Lighting a big candle with three wicks inside a giant lantern at our front porch, to illuminate the way for traveling spirits.

In the meantime Neil washed our green mahjong set and we shall be using our lavender mahjong set on Saturday instead.

Thinking of having our unnumbered mahjong tiles engraved on Ongpin Street.

Now thinking of purchasing a pink mahjong set.

Jerome's day off, and so dinner tonight was sinigang na baboy, sinigang na bangus, and kinilaw na bangus.

Aubrey came back from Tokyo several nights ago with a suitcase weighing a ton. She bought me sugar-free biscuits.

October 31, 2024

Halloween and 56th dialysis session

Today the Vampire Marius dressed up as a Hogwarts faculty member, hoping there would be some nice trick or treating at the hospital.

But why was everyone fleeing the corridors and running away from me? I had all four elevators to myself.

Left, necklace of antique, orange carnelian beads allegedly dating back to the Mexican Galleon Trade, with Chinese burial beads as connectors. The pendant is an antique, polished, Igorot brass holder for an heirloom gong, purchased from Greg Sabado of Baguio City many years ago.

Right, dzi beads stranded with yellow, Chinese burial beads as connectors. I have learned, over time, that there are two kinds of dzi beads: the less expensive ones made of shells etched from the inside, as in this photo, and the more expensive ones made of red and brown agate, usually from Tibet.

Photo by Neil de Leon

The necklaces I am most likely to keep for myself in this lifetime. Bloodstone is my birthstone, the stone of March. According to legend, this was a stone that lay at the foot of the cross; hence, the rust-colored "drops of blood" on a dark green background.

Bloodstone eventually became so rare that the birthstone of March was changed to aquamarine, and, after that, too, became rare in the 90s, was changed to blue topaz.

I bought the oval cabochon on the East Coast after a two-week training session in Washington, D.C., in the mid-2000s. The rotating ball below it was purchased from a co-worker at the U.S. Embassy. Both pieces are set in 14-k international standard gold. 

The other necklaces in this photo have matching bead colors, but they are actually of ocean jasper, Mongolian agate, and clown obsidian.

Photo by Neil de Leon

Monday, October 28, 2024

Lunch with Leslie Noble, a long-time friend from my days at the Cultural Center of the Philippines

The metallic gold and black Halloween kerchief with a design of skulls is from my youngest sister, Sylvia, in Sydney.

Photo by Marvin Cablayan

My Friends,

I will leave the Private Group _The Spirit Questors_ after Posting the 30th Bilbo Baggins afternoon, in preparation for my full withdrawal from Facebook when and if I reach the age of 75. I will be leaving my other Private Groups on a staggered basis:

--The Oracle of Cunbao

--Tony Perez's Gamma Werewolf Pack

--The 36 Wands

This Private Group will not be deleted, and you may review its contents for future reference. You are of course free to network with one another, though I must inform you that I do not personally know some of the members of this Group.

My two, final pieces of advice for everyone are these:

--Take on a job that offers you a hefty retirement pension, not one that gives you the freedom to practice your art and reap recognitions without concomitant compensation. You will only find that those etched, brass plates and fabric ribbons won't feed you and your family when you are hungry or pay your bills, especially your medical bills.

--There is no greater award or reward on this planet than having a happy and loving family under your roof.

It was a pleasure knowing my students since 1995 and then all of you since 1997 on Facebook.

Tony Perez

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Lunch with children's storybook writer Christine Bellen Ang. She is currently working on a novel for ten-year-olds.

This was, in effect, the 28th Bilbo Baggins afternoon, since I gave Christine a box full of children's books

Christine returns to  Baguio tomorrow.

Photo by Neil de Leon

 Antique, double-bulul, Igorot pendant. Unusual because it is carved of deer horn. The antique beads are also of deer horn and orange carnelian. Purchased from Greg Sabado of Baguio City many years ago.

...And in the meantime Aubrey landed in Tokyo last night for a brief vacation.

So glad the typhoon's blown over. There was  a method to its madness in Cubao. The first rumbles of thunder were at 11:00 PM Wednesday, October 23; the last wind gust through our compound 11;00 PM Thursday, October 24.

Couldn't sleep well last night. I can't during storm watch, being head of household.

Now I want a two-hour, deep tissue massage.

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE COMING WEEK MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024):

1) Office awards end up being so much trash.

2) Avoid eating spoiled fruit.

3) Academics are the worst users of all.

4) When stressed out, sleep rather than eat.

5) Brownies make a snack comeback.

6) "It ran one step ahead/
As we followed in the dance/"

7) Go easy on perfume.

8 ) Watch out against freeloaders.

9) This is not  the month for weddings.

10) You will desire new pairs of shoes.

11) Always put up a good front.

12) Favor real gemstones only.

13) Plan to serve pie.

14) Be selective with seafood.

15) Even this early, start preparing for the last month of the year.

16) An unusual invitation arrives.

17) Teamwork counts.

18) Oversleep if you have to.

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE WEEKEND (SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024):

1) Keep yourself cool on deceptively hot nights,

2) If goblins had underground chambers beneath your house, where would the portals be?

3) Never give your family the raw deal.

4) Try a home-made jack-o-lantern for a change.

5) Continue to budget your money well.

6) Identify the sources of the itch.

7) The metal of the month is tin.

8) Old-fashioned toys will fascinate you.

9) Do not invite people who are constantly late.

10) Enjoy a Halloween trip through Chinatown.

11) The Chinese goddess protects your home from the entry of negative spirits.

12) It is a good idea to invest in south sea pearls.

13) Your floor should be clean enough for anyone to lie down on.

14) Try Halloween cookie cutters.

15) The hungry deserve a meal.

16) It is fine to have someone with his third eye open at home.

17) Too much fish sauce is bad for the health.

18) Keep yourt feet well-exercised.

Restranded, orange, gourd-shaped antique beads allegedly dating back to the Mexican Galleon Trade, interspersed with antique, orange carnelian beads and white, fresh-water pearls from Dumaguete. The pendant is a heavy, unpolished, solid brass Igorot chieftain's earring purchased many years ago from Greg Sabado of Baguio City. I am still wondering whether it ever tore off anyone's ear lobe and dropped to the ground.

On the wall behind me is the iconic Comedy/Tragedy pair of masks from New Orleans, a gift from actress Naty Crame-Rogers. Originally dark gray, I had it repainted a metallic yellow gold. Very few people know that a larger pair of the same New Orleans masks hung over Ateneo de Manila's old proscenium theater for years. Reflected in the mirror, in the background, is our mannequin Diego dressed in Ifugao garb.

Photo by Neil de Leon

Happy 54th Birthday to my elder son, Nelson!

Everything I  need to survive a normal day, plus the tiniest men's vanity kit in the world: my moustache comb and mirror

Restranded antique beads allegedly dating back to the Mexican Galleon Trade, with antique, red carnelian and indigo Chinese burial beads as connectors. The indigo beads are multistranded.

Your Messenger message:

"Sir Tony, I think I saw you last year in Cubao near Samson College (Planas Site I) buying some fruits or kakanin. I kinda live close there. I never actually shared the story with anyone, but I heard that you will be leaving social media soon so, I wanted to tell you this:

"You may already have heard this from lots of fans, but your work is gold."

My reply: Thank you fir your kindness. Yes, I live across the street, and that is where I buy our lunch food.

I am, however, not deleting my social media accounts for others to continue reading and exploring.

Turquoise Suite

Antique turquoise pendant stranded with orange, gourd-shaped beads allegedly dating back to the Mexican Galleon Trade and turquoise, Chinese burial beads. The pendant is surrounded with red coral beads and set in sterling silver.

On a chain, a bigger turquoise pendant  purchased on the Loop outside the University of North Carolina during a training program I attended in the early 2000s.

Turquoise was my daughter-in-law Ivy's birthstone.

Happy Birthday to my second to the youngest grandson, Roi!

Honor traditional rituals.

Sunday, Sunday

Another family mahjong day

Review your prohibitions.

Group prayer is cozy.

Do not feel obliged to celebrate other people's special occasions.

Take your children to good restaurants.

Hot soup will always make you feel better.

When someone tries to put you down, humiliate you, mock you, ridicule you, or make you feel low, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO BE A BITCH.

Clarity of mind is the best sign of good health.

Final Destination was not the final destination, because AI had not yet been born.

Now that AI is here, is it the final destination?

Or do we wait for images to climb out of our computer screens and step inside our bedrooms?

Honor the god of the dance.

Never take your spirit guides for granted.

Be courageous even in the face of adversity.

It is unwise to stock up on too many batteries.

Be mindful of red flags.

Make a list of five deceased friends. Despite the fact that you still remember them, know that the world has already forgotten them.

Do not do business with strangers.

Patterns repeat themselves. Find them.

Everything must lead to normal..

Study your wrong moves in retrospect.

Every heaven is custom-made and personal and, therefore, never overpopulated.

Suddenly craving spicy sardines, scrambled egg with onion slices, and red rice, and that is what I am having for dinner later.

A jar for scrying should have a wide mouth.

Never force a child to apologize.

They will look back and see that you were right.

There will be many new finds in  the marketplace.

Babies and toddlers associate you with their favorite food.

Entertainment has no retirement benefits.

Note that the neighborhood operates like clockwork.

Your children will lecture you if they have to.

Always wear black in combination with another color.

Too much of a good thing may not be that bad.

Love is not like candy on a shelf.

Last week I Posted an item about a healer being healed, and I thank the Friends who responded to it, believing that I was Posting about myself. However, that Post was not about me, it was about another person who advertises himself as an alternative healer.

For the record, though, as a Comment to the Comments I received:

1) Dialysis is not a sign that one is on the brink of death. It is NOT availing of dialysis that actually causes death.

2) Dialysis is not painful. It doesn't feel like anything, During a dialysis session one can read a book, go on a laptop, pig out, or drift off to sleep.

Having said that, the only times I have ever observed other patients in pain are with those who chose to have arm fistulae, which involves the insertion of two large needles side by side in the arm EACH TIME. Others, like myself, opted for the more expensive neck and chest accesses.

3) The poorest of the poor can avail of dialysis at public hospitals, where they can be helped to find sponsorship. Others can go to the National Kidney Institute or public dialysis centers, many of which are all over the city.

4) Dialysis is pricey only if you go to a private hospital. However, that offers the most number of conveniences. Going to a private hospital for dialysis is like being a member of a country club and spending s day at a high-end salon where you are pampered by your doctor, nurses and technicians

5) During dialysis, you get to meet "classmates" who have interesting stories to tell and can share alternative sources of medication.

6) Having your blood cleansed on a regular basis is a wonderful feeling, especially since many illnesses are blood-related. You become like a new man each time.

7) The ignorance of the general public contributes greatly to many misconceptions about dialysis.

What is the point in translating something into something that won't be as clearly understood as the original?

Sad is the day indeed when the healer needs to be healed.

Interesting how the young entrepreneurs you used to envy are now floundering in insecurity, while those who had seemingly dull jobs are now enjoying what they are and what they have.

It is when you stop desiring stardom that you become a true star.

We make big and small choices everyday, and they become patterns, like the constellations of stars, until our entire life is immortalized in them.

When you linger in the middle of progression, you see the end of the beginning and the beginning of the end.

What seemed resistant to you, now no longer is.

Be mindful of where you are and where you might be going.

Step outside the box, but know how  to step back in.

In order to find something you want very much, always look closer home.

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE COMING WEEK (MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024):

1) It is pointless to cry over wasted time.

2) What seems near is far, what seems is near.

3) Your body needs bitters.

4) An underpaid employee leaves sooner rather than later.

5) Do not undervalue loose change.

6) Use indelible ink.

7) If you live in a disaster-prone place, move.

8) Avoid undersatisfying yourself.

9) Keep away from trouble at work.

10) The talisman needs to be on your body.

11) It is not a good idea to tag children along.

12) Copycats need no special recognition.

13) Hang on to your paycheck.

14) Never confuse life with theater.

15) There are times when you should forego lunch.

16) Plush feels good, like Spandex.

17) A sandwich makes a good meal.

18) When the impresario dies, so does his protege.

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE WEEKEND (SATURDAY, OCTOBER `18 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024):

1) The scent of the month is Shalimar.

2) Do you encourage treating, or do you encourage tricking?

3) A relative visits unexpectedly.

4) Replenish, but do not oversupply.

5) Clean all combs and hair brushes.

6) Every house has an enchanted night life.

7) House tea is a comfort drink.

8) Try an evening of ghost storyrelling with friends.

9) Spirits need no rest.

10) A cup of hot cocoa at bedtime helps you sleep well.

11) Rely on electricity rather than on gas.

12) Invest in good pairs of scissors.

13) Do not count on getting free meals.

14) Let it flow like water.

15) Bright stars need no polishing.

16) Try fashioning a mobile made of cardboard bats.

17) A bag always walks.

18) First get in the right mood.

Happy Birthday, Mongkut (2016)!

A new life, a new beginning

My 2025 planner and a cowhide long wallet with embossed Dragon and Pearl of Great Price

The Vampire Marius waits for his 49th dialysis session in one of his black capes on the fifth floor of a hospital that has one of the best hemodialysis hubs in Quezon City. To the Right, out of frame, is a view of Araneta Center. Without the tall buildings I would be able to see our house.

When it rains, as it did this afternoon, the scene outside the window is covered with a white mist.

Photo by Marvin Cablayan

Happy Birthday to Yukiko Taka a.k.a. Snowy (2020)!

Our Sunday mahjong session is interrupted by the arrival of a second kilo of sweet lanzones, the tropical fruit of October.

I am always reminded of that story in the _Philippine Readers_ series about the Christ Child, who cried because the lanzones fruit He tasted was sour.The Blessed Virgin then pinched the fruit, rendering it sweet. That is why, according to legend, the lanzones fruit bears marks of the Blessed Virgin's fingernail to this very day.

When I was resident playwright of the Ateneo Children's Theatre, director Yani Singson went out of his way to schedule a meeting with editor Camilo Osias I never knew, however, what ever came of that meeting.

Wearing necklaces of restranded, antique beads. 

The shorter necklace, originally a choker, was purchased in the mid-2000s at the novelty shop in Banaue Hotel. I lengthened it with antique red, yellow, and blue connector beads to do away with its closure. I thought that the lozenge-shaped beads were made of cow bone and wondered why they were so expensive, until I later discovered that they were actually made of ivory. Though I bought this necklace in Ifugao, I suspect that its actual provenance is the famous Mary Ngalawen of Baguio City.

The longer necklace is comprised of gourd-shaped indigo beads and a solid, glass ball pendant, all allegedly dating back to the Mexican Galleon Trade. The connector beads are antique, blue-and-white beads and Chinese burial beads.

Photo by Neil de Leon

For magical-minded people, October 31 is the last day of the year, and so I will take this as a good time to leave _The Oracle of Cubao_ in preparation for my full withdrawal from Facebook when and if I reach the age of 75. I will be leaving my other Private Groups on a staggered basis:

--Tony Perez's Gamma Werewolf Pack
--The 36 Wands
--The Spirit Questors

While I loved Posting for all of you, I also want you to know how great a burden it has always been for me.

This Private Group will not be deleted, and you may review its content6s for future reference. You are of course free to leave the group--however, should you eventually wish to return to it, no one will be there to reinstall you,

My two, final pieces of advice for everyone are these:

--Take on a job that offers you a hefty retirement pension, not one that gives you the freedom to practice your art and reap recognitions without concomitant compensation. You will only find that those etched, brass plates and fabric ribbons won't feed you and your family when you are hungry or pay your bills, especially your medical bills.

--There is no greater award or reward on this planet than having a happy and loving family under your roof.

It was a pleasure knowing all of you since 1979, and I hope you will discover the patterns Nature wove in this oracle.

Your Messenger message:

"Magandang araw po, sir Tony! Nais ko lang po sanang magpasalamat sa inyo at iparating ang paghanga ko po sa inyo. Nakaka-bilib po ang libro ninyong Cubao, Ilalim na kakatapos ko lang basahin ang Book 2. Sana makasulat din po ako ng gaya sa ganung kwento na may halong siyensya, majika, at higit sa lahat, bagong perspective sa isang lumang kwento na kilala ng lahat. Hindi ko po alam if may book 3 pa po iyon pero kung meron man, aabangan ko po iyon. "Nawa'y sana po, kung papalarin, ay makita ko din po kayo ng personal para makapagpapirma po ng mga aklat nyo at kung hindi nyo mamasamaain, makipagkwentuhan na din po . Inspirasyon ko din po kasi sa pagsusulat ang mga bagay na paranormal lalo na po ang mga tungkol sa folkore creatures sa Pilipinas. "Maraming salamat po ulit, sir. Stay safe po "

My reply::

Thank you for your kindness.

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE COMING WEEK (MOINDAY, OCTOBER 14 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024):

1) Proper documentation is a must.

2) Every task needs to be thoroughly done.

3) A male friend is in need of help.

4) The fundamentalist singer is compelled to recognize gay rights in public.

5) Keep things clean even in storage.

6) Work without being distracted by the thought og holidays,

7) Kindness pays.

8 ) Fresh coconut will reenergize you.

9) Vengeance is sweet.

10) There are things you should offer only in reciprocation.

11) Be gentle even with yourself.

12) He is fond of analyzing men's penmanship.

13) Who is the goddess of Halloween?

14) It is unwise to fall in love with someone outside your age bracket.

15) Review your personal work ethics.

16) Your body restricts its freedom when necessary.

17) Avoid sugary candy.

18) If you cannot sleep, at least lie down and close your eyes as long as you can.

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE WEEKEND (SATURDAY, OCTOBER  12 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024):

1) The sound of mahjong tiles b4eing shuffled drives away negative energy.

2) Be watchful of others,

3) Sometimes you will need to use a clean, dry towel as a blanket for your feet.

4) Trust, but do not overly trust.

5) An old song brings back a sad memory.

6) The door will open by itself.

7) Keep your legs and feet well=exercised and warm.

8 ) Some people need to leave before saying goodbye. 

9) Always know when to stop.

10) There are activities you should be planning on your own.

11) Value weekend solitude.

12) How would you describe your lifestyle?

13) Joss stick smoke keeps evil spirits away.

14) Comfort must rule over fashion.

15) What is your favorite weekend ritual?

16) Swelling is a cause for concern.

17) Breathe well, sleep well.

18) The veil grows thinner.

October 9

My mother's birthday

Jerwin uses a Halloween App to experiment with Hedwig's photo of me.

Monday, October 7, 2024

Informal monthly lunch meeting of our Joy Luck Club and the 27th Bilbo Baggins afternoon

I will always remember this lifetime as being constantly surrounded by women. Come to think of it, even most of the supervisors I had when I was employed were women.

Photo by Vanessa Bicomong

Wearing three sizes cobalt blue chevron beads stranded into two, separate necklaces

Photo by Vanessa Bicomong

27th Bilbo Baggins afternoon

Photos by Neil de Leon

Sunday, October 4, 2024

Dinner with family at home belatedly celebrating Angelique's and Aubrey's birthdays

Purple neck scarf woven with black leather strips by Narda Capuyan of Baguio City

My granddaughters share a birthday cake for dessert.

Photos by Neil de Leon

Happy Birthday to my nephew and godson Raymond Floro of Floro Fighting Systems, in Sydney, Australia!

Food serving pots. This is the design I like best. It reminds me of delicious leftovers, of creative casseroles, even of heartwarming food being shared with neighbors and friends.

These pots can also be used to contain rice, soup, and salads.

Happy 29th Birthday to my eldest granddaughter, Angelique!

My baby! Grandpa loves you!

Three tubs Chef Tony's peanut butter popcorn arrived, but I am still partial to original caramel.

Friday, October 4, 2024

Bank day. Withdrew money, changed dollars to pesos, paid our electric bills, then had lunch out with M. and Neil. A violent cloudburst left us stranded in the restaurant. We sauntered to the Cubao Leaky Cauldron for coffee and buns while waiting for the rain to stop.

Custom-made Ariadne Oliver necklaces: amber and crystal quartz, ocean jasper, and rose quartz

Photo by Neil de Leon

 My younger son Chito's idealized story photo:

Kwan Yin riding a dragon. This image was carved of solid, unoiled rosewood, most probably with electric tools because the design is too intricate for hand-held chisels..

The image is tiny, about six inches tall.

Photo by Neil de Leon

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE COMING WEEK (MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024):

1) Sardonyx is a good stone of the month.

2) Always have something to fall back on.

3) Who is your favorite cartoon character?

4) Never prolong office tension.

5) Keep warm. 

6) The hunter wears a headdress of orange feathers.

7) There will be no clowns.

8) Do not buy accessories that entailed an animal's death.

9) Never hem and haw and keep others waiting.

10) It is time to clean your lanterns.

11) Do not aspire to buy something you cannot afford.

12) All accounts need to be unquestionable.

13) There are times when yoiu should be wearing no jewelry.

14) He resigned because no one believed his true story.

15) It is foolish to emulate champions.

16) In the end, no kingdom matters except your own.

17) She bribes her coworkers with food.

18) Allow the religious to die for their religion.

TONY PEREZ'S GUIDELINES FOR HIS FACEBOOK FRIENDS FOR THE WEEKEND (SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2024):

1) The cardinal disapproves of the entertainment fare, but no one else cares.

2) Do not confide adult secrets in children. 

3) Let fresh air circulate through your house.

4) Some people can afford to enjoy a rainy day.

5) Keep your body clean.

6) Jack-o'-lanterns are timeless.

7) Never splurge on anything.

8 ) Dispose of useless containers,

9) In times of disaster, have a companion in your bedroom.

10) Pay attention nto facades.

11) Be update on the news,

12) Plain spaghetti, white bread, and cheese make a satisfying breakfast.

13) The spirits go with the pair of lovers.

14) Be aware of what your stomach rejects.

15) Avoid small, sharp obejects.

16) Have a list of good horror movies for viewing,

17) You will dream of a previous lifetime.

18) Always rest between tasks,

Lacquered Wood Kannon Bosatsu Kwan Yin Bodhisattva

 Lacquered Wood Kannon Bosatsu Kwan Yin Bodhisattva, the Japanese version of Kwan Yin.

Photo by Neil de Leon