Luxembourg

Honestly, this was a boring part of our trip. Luxembourg was really a part of our itinerary and we allotted two days to explore the city. What we didn't realize was that one day is enough to wander around.

      

Diamond

I was gunning for a surprise. Everyday a new idea would just pop. I was really looking forward for that special day. I thought, one more month is not that long. Not until my passport was accidentally ripped by the Korean Immigration officer. The momentum slowed down and all the excitement I had turned into panic and disappointment. I can't go back home and I didn't have a back-up plan. 

Today is March 1, 2012 - MAMA'S DIAMOND YEAR. She turns 75 today. And no one knows how badly I feel right now of not being there to celebrate this milestone of hers. If only that passport incident did not happen, I could have been up finalizing whatever surprise plan I had in mind. All for my mother's special year. 

How I wish Philippines is just across the street of my apartment. For the past few days, I kept on asking my brother if they're planning something for Mama. There is, a simple celebration as per our usual family tradition. 

Last night, I was searching for her latest photo to be used for this entry. I found one, but that was intended for her senior citizen ID. Then I realized about the planned shoot for her birthday. That could have been the photos that will be used her and not this one. 

.  

Ma, you just don't know how precious you are to us. I always say to you that you are our hammock, our diamond encrusted hammock. How your weave of love always bring comfort and safety to us. Your smiles alone could keep us moving. It's a gift, I believe, that is not only for us, but for everyone who is a part of your life. I'd like to have that power too. (Just see previous blog posts about you here, here, here and here) 

Today, as you sparkle on your special day, I really hope and pray that you will be healthier than the past years. If only your allergies to medication could disappear in an instant, I'll be more calm and relaxed here in Japan. But as long as I can see that smile on your face, I know everything is still fine. 

Even we can't celebrate your 75th together, I am already looking forward on your 76th. And I hope by that time my passport is in perfect condition. Now, I have a year to plan a fitting surprise. 

 HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY, DIAMOND MOM!

 You are one precious gem! 

I'll call you later. That's the only gift I can give you right now.

Palangga Ka Namon! Halong Pirmi! 
(We love you! Take Care Always) 

/totomai
2012/03/01

Melody

I like music a lot but music didn't like me and that's perfectly fine. There was a time that music became my muse. It inspired me to write, particularly dark poetry and thoughts. Each time after I play the flute, I ended up scribbling a poem, haiku or quote. It's not as effective as before though.

   

mellow melodies 

move mountains, magical myths 

my musical muse 

Belgium

I must write it NOW before I completely forget our trip to Belgium. After Denmark, Sweden and Germany, Belgium was next in the itinerary. This was the first time that the three of us (Kat, Caloy, Totomai) will be together after being constant e-mail pals with Caloy being the common link for the three of us. But our adventure didn’t start on a right note. After a mini-argument with the check-in officer, found out later that my baggage was left behind.  The weather was perfect and we did not allow these misfortunes to ruin our mood. Paola, Kat's cousin who was based in Belgium, served as our walkathon guide.

    

Fun

It's more fun in the Philippines is the recently launched slogan of Department of Tourism. I think this is one of the few effective slogans that gained public interest. It triggered the creativity of the Filipinos and the results can be seen online. Just search "itsmorefuninthephilippines" on twitter. 

After seeing the floods of awesome images, I searched my photostream and looked for photos that I could use for this tourism campaign. One problem though, I didn't know how to place the wordings on the photos as I don't have a photoshop software. But thanks to pixlr and May. 

And since I came from the Visayas, most of my images were taken in our island. My way of saying, it's fun in our island too. Every June, Mudpack Festival is held at Mambucal, Negros Occidental.