Honesty Is My Cup of Tea

A couple of months ago after one of our Sunday Service, my husband and I went to the mall to have some "couple" time with each other. After the usual window shopping, we decided to have a coffee/tea break before heading back home.

As usual, he ordered coffee and I had tea.

A photo posted by Carol Orias-de Ocampo (@smalltownph) on Apr 24, 2016 at 4:27am PDT

When we got home, I realized that my cellphone was missing.  My husband suggested that I may have left it in the car.  But I was sure that I never took out my cellphone nor used it in the car.  Hence, the logical thing really is that I have left it at the cafe/restaurant where I remembered using it last.

I quickly looked for the number of the cafe/restaurant while my husband tried calling my cellphone number with the hope that the one who has it would take the call.  But no one answered.
I found the website of the cafe but the number in their official website just kept on ringing.

My husband was ready to give up and was close to losing hope of ever finding the cellphone. I, on the other hand, was still quite hopeful.  Good thing, I found another number for the cafe and this time, someone did answer!  The person who answered confirmed that I have left the cellphone and that I only needed to pick it up.

It was a hassle to go back all the way to the mall but I am really glad that there are honest people around!

Which also reminds me of the time I lost my Charriol bracelet at Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia. Can you imagine that? And yes, that too, was returned to me! All the way from the USA back to the Philippines! But that's another story altogether.

So, I leave you with this:

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1:12 KJV

Les Miserables in Manila

It has been three years since we saw the movie "Les Miserables." Last weekend, my husband and I took time to watch the musical which was having a run here in Manila.

Can I just say that this story never grows old! No matter how many times I have read and watched it, there is always something new that I learn from it and it never fails to bring me to tears.

It was my first time to watch at The Theater in Solaire Resorts and Casino.  It is not as huge as the CCP or that of its competitor Resorts World.  The Press Release says that there is no bad seat in this theater but I  can imagine that those seated on rows A-F on the left and right sides of the stage must have had stiff-necks from not only for slightly looking up but also for looking to one side.  I would think that they got a limited view of the stage especially if one is seated nearest to the side exit doors.

We were, fortunately, seated on the center middle row with seats N18-19. I would think that this had a nice view of the entire stage.  Hence, close enough to see the facial features of the actors but not too close to be spitted upon. (Haha!) Those seats are close enough to the orchestra pit to see the conductor and to fully appreciate the music.

Of course, being Filipinos, we can't help but have high expectations as we watched Rachelle Ann Go. First off, I must say that she must be exhausted. While not playing Fantine, I could see her being part of the "crowd"/ chorus.  And news says that she promised to sing in all the shows. No wonder she got sick a couple of weeks back!

I think Ms. Go's acting could still be improved. The consensus among those who have seen the musical is that she looked like she was acting like an Old Woman instead of a Sick Woman at the dock. (Haha!)

The other members of the cast were all tremendously good. So, it really was a great show. If you could watch it, you should.  The show runs until May 1 2016.

At whatever stage in life you are in, I am sure you would find something of value when you do come to watch the musical or when you do read Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.

I remember that when I was still in High School, it appealed to my childish fantasy about romantic love and I felt so much empathy with Eponine and her unrequited love for Marius.

As an ideal youth, the songs of the young men in the barricade and their love for country resonated with me.

Older now and hopefully a bit wiser, I am beginning to understand the moral struggle of Inspector Javert. I am also overwhelmed in the knowledge that God's grace can change any man even a convict like Jean Valjean.

As a mother, now, while I sat in the theater, I am attracted to Fantine, because like her  I will do anything for my daughter.