Bragging and Claiming with rights.

Recently visiting our farm and lands in San Isidro, Roxas Oriental Mindoro brought a torrent of emotions in me. The place has always brought forth a sense of territorial pride. My great-great grandfather, Luis Cusi is one of the Pioneers, if not the first person in Roxas that used to be called Tikling unbeknownst to some people, even to our cousins. He was written in the history of our town. He was one of the people who established Roxas during the late 1800’s. I am a fifth-generation Cusi, the oldest family in Roxas Oriental Mindoro.

I remember when I was a little girl, people would ask me in jest, “how big is your land?” and I would answer tartly, “All around and as far as your eyes can see…” I was an arrogant, little brat ever since I can remember. Today, well, I still give the same reply. But then, I have every right to do so. My Papa was neither like the lofty hacienderos with cowboy hats in movies, shouting at their workers nor was he an absent landlord, only collecting the goods after the dirt. He was in every sense of the word, a farmer. A just, humble and fair man, sometimes too just, for our own good. He tilled those lands with his workers; his toes touched the mud, his skin burnt by the sun. He understood the language of the earth, her many moods. HE OWNED THOSE LANDS. And unlike others with such misplaced sense of entitlement, he owned those lands, intertwining his life, our lives to that very soil.

He owns those lands not just by family name, inheritance or worst of it all, by marriage; but by every sweat, blood and sacrifice.

A sense of pride only my sisters and I and most of all, our heir Joshua Cyrus PEREZ can claim. And understand.

Guest Judges Kami!

Paolo was the guest judge in our town fiesta for the streetdance competiton. I was overwhelmed by the kids’ performances! They were at par with the other fiestas in major cities around the Philippines.
I was the guest judge together with ate Rina for an Eco Fashion Show. Feeling project runway ang drama. Hahaha! So fun!

Yason ricemill

Josh and I went to Pao’s family ricemill. Josh loved the baby pigs so much, he wanted to keep one. =)
More photos at http://isabel03.multiply.com/

SWIMMING!!!

I with Josh, Pao and ate Rina went swimming at the Dangay beach. I love swimming during sunrise while sipping rice coffee, so rustic. We ended up swimming in the pool instead because the beach waters are not as clean as they used to be because of the newly opened port. Roxas is so different these days than before. Now that the port to Caticlan going to Boracay has been opened, Roxas became a tourist spot of some sorts. It’s now a busy tourist destination with lots of police checkpoints and souvenir shops. I must admit, it saddens me a bit. Roxas is a secret place for me, I always consider myself a city girl but when I’m in my Roxas, I am home. A rustic, charming little town where everyone knows everyone…somehow, I still want it that way.

Off to the Municipal Hall

Paolo and I were accompanied by Ate Rina and nanay Hedy at the Municipal hall to get our marriage license, since we are both originally from Roxas. It was indeed an experience! Many couples dread the paperworks but we enjoyed it. It was very touching that a lot of people root for our "loveteam" hehehe. =)

Help a Child

Paolo brought me and Josh to the Gelacio Yason Foundation farm school, his father built. One of the many things he was able to establish during his time as the most-loved mayor of Roxas. I felt such pride and contentment knowing that the name I will be taking in less than two months is a name that brought about so many positive changes in the lives of countless people. I have always been a proud Perez, not many people know their history and can trace back their ancestors from five generations. I am proud about my family, my name and for so many reasons and I am glad that I will be taking in my new name with the same level of pride.
If you want to sponsor a child for less than PhP 500 a month, PLEASE DO. You can help a child’s future for the better. For more info, please email pdyason@globetel.com.ph or yasonp@yahoo.com

Arriving in Roxas

We just got back from Roxas Oriental Mindoro. I enjoyed so much. We were able to squeeze in so many things for just five days. I suppose I enjoyed the town fiesta as much as the time I was Ms. Roxas, maybe even more. We stayed at our relatives’ resthouse, a sprawling estate. It was such a delight staying at their guest house and Ate Nene Manalo is a very wonderful hostess.

Roxas Trip!

I’m so excited to go back to our hometown in Oriental Mindoro. It’s been almost five years since my last visit. This will be a mini-vacation for me and my family. Paolo is excited as well since it’s the town fiesta and we have so many activities lined up for the few days we’ll be staying there. Kuya Josh is so thrilled as well to swim in the beach. We will have a very early despedida de soltera at Pao’s family rice mill and we’ll have our first pre-nup pictures taken. I think Pao has more engagements to attend to but I’m just glad I’m in for the ride. I’m ready to re-charge and go back to the basics.

My Profile Shots

I don’t think my shots looked a lot like my usual self. But, what the heck, I had fun.

cuuuuuuuute!!!

My baby niece, Cheskapooh in heels. Guess whose bright idea that was? ;)

Manang-mana kay mama aizza.

busted!

I was pissed off when Pao and I got stopped by the traffic cops at exactly 12 noon (hmmm) just around the time we were to meet our cake designer. By just looking at them, I highly doubt that they habitually miss their lunch due to their conscientious public service. I’m more annoyed by the fact that the cops were so rude and it was just so obvious that they were “power-tripping”. There was no sign that says “one way”, so we wouldn’t know even if our lives depended on it. We should be the ones complaining. Such a waste of Filipinos’ taxes, these people (Big, spruced-up bikes, orange shirts ? jackets in the tropics...). It was just a bit too suspicious that they were 4 in the group and it was a busy time at the main Taft road but they were hanging around the small street, seemingly waiting for unsuspecting victims. I was so ready to argue and Paolo knowing my innate distrust with these people (and my lack of patience) decided to just go out of the car and straighten out the situation. I know that there are a few good men out there. I still hope, but such circumstances make me more cynical. I felt so angry yet so helpless, I just took pictures. What more can we do?

charming...

I haven’t written for a long time because apart from my laptop disaster and everything in between, I have been busy dabbling (more like wrestling) with my jewelry-making tools. Making accessories is one of my fave past times and since I am semi-obsessed with bag charms; I decided to make my own. I was able to come up with these babies and accessories enough to last until the next year of the ox... I’m just glad I have some sort of creative outlet these days.

CBTL with mama

I had a great time bonding with mama in trinoma. We went shopping for shoes and had tea latte in CBTL afterwards. I think we should do that more often, just the two of us. Although, it was a bit trying since she kept asking me every 20 seconds about the calorie content of my fave drink and how fattening it was. I felt 10 pounds heavier after that tea break...

Team Mulan

I was watching cartoons this morning and chanced upon Mulan. I’ve watched it a couple of times already but it is just now that made me wonder about something. I always see little girls liking all the Disney princesses. I remember, we were in Disneyworld last year and I saw these entire princess characters except for Mulan. I was collecting those Disney pins but I had a hard time looking for the Pocahontas and Mulan pins. They were very limited.
It’s perfectly understandable that the appeal of these Disney princesses is stronger than that of a more “cultural” Mulan or Pocahontas. I would dare say because maybe of the ethnic element. It makes me sad though that in this time and age, little girls would rather look up to these fairytale princess bimbos who do nothing but talk to animated squirrels or teacups and wait for their prince to come over these two strong and beautiful characters. I can’t for the life of me, understand the proliferation of “mean girls” in any tween movie and its strong appeal, making it seem cool and fashionable to be a biotch. I’m neither a stout feminist nor a Daria. I’m actually one of the girliest people I know. I like any fairytale just like the next girl, I even love Barbie. Although today, I realized one thing: Someday when I have my little girl, my little Sayuri, I would make her watch Mulan first over the other Disney cartoons so that it will be her bar, her standard. And make her understand that is perfectly fine to be a princess…but it is even better to be your own hero.

long reflections...

I’ve been accompanying Paolo for the last three days on his various social functions and shindigs. I was content observing and watching from the sideline for a change. It made me realize how much we evolved for the last five years. I was reminded again how different we are. Nowadays, I’ve learned to tone down a bit; dress down more often and take things easy. He, on the other hand, learned how to wear loose jeans among his biggest feats.

Time and circumstances softened me a bit, taught me to appreciate our differences and how we balance each others’ quirks without negating the other. I’ve always loved my own space; I have two bedrooms for crying out loud. Although I’m quite affectionate, I have a very structured sense of space.
I’m not at all comfortable in a large group of people, I get shy and I tend to slip somewhere more private. My sisters know this for sure since I’m usually the one inside a room when there is a party outside. I keep to myself that sadly gives the impression that I’m a “snob.” I work better one on one or at least in a smaller group. =) Pao, on the other hand, grew up a Politician’s son who is so used to many people and very much at home in a full house.
HE can shut off the world without shutting off the noise.
I used to feel so embarrassed and foolish when I show up on our dates or when I accompany him to his events dressed to the nines while he’s wearing his no-fail slippers. Growing up, I never noticed it since I’m surrounded by a mom and three older sister who love dressing up.

I’m emotional and very affectionate. I come from a demonstrative family who cries and is not afraid to show it. My sisters and I say I love you everyday and annoy each other often. We are sweet and expressive with our feelings.
He, on the other hand is so frustratingly laid-back. Too methodical in fact on his ways. His patience may be a virtue but too much so proves to be a bane for me….
While he is the most simple and “un-vain” person that I know of, I bask in the aesthetics. I love making people and my surroundings beautiful. I like to think I got my modest interior designer skills from my mom. Paolo, I truly believe cannot differentiate Mauve from Lilac if his life depends on it.

I’m sadly a bit snooty, proud with my ways; unfortunately, rarely wielding outside my set standards. I get annoyed easily by incompetence, rudeness and too much familiarity.
Paolo is the most humble, simplest, warmest, most endearing and patient man that ever graced my existence. He is flexible and forgiving.
He has this rare quiet and genuine kindness that only a few can master since it is but natural. I’m fastidious and particular with my endeavors while to my exasperation, he is too accommodating to a fault. We try. But through the years, we realize, it’s not about compromise or giving in…it’s more about acceptance.
Yet, I am marrying the man.
Because loving someone shouldn’t be about the similarities that unite us. It is our commitment, our promise, our readiness, our willingness and our determination to make it work. I know it will be difficult yet I also know it will be worthwhile.
…and these differences actually are the best parts of our story.