MY PIANDRE FAMILY ( PART II )

This is a sequel to the first article I wrote about Piandre (kindly refer to my article dated December 23, 2011) also in this blog. I just cannot help but admire the exemplary character (humility and good-naturedness) of the people behind it, the Zulueta family.

I had been patronizing Piandre (whom I regard as my second family) for the past 13 years or so. As mentioned in my previous article, what really endeared them to me (aside from the expertise of their internationally-trained stylists and ever gracious staff) is the spirituality of the owners, which is something worth emulating. 

For those who have not visited the salon, this is the only business establishment I know wherein the "3 o'clock prayer" is recited every day. At exactly 3:00 p.m., everything is at a standstill as everyone (led by a voice-over) stops to pray. Mrs. Linda Z. Francisco (founder of Piandre) is a devotee of the Divine Mercy. Aside from this daily ritual, the family also enhances the spiritual growth of their employees thru their annual "Blessing of the Hands" and recollection.

Piandre celebrated it's 27th anniversary last July 2014. As a way of expressing gratitude to their loyal clientele, they gave a month-long 27% anniversary discount on all services offered in all branches.

Last August 6, 2014, I was privileged to have been invited to a "Meet and Greet" get-together in honor of the "most valued clients" (as the invitation indicates) of the Greenbelt branch. It was an honor to be regarded as one. 

The Zulueta family (Mrs. Linda Z. Francisco and daughters Aina and Drea, together with only son Jaton) was present, with the exception of daughter Peachy who now resides in Switzerland. 

Mrs. Francisco thought of this get-together because they wanted to have a closer relationship with their clients and get to know them on a personal basis. 

A brief history of the salon which was established in 1987, was presented by Drea including the origin of the name Piandre ( a combination of the names of Peachy, Aina and Drea). She also introduced their latest products including the ones they distribute. Mrs. Francisco explained why they are not open for franchising. Since their primary concern is the interest and well-being of their customers, they are afraid this might be jeopardized should a franchisee be unable to sustain it, and thus destroy the trust and harmonious relationship they have painstakingly nurtured over the years. It is also worthwhile mentioning that they not only take care of their clients, but of their staff as well, as evidenced by the creation of a multi-purpose cooperative for their employees.

A sumptuous merienda followed the presentation. Also, as a token of appreciation, they gifted each one of us with an "Acts of Love" leather-bound diary where we can chronicle the love and kindness we extend to others on a day to day basis. We were also given some of their latest products.

My monthly visits to the salon is always filled with anticipation as I am so much at home here. It is truly a home away from home. 

Now more than ever, I can say that truly, good things happen to good people, as attested by the success of Piandre.

More power to the management and the Greenbelt staff. Wishing you more success and continuous blessings. 

THE POWER OF WORDS (THIS MADE MY DAY.)

They say words can either make or break you.

Sometimes, all it takes are two simple, but powerful words, to change the way you look at things or perceive life to be.

I attended mass this afternoon. I was seated at the last row with the aisle at my right. When the mass was about to start, the usher politely asked if I could move one seat to the left to give way to an elderly man who was walking very slowly with the aid of two canes. He was alone, which made me wonder why a seemingly disabled person would be allowed to walk around by himself. It is quite normal to see senior citizens limping with the aid of a cane, but with two canes, his might be a serious case after all. He was a bit stocky, so I pulled up the kneeler so it would be more convenient for him to glide easily into his seat. It took quite a while before he could finally take his seat as I saw the look on his face, grimacing in pain when he slowly tried to sit. He remained seated all throughout the mass, as I could only surmise that he feels pain whenever he moves his back, his hips, or any part of his body for that matter.

When communion time came, he tried very hard to stand. I tried to support his back as I was afraid he might lose his balance. The usher then came over and advised him that they will just request a lay minister to administer communion to him so he wouldn't have to stand and line up at the aisle. After everyone had finished, the lay minister went to him and gave him communion.

When the mass was almost over, he turned to me and said, "Thank you for sharing your seat." I asked if he was alone and he said his wife is with him but is seated somewhere else since there is only one vacant seat in our pew. After the mass, the usher and I helped him get up and I waited till his wife came to be with him.

I was so touched when he said, "Thank You". It is rather uncommon to hear people say that when you allow latecomers to squeeze beside you in an otherwise filled up pew. This is a perfect example of someone who knows how to be grateful, something most people take for granted.

What is more admirable though, and a complete sacrifice on his part if I may say so, is his willingness to attend mass despite the difficulty he has in walking, plus the pain he has to endure every time he stands or sits. I offered a prayer that he be healed completely.

I would also like to say "Thank You" to him. Thank you for being cognizant of even the smallest things people do for you, for going out of your way to attend mass, not minding the hardships you have to endure, and most of all, for making me realize that despite the negative things happening in the world today, there is still someone who makes this world a beautiful place to live in.

Lastly, "Thank You" for making my day. Those two simple but powerful words are music to my ears.

YOU MADE US PROUD, MICHAEL

The first time I took notice of Michael Christian Martinez was when I saw a picture of this 17-year old young man hoisting the Philippine flag at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He was the lone Philippine representative, unlike in the Summer Olympics where we send an entire delegation. He looked so proud as he waved the country's tri-colors at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. It was an honor that for the first time, we not only had a Philippine representative to the figure-skating event, but the first Southeast Asian representative as well.

What amazed me even more, after having read the story of how this young man ended up being a participant, was not only his determination, but the sacrifice and hardships he had to endure just to be able to compete. In a country where snow is non-existent, it is extremely difficult for a figure skater to practice his craft. What's more, we only have two skating rinks in the country located in the SM malls. Due to lack of funds, he could not afford to hire a coach. His mother even had to mortgage their house to be able to purchase a ticket to Sochi. Despite the obstacles, he was determined to represent the country, relying only on his faith and the rosary that he always carries with him.

It is very disappointing that as reports had it, he got no support from the government, but only from some cause-oriented groups and businessmen. The POC and the PSC were quick to dispute that by saying they gave some aid, but did they really or were they just being defensive. His mom said they may not be able to continue his training for the 2018 Olympics due to lack of funds to defray the expenses that go along with it. I hope next time, the government gives him the much needed support for his training.

On the night of the competition, as he so gracefully executed his moves to the background of Romeo and Juliet, I had goose pimples watching him perform amidst the applause of the audience. I felt a sense of pride knowing this young man is a Filipino. He was after all competing for the Philippines and not for himself anymore. At that particular moment, all I ever prayed for was for him to qualify for the semi-finals, which was his dream in the first place. It did not matter anymore if he won a medal or not. He did make all of us proud by qualifying in the semi-final round and landing on the 19th place out of  24 semi-finalists.

He may not have gotten that elusive medal, but he gained the attention of the whole world, and most importantly their respect.

As for the lack of support from the government, that is already water under the bridge.

He left the country quietly, but now that he has carved a name for himself, I am pretty sure when he comes home, everyone will be scampering to interview him, inviting him for television appearances, and in all possibility might even be invited to the Palace for hand shaking and photo ops. That much needed attention and recognition of his talent should have been accorded him when he was still in training, and not after the fact. Another case of too late the hero.    

Carry on Michael. I know you have set your sight on 2018. The Filipino people will be behind you all the way and we will all be praying that in God's time, you will finally realize your dream of bringing home an Olympic medal.

Win or lose, we will always be proud of you. Keep the faith, that is your strength.



  

TIME TO BURST THOSE INFLATED EGOS

The situation in Zamboanga have kept the whole nation perturbed for the past days. We are all praying for a peaceful negotiation to end this crisis. Everyday we wake up anxious to find out if a truce had finally been declared between the two adversaries.

It is so sad to see our men in uniform taking an offensive and risking their lives for the country. What makes the situation even worse, is the scarcity of food allotted for them. It was so depressing to see a picture of three soldiers sharing a meal consisting of one cup of rice and a piece of dried fish (tuyo). Our gratitude goes to good Samaritans out there for donating food for our soldiers. Such is the sad plight of our soldiers, while those in the top brass of the AFP wallow in luxury. ( I wonder what happened to the Garcia and Ligot cases.)

A possible ceasefire could have taken place yesterday, but failed to materialize due to lack of proper coordination and communication, so the government claims. Was such really the case, or was it because the people in charge of the situation and negotiation simply did not want to be outshone by the other? Was it because they belong to different political parties, not to mention that the top two protagonists have set their sights on the 2016 Presidential election?

Does it really matter who will emerge as the hero in the eyes of the people, or is it more important to save lives? After all, the number one criterion is that the negotiator must be someone the MNLF trusts. It could be you, me or an ordinary Juan dela Cruz. We are talking about lives here. What makes it doubly sad is that it is a case of Filipinos pitted against fellow Filipinos. We must remember that the MNLF maybe our antagonists here but they are Filipinos just the same, much more human beings too. We must try to save as much lives as we can regardless of whether they are on our side or on the other side of the fence.

I am sure both the government troops and the rebels do not want to be in this situation either. They also long for peace, but they have no choice but to obey orders from their commanders just like good soldiers do.

To our leaders in government, it is time to make a stand and burst your inflated egos. Put aside your political differences and ambitions for a while, and make saving lives your top priority. Give way to whoever is the better peace negotiator, so once and for all a ceasefire can be declared in the earliest time possible. Time is of the essence and we can no longer afford to lose more lives, be those of our soldiers, rebels and more importantly, innocent civilians.

REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE

Since the election fever started, senatorial candidate and now Senator-elect Nancy Binay had been the object of unsavory remarks by a lot of people.

Her father's seemingly wrong move to thrust her into the political arena (which obviously was the farthest thing on her mind, being a reluctant candidate by her own admission) forced her into becoming a victim of circumstances. As a result, she had been subjected to a lot of character assassination and name calling, foremost of which were: inexperienced, unqualified, trying hard, ambitious, etc., The most insensitive attacks on her person were ugly and "negra", which however way you look at it, is definitely foul. People seem to derive so much joy in seeing others maligned.

For the record, I am not an admirer of Nancy Binay. I honestly believe she is still raw and lacks the qualifications needed to become an "effective" member of the Senate. I say effective because being popular can land you a Senate seat, but it does not in anyway mean you can perform well. Because of these reasons and so much more, I did not cast a vote in her favor, which is the most logical thing to do. My displeasure with her however, starts and ends there.

I am not in agreement with those who resort to name calling, much more if these attacks become too personal. Please take note that the lady was vying for a Senate seat, and not on becoming the next Binibining Pilipinas. So where does beauty and being dark skinned come into the picture? It has absolutely nothing to do with the issue, nor a criterion in order to excel.

I even saw a post on Facebook alluding that if she donned the robes worn by the Senator judges during the impeachment proceedings, she would look like the Black Nazarene. I find that very disrespectful, not only as an insult to her, but lack of reverence to God as well. We should never make a laughing matter out of God. 

It is time to remind people of the golden rule. Isn't this one of the first things we learned from our parents and from school as well? How would you feel if the same remarks were to be said about you? I am sure you wouldn't like it either. So do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you. It's as simple as that.

Also, as a rule of thumb, if you can't say anything nice about someone, just refrain from saying anything at all.

Isn't it ironic that what her bashers and the people who campaigned against her, failed to anticipate, was that they would be instrumental in her victory due to the so called "sympathy" votes? Filipinos always go for the underdog.

With the elections having been done with, let us see what lies ahead. Faced with a gargantuan task of what could very well be one of the biggest challenges in her life, Nancy Binay might just ultimately prove all of us wrong in the end.
  

THANK YOU ST. ANTHONY

I was named after St. Anthony of Padua, having been born on June 12, a day before the feast of St. Anthony which happens to be June 13. My mom was a very spiritual person and had this devotion to St.Anthony (and other saints as well). As a little girl, I remember every Tuesday she would attend mass at the St. Anthony church in Sampaloc, Manila and sometimes I would tag along.

Early on I knew I was named after St.Anthony, which explains my very close affiliation with him, being one of my favorite saints ( the other being St. Michael). My mom used to tell me to invoke his help whenever I have to look for objects / things which I might have lost or misplaced, him being the Patron Saint for lost objects. Over the years, I have been seeking his help and he has never failed me.

About a couple of days ago, I was looking for my passport as I needed to have it renewed. I looked for it in the envelope where I keep my personal documents but it wasn't there. I was sure I kept it there as I had been checking the contents of this envelope from time to time. I searched my other envelopes, drawers, files, but still  no sight of my passport. After being exhausted from searching, not to mention stressed at the same time since I don't want to go thru the hassle of applying for a replacement, I finally decided it was time to ask for St. Anthony's help.  Please take note that I only ask for his help after I have exhausted every possible means to locate whatever I lost.

After only about 10 minutes after I prayed to him, I saw a brown envelope without any label on it. I was curious on its contents so I opened it, and lo and behold, my passport was there. I don't even remember having made a separate envelope for my passport. I immediately thanked St. Anthony for not letting me down again. Suddenly it dawned on me that it was Tuesday, the particular day of the week in his honor. No wonder I got an immediate response from him. I have a feeling that has something to do with how fast he responds. Sometimes, it takes an hour or longer before he grants my requests, but if it happens on a Tuesday, the response is immediate.

I have recommended him to my friends as well, and they tell me that it has worked for them too. I always remind them though, to exert all efforts first to locate what they lost before they ask for his help.

I wish I had the power of my namesake, but since I don't, I could only help people find their lost things by recommending St. Anthony to them.

Try it, you'd be surprised at the result.

WAS IT WORTH IT? ( A Post Script to Holy Week)

"We are the reason that HE gave HIS life, we are the reason that HE suffered and died, to a world that was lost HE gave all HE could give, to show us the reason to live."

Those are my favorite lines from my favorite song "We Are The Reason". A fitting reminder, and my plea to everyone not to let JESUS' sacrifice go to waste.

Last Maundy Thursday, I once again viewed the film "The Passion of Christ". I guess no other movie could ever depict, as the title goes, the passion of JESUS and how he suffered for us, in a more detailed manner such as this. If you really love him that much, you can not help but be moved and shed tears. The flagellation by the soldiers on his lean body was so inhuman and unbearable. I had to close my eyes every time they would torture and whip him with those thick and heavy chains. I couldn't bear to see the blood streaming all over his face and body. With one eye totally closed as a result of the non stop beating, he endured the heavy cross on his shoulder, the weight of which, together with the excruciating pain in his entire body, caused him to fall countless times.

How unbearable the agony must have been for MAMA MARY to witness her son in such a helpless situation. The pain in her heart must have been twice the physical pain felt by JESUS. One of my favorite scenes in the movie, was when she couldn't bear to go near her son as they were watching him from amongst the crowd carrying his cross all the way to Calvary. St John was beckoning her to go to her son, but she wouldn't bulge from where she was standing. Then suddenly, she remembered the time when as a child, he stumbled and fell. She ran to the crying Jesus and said "Do not worry. I am here". This recollection, coupled with her motherly instinct, made her rush to her bloodied son, and on her knees, once again whispered, "I am here".

Although oblivious to the fact that the FATHER's heart was bleeding as well, but seeing JESUS in such a pitiful state, I couldn't help but ask why HE allowed his Son to go thru all the suffering, pain and humiliation. Of course, I know very well the answer to my own question. Don't we all?

The more important question I asked was, if it was worth it. Why? It's because people seem to have forgotten that JESUS sacrificed his life for us. It's discomforting that aside from not feeling any remorse at all,  some people have also taken for granted the true essence of the Lenten season. They even "celebrate" Holy Week by cavorting on beaches, or having out of the country vacations. This is a time for reflection. Can we not devote just one week for him? Would that be asking too much?

A couple of days after Palm Sunday, someone asked me that all too familiar question, where would I be spending Holy Week? I replied, in church, as I normally do. She said I was corny and that would take the fun out of Holy Week. Fun? Are we supposed to have fun while JESUS is agonizing and would ultimately die on Good Friday? In the Christian world, this is a time for mourning. When people who are close to us pass on, do we not mourn their death? Why then, pray tell me, should we not mourn the death of someone who died for us? He never imposed any condition in exchange for his death. His love was so great that he gave up his life to save us, obviously the most arduous way for anyone to prove his love.

So, if by loving JESUS, appreciating and being grateful for everything he did and continuous to do for me is corny, then so be it.