The Hearts Behind the Lens

10-31

2009-01-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

I remember that day when Lito and I first started this partnership of hobby-turned-business in wedding photography. We were discussing how much our packages would be, and how we could earn back the capital of expensive camera equipment. We tried to make our packages as friendly as possible and he was saying, “10 weddings for 2008 would be enough to make me happy. It’s not about the money.” Supportive gf that I am, I’ve always believed in him, and we targeted 10 weddings for 2008.

Lo and behold, at the end of 2008, we were able to cover 31 weddings within and outside Cebu City not to mention other accounts (debut, individual, fashion, events). It is such a balm in the heart to see my Lito evolve from a photo enthusiast to still a photo enthusiast, just add being a gearhead and a multi-awarded, internationally-acclaimed wedding photographer at that (late 2008, Lito got awards in the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International’s 8x10 competition).

But then again, I could say, the achievements are not done alone. We are forever grateful for the people who have indirectly helped us in this business: suppliers we have befriended--- fellow photographers (most especially to Fafa Jayson who has been with Lito almost every step of the way), videographers (special mention Digital Minds—Joey, you rock!), make-up artists (special mention our mamas Wenwen, Emy, Rene, Jessie, Ramil, Dingdong, etc.), choreographers (special mention to Dionne, Grace, Bo), florists, caterers, etc. The business of wedding photography is indeed small and it puts smiles on our faces to bump with the same kind of crowd who naturally eases up in the concept that we are in the same goal of making momentous events a little bit perfect.

And most of all, the couples who have chosen us and who have believed in us--- the brides who eventually became our counselors and friends, the grooms who Lito transformed from dashing debonair to dashing faffas (yes, there are a lot of you). I am proud to say that most of our clients have turned out to be our friends and I guess, that’s the most fun part of it. We are very blessed with wonderful couples who are truly in-love.

Special thanks to the following couples:

 Benson and Janessa
 Irwin and Jannine
 Marv John and Faye
 Arnel and Jane
 JM and Geselle
 Ramil and Juvy
 Randy and Hazel
 Mike and Cristina
 Frederick and Joanna
 Mike and Eda

o 2008
 Jayson and Aisee
 Victor and Miraflor
 Glenn and Joy
 Amir and Cynthia
 Elias and Roselyn
 Ian and Dorothy
 Michael and Jill
 Ricky and Jean
 Adrian and Kristine
 Eliel and Madel
 Rae and Gheovy
 Jo Paul and Glenna
 Lloyed and Jillean
 Bernard and Alexie
 Jommie and Ana
 Rilt and Mindy
 JC and She
 Marione and Damaris
 Glenn and Wynette
 Roy and Bop
 Jed and Sheryl
 Noel and Arnelyn
 Ian and Christie
 Ian and Faye
 Lynde Ben and Beverly
 Christian and Leah
 Gerald and Cherry
 Arthur and Karne
 Brian and Felma
 Mark and Joyce
 Arthur and Genevieve
 Jude and Ella

2009 (others pending not mentioned yet but thank you guys in advance)
 Jon and Julie
 Jeorex and Melanie
 Nanak and Fairy
 Peter and Angelika

Thank you, guys for the trust and the friendship. We are happy and proud that we are a part of the start of your life together.

Suckers for loving moments, Lito gets goosebumps on very sensitive moments, I on the other hand, cry silently while I prepare the slides as I am caught up by the moments. Lito once told me that when he shoots, he feels closer to our own wedding. And in October 2008, Lito did decide to ask me for marriage.

You see, he was right. Be it 100 weddings or 5 in a year--- It’s not about the money, it never was. It’s having fun and living to the fullest our tagline—capturing moments, behind moments. And believing in the wonderful thing we call love. Without it, everything else in this business is just a bunch load of crap.

The GLIMPSE Exhibit Part 1

2008-11-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

Technology. Culture. Travel. Nature. People. Life. Fashion. Moments.

See these things in 5 different sets of eyes as Peter Ryan Go’s Photoshop sponsors The Glimpse at the Atrium of Parkmall from November 15-21, 2008.
This exhibit marks the introduction of 5 new rising photographers in Cebu who have been in the humble sidelines for so long but their works of art have been screaming that they be pushed to the limelight. It is no wonder indeed that Cebu’s source of camera equipment and gadgets featured these lads who’ve had humble beginnings in the field of photography and are now making names in Cebu's photography community.

Catch a glimpse to the works of the newest additions to Cebu's pride in photography.

Jan Gonzales (Technology/Conceptual)
Farl Baricuatro (Culture/Travel)
Gerald Yuvallos (Macro)
Joseph Ong (Fashion)
Lito Inso (Wedding)

I will be featuring each one of them in the coming days. Stay tuned and do visit the exhibit when you can.

- Ara -

The End of the Trail

2008-10-13T00:04:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you from my point of view how I became the happiest and luckiest girl in the planet today:

Being Lito’s partner in our wedding photography business, we have seen couples get engaged and tie the knot. We have witnessed couples express their love in the most unique of ways. You could say, I am a typical Libran—an idealistic hopeless romantic. I have cried in wedding movies—from 50first dates to commercials, anything that would denote engagements. I have been dreaming of how I would get engaged ever since I saw Julie Andrews’ character, Maria sing her out when she got engaged in The Sound of Music.

October 12, 2008 is my 27th birthday. I have told my best friend, Belle a lot of times—all I really wanted was for Lito to let me know that he feels what I feel. I didn’t know that Belle, amongst my cries of despair, is one of Lito’s elves. All along, Lito was planning this proposal for 3 months.

It was a Sunday, I woke up late—savoring the weekend. I woke up with 32 messages in my phone and 12 missed calls from well-wishers. I spent lunch with my family and went to mass at 3pm. And I never received any text or call from Lito. I texted him, “Dy, did you forget about me na??”. He replied, “nope, you’re always on my mind. See you later. Happy birthday.” It was that simple. As was his instruction. That I stay home and I will be picked up at 7pm.

At around 6pm, Belle was in my room, helping me get ready. I was asking her a lot of questions because if you know me, I rarely dress up or fix my hair. So there we were, talking… me grumbling because I was hungry, I don’t know where I am going and I am about to get frustrated because of Lito snobbing me the whole day. The crazy best friend of mine just told me not to expect too much or enjoy my day. Things she said that never gave it away.. knowing her, it took a lot of willpower not to blurt it out to my face.

At around 730pm, Peter (Lito’s bestfriend) picked us up. I was confused because I wondered why Lito wasn’t picking me up. And I got this very nervous feeling that I cannot put into place. My heart was hammering my chest and I was about to cry but I don’t know why. When we arrived at their house, Peter just said, “Wabs, when you go inside, just follow the candles”. And then, I knew…. I was shaking already.
When I went inside, I saw a trail of candles going up. I can hear a violin playing one of our songs (Rey) but my focus was up. My tears were flowing, my knees were shaking. At the back of my mind, I was saying, “OMG, OMG, OMG”… I can feel the spotlight (Mona) on my face, I know there is someone taking the video (Jurly) and the photo (Jayson) and some people behind (Aisee, Gerard, Lito’s parents, Tanshot, Bryan) but I seem not to mind. I wanted to see him… And at the last step of the stairs… I saw him at the end of the trail, kneeling down. He was smiling so big… and I knelt down with him.

I asked him, “What is this? What are you doing?” again and again. He just smiled and said (From what I remember), “We’ve been together for such a long time and all I can say is you complete me and you make me so happy. And I want to spend forever with you. Would you please spend forever with me?” and I just said, “Oh my god, yes!” and he showed me a very beautiful diamond ring, took it out from the box and shakingly placed it on my ring finger. And we cried together and we embraced for long… and I can hear clapping from behind. We stood up, embraced again and faced the crowd.
It was then that I knew, Rey Lecciones (a good friend of ours) flew all the way from Clark, Pampanga, to play the violin for us. And I see most of our good friends. We went to his parents’ room and they hugged me. I was still shaking and crying when we went down and everybody was laughing and chatting and that’s it!

With this, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those wonderful people who made my dream proposal happen:
 Belle, for keeping the secret all these months… Thank you so much for being with me all these years, for witnessing all that I have gone through and for the support.
 For Rey—it would have been a silent walk without you. I appreciate you coming over so much.
 Jayson and Aisee- Fa and Mre, Lito and I are more than blessed to have you both in our lives. The ring and pictures are perfect. Thanks so much.
 Peter – Wabs, you played your role well. You have been an amazing best friend to Lito and I am glad you were there with him during this time.
 Gerard—thank you for lighting the way. It was real nice to see you in support of Lito last night.
 Jurly--- thank you for not revealing the secret to me in YM. And for capturing all the videos—the behind the scenes, everything.. thank you thank you.
 Mama MM- for crying all the way from Ozamis.
 Lito’s family--- for the support, for understanding my situation, for welcoming me into your family. I am honored, proud and happy to be a part of it.
 My family--- for being happy for me.. my mom, for being my best friend at home, my dad for trying to get well so he can have his last dance with me, for the tears.. for my brothers and sister and Mama.
And of course --- to Lito:
I just want to let you know my wab, that I am happy, and that I am blessed that our trail started years ago in highschool, and at last, I see you at the end of my trail. I have said yes to the proposal, not just because you made my dream come true but because it's you. Had it been any other proposal from you, I would still say yes. But it has to be with you. There is no one else I would wish to see waiting for me at the end-- for you make me happy, you are my best friend, my partner... My journey begins and ends with you and I will always say yes, will always be at your side to make you feel as much as you make me feel....

I woke up today with a big smile on my face as I recalled this very wonderful dream. Bu then, something felt good on my finger and when I looked down at it, I realized that it wasn’t a dream after all. It was real.
Lito told Belle that his dilemma was what he would say. He was not good with words, he told her. But little did he know, he has always been good with it, in ways he cannot see. He has captured my heart again and again with his love and his understanding. And I am going to be his wife. That said it all.

Notes:
- Date of the wedding—July 11, 2009
- Levi and Muriel are at Lito's back when he proposed
- Proposal Idea—from Friends Season 6 Ender. Monica’s proposal to Chandler. This has been my dream wedding proposal. And Lito made it happen.

Let Minutes Turn to Moments

2008-08-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite commercial jingle, which is somehow connected to our beliefs in cherishing moments. :) This is sung by Hale for the Nescafe coffee commercial.

what's another story to hear
what's another laugh or two
what's another tick on the clock
when it's magic shared by you

what's another smile to give
what's another kiss or two
what's another line to say
when it's love that's shared by you

a cup in hand
you know it's worth your while
a cup in hand
let's sit and stay for a while

let minutes turn to moments
let's sit, let's talk
one moment, one nescafe

let minutes to moments
let's mix, let's talk
one moment, one nescafe

Lito Inso Photography: 1st compilation

2008-08-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

I think one of the best things about wedding photography is that you get to have new friends. I don't know with other wedding photographers but ever since we started with this business/hobby, our friend list has doubled and tripled. We have made new friends with make-up artists, videographers, band singers, coordinators, florists, guests, entourage, and most importantly, the couple. Inspired by Nickelback's Love Will Keep Us Together, I have made the 1st compilation of Lito's photos on our clients, our friends... Guys, thank you for the trust and friendship.

My Heart in Photography

2008-08-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

A debate about Film VS Digital... here's my little input to that.

Since we are now in the digital age, and I work with computer hardware everyday (my first ever successful hobby and business). I have no choice but to use SLRs with good digital sensors (yes, coz there are bad ones). But I still shoot like I'm using film. I process digital negatives like developing film and retouch them like I'm in the darkroom. For me, nothing beats the natural colors, the grains, and the classic feel of film.

Until now, we can still hear the golden classics of the Platters played all over the world. Yet the modern music of Boyzone is hmm... What were their songs again?

In relation to that, Michael Buble is my favorite singer as of today. :)

Furthermore, you can study the basics and fundamentals of photography, but no school can train you on how to create beautiful images. From the viewfinder to darkroom to final prints, its all on the photographer's eye. But the real element of this art comes from the heart and inspiration.

Another portrait of my love, my inspiration... Arlyn.

Finding Wevi

2008-07-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Muriel,
You were snoring when you were sleeping earlier. I woke up early so I can scare Carrenz. Wake up piggy and stop snoring—Levi.
***
Dear Wevi,
You are a vewy bad boy. I was snoring coz I was tired making my assignment. As I said, I am not a pig, I am a butterfwy. I will tell Mamy and Dady if you keep on teasing me. I wab you still you demon monkey- Muriel
***
Dear Muriel,
Don’t tell on Mamy and Daddy. Because they don’t know yet that you are a pig. Hahaha. I wab you too. *snort*snort*- Levi
***
Dear Wevi,
Stop quarreling me!!! And stop running around to scare Carrenz, it’s not funny anymore. C’mon don’t bother Mamy and Dady coz they are tired from da trip. We should be good kwidsh coz they wab us. – Muriel
***
Muriel,
Okay I will keep quiet not because of you but because I wab Mamy and Daddy. And secret… I am a ninja… just like Uncle Brian. Ssshhhh piggy. – Wevi
***
WEVI!!! I AM NOT A PIG!!! I AM A BUTTERFLY!!!!

***
-----
***
Wevi, where are you?- Muriel
***
Wevi, Mamy and Daddy are looking for you. Where are you hiding ? Okay, I believe now that you are a ninja. Come out now, Wevi!!!- Muriel
***
Wevi, it’s been two days. I think you are not at home. Where are you Wevi? I’m sorry with whatever I said. I did not mean it Wevi. Mamy and Daddy are looking for you and they haven’t slept well. Mamy keeps on crying and said that it’s all her fault. Daddy kept on watching the video with Mamy and they cry together and hug me. Our brothers and sisters are looking for you too. Barf is so silent he won’t even barf. And Dog is not eating. Daddy told me the story when he saw you at Watson’s together with the other kids like you. He said that he got you to surprise Mommy who’s outside talking with Uncle Peter. You were the cutest of them all. He said that you remind him of his self. Daddy got teary eyed talking about you, and how you always tease me. Wevi, please come back… We miss you terribly.
***
Mamy just posted some brochures outside da house and distributed some flyers with your picture in it. People kept on laughing at her and Dady, even some of their friends made fun of them because we are unique kwidsh. But Mamy and Dady didn’t mind coz they wab you so much Wevi. They will do anything to have you back. It’s been 4 days without you Wevi and it feels different. Daddy said he misses his litol boy. Wevi, where are you? I pwamish I won’t quarrel you anymore. I will let you call me a pig and I will always tell you my name if you ask me hu ish dish. I will tell Dragon not to tease you. Who will quarrel the ones who tease me at school Wevi? You are my big brother and I wab you vewy much. I can’t imagine another brother like you even if you tease me a lot. I wab you Wevi. I have ice cream here but I did not eat it and wont eat it until you come home. I know you are just there Wevi. Ninjas come back.
***
Dear Wevi, Mamy is vewy excited. She called Daddy and told me that a pregnant lady named Auntie Angie found you on the streets when she was jogging and she will take you home. She told us the story that you were just there, confused as to where you are but acting vewy brave. She asked you who are you? And you said, “No, hu ish dish?” She was laughing because you were vewy cute. Wevi, don’t pull the hu-ish-dish-card to anyone. It’s for me only!!! Anyway, she said that you were dirty and that you were hungry so she took you home and cleaned you up and fed you. Her litol boy wabbed you and played with you. Auntie Angie saw Mommy’s brochure in one of the schools and she called Lola. She’s a very good lady. She was having a hard time because her baby wabbed you but she knows that Mamy and Daddy needs you so that’s why she took you home. I’m excited Wevi! I can’t wait to hug you!!!
***
Dear Auntie Angie,
I am home now but I want to thank you for taking care of me when I was lost. You taught me that it is good to be honest and to take care of the people we wab, no matter how unique they are. Sorry if I have to leave your litol boy with you. He can jump on his own now like I taught him to. I can always be his playmate. But I need to go home to my family. I know I am different because some people call Mamy and Daddy crazy and they even laugh at us when we are with Mamy and Daddy. But still, they wabbed us like we are their own kwidsh. They made us feel that we are no different. And I guess that’s what wab is all about—being there even if others despise you and call you crazy. I wab them, Auntie Angie and I can never leave them alone, even with my piggy sister, errr.. butterfly sister. Thank you Auntie Angie. I will mish you. Thanks for taking me home. – Wevi
***
Dear Baby Wevi,
We are more than happy to have you home. You are our little boy and please don’t go away from us again. We love you so much Baby. Welcome back home –Mamy and Daddy
***
Barf! – Barf
***
(Silence plus jumping)- Dog
***
Ngamsh plus hugs—Uncle Stanly
***
Hugs plus kisses plus kisses plus hugs and flying—Muriel
***
Dear Muriel,
Thanks for mishing me. Okay, now for your promises. You are a pig. Stop snoring piggy. You are not a butterfwy! -Wevi
P.S. I mish you too, my baby sister. I’m glad to be home. Bye for now, have to scare Carrenz.
***

***END***
POSTSCRIPT: Growing up is not an excuse to snob being child-like and enjoy toys. Levi and Muriel is a reflection of ourselves and an appreciation of the fact that our beingchild-like is a part of us. Losing them is like losing a part of ourselves. Thank you for those who were able to understand this. You guys are great.
check out video below to get a clearer glimpse of our babies:

Engagement Shoots: Lito Inso's Way

2008-07-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

Pre-nup shoots or engagement shoots (as I would like to call it) is one thing very close to my heart in wedding photography. Some may see it as something that needs to be done before a wedding-- preparations for slideshow, etc. International weddings don't even have this (prenup shoots. they call it engagement shoots) but Filipino's love of photography has made this a pre-requisite in almost every wedding. Some may even think that this a scheduled location shoot and that beautiful venues are a necessity-- sunrise, sunset, beach, green gardens etc. But if you ask me what this means to me-- Engagement shoots are a celebration of the couple's love. It's a glimpse of how they view each other. It's getting to know the couple. Getting to know the photographer. Appreciating each other's uniqueness. Appreciating the couple's love. And this appreciation can be captured with a simple laughter, a frozen banter, an unknown glance, a secret touch of the hair. These gestures can be captured with or without the beautiful scenery. After all, beautiful moments are made by people, not by nature, not by sceneries. Although it can add more life to engagement shoots.. but what good are beautiful sceneries without great moments to capture?

Most of the comments I got is that they felt like they are dating again, relieving those days when they were just having their first date, feeling that giddiness and that warm, crazy atmosphere of love. These re-living of moments can be captured anytime, anywhere. You don’t have to go to that fancy restaurant again to relieve that feeling of your first date nor is it necessary to go to a beach where you first kissed to catch a sunset. Of course, I am not negating the fact that it helps a lot. If you come to think of it, the first kiss is the main event, not the sunrise. This is what I intend to catch in every engagement shoot. One can relieve their first kiss, their first kilig in a car, in Colon Street or wherever. The point is--- countless moments need not have fancy, multiple settings. To go from one place to another is just like preparing so much for the main event and missing half of the show. The travel and the effort to make it just like what it used to be can alter the mood of the couple and the photographer and when you get to that place, the moments are altered as well. And what you get is just a picture of miniature you’s in a grandeous background. Spontaneity is the name of the game for me. In every downtime caused by travel, preparation, etc., there are countless pure moments wasted. And the essence of the shoot is gone. So what I’m trying to say is—with spontaneity, lots of things can be done without any wasted time and memories.

The Last Days...

2008-06-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

If today is my last day on earth, would I still do what I am doing now?
Would I still be what I am now?

If today is my last day on earth,
I’d like to tell you that I love you and that I am sorry.
I would hug you and cover you with embraces and kisses, no matter how corny it may seem
I would smile all day long and let you feel that my life is worth it all, just because you are there….
I would share with you my last ice cream cone and laugh with every joke you say
I’ll hold your hand without hesitation, without fear of being rejected
I’ll shout on top of the mountains and share a beer with you
I’ll record your laughter and replay it over and over again….
I’ll call you and say that you are missed, and that your presence matters…
I’ll thank you for being there for me in times when I am not the best person to be with…
I’ll videotape all our get-togethers and watch it with you…
I would wipe your tears and tell you that you are very special
And that life is not so bad after all….

Sunrises don’t last long…. The whisp of a wind doesn’t always linger…
Life is too short for resentments and hatred.
So grab a spoon, take a bite, fly that kite
Reach out and be heard…
Tell that person all your feelings and don’t let another minute pass by
For most of the times, we are too sure, too confident… that there’s always another tomorrow
Another time to say, I can always do it later…
I can always drop my pride the next day, for that person will always be there…
I will always be there…
But then again, you will never ever know…
When you can take a last glimpse of that smile
When you can last feel the touch of that hand
That warmth of the embrace
The brush of forgiveness…
When you can have the last opportunity to thank that person
Or say sorry
Or I love you….
Until his very last day on earth..

How ironic that now we are all adults, we forget that we were once kids…
Longing to be free, longing to be loved…
Reaching out and just letting things be….
Believing in wishing wells and fairy tales…
And of prayers and Coca Cola cans as birthday gifts…

How beautiful life would be if we do this everyday..
Living life without regrets, without hesitations, without fears…
Not wasting precious moments because of pride or anger or hurt
If one could just reach out and touch a soul
If one could just smile and heal a broken heart
If one would just be brave enough to say, “forgive me”
To balm the pains of scarred people…
Even if we do it once a day to one person, maybe…
Just maybe….
World peace can be achievable after all…

So if you are reading this,
I want to tell you that you really matter
And that life is so much more beautiful
Because you are there…
You have given me strength in each and every way
You make my life more meaningful
And you really are a blessing…
If today was my last day on earth,
I thank God that the days before that, were spent with you…
So thank you so much… for all that you are, for the moments that we have…
For the person that you are…
because with you, my life is all worth it….

Article: Arlyn "Ara" R. Abellana
Photos: Lito Chiu Inso

Clicking on the Last Day

2007-07-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

RIGG Foto club, at its quest to have our cameras click themselves to some interesting subjects, found themselves at NSO photographing the last day of registration. Here are some of my pics on that day.

Bubbling with Hope
Little girl Leah (not real name), sends off her bubbles of hope while her parents wait for their turn to be registered voters.

A Little Piece of Hell
As the voters clammer up to have their forms filled out, one wouldn't want to be in this place-- aside from the very small area, it's scorching hot, much like having a little piece of hell.

Waiting in Vain
Evident in most Filipino situations, those who needed to exercise their rights wait in almost forever. Not everyone has the patience as Rosario (not real name) who's also waiting in line amongst the flock.

The Smirk of Innocence
Ah, the bliss of innocence. Sometimes, I wish I could have this kid Lemuel's (not real name) naivette, as he smirks at everyone who made fun of his "Superman" shirt, while throngs of people line up to get registered.

No Handcuffs in Voting
It's amazing how the freedom to vote expands its literal meaning. Even prisoners like tommy (not real name), assisted by cop Rolando (not real name), visited the site to have their names registered.

Photos by Lito Chiu Inso
Titles and Captions by Arlyn Reyes Abellana

Til We Meet Again

2007-07-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

(A Eulogy for Carl)

There are just so many memories that standing up here is a both a challenge and a pain, but most of all an honor to be given an opportunity to say something about the miracle of a life which is Carl’s.

Let me start by sharing a recent thing that my little brother told my Mom. Arjo is like a son to Carl. Days ago, he was asked to play St. Benedict in their school play and he had diarrhea. He was worried. However, minutes after, he went to my Mom and said, “Mommy, it’s a miracle! Gi-ayo ko ni Kuya Carl (Kuya Carl healed me)!” And he recounted that he asked his Kuya Carl to heal him because his school play is important. And indeed, in his innocent mind, Carl helped him. And maybe he did. He regards Carl as a saint now. How I wish I have the same innocence, else the pain of acceptance won’t be that harsh. But thinking about it, Carl has always been a saint to us, in our family.

I stand here in behalf of my family who regards Carl as an additional member. I am very privileged when I was growing up because I do not just have one older brother, but two. My memories before are of Carl and Kuya being together in rough times and in good. When I was in first year high school, I was the envy of my classmates because I had two bodyguards. Imagine having two kuya’s stand by you during recess, having to screen out the boys and having to protect you while eating Senyang’s lumpia or having two buy you ice candy and fish balls.

Blood is always thicker than water, I have learned. When asked, I would always say, “Carl is my cousin” or “Carl is my kuya”. He’s not just kuya’s best friend but our brother, my Mom and Dad’s son, my lola’s apo. He was never any different. He was one of us.

Carl loved chocolate-covered donuts. And he loved chocolates. He also loved adventures, traveling and debating with my kuya. He loved cooking, and he would want to take my place everytime I sauté. He loved the smell of onions and garlic. He boasts of his menudo and mind you, he got that recipe from the back of a Del Monte label, and he perfected it to the point that his cooking is much better than where he got it. Beer hates him, he goes red after one glass and will be in bed later without a care in the world. However, it turned out that Carl developed what would turn out to be a lifelong infatuation of smoking. He loved to smoke, much to my father’s dismay. But then he was very successful in his smoking craft that he influenced my cousin Bimbo (oh well, with a little of my help) and my brother AG. Not a while later, they formed this Smoker’s Gang of sorts. Because of this, I gave the three of them jumbo cigarette-like toys during Christmas. The picture here denotes how they liked my gift at that time.

Carl was my confidante. I told him about a very sensitive personal issue and at that point, I considered him my friend. He just hugged me and said, “Everything will be alright”. He accepted my boyfriend Lito and amidst everyone’s knowledge, he told me that as long as I am happy, then everything will be alright. That’s Carl. Not only was he my confidante. He was my Kuya’s soundboard, my brothers’ listening ear, my Mom’s chatterbox, my dad’s trusted subordinate, my Mama’s treasure.

Carl was always present in almost all our family gatherings—graduations, Christmas, birthdays, kabil sessions, inuman sessions, my Kuya’s wedding where he was the best man, Gian’s baptism and Kuya Bimbo’s wedding, or even if there was no occasion. He would just pop in the house and hug my brothers and my sister and just hang out. He would ask for Mama’s ginaling and that’d be the day. He was so much a part of our lives that my sister Malyn gave him a pair of slippers last Christmas so that when he goes to our house, he can have his rubber shoes taken off and not worry about finding a pair of slippers. We also awarded him with an “adoption certificate” to officially make him our brother and my parents’ son. He would give us all gifts at Christmas and sign it “Merry Christmas, from Carl and Arjo”. He was also the VP for Internal Affairs in our Kabilang Building League because he’s noted for his tactful but assertive comments. And yes he is the glue that holds us together.

On my very first Friendster testimonial to Carl, I wrote there, “Ambot mag unsa mi kung wala si Carl sa among kinabuhi (I don’t know what we will do without Carl in our lives)”. And with greater intensity, I am wondering the same thing. He was a very very big part of our lives—his selfless sacrifice to our family (most especially when Dad had a stroke, he was there supporting us), his ability to bear pain without complaint, his very assertive attitude, all his jokes (corny or not so corny), his advices, his smile, his friendship, his kasaba, his smoking, his mere presence. All these were the core of his nature.

He was like a child all throughout and without him, God knows how we can ever ever fill that void he left to me and to my family… I hope and pray that all these memories would suffice in lieu of his eternal absence…

Carl, wherever you are, I’d like to tell you SALAMAT for everything, for gracing us with the person that you are, albeit short in earthly terms but very memorable. I love you, we love you with all our hearts. We will strive to continue what you have wished for everyone of us—for Daddy to become better, for the Kabilang Building to stay together, for Arje not to shift any course and to graduate, for Malyn to graduate, for me to get married, for AG and Bimbo not to stop smoking just yet, for Kuya to become a full-pledged engineer, for Kuya and Helen to stay a happy couple, for Gian to grow up healthy, for Mommy and Mama to be healthy all the time, for Nanie to find his true love and for Arjo to become a doctor…

For now, as your 2^nd family, we honor you today and everyday. As the song from Dakota Moon goes, “I don’t wanna say goodbye but til we meet again.. maybe another place, another time, I don’t know when.. But we’ll think of you til then, til we meet again….”

We all pray that you have found your peace. We will miss you forever, Caparl.. Cablarn, Lrac, Carl… Til then.

Photo by: Lito Inso
Article by: Arlyn Abellana

Modern Heroes

2007-06-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

Fathers have always been the images of strength. Back to the older days, Daddy used to wipe my sweat when I had too much fun and he would always bring something for me when he gets back from work. I cry my heart out as I relate to him what happened to me during that day—well , they are really not that trivial, just some petty quarrels with my brothers (I was the princess then) but he listened as I was the only one who mattered. Then he would kiss my forehead and tell me, “I love you, dai”. Back when I was a kid, I looked up to my dad as the source of strength, that measuring stick of whom I would base my future boyfriends, and nothing could tumble him down.

However, earlier this year, my Dad had a stroke. The left side of his body was paralyzed. With this, our life turned into a 360 degree turn back. He couldn’t work. At first, his speech was muffled, he can’t raise his hand nor clench it. All his projects were put on hold, some disappeared. Our financial status was depleted because of the medicines and all the therapy. It was an emotional turmoil for my dad, my mom, me and my family. It burst out when someone said , “He will never get well. How can he be a great dad with him bedridden like that?” Harsh, but all I can say is “You just wait”.

Today, my family and I went to a beach outing to celebrate father’s day. My dad, who was bedridden 3 months ago, walked down the steep way towards our beach cottage, using his cane, beads of sweat trickling down his face. He was walking slowly but he tried his best to go to us, with a smile on his face. Today, I wiped my dad’s sweat when he sat down, breathless after his 30-meter walk, and I listened to him intently about what happened to his day, well not really the trivial ones, but hey, he’s my king for the day. And then I kissed him on the forehead and said, “I love you dad. I’m so proud of you”. And then he looked at me, took a look at all of my brothers and sister and my mom, and he hugged me and I saw a tear trickling down his face. And that’s when I knew—he is a great father, no matter how bedridden he is, no matter what others say, no matter what happens.

The tricky thing about fatherhood is that unlike any other business you’ve been into, there is no training. There’s no school that would offer B.S. Diaper Making or A.B. Teaching- your -child -how -to court –a- girl. The fact is, one can’t prepare ways on how to become a professional father. And while it is tricky, there’s no such thing as a professional father. However, for those fathers who have tried their best to extend their love, remaining strong by showing some signs of humanity in some emotional episodes (turning into mush with a hug, a smile, a text, an I love you, or walking down the aisle with his kid who’s about to get married), and for those who have seen their kids grow up to be the best they can be because of their lead, I salute all of you. I salute Tito Lito, (Lito’s dad) who, even with all his busy schedule, still has time with his family, doing all the grocery and being there for them when they need them, even if I need him. The support he has humbly and graciously given to his family is heroic and remarkable. I salute my wab, who has been a good father to our kids (you know who they are…). And of course, I salute my Dad… who has shown me how love is so immense it can be felt whatever the situation.

We all have our heroes because we base how we fight our battles by how they handled it. And yes, in my life, I have three great heroes. No degree in fatherhood? Doesn’t matter, they excel in greatness and heroism. And that’s all that matters.

Happy Fathers’ Day to all the fathers.

Photos by: Lito inso, proud son of Atty. Manuelito S. Inso

Article by: Arlyn Abellana, proud daughter of Engr. Arsenio A. Abellana

June 10, 2007, 9:22pm

Simple Joys

2007-06-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today, I feel humbled.. Humbled because I have met a very wonderful person who has shown me that life is beautiful no matter how simply you live..

Just about yesterday, I was incessantly whining about the fact that when I went to our kitchen, I did not find the usual stock of coffee that I drink every afternoon. I opened our refrigerator and I cannot find anything decent enough to munch. I went to my office and mumbled about the incessant ring of the phone, customers calling me non-stop. I don't have time for gym, I don't have that much time to enjoy to the fullest my hobby. I don't have time for vacation. And that brought a frown on my face. I found it hard to smile. And I thought, God! Give me a break! I am only 23 years old and this is what the world has given me!I am so tired!"

And God did give me a break. Last Sunday, I was off to a photography stroll by myself and I found Manang Condrada. She was sitting in a shade near the church and she was staring at me. So, i went over and talked to her a bit. She told me that it's very hot but she's happy because she sold 50 newspapers already for the day. With that amount, she can go home to her husband and kids with money to buy for dinner together with her family. Sunday, being the most profitable day for her, she said she's glad she can meet lots of people on days like this. Opon is her market as there are lesser competitors thus she can have more sales. Sun-Star Daily is sure lucky to have her as she is selling their newspapers way back when it costed P3.00 and now it's P15.00. Living somewhere in downtown Cebu City, she looks forward to going home everyday to be with her family. While we were talking, I noticed that she is always smiling and she believes that she's the "bearer of news", more of like an angel. I asked her if she ever gets tired of what she's doing.. And she said that she has kids who love her, a husband who is there for her, food everyday, a shelter to go home to and a workplace near her Creator.. "dong, I'm 64 years old and this is what the world has offered me... I'll never get tired!"

Thus the story of why I was struck with utmost embarassment and humility. I went home, looked at my home with different eyes--> with or without coffee and something to munch.. I remembered my family and my girlfriend and how supportive they are of me.. I welcomed the incessant calls with so much glee--> yes! i have a business and love all around me and I feel so blessed. I left Manang Condrada with a promise that I'll visit her again some time... However, I did not fail to capture and bring her soul to me through this picture. Thank you Manang Condrada.

Photo by: Lito C. Inso
Article by: Arlyn R. Abellana