PROMDI PINOY

The Shore Within

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:27:00 +0000

I was about to make a poem about the shore

Starting.. .

In the middle,

... in the process

But never finished.

Nevertheless

I am always fascinated by the shore.

Whether shared or not

With other people or alone

Within reach or far away

In reality, in dreams, imagination or otherwise

Shores...

Provides an environment of serenity

An inner peace

That everyone looks for.

I am fortunate and am grateful

To have this in me

The shore

and the peace

Within me

Forgive my promise that you`ll never see me cry

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:29:00 +0000

And

Forgive my promise that I'll send you off with a smile.

This song PERMANENT by David Cook, which I believe he dedicates to his departed brother who succumbed to cancer, kinda hit the bulls eye of what I really felt... and what I still feel when my father and mother left us.

Forgive my promises...

my broken promises.

When all we know is temporary...

believe in something permanent.

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?

Forgive my broken promise that you`ll never see me cry

And everything, it will surely change even if

I tell you I won`t go away today

Will you think that you`re all alone

When no one`s there to hold your hand?

And all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary rest your head

I`m permanent

I know he`s living in hell every single day

And so I ask Oh God is there some way for me to take his place

And when they say it`s all touch and go I wish I could make it go away

But still you say

Will you think that you`re all alone when no one`s there to hold your hand?

When all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary, rest your head

I`m permanent, I`m permanent

Is the moment where i look you in the eye?

Forgive my promise that you`ll never see me cry

(Song property of RCA 19 Records.

R.I.P. Andrew Cook.)

City Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:18:00 +0000

The city of Hamilton, Bermuda. At night.

As I walk on its main street (Front Street), often John Mayer's song Neon comes to mind. I dunno, but I somehow relate the song with the way I feel as I while away time whether alone or not.

Of course, I always have my camera with me.

I took the photo below aboard a ferry boat from a 'tour' to dockyard.

Cruise ships docked along the bay of Front Street is a common view especially during summer season.

Kids at Play

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:03:00 +0000

I was surprised to find this in my laptop.

I know my kids borrowed this mac a couple of times during my most recent visit to the Philippines. Never thought that they will be this creative.

And now

the Promdi Pinoy Production

in association with google's blogosphere

proudly presents

the Promdi Kids at play

Starring Abram and Yohan

A Visit to Fort Scaur, Bermuda

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Fort Scaur was a big deal for a long time, to the British and to the American military, but it's now a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walk or picnic. There are 22 acres of gardens to see and stroll, and a hefty climb up to the Early Bermuda Weather Stone with its cutesy inscription.

On a clear day, it provides a view of the entire island of Bermuda, from east to west.

Also known as Scaur Hill Fort, this old historical slice of land was important to the British who, after the American Civil war, feared the US would invade Bermuda. At that time in history, Bermuda was a centrally-

located pivot point of British Colonial power in the New World, and Fort Scaur

was heavily armed and fortified for this reason. Scaur Hill Fort was the grand master of forts in

Bermuda, with most of the British fortifying funds in

the 1800's going into this particular fort. It's situated high up on a hill and was used from 1870 to

World War II, when American troops from the 52nd Coast Artillery Battalion were stationed there. Back in its early days,

Fort Scaur was equipped with enormous cannons that were mounted on recoiling platforms.

The guns are gone now, but visitors can walk along the gallery and look out the windows where the cannons once were housed.

A Day At The City of Hamilton

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:16:00 +0000

One sunny afternoon, I brought my camera and wandered around 'town' as it is popularly called here. Well, the town is actually the city of Hamilton - the capital of Bermuda (I hope this is right, hehehe!) and hosts most government and administrative offices in the island.

Aside from being a good tourist spot, having the most shopping venues, this part of town is also the center of entertainment as it has my favorite bars and pubs and my only favorite movie theatre.

Fortunately, this is where I work just like more than half of the island's inhabitants. Sometimes, during my lunch break, I just walk around town to while away time.

Based on its site, the city is presently 185 acres in size, substantially more than when first established but still one of the smallest cities in the world.

A trip around town is really worth it as I observe how people interacts and greets each other along the way... a diverse set of people in terms of culture and race...

see how people break traffic rules, whether on foot or while driving vehicles... and how it also has problems of homeless people just like any other cities...

and how the city has maintained very nice and truly reinvigorating parks within... or how I got stuck in traffic during rush hours.

The city of Hamilton, a truly unique experience to be a part of.

September forever changed...

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:20:00 +0000

our lives...

September 2009 to be exact.

My siblings and I became orphans, officially that month. My father passed away last year and mom did this September. Now, we are orphans.

It hurts. There is pain. But that is the truth. We are orphans.

I know it is a normal feeling after the loss - the pain... the emptiness... there's always this lump in my throat... what feels like a dagger in my heart. They may see me smiling as I promised to offer my mother to send her my smile to her grave. But it really really hurts.

September we buried our mother. On the same location where we buried our father last year. Now they are together. Now their sufferings and worries are over and I am glad about that.

But...

September really made me feel the heat bursting from my eyes. Like a a dragon breath, waiting to burst at any moment.

Especially when I remember the lessons learned from both my parents. Lessons that are sometimes unique to me... Or I interpret in a different way, making them little life's values that are especially meant to guide me. Values that I consider helped molding who I am and still makes me a better person.

Most people believe or perceive that I am strong. I do believe I am. I have been through different challenges and struggles of life and I never give up. I always give a good fight. And yes, I am strong.

But...

Since September,

I am feeling the loss.

I am feeling the pain.

I am feeling the emptiness....

. . . . . No matter how strong I am.

Bermuda Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:14:00 +0000

At Admiralty Park.

The Crystal and Fantasy Caves of Bermuda

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Recently visited two caves in the island during one of the island's holidays.

The rock formations are so amazing, so breath-taking.

It is forbidden to touch any of the stalactites, stalagmites, helectites or any of the 'living' rock formations since they are still growing and forming.

In about a century, this stalactite and stalagmite will be joined, forming a 'column.' The tour guide said he will get our numbers so he can call us and invite us to visit again when these two become one.

The area is about 12 minutes away from where I live. Everything is so near in this island!

Tobacco Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:41:00 +0000

One of the best beaches I've ever been.

Serene.

Calm.

Warm.

Clear water.

Interesting rock formations.

Very ideal for snorkeling.

A lot of small colorful fishes near the edge and rock creases. Some swim right between your legs!

And a lot of tourists as well!

A visit to the island won't be complete without a trip to this amazing beach.

---

Tobacco Bay, Saint George's, Bermuda

Of Rocks and Waters

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:06:00 +0000

No wonder why Bermuda is called "The Rock."

Colorful Houses in Bermuda

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Take a look at what's inside the crayon box.

The houses in Bermuda will compete in terms of variety in color... Plus most of them are pastel colored!

I lived in a pink house and am

currently in a peach one.

I find it funny at times that when people ask about where you live... you only not say the street and house number which is usual in any parts of the world... In Bermuda, we can also describe the house by its given name and, of course, its color!

"Please deliver the items in number 6 Spanish View Road. The

one at the end of the hill. The pink house called Onion Patch"

The roofs are all white. This is used to catch rainwater and stored in tanks. So it is necessary to have roofs that are whitewashed and

maintained clean all the time. (I'm not so sure, but Bermuda does not have fresh water, aside from the one that comes from up above.)

Small Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Flowers, no matter how small...

brings certain joy to my soul.

Beautiful, relieving

thoughts

suddenly comes to mind...

as if sea breeze...

so refreshing...

as if tides that continuously flow.

that adds a peculiar glow

to my tired and

at times, restless soul.

----

Small Flowers of Bermuda

Taken all over the island.

Most are from the Botanical gardens.

Tall Ships in Bermuda

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:08:00 +0000

One of the highlights in the celebration of Bermuda's 400 years of permanent settlement is the arrival of tall ships - from the "Atlantic Challenge 2009" that began in Vigo, Spain. This race has a lot of port calls (or stop overs? hehehe!) and one of them is this island. This challenge will end in Belfast, Northern Ireland - a true race around the Atlantic.

The tall ships provided a different kind of excitement compared to the usual festivities and street parties. Plus, the ships docked in the city actually changed the landscape of the capital for a week. There were various events that has relevance to sea navigation and... we were allowed to get inside the ships!

One of my favorites is the HMS Bounty,

which was built in Nova Scotia for MGM Film Studio's

1962 movie, Mutiny on the Bounty which stars Marlon Brando.

Based on their flyer, it is designed as amovie prop and a sound stage. The ship has extensive decks, long hallways and eight-foot ceilings. Her first journey out of the shipyard was to Tahiti and her second was to England to promote the movie.

Some of the other ships were

interesting as well. Of course, there are endless, endless lengths of ropes all round. Well, it's for their sails, what else? Other ships that are a part of the race and the festivities include

Etoile and Belle Poule both from France,

Mircea from Romania (close favorite)

Concordia from Canada

The Bounty, Eagle, Pride of Baltimore, Fasizi, Virginia, Spirit of Carolina and Amistad from USA

Kruzenshtern from Russia

Europa, Urania and Tecla from Netherlands

Capitan Miranda from Uruguay

And even if small, Bermuda has its own tall ship called the "Spirit of Bermuda." (Shown above, second photo from the top)

With a couple of friends, we watched the unberthing of ships from Hamilton. They are now on their way to another port. It's like

another festivity. A lot of tourists witnessed the event. Canons were fired by some of the ships. One of the ship even had tis crews get up the sails... And stood there on the ropes! whew!

I hope they will have a safe and fun trip until the end of the race.

Bon Voyage!!!

The Bermuda Day Parade (Parte Dois)

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:07:00 +0000

The Filipino float and dancers were one of the best.. Well, not only because I was wearing a shirt that is Philippine flag inspired. hats off to the organizers and dancers, particularly to the AFB or Association of Filipinos in Bermuda. Come to think of it, I am not a registered member! Hahaha!

I did hang out with most of my Filipino friends from our store and from the (only) hospital here.

The only day when you can drink beer/alcohol on the street, so we grabbed the opportunity and did our stuff!

Back to the event, the parade of floats and representatives of different countries were all inspiring and informative. never I thought that there were Mohawk Indian tribes somewhere in Bermuda (far up north?). Since the main streets in the city is closed, umbrellas and even gazebos are lined up on the street. It's like having a grand picnic and party!

The parade includes famous persons and organizations and of course a representation of different cultures and nationalities. Floats and costumes galore!

I loved how the Portuguese made their parade with arc similar to a flores de mayo of the Philippines. Well, our country has been 'discovered' by a Portuguese Magellan so, it is not impossible to think that our traditions, culture and language are influenced by this people. Fact is, I really get along with most Portuguese I bumped into, and might as well make friends with them as I study their language.

(This jolly guy keeps on dancing and drinking..)

The Portuguese dancers:

United Colors of Bermuda:

Representing my parish

There's a lot of other nations and nationalities who joined the parade. Needless to say that during the event, I may have bumped into 20 or more people of different countries. Just bumped, while holding my beer and camera. But one thing for sure, I am so glad to have witnessed this still on-going celebration of the 400th year discovery of Bermuda.

Here's an excerpt from the government's article about the reason for the celebration:

"In 1609 the Sea Venture, flagship of the second expedition sent to America by the Virginia Company of London under the command of Admiral Sir George Somers was wrecked off Bermuda during a violent storm (providing the theme of Shakespeare’s Tempest). The subsequent rescue a year later of the Jamestown colony in Virginia by its survivors is one of the important stories of the western world. Bermuda played a crucial role in the development of the New World. Over the past four centuries, Bermuda has evolved into a diverse multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community.

This anniversary gives the opportunity to honour and showcase the Bermuda people, the culture, and the events that have helped to build Bermuda over the past 400 years and make it what it is today. We can acknowledge and celebrate the journey"

--- And here's a slide show made by a friend:

My favorite shop

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:38:00 +0000

... In bermuda...

Is right at Front Street.

Called Gosling.

A lot of people frequent this shop! Hmmmm... I wonder... Hahaha!

A Pinoy Pride on Bermuda Day

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Filipino Pride and patriotism soared high on the 400th anniversary of Bermuda.

Congratulations to the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda!! and of course the dancers!

What is your house name?

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:38:00 +0000

A House name? Yes, I observed that Bermuda houses has names or aliases that sets it aside from the rest.

Well, of course, aside from the usual house and street names.

The house names are usually placed near the house number. Painted in various materials such as wood, metal, tiles or ceramics and even carved in wood.

Some names are quite serious and formal in

nature while the others are seriously funny.

(It took me a great deal taking these photos since I have to stop on the road whenever I saw an interesting name. Often, I have to go back the next day or take the shot after work.)

Bermuda Blooms

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sun, 17 May 2009 04:40:00 +0000

“Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are.” Not who we are, but what.

By understanding nature, the world around us, we can understand our own whatness. By entering nature, we can enter ourselves.

- Gretel Ehrlich, in her book The Solace of

Open Space

I just find flowers to mimic the cycle of life. I also find solace looking at their distinct features...

the bud, the intricacies of colors, petals. The wilting flowers, as it surrenders to the inevitable. Their colors almost provide enough mystery to keep my my mind away from the busy world.

Flowers remind me of how blessed we are.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Dawdling over lunch break, thinking of my family, I came up with this draft of a poem dedicated to my wife, my mom, mom-in-law and those who served as my mother outside my real home or country. And this also goes to all the mothers in the world....

Mother's Day

. . . is the day when they planned to raise a family

. . . is the day when we were conceived

. . . is the day when we first gasped for air and see the light

. . . is the day when we were nurtured by their milk, their loving hands

. . . is the day when they sang to lull us to sleep

. . . is the day when we first smiled, giggled or uttered the word 'mama' or 'nana'

. . . is the day when we walked on our own

. . . is the day when they prepared for our schooling and plan for our bright future

. . . is the day when we were trained to do household chores

. . . is the day of our best achievements

. . . and is also the day of our failures

. . . is the day when we have to leave our own mother to become independent

. . . is the day when we planned to raise our own family

. . . is the day when it is our turn to nurture, to give and provide for children

Because our mothers will always be there for us. Through good and bad times, best or worse days of our lives.

Ahhhhh.

Mother's day!

. . . is not just a day in a year.

It is everyday of our life.

Harbour Night

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Every Wednesday during the summer

months, Front Street in Hamilton transforms into a big fiesta cum party scene!

From around 6 Pm to midnight, Hamilton's main street is closed to vehicular traffic to give way to the celebration which is comparable to a fiesta in the Philippines.

There are tents and canopies decorated with lights and other stuffs - selling food, shell crafts, tribal necklaces and crafts, artworks and of course - food! (Like tiangge)

There's street dancing, bands and even a solo performer - A Pinoy!!! (The street dancing is almost similar to ati-atihan.) Bar scenes along the beach is also alive and waiting for guests... Even retail shops that usually closes either 5 or 6 in the afternoon extends their operating hours.

It is a worthwhile experience and a good immersion activity into the Bermudian way of life as they celebrate their 400th founding anniversary.

My Daughter is now thirteen

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:04:00 +0000

May 6 marked my only daughter's thirteenth birthday. I remember, I was in the Philippines last year to celebrate her day. Now, I am away once again.

Nothing to do but think of her and the rest of my family during my lunch break, I scribbled this little piece for her:

My Daughter @ Thirteen

You are now a teenager
The age, the time
I would like to believe
That You already have discipline

The ability and the wisdom to distinguish
What is right from wrong
The knowledge to know and differentiate
The good and the bad
Amongst deeds, events, peers, influences
... in Everything around you.

We will try to guide you, the best way we can
as you mature
Further develop the courage and will
To choose the right and what is good
For everyone concerned

We expect you to try your best
To become a matured, disciplined
And a responsible person

As we prepare your path,
the stepping stones of your future
Remember, it is still your own feet
Your sole initiative to choose and take the right steps

Your steps
towards your tomorrow, my dear daughter at thirteen.

Mirror, Mirror on the road

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:25:00 +0000

who's the fairest of 'em all?

Pocahontas, John Smith and I

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:40:00 +0000

I never thought that Bermuda is somewhat connected to Pocahontas. And exactly where I now live is named after her boyfriend (I live in Smith's Parish)? And one of the beaches that I frequent, is called John Smith Bay.

Now, now... how did this happen?

Here's what I grabbed from my research:

The most popular tale is that Pocahontas, as a child, saved John Smith’s life after he was captured by the Powhatan. (The Powhatan is the tribe, I think, which is also the name of Pocahontas' father.) According to John Smith’s account he was laid across a stone and just as he was to be executed Pocahontas threw herself across his body. Many scholars believe that this ‘execution’ was actually a ritual misunderstood by Smith.

In either case, Pocahontas and John Smith became friends and she visited him at the Fort often. Smith says that Pocahontas saved the people at the Fort from starvation by bringing them provisions. This friendship lead to the romantic tales of Pocahontas and John Smith which continue to this day; with many people wrongly believing that they were once married.

And about the beach...

John Smith’s Bay is the only public beach in Smith’s Parish. It is named after Captain John Smith who produced a map of Bermuda in 1631, despite never having set foot on the island. The captain was one of the early English colonists in Virginia and was saved by Pocahontas. Interestingly, Pocahontas went on to marry John Rolfe who was one of the men aboard Sir George Somers’ shipwrecked Sea Venture.

The bay is not near any major hotels so is not very well known to tourists. Locals love it though, I visit the bay as often as I can - sometimes twice a week. The beach is long and wide with crystal clear water. The water is shallow and good for children. The reef lies about 200 meters from the beach but it’s not necessary to snorkel this far to see the wonderful marine life. John Smith’s Bay occasionally experiences rip currents.

I find it peaceful to be at the beach before the sun sets. Bringing my camera and sometimes my sketch pad - along with my kids' coloring which I brought all the way from the Philippines.

Well, now I know, Pocahontas and I have something in common.... we both like John Smith : for her the person... me, the bay, named after the person.

John Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Promdi Pinoy) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:20:00 +0000

is the guy related to Pocahontas?

it's the name of the beach.... and the parish where i live

i'll do some research about Mr. John Smith...