After what felt like an eternity of El Niño here in the tropics, the arrival of La Niña is now approaching its way. Because we are still eclipsing into this phenomenon, a sign of rain here and there is a good thing to ease the heat and humidity. A few decades back, it wasn't as hot and as wet as it was then compared to now. Despite the bearable heat of the setting sun and the customary storms we experience then, it was - I would say for someone raised in this clime - fairly normal and nothing out of the ordinary. Now rain has finally came and paid this side of the world a visit. It's about to get cozy and nostalgic.

Today is a Thursday and in the spirit of all things throwback, I would like to reset my calendar back to the 1990s. There I was, my usual skinny pre-teen self, noticing the looming dark clouds bearing promise of a downpour. Along with neighbourhood kids in tow, after wrapping up a smorgasbord of  playground games, we decided to meet up a little later as soon as the rain descends upon us. It was, in one way or another, an extension of more fun in the works. The mission - go out and play in the rain.

So we all headed home to rummage through the day-old laundry basket to change into our 'rain clothes'. With no specific time in mind, those who were done and ready would just roam around the neighbourhood knocking on houses to fetch us kids personally until such time that our numbers grow from three to seven or more kids. Back then, there was no such thing as extreme flooding, it was just a steady downpour and the rain was at its purest form of water. It smelled good and dammit, it was delicious.

Because the entire neighbourhood compound was directly facing an open field, we would all go and play out in the open. A host of games would be enjoyed all together, chasing everyone, laughing with each other and talking about anything. It was that time in my childhood among other things that I felt we were at our free-est. It was timeless and magical.

The pitter patter of the rain on the ground, on our skin, in our faces was amazing. The drizzling sound of the million countless raindrops was comforting. The sight of slim, almost unbreakable traces of pouring rain near and far was mesmerizing. We owned that moment. I did too.

And so today, on a Thursday, I am reminded once more of that time with the sound of the rain against my window. I am reminded just as well with the thought running through my head, "When was the last time you enjoyed the rain?"

Silently, I say to myself, "Today, today, today."



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Photo: @cjcanonigo

Cebu has, is, and will always be the darling of the furniture industry in the Philippines. With a very rich history of craftsmanship and artisanship, the quality of work produced in the island are classified as among world-class status. Its reputation speaks for itself when it comes to excellence and production.

I remember the very first furnitures I was surrounded with when I was a kid. They were these bulky and cumbersome pieces of highly-durable quality wood, similar to those estate furnitures seen on ancestral homes in historic towns of the south. They had these weave works on the back rest that helps cushion a seater's back and provides better seating posture. I remember those furnitures vividly. The feel and smell of the wood, its thick caramel colour and its unforgiving weight especially during spring cleaning.

I have always had this fascination to wood but I guess in some ways, I have parked it at the back of my mind that I never knew they would come in handy someday, in any way I suppose.

But then when you grew up with people associated with carpentry, architecture and arts, there will always be that flicker of interest that appears out of nowhere from time to time. There was even that time when we had that old Sears catalogue at home that I kept flipping page after page looking at their furniture products.

A few years after, when I lived overseas, those old Sears catalogue have now been replaced with Ikea ones. Every time I get my hands on those, I would immerse myself in the world of furniture and just get awed by the design and ergonomics of it all. It's almost like looking at porn, but hey, in a good and healthy way, mind you.

Now back to the present, a few days ago, I came about this Vito Selma furniture showcase in Ayala and was reminded once again of my love of wood and furniture. So, as a not so subtle tribute to that little kid in me, I decided to document that yearning once again by taking a quick photo of that reminder.

Here's to you kiddo! :)


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Photo: @cjcanonigo

While doing some research online of a particular subject, I came across this film which is quite remarkable and breathtaking at the same time. I've actually seen this for like a couple of months ago as its initial screening was back in 2009 due to limited release. If I'm not mistaken, this should be shown shortly as right now the film is geared for a worldwide release. That shouldn't be a problem.

Romance set in an exotic Mediterranean country both culturally and historically rich is like sipping wine in a weekend picnic under a beautiful balmy weather. There's just something enchanting and memorable about it that is worth retelling for years and years. What's interesting about watching Cairo Time is that also does double-duty as a travelogue, is that it transports an audience to a place so magical and mythic. Somehow, it is already a rewarding experience in itself.


The main character of the story is the place itself, Egypt or in this case, Cairo in particular - "The City of a Thousand Minarets." On a November, we see Juliette (played by Patricia Clarkson), a 40-something fashion magazine editor, touching down at Cairo International Airport in town to visit and spend time with her husband Mark. Her host, Tareq (Alexander Siddig) came to fetch her and who also happened to be her husband's former colleague working under the United Nations refugee camps. Upon arriving, Tareq informed her of her husband's unavoidable delay in Gaza due to an urgent mission and assured her of the safety of Mark's situation. As they walked towards the car, they chanced upon Yasmeen, an old friend of Tareq's during his university days and ended up being invited to a wedding in Alexandria for Yasmeen's daughter. Both were appreciative and cordial of the gesture.

Along the way, the two started exchanging conversations about family and work even commenting about the intense weather enveloping the place. Being her first time in the "middle east" as remarked by Tareq, she confessed how much she loves the idea of finally getting the opportunity to experience Cairo. He dropped her off at her hotel to get settled and wait for Mark's call. Although disappointed of spending a few days alone, Juliette tried to check out the place even managing to leave the hotel premises unaccompanied. She then encountered an unusual and strange culture far removed from the comforts of home, men started following her around which started to scare her. She decided to drop by Tareq's coffee shop just to be around a familiar face where the patrons are all-male playing a game of cards and chess. He spent the day with her being a gracious host. This would begin a series of get together for the two on the duration of Mark's absence.


That evening, a solo Juliette attended one of Mark's function and met some of his colleagues and their partners especially Kathryn. Already worried of how she can get through to her husband, Kathryn offered to have lunch with her along with some friends the following day and also went for a hike at the white dessert - in an effort to keep each other occupied. The next morning, Tareq came by to show her around - taking her on a boat ride in the River Nile and capping the night for a smoke of shisha. She then departed to her room and was in time to receive Mark's call for update. Desperate to see him, she couldn't help herself but venture her way to Gaza via coach. Halfway to her trip, she was held up at a check point and was not allowed to go any further to reach her destination. Left with no choice, she was ordered to go back to Cairo and obliged to phone in Tareq to pick her up from her stop.

The days that follow, Juliette and Tareq kept each other company taking leisurely walks in the city, talking and discussing about life and relationships with occasional friendly banters followed by a little bit of flirtation from time to time. They even decided to embark on a journey to Alexandria for the wedding. They both enjoyed the traditional celebration and grateful for their accommodating host. While there, they couldn't fathom the idea of not seeing each other again once she leaves Egypt and unsure how they could keep in touch. After which, they headed back to Cairo and was in time to see Mark waiting at the hotel that put an end to their fleeting rendezvous.


The film ended with Mark and Juliette leaving the hotel to finally take a tour of the Grand Pyramids just as they had promised each other.

Clarkson and Siddig's performances were captivating and beautifully painful - it would seem as if these roles were carefully tailored fit for both. They very much carried their own with graceful sophistication in the entire run of the film without trying to compete with its main character, Cairo. Juliette's softspoken disposition, understated style (not to mention that unforgettable chic green dress) and impeccable manners are so endearing; while Tareq's brooding persona, unwavering honesty and unapologetic ideals are intimidating to say the least. As a testament to that, the unspoken chemistry and quiet hesitation of their characters are undeniably charming.

It's highly likely to see Cairo as the newest romantic destination. Be sure to make a stop there in this lifetime.

** This story is taken from my old blog - popcorn sessions. **

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Photos via Aceshowbiz