JULY 2009
features
2
JULY 2009
By: Cecilia C. Lim
EXIT REALTY GRANADA EXIT Realty is Growing ! EXIT Realty Granada will make you love your job as a real estate professional. You will have an opportunity to work and partner with James and Eleanor Dullas – the best that the company has to offer – with more than two decades of experiences behind them, James Dullas has been a tax practitioner for 21 years while Eleanor Dullas has worked for a title insurance industry for 25 years. EXIT Realty Granada gets you ready for a whole “new lease” on life. . Through the leadership of James Dullas EXIT Realty Granada streamlines real estate prospecting more profitable where agents can earn more than 100% profit and position themselves with absolute success. EXIT Realty Granada has adopted advance features which provides excellent service to their clients, rewards production and honors the success of their agents.
James and Eleanor Dullas recognize the importance of the dreams, desires and goals of their partners – always ready to provide expert counsel and real solutions. James Dullas and Eleanor Dullas have a solid track records of success in handling the full range of real estate brokerage. EXIT Realty Granada stands out among other companies and offers solutions to your real estate needs backed by tools and resources never been found in any other realty company. EXIT Realty’s unique formula of single level residuals is revolutionizing the real estate industry.
EXIT REALTY GRANADA IS REAL ESTATE REINVENTED.
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JULY 2009
features
President / Publisher ROD DASCO Vice President / Editor -In-Chief CECILIA C. LIM Art Director RONALD CRUZ Managing Editor LEA CRUZ
Graphic Designer v Contributing Photographers CARLO CRUZ KEVIN R. TEVES BONG MALABANAN KATSI DEL ROSARIO JETT RAIF BENJIE UY ANGELO TAN LUI TEH Writers ATTY. RAY BULAON KAT INIBA BARBARA SINGER CECILIA BRAINARD CHANDRA PANDULA EDMUND INDUSTAN YZA LIAM RAIF JOVEN CALINGO KATHERINE ANN URSOLINO JOY GO Beauty Contributor DANIEL CHINCHILLA JOEL SEBASTIAN Sales ETHEL CHAN ERIC FRANCISCO TITA MANGILA ROSBY TEOPACO Editorial Board LUISITO C. LIM LYDIA C. LIM PASTOR LILY BURTON
www.lapinoymagazine.com publisher@lapinoymagazine.com editor@lapinoymagazine.com info@lapinoymagazine.com submission@lapinoymagzine.com sales@lapinoymagzine.com artdept@lapinoymagazine.com
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without permission in writing from LA Pinoy Magazine.
The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed
manuscripts, photographs, artworks or advertisements.
LA Pinoy Magazine is a
monthly publication. All information regarding editorial content or property for sale is deemed reliable. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.
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JULY 2009
Our Cover Photography by: Ronald Cruz Assistant: Kevin Teves Fashion Designer/Stylist: Thai Nguyen Hair & Make-up: Joel Sebastian Model: Tracy Bautista
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
EXIT REALTY GRANADA Exit Realty is Growing
12
FEATURES Rockin’ with BBoys
14
GOOD TRIP Visit to Oxnard
15
FIL-AM ACHIEVER
16
PINOYGRAPHER’S JUNE SHOOTOUT A Pinoygrapher’s Event
17
DIY Funky Shirts
18
ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE
20
STYLE Asian Royale Fashion
24-27
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EDITOR’S PICKS Retaliation Or Retribution Money Tolerance PINK SLIP JULY 2009
8
PUBLISHER’S NOTE “SUCCESS UNEXPECTED”
B
eyond the shadow of a doubt, the world is not at all in a moment of frivolity. We are overwhelmed with confusion and the diminishing sizes of our portfolios. How are we handling the wind of adversity? By standing firm with boldness and confidence in knowing that in GOD alone we will prevail.
LA Pinoy has started a breakthrough this third quarter in the year of our LORD 2009 and I am just thrilled about the greater opportunities that are coming our way. LA Pinoy is entering a new era of advertising and media prospecting – a creation of a complete website to provide a ready worldwide connection. Advertisers and readers alike including artists and writers can view LA Pinoy magazine anywhere in the globe in their business sites or in the comfort of their homes and be able to connect and transact any kind of concern and be linked to www.lapinoymagazine.com. This year we are driving down our roots even to deeper and stronger grounds in areas where Pinoys are dispersed and in need of a cure for nostalgia. In this troubled times where anyone can just give up and waive a white flag, we remember that there is a sovereign GOD who allows us to dream big. He erases doubts and brings light to a darkened soul. Through submission and discipline we will meet “the success unexpected”, under the common hours and walk confidently under His mighty hands. THIS MONTH WE CELEBRATE THE 4th OF JULY… LA PINOY REMEMBERS THE GREAT AMERICAN PATRIOTS!
ROD DASCO President/Publisher
EDITOR’S NOTE DISCOVERING OUR MOMENTUM
P
rominence can be marred by diminutiveness, good judgment can be flawed by folly, and all decency can even turned into faults - our audiences claim that LA Pinoy is becoming the only local Filipino magazine of which without gross flattery is declared as their choice and “going on a drive”. Because we have gotten bolder, the panic has been very encouraging notwithstanding the receding cutback. As the editor-in-chief, I insist of being transparent to our readers and give honest assessment. LA Pinoy can be going uphill and seemingly non stopping specially rebounding from ordinary and standard photography to a sharp and sensational artistry and adopting a lush all colored pages lifestyle publication – still we find ourselves wandering how in the world LA Pinoy is able to withstand the shrinking and vanishing wealth of this nation. Skeptics are saying can they make it to their destination…? Sometimes it can be a frustrating feeling seeing our goal ahead and knowing we entered the times of navigating the difficult responsibility of running a publication in a sagging economy. Oftentimes we are caught in the most embarrassing situation asking businesses for their support ALWAYS making them aware that they are our constant lifeline. In most occasions Filipino businesses had turned us down not counting the challenging task of asking for an appointment. But we continue to persevere because we are never driven by lust or ambition but by purpose and a vision greater than ourselves. Although cutbacks are even getting more desperate LA Pinoy will continue to support the remarkable talents of Filipino artists, prolific writers and columnists who need pages to display their flair to create and thrive making LA Pinoy proud to provide. Even with the economic chaos I urge our “kababayans” and Filipino businesses to be a positive part of the community by extending their role for the development of Filipino brotherhood. We ask you to participate and partner with us and together we will remain. WE WILL REMAIN BECAUSE THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH IS THE ONE AND ONLY GOD OF GLORY WHO CONTINUES TO PROVIDE FOR ALL OUR NEEDS.
CECILIA C. LIM Vice President/Editor in Chief
JULY 2009
features
By: Myra Avila /James Oreste Photography: CarloCruz.net ou’ve seen them in everything from movies and TV commercials to on stage as dancers and in talent competitions. They come from all over the world, including right here in Los Angeles, CA. To most, a bboy/girl appears to live a life oft glitz and glamour, especially here in LA, dancing for and with famous singers and artists. According to the media bboying, or “breakdancing” as the media likes to call it, is all about power, crazy spins, and flashy moves, motions that will make people stand up and go “Wow!” But is that all bboying is really about? What really defines LA’s bboy scene?
Y 12
LA bboys form a large community from all walks of life, but no matter how different or whatever background they may be coming from, they all share the common thread of being committed to learning and working hard. Like most, they struggle with the day to day existence of juggling school, work, family, and most importantly of all, bboying. Many bboys are students and working youth struggling to make ends meet while finding the time to incorporate bboying in their everyday lives, regardless of whether creatively and skillfully. Bboys exhibit that means having to practice during their pure ability outside of the spotlight breaks at work or in between classes. and within their natural form. It takes Sure there is some glitz and glamour, but unlike “hip hop dance� or other forms of choreographed street dance, real bboying is the ability to dance to a breakbeat and express yourself
a lot of work and years of practice and experience to be a better person and a bboy. True bboying is about being able to interpret the music freely, whether that
performing moves while in an upright position, or incorporating all the flashy moves that bboys are recognized and most known for. It’s about being true to yourself and the bboy culture.
means just doing footwork or toprocks, JULY 2009
VISIT TO OXNARD
to Meet New Filipino Friends and Enjoy a Delightful Retreat Oxnard known for its strawberries
By: Barbara Singer
O
xnard is a quick one-hour getaway and retreat from Los Angeles via Highway 101. Take the family along for a comfortable stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 2101
West Vineyard, Oxnard, 805-278-2200. Their spacious 252 guest rooms accommodate the family with full kitchen appliances and utensils, large living space, complimentary breakfast and swimming pool for the kids. Right next-door is the River Ridge Golf Club for Dad, whether he is a novice or seasoned golfer, here is a beautiful par 72-championship course. Heritage Square downtown Keeping busy in Oxnard, the possibilities are endless. Start with Heritage Square, a beautiful collection of restored Victorian homes, housing live theatre, restaurants, wineries and businesses. Stop by the weekly Farmer’s Market downtown to find those delicious Oxnard home grown strawberries. Visit the harbor for Progressive Dining by boat at popular restaurants and for adventures by boat to the Channel Islands for hiking and the wonders of nature. Check out the Maritime Museum, Murphy’s Auto Museum and the Carnegie Art Museum. Shopping is an avid past time from malls, boutiques to antique stores and thrift shops. Seize the moment to discover the beach while you are in Oxnard. The harbor Oxnard has an active and friendly Filipino community with many residents who are members of the FILAM Council of Ventura County. Savier Street is the heart of the Filipino lifestyle, home to many businesses and restaurants. Community residents frequent Oxnard Filipino Community Church and Mary Star of the Sea Church, also the Filipino Center of Ventura; visiting here is a fine way to connect and Pilipinas Bakery & Restaurant (3640 Saviers Road) savored for its baked breads and traditional desserts and known as the best Filipino food in Oxnard. For other Filipino foods visit the Sea Breeze Market (4863 S. Rose Avenue) ask for Tessie. Summer in Oxnard means Salsa Festival, live theater and summer concerts on Heritage Square. For information on Oxnard, contact the Oxnard Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 800-269-6273.
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Photos by: Barbara Singer
with Filipinos in the area. Popular Filipino markets are: FUWA Market
Pilipinas Bakery
FIL-AM ACHIEVER
By: Lydia Solis
Although she’s written thousands of news, sports, arts and feature articles in her nearly 20-year pro career as a journalist, along with several script treatments, book reviews, master’s theses and even an anthologized short story, no one has ever asked her how she’s done it until now. “Don’t be simplistic and don’t be formulaic,” she told an interviewer regarding unique plot lines. “People are more complicated than just a two-sided gingerbread man.” Former print and radio broadcast editor with The Associated Press and pro-bono writer for a Catholic newspaper, who’s also currently freelancing for the Filipino American press, Louinn Marie Lota, is featured opposite a romance novel author in an educational DVD to be distributed by the California High School Speech Association in early 2010. She answered questions including whether writing was a skill or innate talent; what to do with writer’s block and harsh criticism, and how to shine in a world full of unoriginal ideas.On the peskiness of writer’s block, Louinn, a double master’s who got her undergraduate degree in journalism and became a Pew Charitable Trusts arts fellow, compared the situation to the old saying of having a bee in your bonnet. “You may not hear the buzzing loudly but it’s still there in the back of your mind, so do something else or write about something else, and then come back to your story later,” she said. Kolkey Productions of Los Angeles videotaped Louinn April 24 during the annual CHSSA state tournament championships, held this year in Culver City. Louinn said this taping was more serious than when she was writing a director’s pitch for a Circuit City commercial while her boss was filming the metal rock music video “Survival of the Sickest.”
PINOYGRAPHERS’ JUNE SHOOTOUT A Pinoygraphers’ Event @ the Ronald Reagan Library By: Joven Calingo
The winning images of Mark Cano
I
t’s so difficult to wake up on a gloomy Saturday morning. For us mortals, Saturday is the day when we can stay in bed and feel the comfort of not working that day.
But that day, June 13, 2009, these warriors braved their laziness, put on their shooting gear and off they go. They ‘re supposed to meet at 9:30 in the morning. But every meet-up won’t be complete without that famous “Filipino time”. Some arrived in a timely 10-ish, as they say it nowadays. These Pinoygraphers claimed the grounds of the Ronald Reagan Museum in Simi Valley to be their shooting ground. Amidst the stare of security personnel, they still manage to capture the beauty of what they see, as they desire.
It’s funny that this writer is not present in that event. Thanks to Facebook, I was able to update myself from all the enjoyable moments these shooters manage to send to the famous online community. One couple (both male) was able to take a picture of them together and send as one of the highlights of the trip. One female attendee was so thankful that after so many months she’d be able to pull out her camera from her “baul” and use it. Another attendee is so jealous that a Mr. Chua has that big of an appetite for a big meal. Some have scheduled individual shoots. But because of some unavoidable circumstances (or models flaking), these gentlemen just joined the group. Another just joined not to shoot but to just be there and be a support to others (or be the model if needed). Some just want to be there to be in the traditional PG group picture and show their hand gestures.
As a Pinoygrapher, camaraderie is what counts the most. It’s very encouraging that there are a lot of new faces that showed up. The support of the current members who attended and the ones that can’t make it (but was there in spirit) is the foundation of this group of warriors - carefree shooters with a desire for new and lasting friendship.
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By: Kat Iniba
By: Yza Liam Raif
T
his hobby of mine started when I found my husband’s box of T-shirts that he doesn’t wear anymore… well he does use it, to clean the car. I always love DIY stuff. My family and friends would always tease me that I have too much time in my hands. Every time they see something new, they always make a statement, “Did you make that? You make everything!” What can I say? I’m cheap and I’m artsy-craftsy! I love making things. I like to be able to step back from my shirt that I transformed and feel proud delight that comes from knowing, “Hey! I made that.” And, knowing that you’re the only person around the block wearing that shirt makes it more special. Tired of your old boring T-shirts? Here’s your chance to make a difference, to make a statement. After all, it’s one way of recycling, transforming an abandoned shirt into something new. Get a pair of scissors, get creative, get ready to customize and make it yours. Put a personal stamp on your wardrobe. SLASH IT! Things you need: • 1 fitted T-shirt • cardboard flap • tailor’s chalk • scissors or razor blade • tank top in different color 1.
2.
4. 5.
Things you need: • 1 T-shirt • box of safety pins (small or medium size) • scissors 1.
Lay the T-shirt flat and cut out the neck band. 2. Cut off about half an inch of fabric along the shoulder seams, from the neckline down to the ends of the sleeves. 3. Use safety pins to join cut edges together, placing the pins about 1” apart.
JULY 2009
Photography by: Jett Raif
3.
Lay the T-shirt flat and cut out the neck band and cut off the sleeve ends. Turn the T-shirt inside out. Using a tailor’s chalk, sketch the shape of heart (or whatever pattern you like) across the torso of the shirt. Draw parallel lines horizontally inside the outline of the pattern you drew, approximately 1” apart. Insert the cardboard flap between the layers of the shirt. Make sure to cut through only the front panel of the shirt, slash along the chalk lines. Turn the shirt right side out and layer it over a tank top.
PIN-UP!
features
By: Lea Cruz No doubt we can feel the economic crunch & the so-called “recession”. So what’s next? Are you ready to rise or to dwindle? Is your outlook on the negative or positive side? It’s always your choice to change your attitude & your thoughts that eventually will influence your actions. It will all depend on your perception. Here are some helpful tips you can consider: 1. Limit the amount you get the gloomy news. Instead, surround yourself mostly with motivational, positive things. Surf the net, read on, or listen to effective, productive alternatives. Social networking also helps. Reaching out to others opens wider opportunities for growth, opening wide range of ideas. 2. Now is the time for specific, measurable, & realistic financial planning, backed up with a time-table to support your short-term & long-term goals. Acting on your budget is much
“
“
There is incomparable delight in the process of learning & reaping success amidst adversity.
important than merely planning it. One should not live beyond his
better to be prepared for anything. Grab any opportunities available.
means. If you’re spending more than you’re earning, check your
It’s not the time to be picky. If you have extra time, you can go to
bills & determine which ones you can cut back. You can cut home
school, get a part-time job, or learn a new skill which can eventu-
costs by saving electricity or water, using discount coupons, buying
ally be another source of income. Additional sources of income can
cheaper products, carpooling or sharing cost of gas. Pay off your
be from room renters or babysitting service. If you’re starting on a
credit card bills on time. Try using cash whenever possible. You can
business, think of one that offers necessary product or service like
do this if you will prioritize your “needs” & abstain from your “wants”.
food, healthcare, etc. Keep your expenses low as much as possible. If you have an existing business, persevere in further expanding your
3. Take advantage of the recession by spending quality time with
network. Always provide excellent service, exceeding your client’s
your family. Looking at the brighter side, more time means working
expectations.
on relationships through communication, physical activity or spiritual uplift. Simple living & going back to the basics is teaching us a lifestyle change including admirable moral values like discipline,
Growing entails hardships. Tough times & challenges will actually
gratitude, hard work, faith, hope, patience & love.
help us grow stronger. There is incomparable delight in the process of learning & reaping success amidst adversity. Now is the time to
4. It is not wise to be dependent on a single source of income be it
move on forward, stay positive, keep believing & striving until you
from a job or business. Work harder at this economic downturn. It is
reach your goals!
JULY 2009
style
Silk charmuese red, blue and white ao dai with clear beading detailed at center panel and silk charmuese pant
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ASIAN ROYALE FASHION
Photography by: Ron Cruz of RonskiGFX.com Styling by: THAI NGUYEN of www.thainguyencouture.com Top image Hair & Make-up by: Daniel Chinchilla Left image Hair & Make-up by: Joel Sebastian
JULY 2009
Photography: Ronald Cruz Hair and Make-up : Joel Sebastian Styling: Thai Nguyen Ivory silk wrinkle chiffon over moth green silk charmuese evening gown
ADVERTISE WITH US and reach unprecedented audience worldwide with our new website. LA PINOY is the ONLY locally printed lush magazine widely distributed in SoCal. NOW your most acclaimed choice for Filipino Magazine. “WE MAKE OUR ADVERTISERS PROUD TO DISPLAY THEIR BRAND”
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ADVERTISE WITH US NOW!!! (213) 706- 0010/ (626) 272-1129 www.lapinoymagazine.com publisher@lapinoymagazine.com
Photography: Ronald Cruz Hair and Make-up : Daniel Chinchilla Styling: Thai Nguyen Hand painted and beaded phoenix on ivory silk crepe and tulle asymmetrical neckline bridal gown
JULY 2009
editor’s picks
RETALIATION RETRIBUTION
“The greatest character of a person is humility - for all these evils we say about others have been manifested in ourselves and therefore we have no right to judge.”
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N N
By: Cecilia Lim
Do not judge … There is a difference between retaliation and retribution. The Scriptures say that the basis of life is retribution – with what measure we use, it will be measured back to us as well. If we have been so clever in finding out the faults in others, we must remember that those defects will be exactly the measure that will be given back to us. Life ser ves back in the coin we pay. This principle works in any throne and downwards. In truth the one who criticizes another is guilty of the ver y same things. We must look not only at the act but also at the possibility. The real reason we see hypocrisy and fraud and unreality in others is because these are all in our own hear ts. The greatest character of a person is humility – for all these evils we say about others have been manifested in ourselves and therefore we have no right to judge.
We
are grateful that there is only one ultimate judge and He judges not by our old selves as “filthy rags” but by the atonement of His Son.
LEADING THE WAY
“Do not judge or you too will be judged.
Dr. Michael Youssef
For in the same way you judge others,
KBRT 740AM Radio
you will be judged, and with the
11:30a.m. – 12:00 noon (M-F)
measure you use it will be measured back to you”.
HOPE FOR TODAY
“To the pure you show yourself pure,
Dr. David Hocking
but to the crooked you show yourself
KBRT 740 AM Radio
shrewd… you save the humble but
10:00a.m. -10:30a.m. (M-F)
bring low those whose eyes are haughty”.
LOVE WORTH FINDING
God gave us a message to share…what
Dr. Adrian Rogers
looks like a detour may actually be a
KBRT 740AM Radio
new road to blessing”.
7:30a.m. – 8:00a.m (M-F)
Photography by: Bong Malabanan
JULY 2009
building wisely
MONEY The Test for Spirituality “People who want to get rich fall into a temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction”. 1Tim6:9 By: Cecilia Lim
M
oney is a neutral commodity in that inherently, it is neither good nor evil. However a strong yearning for money can be the cause of great danger
for our spiritual being. The God of creation made man to be in His image and likeness but ever since the fall, we have given our hearts to lesser desires instead
of our ultimate purpose of loving Him and be intimate with Him. The love of money, not only robs God of His rightful place in our hearts but also steals peace and contentment, opens the door to various temptations and can cause us to wander away from our heavenly Father. The amount of money we possess is not the real problem. The root originates in the desire of the heart. We never seem to have enough or be satisfied no matter how much we have. The lure to wealth promises pleasure and security but in the end only leads to ruin and grief. The satisfaction of possessions is fleeting. It gratifies in the beginning then the pleasure decreases which requires the pursuit of more in an effort to regain the same feeling. It is an unending cycle of addiction driven to enticement of the world thru the deceitfulness of riches. Only through Jesus Christ that we live as we ought to live and let the Holy Spirit fills our hearts to experience a newness of life, of peace, and true prosperity. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death”. Prov.14:12 “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs”. 1Tim 6:10 Lasting pleasure and security are found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. He supplies us with all things to enjoy. But if we let His benefits become our primary ambition we will lose sight of what really matters and miss our joy and contentment.
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HOW FAR CAN WE GO?
By: Cecilia Lim
P
olitically correct is the key phrase for our culture today. The
events are not in keeping with GOD’s revelation to
world demands that we should be tolerant and accepting of
us because GOD has chosen us out of the world.
others’ beliefs and behavior… or whatever the world system defines How do we stand firm in the truth regardless of
as “truth”.
how unpopular we might become? We must be But tolerance in GOD’s perspective is a different kind of open-minded-
on our guard to have absolutely no tolerance to
ness. His Word encourages us to make allowance for the differences
popular views when truth is at stake. We must
among men but He never condones blind tolerance to us believers; if
buckle ourselves up to reach His standards and
we disregard His truth as revealed in the Scriptures. God is forgiving
not be haunted by apprehensions. WE MUST
and permissive of us who think differently as He does in His Word.
NOT LET POPULAR OPINIONS CHANGE
He never attack or result to personal insult on anyone - instead He
OUR MINDS. Tolerance is to be built in GOD’s
displayed mercy and compassion when He met the Samaritan wom-
promises totally trusting in His sovereignty as our
an in the well or freely commended the Synchro-Phoenician woman’s
helper and the one who judges.
strong unwavering faith - although we must realized that tolerance stretches only so far. Today the enemy has been masterful and
In actuality we were called to defend the
successful in twisting the concept of tolerance as good and pleas-
truth… regardless of how politically incorrect
ant and that we should accept and embrace whatever the system
it might make us. Do we trust in Him or are we
tries to pass as off as truth. What the media tells us about world
succumbing?
POWER POINT
““Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be
Dr. Jack Graham
careful to do what is right in the eyes
KKLA 99.5 FM Radio
of everyone. If it is possible as far as
10:00a.m. – 10:30a.m. (M-F)
it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”.
IN TOUCH MINISTRIES Dr. Charles Stanley
what you need. Submit to Him in
KKLA 99.5 FM Radio 9:30a.m – 10:00a.m.
““The Lord knows where you are and prayer and share your hurts and de-
(M-F)
THRU THE BIBLE RADIO
sires with Him”. “I know my plans for you says the Lord,
Dr. Vernon McGee
plans of good and not of evil, plans to
KKLA 99.5 FM Radio
prosper you and not to harm you; to
6:00a.m. – 6:30a.m
(M-F)
give you a future and a hope”.
JULY 2009
PINK SLIP I held her firm in my arms. ‘Mom are you okay?’, she dodged my words by lowering her eyes avoiding eye contact, ‘ Oh my little Boy, look at you, you’re already 21’, ‘lets go down and have fun’. I noticed something was not right. Everyone at the pool cheered as I escorted Mom. It was like walking on wedding aisle. By: Chandra Pandula
I
t’s my 21st Birthday. I’ve been waiting for this special day when I’ll be on top of the world!
We have this large five bedroom house with a nice lawn, beautiful backyard with a pool. My younger sister Jane who is 19 and her boyfriend Ken were in charge of the party arrangements. They selected beautiful flowers and lights decked along the pool. Mom and Dad exceeded their budget so that I’ll remember this special day. Mom always gives us that special loving care, when she is not busy traveling across the continent as HR Manager for Citadel Group. She is known as a tough lady with no sympathy. Goes by the rules and can be ruthless at times. She got pins of appreciation for organizational restructuring and down sizing. Dad, more a laid back Californian, as a Bank Manager 9-5 Man, five days a week with little stress and is more relaxed than a retired man. 6.30 PM, guests began to come, open bar by the side of the pool was slowly getting busier, bunch of friends walked as a group, lifted me and carried me like a sack chanting Happy Birthday. The excitement was reaching its tempo and almost everyone whom we invited came except few of Mom’s bosses. It was 8.30 PM, party was in full swing and the cake was brought in on a trolley for me to cut followed by a dinner. Mom was not present at the party, I totally forgot about her till the cake was brought in. Dad was there, Jane, Ken and scores of friends, relatives and neighbors except Mom. I paused and I excused myself, went all over the house looking for her. I finally got her, she was in her bedroom. Wiping her tears she came out hugging ‘Honey, why are you here?’ ‘Did you finish cutting the cake?’ I see anxiety in her face.
28
I offered toast to my loving parents with a glass of Champagne. Dad grabbed the Champagne bottle, poured it over me and my friends joined Dad, then the whole teasing melee began, we all landed in the pool. As I was getting out of the pool, I noticed, Mom was gulping scotch straight from the bottle and by the time I got out of the pool in that soaked suit, she almost gulped half bottle or more. She never had drinks like that before, I realized something is wrong, I rushed and pulled the bottle off her mouth, she choked, coughed and before others could realize, I took her away into the house, her body was sweating, it was too late, she collapsed in my arms unconscious. I yelled for Dad as I laid her on the bed. Dad came rushing and was shocked to see Mom unmoved, guests came running inside and someone called 911. In minutes there were Ambulances and Paramedics but was too late. The game of this tall, big 250 lbs lady on planet earth is over. Over doses of hormones supplements and medications, which she was taking for post Menopause, low BP and diabetes reacted with heavy dose of alcohol leading to instant Cardiac arrest. The Wrights’ lives came to stand still, I held Dad and Jane. Time passed, it was a week after the funeral, while cleaning Mom’s closet, I found this gift box from her Big Boss, The CEO of Citadel Group, with a nice card ‘Hi Richie Boy, You shall be The Man Today’ with Best Wishes Douglas Payne and there was another card addressed to Mom ‘Hi Sarah, We love you but things are beyond our limits and as you know, ours is a sinking ship and you did a great job despite in crises. God Bless you and your family. PS: Today is Richie’s Birthday and we regret for not showing up. A check for $15 K was attached to the Pink slip.
JULY 2009
GROUPHUGS features
/SCENE
Miss and Mrs. Asia USA 2009
Mayor Jojo Binay Visits L.A.
Ruffa Gutierez B-day Bash
Mix Group Hugs
Photos by: Katsi del Rosario/Kevin Teves/ Ron Cruz
Photos by: Benny Uy/ Kevin Teves/ Ron Cruz
Photos by: Angelo Tan
Lakers Parade
Photos by: Benny Uy
JULY 2009
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