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KARMIC JUSTICE

March 6th, 2008 by charlottedianco

SOMEONE once asked me how I manage to be civil and even polite with people whom I know have done me wrong in the past.

Well I’m not a saint. I do get mad- I even curse- but only in my thoughts. I cannot be genuinely angry with people who try to harm me emotionally (physical is another story- I can turn into Uma Thurman in the tradition of KILL BILL if necessary). But yeah- I don’t really go out of my way to seek revenge or get even. Not that I’m a willing victim- I just believe in the unwritten universal law of retribution- what goes around, comes around. It’s as simple as being careful not to step on someone’s tail today for they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow.

I’ve encountered people who are known for being nasty and bitchy- and I can be a total bitch too- if I want to- but I choose not to because it’s not going to help me grow as a person. So I just live and let live. I’m not going to waste my time being mad at someone- because I believe that in this world, there is Karmic Justice- tested and proven.

Constant anger and ill-feelings can lead to horrifying pimples and unwanted wrinkles. Eeewww. Who wants that anyway?

I’d rather stay fabulous. As in.

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THAILAND

March 5th, 2008 by charlottedianco

I am haunted by Thailand.

I’ve always wanted to
explore Thailand. In fact I was about to
visit the place in December of 2004 but then the tsunami happened and I
abandoned all thoughts of visiting that country.

I have friends who constantly
visit  Bangkok and Phuket for business and
pleasure but I never thought of traveling with them. In fact a friend of mine
stayed in Thailand for several months because
of a modeling job. Still, despite the fact that I can easily fly there, I lost
interest a long time ago.

Until the night I saw a full
documentary on Living Asia.

It happened last month. In
fact I was about to sleep that night but the TV caught my attention and before
I knew it, I watched the whole segment about Thailand. Right there and then- I
knew I had to go there.

I could easily book a flight
because I still have convertible miles in my PAL account but my schedules are
just crazy these days- it’s just hard to squeeze some pleasure trips. And I’m
not complaining because I actually feel blessed with all these projects. All I’m
saying is that- wherever I turn- there is always something there to remind me
of Thailand. Apart from the fact that
the shirt I’m wearing right now has Thailand written all over- I was just on
the phone earlier with my friend Alec who shared some of his adventures in
Thailand. Yesterday, I was chatting with my friend in Japan and he told me he’s leaving
for Thailand next week. A long lost
friend just sent an email recently- and yes- she’s working in Thailand! Damn!

And if it’s not that creepy yet, I was recently offered to
check this new SPA and the first thing I learned is that they have Thai
Massage. Oh-huh!

I was also exchanging SMS
with another friend the other night- I was actually telling him I’m thinking of
going to Hong Kong this month- and guess what
he suggested? Bangkok (which is naturally in Thailand!). I was just watching HBO earlier and the airplane in the movie was- Thai Airways/Thai Airlines.


Really, it’s getting into my nerve. I mean-
not in a bad way- but it further strengthens my plan of going to Thailand this May. I have to. This
is just getting too cosmic to ignore.  Maybe
something good will happen if I go to Thailand.

Now I keep thinking of Santiago-that boy in the book The Alchemist. Maybe the universe is
sending signs for my personal legend. Well, not that there is a treasure
waiting for me in Thailand (hmmm… not a bad thought). 

I really don’t know because I
am yet to realize the meaning of all these coincidences. All I know is that I
have to confirm my booking for Thailand- now.

 

 

 

 

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EMOTIONAL RIDE

February 28th, 2008 by charlottedianco

A FRIEND of mine sent this message a few weeks ago.

"It’s fun being a strong person. You feel invincible, like you can face anything that comes your way. But you know what sucks being one? It’s when people think it’s okay to hurt you."

Damn. I was just re-reading this from my phone this morning and I was like.. "yeah, that sucks."

I’ve always considered myself as a strong person. I’ve been through a lot of pain, struggles, heartaches (oh yeah! double damn!) and countless unimaginable shitty circumstances that one would never want to be into. But I survived and realized that yeah- I am strong. If it happened to others who have weaker hearts or shaky faith, they would have probably lost their minds or jumped from a tall building. But somehow I always manage to get by and pull through- call it luck, divine intervention or as Mahallah would say- it’s simply because I am me. I am a survivor.

This morning, someone sent me messages through my mobile phone- asking for my reaction and thoughts about this and that. Like what would I do if the situation is this or if this thing happened, etc. It was in the tradition of  ‘Echoes from the Heart‘ that kind of stuff.  It was hypothetical but it was a good mental and emotional exercise for me.

Pain is something we all have to deal with whether we like it or not. We cannot escape from it because it’s part of life. All I know is that when I am hurt and in pain- it’s not the best feeling in the world. I’ve been emotionally hurt so many times, but  in time, I’ve learned how to deal with it. Experience has taught me that my world won’t stop just because someone decided to hurt me emotionally. Of course it’s easier said than done- but what the hell- I’ve done it before. We can feel pain because we’re just human. But because we’re humans- we have choices and options too. We can entertainment pain for a day- that’s understandable. We can go through an emotional ride but there would always be a time when the ride would stop and we have to get out of the roller coaster. I’ve learned that I don’t have to torture myself just because one person transformed into the devil himself.

We can always move on– because the last time I checked- the sun is still the center of the universe.

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INSIGHTS

October 16th, 2007 by charlottedianco

I survived my first week in Korea. Of course, the frequent trips to COEX (the biggest underground mall in Seoul) helped a lot. Everyday is a learning experience and I am beginning to relax a bit… not as freaked out when no one would tell me where the money changer was nor the nearest McDonalds (i asked some people for directions and i swear, they just started shaking their heads faster than Linda Blair in The Exorcist).

Whenever I go out of the hotel, I can’t help but notice things around me.. and in a way, i gained some insights. Like the fact that the Korean Telenovelas do not exaggerate their wardrobes. Not that I’m a big fan but I’ve seen some episodes and I’ve always wondered why the characters were always power-dressers.. the men were always in suits and the women always looked like they were going to have a fashion shoot. In real life- I mean, real Korean setting, they really look like that. And they take fashion seriously. As in. Women go to the malls in their black boots and stilettos- complete with coats, scarves and hats. Just like in New York where people wear black all the time (otherwise you obviously don’t belong), here, they do have some sort of a fashion motif too. You can see men and women in either black, white, gray or combination. One look at the content of my luggage and they would know that I am really not from this place because i have shirts like mint green, dark green, baby blue, light pink, lavender, maroon, red and yellow.

So tomorrow’s my second week. I am actually looking forward to the things that I will learn as I continue to explore the city. Except from the small, insignificant little detail that I don’t speak the language- I know that I’ll get by.. like Ely once said- … With A Smile. :)

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The Korean Bug

October 11th, 2007 by charlottedianco

Damn, I must be very bored here in Korea… imagine, I’m finally updating my blog. I know.. I should have done this a long time ago, but I’ve been extremely (I swear) busy to really sit down and write something (readable). As you have probably seen my photos, I’ve been traveling (like crazy). I’ve crossed continents, borders.. hell, I don’t have to elaborate. Nope, I didn’t sell any golden Buddha and please stop assuming that I inherited something (although that’s not a bad thought…). All these travels are just part of my (what others call as) ‘unconventional’ and ‘low-paying job.’

Anyway, home for me right now is this hotel here in the heart of Seoul. Gosh, I’ve never seen so many Koreans in my life except in Makati Avenue area and in Korean Tele-Novelas (e.g., Lovers in Paris, Jewels in the Palace and Jumong). When I went to the mall this afternoon, it’s like being in the scene of MY NAME IS KIM SAM SUN (did I get it right?). Hahaha!

I mentioned boredom earlier. Yes, that is true. Good heavens. For the first time in 11 years, no mobile phone is ringing beside me. Well, I have my phones with me but there is no Smart nor Globe signal here even if my numbers are on international roaming. They just have a different network system! SIGH… the sound of silence.

Well… as Gloria Gaynor sings… ‘I Will Survive.’

 

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NO PLACE LIKE HOME

August 24th, 2007 by charlottedianco

WHENEVER I prepare for a trip, I always get excited. Of course, who wouldn’t? I just like the prospect of seeing new places and meeting new people- BUT - the feeling doesn’t always last long. And I noticed that the more I visit other countries, the more I love the Philippines.

Last summer, when I spent my Holy Week in Singapore for the first time- I felt odd inside. The whole time I was roaming the city and checking out stuff, my mind was in the Philippines where HOLY WEEK is strictly observed- with procession and the likes. In my home town in Kalibo- Holy Week is a time for family gathering and seeing old faces during church visits. Doing the seemingly endless Way Of The Cross prayers with friends are always bearable.

Recently, I visited the Caribbean and stayed in Barbados for several days. I never missed the Philippines like I did during those times. I was craving to go home- even called the Virgin Atlantic if I could have the earlier flight because I felt that my original schedule was too long.

Aside from the hurricane that visited the Caribbean, everything was okay. I mean, they have a lovely beach (but not as beautiful as Boracay.. and yes I am biased!), they have a lovely church in Bridgetown (built by my favorite.. the Brits!).. but Philippines is still different. We have all these amazing beaches, breathtaking views of the mountains, our malls are fabulous (go Rockwell!).. but most importantly, we Filipinos are the most wonderful people (yes!). Okay, so we have all these gory news about some guy who stabbed someone in a videoke bar for singing MY WAY or we have these SIGUE-SIGUE SPUTNIK VS BAHALA NA GANG riots once in a while or a jobless man hanging in one of the giant billboards.. but so what! We are the most flexible when it comes to language. Most of us can speak English.. even the beggar can say ‘Hey Joe!’ with an accent. We are very warm and excellent in communication (why politicians and government officials are constantly verbally fighting remains a mystery…). But our strongest asset is our great sense of humor. We have this ability to cope with any situation. Having a good laugh is always a great feeling.

I don’t know but even if they say that the crime rate is high in the Philippines- I feel secure in my country (Ruffa, ikaw ba yan?). Besides, nothing beats tapsilog (whether homemade or from Goodah) and coffee for breakfast. =)      

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WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

April 20th, 2007 by charlottedianco

YESTERDAY, I finally had the chance to have a pleasure walk- not the ‘walk-in-the-park-with-the-dog’ kind of thing. Just the neighborhood walk- which I realized I kinda miss. And it also made me miss the provincial life sooooo much.

When I was still living in our province, I used to walk a lot. Well, not like the scenes you see on films where kids walk several kilometers through creeks and mountains just to get to school. Of course I walked my way to school when I was in elementary and highschool too- after all- the campus was just 2 blocks away from our house. But it’s different when you walk just for pleasure.. sometimes you’ll see things that you never noticed before, or even appreciate the little things around you. Besides, when I walk, I always have this downpour of amazing ideas (find a missing sword? have coffee with Prince William? save the world? can i change my last name into Hilton? how can i have the email add of Wentworth Miller aka Michael Scofield? okay, crazy but at least amazing ideas).

The truth is, walking actually releases alpha waves.. that which is responsible for all our creative juices. It’s true. When you look into the lives of famous philosophers, scientists, artists, leaders… they all have one thing in common. When they want to really think, they walk (the walking back and forth thing that you see in movies is an overkill illustration). So the next time you see people walking with spaced out expressions on their faces- remember them- they might be the next cover of TIME Magazine.

Ehem. Ehem. Sore throat. =)

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HILOT

March 6th, 2007 by charlottedianco

I was in a cab with my editor earlier on our way to a meeting. We updated each other on our personal lives and I told her about my ordeal just this weekend. You see, my son- who is only 1 and a half year old- got terribly sick that my world stopped– literally.

It started Wednesday night, when I felt his body warmer than his usual temperature. The next day he already had fever so I consulted a doctor and gave my son some meds. By Friday I personally brought him to a doctor for check-up. But despite taking the prescribed medicines- there was no sign of improvement. By Sunday, I brought him to a "hilot/quack doctor" who lives nearby.

According to the "hilot," some unseen element (force or whatever) played with my son. Of course- that freaked the daylights out of me! But as a mother- I became alert and suddenly turned into a Kill-Bill mode with a nobody-mess-with-my-son-or-else-I’ll-call-Linda-Blair-attitude! I agreed to have a healing ritual (a.k.a. Tawas). After the process, I brought my son home but soon, he started shaking and he started biting his inner cheek that it bled. I was so scared but I had to stay calm and focus. I rocked him to sleep and stayed up just to check on him. By Monday he was jumping and laughing again. Thank God he’s now okay.

So I told my editor about what happened- including the episode with the quack doctor. She was actually surprised to learn that I even went to a hilot- she thought I was a city girl who doesn’t believe in what others think as weird stuff.

Well- I do. I believe in elementals, hilot, albularyo, diwata and those who belong to the other dimension. I grew up in the province where these things are normal and despite staying in the city for so long- I never turned away from my superstitious beliefs and tradition.

Besides, a mother would believe anything and do everything- if it is for the sake of her child. And I am a mother.

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CALLING CARD

February 26th, 2007 by charlottedianco

SOMETIMES it’s amazing how a small card can change a situation in a blink of an eye.

These two incidents happened very recently. In real life huh!

SCENARIO 1:

My friend K and I went to the mall one afternoon to see another friend who was part of the production team of a fashion show. We were in jeans and simple clothes because we didn’t go there for the event but to speak to our friend about something. Our friend saw us and introduced us to the director- who just nodded. And since there was still an on-going show, we decided to sit for awhile and wait. After about 30 minutes, we thought it was time to leave. Just when we were about to go, as a courtesy- I said goodbye to the director and gave my card. We were already walking towards the exit area of the show when the director exclaimed- "You’re from the media!" I turned around and smiled at him.

"Why didn’t you tell me that you’re from the media!" He looked at the card again. "You’re a writer!"

"Yes." I turned back to my friend, ready to resume our exit but the director grabbed my arm and asked us to follow him. I was puzzled but was too surprised to even react. Then my friend and I found ourselves seated in the VIP area.

When the director introduced me (us!) to the PR Manager of the event- 3 waiters immediately appeared and were all over us. The next thing I knew- a popular TV Host / actress was seated next to me. My friend K noticed the sudden "special treatment" and gave me a wicked grin. When we were left alone in the table, K whispered to me- "So everything changed after you gave your calling card huh?"

We looked at each other- we looked at all the food- and burst out laughing.

SCENARIO 2

I attended a party with my friends K and LR. I was introduced to this male fashion designer by LR. After the hi’s and the hello’s, he gave me a card. I wanted to give him my card as well but I ran out of it. Three weeks later, our paths crossed again- in a fashion show last Saturday.

I was sitting in the VIP area waiting for some friends when I heard this male fashion designer whispered (it was loud enough for me to hear from across the table): "That girl looks familiar." (referring to me).

My friend/client LR, who was just a few steps away from my chair immediately answered: "Oh! She’s my publicist! I introduced the two of you in a party."

I saw the fashion designer giving me the Oh-I-remember-look so I smiled at him, took a calling card from my purse and handed it to him. I thought that was it. I was talking to the person next to me when the fashion designer exclaimed: "You’re a writer of MOD?!"

I looked at him again and nodded.

"Are you serious?!" He was looking at the small card then looked at me- perhaps waiting for me to say "No, it was just a joke!"

So I answered back "I’m afraid I’m serious. I really am a writer."

"OH! I thought you were just a… publicist- as in publicist! I didn’t know you were a real writer! I like MOD! I grew up reading that."

By this time I was already blushing since I noticed that people from another table were listening to us attentively- like we were announcing the State of the Nation!

"You should attend my event, dear! I’m throwing a party!" he continued.

And when the show was about to start- he approached me again and said "Hey! Are you okay? Sit with us! Come on!" I just thanked him for the offer and decided to stay with my friends. It was just hard to adjust to his sudden sweetness!

Sigh….. cards. Hahahaha!

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OVERRATED

February 23rd, 2007 by charlottedianco

I’ve been cursing inside the theater for two consecutive nights. The reason? Overrated films. Grrrr.

First was The Fountain. I should have known it was just another weird film trying to disguise as an art film. At first it was interesting- but after five minutes- I realized I made a huge mistake. Okay- I got carried away by Hugh Jackman’s appeal- but he wasn’t enough to save the movie. And I thought the problem was with me because I didn’t like the film. Most of my friends complained as well (one even called me up through my mobile phone to agree with me that it was indeed one of the worse films ever).

Apocalypto. The title says a lot- I should have listened to my instincts. Sure- it was a Mel Gibson film- but it was torture in capital letters. I didn’t mind the subtitle- after all- I’m used to reading subtitles when watching foreign, non-English films. But all the brutal killings and morbid scenes totally freaked the daylights out of me. It didn’t help that I was with my gay friend when I watched the film- we spent more than half of the film gasping and cursing Mel Gibson. It was stressful!

Earlier today, another friend was asking me to watch 300 and Number 23 and I quickly said NO without moving my lashes. No way! I will never watch films that are disturbing. I’ll stick to romantic-comedy and feel-good movies.

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