We've taken Noah to the Chinese New Celebration since he was born (almost accidentally). He will have been exposed to so much more than me in his short life! I heart NYC!

NY ING Marathon November 1st -

26.2 miles was no breeze but there were a few factors that made it painfully enjoyable.

* Ran with a fellow first time marathoner who did not mind my quarkiness

* No ipod, which gave me a chance to revel in the fact that there were millions of spectators lining the streets - cheering on the 43,000 runners,

* Little emphasis on miles run but rather, what borough I was running through,

* Seeing my family and friends along the way,

* Spotting random friends in the crowd,

* Remembering that not only was I running for a personal accomplishment but for the DOE Fund - for the men and women of NYC who were formally homeless and getting themselves back on their feet,

* Having fun with the crowd and cheering them on,

* and that pain is temporary - pride is forever!

Sleep was almost impossible the day before the race. Not only was I anxious but it was also the tail end of Halloween festivities with N.

No need for an alarm - I kept on waking up every thirty minutes before 5am. With my running gear on and bag in hand, I left the apartment praying I did not forget anything essential. Of course, there were no 1/2/3 trains going downtown from 103rd Street so I made my way to 96th Street. There were still folks walking around in their costumes although I noticed all the other marathoners with the official plastic ING bag slowly making their way to the subway.

I was assigned to take the shuttle from midtown and upon arrival chills of excitement started to tickle my spine. Hundreds of runners were calmly filing between the police barricades leading to the buses, while ING volunteers were directing us with bull horns. While on the bus, like a preview of the of the marathon route, it dawned on me that at some point I would be trekking through that area.

Another rush of enthusiasm came over me as we arrived at the starting point on Staten Island. A gauntlet of puffy eyed yet energized high schoolers welcomed us with cheers of encouragement.

Thankfully, I decided to bring my fleece and gloves because the autumn chill was present at our 5:30am delivery. Our bus was one of the first to arrive but within the next few hours thousands more weary eyed runner ascended in their designated corrals.

It was apparent who the veteran marathoners were because they were the ones that brought sleeping bags, tents, lounge chairs, patio furniture and blankets. My survival mode kicked in as I grabbed some discarded poland springs boxes and flattened them out for my temporary bed and curled up for a cat nap.

The time was 7:00am and I still had 3 hours before the start of my wave (10:20am). I started wandering aimlessly along with others, collected some snacks, a Dunkin Donut hat, had my pre race picture taken and wandered to other corral areas. I saw one of those outdoor overhead tents packed with hundreds of runners seeking shelter and some shut eye. It was quite a site!

Along the road on the opposite side of the tent were dozens of UPS trucks that later on collected our numbered bags. It dawned on me the magnitude of organizing an event and its intricacies. I realized now why the registration was as pricey as it was. From the entrant fee, to transportation of the runners, the bags from SI to the finish line, the water centers, photographers, the bands, police presence, closing of streets and major bridges, volunteers, media coverage and the list goes on!

Finally the last wave of the Blue group was called to the starting line and as folks were making their way to the front the amount of discarded clothing tossed to the ground, piled high in the garbage cans and strewn on the fences was mind boggling! Of course the marathon planners had volunteers collecting everything that was going to be donated to the homeless. There were articles of clothing all over the road through out the race course.

I was fortunate to meet a fellow first time marathoner (who I later learned went to college together) who I ran with for 18 miles before we lost track of each other after greeting our family members. Keeping in mind that the race was going to take at least 4 hours, my attitude was positive throughout. I did not hit the dreaded "wall" and other than my ailing foot injury at mile 20 - I felt like Superwoman. The other runners around us were for the most part trying to keep each others spirits high though as we completed miles we were seeing more people walking and looking exasperated.

I would say Park Slope and the Upper East Side were the highlights of the course along with crossing over the Varrazano Bridge in SI especially because I would zone out the crowds every now and then.

The erie part of the course was running through Bensonhurst, which was probably a mile or so in distance. There were no people holding signs, cheering, handing out cups of water or lined along the side walk. Some kids shyly held their hands out in hopes to receive an occasional high five.

My determination not stop me at any point in the race though I pushed my limits towards the end as I had to talk myself through the growing pain in my right foot. I knew my pace was slowing after mile 18 but thankfully I knew I would be seeing my family and friends. I was relieved in that brief moment when I spotted my mom, brother, J and N in the crowd and gave quick hugs and greetings.

I may have not finished in the desired time I had hoped for but I crossed the finish line feeling a sense of pride after months of training. I was in the best shape since my glory days in college playing field hockey and lacrosse.

Will I run another marathon? As long as I am chosen in the NYC marathon lottery!

It has been 6 months since my multiple hospitalizations in November 2008 and two months ago I had my gall bladder removed. The severity of my Acute Pancreatitis was quite a shock considering I did not have any prior medical issues. The prognosis looked bleak according to my doctor but someone was looking after me and though my recovery was not speedy I slowly got back on my feet, altered my diet and reminded myself every day how fortunate I am of my improving health.

After my health scare it led me to make the decision to run in the "world's largest race", ING NYC Marathon on November 1, 2009. The training alone is rigorous as well as the mental preparation to run 26.2 miles through 5 boroughs of NYC, starting in Staten Island. I wanted

I chose the The DOE Fund: Ready, Willing and Able organization to sponsor my entry into the race because I was unable to run the 9 NYRR required races for automatic entry. RWA has been assisting the formerly homeless in NYC for many years by providing temporary housing, employment assistance and legal services. When I lived in the Upper East Side, I always noticed the men and women with the blue shirts, pushing garbage cans and sweeping up after New Yorkers (yes, I said it!).

If you would like to donate to my cause visit DOE: Ready, Willing and Able .

Little Master's Art - Bringing out the artist in your child.

I enrolled Noah in LMA classes this past spring and was so impressed with the art classes that I signed him up for the summer session as well. Living in the UWS and formerly UES, I found that the programs/activities for the younger kids was so competitive, in terms of enrollment, fees and limited physical space but LMA is truly the best kept secret in the UWS!!

I was fortunate to learn about LMA in its inaugural year and has since found a permanent host site at El Taller Latino Americano. The two co-founders have put so much thought and detail into the programming and have focused on providing a welcoming and creative space for all. Amanda is a graduate of NYU in Art History and Studio Art while Narges (a mother of a toddler) has a Master's in Design and Technology with a background

Classes are available for children between the ages of 16mo-18 years with an emphasis on enriching the children with the understanding of the art culture by introducing hands on projects that reflects artists of the day and reinforcing the idea that although art can be messy, it should also be fun! LMA has expanded to include music classes taught in both english and spanish.

If you can't committ to the 12 week courses be sure to check for their monthy, Saturday Workshops!

Information on registration and classes DEADLINE: Aug 15th

Got Pilipino?

The first ever IndioBravo Filipino Film Festival was held this weekend in NYC. Initially, I wanted to see Foster Child (again) because I felt it captured the essence and emotions of being a Foster parent in the Philippines. Though I would say that the portrayal of the eventual adoption of the main character was a little skewed.

A weekend of Filipino movies with English subtitles!? A perfect opportunity to see a glimpse of life in the Philippines, learn about the styles of Filipino cinematography, the actors and especially to learn a little bit of the language!

Since my summer abroad at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2003, I have desperately tried to maintain the basics of the language that I learned. I bought a highly recommended double volume set of Phil/English Eng/Phil dictionaries, Lonely Planet phrase book, Before You Know It computer tutorial, Learning Filipino book, children's books I bought in the Phils (in Filipino with English translation), downloaded Filipino songs, you name it.

I have since learned that one of the better approaches to retaining Filipino is through movies.
On that same trip a good friend of mine brought me to a dvd shop. I purchased movie titles, which I thought would be of interest. I have watched a couple of them and when I attend Filipino events I make it a point to buy such movies.

It has been a slow process but I don't like to pretend that I the mother tongue when people speak to me. I am determined to teach myself the basics.

If you have any suggestion of movie titles let me know!

Looking forward to next year's Indio Fest!

My Little Master Artist

I wanted to find any type of class for Noah and to my surprise came across Little Masters Art
for kids between 2-12 years; the best kept secret in NY. Each one hour class begins with a snack, story time and an activity inspired by a chosen artist of the day. Although Noah would rather toy around with the play dough it seems like he has enjoyed experimenting with different tools and materials. Little Master's also hosts a monthly Saturday Workshop that is reasonably priced; $15 a child.

April - In like a Lamb......

Brooklyn Avenue

The Peace Fountain statue is quite impressive, which is next to The Cathedral Church of Saint John in the Upper West Side. I discovered that Saint John's is the largest cathedral in the world and to think it is a few blocks away from our apartment! I still need to go inside the the cathedral and would like to bring Noah to the free organ performance every Monday at 1pm.


Noah's Ark plaque, I like to bring Noah to see all the small bronze figures of animals and mamals that were designed by youth and adults. Another attraction are the two peacocks that roam the church grounds. One is white while the other has the iridescent green. You will most likely hear their unique bird cries. I was puzzled when I first heard them.

I turns out that the Bronx Zoo has been donating the peacocks since 1973.

248th St. Patrick's Day Parade, NYC

I took this photo shortly after the biggest winter storm that hit the Northeast this year.

Photo of Unisphere

Flushing Meadows - Corona Park
Location of the 1964-65 World's Fair

Mommy Poppins is the most comprehensive resource for Moms/Families in NYC that I have come across thus far. I only wish I had discovered this during my first year with Noah. It probably would have helped with an easier transition into mommyhood but I survived living in a three story walk up on the Upper East Side for the first year.

If you know people visiting NYC with kids from ages 0-10 years this guide is a godsend to parents who are not at all familiar navigating through the Big Apple.

"Mommy Poppins is the unpretentious parent's guide to where and what to do, see, go, eat, discover, read, make, play, learn, buy, travel, splash, and envy in New York with kids."

Yes, this is none other than Tim Robbins!

At a going away party for my good friend at Negril in the West Village. He happened to be supporting an event that was hosted at the lounge and I could not help but ask for a picture with him and my former co-worker!

He was admittedly good-natured about having yet another person ask him for a picture. I sounded like a babbling fool when I approached him! I remembered him in the movie Shawshank Redemption although could not think of his name for the life of me!

I HEART NEW YORK

NYC - Where there is always something to do around every corner.......

We have already lived in the Upper West Side for over 2 months and we have so many places to explore along Riverside Park across to Central Park. I have not even brought Noah to CP because Riverside seems so close. I probably will start taking him when I begin my running regiment for the Fall......we will see.

On one of our excursions to the Dinosaur Park (on 96th and Riverside Drive) I saw a poster about the Riverside Park Fair from 78th-68th Streets sponsored by Riverside Park Fund. The heat was so brutal we could not appreciate all the booths, rides, and activities that we wanted to. The County Fair, which featured a blue grass band, farmer's market, kiddie rides along the pier were some of the attractions. We did find the petting zoo, sponsored by Green Chimneys protected by the Riverside Drive overpass.

Riverside Park Fund has a calendar of events that is worth a look. I would have loved to kyak for free on the Hudson had I known about it. There are also volunteer opportunities on the weekends, sporting events and fundraisers.

Out with the OLD in with the UPPER WEST SIDE!

As sad as it is for me to leave the UES I cannot express how delighted we are to move to the UWS. After five years I am finally saying goodbye to a neighborhood I loved to hate. I remember the first year (2003) I moved to 78th and 2nd (my cramped but cozy studio) and someone asked me where I lived. When I told him, his is response was something like, "you don't have to look behind your back all the time and is generally safe."

Though somewhat true, I would have probably opted to live elsewhere if the opportunity arose. What I will miss is the recent business/friendship I made at the Personal Affairs boutique on E. 80th between 3rd and 2nd. I will also terribly miss some of the restaurants and stores that I frequented on a regular basis such as Cafe Evergreen, Ali Baba Bodega, Sassy Slider's, Sunny's Chinese, Citarella, Orwasher's Handmade Bread, Sable's, Choux Cafe and so on. Of course I cannot forget the ever so friendly tailor on 78th who would sing to Noah when he was first born.

The UES was isolating at times because it was majority white although honestly, as mono-racial as it was, it was to an extent my comfort zone. In the end I outgrew the neighborhood and especially the apartment. Our closets were jammed with excess boxes and containers and piles of our belongings began to grow around us.

I also learned that the owners of the building were slowly pushing people out of our apartment (or in one case, waiting for our neighbor below us to "move on." She is 102 years old and has a rent controlled apartment in which she pays $350 a month. Eventually they want to demolish it and build a luxury high rise. Go figure.

Our move went smoothly for the most part. We did not spend one cent on boxes and as you may know they go for $4-8! Oz Moving guys were hard working and meant business considering they had to manage the boxes down 5 narrow flights of stairs in a pre-war building with out an elevator. There was one guy from Nepal who insisted on carrying items without shoes or socks. The heat did not help although I made sure they were hydrated!

We must have had a hell of a lot of things because the movers told us our boxes and furniture filled 3/4 regulation size moving truck. The morning was exhausting but to even consider the move into our new apartment and having to unpack gave me a headache. We did have one scare in which the 2 of the 4 legs of our couch was missing. It was a miracle that it was found in the empty moving truck after every box was removed.

Our new apartment has so many things in close proximity. The 1 train is half a block away from us. The Riverside Park is 2 1/2 blocks away with a plethora of thematic parks for Noah to jaunt around in, Central Park is 4 blocks away, Columbia University and its domain is 13 blocks away, there is a fruit stand beside a coffee and bagel vendor on the corner of the street, Planet Kids around the block, and the list goes on.

The apartment building itself has an elevator, laundry facilities, a storage pod for our future bikes and seasonal clothes and lots more floor space for our future visitors (wink.)

I heart the UWS!















<< Our slanted kitchen. It was so annoying to cook since the stove was also lopsided, always making for an entertaining experience when cooking.

















<< The former living room looking into Noah's room. Can you see the slant of the floors - it is not the camera!


















NEW APARTMENT! Wall to wall built in bookshelves that will easily be filled by John's collection of books along with my small library and magazines!

















<< The sunken living room!

A Moment of PRIDE


I love parades - they give me goose bumps and sometimes have pushed me to wet eyes.

It is a combination of the camaraderie, a display of rich culture and energy that have me coming back to spectate.

Noah, John and I were invited to join the Center
and march in the Gay Pride Parade with Kevin (Noah's god-father.) It was a magnificent day to join thousands of people who support LGBTQs as there was no sight of clouds (until later.) We walked over 50 blocks waving, passing out the Center stickers and Kevin was happy to oblige when people asked to take pictures of him with Noah. We had a Celebrate Diversity flag from last year's parade and Noah waved it around playfully.

I have a family member who has been living with AIDS for over 20 years and another friend who was diagnosed 5 years ago so the Parade also was to pay homage to them. Noah is lucky to be growing in a time where there is more tolerance, resources and education about such issues as being LGBTQ.

You're not "LOST", I found you!

Ok, a little corny but I admit I am 'that' person who gets overly giddy when I see an actor, one of the highlights of participating at the 69th Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans
in the city.

CAPA has always been one of my favorite events because it showcases over 200 Asian/Asian American organizations in New York City. You can educate yourself in one afternoon by visiting the numerous booths that often offers hand outs and freebees. Other attractions are the line up of cultural performances, entertainers and cuisine.

I tabled at CAPA with an entrepreneur friend James who runs Arkane, a clothing distribution company that is specifically Filipino inspired. He is also launching his own Prince Giolo designs in the very near future. I always had an attraction to the fashion industry, how trends start, the marketing angle, and creating a distinct personal look.

In any case, a Filipina approached the table with Miles (Ken Leung) from Lost, Inside Man, Law and Order and other notable roles. As a follower of Lost and Inside Man I could not contain my excitement. He walked off shortly afterwards but during my free time I skimmed through the festival and saw him sitting on a bench. I could not help but approach him. I tried to keep my cool, told him I was a fan and asked if I could take a picture with him. Of course I could not pass the opportunity for Noah to miss out as well as Kevin and Tiano (the dog.) Oh happy day!

Journalistic instinct -
Always armed with my camera.


After an extremely satisfying dim sum meal with my brother, John and Noah we wandered downtown. We did not expect to witness a 25 ton construction crane leaning on the side of a condo. We later learned that the neck of the crane crushed a five story townhouse.

Being a thrill seeker, my eyes and ears are always wide open. I have always made it a point to also have my camera with me in hopes to get that winning photo.

Living in a city like NYC, hearing deafening sirens and helicopters hover above the sky scrapers is a common occurrence. But when you see more than two helicopters it typically is a sign of headline making news. We saw the emergency response vehicles along Second Avenue and 50th Street and a small group of people congregating behind the yellow tape were looking up. We overheard a man implying that a crane had collapsed from a construction site.

We were told the accident occurred twenty minutes before our arrival and a steady stream of on lookers began to flow towards us. My curiosity wanted to get a better picture so we walked to the next street that was closed off to traffic except to pedestrians who were using their cellphones and cameras to take shots of the crane.

At one point in my life I aspired to be a (photo) journalist; to follow in the footsteps of my oldest brother. It was wishful thinking but may explain why I have yet to object to writing articles for a couple websites like Newfilipina, Asians in America and presently FAN.

As a resident of NYC there will always be something to report whether it makes the news or not.

NY Chinatown - Ghost town

I laughed when I heard about the recent bust in New York's Chinatown over counterfeited purses and bags. I thought to myself that ALL of Chinatown would have to be shut down. I saw it with my own eyes. A usually bustling section of Canal Street was eerily vacant of vendors and seemingly willing customers looking for a knock off designer item. Damn, I even bought me a snazzy Hilfiger watch that never told time but it sure looked good on my wrist.

The store fronts were locked shut and glaring orange signs were posted in zig zag formation along the endless wall of metal. I am just wondering what took the NYPD so long to realize the illegal activities that seem to be the life line and tourist attraction of lower Manhattan. Thirty two stores were closed and curiously there were no arrests. If the counterfeit business was a "real" problem and considered a crime, then I would think the boys in blue would have cuffed them. The owners of the stores were slapped with an 'excessive fine.'

So why is it that I saw two women flashing catalogs of bags for sale? Is the black market truly crippling the economy of NYC? I doubt it.

Sorrow

I was in utter shock as I listened to the announcement of the sudden death of Heath Ledger. What attracted me to the actor was that he was a non conformist in the grand scheme of Hollywood glitz, glamour, and fake a$$ people. Unfortunately he was attacked and scrutinized for it.

Other actors have gone under the radar and have succeeded in avoiding the often overly critical media such as Johnny Depp. We go on with our every day lives and something tragic like this happens. It is hard to process and make sense of it. He was becoming more recognized as an actor and was a young father. There seemed to be so much hope for him......

In any case, I went downtown to pay homage to the actor. Outside his apartment there were hundreds of colorful origami cranes sprinkled on the side walk. Notes were written in different languages, cards never to be opened, letters, candles and flowers all to be later forgotten. I left a green aventurine stone, the color symbolic of healing as a peace offering. Aventurine is said to be an 'all purpose healing stone' and helps with blockages. Of the chakra colors - green represents the heart/love. It helps one 'give love and also to love and nurture ourselves.'