Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Kulit Co. Back in Bohemia
First posted 07:16pm (Mla time) Aug 27, 2004
By KC Concepcion
Editor's Note: Published on Page I1 of the August 28, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
JUST left the Philippines, the islands that I love!
I'm back in Bohemia and the neighborhood of kings. I believe the time has come for another one of my mildly entertaining updates. Many asked when my next Super! essay was due. The gap was something I did not anticipate at all. However, in the course of my absence I landed in Tim's Yaparazzi almost every week (there is a reason for everything)! And because both Paris and Manila restlessly and effortlessly churn out never-ending tales, nothing can stop my hands from typing away as they're doing now, as though this were a personal blog (is that still the word used?).
So fret not. And thank you, Inquirer, for this very public private space that allows me to reach out to the world with hopefully informative and in-depth randomness. My pursuit of excellence involves eliminating the definitive art of selective hearing, selective thinking, and selective Saturday-Super-ing. Let's give a big kiss to all of life's imperfections, celebrate happy thoughts, and smile. This is my way of thanking my dear readers for their loyalty. it's great motivation to know you are riding along!
Turbulence
Still on the road to discovering my Personal Legend. It is strange that, embarking on the journey away from life changes so quickly, and quite drastically, from point A--curfews, gated neighborhoods, bodyguards--to point B-"Bahala ka sa sarili mo!", "Gumawa ka nga ng sariling diskarte."
I must admit that plane rides are starting to get scary. I think traveling alone quite a bit these days is making me even more paranoid that the more often I ride a plane, the more chances of some mishap taking place.
Just before I got into panic mode, the smell of peppermint oil permeated the cabin. This either distracted me or calmed my senses. Having transited through Bangkok, where people seem to become more and more laid back, nature-loving and soul-centered, I was pleasantly culture-shocked to find a Parisien couple seated three rows in front of me. Girl had her feet up, baby chuckles filling the air as Boy gave her a (presumably) free, if second-rate, Thai foot massage. The peppermint oil!
It got me thinking: there are times when we get sucked into the typical, the scripted, the routine. Until one little thing happens that makes us see through a child's eyes again. For Girl, it was forgetting urban stresses, kicking off her shoes and indulging in a simple pleasure. For me, it was realizing that I was on the upper deck of a plane for the very first time in my life, having had to climb a little stairwell to get to my seat. It was, I suddenly remembered, something I always wished to do as a child.
During take-off-hands shaking stupidly as a result of an irrational phobia for flying that was never there before--I managed to pull out a letter from my parents. It could be only one of two things, I thought: a literary masterpiece constructed to reprimand, or the usual parental love letter filled with wisdom, advice and all the mushy stuff that make children cry. I realized I didn't fear flight turbulence as much as I feared being freed again. As a defense mechanism, I started being afraid of acknowledging, and appreciating, the support and love that comes only from family. Ay senti!
48 hours after
Two mornings after the landing (yes, the plane did touch down in one piece, phew!), a sucker for sunlight couldn't possibly be disappointed. It was nice and warm and even more beautiful in the city! Surprisingly enough, things were slightly slower-paced, since most Parisiens had gone out of town. I must say it was sooo good to see that even this highly stressed society knew when it was time to take a break, and come back tan and happy!
On my way back home from the supermarket G20, I spotted a print ad at the bus stop which said, "Paris-The City That Protects Love (Paris-La Ville qui Protege L'Amour)." The first 20 weeks that I lived here, I wasn't sure that this place wasn't too harsh for me. The next couple of months were more like, okay, people seem lonely here, and they find it suspicious when you smile. When April came, apart from the fact that my heart melted after 13 of my newest friends threw a fabulous surprise birthday cruise for me down the River Seine, I knew that things would get better as soon as I came to terms with, and then thrive on, my love for new worlds, eclectic people, languages, the arts and the fact that I am living where many artists came to be inspired.
The first year of being alone was like being put under construction! So many things had to be learned, that my heart and mind were taking such big bites at life. No rest, no room to taste and enjoy everything that was coming my way as a teenager discovering life as part-tourist, part-local and full-time college student. But, one carries on like the rest of the populace! The ad was comforting despite a cheesy quality to it that could make people squirm. But then, that's Paris. Either you take it or ya leave it!
Ooh la-la
Time to do some household chores. I noticed that my neighbors were doing their own home-improvement thing. The lady in the apartment across mine just let out a melodic scream. "Ooh la LA!" She probably crushed her thumb from too much hammering. The French manage to make even hard times sound sing-songy. It was also like being a kid again, to learn to laugh in certain situations and take things with a grain of salt, to get things done no matter what, and move on. Here I shampoo my hair and scrub the bathtub at the same time (Scotch Brite on one foot does the trick), or answer the door while brushing my teeth because someone just popped up or sent a giant FedEx box. Which reminds me, I have something frying in the kitchen! Catch ya Saturday!
"Sail on the wings of a cloud where to well nobody knows
And cry, cry if you want them to see, die every day to be free,
Be proud, to wear the colours that you call your own
Be loud, speak out when you want the world to know
Be strong, hold the flame for everyone to see
Be weak, if you want to love" [portion of lyrics of "Light and Shade," Fra Lippo Lippi-INQ7.net ed]
Copyright 2006 Inquirer News Service. All rights reserved.
By KC Concepcion
Editor's Note: Published on Page I1 of the August 28, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
JUST left the Philippines, the islands that I love!
I'm back in Bohemia and the neighborhood of kings. I believe the time has come for another one of my mildly entertaining updates. Many asked when my next Super! essay was due. The gap was something I did not anticipate at all. However, in the course of my absence I landed in Tim's Yaparazzi almost every week (there is a reason for everything)! And because both Paris and Manila restlessly and effortlessly churn out never-ending tales, nothing can stop my hands from typing away as they're doing now, as though this were a personal blog (is that still the word used?).
So fret not. And thank you, Inquirer, for this very public private space that allows me to reach out to the world with hopefully informative and in-depth randomness. My pursuit of excellence involves eliminating the definitive art of selective hearing, selective thinking, and selective Saturday-Super-ing. Let's give a big kiss to all of life's imperfections, celebrate happy thoughts, and smile. This is my way of thanking my dear readers for their loyalty. it's great motivation to know you are riding along!
Turbulence
Still on the road to discovering my Personal Legend. It is strange that, embarking on the journey away from life changes so quickly, and quite drastically, from point A--curfews, gated neighborhoods, bodyguards--to point B-"Bahala ka sa sarili mo!", "Gumawa ka nga ng sariling diskarte."
I must admit that plane rides are starting to get scary. I think traveling alone quite a bit these days is making me even more paranoid that the more often I ride a plane, the more chances of some mishap taking place.
Just before I got into panic mode, the smell of peppermint oil permeated the cabin. This either distracted me or calmed my senses. Having transited through Bangkok, where people seem to become more and more laid back, nature-loving and soul-centered, I was pleasantly culture-shocked to find a Parisien couple seated three rows in front of me. Girl had her feet up, baby chuckles filling the air as Boy gave her a (presumably) free, if second-rate, Thai foot massage. The peppermint oil!
It got me thinking: there are times when we get sucked into the typical, the scripted, the routine. Until one little thing happens that makes us see through a child's eyes again. For Girl, it was forgetting urban stresses, kicking off her shoes and indulging in a simple pleasure. For me, it was realizing that I was on the upper deck of a plane for the very first time in my life, having had to climb a little stairwell to get to my seat. It was, I suddenly remembered, something I always wished to do as a child.
During take-off-hands shaking stupidly as a result of an irrational phobia for flying that was never there before--I managed to pull out a letter from my parents. It could be only one of two things, I thought: a literary masterpiece constructed to reprimand, or the usual parental love letter filled with wisdom, advice and all the mushy stuff that make children cry. I realized I didn't fear flight turbulence as much as I feared being freed again. As a defense mechanism, I started being afraid of acknowledging, and appreciating, the support and love that comes only from family. Ay senti!
48 hours after
Two mornings after the landing (yes, the plane did touch down in one piece, phew!), a sucker for sunlight couldn't possibly be disappointed. It was nice and warm and even more beautiful in the city! Surprisingly enough, things were slightly slower-paced, since most Parisiens had gone out of town. I must say it was sooo good to see that even this highly stressed society knew when it was time to take a break, and come back tan and happy!
On my way back home from the supermarket G20, I spotted a print ad at the bus stop which said, "Paris-The City That Protects Love (Paris-La Ville qui Protege L'Amour)." The first 20 weeks that I lived here, I wasn't sure that this place wasn't too harsh for me. The next couple of months were more like, okay, people seem lonely here, and they find it suspicious when you smile. When April came, apart from the fact that my heart melted after 13 of my newest friends threw a fabulous surprise birthday cruise for me down the River Seine, I knew that things would get better as soon as I came to terms with, and then thrive on, my love for new worlds, eclectic people, languages, the arts and the fact that I am living where many artists came to be inspired.
The first year of being alone was like being put under construction! So many things had to be learned, that my heart and mind were taking such big bites at life. No rest, no room to taste and enjoy everything that was coming my way as a teenager discovering life as part-tourist, part-local and full-time college student. But, one carries on like the rest of the populace! The ad was comforting despite a cheesy quality to it that could make people squirm. But then, that's Paris. Either you take it or ya leave it!
Ooh la-la
Time to do some household chores. I noticed that my neighbors were doing their own home-improvement thing. The lady in the apartment across mine just let out a melodic scream. "Ooh la LA!" She probably crushed her thumb from too much hammering. The French manage to make even hard times sound sing-songy. It was also like being a kid again, to learn to laugh in certain situations and take things with a grain of salt, to get things done no matter what, and move on. Here I shampoo my hair and scrub the bathtub at the same time (Scotch Brite on one foot does the trick), or answer the door while brushing my teeth because someone just popped up or sent a giant FedEx box. Which reminds me, I have something frying in the kitchen! Catch ya Saturday!
"Sail on the wings of a cloud where to well nobody knows
And cry, cry if you want them to see, die every day to be free,
Be proud, to wear the colours that you call your own
Be loud, speak out when you want the world to know
Be strong, hold the flame for everyone to see
Be weak, if you want to love" [portion of lyrics of "Light and Shade," Fra Lippo Lippi-INQ7.net ed]
Copyright 2006 Inquirer News Service. All rights reserved.
FAMILY REUNION IN BANGKOK
YES! Magazine, June 2002
MARCH 30. Sharon and KC arrived in Bangkok on March 28 at 3:40 p.m via Thai Airways. An hour later, Sharon's husband, Kiko Pangilinan, daughter Frankie, Mommy Elaine, her Kuya Chet and Ate Connie, and her pamangkins, Paul, Chuck, Chris, and Daniel, all arrived.
"This was one of the most special trips I've ever made," muses Sharon. "One, because I get to spend time with KC again. You know, things in the Philippines have a way of pulling you apart especially when one is 17 and you are a working mom."
It was all more meaningful for Sharon because, after her father Pablo passed away, her family was complete for the first time - and on a trip abroad!
Why Bangkok?
Says Sharon, "We had to choose a place, nagkataon by God's grace, Kiko and I loved it, na we wanted Mommy and Kuya to see and also that it had no memories of Dad... We wanted a place with new memories... So that trip was super-duper meaningful to all of us especially me... It was the happiest vacation of my life!"
At Safari World. L-R front row: Sen Kiko Pangilinan, Frankie Pangilinan, Daniel Cuneta, Elaine Cuneta, KC Concepcion; Back row: Connie Cuneta, Paul Cuneta, Christopher Cuneta, Capt. Chet Cuneta, and Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan. Not in photo is Sharon's nephew Chuck Cuneta. 
The Cunetas at a "long" table for their first family dinner in Bangkok. 
Sharon and daughters aboard a tourist bus from Safari World. 
Sharon, KC and Frankie in downtown Bangkok. Behind them are flowers and incense sticks. 
MARCH 30. Sharon and KC arrived in Bangkok on March 28 at 3:40 p.m via Thai Airways. An hour later, Sharon's husband, Kiko Pangilinan, daughter Frankie, Mommy Elaine, her Kuya Chet and Ate Connie, and her pamangkins, Paul, Chuck, Chris, and Daniel, all arrived.
"This was one of the most special trips I've ever made," muses Sharon. "One, because I get to spend time with KC again. You know, things in the Philippines have a way of pulling you apart especially when one is 17 and you are a working mom."
It was all more meaningful for Sharon because, after her father Pablo passed away, her family was complete for the first time - and on a trip abroad!
Why Bangkok?
Says Sharon, "We had to choose a place, nagkataon by God's grace, Kiko and I loved it, na we wanted Mommy and Kuya to see and also that it had no memories of Dad... We wanted a place with new memories... So that trip was super-duper meaningful to all of us especially me... It was the happiest vacation of my life!"
At Safari World. L-R front row: Sen Kiko Pangilinan, Frankie Pangilinan, Daniel Cuneta, Elaine Cuneta, KC Concepcion; Back row: Connie Cuneta, Paul Cuneta, Christopher Cuneta, Capt. Chet Cuneta, and Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan. Not in photo is Sharon's nephew Chuck Cuneta. The Cunetas at a "long" table for their first family dinner in Bangkok. Sharon and daughters aboard a tourist bus from Safari World. Sharon, KC and Frankie in downtown Bangkok. Behind them are flowers and incense sticks. "Me and my girls."
Mother and daughter during the family's river boat dinner cruise.
KC with Lola Elaine and the latter's grandchildren. Seated: Christopher and Frankie. Standing: Paul, KC, Chuck, Daniel. The only apo missing is C.P.
SHARON AND KC IN PARIS
YES! Magazine, June 2002 
MARCH 22, FLIGHT TO PARIS. Sharon and KC left Manila for Paris in a cabin suite. The last time they went out on a girl-bonding trip was 1999 when they flew to San Jose, California. 
MARCH 23, EIFFEL TOWER. Mother and daughter arrived in Paris at 5:10 a.m. Obviously, they took turns having their pictures taken at the foot of the Eiffel. Says Sharon, "KC and I wanted to go up but they were servicing the other elevators, only one was working, weekend kasi, punong-puno ng tourists.
MARCH 24. "Kami," says Sharon, " we're so mababaw. Actually we just breathe in and take in all that's happening around us. There wasn't much to buy because it was really cold and, you know, she does stuff for Human... that she passes on to Mama, and some, Mama is still waiting to fit into. And you know, I have so many clothes in my movies. There's no need for us to really go out and buy clothes like crazy.
"Diner with my baby." They had dinner in Costes, a restaurant near their hotel. "Everyone makes a ceremony out of dining, out of a meal, so kahit kape lang 'yan o ano. Hindi sila fast food masyado. French sila e. We just wanted to take that in 'coz we couldn't do these things in Manila or anywhere else. Mag-sidewalk cafe, puro pollution, hindi ba? Doon uso, doon naggaling. So parang we just wanted to experience all those things that we can't really do here." 
Sharon told KC: "You have to see how cute those stores are, they sell crepes off the streets." When KC finally saw one, she screamed, "Mama, crepes!" Says Sharon, "Happing-hapi kami." KC ordered strawberry crepes and Sharon, who describes herself as a "chocolate girl," had banana nutella.
MARCH 25. Facade of the Louvre Museum
A gentleman was kind enough to take their picture on the River Siene. 
KC buys postcards for her collection. 
Sharon and KC posing in front of Venus de Milo.
Mother and daughter at Place Vendome before going to Louvre.
MARCH 26, REST DAY. Playtime with jasmine flowers following dinner at Le Reconfort. Mama Sharon is thrilled her daughter speaks French with, say the natives, "good accent." But she is even more thrilled whenever KC says "she's my mother" in French and everyone within hearing distance gasps in disbelief. 
Not-so-small-baby-KC with Mama. The French provincial decor of this hotel so attracted Sharon, she had her picture taken by the amused owner.
MARCH 27. Last day in Paris. Sharon and KC finishing their Cappuccino Steak Frittes and Banana Split at La Coupe D'or St. Honore´&e;. They were scheduled to leave Paris for Bangkok at 10:44 p.m.
MARCH 22, FLIGHT TO PARIS. Sharon and KC left Manila for Paris in a cabin suite. The last time they went out on a girl-bonding trip was 1999 when they flew to San Jose, California. At Place de la Concorde. To her right is the Champs-Elysées. 
Inside their hotel room, mother and daughter ended the day with a "tight squeeze." 
KC at Coco Chanel's first store 
At Castle Café near the Eiffel Tower where they sipped hot chocolate and Viennese coffee.
KC at Coco Chanel's first store At Castle Café near the Eiffel Tower where they sipped hot chocolate and Viennese coffee. MARCH 23, EIFFEL TOWER. Mother and daughter arrived in Paris at 5:10 a.m. Obviously, they took turns having their pictures taken at the foot of the Eiffel. Says Sharon, "KC and I wanted to go up but they were servicing the other elevators, only one was working, weekend kasi, punong-puno ng tourists.MARCH 24. "Kami," says Sharon, " we're so mababaw. Actually we just breathe in and take in all that's happening around us. There wasn't much to buy because it was really cold and, you know, she does stuff for Human... that she passes on to Mama, and some, Mama is still waiting to fit into. And you know, I have so many clothes in my movies. There's no need for us to really go out and buy clothes like crazy.
"Diner with my baby." They had dinner in Costes, a restaurant near their hotel. "Everyone makes a ceremony out of dining, out of a meal, so kahit kape lang 'yan o ano. Hindi sila fast food masyado. French sila e. We just wanted to take that in 'coz we couldn't do these things in Manila or anywhere else. Mag-sidewalk cafe, puro pollution, hindi ba? Doon uso, doon naggaling. So parang we just wanted to experience all those things that we can't really do here." Sharon told KC: "You have to see how cute those stores are, they sell crepes off the streets." When KC finally saw one, she screamed, "Mama, crepes!" Says Sharon, "Happing-hapi kami." KC ordered strawberry crepes and Sharon, who describes herself as a "chocolate girl," had banana nutella.MARCH 25. Facade of the Louvre Museum
A gentleman was kind enough to take their picture on the River Siene. KC buys postcards for her collection. Sharon and KC posing in front of Venus de Milo.Mother and daughter at Place Vendome before going to Louvre. MARCH 26, REST DAY. Playtime with jasmine flowers following dinner at Le Reconfort. Mama Sharon is thrilled her daughter speaks French with, say the natives, "good accent." But she is even more thrilled whenever KC says "she's my mother" in French and everyone within hearing distance gasps in disbelief. Not-so-small-baby-KC with Mama. The French provincial decor of this hotel so attracted Sharon, she had her picture taken by the amused owner.MARCH 27. Last day in Paris. Sharon and KC finishing their Cappuccino Steak Frittes and Banana Split at La Coupe D'or St. Honore´&e;. They were scheduled to leave Paris for Bangkok at 10:44 p.m.
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