Dana hurt her left shoulder

Two days ago, when I arrived home from work, Veck said Dana rolled off the sofa and hurt her shoulder. Dana seemed however, her usual self, except for some tenderness in her left shoulder. Yesterday Veck suggested we take Dana to a "manghihilot." "Hilot" is a traditional massage in the Philippines that realigns one's posture. Veck said she noticed that Dana has some difficulty raising her left arm up.

I prayed because I didn't feel right about the hilot. So I wrote in my notebook and asked for guidance. I felt we should have her x-rayed and be looked at by an orthopedic. So that's what we did this morning and the x-ray revealed a hairline fracture. Fortunately, one of Veck's co-residents at the pediatric hospital, Dr KC, is also an orthopedic. He advised an arm sling. Veck asked if he would advise hilot and he said no. He said that for children this is the most common fracture and it would heal naturally in two weeks.

We bought Dana an arm sling but she refused to wear it. Like absolutely went wild--so it sort of defeated the purpose of trying to immobilize the arm. I just asked the nanny to make sure she doesn't play around too much.

One of the nurses brought her son to the ER where we were. The little boy was running around playing. Dana was standing there admiring the curtains. I had the intuition that the boy might shove Dana, but didn't pay attention. I was texting my supervisor advising them that I might not report for work or for rehearsals.

Then it happened. The boy roughly shoved Dana and she fell on her back and hit her head. With panic Veck cried. I picked up Dana who was also crying. We were really worried and I told the boy in Tagalog: "Do you want to be guillotined?"

His mother came and spanked and spanked him in front of everyone--something that I am against: spanking children in public. Well, I am also against allowing your child to play where they shouldn't. We were at the ER, not a playground. But I also felt I should have listened to intuition and told the young boy gently but sternly that this wasn't a playground. If I had done that then he wouldn't have been running around.

I didn't go to work but spent the day with Dana. She was supposed to go to my sister's place because it's her cousin's birthday tomorrow and she was supposed to spend the weekend but I thought it's better she's not surrounded by playmates. We arrived home around noon and she
was in a good mood and wanted to play. I was careful to watch her that she doesn't force her left arm or shoulder. She still refuses to wear the arm sling.

We both fell asleep during the afternoon. I woke up at five thinking whether to go to rehearsals or not.

Oh boy, the joys of parenthood.

First William Blocking Rehearsal

Tonight was William's first blocking rehearsal. For the past week, we've been through hip hop classes, "rap"-preciation or rap classes. Last night we had a music rehearsal. (Quick note: I strained my vocal cords. I was stretching my breath to reach many syllables and after I felt the tiredness in my throat. Not good. I need to support, support, support.)

But tonight was fun. I do have bad habits I carried over to tonight's rehearsal. First, I kept reading negative vibes into Chang Maribel. I was "mind-reading" her and feeling that she's thinking she made a mistake in getting me for this play, that she thinks I'm an idiot, that she'll just try to be patient because it'd be hard to pull in another actor and all that. This kind of infected me, and so during the blocking I let Norbs, my alternate, take first hand. It's kind of a disadvantage when you just "follow" someone else's blocking instead of finding your natural impulse. But still I let myself do it.

But during the blocking when it was my turn I had fun a bit. I kind of did my own thing. Chang gave us an assignment: make a narrative timeline of our characters. When Norbs was rehearsing, I already began to hear Tj's (my character) story in my head, so I immediately took to my notebook and jotted it down. I didn't finish, but at least I have some track rails laid down. When I finish it (our deadline is Saturday), I'll post it here.

We were given re-written scenes 1 to 4. I think the new rewrites are more fun to work with than the previous drafts. It's less contrived. I began to see how Chang plays around and lets her imagination free rein during the directing. I also see the other actors staking and trying. I should learn to do the same.

Well, I'll need to study the script and my character. Tj is athletic. I'm not. Going home I saw two boys playing basketball. I need to learn those moves. I will.

PETA's Care Divas: The show must go on!

PETA's Care Divas run is going up almost 70 shows, and then they'll go on tour. I've seen the show about five or six times (I lost count already). It never grows old. This is definitely one show that must go on.

A lot has been said about the musical in other reviews, about the great ensemble of the actors, the LSS-causing music of Vince de Jesus, etc. What I want to write on is how the play has touched me personally. So in a way, this is my own personal take on Care Divas. Every time I see Care Divas, God speaks to me and tells me to do three things. Most of it is centered on prayer. He says pray for the OFWs, pray for the LGBT community, and pray for peace in Israel. These are themes in Care Divas that touched me the most.

The plight of OFWs

As a son of OFW parents, I grew up through my high school and college with my parents abroad, working. My Dad is an engineer in the Middle East, and my Mom is a casino manager in Canada. You've probably heard it over and over as I have: "Hindi biro ang maging OFW." "Ang laking sakripisyo ng mga magulang mo para sa inyong magkapatid."

Hear this a number of times and you get used to it. Care Divas took away the patina of nonchalance in my heart towards OFWs, particularly towards my parents. Now that I'm a parent myself, I realize fully what it means to do everything and anything to make sure your children gets a good future.

My Dad's home for a few months. He's completed his employment contract. Already he's busy scouting for more employment opportunities--not here, but abroad. I asked him, "Dad, pareho na kami tapos ni Ate mag-aral. Pareho na kami may kani-kaniyang pamilya. Maybe it's time you rest from working." He said, "Ngayon I'm doing it for my apos."

Besides the weekly phone calls and email exchanges, I haven't seen my Mom in years.

God said pray for the OFWs. It's never an easy life, here or abroad. Pray for the families of OFWs. It's not something we should take for granted. Hopefully, in my lifetime, Filipinos wouldn't have to leave their loved ones just to put food in their mouths. And hopefully, my generation, the children of OFWs, learn to value what great sacrifice our parents did for us.

Jesus loves the LGBT

He does. He died for them. I have a suspicion that if Jesus were incarnated in our time and visited the Philippines, He wouldn't be hanging out with the CBCP. I think He'll be hanging out with the people who need Him, those who are marginalized, those whose rights are stepped upon.

That means not only the LGBT, but abused women and children, the sick, the drug addicts. I think this is the people whom Jesus would spend a lot of time with. And He wouldn't be riding an SUV to do His ministry.

As the Body of Christ on earth, am I doing what He would do for this people? Time for a reality check.

Palestine and the Prince of Peace

It amazes me that the land where the Prince of Peace was born is war-torn. The struggle in the Promised Land, I feel, will continue until Jesus returns to reign. But still, God says pray for peace in Israel.

I know that the Hebrews are His chosen people, but as a Gentile, I know that He dies for the Palestinians, too. He died for the people in Iran. He died for every living soul in the Middle East.

One of the most important scenes in Care Divas for me is the beginning of Act 2. Playwright Liza Magtoto has clashed so much conflict in that scene, it always takes my breath away.

Care Divas does deliver the laughs. But it goes well beyond that. It got me thinking. About my parents and how I haven't really thanked them enough for the life they gave me. About the Filipinos scattered all over the world. About my Tita in New York who is a caregiver... and Care Divas gave me a picture of how linked her life is now with her patient, the way Chelsea is with Daddy Isaac, two very different people from very different cultures but feeling most at home with each other.

Please do yourself a favor. Watch Care Divas before they go on tour. If you need help getting tickets, text or message me.

The good and beautiful God, week 1

Interesting. I assigned myself to write the Chronicle article coming up next Sunday. Since we've no rehearsals, I thought I'd have time to read the transcript and write at home. Before going home, though, I made a pit stop at Mary Hill Theological School to visit my friend Argel who invited me to journey through James Bryan Smith's "The Good and Beautiful God." He gave me the first chapter to read and we'll meet again Saturday for a short discussion.

I'm hating work as a marketer for PETA. I would have love it, except for one person I shall nickname Mud Frakka. Mud Frakka is not helpful, bossy, is filled with issues, and more sour than muriatic acid. Mud Frakka has absolutely zero leadership skills. Now I mean not to pass judgment upon Mud Frakka. I wasn't there when Mud Frakka was growing up. I don't know if Mud Frakka has had a difficult childhood. But working with Mud Frakka is difficult. Mud Frakka is unreasonable and snotty. She's a persona nega vibés. Yes! I coined a phrase.

Each time I see her I bring out my pencil, point it at her, think happy thoughts, allow these happy thoughts to fill me, and then declaim: Expecto Patronum!

So of course I'm wondering what God wanted me to learn from Mud Frakka. I'm sure it's there somewhere. The truth is, whenever the thought of "What does God want me to learn in this?" comes up, I immediately brush it off. Arrogance, yes. Stubbornness, right on.

Veck and I were worried about finances. That's what we talked about when I arrived home. Veck asked, "What is the Lord teaching us?" So we prayed from our hearts. We cried out to God. God answered, "I have already answered your prayers."

The next few minutes were the sweetest moments of my life. Dana would point to her Mommy's cheek, so I'd have to "guzzle" Veck's cheek. Then Dana would point to her cheek and I've to guzzle her, too. She'd take turns pointing to Veck and to herself, and we were all laughing all the time. Veck, having forgotten all her worries, fell asleep.

I turn on my computer to see if I already received the transcript of last Sunday's message in my inbox. It's not there. So much for wanting to be spiritual and stay up all night to write and meet tomorrow's deadline. I meditated for 20 minutes (okay, just 17) and then I tried to recall the hip hop choreography we were taught last night. Then I did push ups. Still no transcript.

I did see this in my inbox, though: Metaphors, by John Eldrege.

The Bible uses a number of metaphors to describe our relationship to God at various stages. If you'll notice, they ascend in a stunning way:

Potter and clay. At this level we are merely aware that our lives are shaped-even broken-by a powerful hand. There isn't much communication, just the sovereignty of God at work.

Shepherd and sheep. At this stage we feel provided for, watched over, cared about. But beyond that, a sheep has little by way of true intimacy with the Shepherd. They are altogether different creatures.

Master and servant. Many, many believers are stuck in this stage, where they are committed to obey, but the relationship is mostly about receiving orders and instructions and carrying them out.

Father and child. This is certainly more intimate than being a servant; children get the run of the house, they get to climb on Daddy's lap. These fortunate souls understand God's fatherly love and care for them. They feel "at home" with God.

Friends. This stage actually opens up a deeper level of intimacy as we walk together with God, companions in a shared mission. We know what's on his heart; he knows what's on ours. There is a maturity and intimacy to the relationship.

Bridegroom and bride (lovers). Here, the words of the Song of Songs could also describe our spiritual intimacy, our union and oneness with God. Madame Guyon wrote, "I love God far more than the most affectionate lover among men loves his earthly attachment."

Where would you put your relationship with God? Why did you choose that "level"? Has it always been that way?

(The Journey of Desire Journal & Guidebook , 150)

A quick heart check tells me I was once at Bridegroom and Bride, and have slid down to Master and Servant. I keep thinking, is this part of growing up? An adolescent Christian growing a little distant from his Parent? Nothing could be further from the truth, I realize. God wants me to grow closer and closer to Him, not apart.

I thought I'd check out Argel's handout. And boom! It talks about befriending Christ. It reads a bit like TAW. Essays, then an exercise, then a check-in. The first exercise is to get as much sleep as I need. I've an 8AM meeting tomorrow I don't want to go to. I've to wake up 5AM to do morning pages. Sleep! James Bryan Smith says.

Now I know why there's no transcript in my inbox to work on. God wants me to sleep. To surrender.

Good night!

Ano ang latezt chizmiz sa mga CARE DIVAS?

Tara, makisagap tayo ng chismis! Makinig tayo sa chikahan ng mga Care Divas!

KAILA: Hala, mga Ateh, totoo baang Chismis? May bago na raw tayong member?

CHELSEA: Oo. May bago nang Chelsea!

JONEE: Talaga lang, ha? Magaling ba siya? Siguraduhin lang niya!

KAILA: Heto talagang si Jonee, Nega-star!

SHAI: Bilang leader ng Care Divas, kino-confeerm ko, may bago ngang member! Buti ka pa, Chelsea, may alternate na.

CHELSEA: Ang importante, suportahan natin sya at bigyan ng pagmamahal bilang bagong Chelsea!

THALIA: Eh Ateh, havavowt telling me kung sino sya?

CHELSEA: Basta, makikilala natin sya sa July 24, 8:00 PM sa PETA Theater Center! Yun na rin ang last show natin bago tayo mag-tour.

THALIA: Exciting! Gusto ko na sya makilala. Para itong Bland Det!

JONEE: Blind date, ga-guh!

THALIA: Ay, bulag sya?

SHAI: O, basta! Sukatan na ito ng pag-ibig ng ating mga Ker Sistahs at Ker Dibs! Kitakits uli sa July 24 sa PETA Theater Center!

CHELSEA: Dahil sino man ang magsuot ng high heels at kapa ni Chelsea, alam kong aalagaan din niyang mabuti si Daddy Isaac. Kaya... the show must go on! Todah Rabah!

LAHAT ng CARE DIVAS: Todah Rabah!!!!

In the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) phenominal musical comedy-drama hit "Care Divas", five transvestite overseas Filipino workers travel to Israel during the intifada (the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation), bringing with them the unique brand of warm Pinoy nurturing for elderly Jews.

Every day they wash, feed and entertain their employers as loving caregivers. Come nighttime, they transform into glamorous drag queens in a huge Tel Aviv club.

At the core of the story is Chelsea (Melvin Lee), who seems to have it all—blessed with a kind employer who teaches him Hebrew and a potential lover who accepts him. Shai (Vincent de Jesus) the group’s leader, is haunted by the image of his mother who rejected him for his sexuality. The two are joined by Kayla (Jerald Napoles), Thalia (Dudz Teraña, Jason Barcial) and Jonee (Phil Noble, Buddy Caramat), who also add their liveliness and creativity through performing.

The five strive to adapt to Israeli culture. Their Filipino tongues struggle to learn Hebrew while silently battling the orthodox view on gays. They are always alert, constantly fearing deportation and war.

The creative team behind “Care Divas” includes acclaimed writer Liza Magtoto; multi-awarded composer Vincent de Jesus; prolific director Maribel Legarda; costume designer John Abul; events and theater lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal; visual artist and award-winning set designer Leo Abaya; and dancer and choreographer Carlon Matobato.

Don't miss the Divas before they go on tour! Watch the last performance of CARE DIVAS on July 24, 8:00 PM, at the PETA Theatre Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. A special treat: we reveal the new "Goody Goody Ate Vi Chelsea of Tel Aviv!" Tickets are P600. VIP seats at P800. Reserve your tickets now. Call or text RICO at 09157767778 or email rico.thespian@gmail.com

Todah Rabah!

Walking with the Invisible God

In Ancient Greece, thousands flock nightly to the theatre to see a tragedy play. Tragedy plays have a formula: our hero suffers dangers immensely disproportionate to his human faults. Unaffected gods are lowered from a platform chained to the roof called the deus ex machina. They either assist or inflict further suffering on him. These plays were designed to evoke pathos—pity and fear—among the audience, encouraging them to experience these emotions in the safety of the auditorium, thereby “purging” them of these negative feelings in what is supposed to be a “cathartic” moment.

Katharo in Greek means pure, innocent. This is the word Jesus used on the Mount when He said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Now katha happens to be our word for something created. Is it any wonder that it is our Creator God who cleanses and purifies us? Jesus Christ, however, wasn’t lowered from a deus ex machina. He became one of His katha to purge us from sin. Greek plays were repeated in week-long festivals to provide audiences with more opportunities to purge themselves of their pathos. Our Creator Jesus saved us once and for all. Because of what He did, I already am made pure. He did the hard work for me. All I need to do is to stick with God. The Bible says “If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

I was writing one afternoon when the sky grew grim and grey. Lightning flashed and rolls of thunder exchanged their cosmic banter, like actors delivering their dialogue on cue. Rain fell down faster than Metro Manila’s drainage systems can usher them toward the Pasig River. The weather can be more dramatic than any Greek tragedy.

I got my umbrella and immediately went to fetch my wife. Marivic works as a medical officer in National Children’s Hospital. She didn’t bring an umbrella and I was worried. “What’s up, Doc?” I greeted her at the hospital door. While we were relieved to see each other, the problem was we couldn’t get a ride home. Jeepneys were packed and taxis refused us because of the flood. We had no choice but take an hour-long trek back home.

As we walked, Marivic and I talked. I told her about my anxiety to get a part in an audition I recently went to. She told me about her toxic day at work, her joy at teaching the Nepalese doctors to speak and understand Tagalog. We marvelled at the display of an antique furniture shop we passed. We laughed at the grammar of an ad posted by a politician bragging about his service to his barangay. We discovered shortcuts. I enjoy taking these walks with my wife. I can be myself. Ours is an easy relationship. I don’t have to “audition” to be her husband. I already am. And in the process of walking with my wife, I began to know her more, understand how she thinks about the world, and empathize with how she feels. I began to see her.

Jesus said as I walk with Him, He cleanses me from all sin. He purifies me. I need to just take it all in by faith. Why the Most Holy God considers this sinner’s mustard seed faith as more precious than gold is beyond me.

I don’t have to purify myself just so I can hang out and walk with Jesus. He says He does it for me. When He died on the cross, God declared me not guilty of all my sins. When He rose from the dead, I was given a new life. And it’s also true: as I stick close to Him, I get to see Him, too. I begin to understand how He thinks. I’d tell Him about my worries and He’d smile and point, “Look at that maya birds. I made them.” Then it sinks in. I realize sparrows never worry about their food. Our Father in heaven feeds them.