Assorted pics taken over the last month or so. The last ones are of her in Central Park for the first time.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Nicole as of May 28, 2007
Assorted pics taken over the last month or so. The last ones are of her in Central Park for the first time.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Entry for May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Nicole Turns 1!!!!!
On a very rainy May 16, 2007, we all had a nice Chinese meal at Ruby Foo's to celebrate, capped with a Ben and Jerry's ice cream cake for dessert. Yum! Happy Birthday, my angel! Mama loves you!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
The Brand New Heavies
| Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Category: | Music |
| Genre: | R&B |
| Artist: | The Brand New Heavies |
Saturday, May 26, 2007
My Pre-show
In case you were wondering, keep reading. If you don't really care, skip this posting.
So, just how do I get ready for this juggernaut of a musical? Very simply. I warm up my voice, then listen to some great music, and finally get started with my wig prep, make-up and costumes. Here is my routine, broken down, for an 8 PM performance:
7 PM - Arrive at the theatre, and sign in. I get my key from the stage door keeper, then head to my dressing room and settle in. I put down my big bag, take out my cellphone and iPod, then start warming up. My dresser Leslie usually pops in at around this time to check if I need anything. She'll prepare some hot water for Throat Care tea and fill my water bottle. Once I've taken enough of a breather, I start warming up. That takes around 15 minutes.
7:20 PM - MUSIC TIME!!! I put my iPod into my speakers, and take time to pick something cool for the day (last night it was Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite). I then take my costumes out and start getting dressed. Actually, at this early stage it's just my Fantine undergarments, my microphone, tights and boots. My actual corset and dress are put on downstairs in the wardrobe room.
7:30 PM - I do my own wig prep (as taught to me by our hair and make-up guy). It takes a few minutes to do, and I make sure that no stray hair escapes and that it doesn't come apart. My costume quick changes require a solid wig prep, as I'm ripping wigs on and off in seconds during the show. After my wig prep is done and my microphone is put on my head, I start make-up.
7:45 PM - Make-up is still under way... I'm sipping some tea as I groove to the music on my iPod. My valuables are collected at right around this time, too, by the stage manager that's going to be on deck.
7:55 PM - My face and body make-up are now done... I put my boots on now and head down to the wardrobe room to get dressed: a ratty skirt, a corset, a nice celadon green cotton dress, a choker with a cameo, and an apron. With my hat in hand, I head to the wig station to have my long wig put on. Then the hair dresser helps me with my hat. After all is done, I return to my room, turn off my music, sip some more tea and run through the lyrics of I Dreamed a Dream once, then test my highest note after that's done.
8:15 PM - I head downstairs and backstage, saying hello to different cast members on my way, and grabbing a cup of water from the cooler to sip while I wait for my cue. I go all the way upstage to the prop area, where my locket is. I then put it on, and stand by.
That's about it!!!
Right after Fantine's Death, I head back to my room and get dressed in my bullet boy outfit, and that's what I'm in for the rest of the show until the Finale.
My routine slightly changes with each show that I do, but the basics remain the same. I just feel it's important when I feel really prepared and ready to perform, to have a ritual of some sort before getting on stage. It relaxes and centers me, keeps the nerves at bay in order for me to have a wonderful time.
So, just how do I get ready for this juggernaut of a musical? Very simply. I warm up my voice, then listen to some great music, and finally get started with my wig prep, make-up and costumes. Here is my routine, broken down, for an 8 PM performance:
7 PM - Arrive at the theatre, and sign in. I get my key from the stage door keeper, then head to my dressing room and settle in. I put down my big bag, take out my cellphone and iPod, then start warming up. My dresser Leslie usually pops in at around this time to check if I need anything. She'll prepare some hot water for Throat Care tea and fill my water bottle. Once I've taken enough of a breather, I start warming up. That takes around 15 minutes.
7:20 PM - MUSIC TIME!!! I put my iPod into my speakers, and take time to pick something cool for the day (last night it was Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite). I then take my costumes out and start getting dressed. Actually, at this early stage it's just my Fantine undergarments, my microphone, tights and boots. My actual corset and dress are put on downstairs in the wardrobe room.
7:30 PM - I do my own wig prep (as taught to me by our hair and make-up guy). It takes a few minutes to do, and I make sure that no stray hair escapes and that it doesn't come apart. My costume quick changes require a solid wig prep, as I'm ripping wigs on and off in seconds during the show. After my wig prep is done and my microphone is put on my head, I start make-up.
7:45 PM - Make-up is still under way... I'm sipping some tea as I groove to the music on my iPod. My valuables are collected at right around this time, too, by the stage manager that's going to be on deck.
7:55 PM - My face and body make-up are now done... I put my boots on now and head down to the wardrobe room to get dressed: a ratty skirt, a corset, a nice celadon green cotton dress, a choker with a cameo, and an apron. With my hat in hand, I head to the wig station to have my long wig put on. Then the hair dresser helps me with my hat. After all is done, I return to my room, turn off my music, sip some more tea and run through the lyrics of I Dreamed a Dream once, then test my highest note after that's done.
8:15 PM - I head downstairs and backstage, saying hello to different cast members on my way, and grabbing a cup of water from the cooler to sip while I wait for my cue. I go all the way upstage to the prop area, where my locket is. I then put it on, and stand by.
That's about it!!!
Right after Fantine's Death, I head back to my room and get dressed in my bullet boy outfit, and that's what I'm in for the rest of the show until the Finale.
My routine slightly changes with each show that I do, but the basics remain the same. I just feel it's important when I feel really prepared and ready to perform, to have a ritual of some sort before getting on stage. It relaxes and centers me, keeps the nerves at bay in order for me to have a wonderful time.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Back to work
I was back at work on Wednesday... lots of fun returning after a long break to a 2-show day. Actually, I used the matinee to see if I was well enough for the long haul; if I wasn't, I could then take that evening off and take more time to get better. But, it turned out I was well enough for the first show, with enough stored energy for the second. I was fine. Bearings lost for a bit, but otherwise all right. It was good to be back.
There must be something in that theater... our Eponine, Mandy Bruno, was out for 2 shows, and our Grantaire, Drew Sarich, out for a few as well.
I pride myself on not getting sick a lot, but since I started my run I've been out sick for 7 shows all in all. I don't like missing work (particularly since it's work that I love), so knowing that I'm coming down with something is a pain in the booty.
Well, here's hoping that the weather remains more consistent, and that no one else catches a cold. Summer is fast approaching, so perhaps it'll signal the end of sick days.
There must be something in that theater... our Eponine, Mandy Bruno, was out for 2 shows, and our Grantaire, Drew Sarich, out for a few as well.
I pride myself on not getting sick a lot, but since I started my run I've been out sick for 7 shows all in all. I don't like missing work (particularly since it's work that I love), so knowing that I'm coming down with something is a pain in the booty.
Well, here's hoping that the weather remains more consistent, and that no one else catches a cold. Summer is fast approaching, so perhaps it'll signal the end of sick days.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Still at home
Yes... it's Tuesday night, and I'm home from work. I still don't feel well enough to head back, but tomorrow should be a better day.
On a nicer note, my apartment just got soundproofed today!!! Finally, we can all sleep without the raucous of garbage trucks outside my building at 3 AM, drunken hollering on Broadway or just general street noise. Damn, it's something I should have done a long time ago.
We're watching American Idol... why am I generally underwhelmed this season? With the exception of Melinda Doolittle, none of the other Idol hopefuls really got to me. Having said that, I vote for Jordin Sparks to win over Blake "Beatbox" Lewis. Then again, it's all about the votes. The show I've really been watching is Dancing With The Stars. Tonight's the finale, and I'm wanting Apolo Anton Ohno to take it all. He has been fearless the entire season. Joey Fatone is the other one that's been incredibly impressive, with wonderful performances and great stage presence. So, who will it be?
On a nicer note, my apartment just got soundproofed today!!! Finally, we can all sleep without the raucous of garbage trucks outside my building at 3 AM, drunken hollering on Broadway or just general street noise. Damn, it's something I should have done a long time ago.
We're watching American Idol... why am I generally underwhelmed this season? With the exception of Melinda Doolittle, none of the other Idol hopefuls really got to me. Having said that, I vote for Jordin Sparks to win over Blake "Beatbox" Lewis. Then again, it's all about the votes. The show I've really been watching is Dancing With The Stars. Tonight's the finale, and I'm wanting Apolo Anton Ohno to take it all. He has been fearless the entire season. Joey Fatone is the other one that's been incredibly impressive, with wonderful performances and great stage presence. So, who will it be?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
On the mend...
Thanks to modern medicine and some old fashioned TLC, I'm feeling tons better today. Now my nose is just a wee bit congested, but my throat no longer hurts and my strength is returning. Let's hope that I'm well enough to sing on Tuesday night.
I was able to see family that was visiting from Los Angeles, and last night went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant named Il Tinello. Quite delicious!!! I had the fillet mignon (took my leftovers home)... the meat was so tender I could cut it with a butter knife. I stayed away from alcohol, and only had myself some hot tea with lemon and honey. I also piled on the salad and ate fruit for dessert.
At least I had myself some fresh air and wonderful company while recovering. A lot of the time, it's more than just meds and vitamins one needs to recuperate, but loving people and a quiet night with them.
I was able to see family that was visiting from Los Angeles, and last night went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant named Il Tinello. Quite delicious!!! I had the fillet mignon (took my leftovers home)... the meat was so tender I could cut it with a butter knife. I stayed away from alcohol, and only had myself some hot tea with lemon and honey. I also piled on the salad and ate fruit for dessert.
At least I had myself some fresh air and wonderful company while recovering. A lot of the time, it's more than just meds and vitamins one needs to recuperate, but loving people and a quiet night with them.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sick... again...
Sore throat... seems like the first signs of a cold... I'm off for both shows today, and will hopefully be back tomorrow. I went walking yesterday in the cold, and that probably got me. When the weather in this city changes from hot to cold, my body goes haywire. Then again, I guess I had it coming... I've been playing Viva Piñata a lot these last few days for hours and hours after I get home. Rats.
So, here I am with lots of arroz caldo, vitamin C and Wellness Formula. Here's hoping it helps, and soon.
So, here I am with lots of arroz caldo, vitamin C and Wellness Formula. Here's hoping it helps, and soon.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Perception
Showbusiness can be a business of perception. It's kinda like saying to the world that you have an 8-incher when in fact, you only got 6.
It's magic... plenty of smoke and mirrors. It's airbrushed photos, stylists, make-up artists and hairdressers... it's lighting and the right angles... it's a lot of things that have nothing to do with talent, drive, determination, ambition, basic good looks, and perseverance.
Sounds discouraging, doesn't it?
It doesn't have to be... I'm one of the old fogies that feel that at the foundation of it all, under all the smoke and great lighting, one's talent, drive and ambition wins out over everything. That this is what will keep artists from becoming one-hit wonders. It's what determines an artist's longevity. It's what will separate the men and women from the boys and girls.
It's frustrating when I find that the more talented folks don't get as many breaks as those who have a fraction of their gifts. It's cruel and unfair. However, I have faith in audiences that ultimately, they pick those who are deserving of the attention and accolades.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
May 12, 2007 - Fantastically Ugly
The associate director of Les Miz paid me what is probably the nicest compliment I have ever received: "You have one of the most beautiful voices in the world, yet you're not afraid to be ugly playing this role (Fantine)." It only encourages me to dig even deeper into myself to bring forth whatever I find that is unsavory, unbecoming, utterly deplorable, and despised. Yeah... ugly.
To be honest it's something I can't say I've played a lot. I've most often been cast as the leading lady or ingenue, expected to always be beautiful from beginning to end. This is one time I get to travel from holding my head high to sitting in a gutter. It's a scary journey to be sure, but an exciting one to take. And even in all that ugliness, there is beauty to be found.
Don't be afraid to come face to face with what you judge to be ugly... you'll never know what you might find.
To be honest it's something I can't say I've played a lot. I've most often been cast as the leading lady or ingenue, expected to always be beautiful from beginning to end. This is one time I get to travel from holding my head high to sitting in a gutter. It's a scary journey to be sure, but an exciting one to take. And even in all that ugliness, there is beauty to be found.
Don't be afraid to come face to face with what you judge to be ugly... you'll never know what you might find.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
May 10, 2007 - I spy with my little eye...
... A block full of guys and gals trying to solicit people to come into their comedy clubs...
... A used condom... on the sidewalk... on the street where I work. Nice.
... Times Square full of people, and the tourists aren't around yet...
... Pedicabs. Seriously.
... A Starbucks on every street block.
... The clock at 6:58PM... time to warm up, right now.
... A used condom... on the sidewalk... on the street where I work. Nice.
... Times Square full of people, and the tourists aren't around yet...
... Pedicabs. Seriously.
... A Starbucks on every street block.
... The clock at 6:58PM... time to warm up, right now.
May 09, 2007 - Catharsis
I'm probably one of the most fortunate people in the world... I get to do a role that has me crying my eyeballs out eight times a week. And no, I'm not being facetious.
One of the women in the show even jokes about it... "Every time I see you onstage, you're crying."
How does that make me so fortunate? Here's my simple answer: whatever shit I've got going on gets out, and right away. I am not given the luxury of time to let stuff fester and grow before their exit from my body... the show starts promptly at 8 PM... I'm on stage by 8:20, in tears by around 8:25, in full on cry mode by 8:30, bawling at 8:35, and dead by 8:41.
Instant catharsis, and I get paid to cry as well as sing. Isn't that grand and awesome!!!
More seriously though, I do consider myself fortunate in this regard... I have my own share of angst and (dare I say it) shit that happens from time to time, for whatever reason, on any given day. Thankfully none of it can grow to full term. Out it goes, and on I go with my life.
Yeah, you may be wondering what I may have to angst about since life seems so wonderful and all that. Well, life being what it is, I do, and I have. It is what it is, I guess. And life being the unpredictable monster that it can be, will deal me the occasional sucky hand.
Oops, they've just called half hour... time for me to get ready to cry again.
One of the women in the show even jokes about it... "Every time I see you onstage, you're crying."
How does that make me so fortunate? Here's my simple answer: whatever shit I've got going on gets out, and right away. I am not given the luxury of time to let stuff fester and grow before their exit from my body... the show starts promptly at 8 PM... I'm on stage by 8:20, in tears by around 8:25, in full on cry mode by 8:30, bawling at 8:35, and dead by 8:41.
Instant catharsis, and I get paid to cry as well as sing. Isn't that grand and awesome!!!
More seriously though, I do consider myself fortunate in this regard... I have my own share of angst and (dare I say it) shit that happens from time to time, for whatever reason, on any given day. Thankfully none of it can grow to full term. Out it goes, and on I go with my life.
Yeah, you may be wondering what I may have to angst about since life seems so wonderful and all that. Well, life being what it is, I do, and I have. It is what it is, I guess. And life being the unpredictable monster that it can be, will deal me the occasional sucky hand.
Oops, they've just called half hour... time for me to get ready to cry again.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
May 06, 2007 - Tolerance and Acceptance
I really couldn't think of an apt enough title for this entry, so that will have to do.
Saturday night I had dinner with a friend who just flew in from Europe, and an old friend of hers from high school with whom she was staying. The topic turned to someone we both knew in common... she asked how we were, and I told her that we were all right, but that we had had a falling out quite a few years ago. They are good friends, so she felt the need to ask.
In truth, this said person is... for lack of a better word, tolerated. Which, in and of itself, is quite sad.
We'll be pleasant enough at a party... share some shallow conversation (if we even get that far), we'll smile and be fine. But -- and I made this promise to myself -- we will never ever be friends, not to the degree that we were. It's sad, because at one time or another we were very close.
Eh, such is life.
I harbor no ill will, not anymore. However, I am unable to trust to the level that I once did. No more secrets shared... no longer one of the first to hear good (or bad) news... no more of anything that differentiates my friends from everyone else. That is life... there are people in this world that you love to death (people you would do anything and everything for)... there are those you will see only at parties and events... there are colleagues you work with and enjoy on a professional level... and there there are hands you shake whose names you'll always forget. Additionally, there are people that sharing the same planet with is just plain unacceptable, but there you go.
That's life. There's nothing right or wrong with that... it just is. You can't love everyone, and everyone can't love you. Take it, process it, accept it and move on.
Saturday night I had dinner with a friend who just flew in from Europe, and an old friend of hers from high school with whom she was staying. The topic turned to someone we both knew in common... she asked how we were, and I told her that we were all right, but that we had had a falling out quite a few years ago. They are good friends, so she felt the need to ask.
In truth, this said person is... for lack of a better word, tolerated. Which, in and of itself, is quite sad.
We'll be pleasant enough at a party... share some shallow conversation (if we even get that far), we'll smile and be fine. But -- and I made this promise to myself -- we will never ever be friends, not to the degree that we were. It's sad, because at one time or another we were very close.
Eh, such is life.
I harbor no ill will, not anymore. However, I am unable to trust to the level that I once did. No more secrets shared... no longer one of the first to hear good (or bad) news... no more of anything that differentiates my friends from everyone else. That is life... there are people in this world that you love to death (people you would do anything and everything for)... there are those you will see only at parties and events... there are colleagues you work with and enjoy on a professional level... and there there are hands you shake whose names you'll always forget. Additionally, there are people that sharing the same planet with is just plain unacceptable, but there you go.
That's life. There's nothing right or wrong with that... it just is. You can't love everyone, and everyone can't love you. Take it, process it, accept it and move on.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Les Misérables
| Start: | Mar 6, '07 |
| End: | Aug 18, '07 |
| Location: | Broadhurst Theater, 235 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10019 |
--> Tuesday performances are ALWAYS at 7:00 PM. All other evening shows are at 8:00 PM.
--> Wednesday and Saturday matinee performances are at 2:00 PM.
Happy Birthday, Nicole!!!
| Start: | May 16, '07 |
Happy Birthday, Nicole!!!
| Start: | May 16, '07 |
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Entry for May 01, 2007 - Gentlemen...
How strange... the things I think about when being driven home...
My brain shifted to what I think gentlemen are, what they should be and how to spot them. I've met quite a few assholes in my day, but also an abundance of truly wonderful folks who were brought up in the proper ways of gentlemanship. Find below my opinions of how I spot them (this also applies to ladies):
- They speak not only of their friends publicly with class, but of their enemies as well, however deep their dislike or hatred runs (in private though, ibang usapan na yan);
- They also know when to keep their mouths shut about more delicate topics;
- They can keep a secret (and even conveniently forget that secret when they need to);
- They are chivalrous, never forgetting to open the door for you, carry a heavy bag for you, pull out your chair, or help you up (or down) the stairs;
- They don't indulge in gossip, as it perpetuates possible untruths;
- They are staunchly loyal to their loved ones, regardless of the circumstance;
- All reactions are appropriate for every occasion;
- They'll never take advantage of an object of attraction when said object is drunk or stoned... that isn't fair game;
- When with a lady or gentleman friend of a more special, intimate persuasion, although having fun at a gathering, will never neglect the needs or wants of their companion;
- They will always try to find the good in a person, circumstance or situation, no matter how difficult that can sometimes be;
- They are truly, truly respectful;
- They will never intentionally humiliate or belittle another human being.
I know, my idealism speaks, but is it too much to ask that we all treat one another a little better?
Admittedly, there are people on this planet that I severely dislike (almost to the point of hatred... almost), but in public I maintain civility and even a smile. That's how I was brought up, and that's the behavior I observed. Nothing wrong with that... besides, I rant all I want about them in private, with pairs of ears privy to my acid tongue.
Being a public figure also makes this difficult... many pairs of eyes watch my every move, so every move had better be worthy of notation in the annals of politeness. I also try to maintain propriety even in private. You will never find me grabbing someone else's anything without their express permission first. I've seen a beer grabbed from a friend's hand, and I felt bad for the grabbee. Que rude, man. Que walang breeding.
Sigh... I guess my long winded blog posting is just a little bit of wishful thinking, that we all treat one another with a bit more respect, kindness and consideration. I'd like to think it isn't too much to ask. It'll make this world a far more pleasant place to live in, and I plan to live in it for a good long time.
My brain shifted to what I think gentlemen are, what they should be and how to spot them. I've met quite a few assholes in my day, but also an abundance of truly wonderful folks who were brought up in the proper ways of gentlemanship. Find below my opinions of how I spot them (this also applies to ladies):
- They speak not only of their friends publicly with class, but of their enemies as well, however deep their dislike or hatred runs (in private though, ibang usapan na yan);
- They also know when to keep their mouths shut about more delicate topics;
- They can keep a secret (and even conveniently forget that secret when they need to);
- They are chivalrous, never forgetting to open the door for you, carry a heavy bag for you, pull out your chair, or help you up (or down) the stairs;
- They don't indulge in gossip, as it perpetuates possible untruths;
- They are staunchly loyal to their loved ones, regardless of the circumstance;
- All reactions are appropriate for every occasion;
- They'll never take advantage of an object of attraction when said object is drunk or stoned... that isn't fair game;
- When with a lady or gentleman friend of a more special, intimate persuasion, although having fun at a gathering, will never neglect the needs or wants of their companion;
- They will always try to find the good in a person, circumstance or situation, no matter how difficult that can sometimes be;
- They are truly, truly respectful;
- They will never intentionally humiliate or belittle another human being.
I know, my idealism speaks, but is it too much to ask that we all treat one another a little better?
Admittedly, there are people on this planet that I severely dislike (almost to the point of hatred... almost), but in public I maintain civility and even a smile. That's how I was brought up, and that's the behavior I observed. Nothing wrong with that... besides, I rant all I want about them in private, with pairs of ears privy to my acid tongue.
Being a public figure also makes this difficult... many pairs of eyes watch my every move, so every move had better be worthy of notation in the annals of politeness. I also try to maintain propriety even in private. You will never find me grabbing someone else's anything without their express permission first. I've seen a beer grabbed from a friend's hand, and I felt bad for the grabbee. Que rude, man. Que walang breeding.
Sigh... I guess my long winded blog posting is just a little bit of wishful thinking, that we all treat one another with a bit more respect, kindness and consideration. I'd like to think it isn't too much to ask. It'll make this world a far more pleasant place to live in, and I plan to live in it for a good long time.
Entry for May 01, 2007 - Gentlemen...
How strange... the things I think about when being driven home...
My brain shifted to what I think gentlemen are, what they should be and how to spot them. I've met quite a few assholes in my day, but also an abundance of truly wonderful folks who were brought up in the proper ways of gentlemanship. Find below my opinions of how I spot them (this also applies to ladies):
- They speak not only of their friends publicly with class, but of their enemies as well, however deep their dislike or hatred runs (in private though, ibang usapan na yan);
- They also know when to keep their mouths shut about more delicate topics;
- They can keep a secret (and even conveniently forget that secret when they need to);
- They are chivalrous, never forgetting to open the door for you, carry a heavy bag for you, pull out your chair, or help you up (or down) the stairs;
- They don't indulge in gossip, as it perpetuates possible untruths;
- They are staunchly loyal to their loved ones, regardless of the circumstance;
- All reactions are appropriate for every occasion;
- They'll never take advantage of an object of attraction when said object is drunk or stoned... that isn't fair game;
- When with a lady or gentleman friend of a more special, intimate persuasion, although having fun at a gathering, will never neglect the needs or wants of their companion;
- They will always try to find the good in a person, circumstance or situation, no matter how difficult that can sometimes be;
- They are truly, truly respectful;
- They will never intentionally humiliate or belittle another human being.
I know, my idealism speaks, but is it too much to ask that we all treat one another a little better?
Admittedly, there are people on this planet that I severely dislike (almost to the point of hatred... almost), but in public I maintain civility and even a smile. That's how I was brought up, and that's the behavior I observed. Nothing wrong with that... besides, I rant all I want about them in private, with pairs of ears privy to my acid tongue.
Being a public figure also makes this difficult... many pairs of eyes watch my every move, so every move had better be worthy of notation in the annals of politeness. I also try to maintain propriety even in private. You will never find me grabbing someone else's anything without their express permission first. I've seen a beer grabbed from a friend's hand, and I felt bad for the grabbee. Que rude, man. Que walang breeding.
Sigh... I guess my long winded blog posting is just a little bit of wishful thinking, that we all treat one another with a bit more respect, kindness and consideration. I'd like to think it isn't too much to ask. It'll make this world a far more pleasant place to live in, and I plan to live in it for a good long time.
My brain shifted to what I think gentlemen are, what they should be and how to spot them. I've met quite a few assholes in my day, but also an abundance of truly wonderful folks who were brought up in the proper ways of gentlemanship. Find below my opinions of how I spot them (this also applies to ladies):
- They speak not only of their friends publicly with class, but of their enemies as well, however deep their dislike or hatred runs (in private though, ibang usapan na yan);
- They also know when to keep their mouths shut about more delicate topics;
- They can keep a secret (and even conveniently forget that secret when they need to);
- They are chivalrous, never forgetting to open the door for you, carry a heavy bag for you, pull out your chair, or help you up (or down) the stairs;
- They don't indulge in gossip, as it perpetuates possible untruths;
- They are staunchly loyal to their loved ones, regardless of the circumstance;
- All reactions are appropriate for every occasion;
- They'll never take advantage of an object of attraction when said object is drunk or stoned... that isn't fair game;
- When with a lady or gentleman friend of a more special, intimate persuasion, although having fun at a gathering, will never neglect the needs or wants of their companion;
- They will always try to find the good in a person, circumstance or situation, no matter how difficult that can sometimes be;
- They are truly, truly respectful;
- They will never intentionally humiliate or belittle another human being.
I know, my idealism speaks, but is it too much to ask that we all treat one another a little better?
Admittedly, there are people on this planet that I severely dislike (almost to the point of hatred... almost), but in public I maintain civility and even a smile. That's how I was brought up, and that's the behavior I observed. Nothing wrong with that... besides, I rant all I want about them in private, with pairs of ears privy to my acid tongue.
Being a public figure also makes this difficult... many pairs of eyes watch my every move, so every move had better be worthy of notation in the annals of politeness. I also try to maintain propriety even in private. You will never find me grabbing someone else's anything without their express permission first. I've seen a beer grabbed from a friend's hand, and I felt bad for the grabbee. Que rude, man. Que walang breeding.
Sigh... I guess my long winded blog posting is just a little bit of wishful thinking, that we all treat one another with a bit more respect, kindness and consideration. I'd like to think it isn't too much to ask. It'll make this world a far more pleasant place to live in, and I plan to live in it for a good long time.
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