amiel roldan blog

11212011 My grandfather Gerardo and grandmother Brigida later moved to Mandaluyong, Manila in the early '60s. My grandfather worked in an office and my grandmother worked in a telephone company. Between them, the family survived and their younger siblings who visited often. They had eight children. The eldest was afforded a soldiers scholarship from my grandfather. The second son named Gerardo paid for in education. The third named Cesar (my father), worked and paid for his education. They became the pillars of the now smaller family in Manila. The three sons became lawyers. They had several younger children and between the adults and the older siblings, they all took care of their new home. Struggling from the trauma of the war and dislocation, the city life offered a novelty and hope too. The youngest named Narciso, they eventually brought to America later on. Another son Roberto followed but eventually settled in Canada in adulthood. Another son Jose stayed in the Philippines.

11202011 It's the last quarter of the 2011 year. A lot of things had happened and passed. Changes have matured everyone including me. Body aches and pains seem just too normal now. Vanity and old age seem most extreme too. I have lost a loved one yet I had gained new friends. My family is strong. I have thrown my heart to corporate servitude to better myself and it handed me back a gift to start anew without strings attached. I had gambled and hoped I would not be regretful for choosing responsibilities first and yet Fate hands my freedom back unexpectedly. Stakes are on my side this time around- older and hopefully wiser. I am ready to work my ass off for my artmaking and to no one. I don't want to miss out on an important part. I want to breathe again. They say when Serendipity smiles on you, you have to catch it with open arms. She has smiled at me many times and I had to let go. Yet, she smiles again and this time I could catch it with open arms and hopefully I would

11102011 The past few months were a trial. I have been quite busy with going around exhibitions, inventory, painting and promoting my own works around. I guess it is a humbling situation to be bogged down most of the time. I keep a positive outlook and always persevere. I am well rewarded by the patience and sincerity of most people. I enjoy life and I hope to enjoy living it up. I keep life's challenges at an arm's length and the gains in the same light. We are always better on the next attempt and we just go on with it. I have treated it well and no more regrets for me today. I have more choices in life than I could handle and I thrive on these sudden events. Preparing and being prepared for the unexpected has its advantages. I had prepared all my life and worried a lot but that doesn't make my life complete. It just makes it bearable and convenient. We only have this lifetime to do the things we dream. It just starts this minute and let life lead you a merry chase.