Who Moved My Cheese?

Out of despair, I bought this book last week. Though I have read it once, I promised myself to get a copy if chance permits. Good thing, it was on the rack. An office colleague actually lent me the book and at that time, I was hesitant to read it. I was going through a major life transformation back then and I thought I couldn’t have the luxury of reading. But the book has 95 pages only, so I gave in.

And again, it was worth it! The few minutes I consumed were literally and absolutely refreshing. The story about the mice and the little people is so life-like that anyone can get a feel for. Reading the story again and again most importantly when you’re going through something can uplift your spirit.

Among the writings on the wall mentioned in the book, these two are what I like most:

• Things change and they are never the same again.
• If you do not change, you can become extinct!

It is a must read! Even children would learn from Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw. I would really say grab one, read, keep, read, keep and read again. Change is constant so we may need something that constantly reminds us to move with the cheese!

 

Got married. Got a new name.

Two of my girl friends recently tied the knot. And both are thinking of amending their legal documents to reflect their new family names. It is as if it’s a must. But is it?

Many are not aware but according to the Civil Code of the Philippines Article 370, a married woman “may” use:

1. Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband’s surname, like: Maria Cruz-Santos (considering that Santos is the last name of Maria’s husband)

2. Her maiden first name and her husband’s surname, like: Maria Santos

3. Her husband’s full name, but prefixing a word indicating that she is his wife, like: Mrs. Juan Santos

Take note: A married woman has an option, not a duty, to use the surname of the husband. It’s not obligatory.  It’s a choice. On my search for a rule compelling a married woman to use the surname of her husband right after marriage, I couldn't find any. So, to those who want to amend their legal documents just because they got married, please keep in mind that it is not the name that you actually have to change; it should be the civil status of being married.

Using your husband’s last name is a representation of his responsibility to be a family man. You may just want to discuss and settle this between the two of you. Is he really up to it – being a family man? Hmm…

On the contrary, a woman may also refuse to use her husband’s name but doing this would question the commitment to the marriage and the mutual trust. Don’t you think so?

Now, how if a woman had used her husband’s last name in legal documents, i.e. passport, but for some reason would like to revert to using her maiden last name? The Philippine Passport Act of 1996 (Republic Act No. 8239) Section 5 states that a married woman may only be allowed to revert using her maiden name in her passport only after the death of husband and grant of divorce, annulment or nullity of marriage. 

Hmm, does that make you think twice?

Well, I think I’ve said too much. I guess it would be best to personally google some more legalities for your own good. I’m not an expert. I’m just merely stating and sharing what I learned and read from Chan Robles Virtual Law Library.

As they say, “Ignorance of the law excuses no one.”

The Soundtrack

On that early Saturday morning, I was still in bed when I grabbed the phone to check the time. 5:12 AM. Yes, it's still early. And I was still very sleepy. But I know by the time I put my phone down, I will drift off again; then I will be late at work by the time I wake up again. So, I logged on and checked what’s going on in the world while I was dreaming.

On Facebook, I saw this posted video of the song When you believe with a thumbnail of Mariah Carey’s picture and a caption saying “She’s too young to die.” Interesting and moving but not enough to wake me up. I scrolled for more and found a friend’s post saying “Rest in peace, my favorite singer of I Will Always Love You. Because of you, I’m still trying to reach the high notes unsuccessfully.” Then, I suddenly got on my feet and thought of who really died. That one really woke up my senses.

So, it’s Whitney. That’s sad. How come they’re taking away such good talents?

Well, Whitney has been a great companion. To me. Uh-huh, she was there during my first days in the kingdom. When there were only two TV channels – Arabic and French – and one FM radio station which I wasn’t aware of at that time. I could still remember my eagerness to buy the soundtrack album of The Bodyguard which (again, at that time) was hard to find since there were no malls back in 1993. Oh well, there was this one place, Euromarche, we used to think of as a mall because it was the only huge place that has almost everything people need. That’s where I bought the cassette tape and I somberly listened to her every song every day of my first month in Riyadh. The soundtrack was a relief.

I was only 13 then. Just imagine going to new place, new culture, no friends, nothing to do but bum around. We didn’t even have a land phone back then. Anyhow, there was no one to talk to. I was a complete stranger but Whitney was with me. And Francis Magalona, too. Oh shucks! They’re both gone. Oh my. I was about to add another name but I’d rather let the guy live his life. LOL.

Well, she’s at somewhere else; so, we just let her at peace.

Thank you, Whitney, for keeping me company. You can't just be forgotten.