A League of His Own

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He may not be the top of his class, but he has the intelligence, wit, charm, and character that makes him a great leader, despite his very young age.

He may not be patient all the time with his sister, but he is quite protective of her and dotes on her as big brothers should.

He may often question and complain about what is asked of him, but always chooses to follow us, his parents, teachers, and elders, anyway.

He may not at times have tempter tantrums, but for most he has a cheerful and amiable disposition.

He may be fantasizing he's a superhero or that he will be someday, but who is to say that he won't be in his own little way?

He may not be the most handsome or cutest boy in town, but to my eyes he will forever be so.

He is, after all, the best son I could ever have.

Life Began and I Turned 40

So much hoopla has been made by almost everyone I know about turning 40. Big deal. Not much difference, really.

Okay, so maybe I'm not yet experiencing that mid-life crisis people talk about. Or maybe I've already been through it. Really, I think it's a matter of attitude, perspective, and faith. A lot of faith. That all is according to God's plan and that I should simply use my freedom to choose what do with my life with responsibility.

Anyway, I have to admit I looked forward to my 40th birthday starting a couple of years ago, thinking of possible ways to celebrate, including planning a big celebration. When D Day was near, I backed out, but still wanted a celebration, albeit a smaller one. One that I would enjoy and not be reckless of.

The day went by fast but productively. Bacon and eggs for breakfast courtesy of my husband and kids; Mass intended for me at my daughter's school, attended by my whole family; pizza (one of my favorite food in the world) for lunch; work; a couple of hours at the salon (my treat to myself); back to work; and coffee and dessert with hubby and our closest friends at La Marea. All in all it was a really good day.

I've been contradicting since that day that the saying "Life Begins at 40" doesn't apply to me, because life already began and I just turned 40. But if there is any truth that adage, then bring it on. I'm ready for life.

A Mom's Pride

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Isn't it every parent's pride to see their kids perform on stage, especially if they do it well? Or when a child excels in school or sports?

I've had my share of those and only most recently. My eldest son, Raj, came up behind me last 1 September in the oratory while I was doing my afternoon prayers and loudly whispered (yes, it can be done!), "Guess what, Mom? I went up the stage ten times today (students general assembly)!"

"Ten times," I asked with a puzzled look on my face.

"No, Mom," Raj said and explained further, "I was top ten for the CEM tests in math, science, and English. Then I went up again for sports for winning all my games."

We immediately thanked God for such blessings and after a big hug and kiss from me, he whisked off to play and allow me to hear Mass.

My daughter, Elle, who is in junior kinder, has a different personality and temperament. My husband and I often wondered how she would be like in school, if she would have enough self-esteem. She has always been more reserved, bashful, as compared to her brother (and parents).

First day of school, we were taken aback when she just confidently walked into her classroom, went up to a classmate she knew, and made friends with others she didn't. And two hours later, came out and played with them without looking for me.

Last 6 September, her school celebrated Mothers Day (held annually near or on the Blessed Mother's birthday, which is today) and her class presented a dance to the tune of "Reaching for the Stars" by S Club 7. I simply could not take my eyes off her -- she didn't only dance confidently, but she did so quite well (albeit talking to whomever was beside her at the same time, almost all the time). She never missed a step and looked at me and smiled often.

At the end of the program, all junior kinder students sang Celine Dion's "I'm Your Angel" and once again, Elle stood out. She sang loud and clear, and did the choreographed actions appropriately. Other moms even commented, praising her for performing very well.

I'm sure both kids will surprise us more with their accomplishments and talents as time goes by. I just can't wait.

Love Always

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It has been ten wonderful years and I look forward to the rest of my life with Romil and our kids.

We celebrated our anniversary by renewing our vows with no less than Rev. Fr. Fidel Orendain, who officiated our wedding ten years ago. This time, however, the ceremony was held the the Don Bosco Retreat House Chapel in Lawaan, Talisay, where Fr. Fidel is retreat master. Our long-time friend, Cio Datan, took our photos on our wedding day and again last 15 August.

Dinner afterwards was great, albeit the long drive back to the city, at La Buona Forchetta, where Italian food has always been authentic and oh so good.

A small, intimate celebration. The way it is supposed to be.

True Colors

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After all that has been said and done, all the trials, all the challenges, all the disappointments, and all the misadventures, I've become the person I always was in the beginning.

A friend once said that the life I've led is the stuff made of Hollywood movies. The dramatic kind. A good read, if I or some other writer would take the time out to put into words all that I've been through and all that I chose to do with my life. Except maybe that for a good conclusion and commercial appeal, that writer would have to end my story early on or write a brief summary of what came to be.

Looking back, the person I was and whom I tried to be a decade or two ago area far cry from whom I've become today. Then again, I realize that I've always been the person I am today, albeit older, wiser, and definitely more mature. I sure didn't know anything much in my late teens and early adulthood, despite my strong belief that I knew it all back then.

I certainly had no idea before that my true colors are the ones I don today.

A Lil' Fun, A Lotta Lovin'

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Life has never been more fun until hubby and I had kids, especially now that Raj and Elle are in that adorable age. Thus, I have to admit, I have difficulty understanding couples who choose to marry, but exert extra effort not to have kids or not to have more than what they'd like. I wish I could have more and yet, for now, have only been blessed with two -- wonderful, adorable ones.

Beyond Ourselves

You've always been there for me
even when you did not know it.
Knowing in my heart that I could run to you
if I needed to was at times enough.
Thinking of you, what you would say
if you were there made it seem
like you never left.
All those times I wanted
you to be the first to know
what was going on --
I did tell you, you know.
Those conversations may have been
all just inside my head,
but they kept you and me
alive and real.
So much so we can start
were we left off
as if we never truly did.

How many people in a lifetime can you say truly know you and accept who you are, whom you've become, the person you are going to be? Someone who knows what's going on your mind, what you would say, before you even start forming the words in those little grey cells?

I have such a special someone in my life. Sad to say, he has not been that much a part of it the past years as much as I thought he would be, as I wanted him to be. Our pride seemingly kept us apart more than the lands and seas that were physically in between us, not wanting the other to think less of the persons we've become. Much more, to not be understood and accepted. Alas, it was, in the end, what kept us apart was our lack of faith in each other.

But that was then. We've hence vowed to be better friends. No more pretenses.

In the meantime, as we cannot yet spend endless hours catching up on each other's lives, plans, and dreams, the virtual world would have to do and we'll be taking our coffee to go.

I am a Moonstruck Mom

Yes, I agree, Cher did a great performance in the movie “Moonstruck, ” wherein she landed her first and only Oscar as Best Actress. But that was in 1987. Two, long decades ago. Although my real name is Cherry, there is no co-relation whatsover between the title of this entry and Cher or the movie.

Long before that, there has been the Moonstruck Band that plays pop, rock-a-billy, blues, country, and Latin dance music. I never actually heard of them until I got several queries as to why I named my company “Moonstruck” [Marketing]. They were, I hear, a hit, back when I was way too young yet to care to listen to them.

So why am I a Moonstruck Mom? Well, I’m no typical mom. I cook, but I’d really much rather not, and wish I had a personal chef adept with international cuisine. I’d rather eat cakes and pastries than bake them. I want a neat house, but prefer to only lift a finger to point to what needs to be picked up and cleaned. I can verily thread a needle, but that’s as far as I go.

On the other hand, I’m a devoted wife and I actually fall in love with my husband over and over again with each year we’ve been married. To spark things up, I keep him second-guessing –almost all the time.

I adore my two kids who constantly make me want and strive to become a better parent, a better person. After all, becoming a mom is the best thing that has happened to me. My family motivates me, inspires me. With them I find true love, joy, and peace.

And yet, like those who get awed by the full moon, I get a little crazy sometimes.