"𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵." I wish I was the one who said this. But I wasn’t. Derral Eves -the executive producer of #TheChosen TV series, declared this in a statement. And he has the best reason for saying so. Watch the series and you will agree with me.

I’ve done projects bigger than my own ego, the country’s biggest malls and dozen hotels. Big beautiful houses. Not mine. But still, none fits right as the moment that gives me the privilege to declare the same.

There are dream projects that have yet to come by: big cathedrals, airports, skyscrapers.

Doing the lighting design for my new house. That might be it, too. Still a dream.

But does size matter? Probably not.

My own moment will come and my God will let me know that 𝙞𝙩 is it. It may not even come as just a moment.

Until then, I will do my best thinking the one I’m doing now is what I have been called for.

So Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

Can neighbors be defined by the distance that separate them?

Short story:

The past two times biking in my usual route within our village, a mango fruit fresh from its tree fell along my path each time. My wife loves this variety and so, without hesitation, I stopped to pick up the manna from above. I joyfully pedalled home tugging my pasalubong.

Few days ago, a friend who lives 4.5kms away from us called my wife to ask if she wanted mangoes. They’ve just harvested from their trees and thought of giving some to my family. Rissa, immediately sent Andre to the errand.

When the harvest came, they weren’t just some. They were plenty. Some of our neighbors at Massah and Meribah, near and far, got to taste them as well.

A neighbor is never too far away.

Here's to all them good, here and there. Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

With mercury rising to upper mid-30s, I decided to wake up early last Saturday for my weekend run. The sun was still hiding behind thick clouds lining the horizon when I stepped out of the house. At 28 degrees, that morning’s temp was North Pole compared to the heat that would soon explode by breakfast time.

The thing about this time shift is you get to see different, meet different. Most of the afternoon runs I’ve done were replays. Reruns, for better appropriation. Same things, same view, same people doing the same things. This time, it’s new running mates, new faces of people insane enough to wake up that early on weekends -in a pandemic, too! At mornings, there is nothing awkward for rational animals nodding heads when crossing paths because smiles are unseen behind masks.

Another plus is a good measure of vitamin D at the bottom end of the run when the sun has finally escaped the clouds and the trees. I thought I hopped and frolicked my last laps in joyful jog enjoying the sunshine.

After the run, I’ve got so much time in my hands, I even I even prepared breakfast while the queen, the prince and the princess of my palace were still…, still. In bed. Still. I didn’t mind.

Here’s to thinking different. Doing different.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

Apart from reading, I listen to the daily gospel podcasts every night before I sleep. By listening, I find myself to be more in the moment and in the time. It stretches my imagination beyond normal. Probably because I am more auditory than visual. My children will of course take this matter to the Supreme Court to challenge.

Then it got better. Recently, I’ve been watching 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏 series on Youtube. Not your usual Bible movie or show. You see Jesus and His disciples walking and talking and laughing. You see and hear Him teach and heal and perform miracles presentled differently. One of my favorites is Jesus’ calling of Simon to be a 𝐹𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑒𝑛 scene -made my hair stand on end. That alone is already a miracle for me!

Many of the side scenes are not written in the Bible but for me, they remain true to the marrow of the message. I haven’t finished all the episodes yet but now when I listen to the podcasts, my imagination is stretched even further -I hear the voice tones in Dolby sound, I see the facial expressions and the setting in 5K resolution.

If you haven’t started watching, I reco you do. Worth a king’s ransom. Happy Pentecost Sunday.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

I’ve been reading and listening to #bosanchez covid ordeal and his narrow escape from death story. I am taking stock of my own life with the life lessons he got out of it. Read about it here: https://www.instagram.com/brotherbosanchez/

Like Bo, I was always in a hurry:

-I brush my teeth at 2x speed with an electric toothbrush so that I can…

-start early with my meetings so that I can…

-work out in a flash so that I can…

-take a shower hurriedly so that I can…

-eat quickly so that I can…

-watch Netflix at 1.5x speed so that…

-ad infinitum

I couldn’t wait for weekends to come (yep, even during pandemic) so that, what?

This is probably why I lost so much hair.

This is probably why I gained so much wrinkles on my face.

This is probably why I deserved a stent in my artery now.

Thanks Bo. The lessons you’ve learned are mine, too -but sans the covid. Like Jesus, you took the beatings for me and for all who benefited from your ordeal. I am "embracing the present" savoring this iced coffee.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

This morning, while washing my face, I took a good look at my reflection in the mirror. I saw an old man. Moles so many I can put up a shopping mole. The overhead warm light reflecting wildly on my extended forehead. White short stubs appearing inconsistently along the plane. Cheeks giving in to earth’s pull. I smiled at the image that I see in front of me to reveal more of the hallmarks of age: wrinkles, creases and grooves. Yep -I am old.

But I count my blessings. For every mole and line, I count a dozen blessings and favors from God. All the 61 years behind me, even if they were imperfect with grave miscalculations, under and oversights, made my bones tougher.

The person I see in the mirror I love. Because I am His child.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

Our family friend’s sickly patriarch was recently rushed to the hospital after being found slouched in his wheel chair one morning. Getting into a hospital these days is like winning a lottery. Getting a room in a hospital is like winning the lottery twice, with the same number combination.

While in the ICU, they were listed in the long waiting list to be admitted to a room which they were told were all occupied.

The daughters are known to me as women of strong faith and compassionate towards others. While storming heavens with prayers to get admission, they noticed that the guards were tired and looked hungry. So after taking a count, they ordered Jollibee meals for each one of them. And to every staff in the nurses’ station, coffee and pastries from Deli France.

Then, a miracle at 2am. Rooms became available, not only for their dad, but also for most of those in the list. With great faith, the impossible becomes possible when you involve God. A few days later, he’s back home, healthy.

If you want a miracle to happen, think and act like you need one.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

Lately, I’ve been playing my Christmas playlist in the morning and as my music when working out. You’d probably think that my nuts are roasting on an open fire this summer time but let me explain. Rocking along with Jingle Bell Rock and silently feeling holy with Silent Night give me that Christmas spirit that gets drowned away by shopping, traffic, gift-wrapping and last-minute shopping. Sure pressure, no less.

This time, I just rock around the imaginary Christmas tree, jingle my inner bells, dreaming of white Christmas -being good for goodness sake. Try it and thank me later.

Here’s to joy to the world. Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

I don’t know about you but after my mid-evening rush to the toilet, I find it hard to go back to sleep. I usually spend an hour or more looking at the inner wall of my eyelids. No, I don’t grab my cellphone. A total waste of time of not-doing. Until an inspiration came -that this may be a time of praying and interceding for people, for the present, for the future.

And so I think all from A-Z but not necessarily in that order. I mention to God the names that I can recall; those whose names I cannot recall, I don’t mention -I trust God knows them and their hearts' desires; readers of my blog and #mycoffeecupreflections (yes, as you read this, I am praying for you); our country; and, the Church. Sometimes, thinking of all these people give way to having them appear in my dreams. From praying to dreaming, seamlessly.

And just like that, I go back to sleep. Be in my dreams. Happy Sunday!

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

Andre has been persuading me about buying a bike for months now. One morning, I finally asked him to check out the market for one. He chatted on his phone for several minutes. Made some contacts. By the afternoon, a road bike sits in the trunk of the car. We split the cost. I paid for the front wheel.

Honestly, like a little child, I, too, got excited. As soon as it came out of the car, I tried mounting my unpadded butt into it but my reflexes were on time delay, so big time fail. I realized that I haven’t been on one since "Thrilla in Manila."

It took some embarrassing and awkward while before I finally found my balance. Riding a bike, like driving, swimming and playing the guitar, is a skill that remains in you even if you’re vegetating.

I spent 45 minutes that day riding the wind, literally.

The following day, my buns were throbbing in pain. I didn’t mind. Hey, add to golf, I’ve got myself a new sports. A new hobby. Apart from it being another quick fix to mental health issue, it provides a wider range of gift ideas for those thinking of me on father’s day, my birthday and Christmas Day. Pedal that into your memory.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

Arguably, one of the biggest concerns today is mental health. When people have been stifled in their daily movement, not just for weeks and months but for over a year now, the internal machine mutates into something dangerous. There can be restlessness, online fatigue, brain and muscle atrophy.

To inject some excitement into this, I told my family, "Let’s plan for our next vacation." Where, when, what and how should keep the adrenalin flowing again. The mind excites.

I am drinking this cup imagining I am somewhere colder, where air is fresh and sweet and internet service is down or not available. It feels good, y’know.

Why don’t we meet in my dreams? I’d like to share this cup with you.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

“Mind over body” used to be my mantra when running. Not anymore. After kms and kms that I’ve covered over the last 3 years, I’ve finally discovered what drives my legs: it’s “mind over mind.” To be more accurate, positive mind over the negative mind.

Recently, I’ve been tracking my mental behavior towards conquering myself. At the start of every run comes the feeling of tiredness and fatigue. But when I look at the vitals that my techie watch records at every run, they don’t agree with the feelings: 135bpm (heart rate), over 6mins per km speed. These tell me I shouldn’t be tired yet. I don’t feel any muscular pain whatsoever. I am not panting, either. My conclusion: it’s all in negative side of the mind that tells me I’m already tired even if I’m not.

One run day, I intentionally ran without checking my watch or tap it at every lap. There was no way for me to know how long or how far I’ve gone. I just kept running ’til the sun was no more. At the end of it, I ran longer and farther than my usual without the familiar fatigue.

I got the better of myself.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

When I look at Rissa, I look at the woman I have known and loved for more than 30 years. During the first year of our marriage, I only saw her as that, the woman, the lady, the love of my life.

Not too long later, came one child, Andre Christer. Shortly after, another, Nina Kristin. Since then, when I look at this woman, I find myself thinking of them -our children. Because when asked to define her, I will answer: the good mother of my two good children. They are who they are because they have a mother that loved them, moulded them, guided them to be who they are now.

My children are beautiful, loving and God-fearing because of their mother.

They may also be loud and crazy and unwritable adjectives but that’s just because of me putting a little balance which was just a bit right if you asked me. But I am digressing.

Doe-a-dear, God will look at you kindly because you’ve done well in your most important, most appreciable, most appreciated, most beautiful mission -as a mother. You are loved much.

Godliness and motherhood, in my book, are a mix of the same elements. Yup, I see that in my household.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes #happymothersday2021

GOD in YOU

I have a question

I look at you

I find the answer

Because I see God in you

I have a problem

I look at you

I find the solution

Because I see God in you

My soul is disturbed

I look at you

I find comfort and peace

Because I see God in you

I was looking for love

God showed you to me

I found love

Because I see God in you

I was in the dark

God’s light shone

And when I look at you

I see God’s beauty

Because I see God in you

And when I’m lost

Don’t know where to go

I look at you

I find my home

Because I see God in you

Happy birthday, Doe-a-dear

You are a gift from God

To me and to everyone around you

𝕵𝖊 𝖙'𝖆𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖓 𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖗!

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

I don’t mind having service or repairmen do the cleaning and repair jobs at home and for the car. It’s my way of helping others who are better than me in doing their craft. Doing them myself, sure, can save me money but not time. And doing them myself also means taking their livelihood away from them. Not entirely, but sort of. Same principle I keep and push for at work. When giving seminars to architects and engineers, I’m always asked the question: What’s the common lighting mistake that designers commit? My answer: Not asking lighting designers do the job. I practice what I preach.

But these are difficult times. I mean, who allows strangers into his household this days? A cuckoo monster.

And so one day, our living room split-type A/C was running a fever and leaking profusely. Chuck out the idea of having it serviced by our ’suki’. This job is our internship to a Youtube course Andre and I took. Good thing I have a good neighbor -my brother, Fred, to guide us after having DIY’d his similar unit days before.

And so -again, I took out the good ol’ power washer. Jet a bit here and jet a bit there. Careful not to spray parts that get hot. An absolutely wild, wild wet living room we got after the fact. But clean, cold dry air blew out of the diffuser right after. Winter time in the living room. Another DIY success!

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

Today, I’ve finally got my request for a chiffon cake for my birthday 5 years ago.

…also for our 22th anniversary;

…and for my birthday 4 years ago;

…also for closing a big contract 3 years ago;

…and for my craving for one two years ago;

…also for cleaning the house at the outset of this pandemic.

The craving started more than 5 years ago when during a visit to a relative’s house in Sydney, we were served this baked goody. Since then, I’ve been craving for a bite of the same. We got the recipe alright but disappointingly, having the recipe wasn’t enough. One had to actually do the baking. Then things happened like college thesis, boyfriend, more holidays, job hunting, work, more work, shortage of flour, shortage of sugar, Crash Landing On You, no-reason reason, covid-19.

But today, after all is said and baked, my cravings were satisfied. I am so chiffon-satiated, I can wait another five years. I am a happy dada.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes

I had a blast with my machine toy yesterday. The toy is a high-pressure washer and the playing fields are the bathroom and the laundry area.

Do you know that this toy can de-clog floor drains -super clogged drains that pneumatic suction, flexible steel cable with spool hand crank and a pail of sodium hydroxide won’t do? They were totally useless.

Using the washer’s long lance to penetrate deep into the floor drains of the bathroom and the laundry area, I blasted with all my might. Water steam filled the entire room, it was like having a cold spa. And while at it, the toilet bowl, floor and wall tiles got their much deserved water jetting as well.

End result: clog-free drains and shiny tiles and bowls. I love this machine!

Nikkei asked me to clean the oven. Game time ain’t over yet.

Cheers! #MyCafeNotes