Not in my Lifetime

As I was doing this blog a hundreds of same sex couples have been waiting for their turn to get married at NY City hall partaking a piece of the shining moment in LGBT history. Looking back from the time that I discovered who I am through a Fil-Am gay New Yorker's website, I would say that I can't believe that this is happening in my lifetime. I do not believe in marriage (I need more convincing) but I believe that everyone, straight or not, has that innate right to marry anyone he or she wishes to be for the rest of his/her life.
Last June 26, my friend Remil and I went to watch the pride march that is very different from the pride march I saw last year. I have not enjoyed the march that well because my dad is the one on my mind, he lies at the hospital ICU. But what a relief when he said to me that with God's help, he'll be able to join me in watching the pride march next year (again I cannot believe this, this can't happen in my lifetime) i also read the book Stonewall:The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution an autographed book by the author David Carter which I bought last year. It is such an interesting book thoug very technical on the history on how the LGBT organizations sprouted after the riots. I would never thought that this events would really happen in my New York adventure, not even in my lifetime.

The Art Heaven that is Chicago

What I have noticed during my Chicago trip is the immense amount of public interactive and historical art placed around the city. One cannot help but marvel at the works of art in form of architecture, fountains and sculptures. Most of this public artworks were posted at my instagram account. My first stop is the Art Institute of Chicago which houses a considerable amount of American art treasures. Too bad I don't have that much time to explore it. It is nice to know that one of the painting in my favorite show Desperate Housewives is in the Institute (now it is my Ipad screen saver). Connecting the art institute to the Great Lawn of the Millenium Park is the Nichols Bridgeway. This structural wonder got an award of merit at the 2009 Structural Design Awards for its design work. At the Millenium Park the centerpiece is the "Cloud Gate" a three story level structure popularly called "The Bean" because of its legume shape. The structure is also popular for photography because it distorts your impression on the mirrors. I tried to "defy gravity" (see http://jerick28.blogspot.com/2011/03/defying-gravity.html ) but my attempt failed. My dad had fun on the mirrors though. Another interactive public art that caught my eye is the "Crown Fountain". It is composed of two structures made of glass bricks where water flows in a black granite reflecting pool which you can play on a summer day. The glass bricks have LED's that displays videos of faces of Chicagoans famous and not. Architecture is at its best in Chicago, buildings that caught my eye is the Willis Tower, the Water Tower and the John Hancock Tower. If you are an art lover be sure to visit Chicago, it w
ill al be worth it.

JPII:Telling our World of His Love

As I write this, Rome is preparing for the beatification of Pope John Paul II.There two instances in my life where I have seen the Pope. My first encounter with JPII was in January 1995 when the World Youth Day was held at the University of Santo Tomas where I was still in my second year of college. I don't see WYD95 as a big deal then. So, I didn't sign up for the activities. I was influenced by my college buds not to sign up, because of the whole week of no classes. As the days pass by and WYD95 is fast approaching, I regret that I did not register. Instead I was with my brother Joey the day before the Pope came at the Santissimo Rosario Parish of UST. I was praying so hard that we could get tickets for the Pope's visit. Lo and behold, miraculously a nun was outside the church giving out tickets, and when it is our turn, it is down to the last two. I never knew who the nun is. I just remembered that I was so overwhelmed when I got my tickets. When JPII arrived in UST we are positioned at the center of the UST's football field. I did not even imagine that the pope mobile would pass by at the center juxtaposing the crowd in the center. And with the JPII's wave and smile at us, I wept. I swear. He has this charm that when he is around you would very much like to repent and feel sorrowful for your sins. When he left Manila, I was crying, while in front of the TV.

I never imagined that I would meet JPII in person. When I went with President Arroyo as a protocol officer in Rome, I was a few feet away from JPII. With that I was more than starstruck. I was shivering from inside. Inside my hotel room, I can't sleep and can't grasp the feeling seeing him up close. He just gave his benidiction. I just wish I could hug him or even kiss his hand but my job did not permit me. Towards the end of our trip in Rome I received a limited edition Papal coin from him of the Great Jubillee.

Before I left for New York, I became a devotee of the Divine Mercy. (See http://jerick28.blogspot.com/2006/10/miracle-of-hope.html ) Knowing that JPII is a staunch promoter of the Divine Mercy, I believe that JPII helped intercede to my prayers that is why I am still alive today. I very much like the little Poland exhibit in the Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao, Bulacan. If I am in the Philippines I might be there with other devotees making a vigil at the replica of JPII's home.

Today, Divine Mercy Sunday coincidences with Pope John Paul II. Jesus told Sister Faustina that all of God's mercy will poured to everyone who consecrates their prayers to His most Merciful Heart, I know he knows my prayer. I know Blessed John Paul II is praying for us while he tells the world of God's love on his beatification.

Viva il Papa Beato Johannes Paulus II!

My Midwest Trip: Fulfillment of a Dream, Mission Accomplished

My trip to Chicago and Indiana was very important to me. It represents the fulfillment of a promise that I told myself years ago even before I "died".

My Ninang, who is really my aunt, Florida dela Torre, sends me toys from that city when I was young. Holding that ATARI console in hands, I wonder how Chicago looks like and how it is living there. Every time I see an airplane, I always wave my hand and shouts "Ninang! Ninang! Or Tita Paning! Tita Paning!" and I would continue playing after that. I promise myself with my cousin Chris that someday we will conquer Chicago and watch a Bulls game. The first time I saw my Ninang was when I graduated in elementary. She left the Philippines when I was 4 years old. In spite of the distance, I regard her as my second mom. We have long talks over the phone and we often exchange correspondence. The last time we were in the Philippines was when she celebrated her surprise 60th birthday. A year after that I left for NY.

When I came here in the US, she is so excited to buy me a ticket for the holy week break in 2009. She almost did but decided to postpone my trip because I still yet to finish my house hunting. That Easter Sunday. I succumbed to a heart attack. When I told Ninang I am coming his year she can't help but reminisce what happ

ened two years ago. This year we have to finish the unfinished business.

I arrived at O'Hare with Ninang having a bunch of pink flowers in her ha

nds. I literally grabbed them from he

r without even asking if they are mine. I hugg

ed her and said "Finally!". I also met my Ninong Manny (my second time)

and got to bond with him at the Navy Pier. I also met my Ninong's family from Ecuador. I really had a fun time at the Midwest where Tita

Paning of South Chicago, Indiana hosted us for our four day holiday and even let us stay in a hotel room. my cousins Mia, Paul, Jonas and Joan were so hospitable that I miss them and their kids.

I have sent my thank you cards to them last Monday. Indeed my visit was a fulfillment of a dream.

The Amazing Mr. Perez

I was in the New York Presbyterian hospital for my blood work before my travel to Chicago last Holy Wednesday, when I saw a familiar face. It was the amazing Mr. Perez.

I only know him by his last name because we were called that way in the hospital. He's been my "neighbor" when I was confined for a long time at the NYPH. We never talk because he cannot speak English and we just bump into each other at he hospital corridors during rehab times. We also got our hearts almost at the same time. I got to talk to his family once and got to compare our developments during check ups and all. He tried to communicate but to no avail because of the language barrier.

But this particular time he was alone while in line alone, no interpreters to speak with. Although i understand a little Spanish it o hard to speak it. He started with "como estas?" i said "muy bien con nuevo corazon" , then just like an armalite he spoke the language of Cervantes con todo rapido. I was lost for words. I began mumbling, "Donde esta su hija?", he replied that she's abroad, referring to his wife, but I was referring to her daughter. Amazingly, we run through our conversation swiftly with silence in between when we are lost for words. I said I am back para muy trabajo, he said "no muchos fuerzas",i said no, "solamente por diez libras" (if he knew what I meant). I said I was going to Chicago para cuatro diaz para semana santa, he said he is going to Santo Domingo para siete meses and he is so happy that the doctor permitted him.

When my electronic gadget vibrated, which means that it's my turn for blood work. He hugged me tight and said in English "take care". I said, "you too and I'm glad you will be back in Santo Domingo". After the blood work, i wept, a lot.

I realized, we are to souls who met at the time of adversity, and yet we met again to tell each other of our unfurnished business. His dream of going back to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic pushed him to fight on and continue life. My ardent childhood dream of seeing Chicago was delayed because just before my Ninang got me a ticket 2 years ago from JFK-ORD I succumbed to a heart attack. I believe everyone has an unfinished business that needs to be done as we go through our new lives. And Mr. Perez and I graduated with flying colors.

I'm doing this blog on the plane back to the east coast while thinking what Mr. Perez is doing now. He must be sipping pineapple cocktails or playing golf in the sun and sand of Santo Domingo.

Miguel Syjuco is no Stieg Larsson

After a very long time, I have already finished "Ilustrado" by Miguel Syjuco, one of NY Times' notable book of the year and winner of the Carlos Palanca and Man Asian Literary Prizes. I saw his book last year at the Barnes and Noble 5th Avenue window and I never imagined that it's written by a Filipino. Then came the book reading / discussion event at the Philippine Consulate and bought the book and let him sign it. While they are discussing the book, I got a gist of what is all about and commented that Syjuco is the Philippines' Stieg Larsson.Syjuco even wrote it in my copy.

But upon reading Syjuco's book, I realized I'm so wrong. Though both their books tackle the ills of their respective countries' society ( Philippines and Sweden)and both touched both countries' history (though Syjuco's is so extensive and totally fictional) the differences lie in it's story telling. Stieg Larsson uses a style that even a typical New Yorker would understand and enjoy while on his way to work on a subway. Ilustrado is intricately woven and even sometimes confusing because of the frequent change of topic in the narrative.

Both used stories about deaths in the main characters. But Syjuco played on the idea of a fictional Philippine history sparked by public opinion and sensationalism of the media.

Both works should be read. I only wrote this to retract my statement on Ilustrado being compared to Stieg Larsson's "Millenium" series. Tomorrow, I'll start reading the third book "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" to finish off the "Millenium". I am so behind my reading. Blame it on twitter, pod casts and television.

Sister Act: Gospel Meets 70's Rock

It was drizzling and cold but that has not stopped me from going to Broadway last night. I usually go to TKTS (that ticket office below the ruby stairs in Time Square)for last minute discounted tickets whenever I am stressed out during the week. I go there after work without any particular show on mind. Last time, I saw the preview of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at a fraction of a cost and I never regretted watching the show. Now that I am back on blogging, I want to start the wave of my blog reviews through Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy.

Inspired by the Sister Act movie, the show was top-billed by Patina Miller who plays Deloris Van Cartier aka Sis. Mary Clarence, a Philadelphia showgirl who witnessed a crime committed by her goon boyfriend Curtis Jackson (played by Kingsley Leggs). She was given refuge by the Sisters of the Queen of Angels headed by a Mother Superior played by Victoria Clark. The music has been cleverly woven into a mix of all genres ranging from 70's disco Gospel, Gregorian chant, 80's love song, Bee Gees, Hip hop, Rap, Soul, R and B (you name it!). Unbelievable choreography was created to suit the music and glittery wardrobe worn by the cast. I was not expecting the outstanding production design from the wardrobe up to the set. I was expecting nuns in boring black and white habits but the show broke all boundaries by putting glitter in all the scenes. The altar with a giant statue of the Virgin Mary was propped with stained glass art, typical of Catholic churches, changing colors imitating the lights of a 70's disco. The statue itself of the Virgin Mary glittered and revolved in the end, just like a disco ball which narrow-minded critics may decry sacrilege! A surprise ending of course was the appearance of the pope(his back to the audience) emerging in the conductor's position. I was even confused if the guy who played pope was really the orchestra conductor dressed as the pope.

I was tweeting and checking out reviews and other social media in between breaks of the show and even followed @SisterActBway. It was so sweet of Ceasar Samayoa, (the actor who played Pablo, the funny Latino goon, on the heels of Deloris out to lynch her) to thank me for being in the audience last night. I congratulated him and the cast for a job well done.

Sister Act teaches us the values of friendship (being with your friends on whatever weather), charity (helping someone in need), and acceptance (respect of each other whatever the person's orientation). It also reminds us that singing is the highest form of praise. So sing your heart out for God to hear you. I became also interested with the Isaiah 55:12 (spoken by one of the nuns while Deloris went out of the convent) :

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands."

Sister Act is not even open yet. I only saw a preview. I wonder if the pope will attend its premiere at the Broadway Theater on April 20, Holy Wednesday, for its opening.