan de sal before heading home.
After High School I never saw Mang Joe again. Heard stories about him though. When he got sick and couldn't drive anymore, all the bus riders were clamoring for him. So he asked his son then his grandson to drive for him while he became a bus rider himself and made all the Kulasas happy.
And now after more than 20 years, I suddenly remembered him as I said goodbye to Red entrusting him to his new "Mang Joe." I no longer envy those who never rode a school bus. In fact, I pity them for not experiencing the joys of bus riding and having a Mang Joe in their lives.
Sampung Bagay Na Natutunan Ko Sa School Bus Ni Mang Joe:
1. Pwede pa lang magtaguan sa loob ng school bus
2. Pwede pa lang gawing unan ang lunch box
3. Kasya pala ang mahigit 30 na tao sa Fiera
4. At pwede pala ang limang tao sa harap
5. Meron pa lang 1st trip
6. Pag may umaway sa akin, kalaban ang buong bus
7. Ka-edad pala ni Mang Joe si Marcos
8. Hindi pala Mang Joe ang pangalan ng lahat ng bus drivers
9. Pwedeng manigarilyo sa loob ng school bus
10. Na paglipas ng mahigit dalawang dekada, may bonding pa rin ang mga alaga ni Mang Joe
Mula sa lahat ng Kulasa at La Sallista na sumakay ng bus mo noong Dekada Sitenta at Otsenta... We love you Mang Joe!!
 It's Such A Cliche!
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco
It has been a long time since my last blog. But my ngaragness has been put on hold with the much-awaited and much-welcomed randomness of Red...
Mama: Red, do we have a new DVD that I could watch?
Red: There are a few on the table.
Mama: Oh ok. Is "What Happens In Vegas" good?
Red: It's such a cliche.
Mama: Huh???
Red: You know it's just like any other love story. They fall in love. They fight. They break up. Then they fall in love again, get married, blah blah blah...
Mama: Oh. Hmmm, what else can I watch then?
Red: You should watch it Mama, it's nice. It's CLICHE-ly nice.
Mama: Ok fine.
After watching the movie...
Red: So did you like it Mama?
Mama: I actually liked it.
Red: See? Cliche.
Mama: Define 'cliche' then.
Red: It's something very obvious and it happens so many times already. So I knew you'd like it.
Mama: You know me too well.
 Happy Mama
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco
I have three beautiful children and none of them are alike. There is not a day, especially this summer, that passes without hearing them engage in a petty quarrel, a debate or a mini battle. But yesterday was a good day. I woke up with Red snuggling up to me and whispering “happy mother’s day.” I went down for breakfast and saw Sam in the garden painting. She looked up, smiled and said “happy mother’s day mama!” I pretended not to notice what she was doing as I was sure that painting was for me. I was feeling so loved. I ate my longganisa with sinangag and drank my calamansi juice while smiling. I went back upstairs to take a shower when I saw Ram busy playing the Wii. He said hi and kissed me. I was humming in the shower. What a happy day! I came out of the bathroom and saw Ram again and he said hi and kissed me again. Could this day get any better? By afternoon, we were all in the TV room. Red handed me a hallmark greeting card while Sam gave me her personalized hand-painted card. Hmmm... then I started wondering. Mama: Ram? Ram: Yes ma? Mama: Have you greeted Lola Linda? Ram: Hmmm? Why? What’s the date today? Is it her birthday? Mama: How about Ma Vedus? Ram: (gasps) Mama: (rolls her eyes) Ram: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MAMA!!! Sam & Red: Kuya!!! What’s wrong with you? Didn’t you hear us greet Mama or see the card we gave her today? Ram: No. But I did kiss her twice today. Mama: I guess that counts. Thanks Ram. Ram: You’re welcome Mama! To my children, thank you for always giving me a day filled with love and packed with laughter! To the strongest woman I know, Happy Mother’s Day Mama! I love you! Happy Mother’s Day to the best MIL there is! I love you Ma Vedus! To all the hot mamas out there, happy mama’s day!
 Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy
BY: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco Red went to the dentist last Tuesday for the extraction of his last milk tooth. His Papa and Ate Sam went with him to the dental clinic. He was already very tense on the way there so when it was time, tears welled up in his eyes. He wanted to hold on to the remnant of his milk teeth but Dra. Hizon said it had to go. Red was patiently being talked into the extraction but after 20 minutes his Papa lost it... Papa: It’s okay Red. It won’t be painful. Red: Hu hu hu! Ate Sam: Yeah nga Red. Come on it won’t hurt. Red: sniff sniff sniff Papa: Red please. Red: sob sob sob Papa: RED! You’re already 12!!! STOP IT!!! An hour and half, a Burger McDo and a sundae after... Red: Mama! They pulled out my last molar! Mama: Aaaww! Poor baby! Red: Yeah! But Papa was so mean. Red then retold his unforgettable orthodontic treatment. Mama: Papa! Why did you speak that way to Red? Papa: He’s 12 na kaya! Red: Real words of encouragement Pa! Hmph! Papa: But you were being such a baby! Red: Hmph! And then after they made bunot my tooth I wanted to bring it home for the Tooth Fairy and you know what he said??? Mama: What? Red: “RED! There is no such thing!!!” Mama: (gasps) Red: I’m lalong napa-CRY tuloy!!! Mama: Papa, that was his last milk tooth. The Tooth Fairy only comes for the baby teeth! Papa: Red, you already know they’re not real, like Santa Claus, Three Kings, the Easter Bunny and the Great Pumpkin right? Red: Gee thanks for ruining my childhood Pa! Harumph!
 IRONic MAN
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco The whole family watched Iron Man last night. We’ve been wanting to see this movie since it first showed last April 30 but we were in Macau. So we had to settle for the 2nd week watchers' title. Sigh! We loved it from beginning to end. Not to mention the end-end. We watched the last full show and you know how it is in small cinemas here in the Philippines, they usually cut the film during credits. But we clamored for our cinematic rights, all five of us! We never left the theater and pleaded with the film operator. He took pity on us and turned on the credits once again. Phew! The credits took forever! I was beginning to doubt my kids about waiting ‘til the end. Good thing we had a great conversation while waiting... Mama: I knew Jeff Bridges was a bad guy from the start. Red: Why? Mama: Because he was bald! Bad guys are always bald in movies. Red: Racist! Mama: Baldness is not a race Red! Red: Oh ok. You Hair-ist then! Or Bald-ist. Mama: Whatever! Red: That’s what I told Kuya when he went bald this summer. Mama: That he looked like a villain? Red: No. That he looked like a terrorist! Mama: Now I think that’s a more racist comment Red. Red: No kaya! Mama: Yes kaya!
 How ISCHOOPID Can You Get?
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco There are things that we do that are considered stupid. I for one have done a few. Sometimes they are not worth mentioning but others deserve a blog. I just hope that after reading this, you do not think less of me... Years ago, I was so into ringback tones. These are the songs that your friend hears whenever he calls you up on the cell phone. I just uploaded a favorite song of mine as my ringback tone and I wanted to hear it. So I excitedly picked up our telephone and started dialing my cell phone number. Before I could even hear my tone, my cell phone starts ringing with a picture of my husband showing. So I put down the telephone and answered my cell phone, no reply. Hmmm... bad reception, I thought. Picked up the telephone again, dialed my cell phone number and then Tet started calling again. I answered my cell phone a bit agitated this time, “HELLO?!?!” Still no answer! Haay! For the third time, I rapidly punched in my cell phone number on the telephone. Sure enough, my cell phone started ringing again. “TET???!!!” All I could hear was a busy tone. Argh! In my frustration, I stopped dialing and didn’t even notice that my cell phone stopped ringing as well. When Tet came home, I met him with, “Why were you calling???” He said he never called me. But but... “You called me three times!” Tet stared at me dubiously. Then slowly, I felt blood rush to my face. It was a sort of awakening... an awakening of how ischoopid I was! The realization that Tet was not the one calling me made me look down in shame, look down and search for my IQ on the floor. So that explains it. I was calling myself!!! I could just hear the spirits’ guffaw while taunting me with, “Walang gamot yan!!!” Sigh!
 Eavesdropping On Private Conversations
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco There are times when I want some peace and quiet. This is a treasured moment especially when you have three inquisitive and curious kids. When my baby brother, RJ, was here, I decided to just sit back and enjoy the conversations he had with my children. It was like watching a good sitcom... Scene 1 RJ: Ram, why don’t you write me testimonial at my Friendster account? Ram: Oh ok. After a few minutes... RJ: So Ram, did you make me a testimonial already? Ram: Yes. RJ: What did it say? Ram: I wrote, “Enjoy freeloading at my parents’ house!” RJ: RAM!!! Scene 2 RJ: Red, are you excited to go to DLSZ? Red: Yes! RJ: If somebody bullies you there, let me know. Sam: Yeah Red, tell tito RJ if someone‘s mean to you there. Ram: Yeah, I remember when I was bullied when I was new in OB. Red: I don’t think I’ll get bullied. Ram: Really? How do you know that? Red: Because I have the “cuteness factor”. Sam rolls her eyes... Ram: WHAT is the “cuteness factor”? Red: I am the only boy in class who hasn’t been slapped by a girl. All the rest get slapped when they annoy girls. Sam: Well maybe it’s because you’re nice to them. Red: NO! Whenever I bug girls, they only go, “Argh!!!” and walk away. See??? THAT’s the “cuteness factor!” RJ: Haay! Lalo kang mabu-bully niyan!
 ITAAS ANG KAMAY AT IWAGAYWAY... please lang
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco Last night I almost put on my Tretorns, ‘baston’ jeans and large Polo shirt with shoulder pads. As I fixed my hair, I wanted to tease it and Aqua Net it to death. I had to remind myself that it was not the 80’s anymore. Sigh! While waiting for Val to pick us up, I downloaded the new songs of Duran Duran from the Red Carpet Massacre album and tried my very best to at least remember the title. Of course, that attempt was a total failure. All I could hear was DANANANAN... DANANANAN... FLE-FLE-FLE-FLE-FLEX!!! Haay! Riding in Val’s car didn’t help at all. Playing loudly from Angeles City to Manila was the Best of Duran Duran. This didn’t dampen our spirits though. We still had high hopes that they would sing a few 80’s hits for hungry old wolves like us. Our high hopes were met and even surpassed our expectations! The still awesome Simon, Nick, Roger & John performed only a few from their new CD and a LOT from their old LP. Phew! We could finally sing and dance at the same time! The whole of Araneta Coliseum rocked with hand-clapping, feet-stamping, head-banging OG’s (old guys). It was Kudos all over again! How could you not get up and dance with songs like HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF, PLANET EARTH, WILD BOYS, SAVE A PRAYER, THE REFLEX, GIRLS ON FILM, COME UNDONE, NOTORIOUS, ORDINARY WORLD, A VIEW TO A KILL, and RIO??? Which brings me to my point... In all the concerts I’ve been to, no matter where I am seated, I make sure to have fun. I am not talking about James Ingram or Pavarotti concerts. I’m sure you understand what kind of concerts I am referring to. Nothing irks me more than seeing people in these kinds of concerts just sitting without a trace of enjoyment. Not even a nod of the head, a tap of the foot, a snap of the finger or even a hum!!! Whadda?!?!?! Why watch a concert at all??? This gets more annoying seeing them sitting in the front row!!! You don’t have to be a good dancer to get up and sway. If swaying is still a difficult feat for you, then stand up and clap! If for some reason, your hands are not in snyc and clapping is impossible, then just wave your arm. Last resort, just stand up to show some appreciation for the artist will ya???
 Am I My Sister’s Keeper?
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco Last Friday my daughter, Sam, caught up with me before I went to work to ask me if her friends could come over. Of course I said yes. At work, I received a text message from my son, Ram, asking if his friends could come over. Wow, I thought to myself, a soiree right in my own home! I said yes again. I drove home excited to see what was happening with my college babies. Going up the driveway, I was shocked to see Sam sitting prettily in the porch enjoying a foot scrub while 3 guys were keeping her company. My thought balloon pops up, “Aba! Bongga talaga ang unica hija ko! May audience impact pa ang mga paa niya!” All I could do was say hello and go straight to the house, straight to Ram’s room. Mama: Ram! Do you know that Sam has three guy friends over??? Ram: Really??? Do I know them? Mama: Ram, what kind of kuya are you? You’re supposed to be protecting and guarding your baby sister. Why don’t you and your friends go out there right now and interrogate them, maybe even scare them a little. Ram: Okay Mama. So off the boys went with the big man, Red, tagging along. After a few minutes they all went back inside. Mama: So how did it go? Ram: It was okay. They’re a year younger than Sam. Mama: So? Ram: They seem fine. We only have one problem. Mama: WHAT??? (getting tense) Ram: We ordered pizza, should we share it with them? Red: Of course not!!! Mama: Haay!!!
 I Give Up!
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco I’ve been giving up meat for the past two Lenten seasons. For someone who is not fond of fish and veggies, this sacrifice really hurts. (But this pales in comparison should I decide to give up rice. I am a rice girl!) You can just imagine the torture of going to my parents’ house every other Sunday and seeing Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare and Callos on the table. Not to mention the feast my MIL cooks for all of us every time we are at her house. Drool drool drool! I’ve always wanted to be a vegetarian. The cruelty to animals and of course the health advantages are enough reasons to be one. But how can I??? Any place I go to is Temptation Island! I cannot go to Baguio without buying their longganisa. I cannot go to Ilocos without eating their Bagnet. I cannot go to Cebu without trying their lechon. What would life be like in Boracay without chori burgers? What would I do in Pampanga without sisig? HOMAYGAD! How can I go without my MIL’s tapa? We went to this organic place once and it mostly served leaves. That’s when it hit me! I am a carnivore and will forever be a hard core meat-loving human. Sorry to my cow and pig friends! This brings me to my story. My children decided to give up one of their favorites too this Lent. My eldest son fasted on fast food. Are big breakfasts at Mc Donald’s counted? Ram answers with a resounding NO. My only daughter gave up chocolates and soda. One morning, I was eating “champorado” and offered Sam some but she declined. Apparently, “champorado” was part of the chocolate family but Krispy Kreme honey glazed donuts weren’t. Red is the junk food prince in the house. He loves Chikito! (similar to Nagaraya) He eats this until the whole house reeks of the stench of garlic. So my youngest son decided to go without Chikito for forty days. On the 38th day I saw him run from the pantry to the TV room. He was watching a movie and couldn’t take it anymore. Red gobbled up 12 packs of Chikito in one sitting. After the last crunch and still with his mouth full, Red blurted out, “I’m sorry God! I’m just too weak!”
 I Say Tomato You Say…
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco We Filipinos have a funny way of changing words, phrases and names even. Blame it on our different dialects, our culture, our ancestors or our hearing. Blame all you want but that’s what makes Pinoys unique. I remember having a dog as a child named, TJ. My Yaya P would always call him, Tay-Jee or Tay-Jay, much to our dog’s confusion. This went on as dogs came in and out of our lives. Our Pekingese, Boogie was called Bowgee. Our Poodle, Freaky was called Fraykee. Our Cocker Spaniel, Whitney was called Wetnee. Haay Yaya! But they all loved her just the same. My MIL does the same thing to people! Our cousin had a girlfriend named AC. Every time she came for a visit my MIL would call her KC. Once AC couldn’t stand it anymore and tried to correct my MIL, “Tita, AC po.” To which my MIL’s response was, “E gusto ko KC. Bakit ba?!” From then on, no one would dare correct my beautiful MIL should she get all our names wrong. Living in Tokyo afforded us to live in a small duplex. It was very cute and my Papa would often say how “COOZY” it was. One time, Papa was so excited to give his “pasalubong” for me. He knew how much I loved the singer of Jessie’s Girl. “I bought you the new CD of Rick SPRINGSTEEN!!!” Gee thanks Pa! I miss my Japanese life! Sigh! Even lyrics to songs are altered. There was this popular song in the 80’s by Taja Seville and our cousin loved singing it, “Love is Potatoes…” It does sound better doesn’t it? So… contagious. I love these Filipino-isms! My friends and family would often swap our new found vocabulary words and terms. Here are my favorites:
1. Paki-SWIT mo ang electric fan. Mainit!
2. Naku brown out! Kunin mo ang flash NIGHT!
3. Manang, pakikuha naman yung blue kong SHORT. Ayaw ko mag pantalon ngayon.
4. Grabe na ang ubo mo a. Bakit di ka magpa-XTRAY???
5. Habang bata pa kayo, strike while the SUN is hot!
6. Wag kang papatay-patay. Napaka SLOW PUT mo naman.
7. Sarap mag-BAMFIRE dito sa beach! Marshmallow?
8. Ang favorite kong chocolate candy ay yung EMEM (M&M’s)!
9. Ako naman NESSEL (Nestle) Crunch!
10. At dahil Semana Santa, ganito ang maririnig ninyo sa mga lola tuwing nagrorosaryo kami pag Huwebes Santo... HAILY Mary full of grace... blessed is da fruit of DAMON Jesus... My all time favorite deserves another story… Another cousin came home from work one night, tired and in need of a drink. He asked the maid to buy a bottle of Super Dry. The maid left in a hurry. Minutes turned into an hour and still no Super Dry. Until finally, looking exhausted, the maid finally arrived. Our cousin asked her what took her so long and before he could even finish his sentence the maid took out of a paper bag what appeared to be a bottle of deodorant. “KOya, ang hErap naman hanapEn Etong SOFERDRY mo!” Ummm… salamat ha!
 My Son, My Son What Have You Become???
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco “Am I sosyal?” This was the greeting my eldest son, Ram, gave me the minute he entered my room. I have nothing against “sosyal” people. I was just never part of that “group” growing up. My brothers and I were raised in a very simple way. We spoke Tagalog at home and in school, thus the term “nosebleed” whenever we were forced to speak in English when balikbayans or foreigners came for a visit. We watched all the Vilma Santos movies. We made “subaybay” telenovelas like Gulong ng Palad and Flordeluna. We bought the Sharon Cuneta LP’s from Mr. DJ, Dear Heart, PS I Love You to My Only Love. We played in the streets and came home looking like “yagits”. We commuted when there was no car available. We could go drinking in sari-sari stores and eat in “carinderias”. I think the politically correct term then was “baduy”. Yes we were “baduy” and proud of it. Now that we’re older, I must admit, we’ve climbed up the social ladder. We’ve improved our status by a rung. But my brothers and I are still and will forever be “jologs” at heart. So to answer your question “anak”, basing on your uncles’ and my “sosyal” standards, the answer is a yes. But don’t worry Ram, it’s never too late to learn and master the art of being baduy/jologs.
 ‘Crafty’ Mother & Son
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco The past two weeks have been crazy for me… making exams, giving out exams, checking exams and recording exams. Aside from that, I’ve also been busy with my students’ graduation, the school paper, prospective teachers and the summer program. Thank God for giving me wonderful, supportive and hard working teachers! But that’s not really my story. Last Thursday, Red called me up to ask for help with his project in Home Arts. It involved an Aida cloth, DMC thread and a needle… cross stitch!!! Yikes! Of course I said yes and Red was relieved. When I got home, Red presented me with a plastic bag. In it was his untouched “project”! Huwat?!?! To be submitted on Friday. Umm Red, today’s Thursday!!! I didn’t have time to get angry, not even to frown. So I began sewing at 6:00 pm while watching AI. Two hours later while watching the replay of AI, I was still at it. I couldn’t bring myself to scold Red as I thought about all the sewing projects my Yaya did for me and all that I did for Ram and Sam. Plus the fact that Red kept checking on me, saying sorry and thank you alternately. Sigh! To his credit, Red did the outline in back stitch. Before the next replay of AI, I was done! Phew! I couldn’t wait to get home the following day… Mama: Hi Red! Red: Hi Mama! Mama: So did you pass the project? Red: Yes. Mama: What did they say? Red: They said it was very nice. Mama: Really??? (all flattered) Red: My friends even said it was the best work in class. Mama: Wow!!! What did you say? Red: I said, “Of course! Ako pa?!?!?!” Mama: Haay Red! The teacher that I am just had to say… Mama: Red, next time, you have to do these projects yourself. Do not wait until the last minute. Red: Yes Mama. Sorry. The mother in me also had to say… Mama: Red, what we did was not right and dishonest. We should not do it again. Red: I know Mama. I’m sorry. But… the ‘practical me’ thinks that teachers should not give projects like these as homework. Been THERE, done THERE. I have a boxful of embroideries and doilies to prove it. Thanks to my Yaya P’s dexterous hands. Ssshhhh… 
I Was Lost and Now I’m Found By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco On February 20, 2008 the original Roxanne’s Closet disappeared into thin air. It took me a week to start rebuilding my Closet. Exactly 20 days after, I got a letter from the support team of Multiply telling me that they have found my old site. I was ecstatic! Ecstasy soon turned into confusion. I now have two Closets! I have been pondering over which site to keep and which to delete. Sigh! I have come to a conclusion. I am keeping both! Just like all closets, one will be holding the old stuff and one will be holding the new. The original Roxanne’s Closet (roxtet.multiply.com) will be an archive. The avenging Roxanne’s Closet (roxannelimjoco.multiply.com) will be the updated version. I am not only back with a vengeance, I am back to back! :)
 Losing Myself
By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco I know this may sound shallow maybe even insignificant considering what has been happening to our country, but last week was a very depressing week for me. On the day of my baby, Red’s 12th birthday I lost my original multiply site. At first I thought the server was just down or the site was under ‘construction’. By the middle of the day, I was getting nervous. I remembered the time when the site did a ‘human verification’ check on me. So, I put off the sinking feeling in my stomach. After Red’s party, I crossed my fingers (even my toes) and tried to log in for the nth time and voila! User ‘roxtet’ does not exist! THUD! It hit me like a freight train. All I could do was sigh. The last time I felt like this was when I lost all my photo albums to an avoidable flood. The lahar that hit Pampanga left us with no choice but to up and go, bringing all our valued belongings. This to me was our pictures of course. After the lahar scare, we all went back home and went on with our lives. Somewhere in between that, the albums found their way back into Pampanga, stashed in some bodega. You’d think they would be safe but unknown to all of us, whenever it would rain, the bodega would be flooded. And the rest, as they say, is history. Another sigh! Exactly a week after the horrible incident, I now feel better but still a teensy weensy bit sad. You could say, I really put my heart and soul into that site, not to mention the time invested. Some people exercise, play golf, dance, drink, eat, shop, watch movies, read or meditate to de-stress and relax, mine was to multiply. Sadly, some people find hacking into someone else’s site and deleting it entirely an outlet. And for that, I will give you my last sigh… sabay dila. Beh!!!
 Tell Me Where It Hurts By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco I’ve never been a whiner. Let me rephrase that, I’ve never been a whiner when I am sick or in pain. I think I got that from my parents who up to this day, would not complain about being under the weather. My Papa would often attribute his being sick to lack of playing golf. It is either because they have a high tolerance for pain or they’re afraid of doctors. I think it’s the latter. So I grew up paying no mind to any illness or pain. I could go to school even with a fever. Cough and colds were as normal as having a bad hair day. Scrapes and bruises were actually more big a deal when I was young. Isn’t it funny how your parents would scold you after seeing you with a big boo-boo on your knee? Nadapa ka na nga, pagagalitan ka pa. My Papa would often say, “Paano ka pa sasali sa Miss Universe niyan???” Paano nga ba? Haay! By the time I reached college, I was unbreakable. I don’t think I ever got sick. I only absented myself when I got the Chicken Pox or if it was SM 101. I was indestructible. I once fell down the stairs at Euphoria. I quickly got up and just waited for my friends at the lobby. The physical pain was gone in 60 seconds but the embarrassment lasted for years! But now that I’m older, sickness and pain are slowly starting to appear more often that I would want to. I can now have fever lasting for weeks! Cough and colds could last for a month! I fell down the stairs again during assembly in my previous school. Boy the physical pain was excruciating! Never mind the embarrassment of sliding down the stairs using my arms, chest, thighs, knees, shins and feet as a sled in front of the whole student body. Tet’s family is exactly the opposite of mine. Sick people are treated like babies. Food and medicine will be served to you. There would be round the clock concern and care from everyone. You would think this would stop here but no, they would even bring you to the doctor themselves. I think they got this from Lola Sally. She loved going to the doctors. She loved checking into hospitals which turned into venues for family parties. Ram and Sam got the best of both worlds. None of them are whiners but they do like going to the doctor for check-ups. Red, on the other hand, got the worst! He is not only a scaredy-cat when it comes to hospitals and doctors. But he is such a whiner! Here is an excerpt from his day of pain: Red: My body hurts! Mama: Really? Let me give you a hug. (hugs Red) Red: Oww!!! Don’t hug me too tight. You’re hurting my spleen! Mama: Sorry. (hugs Red from the back) Red: Oww! My scapula!!! Mama: Huwat??? What the heck is a scapula? Red: I have no idea but it hurts!
 I'm A Little Bit Country, I'm A Little Bit Rocknroll and I’m So Confused! By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco I’ve never been so confused in my life. Mondays are Grey’s Anatomy and Brothers & Sisters day. Tuesdays are reserved for E News, Top 10 and of course Age of Love. Wednesdays are crammed with American Idol, Last Comic Standing and Heroes. Thursdays begin with American Idol and end with Amazing Race Asia. But by next week I will be adding Private Practice to that day. I’ve finally written down all these shows and their respective channels. I once wasted valuable time changing channels, looking for Marc and Rovilson only to find them finishing the race already. Sigh! Now I am so prepared for the coming week. Hopefully, no other interesting shows come up. Weekends are my days off. The last time I was into watching TV shows regularly was probably in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I really made ‘subaybay’. Weekdays were spent watching Gulong ng Palad and Flordeluna while weekends were spent watching Saturday Fun Machine and See True. Other shows I excitedly awaited week after week were Little House on the Prairie, Eight is Enough, Happy Days, Facts of Life, Different Strokes, Three’s Company, Love Boat, Bionic Man, Wonder Woman, Incredible Hulk, Man From Atlantis, Mork & Mindy, Bossom Buddies, Welcome Back Kotter, Greatest American Hero and so many more. Now that I’m writing this, I must’ve been more confused then than I am now! There were no DVD’s nor You Tube back then. If you missed a show, you will regret it for the rest of your 20th century life. This brings me to my story. As I was channel surfing today, checking for more shows that I should write down, I chanced upon Oprah’s show featuring the Osmonds. Who could ever forget Donny and Marie? I loved them! I’m a little bit country, you’re a little bit rock and roll… Apparently, the Osmonds have been in the business for 50 years! And Oprah brought a hundred plus Osmonds to the studio and it was such a walk down memory lane. I sang and danced with them when I was growing up. And while watching the show, I was teary-eyed… let me rephrase that… I cried! I think I’m an Osmond! May tomorrow be a perfect day
May you find love and laughter along the way
May God keep you in His tender care
Till He brings us together again…
Goodnight everybody!!!
 A Senior Moment By: Roxanne Estrellado - Limjoco Yesterday was an "I got It from my Mama" day. I was making drama about how my two teenagers never spend enough time with the family whenever we're complete. Ram had plans with his friends and Sam had a lot of plates to do for school. So our Saturday was spent with our 'only' child, Red. But that feeling was fleeting. I was just having a midlife moment which according to Red was already a senior moment. (He could be right.) How could I stay in this 'moment' for so long when what I really have are two good and responsible teenagers. I haven't been exercising for the past 2 weeks. Ram, on the other hand, has been running for four straight days with a friend. Ram: Bye Mama! I'm off to go jogging. Mama: Really? I haven't been running for ages! Ram: It feels weird to have you with us when we run. Mama: I know. It's okay Ram. Ram leaves and after an hour and a half... Ram: Hi Mama! I'm back. Mama: Hi Ram! How was your run? Ram: It was good. Next time you can come with us. Mama: Aaaw, don't worry about it Ram. I'll start running next week. Ram: Promise? That's good. (Mama feels special to be asked.) A week ago Sam was asking if she could go out on a weekend in Manila. This was a first! So I told her I would have to ask her Papa and get back to her after a few days. Mama: Hi Sam! Sam: Hi Mama! Mama: How are you? Sam: I'm good. Mama: Your Papa and I talked and we decided not to allow you to go out this weekend. If it were only here in Angeles it would be alright but Manila's a different story. Maybe next time? Sam: It's okay Mama. I understand. (Mama now wants to allow Sam to go out. Sigh!) Hmm... I wonder how it would be with Red. (drum roll please)
 Be Careful What You Pray For By: Roxanne Estrellado –Limjoco I used to be a monthly Manaoag-goer but with my teaching schedule, that panata was too hard to keep. So Red and I took advantage of the Christmas break and decided to go to Manaoag with my MIL and SIL. After the mass, I asked Red to buy 10 candles, 5 for me and 5 for him. Then we went straight to the “lighting” place. As I looked at my son, I couldn’t help but notice how serious he was. And I wondered what could my baby be fervently praying for? He wouldn’t tell when I asked him on our way home because it might not come true. Umm... I think that only applies to wishes and not to prayers Red. Oh well… What I prayed for was for Red to pass his entrance exam in De La Salle Zobel. He was so crushed when he didn’t get into Ateneo. I didn’t want him to go through the same ordeal. Baka makapatay na ako non. Well, something to that effect. Hehe! Now, we found out that Red has passed the DLSZ exam but is on the waiting list. Tet and I suddenly panicked. (Waitlisted pa lang yan ha.) Our baby will be living away from us in 5 months! Would he be okay? Would he be able to adjust? Would he be able to sleep? When I saw the huge smile on my 6th grader’s face, something dawned on me. The questions weren’t for Red. They were meant for his parents. Sigh! My story doesn’t end there. We have been spending more and more quality time with him as the school year draws to an end. We tried our luck once again to bring him to an R-13 movie, the reason being AVP2 or Alien Versus Predator 2. Red has been an avid fan of anything monster-like: Godzilla, King Kong, dinosaurs, dragons, Aliens and Predators. This time, we were successful! Our “13 year old” who was born on “January 20, 1995”, walked proud and tall, sat smug and paranoid in the movie house. He became jumpy each time anyone came near us. He didn’t even want us talking to him for fear of getting kicked out again. It wasn’t until the lights went out and the opening credits began that he breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, “I’ve been waiting and praying for this moment!” The skeptic in me got me thinking. This better not be what you prayed for Red. Haay!
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