Inked and Loving It

After 3-4 years of planning, researching, and waiting for the proper timing, I have finally crossed out another item from my bucket list. I finally got inked.
 
Last April 26, 2014, while my parents were enjoying their Marian pilgrimage in Europe, I mustered enough courage to finally get my first tattoo. It was a tattoo of my all-time favorite creature - the mythical phoenix. The tattoo was a colored one. It was about 5-6 inches in length and was placed on my upper back which spread a little along my spine. It was done by Ms. Katz Lorenzana at 55Tinta Tattoo Shop along Maginhawa St. in Quezon City.
 
Funny, but it really took me 3-4 years to plan for it. The first stage was thinking about the design. This was an easy step as I've always wanted a phoenix. Why? There are several reasons. A phoenix symbolizes resurrection - "to rise up from one's own ashes". I can proudly say that I am a survivor. I have been through several challenges in my life (personal and in my career) and was fortunate to survive it (with God's help of course). Another thing with the phoenix. This mythical creature is the highest form in my astrological hierarchy (i.e. Scorpion - Eagle - Phoenix). At the back of the phoenix was a Celtic sun. I have always been fascinated by Celtic designs, and just as the phoenix rises from its ashes, the sun always shines everyday.
 
Second stage in my planning was to research about the tattoo artist and a reputable tattoo shop nearby that can execute the style that I want. I was lucky enough to find a female tattoo artist – Katz Lorenzana - who's very good with line works and outlines, and very good in colors as well. I must admit that I was mesmerized when I first saw my tattoo design on the computer. I immediately loved how the colors worked together. And I loved it more after Katz executed it on my skin. There’s a difference between seeing it on screen, and seeing it on your own skin. And I loved both. Katz Lorenzana also has that light touch (i.e. in Filipino, we call it "magaan ang kamay") that made my 1st tattoo experience a non-traumatic one. I cannot say that it was totally painless. The longer strokes which hit the more bony areas (near my shoulder blades) made me cringe a little, but overall the 3-hour session was very bearable (bragging aside, I even dozed off during those times when the tatt was being shaded). To compare, my bikini/brazilian waxing sessions were more painful than my tattoo session. For the tattoo shop, I initially chose 55Tinta because it was near my home. I was a bit hesitant at first, because I had an initial impression that people in tattoo shops were snooty, but I was proven wrong when I went into 55Tinta. The staff was accommodating and friendly – from my initial email inquiry, to my 1^st shop visit, and until the day of my tattoo schedule. I had several revisions of my design but they were professional and attentive to my ideas. It was like discussing my ideas with a friend. The vibe inside 55Tinta was also super A-OK. The shop smelled like fresh soap. One would think he/she entered a spa, instead of a tattoo parlor. The airconditioning was a bit cold, but hey, I would rather have it that way than no aircon at all. They also had this wide screen television and a wide array of video selections. My cousin and my friend who accompanied me did not get bored as they enjoyed watching videos during the 3-hour session. Pricing was also reasonable. The price they charged was worth the design, the size and the colors scheme applied to my tattoo. I inquired from another known tattoo shop, and the price they gave me was way higher than 55Tinta.
  
Now you may have noticed that I have mentioned “waiting for the proper timing” in my first paragraph. This is the toughest part. I have to wait for a couple of things. I have to wait till I have saved enough for the tattoo, as this is an additional cut to my already-constrained budget. And the biggest timing issue – waiting for my parents to leave for their pilgrimage trip in order for me to get inked. Yes I’m in my 30’s, have my own work, and even have a son. But in a conservative family like mine, having my uber conservative Dad around while I’m getting inked will be an added stress factor. I had to wait till they have finalized their travel pilgrimage plans and scheduled my tattoo session on the 1^st weekend they are away. There is no other date but that date. Having my tattoo done last April 26 would allow 2.5 weeks for my tattoo to undergo healing, so that by the time my folks arrive (2^nd week of May) my tattoo has already passed the critical stage of healing (i.e. 1^st 2 weeks). Talk about “Patience is a virtue” and “Timing is everything”. What would I do once they arrive and discovered my tattoo? Perhaps, I’ll just smile. I’ve made more infamous decisions in the past so I think the tattoo would just be a venial sin as compared to the more grave ones I’ve done before. *evil grin*…>:-)
  
Overall, I can say that my first tattoo experience was an awesome one. I am also thankful to God (and St. Pio my favorite saint) as I also prayed to them to keep me safe during the tattoo session, and to please give me a high threshold for pain on that day. I have no regrets in getting inked. My design was meaningful to me, is well-thought of, not blasphemous nor offensive. The location is decently and discreetly located. And my intention for having one was more of a personal statement bound by commitment than just being a fashion or beauty mark.  :-)

(L) Stencil of the Tattoo (R) Finished product

 

Healing slowly but surely... the tattoo after 1 week.

Project 365: Feb. 21, 2011 (day052): Dad's Senti Side

Today was a continuation of yesterday's digging into old stuff, pictures, greeting cards, and the like. Today I was able to see that a man (like my Dad) can have a sentimental side. I dug into the box of memorabilia, and found that my Dad had kept most, if not all, of the greeting cards we gave him. Knowing that my Dad has a stone-cold exterior, the sight of those greeting cards kept in his memorabilia box was really touching. :D

Project 365: Feb.12, 2011(day043): A Matter of Time

Several things happened today which could all be related to time. First, I was a buzzer beater in my one-day Natural Editing class. The class was scheduled at 2PM. I arrived at 1:57PM. Thank God, the instructor was still wrapping up the discussion for the class before ours. I still had time to breathe and setup my stuff, but not eat. Yes, it was only then that I realized I haven't eaten lunch yet due to a late breakfast at 10AM. Second, an officemate sent me text message requesting me to send him 300 worth of eLoad (yup.. eLoading is one of my "rakets" in the office.. :-D) to be paid on Monday. Since I was still in class when the message got in, I wasn't able to see and respond right away. I was able to read the message about 9:30PM (message got in at around 4PM). Sheesh, 5hrs late. Thank God, my officemate is very patient and still waited for me. Third, my brother joked (not sure though if it's half-meant) that he still has feelings for his ex-Gf, even if he's in a new relationship now. Knowing my brother well, I told him that perhaps, he hasn't completely moved on. Perhaps, even if they have separated ways several months ago, time hasn't completed yet his closure process. Oh well... everything revolves around time... *sigh*...

Project 365: Feb.07, 2011 (day038): Half-Full Half-Empty

There are just those days when one feels so-so. Today is one of those days for me. Similar to the glass of water, I try to remain "half-full" instead of "half-empty". But I guess life does not always make us feel that we are full to the brim. Sometimes in the emptiness and weariness, one tries to stop, and think things over. *sigh*. Perhaps this is my fever and sore throat speaking. Hope tomorrow I'll feel better.

Project 365: Jan. 18, 2011 (day018): Bad Pajamas

We were at the mall (SM Hypermart) last weekend to shop for our usual grocery items. Since I finished ahead of my mom, I had the chance to visit the kids section where a couple of kiddie clothes are on sale. I noticed that there were pajamas on sale - 3 pairs of pajamas pants for about 230 pesos. Hmmm.. Not bad, knowing that the fabric was similar to fleece material. I got one set and paid at the counter. This evening, I asked Zion to wear one of the 3 pairs, and noticed that it had the design above. I am not sure who the cartoon character was, but the caption was definitely eye-catching - "Born to be Bad". Well.. If you'll ask me, as a mom, a little naughtiness is tolerable (Zion falls under this category, anyway). But I hope he won't live up to the design of his pajamas - "Born to be Bad".. :-D

Project 365: Jan.14,2011 (day014): Choices and Crayons

About a few minutes ago, after eating dinner, I helped my 4-year old son with his homework. It involved coloring. I brought out his set of crayons and noticed that there were those colors that are very much used, and those that were obviously untouched. I asked my son's "opinion" as to why he thinks there are those colors that were untouched. I asked him if those colors were ugly or too dark (though I know 2 of the untouched colors were shades of orange). He simply answered, "panget yung colors na yan para sa akin..." (i.e. to me, those colors were ugly / not appealing). Nice to know that my son is starting to have his own choices. It is nice to know that at his young age, he knows what he likes and not. :-)

Discernment

My prayer today:

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"..dear God, You have closed a window so that i may see things from bigger and better doors. please grant me the wisdom and discernment to know which door would lead me and Zion to happiness and a brighter tomorrow..."
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Hoping and praying that the right door opens up. Hoping and praying that God will give me a sign if it is indeed the right door for me and my son. :-)

The Value of Vigilance

Due to typhoon Basyang, classes were suspended today in the elementary and high school levels. Unfortunately, not all the universities and colleges in the metro were able to announce right away whether or not they will continue with their daily schedule today. My brother's school (I won't mention it in this blog) was one of those schools.

Since my brother will be having a major exam today, he woke up early and got dressed despite the blackout. He was already having trouble because the LRT Line2 was not operational due to the massive blackout. There were not much FX's either, so he had to take the long route via the EDSA buses. On his way to school, a classmate sent him an SMS message informing him that classes had been suspended. He was at the vicinity of my Dad's office when the text message came in, so he decided to drop by and stay for a few hours in my Dad's office. After an hour or two, he decided to leave the office and head back home. My Dad's messenger accompanied him to where the buses usually passed so that he could take the one that was heading to Cubao. From Cubao, he could take a jeep to reach home.

According to my brother the trip to Cubao was a fast and smooth one. There was not much traffic, since the usual 7am-9am rush hour had already passed. It was almost 10AM when he got off the bus at Farmer's Plaza in Cubao. There was not much people in the said area during that time, and my brother had only a few pesos left in his pocket so he decided to withdraw from a nearby ATM (the one alongside the Eurotel Hotel, just across Farmer's Plaza, and Araneta Coliseum). My brother withdrew 800pesos from the nearby Bancnet ATM. As soon as the money came out from the machine, my brother felt a poke near his right rib. He heard a voice telling him to hand-in the money he withdrew if he wishes to save himself from much trouble. It was a good thing that my brother was smart enough this time not to use his taekwondo skills during that time. He just handed the 800 bucks to the guy instead of attempting to fight back. He got home still in a state of shock. It was obvious that he feels duped and irritated after being robbed of 800 pesos, but he was still thankful that the holdup man did not took his cellphone, his wallet, and his mp3 player. He was also thankful that the man did not hurt him.

After this incident, I think he learned his lesson. He would always be aware of people in his surroundings. He would not use his earphones while commuting (yes, he had his earphones plugged causing him to be less focused on his surroundings... *sigh*). He would not withdraw from ATM machines located in not-so-safe areas.

I also wrote this blog entry to warn other commuters like my brother and I. Let us always be vigilant of our surroundings. Unscrupulous people abound in different areas, not only in Cubao. It is up to the lowly-commuter to protect himself from these people. And to these unscrupulous people, shame on you!! Mahiya naman kayo sa mga katulad namin na kumakayod sa marangal na paraan para mabuhay... Mahiya naman kayo sa mga anak at sa pamilya ninyo... Mahiya naman kayo sa sarili nyo...

New President... New Hope for the Philippines

Today, the Republic of the Philippines, my country has a new president - Pres. Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III. At exactly 12 noon earlier, the former Senator was sworn into office as the 15th president of the Philippines. At exactly 12 noon today, the lives and future of 50-60M Filipinos is now in the hands of Pres. Aquino.

Honestly, I did not vote for Pres. Noynoy Aquino (or P-Noy). But I still listened carefully and intently to his inaugural speech earlier. I kept an open mind while listening to his speech. His words were promising and filled with hope. I just hope he would remain true to his words... that he will be the instrument of unity, integrity, peace, and prosperity - the messiah the Philippines is waiting for.

Personally, I liked the Panata ng Pagbabago - an oath taken by different sectors of society, in response to P-Noy's inaugural speech. I agree to what the oath says. I think the responsibility for our country is not and should not only be placed on P-Noy's shoulders. The duty and responsibility to bring back glory to the Philippines, is and should be taken by ALL Filipinos. It is not solely the President's responsibility. We can change presidents every year, but if we, the Filipino people, continue to live with our crab-mentality, indifference, and selfishness, then true progress will continue to shy away from our beloved country. The change should come from each one of us, from each Filipino citizen. It is about time we do this, if not for ourselves, let's do it for the future of our children.

God bless President Noynoy. God bless the Filipinos. God bless the Philippines.

Blog and Self Revival

I think I am going to give this blog a fresh start, some kind of rebirth. Thank you soooo very much *sarcastic mode* to the latest unforeseen and somehow disappointing events regarding my professional life (i.e. my career and work). >:-)

I think this is the best time to revive my knack for the little, yet somehow more fulfilling and finer things in life - reading, writing, traveling, simple photography, digital scrapbooking, and most importantly spending quality time with my only son - while waiting for positive replies from prospective employers.

I know it won't be an easy time for me. But I guess God has a purpose in everything that happens in my life. Perhaps, this time, He just wants me to take a break from the uber-stressful, fast-paced corporate life. "Take time to smell the flowers" as they say. And let me start with this blog. :-)

Thoughts from A Single Parent - Part II

Today I got angry at Zion for being such a devilish little monster. He was throwing tantrums, screaming at the top of his voice, hurling his slippers and toys the way a ninja throws his shuriken (i.e. a ninja's deadly star-shaped weapon) during a fight. The reason for his going berserk? He just wants to watch Spongebob Squarepants… the whole day. Today I realized something. It is difficult to combine a mother’s compassionate nature, with the natural disciplinarian role of a father.

In our culture, it is expected for the mother to be the “soft” one – the family’s source of compassion, gentleness, and the calming breeze that soothes and relaxes the home. On the other hand, our culture dictates that the father should be the firmer one – the family’s source of strength, discipline, and the force that keeps the family going. This is how the traditional Filipino family is structured. This is the traditional family setup which dictates that the yin and yang roles of the father and the mother should be endowed on two separate individuals which are joined together in marriage. This is one dilemma a single parent like me faces. It is heart-breaking for any mother to spank and reprimand one’s child, no matter how impish the kid is. Blood has always been thicker than water. However, it would also be heart-breaking for any mother to see one’s child grow up as an irresponsible adult despised by society, because the child was not brought up properly. As a single parent, it is painful for me every time I have to spank Zion’s tiny hands even if he hurled his toys at me. As a mother, it hurts to verbally reprimand a 3-year old boy even if that 3-year old boy screams his lungs out because he’s not allowed to watch Spongebob 24 hours a day. Somehow, despite their kids’ obnoxious behavior and tantrums, a mother always has a heart for her little ones. But as a single parent, I know that I would rather spank my son’s hands now (and instill in him discipline) than to see those hands in handcuffs in the future. I would rather verbally reprimand my son now (and tell him he’s wrong) than to hear other people throw negative criticisms about him when he grows up. I would rather see him crying now because we are trying to straighten his ways, than to see him grieving in jail in the future because of the lack of discipline when he was young.

Indeed, it is difficult to be a mother and father rolled into one. Not only on the financial aspect. But even on discipline matters. But at the end of every “bout” Zion and I have, I always try to explain myself to my son, "Love does not mean I will always allow you to have what you want. It doesn’t mean that I won’t enforce discipline whenever it is needed. Love means that I will try to raise you the best way I could, to make you a better individual, a God-fearing person, and a productive citizen of this nation."...

Farewell and Thank You Tita Cory

I know there will be a lot blog posts on the Internet that will talk about you, will thank you, will praise you, and will give their final tribute for you. I know I am just a nobody, an ordinary Juana dela Cruz, but nonetheless, as a citizen of this country, I would just like to pay my final respect to you, President Corazon Aquino.

First of all, I would like to thank you for being a principled Filipino. Thank you for restoring democracy in the country. As a young Filipino during the 1986 EDSA revolution, I don't have the slightest idea of what was going on during that time. I don't know why you, my parents, and millions of other adult Filipinos risked their lives and limbs by going out in EDSA during that tumultuous time. But 23 years after that peaceful People Power revolution, my son and I are savoring the benefits of this freedom and democracy which you have fought for and restored. Second, thank you, President Aquino, for bringing pride to the Filipina. You are the first Filipina to be the President of the Philippines, and the first woman leader in Asia. You have shown the male-dominated Philippine society and government, as well as the world, that Filipino women are more than just housewives and second-class citizens; that we Pinays, can be at par with our male counterparts in manning and managing a complicated institution such as the Philippine government. You have proven your worth as President by withstanding all the coup d' etats, and by showing your detractors that despite your being a woman, you have the will and determination of a true leader, defending your people against those who wish to sow fear and terror. Lastly, thank you, President Aquino for showing us the importance of having faith in God and faith in your people. Thank you for showing us that prayers and a strong faith in God can truly bring miracles in our lives. Thank you for having the same conviction as your husband Ninoy, and believing that we, the ordinary Pinoys, are worth your time, your effort, and your sacrifices.

President Aquino, I know you are in a better place now. Wherever you are, please know that you will always be loved, appreciated, and remembered by every Filipino, whose life you have touched. I hope that God will bless the Philippines with more leaders whose integrity, commitment, and dedication will be like yours. Farewell and thank you President Aquino. God bless you.

*** Note: I have also posted this thank-you message on my personal site on Multiply. :-) ***