having historical influence of the chinese in our country, i can’t help but feel the significance of yesterday’s date.  it’s only once in every generation that 08-08-08 comes along.  i suppose the celebrations back in 1908 are far different than what transpired yesterday.

the reason i mentioned that it was a double celebration is because firstly, my mom turned 60 yesterday.  yep, she was born on august 8, 1948 and she formally became a senior citizen yesterday.  we had a small celebration with relatives of course, despite the trying times–economically speaking–all of us are experiencing.  what’s important is that a very, very, very important person to me celebrates her birthday in the best, yet simplest way possible.  so mom, happy, happy 60th birthday and here’s wishing more and more to come!!

secondly, it was the opening of the 29th olympiad yesterday.  while having dinner, we were all glued to the opening ceremonies on the tube.  and i should say, it was nothing short of spectacular.  i couldn’t imagine the next host city–london–to top what beijing put on.  i’m sure that somewhere in the streets of quiapo, there are already pirated dvd copies of the opening ceremonies already on sale.  the first thing i was stopped short in amazement was the fireworks that resembled footprints walking towards the bird’s nest stadium.  i thought initially that that was it for me, that was the highlight of the night.  even though i was impressed by the performace of the cubes that displayed different shapes, sizes, characters and colors, the thousands who performed with the drums, and the singing voice of sarah brightman, the lighting of the olympic torch took the cake.  it literally gave me goosebumps from the time the final torchbearer rose up to the giant oval screen above the stadium and seemed to run and fly at the same time while scenes of where the olympic torch has been en route to china were displayed behind him until the big torch itself was lit.  i mean, my god, who can do better than that?  and i still havent mentioned the thousands and upon thousands of fireworks that lit up the night skies (on a side note, i found it funny and ironic that beijing’s skies were already polluted and fireworks continue to go off, giving off added smoke).  even now as i pause and remember the entire ceremony last night, i’m still awed and speechless about the grandeur and spectacle of it all.  if i could get my hands on a copy of it on dvd, i would in an instant.  it’ll be a collector’s item for sure.

i’ll be writing about something else very soon.  i’m still finalizing collaborating my honest thoughts about the subject.  one thing’s for sure, it’ll be no holds barred as always.  i won’t pull any punches because as i’ve said a thousand times before, this is my own space and i have the right to say whatever i want, however i want.  no, it’s not personal if that’s what you’re thinking.  although the subject did change my outlook on certain things.  until then, hope everyone has a good weekend.  don’t forget to cheer for our filipino olympians.  go team philippines!!