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
First Day of Fall Semester 2010
Today was the first day of fall semester, and I taught a 9.00 Monday morning laboratory.
Mom, Dad, and I ate at the Japanese and Chinese buffet on the way to the Waterfront. We ran into their friends from medical missions, as well.
Maureen and I went for smoothies at the Asian restaurant just a short while ago.
Labels: biology, dining, family, medical mission, neighbors, Pilipino culture, Songs, work
End of Reunion Weekend
I retrieved Mom and Dad from the airport after they went for Mom's class reunion. They had a great time, and enjoyed Chicago, as well as time with Uncle Dino and family. We enjoyed eating ensaymada when we got to their home.
Mom and I watched While You Were Sleeping, with Sandra Bullock. We enjoyed the movie. Dad watched part of the last 20 minutes with us.
Labels: cinema, dine, family, Pilipino culture, school, travel
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
Organizing Work Files, Flamenco, and Fiesta Filipina
This morning I awoke late, ran an errand for PAMS, organized my work files, and will have lunch with Mom and Dad, and go to the grocery store. Mid-afternoon Susan will pick me up for some flamenco fun, then this evening I will join Mom and Dad for Fiesta Filipina, a Canadian-based group which presents cultural music, singing, and dance as a benefit concert for the Philippine Nationality Room project.
Labels: cleaning, dance, dancing, dine, international culture, music, organizing, Pilipino culture, PNR, shopping, singing, sleep
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
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
Merry Christmas 2009 II
I made my way up to the choir loft this morning during the rite of Communion. Slowly, people filled the loft, with Ken at the organ console. We had abbreviated preludes from last night, as we got started ~11.40
Brass & Organ: Canzon noni toni (G. Gabrieli)
Choir: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Trad. Polish carol, arr. R.G. Farrell)
A Boy Was Born (16th C. text, R.G. Farrell)
Gesu Bambino (P.A. Yon)
Gaudete (Piae Cantiones, 1582--arr. by R. J. Batastini; verses, J.S. Cook)
At noon we sang the processional hymn,
O Come, All Ye Faithful (arr. Cherwien)
Gloria--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Psalm 96 (J. Chepponis)
Christmastime Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
Preparation of Gifts: O Holy Night/ Cantique de Noel (A. Adam)
Sanctus, Memorial, and Amen Acclamations--A Community Mass (R. Proulx)
Agnus Dei--Holy Cross Mass (D. Isele)
Communion: The First Nowell (17th C. English carol)
Silent Night (F. X. Gruber, German text J. Mohr, Engl. transl. by J.F. Young)
Christmas Lullaby (J. Rutter)
Recessional: Joy to the World (arr. J.W. Jenkins)
Postlude: In dir ist Freude
Mom, Dad, Kelly, and I enjoyed cold cuts, cheeses, spreads, dips, adobo with rice, chunk crab meat, green salad with dried and fresh fruits, the fruit tray, breads, and crackers. I invited Karina over this evening at seven.
We have all enjoyed good naps, and Dad has just woken up from his nap, as well.
~~~
23.25
Karina arrived ~19.00 and we chatted for a while. Mom and Dad returned from the pharmacy with meds for Kelly's cold. Dad and Karina and I dined on lunch leftovers and deliciousness, chatted, and generally enjoyed our company. Mom watched Monk while waiting for her blood pressure to lower. I drove Karina home at about 21.30 and then Mom and I worked on PAMS organizational meeting invites, and purchased trip insurance for her and dad.
We just checked her email for the policy and details....it all appears to be in place.
Labels: Choir, Christmas, dine, friends, health, Mass, Pilipino culture, singing, sleep, transportation, travel
St. John Neumann
This morning I attended the Mass at the Shrine of St. John Neumann. I have never before seen a saint in repose, and it is a truly beautiful sight to see. St. John Neumann is the first male American saint, beatified primarily for his founding of the Catholic school system in the United States. I spoke with a Filipina and her group from Jacksonville after Mass, and we visited the Neumann museum also.
Before Mass started I walked about the building and sat and prayed the Novenae for Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. John Neumann, which were in the pews.
Labels: Faith, Mass, Pilipino culture, Saint
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
Niagara and Toronto I, August 2009
Mom,Dad, and I travelled to the American side of Niagara Falls (which is a New York State Park and the oldest state park in the United States), visited the visitor center, went to the observation deck (outstanding) and to the Maid of the Mist,
where we saw the American Falls,
other Maids of the Mist, and a view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. We enjoyed our picnic lunch from the disabled parking spot, where a cool breeze blew and there were multicolored hydrangea in full bloom.
We continued on to Toronto, where Uncle Alex and Auntie Baby live. Colleen, their apo, was visiting and we had our merienda. I took a nap, and Allan, Sonia, and their family had arrived as well as Christie and her family. We all dined together on Pinoy food.
After dinner, we took group photos, and Allan shared his thoughts on what to see. I decided I wanted to see many things that are part of their life in Toronto, and some touristy sites, too.
Labels: automobile, Canada, citizenship, family, flowers, ice cream, international culture, New York, photos, Pilipino culture, reunion, travel, visitor, walking, water
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
Philippine Nationality Room Meeting
Today, V and I went to Whole Foods for lunch. Before dining, we checked out the lip balm and I found my favorite kind...now I know where to get it! I dined on jasmine white tea, unagi sushi wrapped in bamboo leaf, and half a chocolate croissant. V enjoyed a quesadilla. We stopped by the East Liberty Library branch to drop off items, then shopped at Trader Joe's.
I went to physical therapy then. It felt like a spa in the pool today---warm water, gentle exercises, mmm.
I headed back to get a quick bite to eat, then headed to the Austrian Nationality Room for our Philippine Nationality Room Committee meeting, as our future PNR classroom was occupied until approximately 19:15. We had from Popi, our Filipina architect: A photo collage, 2 perspective CAD drawings, and 8 elevation drawings. I noted---soon after starting our discussion in the future PNR---that "I was expecting a room that looked more like a classroom, but was pleasantly surprised that it looked more like a home. I like the general feeling of the room." Myrna noted that she liked the "simplicity of design."
Our discussion of design elements focused on various issues:
Dated elements
Socioeconomic status of the homeowners
Provenance of room fixtures
Light in the room
Use and functionality of the room, including heat and furniture sturdiness
"Spirit" of the design vs. staying v.v. close to elements of two houses examined for study.
It snowed quietly and collected while we were in the rooms for two hours, discussing and raising questions for Popi. Mark, Warren, and I discussed the element of the windows and balustrade and light and heating. I gently suggested a "hint of a wall" for a design tweaking of the breezeway element (versus the current renderings, which suggested walls which obscured more windows/light/heating elements), which solved several problems posed by several of us.
~~~
I caught a bus home, after waiting in the soft, cornstarch-like snowy quiet.
Labels: accessibility, art, balm, dining, exercise, international culture, light, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, PNR, school, shopping, surgery, volunteering, water exercise
Cuppy Cakes, White House Chef, Inauguration News
Notice that the country's best cupcakes were noted in a recent online article...The East End Chocolate Stout cupcakes from the Dozen bakery in Susan and Charles's neighborhood were featured. I love their cupcakes, but also have tried various other pastries and desserts from there.
mmMMMmmm..cuppy cakes!
(can't have them often, though---doctor's orders)
~~~~
Which leads to the next topic, the White House chief chef, a Pinay who is retained by the Obama family after serving several years for the Bush family. Cristeta "Cris" Comerford is the only woman to have held the position of executive chef at the White House. Another Pinay held a key health position on Air Force One during a previous administration. So, the Filipinas have made inroads in key support positions for the White House.
~~~~~
Back to the 'Burgh: Susan and Charles returned from Washington DC late last night after attending the inauguration. I can't wait to talk to them...and about their experiences...and to hear their stories.
And Ida and Bill attended an Inaugural Ball. She must have wonderful stories to tell.
Labels: American history, celebration, citizenship, dance, dining, excited, friends, health, medical mission, Philippines, Pilipino culture, travel
Christmas Eve 2008
Today I awoke early, prepared holiday cards for my immediate neighbors, and bundled up with all intentions of going to Mass. The weather dampened those hopes (both literally and figuratively), and just as I got to the outside door, I turned around and decided to deliver the cards this morning before my other errands.
So, I donned a Santa's elf hat and slid cards between doors and door jambs. I ran into Phyllis K. along the way, as she ascended the steps. She was greatly appreciative of the card.
~~~~~
Yesterday, before physical therapy and also after midnight, I watched the newest cinema version of The Stepford Wives, with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, and Christopher Walken. Mom and I watched the last part of the movie together. I noted that I had read the book about 25 years ago, and the original ending by Ira Levin was darker and different than this movie version. Frank Oz, of Muppet fame, had directed the movie.
Yesterday, we had also watched parts of White Christmas, with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney; and of Mulan (with a litany of famous Asian/Asian-American voices for both the singing and speaking voices, including Lea Salonga's voice)
~~~~~
11:20 AM
After I have had handled flight arrangements for family, Kelly and I will go chez Beatrice and Solomon for lunch and to make cookies!
~~~
We made sugar cookies with dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces and withpecans and semi-sweet chocolate pieces (Marissa and William); and I made brownies with extra chocolate. Kelly and I checked our emails and napped (respectively). I left at about 4:45 PM in a (vain) search for bagels---Bagel Factory, Panera (1), Giant Eagle (1), Giant Eagle/Market District (2), Panera (2) were all closed at the time. I made a last-ditch effort at the Starbucks near a hospital...the handicapped parking was occupied by a vehicle with no plate nor placard, requiring me to park across the lot. A young, able couple exited the Starbucks.
...excuse me. [no response]...Excuse me! I exclaimed.
The young lady getting into the passenger side looked at me.
excuse me, but can you not park in this spot if you're not handicapped?
I inquired at the counter about any bagels...the answer was negative. "But we have rolls." I then recounted my search for bagels in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Oakland...and my disappointment with the parking situation in the lot. The small outcry brought imaginary tears spewing from either side of my head, as it continued to rain outside.
Labels: Christmas, cinema, international culture, neighbors, Philippines, Pilipino culture, Pittsburgh, seasons, singing, surprise, tradition, writing
Low Gas Prices! III
Today Dad, "Uncle" Cesar, and I picked up Tita Tina & Tito Larry's van for transporting the room dividers used for the Philippine Nationality Room Open House on Sunday. We stopped for gasoline---the price was only $1.83.9
The last time I mentioned gasoline prices was this summer, when the prices were more than double of current prices per gallon.
Read this article about the hidden curse of low gasoline prices....
Labels: Philippines, Pilipino culture, transportation
