"Chatting" via Facebook with a Sibling Sister Working Abroad

Hi, everyone! Good day, everybody! How are we all doing today? Thank God, we're alive and well!

Today, I have had the opportunity to "chat" (for a couple of minutes) with one of my siblings, sister Aida, who, along with her husband, Boy, has been working and living in another country for years. I did initiate the "conversation" while I saw my sister that she's on Facebook at that moment. I asked her how's she and bro-in-law Boy doing, how are their children, working in another country, doing, if she knew that our nephew Julius has passed away, etc. Some other inquiries, statements about my family, and food for thought about life.

She responded by typing she and Manong Boy are doing well, and same with my nephews and nieces and their families. I inquired when are they retiring from work. She replied that hopefully it's in a year from now. She asked me when will I go on vacation to our native land because she informed me she and Manong Boy have planned to go home at the end of the year. She said they have a project in their hometown to oversee. I replied how much I'd love to go on vacation but I told her frankly I have some priority matters to take care of.

It's been a while, almost four years, that I haven't been back to my birthplace to visit. That was when we had sort of a reunion with most of my siblings and family members that we've never seen each other for decades. That was five months after my wife Freny and daughter Tintin, and sis-in-law attended my father-in-law's funeral there. After almost 18 years of being away from my birthplace, I was surprised at how much progress and development I've witnessed there. Commercialization is everywhere. materialism has been very evident. (Majority of the townsfolk have been enjoying technological gadgets, like cell phones, etc.) Globalization and westernization are so active and flourishing everywhere, even to the towns and once rural areas. That's good, attributed to the so-called OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) who remit their earnings back home and that contributes to the overall progress and development of the country. One drawback that's undeniably observable, though: It's getting overcrowded there and the climate or weather has been getting warmer due to cutting of trees in areas where they build bigger houses, European-inspired, or buildings. Pollution, likewise, gets worse. But, that's the price to pay for progress, especially if not controlled or regulated.I'm happy and thankful to see progress and improvement in the lives of the people there. I salute our OFWs for their courage, sacrifices and passion for better life.

My sister Aida and some members of her family, my other nephews and nieces, are examples of OFWs. They leave our birthplace to eke out a living abroad, like the rest of us legal immigrants and naturalized citizens. Lots of patience, perseverance, courage, sacrifices, they do have, like us, here in the States. We fell what they feel...we understand what they're going through...we know what they' encountering and experiencing because we've been there  and continue to experience or encounter day to day. They have stories to tell, like us. And they have big dreams to realize, like us...

Ah, life is totally different to different people! Although we live in one planet, we live in different worlds, I think so. But, we're all the same...wanderers and vagabonds, pilgrims on a journey to Life. And we have Faith, most of us. That plays an important part in our lives. It serves us a purpose to keep going...even if there are failures and victories along the way...Such is life. What is important is the now, the present moment. That what matters to me...living and trying to enjoy and appreciate and love Life in the present moment here and now!

Well, that was a brief "chat" with one of my sibling sisters, Aida, via Facebook. Without Facebook, I just don't know how we, folks and friends, and relations, get connected or re-connected with each other. Thanks, Facebook, for your existence and service to us all! And thanks to YouTube, Google, Blogger, the Internet in general. Thank God for all the people behind these technology, these social networks. Thanks a lot to my family and extended families near or far...Thank you, Jesus!

Until next time around, my dear folks and friends. Take care and have a peaceful day, everyone! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 25 April 2013

California Revisited, part 2

Man, how do I start with my narration, my part 2 of California Revisited, when I got so engrossed listening/watching American Idol 2012 Tour of different cities, especially in their latest concert, like in Toronto, Canada; Philadelphia, New York, etc., from YouTube? Mind you, I have a list of the venues that the Idols would be performing. I know where they had the last show and where will they be performing next. I don't know about you, folks, but I've been kinda "Idolized?" or hooked up on American idol 2012, especially Season 11. Frankly speaking, AI 2012 season 11 was the only season that captured my musical senses. I don't know why. But, wait a minute, I need to stick to the title of this blog post; otherwise, I'd be carried away by the American Idols,  especially the current AI 2012 winner, Phillip Phillips and his runner-up Jessica Sanchez.

Well, I'm glad and thankful that, on the day after our arrival here in The Old Dominion from The Golden State, Wednesday, 22 August 2012, I was able to note down on my Composition Book sort of an outline of topics that I have to cover on this blog post.

First of all, I thank you, Almighty God, for my faith, and family, folks, and friends everywhere around the globe. Many thanks to my caring siblings here in the States (Betty, Edna, Zaldy, and their spouses and families) for all their love and generosity. Thank you to our Aunt Emiliana (my late Dad's only sister) in San Francisco. Thank you to our uncles and aunties and their families. Thanks so much to all my cousins and their families, to my nephews and nieces and their families, and to all our friends like Belen and Boy and their family in Stockton and Daly City (thanks so much, guys, for your warm hospitality, Nathan, Jr. for giving us a brief tour of your and your sister Nikki's alma mater, University of the Pacific in Stockton. I'm quite impressed by the whole campus buildings and their architecture!), Roger and his family, Demetrio and his family, Gloria and Rey and family, etc.Thank you, Lord, for all the wonderful people who made our Summer 2012 Get-away to California possible and successful.

Prior to going to California on 14 August 2012, my family have made reservations: reservation for car rental, reservation for lodging at Navy Lodge. Except for 16 August and 18-21 August 2012, we couldn't have 14-15 August 2012 reservation at Navy Lodge because they're fully booked. We didn't book ourselves for the 17th August because we're already scheduled to spend the night at Belen and Boy (Nathan, Sr.)'s other house in Stockton. (Belen is my wife Freny's best friend, and former classmate in grade school 47 years ago! That's why they and two of their other classmates who are in California, Roger and Demetrio, have planned to have sort of a small reunion at Belen's ). So, for 14-15 August2012, we stayed at my sister Betty and bro-in-law Dennis's house in San Jose, CA.

Past 1:00 pm, Wednesday, 15 August 2012, from sis Betty's where we spent the night after our arrival at the Silicon Valley, we went to San Francisco to revisit the Golden Gate Bridge and The Fisherman's Wharf. (I've seen them before, in late 1983 or 1984.) But before that we attended Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 756 Mission St. (between 3rd and 4th Streets), because the day is considered a holiday for Catholics. Its the feast of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Established or founded in 1815, St. Patrick Catholic Church is San Francisco's Historic Landmark #4 (according to its church bulletin and Website: www.stpatricksf.org).  After Mass, we had lunch at a Japanese restaurant.

Then, out we roamed around the streets of San Francisco, and eventually found our way to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge. It was foggy and cold, not much sunshine at that time. Nevertheless, we took pictures, had coffee and cookies at Cafe and Restaurant, enjoyed the scenery, sea breeze and sea shore.

Afterwards, we went to The Fisherman's Wharf. I bet, there are always lots of people, tourists there, everyday. After parking our rental car in a parking garage nearby, we strolled around. Took a lot of pictures, did some shopping, visited a museum, had dinner at Seafood Restaurant. From there we could see the infamous Alcatraz, so-called The Rock, an island surrounded by water somewhere in the middle of San Francisco Bay that was once a prison and now a historical site managed by National Park Service. (Videos embedded here in this post are from YouTube. No copyright infringement intended. Thanks to the video uploaders and to YouTube.)

From our vantage point while revisiting the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, we could also see the Alcatraz Island where we learned that so much stuff had happened there and that some of its mysterious stories still remain unsolved or a mystery.

It was past 11:00 pm when we got back to my sis Betty's house in San Jose, CA. I had bro-in-law Dennis's glutinous rice cake for my dessert. Nimbled some fruits, i.e., melon and watermelon, too, while engaging in spirited conversation with my relatives and other members of family. Then, off to bed tired but happy and contented.

Thursday, 16 August 2012, after breakfast at sis Betty's, we went to The Flea Market at the Capitol Expressway exit where we bought some fruits, shirts, hats, etc. There was a band playing there entertaining market shoppers. They were playing some Mexican music. Pretty cool! Enjoyed the walking/roaming around the market.

From the Flea Market, we ate lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant. We all had Vietnamese noodle soup, with different kinds of flavor (meat and/or seafood)  in a big bowl. I couldn't finish the whole thing so I saved half of it for dinnertime. Then, back to my sis Betty and bro-in-law Dennis's house where we continued our bonding with other relatives there in San Jose, CA. Before eleven that night, we left them for our lodging at Navy Lodge.

My family and I spent the night at Navy Lodge, in Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA. Had free complimentary breakfast (bagel, granola bars, and coffee) there, too, in the morning of Friday, 17 August 2012.

Before noontime, we checked out at Navy Lodge because we're scheduled to spend the night at our friends Belen and her husband Boy's house in Stockton which is more than an hour drive from Mountain View/San Jose area. Took a lot of photos along the way, long and winding interstate highway, mountain views, valleys, hills, plains, fields.

At Belen and Boy's in Stockton, we were warmly welcomed by our friends/hosts. My wife Freny and Belen and their two other Santanians (former residents of Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines) had sort of a reunion because they haven't had seen each other for over 45 years. They're all classmates when they were in grade school back in their native town in the Philippines. Lots of food, over there prepared by Belen and Boy, and some brought by their other relatives/friends. Boy did some grilling of chicken and pork. Of course, there were glutinous rice cakes and fruits, too, for dessert. We even went to one of my wife's Aunt Bessie's, upon her insistent invitation, just to see her house that night. The latter encouraged us to take souvenir pictures. Then, we went back to Belen and Boy's where we spent the night there. They have a big stucco house with five bedrooms, three full baths. We learned that Belen and her young adult son Nathan, Jr. (a University of the Pacific alum and currently working as a physical therapist) live there most of the time while her husband Boy and their daughter Nikki (also a University of the Pacific graduate with Doctor of Pharmacy), live in their other house in Daly City near San Francisco. Although Boy works in Daly City, he has been there in Stockton for the weekend, for us all.
Saturday, 18 August 2012, after breakfast, prepared by our friends Belen and Boy, we got ready for that Picnic/Party for all Santanians. The venue requires us to drive for at least 25-30 minutes. As usual, my wife Freny did the driving. We agreed to follow Belen and Boy's young adult son Nathan, Jr. who was designated as their driver. Now, on our way to the picnic, Belen phoned us, informing us that we're passing by Nathan, Jr.'s alma mater, The University of the Pacific at Stockton. The latter graciously gave us a quick tour of the campus. We had picture-taking there. My impression: The campus is huge and the buildings are strategically built within the whole campus. Impressive, indeed, the buildings and their architecture! I could sense that it's so conducive to learning over there. If I remember right, Nathan, Jr. once mentioned to me that the school has over 7,000 students including graduate students, when I asked him about the university's population.

From there, we dropped by a few minutes to an area near downtown Stockton where there's this Filipino Plaza/Hotel and the Filipino Center Plaza buildings. (I overheard that the Filipino Plaza/Hotel  is quite historical, if you're talking about early Filipinos in California.) My young adult daughter and I took a few photographs of the buildings.

Back now to the Interstate freeway, while we were following Nathan, Jr. For whatever reason, my wife missed the exit and we sort of followed another route. It's good that we have GPS, thanks to God! We just communicated with Belen and told her we'd just see each other at the picnic. My wife Freny was confident enough and told us not to worry. We continued rolling down the road. We decided to drop by a gas station on our way and filled up our rental car's tank. Then,resumed our journey. Finally, we found the venue where there were already so many people having fun, food, sort of fiesta. The place is Fremont Community Center. It's like a public park with a lake, man-made I think. There, people of different groups gathered together to have fun and enjoyment. There were people on the lake, boating and having fun, too. The place is so orderly; no loud music or cacophony heard. The different groups of people just gathered together among themselves and were enjoying with food, families, friends, acquaintances, etc. Quite a good, healthy place to have picnics/parties, and to socialize and interact with other people, too. Engaged we were in conversations, here and there, with new-found friends and distant relatives of my wife. While there at the picnic/party, I  missed seeing or meeting my Aunt Emiliana who, I learned from my sister Betty, drove all the way from San Francisco to see us all there at sis Betty's in San Jose. And I also learned that our brother Zaldy and his wife Necie already arrived there from Washington State.

It was past past 5:00 pm when we left our friends and other Santanians and their families at the picnic for San Jose where our brother Zaldy and Necie from Washington State were waiting for us. And so was sis Edna and her family. Seeing them, I anxiously hugged my brother and my sis-in-law Necie, and sis Edna and sis Betty, my cousins Cita and Marilyn, nephews and nieces, etc. I was so happy and overwhelmed to see them all my folks. I was told that Aunt Emiliana left for San Francisco already that's why I didn't see her. I felt bad, sorry that I didn't catch up with her. Anyway, we've made plans to see her on Monday after our visit/paying respect to our late Grandpa Isabelo's. At sis Betty and bro-in-law Dennis's, we're all gathered together, celebrating our 'reunion' and oneness or unity as one big family, with lots of food to partake and share with everyone there. Back to Navy Lodge for the night, after we all had a great time together at sis Betty's place, and with an agreement to be back there the following day, Sunday, possibly after lunch or in the afternoon for another get-together and that a day-early celebration of my young adult daughter Christine's birthday.

I felt so tired and sleepy that I didn't bother to go with my wife that night to visit one of her friends in another part of San Jose? I didn't have any idea when she and her sister (who accompanied her, and the kids didn't go with them because they probably were so tired, too) came back to the Navy Lodge.

Sunday, 19 August 2012, after breakfast, we attended Mass at St. Joseph Parish/Catholic Church in Mountain View, a few minutes away from Moffett Field. Then, we went to visit a couple of my wife's relatives in San Jose, CA where we had lunch and lively conversations with them. We had picture-taking, too. I don't know but  we may have spent five-six hours with them there at Freny's Aunts Ester and Betty and families. I had the opportunity to meet for the second time (first time at the picnic at Fremont) Uncle Cezar and his wife, meet and talk for the first time Uncle Lito and Aunt Yolly who both came from Chicago, Uncles Reny and Delfin, and Aunt Elaine, Lola Mary, etc.

From there, we went to my sis Betty's where we had another get together plus the celebration of Christine's birthday there. Lots of food, as expected. There was "lechon," too. Lots of picture-taking again. And, we got the chance to see/meet my former high school classmate Gloria who, along with her husband Rey, and a couple of her relatives, too, came all the way to Stockton. At first, I thought they live in Salinas. That day, Sunday, was another fun-filled day for us all.

Monday, 20 August 2012, after breakfast, we attended the daily Mass at 8:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish/Catholic Church, for Christine's birthday. Afterwards, we went back to the Navy Lodge to get something before going to my sister Betty's in San Jose. From there we had sort of a convoy in going to San Francisco to visit our late Grandpa Isabelo's at Cypress Lawn Cemetery, and to see Aunt Emilia.

At the cemetery, my sis Betty offered flowers to the grave of our Grandpa Isabelo. We  paid our respects to "Amang" and did offer our silent prayer for all of the departed who'd been resting there peacefully. Of course, we had picture-taking. I had the opportunity to recall/remember and share with my siblings and folks about my young life with our late Grandpa Isabelo, that I was with him in going to the farm/fields where I learned life at a young age, with responsibility.

From Cypress Lawn Cemetery, we went to see Aunt Emiliana who was as eager and happy to see us all as we were with her. I hugged Aunt Emiliana and told her how much I've missed her. She was surprised to see how big our kids are. (Andrew and Christine were little when she saw them for the first time, in 1994.)

Aunt Emiliana didn't go with us when we went to have lunch at Jollibee's Restaurant in Daly City. She's now 87 and doing fine, but signs of aging are very evident in her having gray or white hair and slender physique. I didn get to see my cousin Rudy, her only son, now already in his mid 50s, I believe.

After lunch, we decided to go to Half Moon Bay, like Monterrey. We took a lot of pictures, too, on our way there. As soon as we arrived there, we went to the public restroom. What a relief! We, men,  had coffee and cookies, afterwards, while the women went around, shopping or window-shopping. With a marina, that place is cool. So ideal for strolling around and killing time. It was cool air and breezy, while we were there. It looks like that even if it's summertime, I believe.

Back to San Jose, we had dinner at TOMI (Sushi and Buffet) Restaurant at Eastridge Shopping Mall with my siblings and their families. Then, back to my sis Betty and bro-in-law Dennis's house where we continued our get together and bonding. We had a fun-filled evening that night, with plenty of hugs and kisses because we'd be leaving the Silicon Valley the following day, Tuesday. Hence, that night at sister Betty's culminated our week's Summer 2012 Getaway with them all.

Tuesday, 21 August 2012, after early breakfast, we checked out at Navy Lodge. And, off we went to San Jose Int'l Airport, CA, where we boarded a Southwest 737 plane bound for Las Vegas, our stopover, and then eventually to Norfolk Int'l Airport, VA. Yes, Virginia, we're coming back...again to The Old Dominion!

Thank you, Almighty God, for your all your goodness and blessings!-chris a. quilpa, 24August2012

Summer 2012 Get-Together

Summer 2012 Get-Together

There is no denying.

Excitement is building up.

Especially for you, a traveler.

Because you have not been with them.

And they have not been with you.

For a long time.

You have been busy with life.

They, too.

They have been trying to deal with their lives.

While you were away from them.

Working hard and trying to keep your family intact.

The same thing for them.

They are always in your mind.

Even if they are in the West.

And you are in the East.

You believe, you are also in their mind.

Always, because of the bond you have.

With them, you matter.

They matter, too.

Well, the right time has come.

For you.

For them.

For a reunion.

A get-together.

For families sharing the same goals.

Sharing same common blood and name.

Sharing one's heartaches and pains.

Sharing one's smiles and problems.

Sharing one's life for others.

Booked and waiting patiently.

Informed and waiting for the time.

To travel with members of the family.

To spend the rest of summer together.

While we can and while we are able.

We can connect and reconnect once again.

With our families, relatives, others.

The anticipation is obviously clear.

The preparation has begun.

To enjoy with each other and have fun.

We are all looking forward to this occasion.

A once-in-a-lifetime event, an opportunity.

To pass, to ignore, to forget.

This family get-together.

This last part of summer.

Surely, an event to remember.

Forever.

(c) 2012 by chris a. quilpa

Sunday Mass and Luncheon with Family, and Music

This weekend, I'm glad and thankful that my young adult son came home for the weekend. The last time he was home was when we had his sister's college graduation party in May, this year.

Thank you, Lord! You made it possible for our family  to be together again and to be with you this Sunday. Yes, we're all together in your house of worship today. We're with you with other fellow parishioners during and after Mass. We're with you again with your Son, Jesus Christ, through our pastor, Rev. Fr. David. We listened to your Word, Dear God, and we listened to your Son's message via our pastor's homily. You told us to go in peace, make peace and spread your Word of Life and Hope with/to others who seem to be lost, abandoned, neglected, losing hope, and hapless, and helpless, and voiceless. Yes, your Beloved Son, urged us to go out, like his Twelve Apostles, to tell others out there that You are our Almighty Father, and that your Son, our Savior. You let me and my wife be of service to you today, during the administration or distribution of the Holy Communion. We looked up in the eyes to each parishioner we encountered and willing to receive the consecrated body of Jesus Christ. We prayed and praised and sang with the congregation today. We expressed our thanks to You for having our pastor with us, for allowing us to gather together and shared the Good News---that You and Jesus Christ always love us, no matter how sorry we are for our weaknesses and imperfections, that Jesus Christ, Your Beloved Son, died for us so we may have life and see light again. You inspired us that we can change for the better, and we can hope again, after all the bad things we've done to/for you through others. Yes, you let us know that you always love us, and forgive us, and give us hope and Life to continue seeking and understanding the intricacies and the mysteries of Your Existence. Thank you, Dear Almighty God, for today! And all the beauty and blessings of your goodness and generosity, and love.

After Mass, our whole family had luncheon at one of the buffet restaurants in Chesapeake. As always, we prayed before and after eating. That's to be expected, as usual. We had a good quality time, while savoring and enjoying our food. We had the time to be just together again, eating and sharing the food with/to other diners, like us. Again, I'm glad and thankful that my adult young son spent the weekend with us. He'll be back again to his work in DC this afternoon. Hopefully and prayerfully, he'll arrive there safely tonight. Of course, we miss him, as always. But, we have to let him go to do his work, to be out there where he tries his best to help and serve others, our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who need help and inspiration, and enlightenment, and computer skills.

Back home, we're just chilling out, and trying to enjoy the present moment with the rest of the family. (As I finish writing this blog post, I'm fortunate to have the time to watch/listen to the PBS television.)

A while ago, I have been listening to a couple of American Idol 2012 finalists' songs via their CDs that I happened to purchase at Walmart last week. For my CD collection, I have with me the CDs of the following: Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanaugh, Skylar Laine, and the America Idol Season 11 Top 10 Highlights. I still need to buy Joshua Ledet's and others' in the Top Ten in another Walmart store since they don't have one in the store where I bought the CDs of those mentioned above. The truth is, this is my first time, in the history of AI that I bought CDs of those AI's singers.

I don't know about you but I do believe that music plays an important role in our quality of life. As for me, I need to listen to music to get entertained, feel good, enjoy and have fun in life. I may be right, or you agree with me, if/when I say that music can enhance the quality of life each person wants to have. Music can lift your spirit up when you're down. It can put you to relax and sleep productively. Like a cup of coffee, it can perk you up. It triggers you to be active and energetic. It can make your day so bright and gay, even if the weather outside is not perfect to your standard. It can make you laugh, when you feel blue and depressed. Yes, music is a stress-buster. And I believe that. It can make you feel young, too, even if you're in your retirement or golden age, literally. Why? Because music is a part of our life. Listening (or singing) actively to music changes our mood and we feel good/well. It helps change our outlook in life, and we become positive and more optimistic. Thus, our personality is transformed and manifested in our face such feeling of joy or happiness, and contentment.

Remember those lullabies that our mothers and/or fathers, or older sisters/brothers used to sing to us when we were babies? Those tra-la-la-la-las  we listened to when we're trying to get to sleep? Now, even if you're not musically-inclined, wanna join me in belting out a smash hit in the 80s or 90s? C'mon, even if you're monotone, or out of tune, you can always try. If Phillip Phillip, or Heejun Han, can sing, you and I can, too. Are you joking? I'm not kidding! Singing can be learned, like other skills, believe me. It's just a matter of practice, you know. Agree or disagree? Okay, let's close our mouth, seal our lips and try or start humming Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do...and vice versa. If, at first you don't succeed, try again, and again...until you got it right. Now, let's listen to a song of our favorite singer/s and try to follow or copy exactly his/her way of singing. That's how those successful singers started before they became famous, I do believe. Most, if not all, of them copied the style of singing, even their voice, of their singing idol before they started to become original. Unless they have a very unusual, unique and distinct voice that no other has the same voice as theirs, per se. Singing skills can be developed, too. One way is by attending or having a formal vocal training, like some opera singers. Anyway, let's listen to music, a song that we're familiar with or have been listening for quite a time over the radio or in television. Then, we can try singing or repeating what has been sung. Or, let's do a sing-a-long. Just for fun, huh? Heard about karaoke? They have some videos on YouTube. Type karaoke and you'll be surprised to know some songs that we can practice singing, with lyrics, of course.

Well, I better sign off now, my friends, so I can listen to more music. I always go to YouTube for some of my favorite singers/artists. (Remember, I have had my previous blog posts featuring some of the singers I became familiar with, i.e., Nora Aunor, Charice Pempengco, The Lettermen, X-Factor winner Matt Cardle, David Muzio, Boyce Avenue, etc., while surfing the 'Net and exploring YouTube. Thanks, YouTube!)

Until next time around. Take care and have a wonderful day, everyone! May God bless us always!-chris a. quilpa, 15July2012

Entertainment on First Week of Lent

As I'm writing this blog post, I've been watching the 84th Annual Academy Awards (better known as The Oscar) since 8:30 p.m. with actor-comedian Billy Crystal hosting it. I enjoyed the first five minutes intro of the Academy Awards show. Crystal, to me, is a much better excellent host than his previous counterparts. He's funny and hilarious, as always, with his antics.

So glad and thankful (to our Almighty God) that my wife and I arrived home, safely, before 8:00 o'clock p.m. from C-ville where we spent the night together last night, Saturday, with our daughter (who's been studying there for almost four years by May this year) and our son (who drove all the way from The Capital where he currently works). Minutes after we arrived home, our son called us, informing us he arrived safely, too, in DC. A week ago, our son, my wife and I agreed that we'd be "meeting" there altogether in C-ville, Saturday, to watch his sister, our daughter performing, along with her 17 fellow college students-dramatic and comedic performers, in The Vagina Monologues at UVA. Started February 24 and ending tonight February 26, this show is a) a series of dramatic and comedic performances written by Eve Ensler and performed worldwide, b) a global, non-profit movement to end violence against women that has raised over $75 million in the last fourteen years, c) a show that challenges viewers with funny, moving, poignant and heart-wrenching performances. 

In connection with the show, V-Day 2012, according to flyer or informational sheet, is a global movement of grassroots activists dedicated to generating broader attention and funds to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sex slavery. What they do? They 1) create dialogue and shatter taboos around violence against women and girls through thousands of events in over 140 countries, 2) inspire and support activists who are working to create a world where women and girls are nurtured and protected through grassroots activism, public education activities and support services for survivors, and 3) create new opportunities and resources for women and girls.

What can I say about the show The Vagina Monologues directed by Mia Haruko Logan and co-produced by Katie Ryan and Marta Hansen? You bet, it was entertaining, hilarious and informative, yet thought-provoking and moving. All the performers did great! Our daughter was the last to do her "I Was There in the Room", a dramatic monologue, or "gravitas" per our son, who has a background or minored in drama. Actually, both our kids got actively involved in drama and forensics when they were in elementary and high school. Thanks to Mrs. Sears for her creative and artistic mentorship and commitment  to our students. may her tribe increase!

  

By the way, today is the first Sunday of Lent. Thanks to God that our family was able to attend Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church  in C-ville. How's your observance of the 40 days of Lent going so far, my friends? Hopefully, and prayerfully, you're doing well. Well, after the Mass, we had lunch at Wood Grill Restaurant. Then, afterwards,   our son drove back to DC, while my wife and I brought our daughter back to her dorm, after doing grocery for her and, finally, we left C-ville for 757.

Well, the Academy Awards is almost finished, as I'm signing off. (Update: Christopher Plummer of The Sound of Music fame garnered the Best Supporting Actor for his role as a gay man in Beginners. Octavia Spencer won as Best Supporting Actress for her role as one of the housemaids in The Help. Best Actor Award went to Jean Dujardin in the silent, black and white film The Artist that also won Best Picture and whose director Michel Hazanavicius won the Best Director trophy. Nominated for 17 times, Meryl Streep was Oscar's Best Actress for her portrayal as then UK Prime Minister Margaret Thacher in The Iron Lady.)

Until next time around, folks. Thanks for your time. Congratulations to all the Oscar winners and all the rest of the nominees! To me, they're all winners! God bless us all! Have a goodnight, everyone!-chris a. quilpa, 26February2012