Candyaudioline played at Mayric's last night.
I was about to type "We played at Mayric's last night," but it suddenly occurred to me that I have been so used to writing about Soft Pillow Kisses in this blog that "we" just didn't seem specific enough. That's how long it was since we last played.
We were there to front for PNE. Allan told everyone else to be early (9:30 pm), and surprisingly, they were. He picked me up, and Roel and Ayn were already there when we arrived. Ralph made it to Mayric's by about 10 and, when Charles arrived with the guitars, we immediately set up our instruments so we could play more.
We started the set with "Broken to Pieces" and played about 7 more songs after that. It was a bit unnerving onstage because a camera crew was there to shoot some footage of us for an upcoming episode on a local TV show. They weren't really supposed to shoot US, though, and I felt really uncomfortable, especially because we hadn't practiced for a long time and I was trying to concentrate on hitting the right notes. The cameraman became downright bothersome when he started doing these "variety show" camera tactics where they film you from below and tilt the camera upward to your face and all such antics. There was one particular song which was tricky for me and I was trying to remember how it went… and then they suddenly panned to me, and I was looking down at the time, so all I could see was that annoying red light on the camera, and it almost threw me off. They should have stayed on Ralph, who seemed like he was totally oblivious to it, and besides, he was doing the kickass stuff hehehe.
But Ralph was having problems, too. His guitar socket (sorry, I don't know what you call that socket where you plug the PL cable into the guitar) was loose and acting up, so he had gaps in his leads. Sometimes, the gaps would be short and rapidly coming so that it sounded like another effect that made the song sound trance-y. Charles said he could fix it, though. And I think Allan was complaining about his effects box and how it was getting old and tired. Roel seemed to be doing well and having a blast, and I don't think that Ayn had any problems. The crowd was subdued, except for the Backbeat peeps who were teasing us hehe. Volume-wise, I think I did ok, although I really am rusty.
When we sat down, Allan and Ayn ordered a plate of buttered chicken, and all of us munched on that while Ralph talked about his recent illness and the new candy baby. Alam na namin ni Ayn ang secret mo, Ralph… "dengue" pala ha hehehe…
The buttered chicken was good, and it was funny because it was supposed to be a whole chicken, but they cut it up in such a way that you couldn't tell which part you were eating--- it was just a bunch of tasty, breaded balls with bones in them. Despite the mystery, they were still yum.
Midnight passed, and no one said anything… but then I realized that it was Ayn's birthday! Happy birthday, Ayn!!! I wished her a happy birthday last night… I mean, this morning. It's her birthday today!
After a while, Allan brought me home because I still had to go to work that morning. All in all, it was wonderful to play together again, and it's even better because we're going to do it all over tonight, too.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Monday, October 25, 2004
Fully Clothed and Feeling Fine
Buzz Night last Saturday was a success.
But first, let me tell you about our Urge Tour experience.
Allan had arranged for a van to pick me up at 1 pm. Mike the driver and I then went to Jollibee Rotonda to pick Lara up. We picked Charles and Jann Paul up at Charles' place and landed at Allan's at 3 pm. We waited around a bit for him to make a business call. Jann Paul and I pooled our money together to buy P50 worth of fried chicken skin (yum), and we all snacked on it while waiting. I'm sure we all subtracted 5 days off our lives doing that. Then, we started for Blue Wave.
Ayn was texting us because she wanted to meet us there, and I was becoming anxious that we wouldn't get there on time. Binondo had really bad traffic and I kept squirming nervously in my seat. Fortunately, we arrived only 15 minutes past our 4 pm call time and Ayn arrived there at almost exactly the same moment.
We had a little problem with the contact, and it turned out that they had scheduled us to play an hour after the original sked, which was a problem because Allan, Charles and Jann Paul had to leave the venue by 6 pm to work at the two Moonstar gigs set that night. But, after we explained the situation to the organizers, they let us set up and be the first act. The guy said we could play six songs, which surprised us because Diego told us to prepare three to four. I was really nervous about the fact that we weren't exactly the appropriate act for a skateboarding competition, but I remembered that Diego had told me the night before that Urge really wanted the talents to be diverse and so they got everything from ska to pop to punk. Oh well, bahala na, I said to myself. So we started playing "Vodka Ice # 3", and it was really funny because the crowd was kind of surprised. But they were polite. I was jittery for the first two songs, but I got used to the strangeness and relaxed after a while.
It was a surreal experience. Try to imagine singing "Bathing In The Sun" while bikers and in-line skaters are doing somersaults and stunts right in front of you… and then off into the distance is a wide, green field of cogon grass… above that, there's a blue expanse of sky marred only by a thin vapor trail from a jet engine… to the left, planes are taking off…
Everything went smoothly. We finished and accepted the snacks the organizer gave out. Then, Allan, Charles and Jann Paul left for Eastwood, while Ayn and I dropped Lara off at Buendia, where she had another gig with Death By Tampon. Ayn and I hung out at her house. We lounged on her black satin sheets and did lesbian acts. Just kidding… I was testing to see if you were still reading hehehe. Ayn and I are past that stage. Haha. Just kidding again. We were both tired and we listened to NU 107's live broadcast of some gig. Sandwich was playing, with the singer of Imago jamming with them. They started to sing one of their old songs and I was so tired and listless, but I couldn't help chuckling after a while because their vocal improvs reminded me of the way hosts on ASAP try to outdo each other…
Anyway, lest I start another controversy… we played with Tristania for a while and then we had dinner. Ayn and I started for Mayric's and got there late. I was so worried because Allan had entrusted Buzz Night to me again, and I had no way of knowing who came first… but then he said that Jil of Angus had already set a sequence and he even asked Einstein Chakras to start playing already. Jil saved my life! I thanked him profusely. Later that night, he told me that he just sort of went from table to table asking the people which band they were and what time they arrived so he could figure out a sequence. Galing! All I had to do when I arrived was fill in the gaps, and we were all good to go. But I couldn't rest completely until every band had a place, which was why Ekong asked me at one point if I was okay because I looked a little out of it. My mind was in bits and pieces all over the floor, and I was only able to relax when the last missing band member was there. I was also trying to time the event so that the rest of Soft Pillow Kisses could make it to Mayric's in time to perform last. They almost didn't.
Ayn and I were only able to catch Einstein Chakras' last song, so I'm not sure how they turned out, but Jil told us that they agreed to play and start the show even if their bassist hadn't arrived yet, and for that, I am grateful to them. Next, played Dennis' band, My Science Project, and they performed well. I wish I could play like their keyboardist. I enjoyed their indie tunes. Helen then took the stage, and I got to listen to them more. I like their slow, smooth feel, but I think the bass is what gives them their kick. I love their bass lines. Sunset Drive played after them, and I think this time I've realized that they really sound much better than and really different from their popular counterparts. By that time, I was feeling a little calmer; Ayn and I were just drinking our beer and watching. But then, Jil came up to me and said that their vocalist was feeling under the weather and that he could probably only sing a few songs. I suddenly panicked again… they wanted to sing only 4, but I needed them to sing 6 in order for the other SPK members to get there on time. They said they'd try to do more. When they started playing, I expected the vocalist to have a hard time, but he didn't sound off or anything. In fact, Angus was very tight (though I think their keyboards were a little too loud) and Ayn and I couldn't help noting how much they'd improved since the last time they played at Buzz Night. Next played Tether, a little more subdued than usual, but not in a bad way. Their guitars were less loud, but still kick-ass, and this time, the vocalist could be heard, which helped people hear how good their songs were.
Allan, Charles and Jann Paul arrived just as the last song was ending and I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Lara was still nowhere in sight, but Allan said we'd play a laid-back set anyway. But then Roel arrived suddenly, fresh from his three Parokya gigs… I was amazed at his endurance. I suggested to Allan that we play a short Candyaudioline set with Charles on lead, and he asked Ayn if she wanted to, and both she and Roel agreed. It was exciting to do it impromptu… I only wished Ralph were there to share it with us. We played two songs, "Flaming Walls" and "An Empty You", because they were the only ones that Charles could remember. We sort of flubbed through it, but we still did well and it was a lot of fun. Then, Ayn and Roel stepped down and I said, "Now we are Soft Pillow Kisses," which made the audience laugh a little. We played around 4 songs without basslines, and that was it.
Buzz Night was over and we thanked the bands. We, along with Charles, Jann Paul, Jil and the Angus vocalist, and two people from Tether, decided to go to Sizzling Stop in Tomas Morato for some eats. I felt tired and queasy and asthma-y, so I had to go home early, but I think the rest of them stayed there until 7 am. Woah.
***
This Wednesday, Candyaudioline will be playing at Mayric's… but keep posted because PNE might have a video shoot and not push through with the show. On Thursday, though, we will definitely be playing at Peligro Bar in Makati. Be there.
Candyaudioline sked:
October 27, Wednesday - Mayric's
October 28, Thursday - Peligro, Makati
But first, let me tell you about our Urge Tour experience.
Allan had arranged for a van to pick me up at 1 pm. Mike the driver and I then went to Jollibee Rotonda to pick Lara up. We picked Charles and Jann Paul up at Charles' place and landed at Allan's at 3 pm. We waited around a bit for him to make a business call. Jann Paul and I pooled our money together to buy P50 worth of fried chicken skin (yum), and we all snacked on it while waiting. I'm sure we all subtracted 5 days off our lives doing that. Then, we started for Blue Wave.
Ayn was texting us because she wanted to meet us there, and I was becoming anxious that we wouldn't get there on time. Binondo had really bad traffic and I kept squirming nervously in my seat. Fortunately, we arrived only 15 minutes past our 4 pm call time and Ayn arrived there at almost exactly the same moment.
We had a little problem with the contact, and it turned out that they had scheduled us to play an hour after the original sked, which was a problem because Allan, Charles and Jann Paul had to leave the venue by 6 pm to work at the two Moonstar gigs set that night. But, after we explained the situation to the organizers, they let us set up and be the first act. The guy said we could play six songs, which surprised us because Diego told us to prepare three to four. I was really nervous about the fact that we weren't exactly the appropriate act for a skateboarding competition, but I remembered that Diego had told me the night before that Urge really wanted the talents to be diverse and so they got everything from ska to pop to punk. Oh well, bahala na, I said to myself. So we started playing "Vodka Ice # 3", and it was really funny because the crowd was kind of surprised. But they were polite. I was jittery for the first two songs, but I got used to the strangeness and relaxed after a while.
It was a surreal experience. Try to imagine singing "Bathing In The Sun" while bikers and in-line skaters are doing somersaults and stunts right in front of you… and then off into the distance is a wide, green field of cogon grass… above that, there's a blue expanse of sky marred only by a thin vapor trail from a jet engine… to the left, planes are taking off…
Everything went smoothly. We finished and accepted the snacks the organizer gave out. Then, Allan, Charles and Jann Paul left for Eastwood, while Ayn and I dropped Lara off at Buendia, where she had another gig with Death By Tampon. Ayn and I hung out at her house. We lounged on her black satin sheets and did lesbian acts. Just kidding… I was testing to see if you were still reading hehehe. Ayn and I are past that stage. Haha. Just kidding again. We were both tired and we listened to NU 107's live broadcast of some gig. Sandwich was playing, with the singer of Imago jamming with them. They started to sing one of their old songs and I was so tired and listless, but I couldn't help chuckling after a while because their vocal improvs reminded me of the way hosts on ASAP try to outdo each other…
Anyway, lest I start another controversy… we played with Tristania for a while and then we had dinner. Ayn and I started for Mayric's and got there late. I was so worried because Allan had entrusted Buzz Night to me again, and I had no way of knowing who came first… but then he said that Jil of Angus had already set a sequence and he even asked Einstein Chakras to start playing already. Jil saved my life! I thanked him profusely. Later that night, he told me that he just sort of went from table to table asking the people which band they were and what time they arrived so he could figure out a sequence. Galing! All I had to do when I arrived was fill in the gaps, and we were all good to go. But I couldn't rest completely until every band had a place, which was why Ekong asked me at one point if I was okay because I looked a little out of it. My mind was in bits and pieces all over the floor, and I was only able to relax when the last missing band member was there. I was also trying to time the event so that the rest of Soft Pillow Kisses could make it to Mayric's in time to perform last. They almost didn't.
Ayn and I were only able to catch Einstein Chakras' last song, so I'm not sure how they turned out, but Jil told us that they agreed to play and start the show even if their bassist hadn't arrived yet, and for that, I am grateful to them. Next, played Dennis' band, My Science Project, and they performed well. I wish I could play like their keyboardist. I enjoyed their indie tunes. Helen then took the stage, and I got to listen to them more. I like their slow, smooth feel, but I think the bass is what gives them their kick. I love their bass lines. Sunset Drive played after them, and I think this time I've realized that they really sound much better than and really different from their popular counterparts. By that time, I was feeling a little calmer; Ayn and I were just drinking our beer and watching. But then, Jil came up to me and said that their vocalist was feeling under the weather and that he could probably only sing a few songs. I suddenly panicked again… they wanted to sing only 4, but I needed them to sing 6 in order for the other SPK members to get there on time. They said they'd try to do more. When they started playing, I expected the vocalist to have a hard time, but he didn't sound off or anything. In fact, Angus was very tight (though I think their keyboards were a little too loud) and Ayn and I couldn't help noting how much they'd improved since the last time they played at Buzz Night. Next played Tether, a little more subdued than usual, but not in a bad way. Their guitars were less loud, but still kick-ass, and this time, the vocalist could be heard, which helped people hear how good their songs were.
Allan, Charles and Jann Paul arrived just as the last song was ending and I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Lara was still nowhere in sight, but Allan said we'd play a laid-back set anyway. But then Roel arrived suddenly, fresh from his three Parokya gigs… I was amazed at his endurance. I suggested to Allan that we play a short Candyaudioline set with Charles on lead, and he asked Ayn if she wanted to, and both she and Roel agreed. It was exciting to do it impromptu… I only wished Ralph were there to share it with us. We played two songs, "Flaming Walls" and "An Empty You", because they were the only ones that Charles could remember. We sort of flubbed through it, but we still did well and it was a lot of fun. Then, Ayn and Roel stepped down and I said, "Now we are Soft Pillow Kisses," which made the audience laugh a little. We played around 4 songs without basslines, and that was it.
Buzz Night was over and we thanked the bands. We, along with Charles, Jann Paul, Jil and the Angus vocalist, and two people from Tether, decided to go to Sizzling Stop in Tomas Morato for some eats. I felt tired and queasy and asthma-y, so I had to go home early, but I think the rest of them stayed there until 7 am. Woah.
***
This Wednesday, Candyaudioline will be playing at Mayric's… but keep posted because PNE might have a video shoot and not push through with the show. On Thursday, though, we will definitely be playing at Peligro Bar in Makati. Be there.
Candyaudioline sked:
October 27, Wednesday - Mayric's
October 28, Thursday - Peligro, Makati
Friday, October 22, 2004
candy news
ralph came out of the hospital last wednesday. he did not only have pneumonia but was also in the early stages of dengue hemorrhagic fever, which was fortunately nipped in the bud. he says thor was able to leave the hospital before he was himself.
roel is still at whatever he is doing, which is probably roadie-ing for PNE and having a good time. he also buys and sells really good ukay finds for his friends and many acquaintances (and this is true).
ayn is finishing finals at law school. she will be able to play and practice starting next week. (yipee!)
allan is back to working himself to death but he now alternates that with splurging on dragonball dvds.
i am emailing stuff for work. bleeagh.
***
buzz night is tomorrow night! don't forget to pass by mayric's!
also, if you will be in the manila bay area tomorrow afternoon, soft pillow kisses will be playing at the urge tour at blue wave. weird. hehe.
roel is still at whatever he is doing, which is probably roadie-ing for PNE and having a good time. he also buys and sells really good ukay finds for his friends and many acquaintances (and this is true).
ayn is finishing finals at law school. she will be able to play and practice starting next week. (yipee!)
allan is back to working himself to death but he now alternates that with splurging on dragonball dvds.
i am emailing stuff for work. bleeagh.
***
buzz night is tomorrow night! don't forget to pass by mayric's!
also, if you will be in the manila bay area tomorrow afternoon, soft pillow kisses will be playing at the urge tour at blue wave. weird. hehe.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Buzz Night Lineup for Saturday, October 23
Hi! These are the bands lined-up for this Saturday's Buzz Night:
Einstein Chakras
Helen
My Science Project
Soft Pillow Kisses
Sunset Drive
Tether
join the club
Einstein Chakras
Helen
My Science Project
Soft Pillow Kisses
Sunset Drive
Tether
join the club
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Buzz Night Lineup for Saturday, October 23
Hi! These are the bands lined-up for this Saturday's Buzz Night:
Einstein Chakras
Helen
My Science Project
Soft Pillow Kisses*
Sunset Drive
Tether
* 'Di pa confirmed.
Buzz Night is on October 23 at Mayric's, Espana, in front of UST. Shows starts at 10 pm.
*
Candyaudioline will be playing on October 27, Wednesday at Mayric's, too. More info on that soon.
*
Ralph was hospitalized for pneumonia at Delgado, too. He and Thor have not yet gotten out of the hospital, but I don't know how accurate that piece of news is as I just got it from Allan. He might be coming out today, though. Ayn's daughter Tristia was also hospitalized this week but she's out now. Lara said last night at an SPK gig at 70's Bistro that ex-candy vocalist Mich has also been hospitalized, but we don't know if it's true or why yet.
Hope everybody gets better soon.
Einstein Chakras
Helen
My Science Project
Soft Pillow Kisses*
Sunset Drive
Tether
* 'Di pa confirmed.
Buzz Night is on October 23 at Mayric's, Espana, in front of UST. Shows starts at 10 pm.
*
Candyaudioline will be playing on October 27, Wednesday at Mayric's, too. More info on that soon.
*
Ralph was hospitalized for pneumonia at Delgado, too. He and Thor have not yet gotten out of the hospital, but I don't know how accurate that piece of news is as I just got it from Allan. He might be coming out today, though. Ayn's daughter Tristia was also hospitalized this week but she's out now. Lara said last night at an SPK gig at 70's Bistro that ex-candy vocalist Mich has also been hospitalized, but we don't know if it's true or why yet.
Hope everybody gets better soon.
Friday, October 15, 2004
gigs in the near future
next week, candyaudioline will be practicing and playing again. it's semestral break and everyone will be a little freer. we'll probably be fronting for PNE at Mayric's on the 27th. Don't miss that. I won't. hehe. he.
will be updating shortly.
will be updating shortly.
Friday, October 08, 2004
myspkexperiencelastnight
last night, it was only us and tether because popdays couldn't make it. we kind of expected that, so it wasn't a problem. we decided to treat the night like practice. tether played first. they were really tight, and everything was relaxed so their vocalist was too. i think their other two songs, aside from that angas one i really like, are starting to grow on me. tapos... they sang "space manatee" by heavenly and said it was for me. apparently, they are under the impression that i love heavenly, which isn't entirely accurate. see, before allan and i stumbled on them at millennia in october or november 2003, i had not yet heard a heavenly song. but since then of course, i have and i do like their music. still, it was appropriate, i think, for tether to have played that song for me because... well, i'm the "spacedust" in it and allan is the "space manatee". :D hehe.
tether played around 6 or 7 songs and even previewed two new ones for us. soft pillow kisses then set up their instruments. i was itching to play the guitar because i knew it would only be us, so i begged allan to let me fool around with his before our set. he then had the idea of letting me play guitar for a camera obscura cover, and i did, with lara sharing vocals with me. it was really fun and went pretty well. but allan wanted me to try playing other pillow songs. so i tried. and some parts were good, but others, i flubbed. it was kind of embarrassing and i hoped i wasn't wasting too much of everyone's time. i think i have to practice with an electric guitar before i try performing onstage like that again.
but it was fun. i do have to admit that.
allan took the helm after a couple of songs and we finished the set impeccably. afterwards, we all sat around and talked and joked around. allan made this little monster sketch with lara's bag. lara and i sang videoke-worthy songs while waiting for a taxi; we kept trying to best each other cheesily haha.
then we went home.
+++
Buzz Night is on October 23 at Mayric's.
tether played around 6 or 7 songs and even previewed two new ones for us. soft pillow kisses then set up their instruments. i was itching to play the guitar because i knew it would only be us, so i begged allan to let me fool around with his before our set. he then had the idea of letting me play guitar for a camera obscura cover, and i did, with lara sharing vocals with me. it was really fun and went pretty well. but allan wanted me to try playing other pillow songs. so i tried. and some parts were good, but others, i flubbed. it was kind of embarrassing and i hoped i wasn't wasting too much of everyone's time. i think i have to practice with an electric guitar before i try performing onstage like that again.
but it was fun. i do have to admit that.
allan took the helm after a couple of songs and we finished the set impeccably. afterwards, we all sat around and talked and joked around. allan made this little monster sketch with lara's bag. lara and i sang videoke-worthy songs while waiting for a taxi; we kept trying to best each other cheesily haha.
then we went home.
+++
Buzz Night is on October 23 at Mayric's.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Some Pictures at the Delgado Hospital
With the new mom
With the new parents
"You think you can bribe me with that???"
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Soft Pillow Kisses at Freedom Bar
hi!
Soft Pillow Kisses will have a long set this THURSDAY, Oct. 7, 2004 at Freedom bar, Anonas.
The night will also feature Tether and another band...
Entrance is at P100.
See you there!
Soft Pillow Kisses will have a long set this THURSDAY, Oct. 7, 2004 at Freedom bar, Anonas.
The night will also feature Tether and another band...
Entrance is at P100.
See you there!
A Glimpse of Thor
Ralph and Charmaine’s son is named after one of the most prominent gods in Scandinavian Mythology and it is no surprise that Thor survived the distress that he had to go through in his journey. Like the Roman Statesman, Gaius Julius Ceasar, his mother also had to go under the knife at the last minute because, according to Ralph, the birth canal was too small for the baby to go through. Despite the foetal distress, the 8-pound Thor is healthy, though he still has to be under observation at the nursery room for a few days more.
Tristia and I were able to get a glimpse of him there and we were also able to watch a short video of him that Ralph was so eager to show us. Thor is fair skinned, good looking and has a big built--he will one day make many girls cry like his dad. He he.
We spent more time in the room talking about Charmaine’s operation, chatting with the other visitors who were all so giddy about Tristia, eating the cake we brought, and taking pictures.
Tristia also kept us busy, most of the time, watching her steal the food on Charmaine’s tray, grabbing my cup of soda, and letting us hear her sing the ABC song. I bet Ralph and Charmaine are both excited about their son who will soon be as big and as entertaining as her. In a few months, Thor will also be tagging along our gigs and parties.
Who knows, in the future he might also be as good a guitar player like his dad—or maybe even better like the god Thor with his magic hammer.
Congratulations Ralph and Charmaine!!!
Tristia and I were able to get a glimpse of him there and we were also able to watch a short video of him that Ralph was so eager to show us. Thor is fair skinned, good looking and has a big built--he will one day make many girls cry like his dad. He he.
We spent more time in the room talking about Charmaine’s operation, chatting with the other visitors who were all so giddy about Tristia, eating the cake we brought, and taking pictures.
Tristia also kept us busy, most of the time, watching her steal the food on Charmaine’s tray, grabbing my cup of soda, and letting us hear her sing the ABC song. I bet Ralph and Charmaine are both excited about their son who will soon be as big and as entertaining as her. In a few months, Thor will also be tagging along our gigs and parties.
Who knows, in the future he might also be as good a guitar player like his dad—or maybe even better like the god Thor with his magic hammer.
Congratulations Ralph and Charmaine!!!
Monday, October 04, 2004
A “Thor” is Born!
Yesterday, I woke up at 9 am (very reluctantly) after only 4 hours of sleep and took a peep at my cellphone messages. Ralph had texted at about 7:30 that Charmaine was giving birth. I asked him where they were; he replied, “D place 2 be. Delgado :)”
My head was still reeling, of course, so I wasn’t sure about any plan of action. After establishing that Charmaine was safe and, so far, having normal labor, I decided to postpone any decisions until I felt better myself. At around 11, Ralph told me he had a ton of stuff with him and had difficulty snatching yosi breaks and he was bored. I took a short jeep ride to the hospital to lend him one of Allan’s old Alternative Press issues to read. As I got off the jeep, I encountered Ralph himself in front of Mercury Drug. Charmaine’s in-law had arrived and Ralph wanted to get a drink. We went inside the hospital and caught up a little, and he told me that Charmaine was fine generally. He was just hoping that they’d let the baby sleep with them once he was out so he could take a video of him. Ralph kept jogging back and forth to Information to take care of room arrangements. He finally was able to get a semi-private room (114-B), though he had been hoping for a private one, except that there were none available. We put his things there so he would be free to roam around and pace nervously, like all expectant fathers do. Seeing he was settled, I went back home to unsuccessfully catch more sleep.
I spent the early afternoon visiting my niece Nona with Khalil and their family. By 3 pm, I was really tired and very sleepy. Allan had called me on my cell because we were supposed to go out this afternoon, but it seemed it was too late to follow our original plan so we decided to postpone it ‘til early evening. My phone went dead then. I got back home at 5 pm and charged it; then I received Ralph’s text that Charmaine had to undergo a c-section because she was at 5 cm for three hours. I asked him if it was absolute because my sister-in-law had the same problem, only Khalil was born naturally at the last minute. Ralph said it was inevitable because Thor was an LGA baby, too, and the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around his neck. Yikes. Ralph said he went home first because Charmaine was scheduled to come out of the recovery room at 9 pm this evening. I told him I’d pray for a successful operation. It was also about this time that Ayn texted asking if we wanted to visit them later that night. Thinking that Charmaine would be tired and visiting hours would be over, I told her that I was going to go the next day after work.
I slept one blessed hour, which felt unbelievably short. Then Allan called me and asked me to come with him to buy a DVD at SM City. On the way, Ralph called him up and told Allan he would be back at the hospital by 8 and that visiting hours would in fact be over by 10 pm. Allan then decided we should pass by the hospital before then, and we tried calling Ayn, but she, because I had told her we weren’t going to visit that night, had already fallen asleep. When we arrived at the hospital, Ralph was pacing around in the driveway, so the two guys smoked outside for a while. Ralph told us Charmaine was ok and was in the recovery room, which relieved us greatly. It was only 15 minutes into the conversation that he informed us nonchalantly that Thor had been born at around 3:30 pm. Ralph!!!
Ralph showed us the video he took right after Thor was brought out. He is a big baby, 8 lbs. heavy, and he has a mop of black hair. On the video, his mouth was open wiiiide and his chest was heaving in great gulps of air. He was crying very loudly; we could hear him well through the tiny speakers of Ralph’s videocam. It was great to see him like that. We couldn’t help feeling proud, too. Allan said, “Ralph--- AMA KA NA!”
After a half hour more, we decided to go home and call it a night.
Congratulations, Ralph and Charmaine, on the birth of your baby boy, Eniamrahc Thor. :)
My head was still reeling, of course, so I wasn’t sure about any plan of action. After establishing that Charmaine was safe and, so far, having normal labor, I decided to postpone any decisions until I felt better myself. At around 11, Ralph told me he had a ton of stuff with him and had difficulty snatching yosi breaks and he was bored. I took a short jeep ride to the hospital to lend him one of Allan’s old Alternative Press issues to read. As I got off the jeep, I encountered Ralph himself in front of Mercury Drug. Charmaine’s in-law had arrived and Ralph wanted to get a drink. We went inside the hospital and caught up a little, and he told me that Charmaine was fine generally. He was just hoping that they’d let the baby sleep with them once he was out so he could take a video of him. Ralph kept jogging back and forth to Information to take care of room arrangements. He finally was able to get a semi-private room (114-B), though he had been hoping for a private one, except that there were none available. We put his things there so he would be free to roam around and pace nervously, like all expectant fathers do. Seeing he was settled, I went back home to unsuccessfully catch more sleep.
I spent the early afternoon visiting my niece Nona with Khalil and their family. By 3 pm, I was really tired and very sleepy. Allan had called me on my cell because we were supposed to go out this afternoon, but it seemed it was too late to follow our original plan so we decided to postpone it ‘til early evening. My phone went dead then. I got back home at 5 pm and charged it; then I received Ralph’s text that Charmaine had to undergo a c-section because she was at 5 cm for three hours. I asked him if it was absolute because my sister-in-law had the same problem, only Khalil was born naturally at the last minute. Ralph said it was inevitable because Thor was an LGA baby, too, and the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around his neck. Yikes. Ralph said he went home first because Charmaine was scheduled to come out of the recovery room at 9 pm this evening. I told him I’d pray for a successful operation. It was also about this time that Ayn texted asking if we wanted to visit them later that night. Thinking that Charmaine would be tired and visiting hours would be over, I told her that I was going to go the next day after work.
I slept one blessed hour, which felt unbelievably short. Then Allan called me and asked me to come with him to buy a DVD at SM City. On the way, Ralph called him up and told Allan he would be back at the hospital by 8 and that visiting hours would in fact be over by 10 pm. Allan then decided we should pass by the hospital before then, and we tried calling Ayn, but she, because I had told her we weren’t going to visit that night, had already fallen asleep. When we arrived at the hospital, Ralph was pacing around in the driveway, so the two guys smoked outside for a while. Ralph told us Charmaine was ok and was in the recovery room, which relieved us greatly. It was only 15 minutes into the conversation that he informed us nonchalantly that Thor had been born at around 3:30 pm. Ralph!!!
Ralph showed us the video he took right after Thor was brought out. He is a big baby, 8 lbs. heavy, and he has a mop of black hair. On the video, his mouth was open wiiiide and his chest was heaving in great gulps of air. He was crying very loudly; we could hear him well through the tiny speakers of Ralph’s videocam. It was great to see him like that. We couldn’t help feeling proud, too. Allan said, “Ralph--- AMA KA NA!”
After a half hour more, we decided to go home and call it a night.
Congratulations, Ralph and Charmaine, on the birth of your baby boy, Eniamrahc Thor. :)
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