Brendarna

Hello again, World!

2019-10-24T16:27:00.000+08:00

Let's start over, shall we?

To say that the past 3 years, since my last post has been a roller coaster ride, will be an understatement.

I lost my business, had to get back to work, get back in shape, try to pick up the mess...

Of course, I went in for some "fun," which by some twist of fate got me knocked up. Facepalm-moment then, I know... but I'm a proud momma now. =)

I can say that I have since moved forward to more serious and engaging activities in life now. I suppose God has a way of pushing us to grow up when you're living like you're 22 forever.

Becoming a mother can be synonymous to the Earth being destroyed and then built up again. How wonderful and interesting, each day turns out with this new world is beyond me, I have no idea how I can manage to snore (as I am being accused of), when I know I have been staying up for what seems like ALL NIGHT, every night!

God is so real in my life right now, friends. I have never prayed this much since learning that I was going to be a mom:

"Lord, please make my son strong!"

"Protect my baby from harm, please God!"

"Help me Lord!!! I don't think I can do this anymore...."

It has been a year and five months (plus nine months of carrying a child in my belly). I need help to gather and organize my thoughts. There's tons to share my head's about to explode. Exagg, okay?

I'll share when I get some time.

My winging-it-face and my cute son, of course!

'til then!

"Prayer Worrier"

2016-12-21T10:44:00.001+08:00

Around this time, last year, I was asking, and seeking the heavens for direction. I am praying to open a business.

I know that I have everything I needed to start one: skills, motivation, a bit of faith, a ‘plan,’ a good concept, and the support of my mother, and siblings. I have everything figured out except for one thing— I know did not have enough finances to begin. Then God sent a friend, who's seeking a business to invest in, that he would like to give his wife so she would not have to get back to 9-5. Aww, sweet hubby!

So the rest is history.

My childhood friend turned business partner Carlo, with his beautiful wife and child, Joan and CJ

One year since, we are now operating a 10-month old restaurant. We are so excited and grateful for this blessing, which also became one of our biggest source of life-lessons. I thought I had it all figured out. I have great expectations, and visions for this business that I share with everyone but deep inside; in reality, I am dead scared. Scared of failing. Terrified of what could happen tomorrow. But this morning, God sent me this message...

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life?

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

- James 4:14

You know how it is, when troubles beset and you mumble prayers in your head, for God, or the universe, or mother earth, or whoever it is you pray to, listens and turns your life around to run in your favor? Yup! That’s me, every single day. Hehehe. I have never been this ‘prayerful’ in my life! It confuses me to a point where I question if I am mumbling prayers or declaring my worries? Makes one think, huh?

To be honest, we have yet to see the business break through. With time and financial resources running, we keep praying that we are sustained by the day, by the week, by the month. Surely, operating a business is no joke; yet one must not take it too seriously because it can eat you up. So don’t judge when you see me enjoying ice cream in the mall, lining up for popcorn in the cinema, or on a date, etc. Heck, we need to chill.

We are turning one in a couple of months but I don’t want to worry about that. God-willing, we reach that milestone and more; but for today, I would like to re-focus my energy and allow God to work His way in the business and in my life too-- <3 nbsp="" p="">

I believe in the purpose of everything. This business was allowed by God to be put up because it is meant for something and not rule over our lives. As mentioned, it may be a great source of life-lessons or perhaps a business success story feature for Entrepreneur or Forbes magazine— God-willing.

Hey, if curious where to find our humble restaurant, KIMCHILADAS, it's at 161-A Regina Building Dona Soledad Avenue Better Living Subdivision, Paranaque City. Across Petron gas station and near Paranaque Doctor's Hospital.

"It's About Time"

2015-12-30T14:11:00.002+08:00

“Okay, let’s wrap this up!”

“Let’s take a picture.”

“Have we settled the bill?”

Those were our lines as we readied to leave the bar on what could be the last girls' night out of the year.

Seeing each other after a long while really brought up a lot of stories to sync everyone with the latest 411. There was no dull moment- we glided through a stream of topics, never really paused, which is amazing having connected them, seamlessly.

Or maybe we had a ‘topic-’ one that is engraved in our stories but did not fully realize it. Thinking about it now, it may be about ‘time.’ Time to make that major decision, time to enter a new chapter, time to leave, and time to do something.

Time to make that major decision. So she's tired of the usual-- waking up everyday to spend a full day inside a cold box, thinking of ideas on how to make people want more for themselves and go back to that box as often as humanly possible (yeah, exagg!). She realizes she wants more: more of the heat outdoors, the feel of sand against her back, the water to surround her. But she can’t do it when she knows she’s bound to get into that cold box, every single day.

Time to enter a new chapter. One of my friends got engaged last Christmas! OMG! Like what her father said, “it’s about time.” Healthy eggs are only up to 35 years old for women.” I’m taking mental note- and while I put aside those thoughts, my heart turns giddy for that friend who’s finally planning the next chapter in her life! I’m glad they waited for the right time to do this.

Time to leave. Leave the unnecessary baggage, leave at the right moment, leave when your heart tells you this is not yet IT. Learn to leave then live with it. Yeah right, easier said than done- especially when a situation becomes part of your safe- or comfort zone but this one knows her friends are right. They always are, aren't they? Well, most of the time.

Time to do something.

“If it’s meant, it’s meant.”

She said. While that’s true, I believe that needs to be coupled with a bit of work, don’t you think? I feel like this one's let time pass her by. Oh my! This girl’s got everything a good man could ever wish for a partner but I guess for years, having someone is not the priority. She’s been overworked that she overlooked to work on matters of the heart. Well, intelligent as she is, I think she knows what to do but she chooses not to do anything (yet) every time— or at least until that night.

Time is the most valuable commodity, ever known to man. Nothing ever happens when you don't make time for a passion, a child, a moment, a lover, friends, an experience, to learn something new or to pray! If you woke up today, then that means you have time to live.

What am I saying? I guess this is me taking time to encourage whoever's reading this to act to change your unwanted situation. You might not be capable to do it on your own, but seeking help will definitely get you some results.

Paolo Coelho just wrote this meaningful entry, CLOSING 2015 and I'm sharing an excerpt:

"One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.
Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters – whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished."

I hope we find time to do the right thing to become the right person at the right moment, for the right purpose at the right time.

New Song: 'Slow Movements'

2015-08-25T14:00:00.000+08:00

SIGE, ILALABAS KO NA. Pero isa lang muna...

Sa pagkakataong ako’y maiging nagdamdam, nasaktan- para sa sarili, para na rin sa iba; nanghihinayang- sa pag-alis ng isang kahapong di ko man lang naharap, may mga nabuong kanta.

Nang matapos ang isa, ipinarinig sa kaibigang si John Ed De Vera na alamat sa pagleletra.

Nagustuhan at natuwa. Sumulat pa raw ako ng iba.

Kaya ngayon, gusto kong magpasalamat sa mga nagpalakas ng loob ko at tumulong para mabuo ito:

Kina John Ed De Vera, Darwin Hernandez, Syke, Ira Cosme, Star Sabroso, Peter Cabreros, Ian Limcaco, Jegz Garcia, Jan Lester Alonzo, Sud Ballecer at Alfonso Arenal na nasabi pa ring maganda o ayos yung mga kanta kahit na ang napakinggang demo ay sobrang amateur lang.

Salamat sa oras mga tsong, pagpalain kayo ni Lord!

Higit sa lahat, kay Raymund Marasigan- na hindi lang pinakinggan ang mga kanta, inareglo nya pa. Salamat sa pagkakataon na maririnig na ng mas marami yung mga kanta na mas naiintindihan at nararamdaman.

Grabe, 'fans' mo lang ako e! Salamat nang walang hanggan!

Yung ipinaranas nyo sa 'king kabutihan, maging inspirasyon sana sa karamihan para ituloy lang nila ang pagsusulat at paglikha ng musika.

Buhay ang OPM!

Next week naman yung iba. :)

Overthinking Series Part 3: Ginawa Para sa Mga 'Walang Magawa'

2015-08-20T17:27:00.000+08:00

NAUUMAY NA AKO sa mga collaged-selfies na may caption na, “walang magawa” ('got nothing else to do).

Mga hijo at hija, seryoso ba tayo rito? Talaga bang wala kayong magawa sa maghapon?

Suggestion lang, bakit hindi kayo:

Kumuha ng dyaryo o libro at magbasa;
Kumuha ng papel at lapis at gumuhit o magsulat ng istorya o kung ano mang bagay na inyong nao-obserbahan;
Lumabas ang bahay dala ang cellphone, kunan ang mga bulaklak, ulap, aso, mga batang naglalaro sa kalye o ang paa mo habang naglalakad- maganda rin namang i-collage yan.
Yayain ang pamilya at mamasyal;
Matutong tumugtog ng gitara, ukelele o piano;
Lumikha ng obra mula sa mga kalat mo sa kwarto;
Magligpit ng kwarto (ehem, tinamaan din ako);
Tumulong sa magulang na maglinis ng bahay;
Tingnan kung may dapat bang kumpunihing nasirang gamit sa bahay at subuking ayusin ito;
Mag-aral magluto;

at marami pang iba….

Bakit kailangang mukha mo na lang ang ialay mo sa mundo sa araw-araw?

Alam na ng lahat na maganda o gwapo ka. Sana kahit minsa’y kakitaan ka rin namin ng inspirasyon o dahilan para lalo kaming humanga sa iyo.

Sana'y isipin mo yan sa susunod na pagkakataong wala kang magawa at buksan ang camera ng phone mo para mag-selfie.

Nakakalungkot lang isipin na sa iksi ng panahong meron tayo sa mundo, may mga sandali palang walang magawa ang ilan. Sayang ang oras na dapat sana’y ibinubuhos na lang sa pag-iisip ng kung papaano mapapabuti ang buhay, mag-isip ng solusyon sa traffic o kakulangan ng pagkain o di kaya’y sa paghahabol na maabot ang pangarap.

Pasensya na at pinuna ko pa ang trip mo. Hindi ko lang matiis talaga. Para sa akin, ang oras ay mahalaga at sa pagtakbo nito, ang hiling ko sana’y nakasasabay tayo patungo sa progreso.

Peace!

P.S.

Saka hindi ba 'awkward' kumuha ng larawan mo na may iba-ibang expression?

Nahiya ako nang ginawa ko to e.

"Sabi nga ng kaibigan kong si Dessa: 'Last mo na yan ha!'"

Sikad

2015-08-07T20:15:00.000+08:00

"Bry... Bry... Bry! Sino ba yang kausap mo?!"

Habang gumuguhit ang gulong

sa kalyeng tinatahak ngayon

Iginuguhit din sa isip

Ang araw na kasama ka pa

Bubuuin at sisirain

Bubuuin ko pa ring pilit

Pira-pirasong ala-ala

Ng gabing tayo'y magkasama

Sukat ngayon pang malayo na

Nais mapalapit nang kusa?

Sige ituloy ang pagsikad

Baka sakaling lumapit ka

Ang daya-daya ng tadhana

Sa kabila ng mga awit

Pelikulang tungkol sa kanya

Ba't ba parang ang ilap niya?

Naglalakbay na ang gunita

Sa malayo’t sa inaasam

Naiwanan na ang katawan

Patungo sa mundong kabila

O, tadhanang minsa’y kay lupit

Kung dumating syang para sa ‘kin

'Wag na sanang palilipasin

Nang pagsikad ay tumigil din.

Kwentong Komiks at "Sixty Six"

2015-08-04T18:45:00.002+08:00

I should read more Pinoy comic books from hereon.

Nakakahiya. Ngayon lang ulit ako nagbasa ng komiks. Kung tutuusin, dapat matagal ko nang naging hilig ‘to bilang pagpupugay sa pinagmulan ng pangalan ko. Oo, galing sa komiks ang tunay kong pangalang, Brenda. Hango sa paboritong komiks na binabasa ng lolo ko noong araw. Mangyari kasi, nang makilala nya ang kasintahan noon ng nanay ko, binansagan nya itong “Brandon,” na pangalan ng bidang lalaki sa seryeng binabasa nya. Kaya naman nang isilang ako, at lumabas na kahawig ng tatay ko, isinalin sa pambabae ang “Brandon” at ginawang “Brenda.” Sayang hindi ko na matandaan kung anong pamagat ng akda na yun.

Nakakaloka. Di naglaon, nasundan pa ang anak ng mga magulang ko ng lalaki, at sya naman itong nagmana ng pangalang “Brandon.” So his and hers na kami.

Maganda ang kwentong binuo nitong sina Russel Molina at Ian Sta. Maria. Hindi nga ako nagbabasa ng komiks pero napabili ako dahil sa mga naglabasang ‘reviews’ sa Facebook news feed ko. Sumusuporta na rin lang ako sa OPM, bakit hindi rin sa mga nailimbag na babasahing Filipino? 'Diba? 'Diba?

'Eto na nga ang "Sixty Six."

Ramdam mo ang pagiging makabayan, makatao at maka-pamilya ng mga may akda sa paglalahad nila ng kuwentong sumalamin sa mga buhay ng karaniwang Pilipino. Matalino at may puso.

Naks.

Hoy, dalawa na nga lang pala ang natitirang kopya ng Sixty Six Fully Booked sa MOA.

Binasa ko na rin lang, ginawan ko na rin ng ‘review’.

Nakakahawa. Nananagalog ako kasi purong Filipino ang pagkasulat ng komiks na “Sixty Six.” Pwera lang sa pamagat. Kaya Tagalog na rin ang ‘feedback’ ko.

Nakakapagpabagabag. Nasa ika-apat na pahina pa lang ako, magkahalong tuwa at kaba na ang aking naramdaman nang makitang kahawig ko pala ang anak ni Mang Tino at Aling Aura. Hindi naman sa pag-pi-“feeling” pero kahawig ko rin naman si Ilonah Jean at Aubrey Miles kaya natanggap ko na rin na hindi malabong lumabas ako sa komiks (loko lang Ian- pero ang galing mo talaga).

Si "Ella"

Nakababalisa. Sinimulan kong basahin ang libro kaninang madaling araw at sinundan ko noong nananghalian kami. At sa mga oras na kailangan kong magtrabaho, hindi ko maialis sa isip ko ang kwento ni Mang Tino. "Ano na kayang nangyayari nangyayari sa loob ng libro-- kay Aling Aura, sa barangay ni Mang Tino at pag-ronda ni Mang Donat. Uuwi ba si Ella?"

Aaminin kong medyo nawala ako sa mundo sa araw na ito.

Nakakakaba. Habang nagbabasa, oo. Kinakabahan ako habang nararamdaman kong manipis na lang ang natitirang pahina sa kanang kamay ko. Ayoko sanang matapos pa ‘to. Gusto ko pa sanang dugtungan! Teka lang! Bitin!

Pero kailangan muna sigurong maghintay sa ngayon.

Ang sigurado, matagal pa o malapit na, merong karugtong ang kwento. Abang lang. Darating din 'yan. :)

Pakibilisan lang sana kasi may 'hooked reader' na rito (loko lang ulit).

#Walwal Wednesday and No, We're Not Blaming the Alcohol

2015-07-30T01:28:00.001+08:00

It's about this weekday ride. No beers.

Today, I am proud to share that I, who's barely a month into biking, together with my OG Cavite-Fixed-Gear-friends were able to finish 71.7 kilometers in 4.5 hours saddle time. RECORD-BREAKING (at least for me)! I prayed for strength and will to endure the ride with zero injuries and falls of any kind-- oh well, Star had a fall but landed on a "soft spot" so he's good!
(Please ask him what it was) Hehe.

Also, we were taken to this beautiful waterfalls in Cavite, called "Balite."
I didn't know Cavite had it, I was so surprised!

Overall, it's an awesome ride!

Yun nga lang, "Walwal" kami.
"Walwal" is a Filipino colloquial term for "getting wasted."
- RAPPLER

Photo grabbed from @ira.cosme
Kay Arias (@themakeuprum), Star Sabroso (@starsabroso), Me (@brendarna) , Alfonso "Fonzeeey" Arenal (@arenal.alfonso), Ira Cosme (@ira.cosme) and Geloy Bernal (@geloybernal).
Human selfie-stick: Jeremiah Pena (@jrmpena)

Summary of Ride from Strava

Getting into this hobby has been very rewarding, physically, emotionally and spiritually as it has taught me lessons about life (see previous entry). I highly recommend this hobby to anyone who is looking for 3Ds: Diversion, Distraction and Deviation from any kinds of stress, or the daily grind. Hopefully, it develops into a lifestyle.

But first, one must learn to ride a bike.

To expound on the 3Ds of Biking from experience:

Biking as a Diversion: Stress no longer compels me to eat! I look forward to riding out to clear my head instead and in turn, you burn calories away!

As a Distraction: Since riding our takes me to places I never imagined I could, on two wheels, I am reminded how futile worrying is! Seeing how big this world is, helps me not to sweat the small stuff anymore.

The Effective Deviation: There is an entire world outside your (personal) space. Get out of your comfort zones and hit the road! You'd be surprised how, the Earth, pretty much does not revolve around you.

"Wag kang pa-falls." - Shot and caption by Alfonso Arenal
BALITE FALLS, CAVITE

Cheesy!

At the end of the ride, we know we all deserve a great recovery meal!

Bagong Ligo Gang at SM Foodcourt to eat our favorite Beef Stew from Honey's Kimchi!

For the successful and fun ride today, we're grateful as He has been faithful.
He always is. :) TYL!

Overthinking Series Part 2: #BikeLife

2015-07-22T01:52:00.000+08:00

So I have decided to engage in a new hobby, biking. I bought my road bike from a friend of a friend, have been on it for weeks and can’t seem to stop riding it. I am becoming obsessed with it, so my family and friends say. Of course not! I'm not obsessed with "Champagne!"

Yes, I named her.

Still not OC.
"Champagne" at The Henry Hotel Manila

Fine. If there is anything that I should be obsessing with, it's about the life-lessons that this new hobby has reminded me to do while still on this planet. I made a list and came up with ten (10).

I was on the road with new friends for four (4) hours, from Kawit to General Trias, Cavite and back, which is approximately 43.6 kilometers total distance. In that span of time, I struggled to get through and prayed as I did for strength and motivation then realizations were revealed...tadaaaa:

1.) When trying out something new, it’s always best to do it with “adult” supervision.

In this case, I'm talking about someone who’s experienced and knows the way.

Listen to him/her because he/ she has been through the path you're taking and already developed the discipline of the hobby that you should also have.

2.) Be prepared... emotionally

And I don’t mean with just tools and skills for biking but I’m talking about the heart. It will take a beating and you should be able to keep up with it. Set your mind to finish the challenge and with the right motivation, you will.

3.) Take your time. You'll get there.

Run at your own pace. The ones ahead of you should be your inspiration and not competition. Do not force it or you will only hurt yourself. As my friend puts it, “'Wag kang magmadali, pareho lang naman kayo ng pupuntahan.”

STOP OVER.

4.) Respect the rules.

Rules are set to guide and prevent you from getting hurt. Stop when needed, give way, slow down, prioritize pedestrians, SHARE THE ROAD.

5.) Be sensitive.

All your senses must be activated when riding. Glance side to side, and the back from time to time. Listen to your surroundings and feel the environment to avoid accidents and keep your balance all the way.

6.) When you start to get weak, let someone help you.

TRUE STORY: It was a few kilometers away from our destination when I started feeling weak to the point that I began to complain that I’m stopping and can no longer go on. My friend came and offered to push me and both pedaled on until I have regained my cadence and eventually reach the destination.

His push made pedaling much easier that if only I hadn't noticed that he's losing strength as he was giving me a boost, I would have let him take me all the way to the end! Superb e!

7.) Stop when you need to.

You have to. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for a break. Same with life, it’s beneficial to stop and take a breather for a while. Do this to recover and regain strength.

8.) Apologize.

This may be hard to do when you’re cruising too fast, but when you obstruct someone’s path, or accidentally hit a person, when you know you’ve done others wrong, hit those brakes, go back and apologize.

9.) Roads can get too tight with fast cars and trucks that you’d feel you’re going to die.

Well, you won’t- just as long as you look ahead to where the road is bright and wide. Keep your focus and path straight.

10.) Enjoy the ride.

Feel the breeze, smell the fields and smile appreciate the sun touching your face. Be grateful and appreciate what’s happening because that’s the whole point of the journey.

Me, shedding tears of joy as I was able to finish the ride. :)
Photo by @ira.cosme

BONUS: Meeting new friends along the way. :)

Photo grabbed from Ira Cosme,
who's supposed to pose, like this, with us but won't to save his reputation.

COO (Child of Owner) Diaries: When Mom Says 'Go,' You Go.

2015-07-03T14:20:00.000+08:00

My mom woke up the moment I slid into the bed, I just came from a catching up sesh with a friend. Still sleepy, she whispered she was going to the market. I said, "Aah. Okay." It was a weekly thing for her, waking up at 1:30AM, bringing a couple of staff along with her to assist, then going to the market to get the freshest produce at the best price.

Taking a mirror selfie while waiting for the lift with my friend, Shielani.

“Sama ka.” My mom casually invited. As if I did not just come home and was not tired.

“Kaya mo ba? Para sa susunod ikaw na ang mamalengke.” she said.

I tossed and turned on the bed, somehow annoyed because I would like to rest. Sarap na ng higa ko e! Then I started feeling guilty. My spirit was rebuked! How could I be this selfish?! If my mother, at 65, could get up at wee hours of the night to do what needs to be done, then why can’t I? How many times have I wasted my energy on matters that did not 'matter?' And this is obviously important. I have to learn how to do this, whether I like it or not. She's right. Next time, ako naman na dapat ang mamalengke.

I got up, changed and obeyed as every good daughter should.

It was almost 2AM.

And we were back by 4AM.

At the moment, we are busy at the kitchen, preparing and replenishing stocks for distribution to our branches.

Anyway, here's a photo of the leeks that made me cry today.

Literally, "luha at pawis" ang puhunan. Thank God, no blood! :)

From IG of @honeyskimchi

And the tears, I know, are worth it. :)

Overthinking Series Part 1: Paralleling Life and The Henry

2015-06-11T00:21:00.000+08:00

Fine. I am into this habit of paralleling my encounters with objects, things and places with how it is with life. Since I started working for one of the country’s first design hotels, The Henry, I am toying with these thoughts and they would not let me sleep so I decided to let out through writing. *Please excuse the flow as it has been a while since I last wrote an entry. There, I'm overthinking again.

I hold office on Mondays and Tuesdays in the 6-month-old restored property in Pasay City called The Henry Hotel Manila. It used to be a compound occupied by a family in the 1940s, after the second world war. Time passed and the family has since moved on. The houses slowly losing its grandeur that soon, the place was leased out to be taken care of and restored by The Henry.

Coming here the first time, was like being transported back to the old Manila. One would wonder what this place was like before. Suddenly, reality steps in- you are still in the present. But noticing the mix of elements: old, modern and contemporary indeed complemented the place- making The Henry Hotel Manila, even more astonishing.

Banig: Because Siesta.
(Just kidding, Boss- in case you're reading this)

And it made me reflect on life— (somebody stop me). Working in this place, twice a week, for almost a month now, has taught me some life lessons that I, perhaps am tasked to share with… well, whoever is reading this right now. :)

1. ) Being old doesn’t make one useless and therefore, set for doom. Heeey, vintage is in! There is credibility in age too! The history of The Henry makes the experience of staying here, like no other. I guess people are hooked to stories and history in general that's why the place is just a hit! They learn from these stories, inspired by what they see, delighted in the entire experience.

So be mindful to grow wiser as you get older. Remember that the wisdom of the old always leaves a mark in the lives of others- especially the young ones.

2.) No matter how much you have been through, you can still be restored/ renewed. The Henry used to be a an old, deteriorating compound in Pasay City. Restoring it only took one decision, turning it into what it is right now.

We, human beings, grow old every day. We deteriorate everyday but what I pray for is a restored and renewed heart everyday so that I will be better than how I was yesterday. Learning from mistakes, getting up and moving on from failures of the past.

3.) Restoration makes you more valuable. Who would have thought- especially those familiar with the place from way back- that a such a venue as old as that compound in 2680 F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay, could still be transformed into one of the most sought-after hotel in the city? And mind you, accommodation at The Henry is at a premium because the place now offers a different level of experience.

So decide to change now.

Decide that you don’t want that thing that holds you back anymore; that you want to be better; that you want to be restored! Believe that it will happen and it will! Nothing is impossible.

As long as you are committed to changing your future, then take it. Your experience coupled with a changed life will make you desirable and highly valuable in the eyes of others.

4.) Just wait. Someone will see your potential and bet on you. The Henry came at the perfect time to restore the property into a state, more beautiful than it has ever been. What used to be a deteriorating compound is now filled with life! And the guests have been raving about their experience at the hotel, sharing kind words and praises for creating such a place in the city.

So need I explain more?

5.) The beauty is in the details. Look closely. If (The) Henry only saw the state of the entire compound and ignored the minute details that make up the character of the entire property, then I would not be as inspired writing this piece at all because there would not be an “oasis in the city” (The Henry). He would have easily been turned off by the squeaky floors, peeled off paint, missing floor tiles, mumu feels, etc. But see, desire comes after you take interest at something and examining it carefully. Its history, the way it looks, feels, smells and the serene sound it produces despite it being surrounded by busy streets and neighborhood builds up the interest even more.

Trusting that with things done right, the compound will emerge as one unexpectedly stunning, incredibly fascinating structure in the city.

And it is now.

So can you be.

For Art's Sake: Portraits by Joaquin Lagonera

2015-01-28T13:57:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I shared about my fascinating visit with work-friends at The Henry. One thing I skipped to tell is a portion of where we had the pleasure of meeting a few high-profile figures in society- yep, they sat and chatted with us like we're close na.

#socialclimbpamore

What was more memorable for me though was that request from the country's former cabinet member, who happens to dabble into photography. He asked if he can take my photograph (by the window where the lights, he said, fall good).

With much excitement, I obliged, as this is, anyway for art's sake.

Naks. #FnaF

Sir Jake, or Joaquin C. Lagonera is a member of the Camera Club of the Philippines and served as Director in 2013. He has also won numerous awards for his dedication to the craft.

He mainly uses Leica, and having seen how it captures light, I am considering to rekindle my affair with the art of photography.

Artist din ako?!

Anyway, he sent me the photos today and I must say, '#yamanin!'

The O-M-G-he's-here-na shot

Good morning sunshine!

The Senyora shot

I hope my dear few readers would get to have the same or more than meaningful experience when they visit The Henry.

I Thought I Was Going to Have Lunch Alone when I Met 'Henry'

2015-01-27T16:22:00.001+08:00

Interesting story: Today, I figured I was going to have lunch alone and have been thinking where I could go to enjoy a solitary meal, when my colleagues got 'awa' and joined me. They suggested we try 'something new.'

I have been hearing about this restored property, converted to a mix of hotel, restaurant and art gallery in one of the busy streets of Pasay City.

I have researched about the place online and found it very inviting! I know they are on a trial run but I never thought I'd set foot on this place until today- thanks to my compassionate and generous work-friends, Chito, Owen and Ms. Len, we are having lunch at:

Along the driveway, we were already fascinated by The Henry's ambiance, greens and structures. I began to imagine scenes from classic Filipino movies where a Senyora and her amigas are being served cold beverages by the pool with her daughter and friends swimming in the pool, gossiping about a girl scholar in their supposedly exclusive school, who they hate so much because all the boys in school like her. They are planning to bring her down.

Then of course there's the usual Mama and Papa (spoken in Spanish accent) drama in my head, and calling out 'Mildred' the classy mayor doma to bring out the Kare-kare 'para los invitados.'

This is where the scenes were happening in my head

Anyway, it was time for lunch.

A branch of the famous Apartment 1B, found in Salcedo Village Makati is the house restaurant of 'The Henry.' They are still in simulation phase, which means we were very #blessed to be one of the first customers this branch had served before opening to public on February 1, 2015.

We tried their House Salad, Grilled Pork Chop, Roasted Chicken, Spaghetti Vongole and Meat Loaf and boy, they're really ALL good! Five stars!

After four main courses, we decided to check out the rooms of the place. Too bad we only have a few minutes left so very quickly...

The Merciful and Compassionate SM Cares team: Chito, Owen and Ms. Len

So many spots for photo op!

Yihee! Chito x Bry

Seriously though, the rooms are pretty neat too! I thought my parents would LOVE it if I gift them a stay in this romantic place.

Amenities of 'The Henry':

Garden Pool

Apartment 1B (Restaurant)

The Library (Meeting Room)

(IP Santos Lawn)

WiFi Connection in all rooms

24-hour Front Desk

Airport Transfer Service

Room Service

Laundry Services

Shuttle Service to nearby malls (ehem, SM)

Bell Service

For reservations, call +63 2 8078888 or email reservations.manila@thehenryhotel.com

'The Henry' is located at 2680 FB Harrison St. Pasay City, Philippines.

www.thehenryhotel.com

A New Community Center in Angono Opens

2014-11-15T14:56:00.001+08:00

IT WAS INDEED a grand opening.

Traveling to SM Center Angono felt like forever, knowing that we only have limited time to get there to witness SM Prime's President, Hans T. Sy, the executives, mall operations and marketing teams welcome the public to their new family destination.

The mall was already open when we got there- and man, the crowd was intense! Everyone's excited to check out the shops, restaurants and entertainment amenities of the mall.

Marketing girls present during the event, first tried out Mango-Ong at the 2nd floor of the mall.

Thanks for this shot, Az Coladilla!

Az is one of the select influencers we invited to the event. Most of them hail from the Rizal area so SM Center Angono is a great addition to the list of destinations in their district, according to them.

We were welcomed by festive Higantes at the mall entrance and inside was a continuation of the celebration with music, games, dancing and photo ops!

Our lunch ended up to be as grand as well. The influencers were warmly accommodated by SM Center Angono's marketing team and we, together with the influencers got the chance to dine with SM Supermalls' President, Annie S. Garcia as well as the other mall operations executives. Ms. Annie made sure that our guests were served first, truly a reflection of what the company values most, customer service.

Crowd went wild when Beauty Queen and actress, Ruffa Gutierrez graced the SM Savemore's event, also inside the mall.

SM Center Angono is SM Supermalls' 50th mall.

Seeing the way people are embracing the culture of community center establishments where families can relax, shop, dine and have fun in one place, the company will press on to build more to bring this experience to Filipinos across the country and slowly, perhaps even globally.

Rainbow-Colored Homes Turned Over to Families a Year After Haiyan (Yolanda)

2014-11-10T01:17:00.005+08:00

IN THE MIDDLE of the grand Christmas launches across the country over the weekend, a part of me wanted to fly to Bogo, Cebu where our friends from SM Cares were to officially turn over the first 200 of the committed 1,000 homes to be built for Haiyan- stricken families through the SM Cares Housing Project.

Oh how I wanted so much to be in that event! To get to know some of the beneficiaries, listen and maybe cry with them at some point- to also be able to pray with them.

The blessing and turn over ceremony of the first SM Cares Village in Bogo, Cebu

It must have been a very touching event- seeing our 'kababayans' move in to new homes, colored in bright, rainbow colors that perhaps signify hope and the thought of them waking up tomorrow under a roof that is designed to withstand the strongest possible gust of wind ever recorded in history.

They are now truly safe. They are now truly secure. Another 'Yolanda' will not devastate them anymore. The worst may be truly over.

Just a Year Ago

A few days after Haiyan or Yolanda struck the country, SM Supermalls once again activated its Operation Tulong Express, a booth set-up in all malls, to provide a venue for willing customers to give their donations for Haiyan victims through SM Foundation to raise funds for the families affected by the super typhoon.

Volunteers from employees, customers, tenants, stakeholders to celebrities, models, and other online influencers gave their time and effort to spread word about the cause, and kick-start the fund raising effort, until plans for rehabilitation have been finalized. Hence, the birth of The SM Cares Housing Project.

It's Only the Beginning

Earlier this evening, I got the chance to greet Mr. Hans and congratulate him on the completion and turn-over of the houses to its rightful beneficiaries in Bogo, Cebu this morning, November 9. I told him it was just like yesterday Haiyan struck and now we have completed a village. He told me that although that is true, this is just the beginning- that there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that the communities are sustained.

People Helping People

If you have, at one point, cared to slip those extra change into those blue tin cans by the cashier of a store in an SM mall, then you helped build this. If you RT'd, shared, or posted any information regarding the ways to donate to families struck by Haiyan through SM Foundation, then you helped put a sturdy roof on their heads to sleep in starting tonight.

Now this is something that I would like everyone to understand- the SM Cares Housing Project is not
just a project of a private corporation. This is the result of modern-day 'bayanihan'- the collaborative effort of people in a community to extend help or assistance to its members in need. We are all part of this because when Haiyan devastated the country, it has ignited the hearts of many.

A Series of Great Beginnings

2014-11-09T12:35:00.001+08:00

"OH MY GOSH I WANT TO GO THERE!"-is exactly the reaction this cute video is hoping to get from its audience after watching.

Now run to the SM mall nearest you!

Observing my news feed over the weekend, I must say that there have been big productions at the back-end to set-up the stunning centerpieces in each of the 50 SM Supermalls.

Here are some of them:


Couture Christmas Tree in SM City North EDSA


SM City Baguio turns into Disney's Frozen!


The Legendary Christmas Village of Hope in SM City Cebu

The Holiday Wonder at SM Lanang Premier

The 50-ft Christmas Tree at SM Mall of Asia

If I were a real "Darna," I would have loved to have attended all the Christmas launches this weekend. Well, since I am not, let me just congratulate everyone involved in making this series of great beginnings possible. You are truly sending a message of hope this season.#MerrySMChristmas!

He Deserves It

2014-09-09T18:01:00.001+08:00

Christopher Ryon may seem to be an easy-going, without-a-care-in-the-world man at first glance, especially when you have only encountered him in the winner’s video footage, or post from SM Southmall on SMSupermalls’ Facebook page.

We were given a chance to discover a little about how he is as a person through the photoshoot this morning with SMDC and Sponsorship teams in Field Residences, followed by a brief lunch at Shakey’s, SM City Sucat.

He is a doting father to son Caleb, 3, who’s the most active I have seen since SM Little Stars Grand Finals Night.

Caleb: Hyperactive and too cute!

The kid was holding a toy car while running around the pool side, asking his dad if he can swim.

Chris is consistent with his answer, “NO,” even if the boy tried to convince him by removing his shoes, then run around again, this time towards the pool.

The photoshoot has started. I instructed the photographer to keep shooting to capture the fun moments of a father and son introduced to their new home.

Ms. Val of SMDC, told Caleb, “This is your new home!”

Caleb started jumping in excitement.

“Do you want to swim?”

The kid nods his head, running to his father again.

Christopher lets him be. We can see the two hugging and then the next minute Chris was chasing Caleb again.

When the kid could no longer contain his excitement about swimming in the pool, he deliberately throws his toy car into the water, perhaps thinking now he has a reason to get it!


Thanks to the girl in the pool. Daddy Chris didn't have to dive for the toy!

Chris told him, “Okay, no more toy car for you,” trying to walk Caleb away from the pool but the kid was unstoppable.

We all laughed at this sight. We were having a good time watching these two.

Next, we went up to visit the unit and after all the guidelines and reminders, that we are not supposed to take photos yet, that the appliances are still boxed to preserve its warranty until Chris’ family have finally moved in, etc., we were at the 12^th floor, which according to Christopher is a very lucky number for him because that’s his monthsary with his wife, birthday of his brother and I think his favorite number altogether.


Chris watching over Caleb play.

Over lunch, he indulged us with the story on how he joined the promo. He said he didn’t believe in such promotions since he knows how many shoppers would be joining, which will only narrow down his chances of winning.

“Feeling ko kasi hindi talaga totoo.”

It was his pregnant sister who ~~urged~~ forced him to join since she’s with child, she thought they might get lucky- so he obliged.

Days after the first raffle draw, Christopher was bombarded with calls from SM representatives, trying to get him to go to Southmall to apparently claim 10,000GCs.

“Ang galing nga e. Buo talaga yung kwento nila.”

After 4 days, he said, “Para tapos na, sige, kukunin ko na yung GCs.”

He shared he didn’t have a clue about the awarding at all since the story was really well-crafted. He went to the mall one Saturday afternoon to claim his “Gift Certificates.”

By the mall’s admin door, he started to feel ‘weirded out’ by people taking his photos, the guards being extra snappy in greeting him as he passed-, it got even more strange when as he walked out of the office to the event center, cheer dancers started to appear, greeting and escorting him to the stage! He thought, “This is embarrassing. All these for 10,000GCs?!”

Next thing he knew, he was handed a big key and according to the host, it’s for his brand new, fully-furnished condo unit! In total disbelief, all he could say was,

“Seryoso?! What the f**! Seryoso?!”

Then he started jumping in victory.


"Weirded-out-Chris" WATCH VIDEO HERE

These events are still fresh in his mind. You can tell by the way he tells his story.

He shares, “Hindi ko ‘to ibebenta kasi blessing ‘to.”

He later on told us about his work and a little charity he has been doing for 3 years with his best friend, Nikko. According to him, after he gets paid from his offshore duty, he calls up his friend to prepare packed meals, to give out to street kids and the elderly. We were all surprised at this revelation and told him, “Ang galing! Wala sa tipo mo!” He laughs, “wala naman yun.” Saying he really just wants to help. “Ganon lang.”

I told him, “That’s it. That’s why you won. God rewarded your good deeds done in secret.”

He somewhat acknowledged that remark and repeated to say, “Yes, alam ko, blessing talaga ‘to.” then he called for the waitress to ask for another glass of beer.

-end-

To know more about the promo, please go to www.smshopandwin.com. SM Supermalls already gave out 4 units. I'm excited to share stories from the other 3 winners- if only I will be assigned to cover.

AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM WINTER OLYMPIAN MICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ

2014-02-26T19:10:00.000+08:00

HE ENTERED THE ROOM WITH SUCH PRESENCE THAT EVERYONE WENT STAR-STRUCK IN HIS PRESENCE. The 17-year old Filipino Winter Olympian Michael Martinez is still seemingly awestruck by the hero’s welcome he just received from the airport to a quick presscon in SM Mall of Asia, last Sunday, February 23, 2014. He is suddenly a celebrity.

Michael Christian Martinez meeting Ms. Wilma Galvante of TV5

This moment was after the presscon. The Tropical Ice Prince, as some of his fans have tagged him, graced a makeshift set to be interviewed by some of the top journalists in the country such as Luchi Cruz-Valdez of TV5 and Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN. He sat on the assigned chair, unassumingly, trying to hide his nervousness and excitement.

STRONG FAITH

People in the room just adored him. What he said during the presscon still lingers in my head. He said, “I would like to thank God for His grace and provision of strength….” In his journey as a figure skater, his driving force is God. He added, “He made it all possible.” I thought, “Wow!” at his age, a lot of young people would feel ashamed of professing gratitude to or acknowledgment of God’s workings in their lives. His heart is still in the right place.

“God made it all possible.”- Michael Christian Martinez

THE PINOY DREAM

Although he already made it to the Sochi Olympics, Michael still has lots of dreams he would like to pursue. First, he would like to go to college. He plans to take up dance so he can teach choreography and coach aspiring Filipino figure skaters. Yes, he wants to coach skaters here.

He dreamed of putting the Philippines on the map too- so when asked if he deliberately waved his Philippine jacket on TV, he said, “Yes, sinadya ko po yun, because I want the world to know we can make it to Winter Olympics kahit walang snow.”

TEARS OF JOY

In another set of interview, Michael was joined by his mother, Teresa Martinez, who has been coaching him ever since he started. “Nakakaiyak.” Mrs. Martinez said when asked about how she felt about the hero’s welcome that they received earlier. They never expected it to be this big. They were truly overwhelmed.

Michael Martinez, admitted that when he saw the ice skating rink of Mall of Asia, a lot of things went on his mind. “Ang daming flashback when I saw the rink in Mall of Asia. Nakakaiyak.”

Interview with ABS-CBN and ANC's Dyan Castillejo

PYEONGCHANG, SOUTH KOREA OLYMPICS IN 2018

As early as now, Michael will be preparing for Pyeongchang, South Korea Olympics in 2018. He is hoping and praying that he qualifies to it. He is undergoing therapy to bring back strength of his ankle, which got injured last November. He needs to polish his choreography and get a really good and expensive coach in order to perfect his programs. He will train in the US, where training rinks are available.

No matter how many injuries he has had, he pushes himself to the limit. It’s just mind over matter for Michael. He confessed that he got this determination from his mom.

A SON’S INSPIRATION

He is leaving for the US to train for Pyeongchang, South Korea. He was asked if he wanted his mother to be with him during training. He said he would love to have his mother with him and adds: “Just seeing her standing there, encourages me.”.

THE ADVICE WE CAN #NOTETOSELF

A piece of advice that Mrs. Martinez would always tell Michael before he steps in the rink to compete- and I think we can all relate to this: “Disregard the distractions. Focus on your routine. Nag-pray ka na ‘diba? So stop worrying.”

As seen on Facebook.com/SMSupermalls

It was indeed an honor to have met the Philippine-representative to the Sochi Winter Olympics. He is truly an inspiration to many-- those who started dreaming and worked hard, prayed hard, to make these dreams a reality.

@brendarna with @MichaelOlympian

This Time

2014-02-18T09:44:00.000+08:00

You will know, when what you have this time is sure. Once you have decided. Although your relationship will still be haunted by countless times you have hurt each other because of selfishness, bitterness and resentment, when you have decided to stand by it, you can go through it.

And maybe you have destroyed a certain level of trust. Perhaps, it feels like you stand no chance in rebuilding that trust and several times, you have most likely given up- only to find yourself wanting to fix things again.

This time, you realize that you cannot rely on yourself. You have to trust God. If you think you will never figure things out with your partner, well, He already has. He has planned all these good things for you. That pure love you have for someone? That comes from God. That desire to be a better person so as to become a good wife and husband in the future? That is of God. You don’t have to worry. He has got it all covered.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” –James 1:17

We should remember that relationships ought to be fueled by LOVE. Trust is an ingredient that makes it stronger. Many people will say, ‘if there’s no trust, there can never be love,’ I cannot believe it. See, we have friends whom we cannot completely trust with secrets and problems but we love them anyway, right? No one can say otherwise. Same is true with someone you have decided to love for the rest of your life. You may have lost that trust but someday, when the time is right, and minds are changed, the situation can be turned around.

If I can say anything about this worldly notion of trust:

Through faith it can be rebuilt.

With God’s help it can be restored.

To compare broken trust to ceramics, glasses or mirrors just does not work for me. It is a lie from the devil to give each people who love, a reason to give up and walk away from something true and real. If you have faith that a relationship will be restored, keep fighting anyway.

Don’t give the enemy the privilege of ruining your love story.

As Patty in the movie, "Starting Over Again" said, "...our love may be quiet and boring but it is sure. With the right amount of trust and love, and even an allowance for mistake."

Do not expect a perfect relationship. Ask to be able to love perfectly and be able to keep an open mind and forgiving heart for when times are tough because as long as you are in the sinful world, you are going to need that.

The only reason I can think of, why there are so many broken relationships is the lack of trust in God for healing and forgiveness. Most have cultivated pride that they placed themselves higher than love. All of a sudden, everybody thinks of what they deserve. What a selfish way to look at relationships! What a distortion of truth that love is unconditional!

Then again… allow me to repeat my first statement to close:

“You will know, when what you have this time is sure. Once you have decided. Although your relationship will still be haunted by countless times you have hurt each other because of selfishness, bitterness and resentment, when you have decided to stand by it, you can go through it.”

If I Were to Give a Speech...

2013-09-09T12:57:00.005+08:00

THIS YEAR’S GLOBAL YOUTH SUMMIT IS HAPPENING ON SEPTEMBER 21.

Organizers have a great line up of speakers who would impart insights to inspire the young minds and hearts of the young Filipino generation.

I am not in the line-up, obviously—though I thought I share something here so as to be able to let my opinion out. ‘MEMA’ kumbaga. ‘Me-Masabi lang.’

If I were to give a speech to the youth, here's what I will most likely say:

Definitely, I am not the best person to look up to- if one does a quick background check on me, he’d find out how foolish I have been, spending my younger years in unhealthy relationships, rebellion and insatiable lifestyle. I used to think I’m a young woman of strength and courage. Well, I am laughing at myself now.

It took a while before realizing how I have let myself be in a vulnerable position all these years. I lacked important virtues that make up for a young woman of strength and courage that I believed myself to be.

FAITH. In fact, I may not have had it all this time. I keep telling people I’m a Christian yet my heart is full of doubts. I keep saying I believe in God and that’s it. My lifestyle does not show it. There are hints, but shady. When problems show up, it shakes me. I panic. I blame myself. I blame other people. In my head, I say “God please take me out of this...” and yet continue on living in doubt and mistrust.

Understanding faith is essential in walking the Christian life. The Bible describes it as:

- Assurance of the things hoped for

- Conviction of things not seen

“…so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Putting it in the context of our nation's current state, yes, we believe there is corruption. We believe that there is a conspiracy among those in power, robbing the nation of its taxes and we are disgusted. We are enraged. Yet we are also guilty of the following faults: robbing our parents of money from 'kickbacks' we get from projects that we are supposed to work on; the company we work for—in form of hours of being unproductive, ranting over Twitter about the boss who never liked you and vice versa, the injustice you feel about someone being promoted to a higher position than you are, knowing he can’t even do half as you could, so you present work below expectations.

If we are to act this way, how can we be assured of a great life ahead?

HOPE. Have you asked yourself, what is it that you really want in life? What are your desires?

I have been looking forward, hoping to get all the good things life has to offer- confident that one day, life will be better. And that was YEARS AGO. I thought good things are found in countless late-night gimmicks, partying—with or without occasion. It made me long for more. I felt lost. I was even angry at some point. Where has my hope gone? Where am I going with this?

Don’t be deceived. In whatever is happening in our country, we always say we have high hopes. But how confident are we that we will get there, if all we are feeling is rage against corrupt politicians and their cohorts? We even share this anger among our networks as if we have exerted all efforts and have come to just this: hopelessness. Hope is not just plain optimism. It is strongly desiring with confident expectation.

LOVE. The most used and misused word in the world. I am guilty of this. Countless times, I have professed love to almost anything- animate and inanimate objects. I love my iPhone, I love my dog, I love everyone when I have drunk a little too much. I thought he said he loved me. I thought someone really did. But going through the checklist of what love really is, as defined in the Bible, no one else I know, came close to perfecting the checklist. Really.

Love is, according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

_ patient

_ kind

_ it does not envy

_ it does not boast

_ it is not proud

_ it does not dishonour others

_ it is not self-seeking

_ it is not easily angered

_ it keeps no record of wrongs

_ it does not delight in evil

_ rejoices with the truth

_ always protects

_ always trusts

_ always hopes

_ always perseveres

_ it never fails

While we are human, it is good to have an idea on how beautiful something can be for we can always thrive to achieve greatness. We have a target to reach. When reached, we have guidelines to be able to maintain it.

To the young, while we are at it, faith, hope and love are the greatest things that we cannot see but is sure to exist. They endure. Let us try to have a little faith, hope a little and love truly, even a bit- and find yourself better.

We may not see the world at its best but we can be assured of a life much better than what we have known it to be. Leave the best for the generation next.

Thank you.

P.S

Global Youth Summit is happening on September 21 at the SM City North EDSA Skydome.

Digital Learning Satisfies

2013-09-02T14:37:00.001+08:00

GRATEFUL.

That is how I felt after attending the recent Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) after having missed it for the last three (3) years. I am grateful that at the last minute, we were able to register as walk-in. Grateful that IMMAP people are not so demanding. If only I can be grateful for waived fees... hehehe but that would be pushing it too far.

Aside from the two-day free lunch and overflowing popcorn with m&ms on the 2nd day, seeing former colleagues and long-lost friends, as well as hanging out with new ones are the best moments of the summit. I tweeted then that it was like walking through a timeline of my advertising agency-life.

The learning... superb. I was excitedly taking notes. Notes that I could tweet about, notes that could serve as sparks to ignite great ideas and life quotes from speakers, which I could ponder on during my 'quiet time.' I could say, I got some good content.

Here are some of them:

True. That's why it is important to always weave Digital
into the whole communications plan and not just an after-thought.

We are all at the mercy of the battery.

"Creating awareness" is pure marketing talk.
It was also said that
"If you talked to people the way advertising talked to people, they'd punch you in the face."

Hmm... maybe I should make an InstaQuote for that!

#MillionPeopleMarch, anyone?

I did not catch where this is happening exactly.
Though I must say, this could be true--
in our heart of hearts.

There are more where it came from. The entire essence of the summit for me was the message given by Mr. Eugenio Lopez III. He said, "Many things will never be the same again because of the Digital era. But human nature will remain: the need to love and be loved, the need for emotional comfort, entertainment, the need to protect families, the need for intellect. Instincts will stay. But all these, can be satisfied by Digital."

@bryramirez on Twitter
@brendarna on Instagram

The Future Must Read

2013-07-16T09:58:00.002+08:00

FROM INQUIRER.NET:

"Today, July 16, is National Children’s Book Day. Results of the 2012 National Book Development Board Readership Survey showed that 39 percent of Filipino readers start reading nonschool books between the ages of 7 and 12 years.—Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research"

I began wanting to read at the early age of 3 going 4. That's the farthest my memory can go. I wanted to learn how to read as my older sister has already started schooling. At that early stage, I have been competitive. I sat down with her during study time, grabbing books and pencils, and pretend to read but most of the time, doodle on its pages. I may have realized that I did not want to be like her, I must have decided to overtake her as I remember asking my mother if I can stop calling her "Ate" as I might have felt we were on the same 'level'.

Of course, I got scolded.

When I was in primary school, I remember my father kept reminding us to read newspapers as these will make us smarter kids. I did read some of it, my favorite part actually was the "Lakbay Diwa" column from Tempo tabloids. The rest I just skim or scan through.

During summers of my elementary days, my mother would give each of us assignments- my sister and I- to practice writing, reading or singing so when she gets home, we will do a little show and tell, and get rewards for being cute and awesome.

I remember my mother would always decide, "it's a tie!"

Even among friends, we would spend summer afternoons teaching each other things we learned in school. We went to different schools then. My sister and I went to a nearby public school, while my best friends attended private. We would put up make-shift classrooms in our garage, buy chalk and grab our good old blackboard with the alphabet for borders, and play, "teacher-teacher-an" complete with class scheds, recess, pop quizzes and homeworks! My sister would be the principal. Hehehe.

It is only now that I appreciate those little tasks that my parents made us do, games that my friends and I used to play, as I can definitely attribute my interest in current events, performing arts, writing and PR, to these people, who influenced me to get involved and start learning at an early age.

If I had kids of my own, I would like to pass on that kind of training to them.

For now, I would like to invest in other kids' future, while I await my turn to be a mom (Lord, push mo na yan). Good thing SM has opened this opportunity to advocate for children's enhanced reading by making all their malls available to accept book donations for the Department of Education's accredited schools and organizations, starting July 15 to 31 this year. Okay ba sa segue?

I will start collecting old school books for donation starting today. Follow me on Twitter as @bryramirez for more updates or directly message SM Supermalls on Facebook/SMSupermalls or @SMSupermalls on Twitter.

Let's do this!

SM Day: All on Social Media

2013-07-01T20:36:00.001+08:00

While I can't even remember the first thing that came out of my mouth coming up the stage last Saturday, I can say that the experience has got to be one for the books.

With the request of a friend, who responds by the name, Tonyo Cruz, fueled by my passion for Social Media, I agreed to host the celebration of Social Media Day with no less than Chuckie Dreyfus.

NO QUESTIONS... of course, when told that I'll be hosting with Chuck, that was the ultimate deciding factor.

The celebration started with a prayer by Cardinal Tagle, who acknowledged God as the Originator of communication. That at the heart of his creation is communication. How true. Is He not the One who created the universe in command?

Social Media has changed a lot of how we do and view things-- from expressing our opinions, supporting for causes, influencing others, showing love for country, showcasing talents, implementing laws, lobbying to doing business. Social media have become an integral part of all these. And we are not even there yet.

So much has to be done in terms of how we are to build responsible netizens- and at the same time protecting them, while providing the best accesses and tools that will support their voices online.

HERE: I took a #selfie on the stage with the Netizens without them knowing.

My congratulations to the mothers, travelers, photographers, volunteers and influencers who have made great use of the virtual media to reach out to those who are in need in the real world.

I just had to share this. I love the technology behind this photobooth. SNAP- TAG- PRINT!

So now I wonder, how is social media bound to change in the next twelve (12) months?! We would not want to hear our leaders stuck with the same slides and spiels, right? I am looking forward to innovation. Yay! #fwdPH! Not just in technology, but more on our behavior as a Filipino nation.

THESE TWO ARE THE COOLEST SOCIAL MEDIA ICONS: Tonyo Cruz and Ros Juan

To Tonyo Cruz, Ros Juan, TweetUpMNL volunteers, MASHABLE, and my co-hosts, Chuckie Dreyfus and Patricia Hizon, thank you! Til the next event!

The Day I Saw My Mother as a Friend

2013-06-02T19:08:00.000+08:00

TODAY, I SAW MY MOTHER AS A FRIEND. I know it has been hard for her to deal with the loss of that one-friend that had stuck with her since she came to Manila in the 70s. Mamada, as everybody fondly calls her, has finally joined our Creator. What I witnessed today, was extraordinary. Through my mother's ways, I am reminded of the true meaning of the word, “Friendship.”

Mamada will always be remembered as a generous, fun-loving and selfless woman. Of course she is no saint- and that what makes her all the more lovable. She and my mother are not only friends but business partners, running a fastfood business from back in the 70s to the 90s. They say it is challenging to do business with friends, as it puts the relationship to the risk of a bad break up or FO (friendship over)- but thankfully, they were able to defy it.

Such is their closeness that I confessed, during Mamada’s funeral, to have envied my mother for having a friend like her. Their friendship is like the one said in the Bible- “the kind that sticks closer than a brother.” They explored the world to the beat of their hearts. They were impulsive. The beach is like their weekend home. I wish I have friends I can drag to somewhere anytime I feel like it. Nowadays, to do that, I will have to plan ahead- as in, maybe, a year before, to get everyone together. I know right, whatever happened to the passions of the youth? The no-plan gameplan? Strike anytime/anywhere?

My mother kept photo albums of their adventures too. Tangible ones. Not the kind you can browse, tag and LIKE online-but they have the natural sepia filter. I must say, I have never grown tired of looking at them while letting my mother narrate stories behind each. Such is my keenness about their friendship that I repeatedly cried, as I review the movie of decades of memories prepared for Mamada’s last night’s funeral.


Mamada and my mom in Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

Movie Date at The QUAD! Mamada, Tita Glo, Mama and Mommy Len-len

In my head, I was imagining how my mother would feel if she was technologically savvy enough to create a presentation for her beloved friend, as I put together photos in an order that will make meaning for those who will watch it. It was heart-wrenching. The testimonies about Mamada’s goodness made everyone miss her more. I thought, after last night, that was it. Our last goodbye.

This morning, mother woke me up, asking if we should go to Mamada’s burial this afternoon. I asked if she wanted to go, and of course, she does! Upon learning that no priest or pastor is available to give the final service for interment of Mamada, my mother decided to take over. She would not let Mamada be laid to rest without sharing God’s Word and offering a prayer for the full life she lived.

As I listen to my mother preach the Word about the love of Jesus, His death and what it means for us sinners, I kept thanking God that I have such a passionate mother, who will stand in front of a crowd, beside her demised best friend, and give encouragement that though we will face death, we can have hope in Jesus. She has, at that moment, every reason to breakdown and cry, but she chose to keep her head up to gather courage so that she can give honor to a dear friend, in the name of Jesus.

I was looking at my mother, then to the casket, and back to Mama again. I started to cry. I felt sadness, emptiness envelope me at the same time. The reality started to sink in. I walked to Mama, who still has not mustered to let go. I wrapped an arm around her, as if saying, “It is okay to cry now, Mama. It is okay to feel sad about losing Mamada. She's gone now. It is okay to cry.” Finally, following a deep breath, Mama touched Mamada's casket and said, “Goodbye my friend. ‘Til we meet again.”

Last photograph of Mama with Mamada taken last April.

How Social Media Make Us Better

2013-05-28T16:24:00.000+08:00

SO THIS MORNING while I ponder on the new 'future' happening in a few days, I have been thinking about how differently we do things, now that we are wirelessly-wired with the world and it has been amazing. It has been exciting. People are starting to become involved. People are now wanting to become part of something relevant- we want to become productive. They are eager to converse, share, throw out ideas, collaborate. This generation is a promise of even more great things to come. Let me give a few reasons why:

Social media make us appreciate nature AGAIN. Now people desire to go places. Especially those that have never been explored before. Want to be an astronaut? Sure. Get a number. People want to be the sources of unique contents. Airlines must be so happy that people invest to take photos of sunsets from all over the world! How many sunset photos have you liked in the last 6 months?

courtesy of Google Search

Social media make us suckers for L-O-V-E and sweet nothings. And it is not a bad thing, right? There are just so many cryptic statuses and shoutouts about hidden love and unrequited ones. Several times, I have favorited tweets about how LOVE is compared to pretty much anything in the world.
Then people nowadays also exert effort to capture each moment, gift or reward given or received from a loved one that in February, we scroll down on a screen of roses and bears and chocolates and kisses.

Dami nyong alam!

Social media push us to reach goals.

“Learning something new today”

“Look, I lost 3lbs!”

“Ran 10km today”

“Off to a big presentation. Wish me luck!”

When friends HIT ‘Like’ we can’t help but feel supported, cared for and loved so we strive to make things happen knowing they are watching.

Like that day I decided I wanted to learn to play the violin... (maipasok lang)

Sige, i-push mo yan te!

Social media make us better friends. It is almost impossible to miss greeting a friend on his or her birthday, his new relationship status, her graduation, wedding—I mean, how could you not send well-wishes, and greetings when Facebook already told you?!

Social media make us love ourselves more. Hello #selfies! I think, sharing one’s make-up of the day, outfit or whatever someone had for lunch makes for a positive outlook in life. It is good that people are starting to believe in themselves again. They find themselves beautiful. People are open to criticisms that help strengthen one’s disposition and these are fine. They are actually healthy.

Thanks Tootsie Ramos for letting me use your selfies.

Thanks to the new technology for enabling this trend. Though much thought has been given if consumers of the digital landscape are still capable of living life offline, I think, in a way, the platform allows its users to go offline, explore and share. What a boring instagram account you must have if your everyday #picoftheday involves your cluttered desk and seatmate x____x!

Follow me on Instagram as brendarna. Wala lang.