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There are so many things I want to say about Valentine’s Day—in fact, I’m afraid this whole entry might turn into a bunch of tittle-tattle if I indulge myself. So instead, I thought of leaving it to the pros. After all, there’s a reason why these movie lines have stuck with us after all these years, right? I think it’s safe to say these quotes sum up everything good about Valentine’s Day and give you one of the best feelings in the world: that giddy, warm, tingly feeling you get when something (a song, a picture, a memory, or in this case, a line from a movie) hits you in a such a special way that makes you feel it was made for you, just you. You feel it all over your body and you never ever want to lose it. These movie quotes are old and new, familiar and unfamiliar, but I’m pretty sure they’ll “hit” you all the same.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —Annie

“If I tell you I love you, can I keep you forever?” —Casper

“I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it.” —City of Angels

“It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other.” —Good Will Hunting

“Sometimes in life, there really are bonds formed that can never be broken. Sometimes you really can find that one person who will stand by you no matter what. Maybe you’ll find it in a spouse and celebrate it with your dream wedding, but there’s also the chance that the one person you can count on for a lifetime, the one person who knows you sometimes better than you know yourself, is the same person who’s been standing beside you all along.” —Bride Wars

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” —Moulin Rouge

“Remember, I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” —Notting Hill

“I am someone else when I’m with you, someone more like myself.” —Original Sin

“In these dreams I’ve loved you so, that by now I think I know what it’s like to be loved by you. I will love being loved by you.” —The King and I

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle in your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” —When Harry Met Sally

“I guarantee there’ll be tough times. I guarantee that at some time, one or both of us is gonna want to get out of this thing. But I also guarantee that if I don’t ask you to be mine, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life, because I know, in my heart, you’re the only one for me.” —Runaway Bride

“Take love, multiply it by infinity and take it to the depths of forever, and you still have only a glimpse of how I feel for you.” —Meet Joe Black

“You are what I never knew I always wanted.” —Fools Rush In

“If you love someone you say it, you say it right then, out loud. Otherwise the moment just… passes you by.” —My Best Friend’s Wedding

“Don’t say we aren’t right for each other. The way I see it is we aren’t right for anyone else.” —The Cutting Edge

“Sometimes I wish I had never met you. Because then I could go to sleep at night not knowing there was someone like you out there.” —Good Will Hunting

“If you’re not willing to sound stupid, then you’re not worthy of falling in love.” —A Lot Like Love

“You know, that moment when you kiss someone and everything around you becomes hazy. And the only thing in focus is you and that person. And you realize that that person is the only person that you’re supposed to kiss for the rest of your life. And for one moment you get this gift. And you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that it will go away all at the same time.” —Never Been Kissed

“I love you without knowing how, why, or even from where.” —Patch Adams

“You complete me.” —Jerry Maguire

No matter what your opinion of Valentine’s Day is - underrated, overrated, Single-Awareness Day, too commercialized, corporate money-making scheme, something only lovesick couples celebrate, a sad excuse for torpe people to finally show some affection, the best day of the year - everyone deserves to feel loved on that special day. Don’t forget to spread the love tomorrow! (And every other day of the year, for that matter.)

Wishing you bouquets of roses, boxes of chocolates, and that warm kilig feeling,
Cre

P.S. For all those anti-everything-cheezy girls out there who just have to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a bit of an edge, here’s a list I’m sure you’ll find fascinating: 14 Miserable Facts About St Valentine’s Day. Who says Valentine’s Day is just for lovey-dovey couples?

Love quotes from:
http://www.iloveuquotes.com/movielovequotes.htm
http://www.latestngreatest.net/movielovequotes.htm
http://www.romancestuck.com/quotes/movie-quotes.htm

Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top,
when the wind blows, the cradle will rock,
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all

This lullaby is what usually my grandmother sings to me when she puts me to sleep. Her soothing voice never fails to make me drift into unconsciousness. Mama Aida, as what my cousins and I call her, is a woman who exudes grace, elegance, and simplicity. She is also someone who loves unconditionally; thinks of others first before herself. A thoughtful person that she is, she loves to give gifts to her children and her grandchildren even when there’s no occasion; she never asks for anything in return. She’d give us cookies, junk food, pencils, books, notebooks, bracelets, and other simple things that when she gives those to us, we know that it’s from the heart. She also loves to crochet and make bags, bandannas, and bonnets for me and my cousins. Mama is also musical; she plays the piano and my cousins and I would dance ballet (even if we didn’t take lessons!) and sing. She was also very supportive to me and my cousins. She was always present in every graduation, piano recital, and other activities.

But all the happy moments with her were cut short because of one heartbreaking event. When she passed away 7 years ago because of aneurysm, I felt like the whole world tumbled over me. It’s difficult on my part because I was a witness to that attack. I thought that Mama will still have a second chance in life but I was wrong; it was already her time. No matter how much tears we shed, we couldn’t take our dearest Mama back to life. I really couldn’t believe that Mama was gone. I would think about her everyday and reminisce all the happy times that I shared with her.

I miss Mama Aida very much. I miss everything about her—her sweet smile, her gentle touch, and the tenderness of her love. I miss eating, watching movies, strolling around our favorite malls, and just hanging out with her and the whole family. Losing Mama hurts so much but life goes on. Even if she’s not with us now physically, she’ll always be in our hearts. I’m sure that she’s happy now because she’s with Papa in their happy place.

If I were to be somewhere in the world right now, I would like to be in heaven and see Mama even if it’s only in my dreams. She’ll see me as a grown-up now but still, I am the Jesselle that she has known. I want to hug her, tell her how much I miss her, and tell her so many stories of what my family and I have been through after she passed away. I want to tell her about my dreams and how she is an inspiration to me.

I miss you, Mama. I really, really do. Thank you for giving me a chance to be with you for 11 years. Thank you for taking good care of me whenever I was sick and for cooking my favorite corn soup. I feel so blessed to have had you as my grandmother. I love you, from the bottom of my heart.

So many things can happen in a span of two years. In two years, a toddler can sort objects according to shape and color, a movie can be made, and a degree can be obtained… but no matter how much things can change in two years, there are things that will always be there.

When I was a kid, every night, I would wait by the door with fairytale books clutched in my hand. Not long after, he would arrive, carry me upstairs and tuck me in bed. He would always stay by my side, just reading until I fall into a deep slumber. I was only around 3 years old then, but I have kept these vivid memories of everyday since then.

Growing up, he bought me books. Lots and lots of books. We wrote letters to each other and handed out greeting cards with more than just Hallmark statements during special occasions. He gave me bouquets of flowers during my special days and he would always call at night just to ask how I’m doing. We made frequent trips to Whimsyland and drove around at night during citywide blackouts. We would go all the way to expressways just to drive around and talk.

We were different and we were unusual but I could say that I’m proud of what we had. We never fit into any stereotypes and we could never define what it was that we had, but we had something precious and it was just unfortunate that we had to give it up so early on. Yes, we had to give it up, but we didn’t lose it. It’s still here, with me. It’s still there, with him. That will always be one of the things that will never change.

As much as our love wasn’t generic, it still was and still is, after all, love. It’s just like what you have now with people around you. We just add special touches to it.

I wanted to take you down that lane I had with my father because that is what I consider one of my life’s specials, and I do this with the hopes of allowing you to recall yours too. Some good things end, but there comes something after its end that takes its place. If it’s your good thing, it never really leaves… and if it comes with much love, you can never go wrong with that.

There are so many things I want to talk with him about that I miss writing him letters, but I tell you instead because I can feel these words getting louder as I share them and allow the world to know him.  So I ask, if we can write to the heavens, what kind of paper would we be using and what kind of ink is eternal?

Exactly two years ago, I said the last goodbye as papa said hello to another kind of life outside this world, and these are the things that I’ve been missing for two years.

Papa, this one’s for you… to remind you I haven’t forgotten, that I still wonder what it would be like for you to still be here, to express my regrets for not being able to tell you how much you really mean to me enough, and to say I love you in the most possible way. Your greatness and strength and capacity to love have always inspired me, and as I live this life, I veer towards the direction of making you proud. You have always taught me to stand up, and face the world, because you’ve always believed there’s something in me that can change it. I miss you, and I love you!

P.S. Below is a postcard that reminds me of me and my dad.

From PostSecret

Red. Green. Sparkling lights. Carols. Cool weather. All these things mean only one thing: Christmas is just around the corner! Can you feel the Christmas spirit? I can’t wait to celebrate the holiday season this year because my family is very much complete! My cousin/godmother is coming home for Christmas this year with Tita Baby (her mom), Kuya Kim (her husband), and the newest addition to the Herrera family, Baby Joaquim! Ninang Anne, as I call her, left the Philippines on December 6, 2008 to join Kuya Kim who is working in Dubai.

Christmas last year was fun but it was not the same without her. We all missed her funny, crazy, and cool ideas for our family’s annual Christmas party, the sound of her laugh and of course her presence. But despite all the sadness that we felt, we did not let her absence be a hindrance to have a fun Christmas celebration.

To me, her departure was much worse than breaking up with a boyfriend (though I’ve never had a boyfriend). Good byes are very difficult to me. I hate seeing someone go especially if I am very close with that person. I felt like the whole world went upside down upon hearing the news that she was leaving. Growing up with Ninang Anne, she is more than a cousin and godmother to me. I consider her as my “big sister.” She is absolutely someone whom I can talk to about anything. We talk about school, guys, fashion, our favorite TV shows, etc. She gives me advice whenever I have problems or important decisions to make and is very supportive of me. And most of all, she never failed to make me feel loved and cared for; just like how a real sister is. It doesn’t matter even if I don’t have a real sister. Knowing that I have her, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

I am now counting the days of her homecoming. I am so excited to see Ninang Anne again after a year of not seeing each other. I will surely treasure every moment I will spend with her during the holidays. We have a lot of catching up to do together with our other cousins! I am also looking forward to our family’s upcoming Baguio trip after Christmas! Major family bonding! Hurray!

How are you going to spend your Christmas break, Candy Girls?

Wishing you all the best this holiday season,
Jesselle

I know it is only my second blog.
I know that I have absolutely no idea who may be reading this.
I know that I may be only talking to myself right now.
Nevertheless, I want you to meet my dad.

Yes, that’s how we roll, with bowler and knitted hats!

So, anyway, why talk about my dad? Well, I enjoy talking about my family because the most comedic scenes that could happen to anyone is found right under your roof. Yes, your family.

Extremely hard to see because of the generation gap and old fashioned views, right? But really, that is what makes it even more hilarious.

Just like back in Junior Year, my dad had some really crazy ideas about prom (he got more excited about it than I!). He thought that the parents should be home to scare their daughter’s date, watch him like a hawk, give him the “be back by 11″ speech, and basically be the scary but extremely cool and handsome (this came from him, by the way) father figure. I didn’t really object because I knew he was only kidding.

So came prom day, no one was home when my date arrived. We had been waiting in the living room for about thirty minutes for my dad to come home and I decided that the wait was too much so I called him up to tell him that I love him and that I’d be leaving without him fulfilling his pre-prom ritual.

When he picked up the phone, he said, “Aaaahhhhh waitwaitwaitwaitwaittttttttttt! Im caaaaaaaaaaamiiiiing!!! Weeeeeeeeyttttt!!!! I’m like… ten… five… TWO MINUTES AWAY! WAIT! By the way I have food here from this restaurant that I know you will like and…”

His voice faded away as I thought to myself: “I guess being a cool father is out of the list.”

When he finally arrived, I thought he would be giving the “Be good guys! And don’t stay out past midnight!” speech. Instead, I got “Oh, enjoy yourselves and come home anytime you want!”

Okay, so scary dad is also out of the list.

My date said he was the coolest dad ever.

Generation gap, a problem?

It won’t be one anymore when it could entertain you like how my dad would threaten my brother by turning off his computer if he doesn’t go down to eat dinner at said time. It would be a real threat if he just knew that the button on the CPU, and not on the monitor, should be pressed to shut down the entire system.

Also, being an avid fan of The Beatles, certainly someone would scream like a little girl in the Reyes household when one finds out that Rock Band would be releasing a Beatles version. So just the other day during dinner, my dad asked my brother if we had a PS3. We immediately dropped out chopsticks and with our mouth wide open, watched the conversation progress.

“Nope. We have the PSP and PS2. Why? What game are you playing?” my brother said nonchalantly.

“Oh! There’s this Beatles game where you can play music on the TV!” he said excitedly.

“Beatles Rock Band? Is that it?” my brother said.

“Yown! Yes yes yes! You know with the drums and the guitar!” He said with the spirit of a kid opening a present during Christmas Eve.

I then just had to jump in and burst his bubble when I said, “Dad, you DO know that you don’t really PLAY a real guitar? It’s all buttons and not strings and frets.”

“Aaayy…. nevermind.” he said, while poking the dumpling on his plate.

Well, I guess if I tell you just about every random thing my father does, this entry would never end. So what I would do is just put a Daddy Do What? part in my blog if I just need to share anything random about my dad’s randomness.

There are a lot of moments out there in your household. I’m sure. You just have to spend more time with them, converse, be open and of course, remember. Your friends are not the only ones that could bring you up when your down, congratulate you when you get awards and support you in lonely times.

Have a great date with your family this Christmas and enjoy their company and love.

I hope you enjoyed this entry today and here are some words of wisdom my dad told me today.

* * *

Dad: Oh, Jazmin! Where do you want to go to college?

Jaz: I may have a shot at the Ateneo but I would really want to pass the University of the Philippines.

Dad: Do you really want it?

Jaz: Yes.

Dad: Ediii, UP ka na! Gusto mo pala eh! UP ka na!

Jaz: . . ..

Extremely hidden words of wisdom: If you really want it, you’ll have it.

* * *

Have a sweet morning, afternoon and night, Candy Girls!
Jazmin Reyes