#231: More Name Game

Today is my youngest daughter's birthday. It's the second birthday celebration within three days. After a whirlwind trip to Vegas over the weekend, we decided to take it easy and had a simple dinner at our favorite Chinese Restaurant (by the way, I can say this is the best place to have Chinese.For those who will visit me soon in San Diego, remind me to take you there) .

Nadire (Nadirey) is now 13. As her sister Deirdre, Her name Nadire Irelan has a little bit of story behind it. I got her name when I was attending a U.N. conference in Istanbul in 1996. Nadire was a reporter, she was Turkish and quite a feisty lady. Her second name Irelan was actually the country Ireland (same as Deirdre's Erin) or the famous actress Jill Ireland without the d.

It's not clear what she wants to be at this time. But I always tell her not to worry about it. She's young and should enjoy being just that.One thing's for sure though, she said she'll hire a butler for me before she leaves. :-)

230: Name Game

I was thinking of naming her Eric Jr. if she was a boy. But she turned out to be a girl. So I was thinking of Erica. In the end I settled for "Deirdre". I first heard the name "Deirdre" from a character (a stunning Russian Model) in one of the TV episodes of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer in 1986. The name got embedded in my mind as I finally had the chance to use seven years later.

Of course the first name wasn't enough. I needed a second name. Not having second name or even third for a child is considered blasphemy, at least in the Philippines(I myself officially has three names). 

So, for her second name, I picked "Erin" which is the the romantic name of country Ireland. Erin was a favorite word in the crossword puzzle section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer paper, a favorite morning paper in our household during my college days. 

Combining the two names "Deirdre Erin" turned out to be a perfect match. Everyone I meet says that her name is quite rare or unique which definitely fits her character. Although her name has different spin-offs depending who's saying it. Her friends sometimes calls her "Didra", "Derdra" or "Dirdra". Of course our family would go for a more Filipino sounding name like "Debrang", "Dengdang" or "didi". I myself call her Deirds or sometimes "pong" (which is nadire's) by mistake.

And so goes the name game, as I (for the nth time) narrated to my kids while enjoying a pig-out dinner at Todai on Deirdre Erin's 17 years of existence. 

As we got out (after an hour mind you) bloated, I told them to stand in front the restaurant. "Why?", they asked. "Let's take pictures", I jokingly suggested. "Yeah right", they said as they turned away. "Hey come on it's bad not taking pictures on the places you go to!, you're Tita Chiquit will be mad!", I pleaded. "Fine more stories coming tomorrow during our long drive to Vegas", I said. "Good I will make you crazy with my Korean music for 4 hours", Deirdre fired back.

229: 1 and 44

I woke up today (with a slight headache) not realizing a year ago I started Aemes World Blog.  I also brazenly promised that my blog will be updated daily. Obviously I fell short of that promise. I only wrote 229 out of possible 365 posts.

I wasn't feeling bad about it, after all it was worth the try. There where great posts and there were not so bad posts and there were posts that didn't make any sense at all.

All in all it was a great exercise. A great way to unwind after a day's work. And more important a great way to share an idea or two.

Of course, today June 27 I know that I am another year older (not necessary wiser but 35 pounds lighter). I also found out that I still have friends and family who still know I exist (my droid Facebook wall post notification hasn't stop since yesterday- thanks everyone).

Today is just another day for some but It's was today 44 years ago that I was put in this world to either make your life better or miserable.

210: The longest three days of my life

It was 15 years ago. I remember we were on our way to the hospital. It was time for my third child to arrive in this world. That day, I remember we have to swing by my wife's sister to pick her up. We needed her help in taking care of Josh and Deirdre. Just like two previous occasions of her pregnancy, I expected a long wait outside the deliver room. As we approach my wife's sister's house, I noticed one of the street's name called Aemes. For some reason, that name got stuck in my mind.

We arrived at the hospital and she was quickly wheeled into the delivery room. Now the long wait has started. But after half an hour or so, the doctor emerged from the room and calmly informed us that it was false alarm. "Too early, go home", she said, to our disappointment.

She finally came out two days later. She was beautiful. She actually look like her sister Deirdre when she was still a baby. She has round face, round head and few thin hair. She was in peace and sleeping not mindful of the other baby's around her in the nursery. Her doctor says she's going to be fine which was a welcome news to us.

We have decide much earlier that we will name her Veronica Nicole. But later added Aemes (as in the street name). So it came to Veronica Aemes Nicole. Such a long name, I thought. I am sure she would hate us when she will soon start to write her name.

But our celebration was brief as I got a call a day later. There was something wrong. The doctor said that she started to look pale and having difficulty in breathing. They need to perform some test and was immediately put in an incubator and was isolated. Later on the doctor told us that Aemes has a Congenital Heart Disease. I didn't know what that was then, but sure sounds scary. After the doctor explain what it is, and that the chances of Aemes to live is next to impossible, my heart sunk.

All I wanted at that point was to see her. And I did. When i saw her, she was awake but it was obvious she was in pain. Her breathing was heavy. I offered my hand and she gamely grab it tightly and somehow wanted to say something. I felt she wanted to get out of the incubator. I didn't want to leave but the doctor said I have to.

The next day, Aemes needed a blood transfusion. I was immediately tested and it was a match. I don't remember how much blood they took but it was a lot as I felt weak afterwards. The transfusion made her feel better. 

But not for long. Veronica Aemes Nicole died on the third day. She only lived for three days but it was the longest three days of my life.

#205: Mom

I remember my mom would tell us the story on how she got separated from her family during the bombing of Bangued by the Japanese during World War II. She went missing for days. Her parents though they won't see her again. But she lived to raise 6 kids. Became a teacher and later on became the head of the Education Department in Abra for years until she retired. She's one respectable educator, she's a loving wife and a great mother.

I always have a good relationship with my mom: unconditional love and friendship. I can not count how many times I had failed her as a son. But she's always been there. I have witnessed her cry (the most when my dad died) but most of the time I have witnessed her smile and laugh specially when all of her children were around.

My mom is 77 years old today and I pray she will always be with us. I hope I could see here soon.

#192: Nanette

We used to call her Jamie Rivera (Notice the uncanny resemblance?).

She used to cut our hair. But never wet your hair before hand because she won't do it.  She would keep a banana on her bath robe (dipig is her favorite). She likes chicken heart, though I would ate it sometimes because it's connected to the liver.

She would scream watching Pops and Martin  and can't stand Sharon Cuneta (maarte daw).

She left the Philippines just I had my first born. She's married to Mike (haven't met him in person but I heard he's a loving husband). She's enjoying being a mom to Aisha. And of course bugs me all the way from Canada for her computer problems.

Last time I saw her was in 1997, that's an eternity. But thanks to the Internet, we keep in touch. We had a two hour conversation over the holidays catching up on things.

Lastly, she loves this Joey Albert Song. To you my "still young" sis, Happy Birthday.

#114: Young Turks

Yesterday (Oct. 17) was my good friend Pancho's birthday. I have spent countless time with him during our college days. We were inseparable for years. We had so many exploits, fun times, deep secrets (that remains secret to this day) and what not.

But one thing we really share interest is our love of music. There were times where we just sit around and listen to our music for hours until it's time to go home. Then we would get together again and listen some more.

I remember this song we love to listen from Rod Stewart, Young Turks. The song is about two young lovers who decided to run away and live together despite their family's objections. as the song goes:

Billy wrote a letter back home to patti's parents tryin to explain.
He said were both real sorry that it had to turn out this way.
But there aint no point in talking when theres nobody listning so we just ran away
Patti gave birth to a ten pound baby boy, yeah!

 here's the rest of the lyrics.

Hey Pancho, where ever you are I hope you're doing well.  One of this days we would relive the past. Here's to you my good friend. Cheers!






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#98: Two Birthdays, a Funeral and new belts

Couple of things happened today.

Birthdays

First birthday is for my younger brother Panchet. I talked about him on my earlier post. Panchet is the youngest of the family but I feel he had achieved more than what most people have done in their lifetime. I heard he's having the time of his life. What's with all the parties they have prepared for him. A lot of people would like to be in his shoes. That includes me. I'm very proud of him.

Second Birthday is for our youngest in the family, JR. He listed his birthday today but some argued that he's birthday is really on the 5th. Well, either way he's celebrating his birthday. JR is my nephew's son. My parents took him in our family at a very young age. My parents fell in love with JR the first time they saw him. Why not! he was so cute, like a baby in a soap commercial. JR like any other kid, has some shortcomings. But who doesn't. The important thing is He knows very well that his family loves him the way we love each one. Happy Birthday JR.


A Funeral

It's wasn't a surprise. It was announced as early as January this year. Intel Philippines is closing.

internal memo circulated yesterday that Intel is definitely moving out of the Philippines. Actual reasons vary — from high corporate taxes, to expensive electricity charges and even stealing of microchips.

Today, it finally happen - the last nail in the coffin. Intel Philippines is officially closed. This is a big blow to the Philippines specially the hundreds (it was thousands at its peak) of Filipino workers who lost their job. One of them is my good friend and classmate Francis . He's a Design Engineer at Intel. Back in my college days, he was my study buddy. We've collaborated in many school projects as well as "other" projects. He's a brilliant Engineer so I'm sure he'll bounce back.

New Belts

My two girls successfully moved closer to their quest for the black belt. It was a grueling one hour of testing of forms, routines, breaking boards and sparring.  It was also a test of stamina and mental control. In the end it was very rewarding as Deirdre moved two belts up to green belt. The grandmaster explained that she was so good that she qualified to skip yellow belt, which doesn't happen often. Nadire, though, was two point shy of following her sister's feat. She still got the yellow belt but I sense her disappointment, I was too. But I explained to her that "never mistakenly consider one defeat a final defeat". Don't worry dad, I'm ok, she said. Later, I treated them to a nice Japanese restaurant  with some sushi, udon and a mochi ice cream dessert. And they were all smiles.

#89: The Boss turned 60

I was listening to the Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw (DSC) radio program on 101.5 kgb on my way to work today when Dave announced that today Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen turned 60.

Bruce Springsteen turns 60 today, an age at which the idea of still playing rock 'n' roll once seemed as remote as still primping for the prom.

 I've been wanting to see Springsteen perform live since I arrived in the U.S. Few years back I almost had the chance to see him in a concert in L.A. but for some reasons or another I didn't make it.

Anyway, the DSC program played "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" as a tribute to Springsteen. The Boss may have been thinking about San Diego when he composed this song,

I know a pretty little place in Southern California down San Diego way
There's a little cafe where they play guitars all night and day
You can hear them in the back room strummin'

The Boss ain't getting younger, my time is running out. I got to see him soon.

#88: My sister's dual personality

I remember vividly what she said to me - "Agsingsingpet ka" (Be good). The words came out sounding like a mother telling her son for a good advice. That was my sister Chiquit (or now better known as Giselle in the U.S.) telling me as we watched my father's casket being lowered down six feet under.


Manang C acted as our mother during our college days as my parents were in the province. We weren't well off. My parents where working hard for the six of us to attend school so it was necessary for her to manage our monthly finances and making sure there's food on the table. These responsibilities were undoubtedly daunting at her young age then, but someone had to do it and it was her. She was in-charge.

But it was not long when she moved out (with a heavy heart) and started her own family. Perhaps realizing her unfinished business with us, she would every now and then come visiting us after her work and see how we were doing. This went on even when she had her first child Cheeka and then later with Kyle.

I can't remember any instance that she ever relinquished that motherly role. Up to this day, she still sounds like my mom (more than a sister) when she calls me.


Today is her birthday. I can't remember how old she is (ahem!) but I will always remember those two simple words she told me 22 years ago and try to live up to it.

#45: What's up doc!

There's this story about a blind man who finally got his wish to have an eye transplant. His family were so excited. The transplant will be performed by renowned eye specialist in the Philippines, Doctor Quack-Quack. The operation took 10 hours to complete.

When it was time to remove the bandage from his new eye, the whole family where there to witness the miracle.

Doctor Quack-Quack: Ok, aalisin ko na yung benda ng mata mo. pero wag mo munang buksan ang mata mo. (I'm going to remove the bandages on your eyes but don't open your eyes just yet).

Blind Man: ok doc.

Doctor Quack-Quack: Sige, buksan mo na yung mata mo. (Now open your eyes)

the blind man slowly opened his eyes and look around the room. The whole family where all holding their breath.

Doctor Quack-Quack: Anong nakikita mo? (what do you see?)

Blind Man: Utak doctor (my brain doc)

it turned out the Doctor made a mistake and place the eyes in reverse. oops!

This funny story reminds me of a brilliant doctor who certainly not like Dr. Quack-Quack.

He's Dr. Joselito "Doking" Bringas, my brother, who's celebrating his nth birthday today.

Doking, as we fondly call him, is the eldest in our family. I don't remember exactly when he became a doctor but I certainly remember he placed 5th in the medical board exam. A feat that made our family very proud especially my mom and dad.

I have always admire my brother's dedication to his career. He had stayed in Abra all his life and build a very successful practice. He would have opted to a more lucrative career elsewhere but he choose to stick it out in our province probably realizing that he's needed there the most.

I have not seen my brother for almost ten years but my brother Dennis would tell me stories about his exploits has now spread out to the neighboring provinces or even as far as Manila.

Doc has been a good brother to us. My family have look up to him with respect and pride and we've consider him our father when we lost our dad.

In his honor, I am opening this mango wine (I wonder how this one taste).

Here's to you Manong Doc! And here's a video for you. I know you like this song



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#14: Soccer dad

Today I was running around like a headless chicken. I was a soccer mom...err dad. Today is Nadire's Birthday party.

Her party started at Atlantis laser tag. A grueling 2 hour of laser gun fight with 10 rowdy twelve year old kids. It's my first time to ever play the game and I must say it kinda enjoying.

After the game, we moved the party to our house where we setup a tent at the backyard.







All of her friends are sleeping over. As I write this blog, my house is a mess, I got cellphones, shoes, socks and bags all over my room. I can still hear them giggling, laughing in the backyard. I'm not sure if they will ever sleep tonight so I guess I am in for a long haul. Tomorrow I have to cook breakfast and am wondering what to serve hungry and sleepless 12 year olds?

What a long day but one thing for sure Nadire is having a lot of fun. So am I...

#6: Two birthdays and maybe something else

Tomorrow, I will start my 10 day vacation. I'm not going anywhere though. I will be home most of the time with my kids. I do this every year not only because I need it, but more important it's the week where my kids Deirdre and Nadire will be celebrating their birthdays.

Deirdre will be turning 16. "I don't want a party, I am a party pooper ", she said. All I want is a Mac. Ouch! pretty pricey for a gift. I told her, I can't afford it at this time but am working on it (thanks a lot Steve Jobs!). She said "Fine I can wait".

Nadire is the opposite. She'll be turning 12. She loves parties. She gets invited all the time. She invites friends to the house even when there's no party. She gets bored if she doesn't go out. She had planned her birthday party 3 months in advance. In fact her birthday will last for two days. The first day, she and her friends will go laser tagging. The party will then move to our house for a back yard camping until the next day. And guess who's baby sitting these wild kids? ahem!

Two birthdays in 10 days is not that all bad. But of course I will have some time for myself as well. Get some sleep, get to the gym earlier, maybe read a book (nah!), catch a movie (definitely - last movie I watched was slumdog milllionaire) or maybe, just maybe I can finally put up a test website of a new abrenian.com (the site needs a major face lift) using elgg - a facebook/myspace/friendster-like social networking software.

Kids' birthday parties will definitely push through. The rest? I'll just play it by ear.

#1: It's June 27, 2009

Today is my birthday and to celebrate my existence, I am starting my blog - Aemes World.

This blog will be updated every day from this day for the next 365 days or until my next birthday. I think this will be a piece of cake considering am wired to the teeth to connect online through my home broadband, my phone and a of course super T1 line in my office. I even have a free wifi access through a local coffee shop and not to mention a careless neighbor hooking a wireless access point using default setup leaving the device open to the public.

Also, today, I got greetings from friends and family through my facebook - thanks everyone. And of course gifts from my kids Joshua, Deirdre and Nadire - a keychain, a Led Zepellin shirt and this heartwarming poem written by nadire on father's day:

When I was young I never realized the love in my daddy's heart. My juvenile mind was not informed until the second I was born.

I remember the faint sparkle in his eyes. Seeing that I rapidly interpreted that he would always care. Then on this father's day I date back to that day and saw how he's watched me through all these years. Nothing will change my love for him. Now the light is dim but all I can say is that his love makes it all right.

Today is my day but this day I owe it to my mom and papa (bless his soul). I love you both...