Paulorotti's Café

Happy New Year!

2008-01-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

Better late than than never, geez!

At least, I am consistently a few days earlier than Chinese New Year, as usual.

As I said, wedding suppliers are better off celebrating Chinese New Year since the biz is very active in December and January.

As always, I welcome New Year with a smile, always thankful for the good things that has come my way.

I didn't work on the 24th and 25th of December. So I forgot to take my vitamins. On the 26th, I was sick. My voice was hoarse and I got really scared. I had gigs after Christmas and as early as 3rd of January.

But thank God I was able to pull it through. I think I am fully recuperated just today. Otherwise I wouldn't be blogging, hehehehe.

Better late than never, I thank everyone who got my services as their event organizer/Host/Singer as the case maybe.

Thank you for entrusting your event to me and to my team.

I also thank my fellow suppliers for the job well-done. Teamwork is really what makes an event successful.

Better late than never, my special thanks to all the W@wies who sent me personalised ( as in hand-made! ) thanks-yous and greeting cards for attending/hosting their Christmas party in Fernwood last November. I really appreciate receiving something like these, other than the usual e-mails and text messages.

Super thanks to the following: Kris & Ian (February 9 @ Christ the King Church), Marlon & Geraldine (June 15, 2008), Cha & Ben, Chris & Shirley, Yam & Val, Fred & Naj, John & Eva (Dec. 27, 2008), Cheryl & Eddie (Dec. 9, 2007), Kat & Ron (August 8, 2008), Cary & Marites, Alexis & Meann (Nov. 0, 08), Franco & Jenki and of course Mama Benz & PapaJohn of the famed W@W Community !

Thanks too to my friends from far away, couple Patrick and Grace Giagnocavo for the greeting card and the chocolates (ubos na agad, di ko na nakunan ng picture, hehehehehe!)

I sang for Patrick & Grace's wedding in 2005 and I consider them as friends even when we haven yet to meet again after the event, as most couples I sang/hosted for.

Perhaps this is another gift I treasure with this I do. I gain friends all over. The feeling is not just rewarding and fulfilling, it is also very humbling. I believe I have really become a better person. Super thanks talaga sa inyong lahat!

Before i log-off, here are some pics from my December 30-31 ( inumaga kasi ) lakwatsa in Serendra. In December, I take no offs and going out for nothing, simply to relax, is hard to come by.

John our friend, happened to be there too so we had some pleasantries in the parking area. Had pics outta his car. Hahahahhaha!

Thanks to Gela for the pakyut shots. Pati siya napilitan tuloy ngumiti, hehehehe!

Mickey Mouse!

Finally, a new year, a new dog!

Charito, Badong's Mom died before December ( hu-hu-hu) maybe due to toxins inhaled when the house was being treated for termites, followed by repainting (more of Charito later, or check previous blogs).

Ate Sarah, one of our hardworking AWP Staff (actually a very good friend) gifted us with an off-white puppy, most likely a Japanese Spitz mix.

Ces named her Charisse, hahahahahahahha! A sort of tribute to Charito.

I hope she grows up to be as intelligent as Charito. I keep my fingers crossed. or else.

She's actually a little bigger now. Photoshoots to come soon.

Oops, by the way, she will be Badong's first syota, if ever, hehehehehe. CHEERS to the new year!

God is good, all the time!

Stop frowning, just keep going, and you'll get there, promise!

Lola Fely

2008-01-29T00:14:00.000-08:00

It was my Lola Fely's Birthday last January 20, 2008. She was born in 1919 and she would have been 89 years old on this day. She was born Felisa Tanguilig Fernandez, originally from Manaoag, Pangasinan but relocated to Binmaley, Pangasinan where she eventually married a dashing soon-to-be lawyer Bonifacio T. Doria.

She gave birth to eight beautiful children. My Mom, Nancy (short for Anunciacion Fernandez Doria) is the eldest. All her children are beautiful, her daughters are pretty. Her fourth child, Vida Valentina Fernandez Doria ( now Legaspi) even became Miss Philippines and Ms. Photogenic in the 1971 Miss Universe. Lola's claim is that she is the original, thus, the most beautiful of all hahahahaha!

I was in Davao for a wedding and left the city at 7:00 am and went straight to Tagaytay from the airport. I may not have attended the family gathering but I know fully well she perfectly understood.

Lola Fely left us November 10 of 2005 which means this year is her second death anniversary.

It was not a very hurting feeling when she left us. The feeling was more of happiness and glory that she was finally joining the Lord. She knew very very well her time was running short and there was nary a trace of blues but a feeling of peace, tranquility and of preparedness.

Photos: left, Lola Fely in her midlife. Right, blushing "bride" on their Golden Anniversary.

I guess things go like that when someone has lived a full life. No excuses, no if's and buts. Her favorite song was "My Way" and only she could let me sing it "mucho con gusto". She actually sang very well and I must have gotten the vocal talent from her and my other grandma Lola Nene or Victoria Noche Clemente, my Dad's mom who hails from Looc, Romblon but whose roots is actually from Taal, Batangas (they left this town in 1850s while my Grandpa Andres Clemente was from Masbate but whose roots is traced in Mexico, not the city but the country. But this is another story altogether).

Lola Fely was not a perfect human being but she lived the best way she possibly could. In fact I remember kneeling with books on my arms when I was a kid - remember Will Devaughn in Bahay ni Kuya? This was when we (my brothers and sisters) drove our bikes to go to Bobot Mortiz's house in nearby Sanville Village instead of taking our afternoon nap. It was rumored Vilma Santos was going to his house. Wait, remember this was in early 70's and I must have been about 8 years old!

left: photo of Lola Fely when she was crowned queen in a town fiesta in Pangasinan. Right: Lola Fely's studio photo when she finished highschool. Right-click for larger view.

Oh I vividly remember her shrieking voice whenever she gets mad. She screamed worse than a an emergency siren and you better just wait until she's done or else. But she had very good reasons for such tantrums. Besides, she is an angel when she is her usual self.

Being a public school principal, she valued education so much and she was even able to send to school some boys who took care of Lolo Paciong, her Mi Amor for life.

In her house where we once lived, there must have been a dozen cats and moreso during Christmas season. I still wonder to this day why those grown cats (who had left and went on their own) pay homage to her by staying a few days during Christmas! She was fond of bringing home those thrown kittens and give them home. Yes, I have grown accustomed to appreciate the smell of cat's ehem, I will never puke at all, promise. Thanks to her!

From Lola Fely, I learned the value of living your life to the fullest of what you can possibly achieve... without twisting anyone's leg.

That success is relative. You are successful based on your own leverage. And standing tall with confident eyes that you did not use anyone if only to achieve your goals.

And that we all have our own destinies and we simply go for it as if we were boats in a big ocean.

I also learned from her to fight for what i believe is right and stick to my own principles.

Perhaps what matters in the end is how ready you are to face God.

And that there would be no need to beg him for forgiveness to be able to join Him in Heaven. I am very sure we will be meeting again in God's time. I don't know when but it better NOT be soon. I need another twenty years or so. I am still dreaming of going to Las Vegas and sing there when I am 45 years old. hahaahahhahaha!

I love you Lola Fely!

Photo above: left, Lolo Paciong and Lola Fely, twilight years, together forever. Right, celebrating Lola's birthday. She was already blind due to old age.

2007-12-25T01:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Countless text and e-mail messages from friends all over. Plus those handwritten christmas cards that come rarely but greatly appreciated.

That's Christmas 2007 amidst the busy schedule. Glad that this year I didn't lose my voice and I am up and about for the next bout of events in January.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Christmas season, or the month of December is very special to me because it is the month my parents were married back in 1961.

Mom and Dad celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary last December 10 which this time I really made sure was left reserved for their special day.

Here are some photos of the party and photos of their wedding day!

May 2007 > It's Outing time!!!!

2007-05-09T05:18:00.001-07:00

After the tiring bridal fair preparation for "POWER WEDDINGS" Year 3, it goes without saying that we at AWP badly need a break!

Going to Fontana every summer has become a habit for us. When we were still in ( the company we used to work for, all of us ), it was either Baguio or Tagaytay courtesy of Love F, the one in red.

Now we have been spoiled a benefactor, a client couple actually, who makes sure we get to spend sometime to relax in Fontana!

What is relaxation for us? Sleep, talk, sleep, sing, eat, eat, eat, sleep, then go and find some very cheap finds in the duty-free shops there.

My daughter Angela spent her birthday there with Kakang in tow ( a cousin ). She never had boring moments since Love's daughter was also there.

We actually didn't go out practically from our housing there. But I was able to have a few hours fun in the leisure park. Most importantly, I had my sexy pictorial there, finally for all of you to see:

Bwahahaahahahahhahahaa!!!!

A March Milestone: Gela graduates from high school!

2007-05-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

How happy I am for this special day, March 31, when my unica hija, Angéla Francésca, or simply Gela, Potski, or Anggé as we call her endearly, graduated from highschool. It certainly felt like I passed a test myself, being a father who gave his best for his daughter's education.

She didn't graduate with honors ( unlike me ), but I am happy still since I know that more than the academics, she grew up to be really really smart and has developed skills to survive her life through, which to me, is more than importanth. Unlike me, I was so naive, kinda eng-eng, quiet, shy, introvert, etc. when I was her age.

One for the books though, Gela was the last student to leave the school premises after graduation ( look at her super boring stance above!) Imagine hundreds of them, then down to a few people, ten, 9, 8, seven, then waaahhhhh kami na lang naiwan. Ang tagal kc ng sundo.
We headed to Mahn Hann for dinner with family and we had so much fun.

We went to De Lasalle- Colllege of St. Benilde days after to confirm her enrolment classes begin on May 28 I guess. I took her a picture in front of the admin office and she finally obliged with a smile even if she actually felt stupid daw doing it. I simply said, "ikaw din, pagsisisihan mo pag di kita kinodakan, milestone ko kc 'to as your Dad!"

To all my wedding clients, I want you to know that you are part of this little milestone of ours. Your "donations" are well-spent and my sincerest thanks and deep gratitude for giving me the opportunity to give my daughter the best education she deserves.

To my future wedding clients, keep coming in please. I need to earn a living for the next three to four more years!

God is really good. God bless us all!

LAKWAQCHA TIME IN MARCH!

2007-04-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

I like the month of March since I really get to enjoy my free days off from weddings and other engagements. I was even able to attend a birthday of my friend's one year-old son held in McDonalds Market Market. It was my first time to wait for one hour for 2 pcs chicken, spaghetti and ice cream, and it surely tasted so gooooood..... because maybe I waited that long!

I am more fond of Jollibee, actually! From their glorious breakfast to their tasty Chicken Joy and Pancit Palabok. I look forward to the time when I can finally hear McPalabok in McDo, heheheehe. But don't worry, there's nothing like hugging a McDo fun character such as the one above!

Enjoyed chinese food too when my Mom celebrated her 60th b-day last March 25 and I was surprised that the restaurant used my face in their icon without my permission, grrrr!

I felt oh so young again when finally my fellow suppliers and me had the time to get-together for an all-night dancing in BLUEWAVE! Mega dance kami nila Chacha ( coordinator) and Dr. Love ( event host ), as in feeling bagets and feeling sexy to the max! Yugyugan talaga, as in I certainly looked like a ball being dribbled while dancing, hehehehehehe!

"Leave your cautions to the wind" was our motto that night, for three of us at least, since the others, Cesar ( AWP's Head Planner) and Sam ( Coordinator for VRC Events, with husband ) just sat there enjoying our dancing! Quite honestly, I felt that Chacha, Dr. Love, especially myself, were dancing kuchons, waaaahhhh!

For my birthday last March 30 ( I turned 28 na, hehehehehe), I had a wedding gig but immediately after, we went to Greenbelt 3! I had time to gather a few friends in one hour for this super biglaan party-partyhan, for a few bottles of beer and food at Kitchen & Ebun. Very simple celebration, really, very much like me. You see, I am not really a party person. I am kinda shy when not working.

I enjoy mostly sleeping these days, and was so glad I got a great birthday gift > an overnight stay in Renaissance Hotel! I loved the all-glass shower and had a pic in the buff, waaah! Sorry, not for this blog! I think the pic below is oh so sexy enough. WAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!

VOTE FOR ATE VI!!!!!

2007-03-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

The month of March isn't so much a busy month for weddings as compared with the months December, January, February, April, May and June. March is actually part of our rest period but then again, I got busy with something - doing voice-overs and singing political jingles!

Thanks to Vehnee Saturno for this seasonal gig, truly enjoyed it!

This rather "short-lived career" is capped with my singing the political jingle of Vilma Santos, no less, who is running, finally, for Governor of Batangas.

The song was to the tune of "YMCA"! Ahihi! I'll upload it as soon as I can get hold of the final copy.

Oh well, not bad for rest season singing for the "star for all seasons"!!!

Vote for Ate Vi!

Flashback:

I remember staying in Lipa City for five days performing for Mayor Umali's sortie and we were not fully paid. Grrrrrrrr!!!!!!! This experience was one of the worst in my list!!! Hope he reads this blog so he would remember!!!!! GRRRRR talaga. Sorry to say but no matter how rich he maybe, he totally forgot his payment when he already won. God bless him!

IT'S AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 6!!!!

2007-02-25T03:49:00.000-08:00

It's American Idol Season once again!

The last time I glued myself on television was the Spanish-Mexican Comedia "Betty La Fea" ( not the new "Betty La Mas Fea"). I was so addicted to that show and everything stoppped for me when it was shown. I never had any problem with "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy" since these were already available on Deebeedeez.

I discovered "Ai" the time Fantasia Barrino won ( where our very own Jasmine Trias was top three ), it was Season 3; and then it was Taylor Hick's turn for Season 5.

Unlike "Betty La Fea" though, "Ai" can be viewed several times, on Channel 5, three slots on channel 35 and another repeat the day after in the morning. So I was able to adjust my schedule accordingly, hehehehehehehe.

The photos of finalists above are my top 10 choices. Sanjaya Malakar may be young (only 17) and inexperienced but this American-Bombay has a really more than life aura despite his reed thin, 5'10" frame, plus I am counting the Indian votes as well. And yes, he's got the voice! not powerful, but mesmerizing.

Antonella Barba is ooh lala, oh so... sexy! She ought to be in the movies (as her x-rated photos prove it, hehehehehe ). Not exactly a great singer but I think she can pull it off with her charm and nice vocal tone ( given the right songs).

My choices for the final four are:

Melinda Doolittle - nothing beats her voice. She's not pretty at all but I think she is coz she seems like a beautiful soul.

Jordin Sparks - she doesn't look exactly her age ( she's only 17 ) and she is great singer too and a very likeable, wholesome look. Every inch a star. except for some slight bulges ( but who cares! )

Blake Lewis - this beat boxer has a great, new voice. To me he sounds like the young "STING".

Chris Sligh - this guy's got a strong personality! enough to make him part of the fab four!

I hope my predictions are correct. Oh well, how would I know, I don't even vote!

For more of these, check this internationally popular website of a pinoy-born writer, Rickey Yaneza. his website is www.rickey.org

ONE REALLY COLD FEBRUARY NIGHT.....

2007-02-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

I love the February weather this year and one night was really very very cold ( was it February 5?)
Ces and I went out to BF Homes since it felt right to go out and have coffee, beer or anything we can make excuse of just to go out on a cold night. BF is a manna from heaven for the "Southern" peeps. It has everything - cafés, restaurants of all kinds ( Jap, Korean, Italian, French, German, Chinese ), tianggés, banks, Mercury Drugstore ( and Watson's too ). The best thing here is you can wear your slippers and sando and nobody would mind!

It was "feeling nasa Baguio". We ate at "KUYA's", its beside Sinangag Express along Aguirre Road.

I had my favorite - champorado! with daing! I ordered fried egg on the side but it was the size of itlog ng pugo!

They also have malagkit with haliya and it really tastes great. Of course, there's coffee!
Barako coffee at its best. I kinda got tired of Starbucks because last Christmas, I was there practically every night for my caffeine addiction, plus the planners. I got five during the season!

It was a wonderful pajama night with my stray "tisoy" doggie friend there and the cat too, with the two underpaid foodservers treating us like kings, hehehhehe. They became our friends too. I promised them I'd pay them extra when I decide to put up my own Café beside KUya's. You're right, I'll call my Café Manong or Ate, or Ankol whatever, mwahahahahaha!

A very different night, very relaxing.... for a change, I didn't have my slacks and barong, much less a suit after a long while and I loved it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2007-02-15T23:52:00.000-08:00

I know. It sounds ridiculous I am greeting all of you a Happy New Year when its mid-February!

Oh well, that's life in the wedding biz, we are so loaded with work from December to January and most of us only get to celebrate and party in February. Oh well, at least I am still fine greeting you Happy New year because the Chinese New Year is here - so Kung Hei Fatchoy! hahahahahahahaha!

This greeting sounds like its really meant for me and my relatives - sounds much like "Ikaw ay Tabachoy", mwahahaahhahaha!

I am glad to be back "blogging". I just couldn't blog so much the last few months due to heavy backlogs. My PC caught a virus - I was dead! It was like starting all over again - a new (virtual) life, as I retrieved files and make new ones. And it was such a tall order! Tinkling the computer keyboard was my only form of exercise!

Plus it was a very busy Christmas for me and AWP as well. "Bawal magkasakit" was our motto. We were able to make it through, such that when we were no longer busy, all the body aches etcetera surfaced, argh!

But of course now I am soooo ok. The feeling is much like after the finals and summer takes in.
What made me happy last Christmas? Here's some of them:

> Went to Tagaytay maybe five times for gigs. Enjoyed the gigs but more so the cold weather. It was so cold and.... so windy! Lost my voice there but the sleep overs were a welcome treat.

> Got a Christmas Card from my one and only kiddo - Angela. How sweet, she is finally getting the knack for writing. I drank loads and loads of Starbucks and gave her one of five planners I got. She made a diary out of it. Gosh, she's finishing highschool in March and she's turning 18 in May. Waahhhhh! I am getting old - don't wanna turn 32!

> A couple whose wedding I hosted last year or two years ago sent me a letter via Jody Liwanag of Events Experts ( their coordinator ) and I was so touched!

It is very seldom nowadays to receive "hard copy" Christmas greetings with the advent of cell phones and e-mails. Mr. and Mrs. Giacnocavo even sent along a "kisses" candy cane. I had to wait unti January 15 though since chocolate is bad for the voice. Above was what's left of the cane!

Also thanks so very much to the tons of kilos of dark chocolates from Janele and Joseph. And the answering machine! Whew! How do you install it? Waahhhh. If you're reading this, I got to wear the turtleneck shirt! Thanks to Tagaytay and the nice weather.

My funniest Christmas Story:

Since I really avoided chocolates, I reserved this whitey teddy bear chocolate giveaway I got from one wedding. I even scheduled a date to eat it so it wouldn't affect my voice. The day arrived.

Argh! Waaaahhhh! It wasn't chocolate!!!!! It was soap! Almost puked when I tasted it! Napamura talaga ako! Waahhh!

It surely smelled like chocolate and it surely looked like one especially when it was still in the clear plastic with ribbons!

Karma daw kc di naman ako guest ang hilig kong mag-uwi ng giveaway. HAHAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!
Yun Lang!

2006-08-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!

Here's one facet of me I want to share with all of you.
I am a sculptor - nyikes!

Actually I am into clay art.

If you call "pinching" as sculpture, then I am definitely a sculptor, heehehehehheehe.

I have long been fascinated with figures. And I had a very relaxing time with this craft. I got rid of my tense moments - found a way to make something positive of my time instead of sulking on one corner when not feeling too well.

I believe in my works you will realize I am a kid talaga at heart. :)

Simply click the pic on the left to get to my other world. Enjoy!

Ohma Gosh Ym on W@W!!!!!

2006-06-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

I made this personal shrine simply because I want my thoughts written. With a thousand and one things in my mind, I simply could just forget what could possibly be a great idea.

I am a man of many hats. Writing is one of them. I love writing. I guess I am a creative writer by heart. I was never confident about this side of me, not until I passed a job interview with flying colors. My entry point in the corporate world was as a creative writer and how could that happen!

Maybe because I also knew desktop publishing. I could write the brochure's copy and design the layout myself. Or perhaps I also knew video production and event production and it served its purpose. Talk about multi-tasking. They pay one man for a five-man team.

I sat on a clerical chair when I started. When I was promoted, I had a manager's chair. And then another manager's chair with a higher backrest.

An asshole once asked me while caressing my chair: "What did you have do to deserve this chair?" Pissed, I answered: "Honey, you simply have to sing well, as in really really well...."

I was so surprised with my answer. Come to think of it, they didn't just use my technical and professional capabilities. This company also used my musical artistry not just for its corporate anthem productions but also for their anniversaries and socials. I would sing and they would listen.

Can't help but feel uneasy but I guess my singing indeed helped my corporate career, among a lot of other things. I have come to believe that things revolve around my love for singing. I discovered my knack for writing since I wanted to write poems to turn them into songs. I discovered public speaking since I knew I would be more effective as a singer if I knew how to talk comfortably in front of people. I studied hard in school because I didn't want to be a dumb singer. I had to learn other things because I didn't want to be a "hungry artist" - I had to have fallbacks. I became more personable because of my singing career, thus it opened many new doors for me. As a singer, I have been able to meet a whole gamut of personalities, go to places where ordinary mortals could only ever dream of. It also gave me the worst days of my life, the scariest of nightmares; and yet it also made me bounce back into new and far better phases in life. I feel justified. I am humbled.

Now that I am what others would call an "Entrepreneur", I don't even sit on a chair anymore when I work. I sit on the floor, yoga style, as I type now. I have been doing this for quite sometime, not because I knew how relaxing this position would be. It was actually by accident - I must have broken three chairs already and didn't want to break another one! Don't blame my weight pleazzze! I move a lot while seated, that's why! Reasons.... reasons.... :)

I therefore don't need a chair to justify my existence. I can be just as creative, perhaps even more, sitting on the floor. Whew, I realize just now that I certainly look like a Buddah tinkling the keyboards, imagine that. Woahhhh!

I am a more confident person now than I ever was, now that I have come to terms with myself and my surroundings. The world around you really has a way of knocking you down flat on your face if you allow yourself to be trampled on. I simply refused to.

Oh well, sometimes you simply have to believe in what people think of you, of what you can be capable of doing, of what you can be capable of achieving. There is a way to juggle other people's opinion about you and your own honest knowledge about yourself and your capabilities and turn this into something for your own good.

People amidst are in effect mirrors of who we are, regardless of whether you are friends with these people or you simply hate their guts, or vice versa. The most important thing is you become more aware of who you are and nothing can ever break your spirit. For you are your own man and you own your world.

But hey! this blogspot is now on W@W. Wow! Such an invasion of privacy! Heheheehhehe. It's about time, really.

So peeps from all over the globe, let's be friends! Here I am, the newer, updated version of the renaissance man of the past century. Oops, we are now in the new century. Now I understand.

HAR HAR HAR HAR!!!!!!!

2006-03-29T10:29:00.000-08:00

It's 2:44, March 30, 2006. I sang the birthday song for myself when the clock stroke 12! Para akong sira. Sabagay, may pagka-krung krung naman talaga ako.

Kinareer ko na itong blog ko, enjoy kc eh. Dami lang dapat ayusin sa fonts and spacing. Antok na ko, papa-spa pa ko bukas, syempre birthday ko no!

Teka gawa muna ako wishlist:

1. To go to London next year to represent the Philippines in the Jazz Vocal Competition

2. To be able to get na that condo unit in QC- Morato area;

3. To be sexier this year, kahit magparetoke, hahahahahha!

4. To go to Macau, Guam and Hongkong this year;

5. To perform in Las Vegas, Nevada;

6. To finally have time to go to the dentist for a new whiter teeth;

7. To open a hole-in-the-wall artist café;

8. To be able to buy a second-hand super carry for my "tiangge" life;

9. To help some kids to school;

10. I wish myself good health, prosperity and happiness!!!!

MY BIRTHDAY SONG at 40:"IN MY LIFE"

( originally sung by the Beatles, but I like my own poignant version and Patti Austin's too )

There are places I remember

All my life though some have changed...

Some forever... not for better

Some have gone... and some remained

All these places have their moments

For people and friends that went before...

I know I'll often stop and think about them...

In my life, I loved them all....

But of all these friends and lovers...

There is no one that compares with you...

And these memories lose their meaning...

When I think of love as something new...

Though I know 'll never ever lose affection

With lovers and friends I still can recall...

I know I'll often stop and think about them...

But in my life...

I'ved loved you more...

In my life... I've loved you more....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

As March 30 sets in....

2006-03-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

"Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are" so goes this overused quotation. With new terms and levels of friendship analyzed to fit this new world, this quote may no longer hold true right? Well I guess not if your intentions are genuine enough.

I have plenty of friends, of varying degrees, from all walks of life, of different shapes and sizes, some are very rich while some are from the streets ( nagugulat sila minsan pati taong grasa kaibigan ko, heheheehehe ). Some have spots and some are alcogel-clean. I want to be friends with everyone - they who also have genuine hearts like what I believe I have. As a-matta-a-fact, two of my best friends are dogs! Well, what's wrong with a pig having dogs as friends anyway, hahahahahahaha!

There were plenty of times I needed friends to run to in times of need. I instilled into myself that whatever support I got, I would give it back in return, not necessarily to the same person. I enjoyed the movie "Paying Forward"? for it reflected a facet of what friendship meant to me.

I want to focus this blog on my Angel's Wink Family. We go a long way. Almost all of us met and worked at Cap Phils., Inc. - yes, the pre-need company in dire straits, thanks to GMA's politicking. I was in the corporate communications department and Cesar, Love, Tita Angie (Mamsie), Sarah, Abet, Juvy and Ellen were part of the sales force. A different sales force because we enjoyed music and theater in that company.

They were choir members, quartet group, dance teams, actors and actresses. My team handled their conventions and presentations and surely we easily connected, although I was outwardly 'neutral' then since theirs was just one of the four major groups from all over the country.

Come to think of it, Beth Figuro did special projects too with the company ( she was with DSL Productions who supplied equipment for us ) and she would sway in and out of our floor for presentations. And yes, Elaine and Stella (singer-hosts) who were lounge singers like me had guested on some CAP Foundations too!

We also have bunsos: John Lee-Llacer, a kababayan and was also part of CAP ( CAP Health ) is now busy making moolah in real estate ( kaya ayaw na rumaket sa AWP, heheheehe ); Erica, my niece who is also our bridal fair's "signature model"; and Fiona, Love's seven-year old (?) daughter. Yes, she is a kabarkada. And of course my daughter Angela, who will now go on-training this summer. Atom may be older than the kids but he is also our bunso - sexy version ni Paulo Clemente and ang galing din mag-host!

Nga pala, kung may bunso, may senior citizen din pala kami, si Tita Angie!!!!!! Nye-nye-nye-nye! We love her dearly and glad she is with us. Siyempre, iba na ang may karanasan.... saan? Hahaahahahhahaa! She also happens to be born the same date as my Mom - March 25. She is our feisty Hot Mama.

I am glad we are a group. We were just enjoying ourselves then and when Ces and I decided to offer coordination services, we never had a difficult time getting people to help us through. For after all, these friends of ours are not just your ordinary sales people. They are the best and had the best training. They have organizational skills and team work knowledge plus their exposure to those grandiose productions we staged for years and years at CAP is something we could have full use of in our event company

We are very comfortable with each other and it reflects on our work. We are the original "jologs" long before the term was coined.We are just happy to be together, period. To be able to meet up and work at the same time, what an added bonus! Libre chicha na ( anyenye! ) may bonding sessions, courtesy of our dear clients, hahahahahaha!

I thank you guys for the friendship and I really am very glad to be part of your lives. You bring me joy and happiness and I am grateful for the opportunity. Get ready na for Baguio and Boracay!!!!!!

TRIBUTE TO SIR CES

Most of all, I would want to have a special portion here for someone since he insisted. Kidding aside, If there is one thing I am very thankful for, it is having met this brilliant guy who had been so helpful in bringing AWP where it stands now. Around 1998? I was beginning to have difficulties attending to all the wedding and other inquiries. It didn't even occur to me then nga that I will be into this full time. Anyway, I couldn't handle my schedule, follow up, etc anymore unlike when it just came in trickles but around this time it was flooding. Heelllp!

I needed someone to represent me na and since our subject, Cesarlito "Ces" Borromeo Aglipay, had very good sales background, I knew he could sell a big man and tell them he is sexy. Ako yun. hahahahahaha!

Little did we know that we would be going full time into production and events. We are even producing two successful bridal fairs annually ( "Power Weddings" every February and "Weddings... Get Set... Go!" in October, both at Rockwell )

I do not hide the fact that I have short temper most times and Ces neutralized everything. I could concentrate on my creative spins and marketing plans and I was sure he would implement all these very well. He talked to clients the way I never could. I simply cannot sell myself. Feeling ko kc I am worth my weight in gold, hahahahahaha!

And he sold me like a pimp! In no time I was a CURACHA as in walang pahinga. I've never been so gratified. Well, for one, magaling talaga talent niya, ako yun. Mwahahahahahaha!

As a friend, Ces taught me some basic values which I never would have learned if he was not the one who inducted me into them. He must have have been an angel sent from up above. I did the roller coaster ride and he made me stabilize myself and simply enjoy life's simple pleasures. Feeling ko tuloy parang when I met him, nare-hab ako, hahahahahahaha!

He made me learn how to use money well and he gave me wise investment options. He is my finance and investment man. I wouldn't have been able to save were it not for his control over money matters. This guy is a genius. Any takers? I guarantee 100%. Call me, ako naman ang agent niya, bwahahahahahaha!

Ces, if you are reading this, thanks so much for being my kasangga. Salamat sa iyong ginintuang puso. Nawa'y biyayaan ka ng Maykapal ng gintong mga ngipin pagtanda mo. Haahhahahahahahaha! O ayan, supermega puri na ako sa yo oha! Pengeng kape! Bwahahahahhahaha! Yun lang.

FRIENDS I MISS

My CAP Friends: Mrs. Lilia Reyes, Mam Estrelle, Egay & Cecille and Winston, pati na rin si Mam Lerms...
My highschool friends - Benjie, Danny, Allan, Carol, Francis, Floteo, Imelda, Dennis etc
My college friends - Karl & Jeni, Dr. Jessie Solis, Jess Yalung ( R.I.P. ),
My "Lounge years" friends - Joey Bautista and ex-wife, Ate Jean, Ruby and the Pulse regulars

PLACES I MISS:

Baguio, Ticao Island in Masbate, Cebu, Davao, Boracay, My quaint office room in CAP, Yung carinderia beside CAP, Project 6 the way it used to be.... Cafe Adriatico... ano pa ba

Things I miss: Jopay the old white car, Camel cigarette, the old sofa in our Bulacan Haus.... LOLA FELY!

As the month of March ends..... PART 2

2006-03-27T07:18:00.000-08:00

My Forty Years: A Summary in Pictures

Pictures... pictures.... pictures.... Got loads of them. I am admittedly burara but surprisingly when it came to things that matter to me pala, I have them all in one bodega - my little room, Yes it may look like a bodega but it is in my little room where my creativity becomes endless, my best works and concepts materialized there. Oops, I am here now in this little room. My PC is here too and I squat on the floor now after breaking too many chairs. Geez! I got it all here! Even the tooth which I pulled myself! hahahahahahaha!

My Lola Nene ( Clemente ) had tons and tons of photo albums for her to showoff how life had been good to her and her family. I didn't know then that what she was doing was called documentation. I was glad to digitalize the pictures hoping all these memories can be kept alive forever. I want to show the pictures on this particular blog to share my life story as captured in camera as well as some special places, events and people who made quite a mark on who I am today.

I thank my Dad and Mom for bringing me into this mad mad world. How I wished though that my Lolo Titong ( Papang's Dad ) were still alive today for it would have certainly made a big difference in our lives. He died when I was only about 10 years old but my memory of his being a great man still lingers. Now that I am 40, I have this stinking feeling I got more than my share of his traits, among which are my zest for life, my being a dreamer ( and making dreams a reality ), and my being a responsible parent I guess. I hope though I would not have his 'Telly Savalas' head, at least not in the near future or none at all. I had the chance to know my maternal grandmother more, Lola Fely. She fought for her rights, very feisty. She lost her sight due to old age but her mind was still very brilliant. She gave her best shot 'til the very end until she finally left us just last year. That "nude statue" you see reminded me of the goodlife we had. It had weathered five generations and I am glad I still get to hold her once in a while. I must have thought she was a santo when I was little...

Straight from Marcopper Mines in Marinduque where I finished my highschool, I enrolled in U.P. College of Music, took voice, solfeggio and rudiments and had a brief stint with the world renown UP Concert Chorus, where I met some 'goodie two shoes' kind of guys who were auditoning for an a capella octet. Little did I know that this stint with the TUX would take a huge part in whatever 'music intelligence' I have now. We performed with only the best of the lot and my exposure to the production side of entertainment was cemented.More than these, it was like having enrolled myself in John Robert Powers for six years. Thanks to my Kuyas.

More than aiming for the stars, I went solo because of two things: I wanted to earn more ( no division by eight, :), and I wanted to prove I can make it on my own. Except that managers wouldn't touch me for they may have thought I knew I couldn't be fooled but I was actually very much willing to be used and abused, hehehehe.

Actually, unlike my elders who had good day jobs, I couldn't find one when I finished college because Tux was already all over the place and companies didn't think I could hack work while singing. So I did the lounges and did very well. I also produced my own shows and my own album. When I won over Rannie Raymundo, Side A, Bert Nievera and Artstart Band for the 1993 Awit Best Jazz Vocal Recording, I was happy na even when my album didn't make much money, hahahahahha!

I just wished I was in the era of 'Star In A Million' where winners got loads of prizes. But in my time I won the prestigious OPM-Fe S. Panlilio Scholarship for Professional Singers. Too bad the prize was only P15,000. Arggh!

But life really has a way of balancing things and if you listen closely to your spirit, it has a way of letting you know which road to turn. At one point I got burned out. I took rest then from there I simply followed the whisper...

I had a day job! Held on to it for six years while only making myself available on weekends. Gee I really enjoyed having a different life and succeeding in another field. I ended my stint there knowing fully well I gained so much more. I learned Corporate Communications and became a specialist.

But looking back now, God put me there more than anything else so I can have the after-office hours spent exclusively for my daughter Gela who was growing up fast. Good Lord Gela grew up nicely despite the odds. She possesses inner strength and I let her grow up to be a sweet survivor. I was able to put her to a good school and I couldn't ask for more. She is my greatest achievement.

As the month of March ends..... PART I

2006-03-26T13:45:00.000-08:00

My birthday falls on March 30. I am gonna be a year wiser and I am glad I am still a cutiepie. Oh well... love your own. This is my blog and I couldn't care less about your own comments, tsura nyo lang, ahehehehehe.
I remember preparing my picfiles for my website and found it. Now it breathes here first. Actually pictures of myself from the time I was born up to the present.

Whoahhh.... now you know I was born with my eyebags and big eyes. Above is a montage of myself from zero age up to about 12 years old. YOUNG & INNOCENT YEARS. Cute ko grabeh! :)

Here's a picture montage of myself from age 12 to about 16. I can call it my HIGH SCHOOL / PROVINCIANO YEARS. Cute pa rin & kinda innocent pa rin , negro nga lang!

Sweet 16 to sexy 22 -TUX / COLLEGE YEARS : PAPAble talaga. Deliciously & salaciously cute! heheehhe! :)

From 22 to 32 thereabouts ( LOUNGE YEARS ) : PAPAngit na ata ng papangit, heheehehehe...

Now here is my picture montage from age 32 to present. I did a full circle from the artist type to corporate look, clean and suave. Part-time komedyante. Magician kaya next time para pati kids party i-raket na din. Di kaya matakot sa kin ang mga kids? heheheehehehe :)

When I joined weddings super full time in 2003, I kinda looked even more wholesome, mukhang pastor na nga eh! hehehehehe ( if they only knew.... anyenye! :)

When I turn 40 on March 30, I gotta have a new look. Oh maybe more on the shape. I wanna be... sexier ( asa pa kayo diyan, hehehehe ) Dr. Vicky!!!!

Finally, here on the left is a pic montage I made from the studio photos done for me by the great LEE LLAMAS ( www.leellamas.com ). He captured through his images my "New York State of Mind".

More of Charito & Badong - BABY PICS ETC

2006-03-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Badong is one lucky dog. He's much like a spoiled brat growing up and has all he wants. He loves Spaghetti from McDonalds and he took it from his Mom Charito. Charito knows if it is not from McDo. We would buy at Wendy's, Jollibee, KFC but Charito would know and she wouldn't finish it. Badong is less scrutinizing though and would lick Charito's leftover to the last string.

If there's one thing I don't like about Badong, he doesn't know how to "fold" his paws when he reaches up to me. Now my once flawless legs are full of scratches, grrrr. And he kisses like a maniac but I enjoy it when he kisses my ears to wake me up. He also ruined my walking shoes and poohed and peed in my computer room not just once. He also ruined the little black wooden chair I just newly bought. He got his share of some spankings, ako pa :). Oh well, kids are kids and now that he is already a young boy he doesn't do things like that anymore.

Charito on the other hand was more often than not prim and proper and kinda snooty. She is always neat and doesn't smell. She cleans her feet as if she were a cat. Oh she surely knows how to make me happy by simply looking into my eyes and tell me she loves me dearly. I also know if she's not feeling well. She also acknowledges that her Ate Gela is her señorita. She enjoys running after cats and I think she is a farm dog in nature. One thing I hate about Charito is... she goes crazy over mosquitoes and flies inside the house! ... as in lamok at langaw! I don't know if she abhors them. She runs after them like crazy and wouldn't stop til she gets to munch one. Yuck!

We were very protective of her being a dalaga and wanted her future assured by once "pimping" her to this very old but uber rich daschund of our friend who lived on the 12th floor of an exclusive condo but she would have none of it. She hated the old dog like hell! Little did we know she would end up with a stray village dog and simply howl like a seasoned streetgirl instead of protecting her.... and it was all over in seconds! I meant the howling. Haay... and of course the result was Badong. Yes, she only had one little doggie.

CAMERA-SHY CHARITO

For a while I really wondered why Charito became really scared at the mere sight of a camera. We really couldn't get a nice picture of her since she would really bow out of the scene.

But I remembered we left her all alone one rainy night outside the house and she must have seen a lightning! It's the flash of the camera that she must be fearing.

Somewhere here are pictures of Cha when she was only about three months old and she was still clueless about lightnings.

Guess what, I outsmarted her when I bought a new cellphone with a camera and got to take her pictures without knowing it! She thought I was just holding my cellphone, mwahahahahaha!

Great shots with her bitchy Mona Lisa smiles so obvious! Too bad I still don't know how to transfer the file from the cell to my PC since I think my cellphone needs a more elaborate transfer gadget than most Nokias. One day soon. For sure....

Angéla Francésca

2006-03-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

This is my one and only daughter, Angéla Mei Francésca.
Angéla because she was born 1989 and the name of Ms. Universe '89 is Angéla, accent on the 2nd syllable. Mei is the name her Mom added; actually a Hawaiian word that means pretty ('ata). Francésca from Kuh's daughter Isabella Francésca. I was busy with Kuh's Music Museum then.

We call her so many names - Gela, Gelay, Potski, Potskidoodles, Anggé, etc. depending on the mood. When I am mad, I call her GEEEEELLLLLAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahahaahhaa!

Of course I have a life but she must be the reason why I keep myself going. She gives me love that only she can give. I love this little girl of mine so much. I wouldn't be working hard were it not for her.

My only goal for Angéla is for her to be happy. She's sweet 16 na. I like her so much because like me, she can both be jologs and be sosi as the need arises.

O sige na nga, may pagkataklesa din 'tong batang to. May pinagmanahan ata, hehehe. Nakakabuwishet din minsan... ay, di lang pala minsan! MARAMING BESES!!!! Pero super love ko siya talaga. Cutipie eh! We are actually the best of friends more than I am her Dad and she my daughter thing.

In the picture, she's holding my doggie, Badong. Badong is actually Gela's pamangkin. Badong is the unico hijo of Charito, my other dog. Her full name is Charito Makahol. Charito is AWP's Security Guard, actually. I got Badong's name from my coffee friend who is tisoy but has short legs. Badong's full name is Salvador Makahol del Calle. Badong's dad kasi is asong kalye, pero sosyal na asong kalye ha, village boy ba, hehehehehehe.

Whew............

2006-03-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

All the while I thought I would be able to put something here immediately after our bridal event at Rockwell last Feb. 4 & 5 ( POWER WEDDINGS YEAR 2 ). I was still on a roll and before I knew, it is already March 20! 11 days to go will be my....... 40th birthday!

I felt kinda uncool when I turned 20 coz I was no longer a teenie. When I turned 30 I felt scared I was getting old! When I turned 32 I felt bad my age is no longer part of the calendar. Now that I am turning 40 on March 30, believe it or not, I feel..... GREAT!

I know exactly why I feel this way. It is because I know I am happy where I am now. I may have a few more wishes but I am fine where I am. I remember vividly when I was young that I dreamed to be a singer someday. At age 16 I became a pro with this group called TUX. I went solo in 1989 and I had my own share of glam and small triumphs. I was in a rut by 1995 but that gave me a chance to find other things I could do and I proved my worth in the corporate communications field... but little did I know that one day, I would be back doing what I love most... singing ( and of course hosting too)!!!

I am happy where I am for the following reasons: 1) I am not a "hungry artist" ( obvious ba? heheheehehe) ; 2) I never stepped on anyone at anytime to reach my goals; 3) I gave my best shot in everything I did and I learned and became wiser with all the not so good things that passed through my heart, body, soul, mind - I am still a complete person - my battles have been won and I am ready for whatever lies ahead; 4) I got to use all the things I learned and I am reaping the benefits today; 5) I am happy because I just never stopped learning, keep getting interested in a lot of things, I still keep dreaming! 6) I have a daughter who is smart and beautiful... and she loves me very much, warts and all; 7) I am happy because I have been able to give my daughter the best education I could possibly give her; 8) I am happier because I raised a happy child; 9) I am happy because I have a life! and finally, 10) I am happy because turning 40, I still look great! and when I said that, I wasn't facing a huge mirror.. just big enough for my face! hahahahahahaha!

So it is true LIFE BEGINS AT 40!!! Time to begin working out I guess and feel sexier. I have this stinking feeling I would need Dr. vicky someday soon... pero mahal ata... jogging na lang!!!

Finally......

2006-01-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hi there! It is 2:37 AM. Still awake. Got home past 12midnight from singer/actress Carol Banawa's wedding at Fernwood Gardens. I run up to my room and open my PC to check on e-mails especially these days. Our event, "POWER WEDDINGS" Year 2 is fast approaching ( Feb. 4 & 5 @ Rockwell Tent ) and there were loads upon loads of web-related things to do like answering back the mails of pre-registered soon-to-weds for the fair and uploading materials for the web....

Hwoahhhhhh! yahoo.com and hotmail.com wouldn't open!!!!!! Tried for the longest time and it still wouldn't open. Gosh, are they closing?!!!!! What's gonna happen to my messages?

It's a good thing sites other than the two were running. Opened my www.angelswink.biz website and 'twas working and opened John and Bennete's WeddingsAtWork.com as well for the latest "wedding news". That's it? I was expecting to be online til 5:00 am today and that's it? Hwoahhh!!! This isn't happening. Not this time when I'm on my 8th cuppacoffee.

There's gotta be something else to do. Think... think.... think....

Voila! Gotta make my blog. yes! I gotta make my blog! This is the moment Erik Santos!

You see, there's only so much I can put in my website. It is mainly a business-related site and I could only say so much.

My goal for my blog is simple: UPCLOSE & PERSONAL

Being a creative person, my mind is full of stories to tell and these have got to be shared and must be written while the essence is still alive. I mean, you know, might as well drink the coffee while it gives a burning sensation on my luscious lips. Haller, as if you are interested. Hahahahaha!

Well. you must be... you clicked your way here right? Maybe you were hoping to see some of my triple x photos and videos. Joke! Ei, come to think of it, why not coconut? Hahahahaha!

PAULOROTTI's CAFÉ is simply my cuppacoffee. My ramblings you can take or disregard it doesn't matter. What matters is I want to share my thoughts and there's a record of that to last beyond.... Urgh!

Okay... alright... my eyes are closing and i gotta close the PC before my eyes close first.
Cguro naman when I wake up okay na ang yahoo.

But that's after I am done with my first cuppacoffee for the day. In the toilet... while making circles o' smoke from my Winston. C yah!