Happiness Index

In a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you? It's a great topic when you're buzzed but when you're asked this during your midday procrastinations, it can get be very disconcerting.

I met up with buddies in Moksha and because we were pretty tipsy this time, the conversation naturally gravitated towards happiness or the lack of it. I was surprised that quite a few shared their feelings of unhappiness, inadequacy or brokenness though in varying degrees and forms. I wasn't surprised that a lot of my friends felt this way. I think i was taken aback more by the admission than by its reality. I think i've always felt that even the most successful and blessed person isn't really completely happy. I guess it's human nature. And though we may take comfort in the knowledge that we're not alone in our sadness, in reality, we really are. Every individual's grief is unique. It is personal. And no one can deal with it other than yourself.

The good old days

I came from the Creative Guild Awards held at the Metropolitan Museum a few days ago. It's been a while since i've been to a museum. They had a particularly interesting collection of works by Hidalgo amongst the many modern art pieces. It was a stark contrast with its classic beauty--its beautiful portrayal of ordinary colonial activities and sullen portraits could almost bring you back to a totally different era. The history geek in me was thrilled.

But of course these were mere props for the awards show. Its highlight (apart from the awards) as far as our Agency was concerned was the Lifetime achievement award given to my boss.

"I was given 4 minutes to deliver a speech but please forgive me if I speak longer, for this only happens once in a lifetime." -- To crudely paraphrase his introduction. And extend he did, for almost a whole lifetime if we take into consideration the ADHD-like attention spans of advertising people. His very formal speech was languid yet obviously hearfelt, honest and insightful. The type of speech you don't hear anymore because it isn't cool, not particularly funny, doesn't try to impress and requires intentioned attention.

As expected, the crowd grew restless and perhaps only those in the front row and maybe half of our Agency were really paying attention as the speech was winding down. Like the Hidalgo amidst modern art pieces, the difference couldn't be more apparent. As with everything, a new generation is slowly taking over. One that is edgy, irreverent and open-minded. We are less structured, more pragmatic, more inclusive, more spiritual rather than religious. Feel good sitcoms and cartoons grounded on family values and moral lessons have been replaced by dazzling special effects, dysfunctional personalities and gripping storylines. It cannot be denied that some of the progressive ideas and technologies are a step ahead for the human race. But for someone like me who has great respect for the past, I am still unsure if we're ultimately heading towards the right direction.

The Filipino Connection

It ranges from the interesting:
Kenneth Cobonpue designed the crib of Brangelina's newborn
Monique Lhuillier is the new hot fashion designer for the Oscars
Cristeta Comerford is the new head chef for the White House

to the absurd:
Oscar Best Actor Winner Forest Whitaker lived in a house in Tondo
Prince (or T.A.F.K.A.P.) is 1/8 Filipino or something
And the clincher...Virginia Tech Pinoys cooked Adobo where killer Cho Seung-Hui lived

To think that all of these news have become front page fodder is really disturbing, or at the very least embarassing. Are we totally devoid of a national identity that we end up trying too hard to find our Global connection?

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On hindsight, i think we got things backward. Though it's great trivia to discover the travails of the great Pinoy worker (or Pinoy immigrant), we shouldn't be looking outwards to the world for what makes us Pinoy. It isn't there. Our true Filipino identity lies within.

American Idol

It is finished. Jordin is the new American Idol. Star World no longer controls my Wednesday and Thursday nights...well at least till next year. It's really funny how people all over the world are going gaga over a rehashed version of Tanghalan ng Kampeon or Star Search. Aside from the disruption known as Simon Cowell, I think the integral factor to the show is that we watch the same contestants every week, we develop a relationship with them and see them grow as singers and possibly as individuals. It's a drama as much as it is a talent search. Add to this the interactive voting component and you've got yourself a sure hit.

It was just funny how the finale turned out to be similar to Valentines weekend in thePhilippines, where all the has-beens perform their most famous songs. If we have our Patti Austins and David Pomeranzes, Kodak Theater has the Bette Midlers and Tony Bennets. There were duets, themed medleys and mock awards given; something we Pinoys normally see every Sunday at noon. That's probably the next big thing for Americans which Asians have been enjoying (or suffering from?) for years--Variety Shows.

The European Dream

As i write this, my friend Enrico is on his way back to Germany. He vacationed here for about a month as he hasnt been home in the 2 years he's been studying. We weren't surprised when we learned he's trying it out there. He's been taking German lessons ever since we were Grade 4 and has been self studying Spanish, Dutch and Danish among others. He's always had big dreams about traveling the world and prior to his scholarship, he took a job that allowed him to do just that. I've known him for years and conversations about his new adventures, no matter how exotic, no longer surprised me.

What struck me, however, was his confession that what he has accomplished isn't that extraordinary. I don't need to take up German even before reaching the age of 12. I don't need to be a MENSA member to get a good school nor own a huge estate to fund my travels. Europe is a land of opportunity. It's a continent where its youth can fund their travels by randomly performing in the sidewalks of the cities their visiting. It's where taking on a part time job as a sales clerk or bartender gives you enough money to pay for schooling and living expenses. Enrico himself works just 3 hours a day in a clothes store and the money he earns is enough for his everyday needs as well as his occasional side trips to different European landmarks (and a trip back to the Philippines).

However, my friend is the first to admit that he doesn't have a fat bank account but this doesn't bother him at all. He observes that many people work so hard, stress themselves out and endure numerous hardships in the hopes that they'd be able to spend a few weeks of their lifetime on packaged tours. What most people don't know is that it doesn't really take that much to do what he's done. In fact, many people already have more than enough means to see the world. All we need is a little common sense, a passion to learn and the determination to jump towards the unknown.

We're almost the same age yet there's this palpable feeling that his travels, his exposure to many cultures and his resolve to take great risks has made him wiser than any of my peers. People travel not only to relax but to learn and for Enrico, every day is a new adventure, another chance to grow and learn.

the dark ages

Pinoys are a forgiving lot. We elect mutinous politicians and idolize "actresses" who confess to getting STD through adulterous relationships. Heck, we're also one of the few countries who still think highly of America even if they have arguably made things worse for the world. And of course, we've all but exonerated the supposed root of all our troubles--the Marcoses.

I understand the hate some people have towards them but i was never really old enough to experience it. I think people are also looking at the Marcos clan with new eyes, acquitting the rest of the family from the sins of their patriarch. With their articulate speech and high profile stature, i even find Gov. Bongbong and Imee a bit likeable. That was until i read this article in the Inquirer about Imee quitting politics for love. It started out OK, the article was an interview of Bongbong's wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos and tells of how Imee "made a promise that when her boyfriend reached 60, she would stop already, quit politics and live happily ever after." But then she had to prove her point by saying "If you think about it, Imee doesn't need the money to be in politics. My husband doesn't need the money. It is more of a legacy of doing good for the people."

Here's my take on this. I'm all for the "Marcos legacy" or whatever you want to call it, but politics should never be about the money. It is all about doing good for the people. The position is inextricably linked to public service. Don't get me wrong. I am well aware that many people go to politics to enrich themselves but campaign in the guise of actual concern but I just find it disturbing that politicians can blatantly admit that they enter government service to enrich themselves. And the fact that this statement didn't even create a stir speaks volumes of how grim our situation has become. It's a situation wherein our people's boundless capacity to forgive is being abused by equally boundless personal greed. We are truly living in the dark ages of our nation's history.

Heaven on Earth

It’s holy week and we all know what that means. It’s the start of the much-awaited, annual seventh heaven marathon! A weekend-long saccharine extravaganza with the emotionally expressive and Brady-esque Camdens. As I was channel surfing, I saw a scene quite common to this show—where Mrs. Camden asked them to pause for a while as they were en route to Church and gave a heartfelt, impromptu speech of how much he wanted to savor that particular moment because even if it was an ordinary occasion, it was memorable because they were all together.

Now this show gets a lot of flack for its sappiness and I know more than a few people who would have puked on themselves after a speech like that. We’re predisposed to feel disgusted by such a blatant expression of sweetness because it just seems unreal. It’s too good to be true. I may be hanging out in more church pews than the regular Juan but my telenovela-loving self believes this is not entirely impossible. I’ve personally seen people give speeches like this and though it can get nauseating, it can actually be nice and toasty and sweet. The Camdens are goofy and made-for-TV but I’d rather live with them than with most dysfunctional households I know.

They try their best to remain open, to resolve misunderstandings and help each other during challenging times. Wow, that is disgusting.

I’m no 7th Heaven supporter, I don’t even watch the show but really, why do we instinctively cringe at the first sign of wholesome sweetness? Do we despise it or do we secretly long for it? By quickly dismissing it as too sweet for real life, are we just trying to convince ourselves that our grossly imperfect family unit is as good as real life can get?