He was born and raised in a small town in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, my papa is from a political clan in the town of Camarines Sur from long ago – Governor Paz Cea de Conde (1st woman Governor in the Philippines), Governor Gerardo Fuentebella Cea, Senator Edmundo Cea (Senator), et al; As a corporate man, he was working as a Vice President for a multinational logistics company.

My papa always had a plan to run for Mayor in his town, he gave back and served until it was his time to go from this beautiful world.

Growing up, I always wished my papa was still alive so I can give back with whatever he deserved as a hardworking father, but though destiny did not make it happen, I always know that my papa is somehow proud of what I have become, and I promise to give back and continue the legacy that he has started – of being a good family and a community man.

My papa left this beautiful world when I was a young man, in my early 20’s when everything was still a blur for me, when figuring out who I was was my priority and making money was in the least of my concern, because at the back of my mind, I always have my father to back me up.

As a young artist, I was a headache, and I know for sure that my father was not proud of my dire love for the arts, and I barely make enough money. It’s out there, artists have always been stereotyped as “starving.” Artists have always been viewed as “talented but poor.” My papa, being a Vice President of a company and a barangay politician, has always wanted me to become an executive leader, a manager, someone of high regards; but I was doing otherwise because then again, I was still discovering who I was and it’s in the arts that I find solace. His well-intended concern was for me to have a firm future, just like any other parents would. Growing up, it was hard to grasp his reasons, but as I grow older, I genuinely understand why.

I am thankful that somehow as years passed by, I have managed to grow up and economically understand that I need to have my creativity work for me, and here we are doing creative things and earning at the same time.

I know I always had papa’s leadership style, and I always wish to continue being a great leader in this young age. Papa, I know you have been gone for more than a decade, but you are always a part of me and who I am capable of becoming.

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I was very inspired to see a lot of successful people. I was, most of the time, people gazing and had internal conversation in my head and wishing that someday I can be just as successful as them. Not soon, but I know it will be someday.

One afternoon during our break time, I was sitting in a sofa with my fellow event staff when a middle-aged man, maybe in his 40’s, sat just right across of us. In his suit and tie, he casually introduced himself as Mr. Albaran of Verizon business; we had a casual small conversation about our personal and professional life, but before we parted ways he said something that I can never forget.

He told me that someday I will be leading a pack of man, and people will listen and follow me. My inner thoughts couldn’t comprehend what he meant, but I am sure that he was somewhat telling me that I will be a great leader someday.

I was amazed that right after our conversation, I quickly wrote the words he told me on social media for me to be reminded of what he said; and fast forward to 2021, it popped up on my feed, and its heartwarming to read back these exact words in this time that I am already fulfilling the “prophetic words” of a random stranger from 11 years ago.

I don’t actually know where Mr. Albaran is now, I tried searching for him several times on the internet, but I cannot find him. Wherever you are now Mr. Albaran, thank you for you words and I hope you well always.

Maraming Salamat!

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Joanna Wang is Taiwanese-American Singer-Songwriter and a left-handed guitarist; and of all the other singers that I admire, she is my favorite. She has influenced my life for 9 years now. Her music and personality best describe me and my mood.

All of her songs are well-loved, but the song that I love most is her singing a 1952 hit “That’s All” by Nat King Cole. Her husky and calm voice give life to every melody and words from the song.

Bringing much emotions to me is this verse where the singer assures that there is not much that he is asking in a relationship, but honest love. It goes –

If you’re wondering what I’m asking in return, dear
You’ll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it’s me that you’ll adore
For now and ever more
That’s all, that’s all

I listen to her song most often, especially when I feel the need to have some dopamine hit and creative inspiration. Her music has always been my comfort. A very classic artist I must say.

Though she widely received positive feedbacks from her album “Let’s Start From Here”, she may not like the whole concept and being called a Jazz Singer was not a thing for her.

“I just want to say that singing less ‘high’ (upbeat) songs doesn’t necessarily equate to being jazzy. That’s a misunderstanding I seem to hear a lot in Asia.”; “I don’t think I am a jazz singer; but unfortunately, I’ve been stuck with this label for some odd reason.” she explained with a little frown in one interview.

Later on in 2019, Joanna found her calling and came back to the limelight with her retro romance album. I still love her nonetheless.

Here is the music video of my most loved song from Joanna. Enjoy the song.

I love you, Joanna. From your number #1 fan from the Philippines.

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If there is one person worthy of the first feature in my blog that would be my mama. Her name is Verginia Ingkong Eniola – Cea from Ozamis City, Philippines. “Vergie” for short. She was an Accountant when she was younger, until she decided to do business after my Papa died in 2006 at the age of 55 years old. My papa (God bless his soul) was a Corporate Man (VP) for a Logistics Company, and a Politician.

Her children are Katrina Angelie, Karlo Angelo, Krista Angela and Kristiana Angelica. Chronologically, yes I am the second child.

I always admire my mama’s thrifty attitude, she has always been good at budgeting and handling finances, well she was an Accountant, she should know better.

Compared to my papa, I am more closer to her. She understands me more than anyone in the family.

She puts us first and makes sure we get quality education, and we did. My mama is into fitness, she owned a community gym inside our village for quite sometime, until she decided to put it for sale in 2018. Though without a gym, she manages to do daily Zumba sessions with fellow titas in our subdivision at the community hall. She is slimmer and looks younger than the rest of my sisters. Haha.

My mama owns and runs her transportation business now.

Following the footsteps of my papa, She also plans to run for politics at the next election. I will be forever supportive.

I will do my best to provide and give back to my mama. Besides, that is our work as children – To give back to our parents who took care of us since since we were innocent little kids. Let’s all Make Our Mama Proud.

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