Noon Mass, Nicole Constable, Heinz Chapel, and an evening walk
Yesterday after work I attended noon Mass, celebrated by Fr. Drew Morgan. He discussed the impact of the three archangels during the Michaelmas service.
I went to a lecture by Prof. Nicole Constable (A & S, Anthropology and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research). She spoke on "Telling Tales of Migrant Workers: Religion, Activism, and Women's Life Scripts." I zoomed from the post-talk reception to...
...Heinz Chapel for our class tour of Heinz Chapel (by Jackie), including my leading a discussion of how three out of four of the main nave windows refer directly to concepts of Academic Integrity.
Maureen and I went for a post-dinner walk in Shadyside.
Labels: diaspora, Faith, Mass, Philippines, Pilipino culture, school, walking, work
Off to Mass
We're off to Mass, Lola's having an adventure. I've looked up possible vacations for her and Dad. I'll show them to her after Mass this late afternoon.
~~~
22.59
Mom and I went for a short walk this evening and we met a Pilipina nurse during our walk.
Labels: health, Mass, Philippines, St. Paul Cathedral, travel, walking
Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada
On Saturday the 8th, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada performed Indayog: Rhythm and Sound at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shadyside Academy. In the hallway and foyer there was an art show, and I had a chance to view the original of one of the reproductions at the upper level (from the Abola's private collection).
The program, after opening remarks, consisted of:
I Cordillera, ethnic dances of the Bibak Highlanders
II Maria Clara
III Morolandia, from the Muslim south
~~~Intermission~~~
IV Regional Variation
V Pista sa Nayon, a town fiesta
Finale--Tribute to Michael Jackson
The two suites after the intermission had music provided by the rondalla group. The Pista sa Nayon featured a 12-bamboo-pole dance, the Tinikling. Likewise, the the Morolandia suite featured a TWO-princess, TWO-handmaiden Sinkil dance, along with the sword- and shield-wielding prince.
Considering that the talent was composed largely of amateurs and children, it was a stunning show of Pilipino culture and Pilipino-Canadian talent.
Labels: Canada, celebration, dance, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, singing, talent
end of Week One, Summer Break 2010
Wednesday Mom and I went to an office to take care of administrative issues. Then Dad, Mom, and I had lunch at the Japanese seafood buffet on the way to Homestead.
Thursday, Marissa and her children and I went to the playground at the park. We then met William at the computer store and dined on Italian food on Bellefonte Street. It was delicious, and the waiter commented that we were the first group to sing "Happy Birthday" to the restaurant. We enjoyed two flavors of birthday cake and favors.
Today I mailed a ballot to New York---it will arrive with plenty of time for the counting.
I need to take care of more administrative tasks before the weekend starts: Something with the office on campus, faxing items downtown, and getting Maureen a plant for her sister.
Labels: Birthday, citizenship, dining, flowers, friends, games, organizing, Philippines
Daylight Savings Time 2010
Yesterday I took a nap for the bulk of the morning, being tired. I chatted with choir friends after wards and had lunch with Mom and Dad of fresh lumpia enrobed in lettuce leaves smeared with peanut butter. I took another nap and then helped Mom and Dad with some end-of-presidential year administrative work, typing, and editing. I headed out with Maureen for some window shopping at a Mall on McKnight Road whilst they headed out to a Pacquiao party. Mr. Smoothie provided me with a delicious mango-coconut smoothie, and Maureen tasted a frozen drink from Dairy Queen.
We ended up renting the movie Up in the Air with George Clooney and watching it with Karina over homemade kale-chicken-lentil soup at her home. Interesting characters you meet while borrowing and returning at a Red Box location!
~~~
20.55
I'm feeling subdued after repairing the necklace I designed, and fashioned at Karina's home. It had become (partially) unstrung and I restrung it. Dad took photos of me wearing it and the matching bracelet.
Today I went to choir practice, and sang at noon Mass in the choir. Regina sang at Mass for the first time with the choir. Mom, Dad, and I went for Mexican food in Fox Chapel for lunch. I took a well-rested, well-deserved nap.
We're preparing to eat dinner shortly.
Labels: Choir, cinema, dine, family, friends, jewelry, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, shopping, sleep
Doin' Stuff
After singing at noon Mass yesterday, I took a nap and went for a walk to the computer lab with Karina and Maureen. While they went shopping for small dried fruit, I went to print out administrative stuff from work.
We then went to the pan-Asian restaurant for snacks and smoothies.
~~~~~
I ran into C, my supervisor, in the hall today before my morning class.
I helped Mom and Dad with medical society administrative work after returning from work this afternoon. Tired, I made some phone calls and then took a nap. Soon it will be time for dinner.
Labels: biology, dining, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, phone, sleep, teaching, work
SnowUNbound February 2010
Maureen telephoned me soon after I posted my last post...she invited me and also Karina to ten o'clock morning Mass at the Newman Center. As I walked up the street, I sang "I'll be home for Christmas." We were two of the five parishioners who celebrated Mass with Fr. Drew. I prayed during the general intercessions for my parents' current mission. Then, we walked south on Dithridge to Fifth Avenue, taking photos all along. We enjoyed the warmth of the Cathedral of Learning, and Maureen dried off and applied a plastic bag to her foot. We walked south to Forbes Avenue, headed east to Craig Street, where Maureen got a cappuccino at Kiva Han. We enjoyed lunch at the pan-Asian restaurant, and invited Karina to join us. We enjoyed telling stories and looking at pictures/photos.
I am tired from my slight lack of sleep and my escapades in the snow. I will take a nap before I continue along in my day.
Labels: cold, dining, Faith, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, prayer, seasons, sleep, tea, weather
Sunday Leading into Monday...January 2010
Sunday, Mom, Dad and I attended noon Mass, with me in the choir loft. Afterwards, we had lunch and I helped them with a few computer issues. I went home for a long nap.
Dinner at Mom and Dad's, then for an early bedtime, only to arise just short of six o'clock this morning.
Taught my class, ran an errand downtown (saw my birder friend on the bus and Susan E. in front of the library). Stopped in at a clothing shop. Caught a bus to Panther Central, for administrative stuff. Walked to a computer lab to print out more items to update my seating charts. Walked home, called Maureen, and walked to the Business Library on campus to pick up a book for Karina. Stopped by Karina's place; she treated us to hot chai and soup. We did some extension exercises as well as quad strengthening exercises (wall 1/2 squats), then took Karina for a walk / walked me home.
A fun time was had by all.
Labels: computer, dine, exercise, home, library, Philippines, school, shopping, sleep, student, travel, walking, work
Hair Cut Day January 2010
This morning was a haircut day for Mom and I. Dad came along, and we went grocery shopping afterwards, to the bank, to the Chinese buffet for lunch, to Sears to return a suitcase, to a department store behind the mall, to the fabric store for ribbons for the certificates for the mission participants, then to a clothing store on the way home.
It was the first day back at Choir since the Martin Luther King Cathedral celebration on the tenth of this month. All went well, many of us returned our seasonal sheet music, and Jess prepared berry crisp with vanilla mousse atop it for snacks.
A day off from walking.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, dine, dining, hair, medical mission, Philippines, shopping, walking
Up Early January 2010
So, I'm up early this morning. Wrote an email, now I'm going to write about yesterday:
Yesterday, I woke at ~7.15 (boy, was that difficult) to the strains of my alarm. I did some computer work, then joined up with Mom and Dad for a late breakfast. Mom and I watched a movie with Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married. In the afternoon I went to a bookstore and then to Trader Joe's for some groceries. Then a nap... After dinner it was time for pastoral council. Matt and I wrote closing and opening prayers, respectively. One of the fun activities we did was to write a want ad for pastoral council. We shared a lot of topics, and ended soon after an hour, as the weather dictated our actions. We spoke about the "Grace problem" of first Wednesday conflicts, as well. Roseann, Elaine, and I slip-slided all the way home. A discussion ensued with Mom and Dad, then a nap, then some document editing.
Today, I'm up early for this last full weekday of vacation before the semester starts. Tomorrow holds a meeting, as well as a bit of administrative work. I don't have anything in particular planned for today, although I should be doing laundry soon, not because of need, but because of desire (or something). It's the first morning in a few that I've not heard the men plowing the snow in the parking lot in the wee hours of the morning. No plans for today, but Now time for another email. No plans for today, but now it's time to check my email for plans, as well as to make plans, all for within the next couple of years.
~~~~~
21.55
I took a nap ~7:30-9:30, had a late breakfast, early lunch, then took a nap, then was awakened by a call from Karina to walk to the library. She hung out in the magazine room, and I went to the campus libe/computer lab to print out some documents. I received a call from her---she had lost a bracelet her sister had just given her. She retraced part of her steps that we had taken to the library. I then renewed a book and met up with her: She hadn't found it when we got to a parking lot near my building.
I was pleased to receive a call from her stating that she had located the bracelet!
The evening was spent with Mom and Dad working on medical mission documents.
Labels: biology, cinema, cinema tv, cold, dine, email, jewelry, laundry, library, medical mission, meeting, music, pastoral council, Philippines, prayer, sleep, travel, weather, work
New Year's Day 2009
I went to Mass (BVM, the Mother of God) at the Oratory at 10 today. I spoke to Julia, Don, and their seven-month-old daughter Maria. I met up with Jeff, Maureen, and Karina after Mass and First Friday adoration, as well.
The four of us walked to the Indian restaurant, arriving at ~11.15. We went to the Indian grocery store to get warm and to while the time (cilantro!) before 11.30. The man at the register indicated that the restaurant would open at 13.00. So we went to get hot drinks at a coffee shop on Forbes Avenue to spend the time (boy, that dark hot chocolate was really good!) and then to eat at the New Year's buffet at the Indian restaurant. The goat curry was good, as was the tutti frutti dessert.
We walked to Fifth and Craig, where Jeff used his gift card at the NE corner coffee shop. I just returned to Mom and Dad's home, as they called me during lunch to type / do administrative work for the medical society.
Labels: celebration, chocolate, Choir, dining, friends, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, Pilipino culture, shopping, volunteering, walking
Fourth Sunday of Advent 2009
Today was Ornella's final day with choir. After choir I hugged her warmly and declared, "It's been wonderful." The choir, after the postlude, presented Matthew Craig with a Celtic cross.
Mom and Dad and I had Chinese food at Squirrel Hill. I napped for a bit, then met up with William and his family at Qdoba in Shadyside. Beata and I enjoyed singing and ringing the jingle bells around my neck, while Solomon bounced along. After Lolo and Lola presented Christmas gifts to them, the kids enjoyed reading books whilst the guys watched the Steelers game. ("Daddy's watching the Steelers," Beata declared early on this evening.)
I helped Mom compose and type some letters for PAMS. Maureen and I chatted about the movie we watched last night, Evening (2007), as well as about how teaching LCD/divisibility rules are like following the rules of a game or of a game show.
Labels: Choir, dining, farewell, games, gift, music, Philippines, singing, teaching, volunteering
University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers ("Madz")
Today was the event by the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers. I arrived at 11am at Heinz Chapel to help out--the ushers were all at the student union building, which I found out when I went there.
The group was running late, so they went directly to Heinz Chapel. I worked the Will Call and directed people toward the correct locations.
~
The group was nothing short of masterful in their presentation and interpretation of sacred, secular, Philippine folk songs, and contemporary music. They have been designated as a UNESCO group, and have won various awards in Europe and around the globe.
~
I drove (courtesy of Bob H's directions) Enzo and Sherwin to their host's home. We all changed, and then went to Bob and Malou's place for dinner with Jacqueline and Chi Chi. Jacquie and Malou were to do laundry, and Bob let the boys into their host home. After exchanging contact information, hugs, and several photo ops, we departed for our respective places.
Labels: Choir, friends, ice cream, languages, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, school, singing
Corazon Aquino: Turning Points in Philippine History
Cory Aquino died this weekend. Her former term in office was preceded by the People Power Movement of 1986 led by herself---educated in the US, the widowed wife of Ninoy Aquino, who sought the presidency himself before being slain at Manila airport---and Cardinal Jaime Sin.
Cory, your steadfast spirit of peaceful demonstration touched the Philippines' heart and that of the world. We all promise to uphold the democratic principles for each generation.
Cory, you've worked hard, now it is time to rest. God be with you.
Labels: Church, farewell, Philippines, Pilipino culture, politics
FAAP Picnic 2009
I drove to Schenley Park for this year's FAAP picnic with William driving his family, too. I got to take care of some paperwork through the New York Consul General office's Outreach Program. William got all the paperwork he has to fill out for his family. We all enjoyed the food--I especially liked the Shanghai chicken lumpia, adobong manok, sweet corn, brown sticky rice dessert, and we enjoyed halo-halo prepared by Dee Dee and Hector. We sat at a table with Jay, Memie, and Kevin. Charisse and I chatted and headed uphill toward the voting tables...and found out more about an adoption agency located here in the Pittsburgh Area.
I headed downhill to be greeted by Beatrice, who was walking softly and carrying a big stick...a REALLY big stick.
Soon after, we departed, and I went home to take a nap.
Labels: Beatrice, friends, international culture, niece and nephew, outside, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, sleep, walking
Thriller
Two summers ago, I linked one of my blog posts to a video of Cebu inmates dancing a routine to Thriller. Yesterday morning, while at Tito Larry and Tita Tina's place, all of us watched the inmates dancing and being interviewed (some with make-up, which is most likely expensive in an incarcerated environment) about Michael Jackson. One of the wardens said the dancing and choreography is good for keeping gangs and violence down at the prison, and they've kept adding more songs to their repertoire.
~~~
It never ceases to amaze me how peaceful large groups of Filipinos can be. During the People Power revolution, there were never any of the violent encounters that there were at Tiananmen Square. Sure, there were tanks, but there were also nuns placing flowers in the barrels of soldiers' guns, too. And here, again, 1500+ Cebuano inmates dancing in unison to recent radio hits. I think it says quite a bit about the soul of the Filipino/a.
~~~~~
7.00, 2 July 2009
Here, a short from ITN news on the MJ tribute, and a short from CBS on the MJ Cebu tribute, as well as a short by the Associated Press.
~~~~~
14.00, 2 July 2009
Here, an organ tribute to MJ Ken shared with me.
~~~~~
13.30, 11 July 2009
Here, "Beat It" being performed impromptu by a crowd in Stockholm.
Here, "Thriller" performed by William & Mary students in Virginia.
Labels: dance, dreams, Faith, farewell, international culture, music, organ, Philippines, philosophical, Pilipino culture, politics, TV
Valentino
This morning, I took a nap after doing laundry and chatting with Deb. She warned me of viewing the world of others through my eyes exclusively.
After a snack, Mom and I were shuttled to the documentary movie Valentino by Dad (at the Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill). We did some shopping, I went to the bank, and all three of us went shopping in Mount Lebanon. A trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken was in order, and we got half a bucket of KFC Original, and the other half grilled chicken. It was delicious, with veggies and Klondike ice cream sandwiches after.
I retrieved a message from my friend, M, who stated Teody had given her tickets to be delivered to me. After Wednesday's PNR meeting (which I left Pastoral Council meeting early to attend), where the ticketing process was hashed out by Jun C., the process was made clear to us, and rehashed and sent out by Jun at the end of this week via email. I had contacted neither Jun nor (Tina nor Teody)---the ticket sellers' points of contact---about tickets. "I did not order tickets from Teody." It seems that Jun C. made the flow of ticket sales clear, but somewhere along the line someone had ordered tickets in my name without my knowledge.
There are three of us in my immediate family housing performers, selling tickets, and publicizing/marketing the event. There is no need to send me unsolicited tickets to sell. I feel bad that my friend M was stuck in the middle and has to deal with homeless tickets.
~~~
Turns out the tickets are for me to give to my mom for T. (O well, I guess I get to be the bearer of the tickets = "Mercury") Some kind of communication mix-up...
Labels: cinema, ice cream, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, politics, school, singing, visitor, voice
First weekend of April 2009: PAMS
Mom and Dad's computer has been on the fritz all this week. I typed up Dad's speech for his induction/inauguration as the Philippine American Medical Society's president. (He and "Tita" Lydia N. have been going on PAMS medical/surgical missions since the inception, for ten years.) I printed out the speech Friday, Dad and I drove to Upper St. Clair to pick up my car from the shop, then went to Kinko's (now FedEx Office) to pick up the program booklets and a few packs of push pins/thumb tacks and a memory card for taking photos. Mom, Dad, and Auntie Chi attended the continuing medical education at the golf club near my last secondary school employment.
I was in charge of picking up Kelly at the airport Friday at (conceivably) 5:40pm. After multiple delays, she didn't arrive until about eight o'clock in the evening. We drove back to Mom and Dad's place (where she stayed), ate, and chatted to catch up with our latest do-ings.
~~~~~
Saturday, I awoke at 5:00 and did four loads of laundry! Maureen, her sister, and her niece drove to the bakery in Millvale (I followed them, where I got a cream custard croissant, almond brioche, and also an Easter poppy seed roll for Auntie Chi. I then drove to the golf club to deliver the papers with two copies of Dad's speech (one stapled, the other loose leaf sheets) to Mom and Auntie Chi there. I also saw Rose V. there.
I went to Mom & Dad's home, where Kelly had left shortly before to meet with friends for lunch and opera short excerpts. I then took a nap, and Mom returned my call. I indicated that Sonia had called for Dad---and Mom said that I need to pick up the snacks for tonight for her.
There is poor parking hunting where Sonia has her business, so I enlisted the assistance of William before Kelly was to return at Mom & Dad's at approximately 16:00. So I picked up William, we stopped at Chia-Pih's favorite Asian Grocery Mart for him to pick up some snacks and supplies, and then we proceeded to Sonia's. We retrieved three trays of food from Sonia and her family. Kelly called, indicating that she was ~five blocks away. We waited for her and all drove to Mom and Dad's to pick up our clothing, dropped off William on the way to to Golf Club, then Kelly and I attended the anticipated Palm Sunday Mass with Fr. Utz from the Cardinal Dearden Center. He indicated that it was "an honor" for him to celebrate Mass with our group.
Kelly and I changed in the locker room into our formal attire...Tita Tina arranged my hair for me, and lent me some eye makeup.
Dinner followed; Auntie Chi emceed the event; William, Kelly, and I introduced Dad (with Mom doing a speech, too) before he delivered his speech; and Mr. Hingson from Brothers' Brother was the guest speaker. There was a band that provided music through dinner and during our snack time after...and a DJ for group dances, including the chicken dance, the "Hokey Pokey" (Beatrice turned to me, her face lit up, and stated the dance name to me!) and the Electric Slide. We all had fun dancing.
The night was cold (~35 Fahrenheit, and clear as the night sky).
The snack boxes and grape juice were a hit! Kelly and I returned slightly after midnight. Tired, we said our goodbyes after I handed off the schedule and then I handed off the bus coupons to her.
~~~~~
I called her on her phone at about 7:20 this morning to wish her a safe voyage.
~~~
First Sunday, April 2009
This was a day of rest. This evening William's family, Les & Chere, Mom,
Dad, Auntie Chi and I dined together at Mom & Dad's home. We had singing
and dancing after dinner, then it was time for the children to go home and
to get to bed.
Auntie Chi, Mom, and I told stories after we all cleared the table.
Labels: automobile, computer, dance, diocese of Pittsburgh, family, medical mission, meeting, Philippines, shopping, stars, transportation, travel
Olly olly Oxen Free---All come Home
Mom and Dad are back in the Burgh after coordinating the latest PAMS medical mission. They left a week earlier than the rest of the medical mission attendees to act as liaisons for the trip. The medical mission itself lasted a week, and then they spent a week visiting with family as well as a side trip to Vietnam.
It's so good to have them home again.
Labels: family, home, medical mission, organizing, Philippines, Pittsburgh, volunteering
