Reminiscing Flores de Mayo

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May is our month -- the Flores de Mayo month.  I call it our month because "flores" refers to flowers.  Coming from a brood of six girls, everybody in the community refer to us as "flowers" too.  Hence, during our childhood, May always became a special and dear month to us.  It was a month when flowers were in bloom and kids can be themselves...

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I spent most of my childhood years celebrating the Flower Month in May.  It is a month-long celebration in honor of Mama Mary.  Little boys and girls from our little town then spent May-afternoons in the church learning catechism, singing songs for Mary and offering Her prayers and flowers.  It was such a joyful occasion which I and my sisters never want to miss.  

May mornings were spent scouring the neighborhood for flowers.  Yes, there were even times when we had to steal flowers from the neighbor's garden...it was definitely part of the fun.  We then race home with the little treasures, arrange them on makeshift baskets (made out of tin cans or bamboo containers) and get them ready for the afternoon in the church.

When May ends, the highlight of the celebration in the form of the Santacruzan becomes a community affair.  Little girls like us then, often dressed in white, with those little bouquets or basketfull of flowers bask in the merriment of the grown ups in a procession of beautiful ladies dressed in regal clothes.  I have always yearned to be a Reyna Elena -- the most supreme of the muses in the Santacruzan-- (I believed most girls did) -- be the most pretty muse, in the most regal gown in town, to walk in around town in a grand parade of beauties.

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After the little boys and girls have brought their flower offerings...

My sisters and I unanimously agree that those Flores de Mayo times were among our best of childhood memories.  Now, the festivity persists.  But if you around and ask little boys and girls, not many of them know what the festivity is all about anymore.  Times have changed indeed.

Nowadays, Santacruzan becomes an opportunity for many gays to showcase their homosexuality by parading in their glorious gowns in many a titles very few can understand.  

Originally, the procession consists only of the following participants and in this order: (from Wikipedia)

1. Matusalém (Methuselah)- bearded and bent with age, he is depicted as riding a cart and looking preoccupied with toasting some grains of sand in a pan over a fire. This is a reminder that everything in this world is passing and will end up like the dust which he is toasting.

2. Reyna Banderada (Queen with a banner)- a young lady dressed in a long red gown carrying a yellow triangular flag. She represents the arrival of Christianity.

3. Aetas - represents the animist Filipinos who have settled the islands prior to Christianisation by the Spanish.

4. Reyna Mora (Queen Moor) - represents the Filipinos who converted to Islam, which arrived in the Philippines two centuries before Christianity.

5. Reyna Fe (Queen Faith) - symbolises Faith, the first of the theological virtues. She carries a cross.

6. Reyna Esperanza (Queen Hope) - symbolises Hope, the second theological virtue. She carries an anchor.

7. Reyna Caridad (Queen Charity)- symbolises Charity, the third theological virtue. She carries a red-coloured heart.

8. Reyna Abogada (Queen Lawyer) - the defender of the poor and the oppressed, she wears a black graduation cap, gown (toga), and carries a large book. She may also be a representation of Mary, Help (Advocate) of Christians.

9. Reyna Sentenciada (Queen Sentenced/Convicted) - has her hands bound by a rope, she stands for the Early Christians, especially the virgins, who were martyred for the faith. She is accompanied by two Roman soldiers.

10. Reyna Justicía (Queen Justice) - a personification of Mary as the "Mirror of Justice", one of her titles in the Litany of Loreto. Her attributes are a weighing scale and a sword.

11. Reyna Judít (Queen Judith) - represents the biblical widow Judith of Bethulia who saved her city from the Assyrians by slaying the cruel Holofernes. She carries the head of her victim in one hand and a sword in the other. She is also known as Infanta Judith.

12. Reyna ng Saba (Queen of Sheba) - represents the Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon and was overwhelmed by his wisdom, power, and riches. She carries a jewelry box.

13. Reyna Ester - the Jewish queen of Persia who spared her people from death at the hands of Haman through her timely intervention with King Xerxes. She carries a scepter.

14. Samaritana (The Female Samaritan) - the woman with whom Christ spoke to at the well. She carries a jug on her shoulder.

15. Verónica - the woman who wiped the face of Jesus; bears a veil with three imprints of the face of Jesus.

16. Tres Marías (The Three Marys)- each Mary holds an attribute associated with her:

a. Mary of Magdala - a bottle of perfume;

b. The Virgin Mary - a handkerchief;

c. Mary, the mother of James - a bottle of oil.

17. Marian - each figure in this group alludes to a title of the Virgin Mary or to a figure associated with her.

a. "A-V-E--M-A-R-I-A" - eight "angels": girls all wearing long white dresses and wings- each holding a letter from the word "AVE MARIA."

b. Divina Pastora (Divine Shepherdess) - a shepherd's staff.

c. Reyna de las Estrellas (Queen of the Stars) - a wand with a star.

d. Rosa Mística (Mystical Rose)- a bouquet of roses.

e. Reyna de la Paz (Queen of Peace) - a dove.

f. Reyna de los Profetas (Queen of the Prophets)- an hourglass.

g. Reyna del Cielo (Queen of Heaven)- a flower; accompanied by two little "angels".

h. Reyna de las Vírgenes (Queen of the Virgins) - a rosary (or a lily); also escorted by two little "angels".

i. Reyna de las Flores (Queen of the Flowers) - a bouquet of flowers.

18. Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) - the last member of the procession, she represents Helena of Constantinople who found the True Cross; this is alluded to by her attribute, a small cross or crucifix that she carries in her arms. This considerably prestigious role is usually awarded to the most beautiful girl participating in the pageant. In some communities, the identity of the woman who will portray the Reyna Elena is kept a secret until the day of the procession.

a. Constantíno - the escort of Reyna Elena; traditionally a young boy representing the Emperor Constantine.

The issue of whether gays should be allowed to stage their own version of the Santacruzan remains an interesting topic for debate.  Meanwhile, as May ends, I shall continue with my childhood reminiscence and bask in the beauty of the blooms in my tiny garden.

Ave Maria...

Scotty is My Idol!

Scotty McCreery is the newest American Idol -- and mine too!

He swept me off my feet during his audition and when he remained in the finals, I was more than thrilled. I was ecstatic.

So when Ryan announced he's the next AmIdol, I was truly elated..

Scotty is almost as old as Justine Bieber.  But while the latter is the most popular boy in the world right now, Scotty is my boy.

Scotty who admits to having "J.Lo blood" in him (his father is half Puerto Rican) made an impression upon the judges during audition with his deep baritone voice.  Truly unique for a boy his age.

While Justine sings pop, this young Southerner embraced his adulation for country music. And such is what endeared him to many fans from all over the world.

Way to go Scotty!  All the best!

I got Caught!

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The LTO got me. Gave me this.  And I am never the same.

I was cruising the highway aboard my motorcycle round 530pm when, upon the intersection frequented by the LTO officers, I was apprehended.  Usually, when it happens, I am not at all worried.  I have prided myself in procuring my license and registration papers (the usual cause for violation especially among those who ride a motorcycle).  So I thought when the LTO officer asked me to pull-over, it was nothing.

I got ready to present my license and papers but...Wasn't he supposed to ask for those first?  So why didn't he?

Then he said, "Please step on your breaks."  Immediately, I sensed something was wrong. Then he said, "Ma'am your breaklights don't work.  I have to charge you for this offense."

For a moment, I didn't know how to react.  Break what?!?  I didn't even know what those were!  He went on to explain those are supposed to light up everytime I step on the breaks.  For a moment my mind went blank and I swear I didn't know breaklights even exist!  

But they do!  It was violation number 23 and I was told I'd have to pay about 1300PhP as fine.  My heart wanted to burst.

I signed the receipt and fled.  And yes, as soon as I sat, my tears fell.  I was driving my scooter and my tears fell non-stop.  At the next intersection, there was another checkpoint.  When I was asked to pull-over, I took out the receipt issued by the LTO and burst further into tears...

The police was probably surprised to find my actuation and asked what happened.  He understood.  I was just soo humiliated.  He smiled and let me go.

After a couple of days, I was able to get my ticket and paid the corresponding fee.  Such incident has made me realize that anybody is susceptible to a traffic violation.  It can be a most embarrassing occasion for some but nevertheless, it humbles us further.

Nobody can reign supreme over the law.  Not even an honest, ignorant innocent, well-meaning, and well-prepared motorist like myself. =P

Oxfordish Feet-ish

This is Feet-ish Part Two.

Months ago, the Customs Chief had initiated a move that would prompt law makers to impose custom duties upon ukay-ukay or thrift articles (clothes, bags, shoes, etc).  How such news made me sad.  The only luxury i can afford right now is an occasional trip to thrift stores.  If they'd make all these pre-loved goodies pricey, they'd most certainly rob me of my happiness. 

Speaking of thrift finds, a recent visit earned me this.  Beautiful oxford-ish casual shoes that should serve me for a couple of years of more. Lol.  

The best part about this pair is it came in my size.  I so love the color too and the fit. Very comfy.  I was eying something like this for quite sometime at the mall since my official motorcycle boots have manifested signs of wear already. I very much prefer having these instead of boots because they're so much easier to wear.

I also like the color.  It's real leather, allowing my feet to breathe.  I also find the print cool and classy.  Yes, it does go with any outfit.  Especially with my black motorcycle jacket.


I googled the brand and found it mostly makes quality bags from Italy. Hmm..not sure if they make shoes.


One thing's sure though:  I'm a lucky girl to have found these! ;-)

Similar shoes sold elsewhere:

from this

from this

from this

from this

Compare them with mine:

And these cost me..less than a dollar. ***wink***

THIRTY PESOS. Hahah! Shhhhhh...

My Two Mothers

I have two mothers: Mama and Mom

One bore me in her heart, 

the other in her womb.

Mom has been my fortress of strength,

Mama has been my loyal fan.

To me they both epitomize, the perfection of a mom.

For while they have their shortcomings too,

they love me unconditionally,

Mom's faith strengthens me,

while Mama's prayers sustain me.

My sole prayer now as they both age,

Is they may thrive upon God's grace.

So until that time comes,

I could honor them both for all they've done.

When a Stranger goes Overboard

It was 230am.  I decided to drive this stranger home since my uncle who was his friend was already too drunk to drive. I never thought that guy would turn out to be an a**hole. He seemed pretty decent earlier.  Only seconds after he took the front seat, he started acting strange.

Since he only lived a few blocks away from us, I managed to stay calm knowing that if I could not put the situation under my control, i could always scream for help and the entire village would be awake. Just as he was about to grab me from the driver's seat, i jolted and announced someone from their house was out to meet him.

I was shivering out of fear and disgust.  Still, he remained in the car for a few more secs trying to figure what he wants perhaps.  Slowly, he got off and I swear i could have driven away immediately if not for the car engine which died on me.

The guy was grinning a devilish grin and to me, it seemed he was enjoying the fear and anxiety he sensed.  Yes, even when he was drunk and I was totally sober. 

I got home shivering but unscathed.  I burst into tears and immediately told my mom and  uncle about what happened.

From what it seemed, it was pretty trivial.  Nevertheless, that few seconds close encounter with the devil in a man left me several lasting realizations.

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One, my self esteem isn't as strong as I thought it is.  For a moment I felt totally like a j*rk thinking what if the guy gets back at me and tells me I was never his type?  I am fat, old, and ugly. There was no way a guy like him would be attracted to me.

On the otherhand, I thought, even if I happened to be the ugliest, lamest b*tch to walk this earth, that was no reason for anyone to violate me. Neither is it an excuse for anyone at all to transgress me.

So yes, my self-esteem may be way below average but that guy is still a jerk.  Any man who treats a woman less doesn't deserve any sympathy.  Might as well vanish from the face of the earth.

Second, I am susceptible to harm.  Not because I am a woman who lives alone for the most part.  But mainly because this world is filled with bad guys -- just as it is filled with good.  Meaning, I have to always be on guard.  If there's impending danger, I might as well avoid it or muster enough courage to thwart it, at the very least.  I am that guy did not succeed in doing me harm but he did succeed in instilling in me a stronger sense of awareness.  He lives only a few blocks away from us.  I should never be complacent.

Third, I should master some kind of self defense.  I have always proclaimed my lack of skill in handling a weapon but yes, I sleep with a knife and a 9mm - which I never knew how to manipulate.  My sister suggested I should get a baseball bat in the bedroom at least.  A knife's range is shorter, a baseball bat's is longer.  But knowing how to aim and fire the 9mm is always essential.

This is real life.  It's about time I should learn target shooting.

Jesus be my Guide and my Guard.