Wednesday, May 4, 2011
First 24 hours at home with Emilio
EARLY MORNING WAKE UP.
IS HE HAPPY OR NOT SO HAPPY TO SEE HIS MAMA?! DOES OSITO LOOK HAPPIER?
Emilio's welcome home day
EARLY MORNING WAKE UP.
IS HE HAPPY OR NOT SO HAPPY TO SEE HIS MAMA?! DOES OSITO LOOK HAPPIER?
First 24 hours at home with Emilio
EARLY MORNING WAKE UP.
IS HE HAPPY OR NOT SO HAPPY TO SEE HIS MAMA?! DOES OSITO LOOK HAPPIER?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
home safe and sound
Next time, by hook or by crook, the little monkey comes with us! Our trip will instead start out looking like the pics below.
We couldn't be any happier, what a trip!
Love to all, Pebs and Jon
Monday, May 2, 2011
Finished!
We just got home from our last screening. Our 2 additional screenings were in the biggest theater yet and were totally sold out. I want to write in detail about everything we felt and experienced through this whole journey with you all, but I am totally wiped out. I just couldn't go to sleep without saying Thank You! Not just for you're incredible love and support during the festival, or for all you generous donations to the campaign, but for every step along the way that led us here - and there's been a lot of them! This has been a family project since day one, and I can't imagine a more perfect launch of the film. It was a little sad not having you all with us at the final screenings, and strange not seeing Jon scavenging for ballots on the floor, but we will carry the torch alone for a while until we arrive in festivals near your homes soon.
I feel so lucky to be a part of Team Paco.
Everyone keeps on asking "What does it feel like?"
Tonight I am going to sleep with a heart overflowing with gratitude - and that feels pretty awesome. It's thanks to all of you who were here both physically and in spirit. Together, we all kicked Tribeca's ass! Next stop - Toronto!!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The celebration on our side of the world....
Yesterday was a beautiful and sunny day in Vancouver.
So beautiful that even with nowhere to go, Ysabella and I went out for a walk.
It wasn't a long walk though....I couldn't be far from my computer.
Why?
Because I kept checking. Every 15 minutes.
Checking. Checking. Checking.
The results through Wednesday had them at 1st place.
Results through Wednesday....What does that mean?
That means including Wednesday right?
I think I asked Marco this question a million times.
Why is it taking so long? - another million times asked question.
It was like giving birth! Wating. Waiting. Waiting.
Breath in, breath out - hit the refresh button - nothing.
Any news? Jon? Marty? Google?
It was already 9pm in NY. What's taking so damn long?
Bella asked:
"Mama, can I have dessert?"
Not till we hear the news.
A little sacrifice so that your Titos win.
Xavi asked:
"Mama, can I have dessert?"
Not till we hear the news.
A little sacrifice so that your Titos win.
Then finally....the phone rang.
And on the other end Pebs' voice screamed...
"Cinds, THEY WON! THEY WON!"
I jumped up and down! I cried. I screamed too. "THEY WON! THEY WON!"
Then we were all jumping. And screaming. And crying.
All four of us.
"Mama, now can we have dessert?"
Sunday, April 24, 2011
At breakfast...preparing for the big premier!
Making "Free Paco Now" posters
YUM! Belgian Waffles with White Chocolate and Praline!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Big Day!
The excitement starts with an early trip to Lord & Taylor to find shoes for today's special event!
We were the first in line to get in. We had front row seats.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Day 2 NYC . BIG day tomorrow!
Sorry everyone, wasn't so mindful of the camera today.
It may seem as if we are guilty - pics only of Katz's for bfast and a film festival film on martial arts. But alas, we did more in NYC on day two. Aside from Pastrami sandwich on rye with root beer and french fries at 9am, we went to momofuko for an amazing lunch, then movie, then mexican dinner.
Food, watch, food. The hard life.
There was some walking and talking in between, but who cares, really.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Happy Birthday, MarcoBarco!
Dear Marco,
Hope you have a splendid day! A day where you don't need to sign anything, read anything, worry about anything and just bask in the love of your family! You will always be.... the best dancer of the family, the best michael jackson impersonator, Carissa's favorite brother in law ( although she has taken that back now and you will have to share that spot with Mike), our most beloved color-blind man and also one of the nicest people that anybody would ever have the honor to meet!
So, go ahead, put your feet up and enjoy your birthday.
I have it on good authority that Cindy has been taking foot reflexology classes, just for this day:-)
Happy Birthday!
From your bros, their hos and assorted tidbits....
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Letter from Sofia to her beloved family....
Dear All,
Thank you so much for all the heartfelt letters that you wrote to me.
I can safely say that I was the most surprised person there, upon
receiving a veritable novella during Catechism Retreat. But I felt, when I read
them all, like the luckiest girl in the world. I have the most loving
family, and only two more catechism classes. What more can a girl wish
for? But I digress, you are all so special to me, and the fact that
you all took time to write these messages of love really touched me.
Thank you so much for all the heartfelt letters that you wrote to me.
I can safely say that I was the most surprised person there, upon
receiving a veritable novella during Catechism Retreat. But I felt, when I read
them all, like the luckiest girl in the world. I have the most loving
family, and only two more catechism classes. What more can a girl wish
for? But I digress, you are all so special to me, and the fact that
you all took time to write these messages of love really touched me.
Tita Edith and Tito Chuck --Thank you. Thank you for supporting me, for loving me, for always
being there for me, and for not letting me fall out of the boat on the
way to El Nido. Thank you for being -you-. You guys are amazing and
inspirational. You've inspired me to write, and to live life to the
fullest. This family wouldn't be the same without you guys.
being there for me, and for not letting me fall out of the boat on the
way to El Nido. Thank you for being -you-. You guys are amazing and
inspirational. You've inspired me to write, and to live life to the
fullest. This family wouldn't be the same without you guys.
Tita Pebbles --Thank you for encouraging me to be myself. I always look forwards to
the times you get to visit Singapore. When I was younger, I found
myself wishing that I could be more like you. You're smart and funny,
and an all-around awesome tita. To this day, I am proud and slightly
embarrassed to admit that I go to Mango to try and get the same shorts
you have. Thank you for being such an awesome rolemodel, and I know
you'll be an amazing god-older-sister.
the times you get to visit Singapore. When I was younger, I found
myself wishing that I could be more like you. You're smart and funny,
and an all-around awesome tita. To this day, I am proud and slightly
embarrassed to admit that I go to Mango to try and get the same shorts
you have. Thank you for being such an awesome rolemodel, and I know
you'll be an amazing god-older-sister.
Ninang Carissa --You are an awesome Ninang. Thank you for teaching me that puto tastes
sooooo much better with Imperial Cheese, that everyday presents an
opportunity, and that everyone in Canada doesn't really say "eh". C is
for Carissa; C is for the most -Chill- Syjuco. C is for caring; C is
for composed and calm; C is for cool.
sooooo much better with Imperial Cheese, that everyday presents an
opportunity, and that everyone in Canada doesn't really say "eh". C is
for Carissa; C is for the most -Chill- Syjuco. C is for caring; C is
for composed and calm; C is for cool.
Tita Candy --Thank you for teaching me to respect others, to stop and think, and to
always find time for God. You are an amazing lady, and I really admire
you. Trips to Spain would be nothing without you. You've taught me to
listen, how to arrange plants so that the baño is covered, how to have
better table manners than those richy richies, and that anything
(especially old coffee tables) can be restored with a little love.
always find time for God. You are an amazing lady, and I really admire
you. Trips to Spain would be nothing without you. You've taught me to
listen, how to arrange plants so that the baño is covered, how to have
better table manners than those richy richies, and that anything
(especially old coffee tables) can be restored with a little love.
Dadboy & Mamady --I love you guys. Thank you for being awesome grandparents, I'm so
proud to be your granddaughter. Moving to Singapore, as upsetting and
sudden as it was, did have some highlights. One of those was that I
could be closer to you guys. The other was that the closer to Mamady I
am, the closer I am to corn beef and pastillas de leche. Thank you for
always being there for me, for letting me hide behind Dadboy whenever
my mom tried to make me take a bath, and for being pillars of strength
that I can always rely on.
proud to be your granddaughter. Moving to Singapore, as upsetting and
sudden as it was, did have some highlights. One of those was that I
could be closer to you guys. The other was that the closer to Mamady I
am, the closer I am to corn beef and pastillas de leche. Thank you for
always being there for me, for letting me hide behind Dadboy whenever
my mom tried to make me take a bath, and for being pillars of strength
that I can always rely on.
Ninong Jos --I have such fond memories of hanging out with you in SF. You really
taught me to appreciate all the small things in life. You're so much
fun to be around, and I'm very lucky that I have a ninong like you.
taught me to appreciate all the small things in life. You're so much
fun to be around, and I'm very lucky that I have a ninong like you.
Tito Jon --As much as I would have loved having you at my retreat, I am glad that
you were safe in Manila. I'm not sure how well the church people would
have taken to a song like that. But, it seems that I have to formulate
a response of my own.
you were safe in Manila. I'm not sure how well the church people would
have taken to a song like that. But, it seems that I have to formulate
a response of my own.
Oooh Tito Jon of mine
All your farts are oh so fine
Oh Tito Jon
Poot, Poot,
Oh Tito Jon
All your farts are oh so fine
Oh Tito Jon
Poot, Poot,
Oh Tito Jon
After announcing this song to my parental units, my mom suggested some
changes, while loudly proclaiming "He wants to go there? Well, WE'RE
the experts on this topic." As goes without saying, those 'additions'
were omitted from this version.
Thank you for being an awesome uncle, one who I can always laugh at
and with, who I know I can always turn to, and who will always eat my
pies, no matter how yucky they are. I <3 you Tito the Bomb Jon!
changes, while loudly proclaiming "He wants to go there? Well, WE'RE
the experts on this topic." As goes without saying, those 'additions'
were omitted from this version.
Thank you for being an awesome uncle, one who I can always laugh at
and with, who I know I can always turn to, and who will always eat my
pies, no matter how yucky they are. I <3 you Tito the Bomb Jon!
Tita Tatat --My dad always tells me to be more like you. And every time that I get
to see you, I find that I quite agree! You always have a smile, a
compliment for everybody, and are always the life of the party. Thank
you for teaching me how to say, "How dare you have the audacity to
insinuate that I tolerate..." My friends are very impressed!
to see you, I find that I quite agree! You always have a smile, a
compliment for everybody, and are always the life of the party. Thank
you for teaching me how to say, "How dare you have the audacity to
insinuate that I tolerate..." My friends are very impressed!
Tito Marty & Tito Mike --We have had so many adventures together. I always look forward to
seeing the both of you, because you always make me feel so loved. I
look up to both of you, you're my inspiration and my heroes. You must
have been very busy, and yet you took the time to write me a letter
for my retreat. Thank you for always being there for me, occasionally
letting me win at Wii Tennis (Even if you used a bowl of grapes as a
distraction! :D ), and being the best guapo Titos a girl could ever
ask for.
seeing the both of you, because you always make me feel so loved. I
look up to both of you, you're my inspiration and my heroes. You must
have been very busy, and yet you took the time to write me a letter
for my retreat. Thank you for always being there for me, occasionally
letting me win at Wii Tennis (Even if you used a bowl of grapes as a
distraction! :D ), and being the best guapo Titos a girl could ever
ask for.
Bella & Xavi --How lucky can a girl be, to have two cousins like you guys? You've
taught me so much about being a good Ate: Knowing the difference
between Jango and Boba Fett, how to lose at Super Smash Bros. with
grace, and how to turn any ordinary activity into something fun. I
love you guys so much, and I look forwards to seeing you in New York.
Boom, snap, clap!
taught me so much about being a good Ate: Knowing the difference
between Jango and Boba Fett, how to lose at Super Smash Bros. with
grace, and how to turn any ordinary activity into something fun. I
love you guys so much, and I look forwards to seeing you in New York.
Boom, snap, clap!
Tita Cindy --You've always been someone who I've looked up to, whose example I've
tried to follow. You always know the right thing to say, you're funny,
and you're always so cheerful. Thank you for that, for showing me that
life should be approached with a smile on your face, and a sharp mind
to solve any problems you may encounter on the way. I'm so lucky to
have you as my Tita.
tried to follow. You always know the right thing to say, you're funny,
and you're always so cheerful. Thank you for that, for showing me that
life should be approached with a smile on your face, and a sharp mind
to solve any problems you may encounter on the way. I'm so lucky to
have you as my Tita.
Thank goodness for Microsoft Word, because if I'd drafted this on
paper, it would have been completely soaked with tears and I probably
would have lost it already. I love you all so much, and I'd just like
to thank you all again for sending me those letters. They're the
messages that you keep, that you take out to read during hard times.
Thank you for these emotional anchors, that will always remind me
that, no matter how bad things are, I have a family who loves me.
These letters will go right up there on the mantlepiece, right beside
my 'One Ring of Power'.
Love Always,
~ Sofi
~ Sofi
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Xavi's latest work
KEEP THE PEACE
I’m alongside my brothers, lying in bed.
Rose petals cover me from my boots to my head.
In the middle of a war, with killing and death it seems this is the only place for peaceful rest.
We are the dead.
Buried and forgotten.
After years and years, our bodies are rotten.
Now the war is over, and here we lie.
With all the memories of suffering stuck in our minds.
We fought for peace.
For a new world.
Now necks are broken.
Bones have been curled.
We fought for what was right.
We did it for you.
And now keeping peace, is the least you can do.
Guns were fired.
Lives were lost.
People were killed for the ultimate cost.
War’s like a play.
You preform on a stage.
Some leave alive and get lucky.
Others are trapped in an eternal cage.
Now the enemy is gone.
Our duty is done.
We helped save lives.
Now the fight is won.
Friday, April 8, 2011
It's starting...
Check out Tribeca festival website... we're back on the front page! At least for now...
The Guadian review
Our first review, from The Guardian no less!
Innocent! Paco & the Struggle for Justice (BBC4) was one of those stories for which the word Kafkaesque was both invented and yet wholly inadequate. In 1997 two girls, Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong, were kidnapped, raped and murdered in Cebu, a part of the Philippines. Their mother claimed Paco Larranaga had been pestering one of them, the police found his name on a list of juvenile delinquents (a hangover from a car park scuffle years before) and he was one of seven arrested for the crime. This was despite his claim, supported by more than 40 witnesses, that he was in class in Manila, 350 miles away, at the time.
After that, waves of corruption, incompetence, media influence, human rights abuses and injustice closed over the Larranaga family's heads. After 10 months and a threat from the president, the police and prosecutors unearthed Davidson Rusia, who claimed to be present at the murders. After testifying, he was freed and became a friend of the Chiong family, which seemed the reaction of people grateful for services rendered, not those who believed he had been involved with the deaths of their children.
The trial was a farce and Paco was sentenced to death. The chief justice of the supreme court that affirmed the verdict was related to Mrs Chiong. After Paco had spent eight years on death row and following intervention by the charity Fair Trials Abroad, the Spanish government and the UN, the new president, Gloria Arroyo, abolished the death penalty. Twelve years after he was arrested, a treaty allowing the transfer of prisoners between the two nations was ratified and Paco came to Spain.
The final twist in this tale, that was as well-paced and engrossing as any thriller while incalculably more harrowing, was that once in Spain, Paco was due to be classed as a third-grade prisoner and released on parole, but remains incarcerated there still. The parole board requires him to admit his guilt. So far, he has refused. An incredible story, beautifully and persuasively told.
