Continued from Tony Perez's Electronic Diary (October 19, 2018 - March 12, 2019) http://tonyperezphilippinescyberspacebook41.blogspot.com/

Photo by JR Dalisay / April 21, 2017

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Did my laundry in the washing machine.

Angelique and Jazz arrived home from the Zambales beach resort.

Staggered lunchtimes.

Bought glasses of taho for the children in the driveway.

The Ati-Atihan drum band passed by again.

According to one of the owners of the hawkers' stands there was a glitzy celebration in the barangay basketball court last night.

Painted two more cradle sides black.

May 1, 2023

Feast Day of Saint Joseph the Worker in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and in Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao.

Woke up at seven to the sounds of Ati-Atihan drums in the street. Yukiko Taka and Cloudy heard them first and started barking.

Good morning, Cubao!

Children stand at the curb and wait for the brass band to march by..

Good night, Cubao!

It's full house in the gnomes' coffee shop, where serious discussions are being held.

One Message For One Of 2,700 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Life is full of synchronicity and mystery. Sometimes the things that occur are beyond logic.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Rayven to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Finished reading The Thirteen Problems two nights ago. Now reading The Mysterious Mr. Quin.

When someone tries to control what you do, it is because he aims to eventually control what you think.

Back home from a day at the center.

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Good morning, Cubao!

The day is a promise made to a child.

Good night Cubao!

The gnomes make a round of the night market 

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Now that the crisis is over, learn to appreciate what you have, and be grateful for even the small blessings in your life.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling n bed with Agatha Christie.

Asked Bran and Rayven to rotate the cradled canvas on the easel.

Friday, April 28, 2023

Good morning, Cubao!

The sun is filtered with gray gels.

Good night, Cubao!

The children read comic books in bed until they get pleasantly sleepy.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Do not get unnecessarily involved in other people's campaigns. Relax and wait for the experts to fix things properly.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Night chores.

My favorite tie of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling bed with Agatha Christie.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Two deliveries arrived, one for Angelique and one for me.

Lunch at home with Aubrey.

Painted two cradle sides black.

Did it ever occur to you that the alert tone of Notifications is exactly the same as the danger alert tone in commercial airplanes?

Your Messenger message:

"Good morning Sir Tony,

"Congrats po sa Art Exhibit mo po. Matanong ko lang po kung kelan at saan po, natuwa ako kasi winiwelcome mo po ang mga gaya namin na sabik na makilala ka at makakwentuhan man lamang, kung sakali po ba madala ko ang mga Libro ko din po at mapa-authograph kung sakali po?

"Salamat at Ingat lagi.

My reply:

Hello _____!

The dates and venues of my exhibit have been in a pinned Post on my Wall, open to the Public, for the longest time.

Yes, I will be happy to sign your books.

A playlist exists in your psyche. Whenever a song keeps repeating itself in your mind, be mindful of what happens next or what your day will look like. Like a nocturnal dream, such a message is from your psyche. In many cases the message is precognitive.

Your Messenger messages:

"Magandang umaga po sir Tony Perez

"Ako po ito muli si ________________. Pasensya na po at hindi po ako natuloy sa pagpunta sa inyo sa kadahilanang naging abala po sa maraming-maraming bagay sa iskuwelahan at personal na mga obligasyon sa buhay. "Nais ko lang pong malaman kung maaari ko po ba kayong puntahan diyan po sa Cubao ngayong Weekend po. "Bilang isang kabataan at nagnanais maging isang manunulat ay pangarap ko pong makausap kayo at pag-usapan ang mga bagay na tungkol sa pagsusulat. "Sana'y mabigyan niyo po ng tugon ang aking mensahe. "Pasensya na po sa abala "at maraming maraming salamat po 🙏"



My reply:

Hello _______!

Magpunta ka na lang sa opening ng art exhibit ko. Doon tayo mag-usap.

Good morning, Cubao!

Pay attention to the numbers that come your way.


Good night, Cubao!

The gnome caregivers fold back fresh bed sheets for the guests of the travelers' inn.

One Message For One Of 2.600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Be aware of everyone who is in a position to control you, and do not reveal to them any of your secrets.

Angelique arrived from work.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

At last I found a kind and beneficent gallery owner and curator whom I love working with.

On my last two exhibits, years ago, when the gallery owners came to pick up my works, they looked around my house, admired what I had, and brashly suggested that I give one or two pieces to them as gifts. Of course, I refused.

I will never go to those gallery owners again.

Never be impressed by "collectors". They are the biggest cheapskates in town. They will haggle over the prices of your works, will hound you like incorrigible insurance agents for discounts , will expect loads of freebies, and they almost never pay in cash. You'll know them when you see them.

When a "collector" approaches me to inquire about one of my works, I tell him that it's already been sold to someone else.

Good morning, Cubao!

The clouds are crumpled lists of promises made to you as a child.

Angelique and Cath arrived from work and dinner out. Cath is sleeping over.

Good night, Cubao!

One loses sleep by counting hours at night.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: In order to deserve a nice weekend, you should have a complete and productive week.

Staggered dinnertimes.

D. gave me two bags of chips.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

And I will be and do the same in my succeeding lifetime.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Vernissage: Portrait of Joel Cruz as The Magician.

Vernissage is done, but I must now wait a few days before painting the cradle sides black.

Good morning, Cubao!

The day is a tableaux of figurines and objects on a glass shelf.

Good night, Cubao!

Night lights are security lights. They illumine the way whether you are physically walking around the house or walking in your dreams.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Be patient. Relief is on its way. Hope that, very soon, everything goes back to normal.

Staggered dinnertimes,.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

The gallery owner and his boys picked up nine of my exhibit paintings for documentation. The rest will be picked up at some other time: one needs a bigger vehicle, one is awaiting vernissage, two are still at the framer's, and another two are awaiting framing.

Bought a glass of jalujalo at the hawker's stand for Aubrey.

Monday, April 24, 2023

Staggered lunchtimes.

Feeling sleepy again and wondering if I have time for a nap, but the gallery owner's boys are coming in a while to document my exhibit paintings.

Good morning, Cubao!

The sky is a silvered mirror that we raise our eyes to, to see ourselves.

Good night, Cubao!

In their private dens, the gnomes count all of the money they've been able to save so far.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables inn your name: Continue taking precautions against contracting the virus. Never take anything for granted.

Bought two glasses jalujalo at the hawker's stand for Aubrey and myself.

Been napping every afternoon since I finished my Prologue Painting.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Sunday, April 23, 2023

My friends, the definite dates for my next exhibit titled Ambiguous are June 23 - 30, 2023. It will be an Art Trek.

Part One of the exhibit will open 5:00 PM at Gallery 928, 4th Floor, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City.

We will then give the viewers an hour of viewing time and another hour to commute to the next venue.

Part Two of the exhibit will open 7:00 PM at Gallery 928, AYSN Building, 3rd Floor, P. Tuazon Boulevard corner C. Benitez Street, Cubao, Quezon City.

All of you are cordially invited.


Business meeting with the gallery owner at M.'s cafe.

Good morning, Cubao!

The sun is a golden galleon bearing treasures from distant lands.

Meeting with M. As of now we're thinking of cocktail sandwiches, lemon cucumber tea, and red tea for my exhibit opening, but I am really still undecided as to whether to serve refreshments or not.

I had two small paintings framed today, and they cost me 11,600.

Good night, Cubao!

After everything that needs to be done for the day is not only done but also very well done, retiring to bed is heaven.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Take the coming week seriously. You cannot be a winner by making shortcuts.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Supervised Rayven while doing house chores. I pay him money that he needs for school and for his personal savings.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Your Messenger message:

"Hello po sir tony,

"Nanaginip po ako, "May isang event po kami na pinuntahan where kasama ko partner ko at baby ko tinitignan namin like its all about eclipse po and after po nun i was about to go home so may gusto po akong bilhin and i know na wala po sa budget so i was on the shop and dinaanan ko lang po mga damit, qthere is a little door po kung saan ako nag exit, pagka exit ko po nakita ko po sasakyan ng tito ko kasama niya po mga anak niya kumakain po sila ng mangga sa loob. Umalis na po sila bago din ako lumabas dahil allam kong may ihahatid pa po sila. Nasa kalsada na po ako nag hihintay ng taxi, when may dalawang taxi driver na nag warning na may lalaki daw po and may dalang baril i was in shock at nakita ko mga tao na tumakbo, naki takbo rin po ako sir tony, until i reach a familiar mall coyeesan mall po pumasok po ako and theres a white shop with curtain, sabi ko po na ilock po it was a sliding mirror door, sa loob po ng shop may maliit po ulit dun na door at doon po ako pumasok at mag tago pero hindi ko po allam na maluwang po iyon at may bintana kung saan natatanaw ko po ung pag agaw ng baril ng mga police sa tao na may baril, ang tao na un ay nakahiga it was a small gun. Sa may loob din po ng maliit na door Sa dulo nakita ko po ang partner ko, nag cleared na po sila, and nung maglalakad na po kami kasama ko po ang anak ko at partner ko sa may kalsada nakita po namin ang dugo sa kalsada at may isabg itlog na nabasag na pero wala naman ang shell, may mga parte din po ng chicken na parang nahulog nasa 2 piraso mag kakahiwalay ang paglagay, itlog, kaunting hakbang ung 1 part ng manok ikaunting hakbang 1 parte ulit ng manok allam din namin na dadaanan namin na dadaanan namin ang kalsada na iyon may mga bakas din ng dugo at sinabihan ko ang aking partner wag mong tapakan ang mga dugo pero natapakan na po niya. Wala naman po akong narinig na tunog ng mga baril ang nakita ko lang ay inaagaw po nila ung maliit na baril sa isang lalaki. "___, is it safe po ba na mag biyahe siya mamaya pabalik po sa _________________?"


My repy:

Hello _____!

Yes, it is safe for your partner to travel back to the _______________ today. This was neither a precognitive dream nor a dream about your partner; this dream was all about you.

The small doors in your dream are accesses to your Unconscious. Entering them, you encounter sources of deep-seated anxiety:

1) The first door leads you to separation anxiety--witnessing your uncle and his children, who must leave. They are, in truth, your partner, your child, and your future children. Your unconscious is telling you that they are not completely yours until you finally get married.

2) The sliding door and the small door behind it are your places of refuge, from where you witness men and a man with a gun. The scene reflects your vulnerability, and your perception of society as unpredictable and dangerous. You traverse the scene with your partner and your child, taking note of blood, a broken egg, and chicken parts--these three seem to indicate to me that you've made efforts not to become pregnant again for the present.

At this point in time, do everything you can to focus on your studies, at the same time fulfilling obligations as a wife and mother. Graduate with a degree and cherish your family--these are your greatest treasures. No one should be able to take them away from you.

Back from lunch out with family.

Had two paintings framed.

As an artist, do not get stuck on producing minor works with dry media, especially graphite and charcoal. Otherwise your entire oeuvre will eventually look like a  bottomless slew of "mall art".

Good morning, Cubao!

The day is a basket of unexpected blessings.

Good night, Cubao!

The owls on the compound deliver messages to some of the residents of the neighborhood.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Week

You with six syllables in your name: Enjoy your weekend with family while you can. You may be facing yet another grueling week.

Dinner at home alone.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Friday, April 21, 2023

Lunch at home alone. The grandchildren are visiting Ivy's grave in the north and calling on CatCat, who is on vacation from Lebanon.

Spent most of my time in the small loggia.

How lovely to not be painting for a change. 

The summer heat is sweet and heady, and is making me drowsy.

I might take a nap later.

Good morning, Cubao!

The day is a crystal bowl of pineapple, mango, and papaya compote.


Good night, Cubao!

The dragon tree is lighted with hundreds of tiny lanterns tonight.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with seven syllables in your name: Do not wear your heart on your sleeve. While a few persons might sympathize with you, many others will simply laugh at you because they cannot comprehend what you are going through.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Good morning, Cubao!

White clouds skate across the blue rink of sky.

April 19, 2023

Welcome again to my messy studio area. I've applied the 38th and last glaze on this painting, and it's finally done. 

Portrait of Joel Cruz as The Magician (from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck)
Oil on cradled canvas
5' x 3'
March 13 - April 19, 2023 

This is the Prologue Painting for my next exhibit. A Prologue Painting typically contains the method of composition, measurements, and brushwork in all of the paintings comprising the bulk of the exhibit, and serves somewhat like the overture to a full musical. In my case the featured elements are my use of midlines, the division of each painting into two sections, and the application of the Greek Golden Rectangle in each section. 

As you can see, I also chose to reveal some of the secrets of this Tarot card. They become evident only when you are physically standing in front of the painting.

I am currently discussing exhibit possibilities with the gallery owner. We'll announce when and where it will be, and all of you are cordially invited. I need to wait for this painting to dry before varnishing, and then have four other paintings framed. I have only one painting framed each month, however.

Yes, it took me a year and a half to complete all of 15 pieces of varied sizes, and that seems to be the pace I'll be following through the end of my life.

I did not take photos of the 14 other pieces composing the body of the exhibit. I will do so only after the exhibit opens.
















Good night, Cubao!

Gnomes know how to wait patiently for blessings to come into their lives.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Drive safely Do not be in a rush to get home.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Night chores.

Bertod, the cafe cashier, celebrates his birthday t0night in the cafe.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie. Now on the seven problem in The Thirteen Problems.

Thursday goodies from The King.




Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Good morning, Cubao!

The sun is a giant, warm-white LED bulb.

Good night, Cubao!

The lush, dragon tree is an entire city in itself for resident gnomes, birds, and insects.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Look forward to having fun on the weekend, but do not allow thoughts of it to distract you from the week's work.

Staggered dinnertimes. 

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Angelique brought home a huge bucket of keso-gabi (cheese-taro) ice cream that one of her supervisors gave her from a trip to Bataan. I remember that, before I retired, I was working on the 70th anniversary commemorations of the Liberation of the Philippines, and some of our work-related trips brought us to Bataan. I brought home a bucket of taro ice cream then and hoped my family would like it.

Strange how cycles repeat themselves, along with memories.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Washed 21 brushes.

A delivery arrived for Angelique.

Worked half an hour on thirty-eighth glaze.

This Prologue Painting for my next exhibit is finished (March 13 - April 19, 2023). Will do vernissage after it dries.

Aubrey arrived from lunch out with Roi.

An early lunch at home alone; Angelique at work and Aubrey out with Roi.

Good morning, Cubao!

The day is cast like a pile of Pick-up Stix.

Good night, Cubao!

The night hawkers share stories while huddling under fluorescent lights.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Rest well between grueling work periods. Achieve the right balance to remain in good shape.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Rayven to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day as come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Sent Q. to pay our water bill at the center.  Can't be bothered to get dressed and leave the house anymore.


Worked half an hour on thirty-seventh gaze.

Calling it a day for painting; must wait for these glazes to dry,.

Rayven is now watering 5the plants in the roof deck, side balcony, front balcony, and ground-floor gardens.

Dialogue in playwriting can defy the rules of language and grammar.

I use "Hindi RAW" when I want the line to sound gentle and feminine.

I use "Hindi DAW" when I want the line to sound forceful and masculine.

Dialogue is also contingent on characters' mental and emotional states, levels of maturity, economic background, and age.

Monday, April 17, 2023

A delivery arrived for Angelique. Looks like Keiko Kashigawa's dog food.

Aubrey and Roi arrived from lunch out.

Worked half an hour on thirty-sixth glaze.

Worked an hour on thirty-fifth glaze, and then another half-hour on thirty-sixth glaze.

A cup of Australia's Madura chamomile tea.

Good morning, Cubao!

The sun is a bright smile on a baby's face.

Good night, Cubao!

The head of household is already planning family activities to be held in October.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Focus on your obligatory tasks everyday. Think of the tough competition you need to face ahead of you.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Rayven to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie.

Angelique and Jazz arrived from watching a concert at Clark last night. 

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Worked an hour on thirty-third glaze.

The problem with many contemporary artists is that, in their attempt to develop a signature style, they choose to rely on old habits and prevent their own evolution.

As such, when you see the work of one, you've seen them all.

Good morning, Cubao!

The garden trees are tuning forks tapping on the crystal sky.

Always paint with a clear mind but with fire in your heart.

Good night, Cubao!

The gnomes map out the activities for the coming week.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Do not rush things immediately upon your arrival. First adapt to the environment, then merge with it, then take things a deliberate step at a time.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Q, to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie. So nice to be in the company of Miss Marple again!

Worked an hour on thirty-second glaze.

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Worked an hour on thirty-first glaze.

Good morning, Cubao!

The misty curtain of dawn rises to reveal the mise-en-scene of the day.

Good night, Cubao!

Delete the day's events from your mind, lie back, and have a good night's sleep.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with three syllables in your name: Go with a few clients rather than many, and go only with those who care for and respect you.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores./

My favorite time od the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snugging in bed with Agatha Christie.

Aubrey and Roi arrived.

Electrical work well done, but I am poorer by thousands.

Rayven is now watering the plants in the roof deck, side balcony, front balcony, and ground-floor gardens.

As for myself, I am too exhausted to go back to painting. Will resume work tomorrow.

Friday, April 14, 2023

An electrician and his assistant reported for work this morning.

Staggered lunchtimes.

Worked an hour on thirtieth glaze.

"Without you/Life has no meaning or rhyme/Like notes to a song out of time/How can I repay you for having faith in me?/"

As long as you are gainfully retired with a hefty pension, you are all set for life. In effect, you are being paid to do nothing but rest and possibly have fun

Whatever you make from painting and writing are mere bonuses.


Good morning, Cubao!

Let your sadness gurgle down the drains.

It was a reunion of relatives for M. and Rose today. some of them are staying over a few days and nights.

Tonight M., Rose, Rose's mother, Leah, and Princess are staying at a hotel in Araneta Center.

Six pairs of sandals to date: one for lounging around the house, another for walking about in the neighborhood, and a third for painting in the studio area.

The other three are replacements while the first three are in the compound laundry.

Like OFWs, classroom teachers save up money to live in small condo units--and think that it's the coolest decision they ever made.

Until they realize that they can live to the fullest only in spaces that real houses give.

Good night, Cubao!

Gnomes from far provinces check in at the travelers' inn.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Know that there are days in which you feel like being on the losing end. Look closely at those days, however, and see that there are many blessings buried within them. 

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Agatha Christie. Reading The Thirteen Problems tonight.

Finished reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Valley of Death last night. A good read. Like Christie, Doyle is a master of psychology and characterization without the reader even being conscious of it. Valley was in two parts, the first about the murder and the second abut the murdered man. Surprisingly, the second part was most gripping. It made me think about the state of corruption in the Philippines. Ironically, the second part did NOT include Sherlock Holmes.

Worked an hour on twenty-ninth glaze.

Will call it a day for painting. Must wait for these glazes to dry.

Princess is dressed in a blush, ballerina's gown that has a shirred, organdy skirt with gold spangles.

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Worked an hour on twenty-eighth glaze.

Aubrey and Roi arrived from lunch out.

Princess, the cafe baby, turns one today.

Things are hopping in the cafe with preparations for a parry.

Home alone. Angelique at work and Aubrey out with friends.

Your Messenger message:

"Good morning Sir Tony, i’m sorry if I disturb you, if I may, may I seek your guidance on whether I can buy this cauldron and use it without encountering any evil spirits. Im just having second thoughts due to the man image at the center of the moon. Thank you in advance."


My reply:

My dear _____, there is only one rule I follow when shopping: If I like it, I buy it. If I buy it, I enjoy it for as long as I can.

I see nothing wrong with the image in the center of the full moon, except, perhaps, that it is a man rather than a woman. I'd rationalize it by saying that he is a consort of the goddess of the moon. The lines of the image also seem to shape the peace/love sign of the 60s.

When in doubt about an object in your possession, simply cleanse it by smudging it with incense smoke, or wrap it in black cloth and stow it away for three months to reverse its energy.


Good morning, Cubao!

Sunrise is the bud that creeps into the full blossom of high noon.

Hydrate yourself with cool water especially if you are stressed.

The night shift at M.'s cafe is cooking party food tonight for tomorrow's birthday celebration of Princess, the cafe baby, who turns one.

Princess is a very precocious baby and is spoiled by everyone on the compound. She loves the cats and the dogs, the birds in the dragon tree, and the the neighbor's roosters. She is fond of wearing head-to-toe ensembles that her parents buy online, and seems especially fond of shoes. Her crib is always filled with soft toys such as balls and, last week, plastic Easter eggs. She sleeps to Baby Channel.

She loves playing with the keys to the small loggia and pretends to open the padlock. She is thrilled by the sounds of the different wind chimes hanging there. Whenever she is near me she fondles my moustache and beard. Maybe she thinks I am a big cat or dog with long fur.

Good night, Cubao!

The gnomes lay out basins to catch some healing water from the first rainfall of the month.

You with nine syllables in your name: Here are the conditions that lead to your anxiety attacks:

--Inclement weather.
--Your husband's major project coming closer in time, causing him to be irritable and hot-headed.
--Fear of the unknown, especially what awaits you in the future.

Simply keep your distance, have some "me" time, and wallow in solitude..

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time o the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Drizzly dawn, drizzly day, drizzly night in Cubao.

Not complaning about anything because I know that people in the south are suffering from the typhoon.

Was offline most of the day because Brian was doing electrical work in the house.

Worked an hour each on twenty-fourth glaze, twenty-fifth glaze, and twenty-sixth glaze. Worked half an hour on twenty-seventh glaze.

Calling it a day for painting. Will resume tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Good morning, Cubao!

The clouds are ice sculptures on the white banquet tables of the sky.

Good night, Cubao!

The gnomes light beacon lanterns at the highest branches of the dragon tree.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Be well and healthy. It is one of the best ways to love yourself.

Angelique arrived from work.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time o the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle.

Worked an hour on twenty-third glaze.

Aubrey arrived from lunch out.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Worked an hour on twenty-second glaze.

Lunch at home alone; Angelique at work and Aubrey having lunch out with friends.

It began drizzling in Cubao.

Good morning Cubao!

The sun wears golden beach sandals on the sand.

Honor the four corners of your house. Honor the four corners of every room in your house.

Good night, Cubao!

The gnomes' IT personnel monitor the weather across the country.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Be mindful of what you can eat and what you cannot eat. As long as you eat the right food you won't even go hungry at all.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Rayven to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Worked an hour on twenty-first glaze.

Bought two glasses jalujalo at a hawker's stand for Aubrey and myself.

Monday, April 10, 2023

Worked an hour and a half on twentieth glaze.

Two deliveries arrived.

Lunch at home with Aubrey; Angelique at work.

Good morning, Cubao!

The sky is a blue omelette.

Tony Perez's Art of War: When someone shuts down the bridge on you, burn the bridge.

Good night, Cubao!

Neighbors loll on blankets on their rooftops on warm, summer nights.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Exercise self-discipline. Taking maintenance medication is not enough to make you well. You also need to be careful about your lifestyle and your food intake.

Be strict on yourself, for there is so much to live for.

Staggered dinnertimes. Asked  Q.. to brig some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Angelique and Jazz arrived while I was watching One Championship videos.

Worked an hour on nineteenth glaze.

Rayven watered the plants in the roof deck, side balcony, front balcony, and ground-floor gardens, and planted some frangipani cuttings in pots on the roof deck.

Aubrey and Roi arrived.

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Worked an hour on eighteenth glaze.

Lunch at home alone; Angelique is spending a day out with Jazz and Aubrey is spending a day out with Roi.

Good  morning, Cubao!

The sky is a tapestry shot with gold and silver threads.

Fundamentalists are essentially disrespectful people, but all you have to do is give them a dose of their own medicine.

Worked half an hour on seventeenth glaze.

Three deliveries arrived.

Worked an hour on sixteenth glaze.

Jazz arrived.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Worked an hour on fifteenth glaze.

A vendor arrived to deliver a necklace, a pair of earrings, and, of all things, a tortoiseshell brooch.

An early lunch at home with Angelique and Aubrey.

Your Messenger message:

"Happy Easter Sunday, sir Tony!

🙏❤️ "Sir, I am again humbly asking for your guidance. 🙏 "My mom, who is in the US shared with me her worries regarding one of our aunt who is so close to her. "They were both from the US state department (I mentioned to you before that my family and relatives are also employees of the US Embassy and deployed around the world) and out of my mom’s 8 siblings, my aunt is like her rock and comfort. "They are both retired from the service and in their late 70s. "My aunt remarried in 2016 and lived in her husband’s house since then. "They both lost their respective spouses and encountered love once again with each other. "My mom told me ever since my aunt lived in that house, she deteriorated physically and even mentally. "She became frail, forgetful, tired, and sickly. "She has been brought to the hospital countless of times but have not found anything serious. "My mom is asking me to look for a mangtatawas to check on my aunt. If there’s something amiss. "Would that be the best way forward, sir? 'What can be the cause of my aunt’s affliction? 'Something undiagnosed? 'Or is it something paranormal? 'My mom mentioned that my uncle’s late wife died in the home where my aunt lives right now. 'I included her picture too and you can tell, sir that my aunt’s health is rapidly declining. 'Thank you for your guidance and generosity. 🙏

My reply:

Hello _____!

It wouldn't hurt to consult a mantatatwas. Make sure that he performs the tawas both on your aunt an the house.

I also suggest that your aunt move to another place. It will help her heal psychologically.

Couldn't your aunt be afflicted with diabetes?

Good morning, Cubao!

The sun is a massive ball of sardonyx.

Good night, Cubao!

The family camps out in the den to watch horror movies.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: When you see photos of people celebrating with food, do not imitate them if it will not be good for your health.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked David to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Friday, April 7, 2023

Worked an hour on fourteenth glaze.
Worked an hour on thirteenth glaze.

An early lunch at home with Angelique and Aubrey.

Good morning, Cubao!

We desire good health and a long life in order to outlive our enemies.

Good night, Cubao!

A procession wends its way upstairs and downstairs through the house. The elderly are in wheelchairs pushed by nurses and caregivers, and the smallest children ride with them. The men follow on foot at the tail end. Everyone has a vigil candle lit in a bottle.

The procession passes by a balcony with a view of the dragon tree, which is clustered by hundreds of glowing fireflies.

An enchanted night.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name do not overeat due to the summer heat. Do not neglect your health. Illness is vicious. It damages the body's major organs.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Your Messenger message:

"hello po sir Tony Dream: April 6, 2023 2:12 am

" sumakay ako sa kotse at bumaba sa bakanteng lote may mga kasama ako asa 3 lang kami at hindi sila pamilyar sakin. May dalawang batang babae na gustong sumabay saamin pero hindi namin sila sinabay dahil may pupuntahan pa kami, kaya naman pinasabay namin sila sa iba. Habang nag lalakad kami hinahanda ko na ang sarili ko dahil allam na allam kong may makikita ako at matatakot ako. Habang nag lalakad naghanap ako ng proteksyon ng isa kong kasama may nakita akong mukhang bato na may nakalagay na anti evil eye at kinuha ko yon at binigay ko sa kasama ko. Nakasuot ako ng malaking kwintas na LEKLAI, may kasama ang aking kwintas ngunit hindi pamilyar ang kwintas na yon sakin at may isang bracelet ako na suot. nang papalapit na kami sa aming destinasyon mukhang pamilyar ang lugar, yon ay ang bahay ng aking pinsan. Marami palą kami para kaming nasa bundok at natatanaw namin ang isang mababang bundok kaysa sa bundok kung saan kami ay nakatayo. Sinabihan ako ng kasama ko na tanggalin ang aking kwintas nung tinanggal ko ang kwintas nakita ko sila (ang mga kaluluwa). Nilagay ko ang kwintas at sila ay nawawala sa paningin ko. Sa mataas na bundok kung saan kami naroon may bahay at pumasok ako dahil napagod ako. May kasama ako na babae na pumasok sa kwarto at hinawakan ko ang aking kwintas. Paglabas ko sa kwarto kumakain ang aking mga kasama, ako naman nag hahanda at lalabas nanamn ako at titingin nanamn ng kaluluwa. Pagod na ako sa pakikipag usap sa mga kaluluwa at iparating ito sa mga Buhay. Nang ako ay aalis na may dalawang babae akong inovertaken pataas ng hagdan nakita ko ang aking kaibigan na lalaki kumakain mukha Siyang masaya pero ang lungkot lungkot niya sa Loob. Sa tabi ng aking kaibigan merong isang lalaki na bata kumakain ng ice cream ngunit Hindi ito napapansin ng aking kaibigan at hindi niya ito nakikita. Ang bata ay gusto niyang yakapin ang aking kaibigan na kumakain ngunit hindi niya magawa kaya naman ako ang yumakap pero d niya ako nakikita o nararamdaman.pag tinatanggal ko ang kwintas nakikita ko pero pag nilalagay ko nawawala sila.

"___ this is my dream po pero d ko po maintindihan kung ano po meaning"

My reply:

Hello _________!

This was an anxiety dream. It is about your awareness of mortality, and your greatest fear is losing your partner and your son (the male friend and the little boy eating ice cream toward the end of the dream).

The dream also reflects your indecision to deal with the supernatural, a journey that can be very lonely, since you are unsure of its consequences and you will take it without your partner and son, who have no real, deep interest in such matters.

My advice is for you to continue reading up on the things you like and possibly leaving it at that. We are not obliged to mediate between the living and the dead. Our obligation is to live dutiful lives as human beings and making our families happy ones.

Worked an hour on twelfth glaze.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

 Worked an hour on eleventh glaze.

Worked an hour on tenth glaze.

An early lunch at home with Angelique and Aubrey.

They flagellate themselves once a year so that they can live in sin without guilt the rest of the year round.

Good morning, Cubao!

It is the sun that cleanses the earth.

Good night, Cubao!

Snuggle in bed with a good book while you are surrounded by symbols of the elements: a lit candle in a bottle, seashells, crystals, and agar wood coil incense in a burner.

One Message For Two Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with six syllables in your names: Know that you are loved, and that you will always be loved. Therefore, even when times are hard, do not ever despair.

Asked Rayven to bring some food over to M's cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the days has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle.

One of my sisters sent me this old photo of a reunion with relatives on my father's side. Must have been taken when I was in sophomore high.

I was never close to my father's relatives, and I never will be. Aside from my grandmother, my parents, and my sisters, who are in this photo, I know a few of these people only by name, and I share no cherished memories of them.




I find that artists who do not paint unless they are paid for it are pathetic.

I am perplexed by religious people who insist that they are "saved" yet are hopelessly unable to solve and extricate themselves from their problems.

God does not treat us equally, and so it is up to us to do so.

Rayven is watering the plants in the roof deck, side balcony, front balcony, and ground-floor gardens.

A delivery arrived for Aubrey.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Worked an hour on eighth glaze.

Worked an hour on seventh glaze.

An early lunch at home with Angelique and Aubrey.

Good morning, Cubao!

The day is an unexplored room filled with treasures.

My eldest sister Lourdes sent me this photo. I have absolutely no recollection of this event--and no recollection of those necklaces I'm wearing!

My sister informed me that this photo was taken during a visit to our uncle, Fr. Francisco Perez, SJ. Seated left is an aunt, seated right, my sister Lourdes. Standing beside me is my third sister, Alice.

Possibly 1996, the same year the Spirit Questors visited the ruins of the Hyatt Terraces in Baguio City. I'm guessing, but that's how my hair (or lack of hair) looked like then. 




Good night, Cubao!

Families in the city hunker down on long weekends.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five syllables in your name: Honor your financial obligations. Pay your dues and avoid getting into debt.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Two deliveries arrived for me today.

Angelique, Aubrey, and Jazz arrived from a coffee shop.

A very colorful senakulo parade passed by P. Tuazon Boulevard. Apparently they started performing at the Barangay Kaunlaran basketball court last night. Thinking of going tonight, since I haven't watched a live senakulo in a while, tacky costumes and all, but, at 72, I know that sleepiness will take over.

Later learned that it's a house-to-house Stations of the Cross with senakulo vignettes.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Back from jalan-jalan at the center. Brian escorted me. Withdrew money at the bank, changed dollars to pesos, paid our electric and phone bills, met up with Angelique and Aubrey who took time out from work and did groceries, had a brief lunch, and sent some money to my younger son Chito.

Angelique, Aubrey, and Jazz are working from home today.

We are all set for the Easter holidays--meaning, I can just stay at home and do nothing but paint.


Lit a white candle at our family altar and columbary.

Good morning, Cubao!

Even as the sun rises the day is a list of plans for the coming week.

Good night, Cubao!

Always go to sleep with a defensive talisman by your bedside.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Do house chores cheerfully and well. They ground you and prevent you from having flights of fantasy too difficult to achieve.

Dinner at home with Angelique and Jazz, Aubrey preparing for her night shift.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day ahs come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Brian is now cleaning the exterior and interior of our family altar and columbarium in preparation for tomorrow's Qing Ming Festival, or Festival of Ancestors, the ancient Chinese equivalent of All Souls Day.

https://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/qingming-festival/

Worked an hour on sixth glaze.

Monday, April 3, 2023

When I was in college the Philippines used to have only two seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

I observe that, perhaps due to earth changes, it now seems to have three seasons: the dry season (March, April, May, June); the wet season, (July, August, September, October), and the cold season (November, December, January, February).

Worked an hour on fifth glaze.

Angelique and Aubrey came back from a neighborhood coffee shop and are now having a late lunch in the dining room.

Good morning, Cubao!

Every day has two treasure boxes: a box of choices and a box of decisions.


Good night, Cubao!

Lie comfortably in your bed and be thankful that you are not on the road and facing a sleepless night of travel.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Do not allow the excitement of new ideas to sway you. Ideas are not yet concrete. What you are now, what you have now, and what awaits you in the near future--these are concrete, and they are also reliable.

Asked Rayven to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sherlock Holmes.

Worked an hour on fourth glaze.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Worked an hour on third glaze.

Good morning, Cubao!

In the summer, the gnomes take their power breakfasts on the roof deck.

A frazzling day, but I managed to do two glazes.

Good night, Cubao!

The night fairies bathe in moonlight on the tin rooftops.

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Keep your cool despite the summer heat and all the tasks you need to do. Relax and keep calm. Everything will get done in no time at all.

Asked Rayven to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores.

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

I don't like celebrating my birthday but my eldest granddaughter Angelique always urges me to do so. Our default celebration fare is pizza and a cake.











Worked half an hour on second glaze.

Cake delivery arrived.

Worked an hour on first glaze.

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Back from an early lunch and coffee at the center.

Claimed all our bed linen from the compound laundry.

Angelique and Jazz came down to lunch in the dining room.

Good morning, Cubao!

The sun measures distances with a golden compass.
Good night, Cubao!

A night of ghost-storytelling round a bronze brazier filled with bottled candles

One Message For One Of 2,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Always be aware that the traffic is especially heavy on special days  Time your arrivals and departures accordingly.

Staggered dinnertimes.

Asked Q. to bring some food over to M.'s cafe staff.

Night chores,

My favorite time of the day has come again: an evening shower, and then snuggling in bed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.