I Was Columbiazoned Too

A couple of days after the Miss Universe hysteria, the term “Columbiazoned” dominated the social media to refer to women who were made to believe that they own something special that’s suddenly taken away from them because it was not theirs to begin with.

This term reminded me of the word “imeldific” which refers to the extravagant and unnecessary display of riches for bragging purposes. The root word is based on the former first lady’s name, Madam Imelda Marcos, who is a known icon for her lucrative lifestyle.

One morning, Kuya Joel initiated a conversation and shared his insight about the erroneous announcement in the Miss Universe pageant and said that Miss Columbia could have handled the situation with a little more grace. I remarked that ill feelings can’t be avoided in competitions such as Miss Universe and I shared with him my own “columbiazoned” experience.

When I joined Binibining Valenzuela in 2006, I knew that I gave the best response among the remaining top five candidates during the question and answer portion. I was already waiting for the crown to be bestowed upon me but I only landed on the second runner-up spot. Amidst my confusion, it was easy for me to accept my defeat because the title holder really had that flare of beauty and poise.

When the well-known radio personality, Mr. Jobert Sucaldito, went on stage to put the crown to the winning candidate, he turned to my direction and whispered to me, “You are very intelligent.” His remark boosted my morale and something inside me illuminated that I felt that it was okay not to get the crown when you know that the most esteemed judge at the pageant was proud of you.

Kuya Joel said he shivered upon hearing my story.

I reckon my good friend Kathy telling me, “Liz you’re not for beauty pageants, you’re for quiz bees.” Haha!

This Christmas season, I have another experience which reminded me of Miss U. Two of my good friends gave me a present quoting Miss Pia Wurtzbach’s winning answer at the pageant. The message reads...

Now that I’m older and fat, it’s still nice to look back at my winning moments eight years ago. My being a beauty queen did not end in 2006. So long as I continue to do good for the people I care about, in my case my children, I will always be the only beautiful queen in their eyes.

The 'Gift' For Families

The Gift of God Catholic Community is a religious organization for married couples who have decided to welcome Jesus in their homes and make Him the center of their lives. Through the years, I have seen my parents change because of their decision to stay in this group. Ours is not a perfect family but I can say that I have more words to say now to express how prouder I am of my mama and papa.

Last night was Gift’s Christmas party. I accompanied my mother at the party, together with my daughter Hillary, and my niece Nicole. It was a simple gathering with short speeches, fun games for children, and plenty of raffle prizes!

Hillary and Nicole

Nicole's photo of me and my baby

In the speech of Bro. Albin Gabe, the organization’s head steward, he said that the Gift of God’s party is not only for their members but also for their families. It was a noteworthy message for me because coincidentally, December 27 is also the Feast of the Holy Family according to the Roman Catholic calendar.

Mothers in red, fathers in white?

I wish that this community of faithful couples will continue to flourish despite the challenges that it has to go through. At this time and age, I’m quite sure that there are more couples who are waiting for God’s healing mercy to come into their homes.

We have a beautiful life, let us not forget to pray.

Sucaba Link's Back-to-back Celebration

As part of my “daily dose of happiness” mantra, I am sharing with you my source of pride and happiness yesterday – the first Christmas party of Sucaba Link in seven years!

Sucaba Link internet shop is my humble business that is sited adjacent to three big schools in Barangay Malinta, Valenzuela City. We’re near the city’s most-esteemed Valenzuela City School of Mathematics and Science, my father’s school – Malinta Elementary School, and the newly erected Malinta National High School – Annex. Our services basically include everything that a computer and a “community secretary” can do; such as class projects for children, photocopying of important documents, lamination of identification cards, online application for NBI, passport, Philhealth, police clearance, and many more.

I consider Diether’s presence and Kristine’s come back as my ultimate blessings this year for the business. Through them, I was able to run my small shop while I continue being a hands-on mother and an employed writer. Later this year, I also regained my slot in the teaching profession. Quite a handful of responsibilities... and blessings!

Diether’s birthdate, which is every 22^nd of December, shall be our instant reminder that we have to conduct our annual Christmas party. I am really hoping that he will finish his college through the shop. One day, I’d like to see his graduation picture hung on the wall, side by side with Kristine’s, as a symbol of a realized dream.

2-in 1 celebration: Diether's birthday celebration and Sucaba Link's Christmas party

I read somewhere a long time ago that if a business has thrived for more than five years, one can say that it is already successful for having survived the competition in the market. Our team has weathered lots of challenges this year. Despite the odds, we’ll be ending the year 2015 with grateful and hopeful hearts.

Team Sucaba Link is ready for you, 2016!

Christmas Time Is Reunion Time

One way to keep your friends is to make them godparents of your children. Especially here in the Philippines where the Christmas season is much celebrated, you will have a reason to spend time with your friends at least once a year.

My papa told me once that it is not for the presents why you should bring your children to their godparents during Christmas. The essence of the tradition is to give chance to your children to know who their “second parents” are, and to make them pay respect too.

I have this good friend in high school, Ms. France Finianos, whose son is my godchild. When she went to my place one Christmas, she handed me a token – a papemelroti stationery which I treasured so much (Writers love colourful papers and pens!). That gesture created a huge impact on me because it is through her that I realized that Christmas is also for celebrating friendships in the form of a holiday that is designed for house visits.

I imitated France. Every time I schedule a Christmas get-together with my college friends, I always make sure that I have something coy wrapped for them too.

Vladimir with Ninong Ken, Ninang Kathy, Mommy, and Ninang Elmi
(2010)

Mareng Elmi, Pareng Ken, Moi, and Baby Hillary
(2015)

Last Sunday, after my baby Hillary and I attended the mass, we went to SM North EDSA together with our relatives, the Hinkle family. We had our lunch at the Racks and I bought some stuff at the department store. Mid-afternoon that day, I met with Mareng Elmi and Pareng Ken, my first born’s godparents. Unfortunately, my son Vladimir was not with me because he’s with his dad, my ex-partner.

It’s always a nice feeling to hang out and catch up with your long-time friends!

I had a fabulous Sunday! Hillary’s eyes were twinkling as she observed the blinking lights at the mall. The only agony I had to go through was to have to wait for a cab at Landmark for almost three hours with a heavy, fat baby on my arms! Hahaha! It’s nothing. It’s cuddle time; hence our mommy-baby love time.

I hope that before this year ends, I will get another chance to see my other friends.