Mama's Flowers

I can't help writing about Mama and her beautiful garden every time I come back from a vacation back home. Her flowers are just breathtaking.

This time, I was lucky to have my brother in law, Saturn, around for a fresh photographic take of Mama's flowers.

Sometimes, I still couldn't figure out she has managed to grow a garden full of pretty little delights. Before every trip home I look forward to what changed during the time I was out - what orchid varieties are in bloom now, what replaced the gumamelas that lined the walkways, what was growing around the grotto, if the fruit trees have produced sprouts yet, and so on. There's just always something new, something pleasurable, sometimes surprising. Like this lemon shrub that's managed to bear fruit. I can't wait to harvest and have a taste of this home-grown treat.

Click here for more photos by Saturn Labanda.

AI 2011 Begins!

It's inevitable, American Idol fans and non-fans will compare the previous judges with Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. As an AI fan, I honestly think that the new judges are credible and worthy of the job because they themselves are icons of the world music scene, the details of which are unnecessary here because we all know who they are.

As I devoted two precious hours of my time last night to watch the premier, I found myself wanting for more. The contestants are always the same highly diversified group - from the deathly boring to the insanely uncontrollable crazy - with really good singers in between. The very Pinoy story-telling of miseries and difficulties of a number of contestants is still there, and yes they do get to Hollywood! I particularly liked the story AND singing of Melinda Ademi, whose family moved to the US from Kosovo as war refugees. It was heartbreaking but not too cheesy.

Also a personal favorite is Devyn Rush, a New York singing waitress. She's got an awesome, soothingly powerful voice. I like the fact that she's cool and down to earth and takes the praises AND criticisms of the judges calmly, unlike the others who go overboard on screaming. I'd definitely see how far she goes into the competition.

Going back to the judges, I think they were great. Steven Tyler is the man of the hour. He is a pro at saying NO creatively and shows great appreciation for the truly talented. He sings with the contestants and gives out animal-like sounds when he's not liking them. It's funny and gives the show a fresh vibe despite the routine format.

I was never a J Lo fan. Sure, I watched her movies, but I never really liked her songs and dancing, and sometimes her outfit. But tonight slowly made me come full circle. I love her! She looks amazing, she speaks from the heart, and she knows what she's doing. Although she has difficulty rejecting semi-talented contestants for now, it's expected that she will learn how to deal with them as the show progresses. Here comes the comparison part: her compassion is so much like Paula Abdul's, but she doesn't talk like her blood reeks of sedatives. J Lo's comments are clearer and more direct to the point.

It was weird to see Randy in Simon Cowell's place in the panel, but currently it's the best arrangement possible, I'm sure you'll all agree. He's the same truthful, sometimes painfully constructive guy, and the way he'll handle the entire judging panel is yet another exciting thing to look forward to this season.

American Idol is on Star World Thursdays and Fridays live at 6 pm with a primetime episode at 8pm.

Just Discovered

I thought I knew the place very well.

It's a favorite family r&r place, summer and otherwise. Everything is simple and left just the way they should be, just the way the "resort" owners let their guests - mostly families - be. We get pure clean fun without worrying about tips, loud tourists, looking swimsuit-worthy or keeping sand away from the carpet.

The waters are particularly huge at this time of the year.

After an awesome wave-crashing session we strolled down the beach just for the heck of it. For years I've always wondered what was beyond the bend of boulders that gradually replaced the white sand. Or the second basin that catches what came forth from the third. And fourth. And fifth. And sixth.

For every wave of panic the sea throws at my face, a cover of fear washes away with the withdrawing water, and a surge of calm rushes through my soul.

Which made me think: If one is on loose sandy soil, what makes him strong enough to battle the waves? To stand proudly but serenely? Be battered yet beautiful?

And then, something so great comes out from something so little.

When there's really nothing left to give but the very heart and soul, it becomes so powerful it destroys all hindrances to greatness.

So everyone truly gets a part of the wonderful gift.

Photos by Saturn Labanda

have a wonderful discovery yourself,