The Music, Three Men and Me

The Music, Three Men and Me
by Eugene Martin
November 17, 2017

The three men in my life
Taken outside the Main Theater.. with ASEAN exhibits

Friday. 

Another busy but awesome day...

with these three (3) men... 

In a classical mood...

In a familiar cozy place.. 

Appreciating John Williams' piece ("Escapades... Catch Me If You Can" Movie ) among others.

(Williams is a composer, conductor, pianist.... popular works include film score for E.T., Star Wars, Schindler's List, to name a few).

I thought my father would just sleep because of a very relaxing atmosphere and music. After the show, he told me "di ako inantok...gininaw lang ako..."  Well, I just felt that that was his way of saying that he appreciated the show and I was so happy about it.

Taken during the 15 minute break

I told him that music, especially classical music, aside from a relaxing effect, enhances our memory and activates our brain neurons... :-)

Though he would loved to hear Pinoy Classics, he appreciated the music played by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The Saxophone performance by a respected jazz artist, male saxophonist Tots Tolentino was so amazing! Impeccable note-for-note playing and loads and loads of thrilling improvisation... Great breath control and excellent finger dexterity, indeed!

My father was excited  and happy to know that the conductor is Lea Salonga's brother, Gerald Salonga.  (I am hoping that a Rondalla would have a concert... we would definitely watch it with my father).  

We missed our dear daughter in this special bonding moment ('cause if she would be coming from their office, it would be impossible for her to be on time for the show due to the current traffic condition).

------- The Music

I was reminded of the value of teamwork while watching the orchestra. Each of the members has a special part to play... with the conductor as the leader... one member as the star player (e.g. soloist) ... and if the smallest role/part (e.g. the one playing the triangle) would not be played excellently, a superb music would not be possible.

------- Three (3) Men

Another productive, enriching, and happy bonding time/day with my Dad, Husband, and Son... the three (3) men in my life... 

------- and ME

"I'm such a lucky woman

Folks don't understand

How I handle so much loving

From more than one man

Ask me how I do it 

My time's in such demand

From sunrise down to sunset

Do the best that I can..."

Read more: Anita Baker - Men In My Life Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Tea Time with Dad

Tea Time with Dad
by Eugene Martin
October 14, 2017

(Sharing with you another bonding moment with my dad... a word of appreciation given by a loved one is so awesome! I remember this quotation (anonymous): " A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected"..... I am so inspired to do more!)

Four o'clock in the afternoon (4:00 pm). My father prepared a pot of hot water for the afternoon tea. I asked him if he would like to try the matcha choco. 

Oh, that would be his first time to taste / drink matcha . He asked me to help him prepare it. I unwrapped it and put it in a cup. He added hot water to the choco spoon in the cup and slowly stirred it. He seemed to enjoy the manner it was being prepared. The matcha choco slowly melted and the water started to turn white, then green and finally a perfect hue of light green. And the aroma..... so relaxing.....

While I was also enjoying mine, I was so excited to listen to his comments.  He is a Kapampangan and I have high regard for his comments, especially on food and beverages. He actually has choosy taste buds. 

... Still waiting for his comments, I was thinking of possible ways to adjust the 'formula' just in case he would not be satisfied. His comments were not for the fainthearted though, I have received a number of constructive criticisms from him in some of my 'experiments' which I really appreciate. I am very open to suggestions so I can improve and produce the best quality products for us and for our friends to enjoy!

@ Lucky China Town

Ok.... 
still waiting.... 

not a word yet..... 

he still continued his simple snack (bread) and the matcha....

Oh, I couldn't wait any longer.... 

"Dad?" I was so excited to hear his comments.... 

Kinder Moving up Ceremony
(Many old pictures were destroyed/lost
during Ondoy; one of the few we have saved)

And the most awaited part... TADA!

... "Ang sarap! Ayos ang lasa ah." ("It is delicious! The taste is good."), he said. 

Yehey! So happy for that comment!

I asked him if next time he would like to try the Ginger / Salabat flavor. Affirmative. Yey!

After finishing my cup of matcha, I remembered my mom...

I just could imagine the scenario of this taste testing with Nanay Etang around :-)  

He went to the ceremony after their regular Bowling Tournament (Laging winner yan.. so proud of him)

 

 

HYGGE & LAGOM: Happiness, Contentment, Moderation and Balance

HYGGE & LAGOM: Happiness, Contentment, Moderation and Balance
by Eugene Martin
October 10, 2017

My husband's minimalist lifestyle led me to understand these concepts - - HYGGE and LAGOM. While looking for inspirations for my new hobby and simple business venture (hot chocolate spoons), I have encountered these words at the right time.

...my theater buddy...

It seems that our family are practicing these even before they were recognized as words of the year.

Please refer to the following sites for more information: http://www.visitdenmark.com/hygge-denmark-coziness; 

http://www.housebeautiful.co.uk/lifestyle/g115/lagom-trend-how-to-become-a-lagomer/

The relaxing and destressing power of any hot beverage cannot be underestimated. Likened to the effect of a hot chicken soup (cooked and served by a loved one), majority of us find comfort over a cup of hot coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate - - with a drinking buddy or sometimes, surprisingly even without someone beside us.

My hubby and I are both avid hot beverage drinkers. Coffee / Chocolate / Tea drinking has been an integral part of the family bonding rituals. A hearty cup (either brewed, instant or 3-in-1) starts a great morning and completes a productive day. Interestingly, at exactly 4:00 PM, my 76-yr-old father, prepares hot water for his Salabat and usually my son, daughter and I will join him (if we are at home) and will have our own cups of either coffee or chocolate. I have always been fond of tinkering in the kitchen and usually play and experiment on different flavors and presentations. Finally, I decided to have this simple venture on something I really love doing.

During the development of the standard measurements and taste, I was also inspired to compose lines and light convo phrases to put in the packaging. It is hoped that these would trigger the smiles and little giggles while enjoying the hot concoction - - Just enough ("lagom") to break the ice and eventually, hoping to have a worthwhile moment and lasting good impression with the drinking mate ("hygge").

... my eating buddy....

Some of these statements and phrases are used in the packaging of the N&J Tsokolate, our version of the "Hot Chocolate Spoon."

1. “Yakap na hangad mo, matatagpuan sa tsokolateng ito."

2. “Tsokolateng mainit, pampakalma sa ulong mainit.”

3. “May mapait sa buhay na gusto kong inuulit-ulit...

      Tanong sa akin ng mga bes ko, bakit?

      Parang di raw ako natututo, 

nasisira na ba raw ang ulo ko?

      Eh kapag naman ang mapait e tsokolateng mainit

      walang pait-pait… Naimas.. Manyaman, Namit gid!”

4. “Alaalang mapait, nawawala sa paghigop ng tsokolateng mainit”

5. Kalma lang…. etong bagay sa iyo.. atEH… KuyAH" (Tsokolate Eh! / Tsokolate Ah!)

... my drinking buddy...

6. “Bakit ba sa tsokolateng ito ikaw ang naaalala?

      Tamis-pait… naghahalong lasa... ano ba talaga? 

      Parang pag-ibig mo na paasa.”

7. "Bes, inom ka lang…bigat ng kalooban gagaan.”

8. “Ang minamahal ko, iba ang mahal…

     Minamahal niya, ako ang mahal…

     BalicuCHAng buhay ‘to!

                                            (for the hot chocolate spoon with Balicucha topping)

9. "Pano kung wala ka na?....... Problema ba 'yun, eh di, isa pa uli..."

10. "Ano ang tawag sa lalaking malaki ang katawan?" "Macho!"

      "Eh pag babae?" "MATCHA!!!!!" 

                                            (for the Matcha Flavored hot chocolate spoon)

11. "Gusto kita nung mainit ka... Gusto pa rin kita kahit lumamig ka na."

12. "Magsilbi kang kumot sa nanlalamig kong pusong makirot."

13. "Sa mainit na tsokolate walang lusot,

      mapa Danish HYGGE o Pinoy HUGOT!"

14. #masarappagmainit       #masmasarappagmapait        #masarapparinkahitmalamig

15. "Ito ang isa sa sa pinakamasaya kong araw.. 

yung pinapipili ako kung ano ang gusto ko...

 - - kape o tsokolate."

Oh, the creative side of my brain is hyper again! :-) 

Just finishing a cup of Tsoko Eh! on a rainy Monday afternoon! :-) 

Hope you will make time for a cup or mug of N&J Tsokolate. We will be so pleased and honored to be part of your HYGGE and LAGOM.....

...prepared hot milk (180ml) in my fave mug...
... then added sprinkles...

I found enjoyment  in stirring....
feeling the chocolate melting slowly....

hmmmm... that aroma!
hmmmm....that taste!
just enough sweetness...
just enough bitterness..
This is "Lagom"!

Enjoying a cup of Tsoko Eh!
on a rainy Monday afternoon...

"Lessons that are learned from home"

"Lessons that are learned from home"

(A critique paper by Eugene Martin)

I decided to post the original hard copy of the critique paper I made and submitted as part of the requirements in one of our MA-ELP classes, years ago :-) 

Family experiences determine the kind of development the children will have. Basic conditions must be present to effectively facilitate these developments - "a caring environment, nutritional and health care, attention from adults, psychological stimulation and a network of interpersonal relationships that are characterized by intensity, intimacy, and continuity over time " (Kellaghan, 1993, p.9-10)." (p.4)

Nuggets of Wisdom from my Father-In-Law - "Travels"

Nuggets of Wisdom from my Father-In-Law - "Travels"

June 27, 2017 at Marikina Valley Medical Center

by Eugene Martin

It is not everyday that you got the chance to meet someone from whom you would learn a lot. I always look forward to a conversation with  my dad-in-law (Papang Segundino Martin). Yes, any topic under the sun, he always has his strong no-nonsense opinion. May not be the same with mine but a very good area to explore, though.  Looking at the issues in another person's perspective, can be a very good brain-stimulating activity and good-values-enhancing opportunity. :-)

   

After another productive chat with Pang, I just felt I had seen various places in the Philippines during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with a Forester’s lens… such a great time travel with Pang! :-) I learned that he admired the beauty of Mindanao. He said something really nice that I failed to capture.. tsk.. tsk.. my bad... (He had side stories of relatives from the north (Ilocos) who settled in the south (Mindanao, specifically Davao).

I really admired Pang’s unquestioned dedication in the government service. I got curious and asked if he had thought of joining the private sector since he had lots of interactions with private corporations then. He mentioned that he had planned to but he was reminded of the advice of his father that if they would settle for a job, it would be best if they join and serve the government. Well, he did… a very good son, indeed!

“Eh, Pang, what has been the most unforgettable moment you had in your career?” I asked further. “I was able to go to different places.” He responded immediately. The travels associated with his work as Forester had been one the most unforgettable moments in his career in the government. He even gave me the approximate distances (in km) from one province to another.. (whew.. kwento pa lang, pagod na ako sa biyahe hehe)... some peace and security risks they encountered....and more..... I was also reminded of his earlier anecdote about the dog in their place in Palawan that happily wagged its tail every time it sees him... which brought smiles in his face.

There were side stories of people he met and places he visited... the exciting events during the trip and some experiences he shared which showed his set of values, his love for his family and his sense of integrity. 

So proud to be the wife of his youngest son! :-)

I can't wait to share another anecdote... hmmmm.. I think I need to share the "Health is Wealth" story next time.....

Reflection: Travelling with the noble purpose of exploring and understanding the people and culture of the place would definitely widen our perspective and deepen our respect to life and the world we live in. More so, if it is part of our chosen career / vocation. For me, travelling (especially with loved ones) strengthens my sense of connectedness and sensitivity. Realizing that any action I make would have effect on others in a positive or negative way (great or small), and that I have to choose the ones with positive effect to make a difference and eventually to be a better person.



-

MGA PAGNINILAY SA PAGMAMANEHO (Reflections in Driving)... When Shifting Lane is the Best Option

MGA PAGNINILAY SA PAGMAMANEHO (Reflections in Driving)

by Eugene Martin

 (1) When Shifting Lane is the Best Option

Sinamahan ko ang anak ko sa sakayan papuntang LRT station. Siya muna ang nagmaneho ng sasakyan, pagkababa niya, ako na ang nagmaneho pabalik sa bahay.  Habang papunta sa LRT station at tinatahak namin ang kalsada marami kaming nakita na jeepneys na papalit-palit.. palipat-lipat ng linya...  Mayroon yung maayos, pero marami ang muntik nang sumabit sa ibang sasakyan.

Pagninilay.... ito ang madalas na nangyayari kapag wala kang kausap kundi ang sarili mo... :-)

Para ito sa kaibigan ko...... nais ko kasing maibahagi ang maraming bagay na naglalaro sa isip ko ngayon..... lam mo na... ramdam kita, kaibigan... 

Sa pagmamaneho, may pagkakataon na kailangan mong manatili sa linya hanggang sa dumating ang panahon na kailangan mong lumipat lalo na kung ikaw ay liliko o hihinto. Pero sa pagpapalit o paglipat, kailangan ang isang maayos na paghahanda… magbigay ng signal sa mga kasunod upang makagawa rin sila ng marapat at akmang desisyon at aksyon.

Sa buhay, lalo na sa trabaho, may magandang naidudulot ang pananatili pero kung:

(1) hindi na nakatutulong ang trabaho mo upang ikaw ay lumago bilang tao;

(2) hindi nito natutugunan ang mga pangunahin at minsan ay simpleng pangangailangan ng manggagawa (dahil sa hindi maayos na sistema);

(3) may duda ang pamunuan sa kakayahan mong magawa ang isa o maraming bagay (na madalas na pagkakataon, kasalanan ng namumuno kasi bigay nang bigay ng dagdag na trabaho na hindi mo matanggihan kasi tanggihan mo o hindi, pareho ka pa ring talo; pag tinanggap, dagdag pasan.. pag tinanggihan, markado ka na);

(4) nahahadlangan ang paggawa mo ng mabuti sa kapwa (kasi konting kibot kailangan mong ipagpaalam para magkapag fill-out ka ng form o itala para sa accomplishment report at baka mapagalitan ka kasi wala ang pagkukusa sa job description mo) 

(5) hindi na magaan at masaya ang bawat araw ng paggawa;

Kapag ganito, hala, isang mas mabuting opsyon ang paglipat o pagpapalit.

Maaring manatili pero ano tawag sa iyo, martir? Lubhang nakakapagod at nakabababa ng moral kung hindi ka nakararamdam ng suporta sa mga taong inaasahan mong magbibigay sa iyo nito. At kung ganoon ang sitwasyon, hindi kailanman magiging maayos, maganda at de-kalidad ang mga awput. Kung mayroon namang mas magandang oportunidad, hindi masama o pangit ang paglipat. Gawin ito ng naaayon sa proseso o sistema ng organisasyon (kung meron nga silang sistema). Gawin ito nang may respeto (sa mga kasama at sa mga namumuno) at pag-unawa sa mga taong maiiwan mo (na may posibilidad na madagdagan ang trabahong iiwan mo, habang naghahanap ng papalit sa iyo). Kailangan mayroon ka nito: (1) katapangan sa paggawa ng desisyon at pagsuong sa panibagong mundo, (2) kaliwanagan sa kung ano ba talaga ang iyong misyon sa buhay, (3) tiwala sa sarili, (4) kakayahan sa paggawa at (5) kahandaan sa mga pagsubok lalo na sa pinansyal na aspekto.

at ang pinakamahalaga..  ang tiwala sa magagawa ng Dios.... 

February 24, 2017