A Celebration of Friendship

Our life-support system whenever we get winded by life's blows

"When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

"When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

"I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings"

That song somehow rang truer last Christmas as we nestled back into our life in Penang. This album is a salute to those enduring ties that we count as our blessings. On this last trip to the Philippines, we got to renew bonds, revisit shared memories. Seasons do come and go, we are nudged move on, but we leave our hearts in familar harbors...

Happy New Year!!!

http://www.backtothebible.org/devotions/bible_guides.htm


Begin the New Year with a new reading plan. I particularly like the chronological plan, which I've been following for 4 years now... Check out some other options on this website.

Les Nubians - Temperature Rising

House favorite.. what can I say? The sisters are in themselves the persona of every nation (pardon the pun). Their website write-up says it as so:

"Multi-cultural sensibilities come naturally to Les Nubians. Born to a French father and Cameroonian mother, Helene and Celia learned how to sing at a young age. Inspired by a backstage meeting with jazz singer Abbey Lincoln (who encouraged them to "do it-the greatest thing in the world is to be a singer!"), the group pursued their music relentlessly. Their debut "Princesses Nubiennes" was a successful amalgam of the music they'd experienced during their life travels, combining their African roots with jazzy nuances, funky rhythms and a hint of British soul, all delivered in their uniquely elegant French style. A long and varied list of musical influences are attributed to Les Nubians' distinctive sound, including Miriam Makeba, Ella Fitzgerald, the Fugees, Fela Kuti, and Jazzie B of Soul II Soul

According to Celia, "Music is a great way to transmit a cultural background. Making this record was, in part, a way for our generation to give tribute to musicians we've looked up to and see that their music gets the recognition it deserves."

Les Nubians had their work recompensed by a 2004 GRAMMY AWARD nomination for the track "J'veux d'la musique" in the Best Urban Alternative R&B category, along with Outkast, Erykha Badu, Kelis and Music Soulchild.

A Pinoy's Life and Language, Part 1

http://tomatot2.multiply.com/journal/item/97
What can I say? I'm homesick, and yet I'm not... What I mean is that I miss the people, although I don't miss the smog, 'pulitika' and the ever-rising Meralco bill. In honor of that indomitable Filipino spirit, I'm posting this link to Ivy's hilarious blog, plus some of my fave pinoy jokes:

Here and now, Jonathan Chua (who's a STAR contributor) has compiled some __-isms for inclusion in that much-awaited book, to wit:
• I won't stoop down to my level.
• Hello? Bulag ka ba? Bingi ka ba? Are you dep?
• 'Yung STD, baka sa maruming toilet lang niya nakuha yan.
• We are lovers, not fighters.
• My brother is not a girl; he's a gentleman.
• That's why I'm a success, it's because I don't middle in other people's lives.
• Don't judge my brother; he's not a book.
• Kapatid ko pa rin siya. We are one and the same.
• I don't eat meat. I'm not a carnival.
• Eto na po ang pinakamaligayang pasko at manigong taon sa inyong lahat. (During her acceptance speech at a Metro Filmfest awards night where her bioflick, directed by her late father Temyong Marquez, won an award.)
• Sumasakit ang migraine ko.
• Ang tatay ko ang only living legend na buhay!
• Period na talaga; wala nang exclamation point. (When asked on S-Files if her present husband, Adam Lawyer, is her Mr. Right.).
• At a talk show after her break-up with Derek Dee, Melanie was asked if she had some words for Derek's mother (whom she partly blamed for the separation). "Oo nga," said Melanie, "pero i-English-in ko para maintindihan niya." She looked into the camera and, with the peremptoriness of royalty, said, "And to you, Mrs. Dee, I have two words for you. Ang labo mo!"

Our Penang Christmas, Year 2

It's our second Christmas here in Penang. We had a whole new crowd at our table this year: the Harrises, Jun Kheng, and his dad, Boon. I got to roast my own turkey as we used to in Riverside. It was a simple, silent night... (until Joe had the bright idea of downloading upcoming movie trailers). At midnight, we gave each other our presents, saving the rest for the morning.

We thank the Lord for family, for simple joys, and most especially for the stark reality of that first Christmas morning two thousand years ago: the King of kings, born in a manger so we might have the riches of heaven.

Merry Christmas!!!