In Quarantine

It took me a while to realize that it wasn’t a cleaning that my room needed but a re-arrangement, a brand new look, and that is how I stumbled upon my old Archie comics stashed away deep in a disarrayed corner. After a month-long quarantine to quell the Coronavirus I feel like I’ve accomplished something important at home by discovering new things well within my private space. High school photographs of my friends with short heartfelt dedications at the backside, forgotten artworks, rulers and protractors I came home with from college at the USC, old sepia pictures of my parents with theirs. They were all over the place but out of sight, and I’m glad I decided to reorganize my room and now I feel like I have all sorts of new things, except only their novelty is merely refreshed, old things I cherish reborn.

Re-reading my favorite comic book and eating bacon, mushroom & cheese sandwhich with fries.

Rereading my old Archies while I squat on my bed, I looked outside my cleaned up windows to rest my eyes for a little, finding something cool to stare at for a few minutes. From the height of our village, my room being on the second floor, I could see the trees above our neighbor’s rooftops. In between that and the blue sky was a different horizontal line of blue, I suppose no thicker than a single line of watercolor brush stroke with indeterminable dots. I re-realized that was the port, and the same marginal sea where ships come and go to trade, where we used to travel from, which reminds me that I haven’t had a vacation for such a long time.

Bantayan Island, Cebu City Philippines

There’s so much pending work to return to once the global pandemic is over, a glut of them awaiting on my desk, and I’m afraid I will have to make major changes on how to handle things, or else all the colors I will ever see soon are within the walls of our office, the glittering texts on the computer screen, graphics, and frames, coupled with the shrieks not of birds in the sky but of the striking printer heads, ringing mobile phones, machines.

Working on bag charm plushies.

I suddenly feel tired gazing out in the open space, being reminded of how I’ve spent years of my life hellbent at my table with insatiable quotas. But there’s a magic in life that cannot be suppressed forever. For some reason we always find in ourselves a stiver of hope that grows. I do not know how, but I know that I’ll be walking along the many beaches we used to travel to years ago. Perhaps I will find a way to bring my work wherever I go, study at the porch of our hotel where I will be uplifted by the sea breeze in an island paradise. There is hope. Good things will surface amidst our challenges just as I have discovered my old precious things hidden in my room that’s made me so happy. We will take long walks again and stop by small restaurants along the way, like we used to have a few drinks at the Arwana during happy hours, with a little sunburn on my exposed shoulders. I don’t feel tired anymore, and I’m ready to dive back into the stories of my old Archie comics. Good thoughts and memories have made me happy and hopeful just sitting there watching the green trees pressed by the line of blue and the vast one above it. Quarantined, battened down against the virus, we learn not to take anything, no matter how small, for granted.

Boracay Island, Philippines

Owlmazing Hero: Captain Marvel

I finished my owl version of Captain Marvel in time to watch the last full show of the third day of the movie. Hurrying from home, it took me an hour to purchase a ticket to the ferry that would take me from the island to the city; averting from long rows of traffic, bottle-necked near the bridges. We finally cruised that evening where part of the late afternoon still glowed like dark fire on the undulating seawater. My owl Captain Marvel was inside my bag, held close to my chest, as I stood against the ferry’s handrail staring out at the city lights.

I took pictures of her with the movie cardboard cutouts in the bright lights of Robinsons Galleria. The owl and Fury’s cat looked funny together, almost distrustfully. People watched me take pictures and some asked if my owl was part of Marvel’s merchandise. A child stared at my superhero owl for minutes, then walked away. She reappeared holding hands with a friend and they both stared at my owl that seemed to counter theirs with Captain Marvel’s shimmering eyes.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a cinema by myself. Perhaps the last time was in college, when I was in USC. I didn’t realize until the show was over that I had almost munched a whole bag of Tater’s popcorn; myself lost in the short rundown of the story of Kree.

Captain Marvel taught me the importance of embracing my past. She was far from a perfect earthling, an eventual refuse of Kree civilization; mocked by Supreme Intelligence. But she had learned to pick herself up each time she was down. She only dared to become the best version of herself, even if that meant embracing the character molded by two separate civilizations. I’ve read some negative comments about the movie, but I prefer to highlight what makes it worth watching, avoiding the superficial. What some people see in you as egregious is part of a whole that makes you strong and unique in the divine’s eyes.

Owlmazing Hero

Favorite movie snacks. White Cheddar Taters Popcorn.

With Chewie.

At Robinson Galleria Cebu Movieworld.

ClairelyHappy at CebuLitfest x Komiket Year 2

My experience last July 21 and 22 during the Cebu Literary Festival made me feel I’ve come full circle. This was my second opportunity to participate in this yearly event, a convergence of artists from all over the country, which paved the way for my art to grow a business aspect to it.

Our booth during the CebuLitfest x Komiket 2018, July 21 & 22.

I first introduced my Owlmazing line up, and I barely had any more to sell before the second day was halfway through. People of all ages loved it. Wayfarers, backpackers used the pillows as travel buddies. Nurses, doctors realized how much they had needed the owl pillows in the wee hours of the night at work. Students adopted owl study buddies, owl best friends and roommates.

During the event I saw new and familiar faces, made new friends. It is the atmosphere of being around like-minded individuals that makes me feel at home, much appreciated for my work. When people walk up to my booth they come smiling, they hug the big characters softly as though they didn’t want to hurt them by bracing them too tightly. I have softened a spot in them through my art, that part that may have been hardened at some point through bad experiences in life, but now opens up and rediscovers love and compassion, which leads to inner happiness. Late on the last day of the event a parent bought her infant a pillow pet and the unknowing, insensible child turned dreamy, smiling  before her pocket pet the very instant it was presented to her. She couldn’t speak a single word while holding it; only crooning sweet indistinguishable utterances of affection. Her wide smile and shimmering eyes show us she’s over the moon. To us, like her, there are no words for such moments.

Cebulitfest x Komiket 2018

At the event with Mark.

William Shakespork and Piggy Sue

At exactly ten in the morning Lucy, who doubles as the cashier and waitress of my favorite diner, flips the acrylic sign on the door that now reads, “We’re Open! Please come in.” She turns around to play the same old record they’ve been playing for years, being the oldest operating eating place in the area, proceeds behind the register just in time for me to step inside and say, “Hi!” coupled with the usual familiar pleasantries.

The diner walls had partially turned yellow, holding up a newspaper rack in a minor recess, the sofas a dark brown and caramel, maintains an overall old-feel to Mother’s Diner. It is an oasis in the middle of swanky restaurants and I love how every time I say thank you, Lucy or whoever is assigned to wait on guests, is so nice and hospitable. They never miss to reply, “You’re very welcome, Miss Claire,” or, “Any time, Miss Claire,” or “Surely ma’am.” Sadly, I think less people are like that anymore. But here they are very nice and polite just like in the books.

Somewhere above, close to the ceiling the stereo speakers whispered a soft tune, “Just my imagination. Running away with me…” And I actually felt sorry alone reading the menu with Lucy inside the otherwise empty diner. I did not want to order the pork chops with gravy and looked outside the wide window dreamily, the tune rolling on softly. I thought of them both running away from it all. But what are they afraid of? The chef of course, but it’s not just that. It’s everything. They are running away together from the world. It doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is where they are running towards. I ordered for stir fried vegetables and thought about the pigs running away in the hills. I drew them the moment I reached home, and they were both happy and smiling healthily. They no longer ran, but paced themselves jauntily. I wanted the two pigs to live forever, so I drew them with eye glasses and plump cheeks. Go little piggies, go run with the wind.

Piggy Sue sketch.

Working on the pig plushies.

Owlmazing Firefighters

It has been more than a week since the Metro Ayala fire broke out at the Cebu Business Park. It took dozens of brave men and women of the fire bureau at least forty long hours to tame the growing beastly inferno, where walls of the crackling structure had to be audaciously torn down from outside so jets of water from fire trucks below, across the streets, may have a chance to reach its target far up and deep. It took a few more hours since the blaze had been under control for every bit of smoldering pyre in every corner of every floor level to be extinguished, and the emergency officially called off.

#MetroAyalaFire – Day 2, Cebu Business Park

I watched some of the firemen snatch a few minutes of sleep ‘round the curb, while others squatted on the ground, watching the conflagration grow stronger every hour open-mouthed. They looked all in and teary-eyed against the heat of the blaze. I watched from the sundered section as new batches of firemen came in from a nearby city to relieve their counterparts, with a prelude of a long and winding wail of their siren.

I do not know how my beloved owl creations are at this moment, but initial reports say the vicinity surrounding our kiosk is all right. That is enough, I say, for the time being. To know that they have not been consumed by the inferno. I think of my tubby cat and wonder if she’d grown famished in the ensuing days and nights. Oh, I hope they do not think they have been abandoned by now. I imagine those large and searching eyes looking for answers in the dark, and of course not seeing anything that’d answer their queries weep.

At Ayala Mall kiosk display.

Our kiosk at the 3/F Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park.

To while the time away, and to take my mind off my owlie troubles, I have come up with a design which I hope would give honor to the local heroes of the fire department. Let this be my own simple way, being an artist, to show my appreciation to the firefighters here and elsewhere who continue to fight for life, property, and environment versus an enemy it cannot negotiate with; who, God forbid, may not call on a ceasefire when cornered against a burning wall, in danger of structural collapse, explosion or electrocution; whose minds must be on their families as they ascertain their own survival. Let us do what we can for them in our own special capacity.

Owl Firefighters.

Owl-mazing Firefighters.

Happy Arts Charms Crowd in Cebu

Hours were like days and it took a little while before the go-signal came. But when it finally did we were more than pleased. Our dear friend, Ms. Shirlyn Go had paved the way for us to join the event and our products have been positively reviewed. We thank Mr. Hendri Go for the opportunity to showcase what we are all about, amongst the best artists in Cebu and Manila at the Ayala Mall Cebu.

At our booth.

The response from the audience was heartwarming. We had forgotten how for a week prior we had not enough sleep, caught up in the mix of designing, sewing, painting and all, in preparation for the Cebu Literary Festival x Komiket. All that never occurred to us during the event itself, and we were as fresh as daisies around an arbor in a beautiful sunny day- if only for the sight of a child hugging our owls, flashing what must be the brightest smile in the world. We are thoroughly inspired!

Quick snap with Mark while setting up our booth.

We are grateful for the chance, which we view as an opportunity to enlighten someone’s day. We reach out to people regardless of age through our articles of happiness, bundles of artworks, like gentle taps on the shoulder that are enough, we pray, to warm a person’s heart and brave the day. It is our hope that our products, which are made with great attention to detail, with unwavering love and passion for the crafts, shall continue to spread good cheer to your homes and in days moving forward.

For Papa

I wanted to be at the dance at the residence of my best friend where I’d meet her other set of friends and talk about our new dresses, all spotless and dainty, but papa wanted me to be home by ten. I wanted to have jewelry like the other girls, but papa would drive me straight home without saying a word more, except that it’d be unbecoming of me. But they all look so pretty and confident, but he’d say “Yes, but you are you.”

I wanted to stay longer at the acquaintance party, but by 9:45 pm papa would be standing next to the pole at the exit of our school waiting. “We got to be home by ten,” he’d say while we walked across the road with my narrowing mind and a confounded heart. It took me some time to understand what he’d been driving at. He used to tell me a lot about being classy and growing up that way, proper and all, all which appeared to me at the time as nothing but hard work.

The same goes for my brothers, who are now fathers too. They used to tell on me and we used to argue about many things, but I know they love me. Now that we’re all adults and with families of our own I see how hard it must have been for papa to watch over me living cluelessly in my own fairy tale. I cannot remember for the life of me when my father last told me he loved me, but a twinkle in his eye somehow brings that message across. I know that each time he has to leave the house, turns his back and buries himself at work, I know a drop in his shoulders might as well have meant he did not mean to live disparately; a few corners away from our home yet so far for all of us to bear. We’re so lucky to have you, papa, and the boys of the family are now men molded beautifully just like the forever man of the house.

With Papa. This photo was taken three years ago in our home during mama’s birthday.

With my brother Chris-Ian. He’s eldest of the boys, and role model to them.

Nobody makes me laugh harder than my brother Butch.

Michael Anthony and I have one thing in common. We both love to eat and watch movies.

My brother John Vincent is our youngest. We’re a decade apart by age, but I hope it doesn’t show just by looking at us together. He’s co-founded a programming company called Wela school Systems with Chris-Ian.

 

Stay Beautiful, Maintain Youthful Skin

Through my experiences in life I’ve learned to search beyond the surface, to go deeper and appreciate inner beauty, and one’s set of values more than what’s merely skin-deep and superficial. We need to cultivate that quality in us more than anything, I suppose. But to be able to go out there and enjoy- during summer days with friends, at the field to play catch in the sun, outside our homes or at the beach for a friendly game of volleyball, heat protection is a top priority.

Our own health is vital to fully experience the things that life has to offer. It’s a simple way of respecting our body as a gift from the divine. To look good and feel good, to be young inside and out; these are things we owe ourselves. I use Etude House’ pomegranate face mask sheet, which contains pomegranate extract (Punica Granatum Fruit Extract) to make my skin firm, fresh, and refulgent. If you feel your skin’s smoothness is waning and getting old, this product provides the necessary moisture and hydration needed to reassert its youthful glow. Maintain good looks with Etude House’ face mask and rest comes from within.

Etude House Pomegranate Face Mask

At home using Etude House Pomegranate Face Mask Sheet.

After using Etude House Pomegranate Face Mask, my face feels soft and smooth.

Etude House Pomegranate Face Mask nourishes my skin for a brighter, healthy and young-looking.

Etude House Pomegranate Face Mask also designed to improve facial adhesion and comfort.

 

How to use Etude House Pomegranate Face Mask Sheet:

1. Apply mask sheet to cleansed face.
2. Leave on for 20-30 minutes.
3. Remove mask and gently massage your skin with its remaining solution using your fingers.

It’s really good to apply this mask at night. It will give you maximum moisture for your skin.

For maximum efficiency, it is recommend to apply the mask every 2-3 days interval.

CAUTION :
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if signs of irritation and/or rash appear.

You may get the Pomegranate Face Mask for 78 pesos only at all Etude House Branches.