MERCY'S FABULOUS 40!

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Life begins at 40 as an old adage goes quoted by the late Walter Boughton Pitkin. There is so much truth in the saying as this is when we don't care much what other people think about us; we appreciate the meaning of life profoundly and even value the most simple things we once discarded in life. 

On the 04th of December this year, a pre-organised birthday social gathering was arranged for her 40th year of existence on Earth. It was zingy shared amongst her incessant sisters, recent friends and additional faces in the group. Apart from the glamorous company of her ladies, the presence of Mercy's amicable husband gave her confidence to jovially blow out the candle on the cake. 

(David and Mercy)

Mercy's life elatedly came into being when she met the inamorato of her heart who cheered her up and supported her endeavours in life. Ever since then, David's love for Mercy gave the way to turn most of her and their dreams into reality. Their life love story is like the euphoric version of Cinderella and her Prince Charming in a fairytale book!

All of her friends were invited but only 12 glamorous ladies confirmed the pre-organised dinner that was arranged by Krystal Ordillano. She used the online social media, Facebook, to create an ad hoc page intended for Mercy's Fabulous 40! Such power of combined new technology and the ubiquitous internet which brings more convenience into our daily activities. Additionally, it was an efficient and cost effective method of communicating to the invited friends and guests. 

(The organiser, Krystal Ordillano)

Bustled Piccadilly Circus teemed with frisky people and calmed Savini at Criterion lined-up with dining table sets... 

 

As I walked into the venue I saw the tapering structure of the enormous hanging chandeliers; they were overpowering the brass effect high ceiling. Besides, they were also enlightening the ambiance of Savini at Criterion. I walked further into the venue and went up a short plight of steps then I saw long paned Victorian windows that created a humble abode effect and a handsome nouveau stone fireplace shone out its polished beauty. Amusingly, it reminded me of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's fireplace at Rosings. It was of prodigious dimensions! On the other hand, I suddenly found myself thinking of the warm feeling I have being at home. 

Our formally laid table was set and arrayed with cutlery & plates; drinking & wine glasses; types of bottled water & sauces and clear vases with coffee seeds & candles. The prearranged chairs were half full but with the presence of the birthday celebrant herself and her husband. I was new in the group which is why Mercy introduced me to her friends who arrived early. We exchanged names with a bit of chit chat while waiting for the rest to arrive. Gradually, they appeared one by one until all of the empty chairs were occupied by the glamorous ladies who came from different parts of England. Most of them have known each other for years and their cordial personalities were warm when I was socialising with them. Particularly with Kristine, Daisy and David (Mercy's husband). 

Upon waiting for the rest to arrive, we were also munching the complimentary white/brown ciabatta rolls that we glazed in butter, dipped in olive oil and soaked in balsamic vinegar. It filled us all up while waiting for our starter to punch the clock of the birthday meal. They served us with one of Milan's most iconic and authentic dishes called Risotto alla Milanese. I have to say that the creamy compound ingredients penetrated well the cooked Italian rice grains and sustained their flavours, too. Apart from that, the Carnaroli/ Vialone nano grains were cooked in such a way that the crunchiness was retained. Especially the truffle's unique aroma and taste made the plates' presentation more appetising in our all our eyes. It was superb! 

(Courtesy of Google Images)

We had a short break and enjoyed our desired drinks but complimentary bottles of wine were just on the table. Chit chats continued and catching up progressed amongst us. I have to say, we were all buoyant and high-spirited because of selfies and group pictures. Why we would not be? Bright people always capture memorable moments for them to keep and share to their family and friends. Am I right glamorous ladies? 

The waiter showed up and we were asked who was having this and that for the main course. It was primarily a meat viand called Sirloin of Veal sliced which was medium grilled or done. It was dressed, seasoned and served on our plates sprucely. It pleased my taste buds with the way it was done. In particular, the sides of the meat were rich brown colour; top and bottom charred darkly and the middle was still firm to touch. 

Our plates were collected and we were now left with our drinks to clear out the passage of our throats. The organiser handed over to each and everyone of us a token of appreciation and for attending Mercy's birthday party. It was a goody bag containing personalised red wine bottle for Mercy's 40th birthday, luscious chocolates and a Yuletide card. Very thoughtful and sweet of Kristine to even surprise us despite being under pressured because of the untraceable ordered cake. I took my hat off to her for holding her composure during the unexpected circumstances. I was once an organiser of events in the past and unexpected issues will test your equanimity. It was a grace under pressure for Kristine which went very smoothly after the birthday cake was traced and found out. 

Most of us sat back and relaxed while some headed into the powder room. They were freshening up for more selfies and group pictures. Just a joke! Hmmmp, we were a bit loosen up and also very much ready to be filled up with the dessert and be fascinated by its appearance. It was an apple-pie order which invited most of us to take different image angles of Tiramisu. What a satisfyingly addictive and I wish the fork was made out of chocolate, too! 

The untraceable cake was handed over to the Savini employee and it came back on our table with a delightful lit candle. A melting moment colourful cake generously stuffed with small, pulpy and edible berries and moated with edible white/dark brown chocolate sticks. Apart from that, the desirable birthday greeting was made out of chocolate and edible, too. It was a chocolate syrup and sweet delight! 

We were all very full up and the gathering continued with the handing over of memento from the celebrant herself to all of us. She wrapped with love a Mediterranean spa scented candle made from nature's own wax; an overpowering dried flower calming scent bag and a miniature thoughtful remembrance card. 

The taking of selfies, group pictures and the used of Kristine's polaroid camera brighten once again the beauty of the glamorous ladies. We were all dressed up and bound to have more pictures to depict how cheerful we have been. Succinctly, we calmed down and all went back in our chairs where we enjoyed sipping our chosen hot drinks with complimentary biscuits from Savini at Criterion. 

Birthdays are one of the most special or if not, the memorable events in one's life!

THE LADYBOYS: THAILAND AND PHILIPPINES

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

In Southeast Asia, at the centre of Indochina Peninsula, a country formerly known as Siam is located. Today this constitutional monarch country is now famous to all of us as Thailand. Its the world's 51st-largest country in terms of total area and the 20th-most-populous nation. It is also a neighbour of the Philippines which is likewise a sovereign state in Southeast Asia with a recorded 7,107 islands and is geographically divided into three major main areas: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

These sizzling hot countries have also one more 'thing' in common, their Transwomen/Ladyboys. People who were born male but with female gender identity and who have strong urges to undergo physical changes in order to align their body with their gender identity.

When I was away for a week and checked what was on T.V, I stumbled upon a series of documentaries about The Life of Ladyboys in Thailand. That caught my attention as I was very interested to know more about Ladyboys and how they live as citizens in their own country. That's why, I recorded the series rather than watching it late at night on Sky Living channel.

The night after, I watched the whole series while quaffing a glass of wine!

Highlights of Ladyboys season 2 ft Scott & Paeng by smspencer69

I thought the documentary series was a new one, but when I played the first episode the characters and their love stories were quite familiar. However, it didn’t stop me from playing the rest and I found out, they were a continuation of the episode I had already viewed. I soon became interested in following the stories of these two Ladyboys, Paeng and Annie, in Thailand who were forming relationships with their Farangs (Caucasians) namely Scott and David. Why? Because the series also tackled how most Ladyboys live and cope in Thailand. There were also interviews with a few outstanding Transwomen who were successful in their own field of endeavours.

When I was still in my beloved Philippines, I thought genuinely that Thailand is the Haven for all Ladyboys. Perhaps, it was!

Transsexuals from our country who'd been to Thailand adored it so much for various reasons and even said many good things about the locals. According to them, Thai's were very warm to their visitors as well as very welcoming when it comes to all sexualities. They even raised the topic of, Thai families with a Ladyboy child were very proud and showed how supportive they were toward their child's chosen identity. It seemed that they also hoped that a Ladyboy child would be bountiful and bring fortune into their lives.

Thailand is one of the most affordable destinations for holiday makers which is also known, the world over, as an open-minded country when it comes to Transwomen. Actually, the country has an exceptional reputation in performing various types of surgical operations and many foreign Transwomen are attracted to their clinics to have surgical changes to their bodies.

Long ago, I thought Thai Transwomen/Ladyboys were more blessed than Filipinos. But I was absolutely wrong to have assumed that. Even though Thailand is a Haven for all Ladyboys there is a sad reality behind that fact. Something I grasped half way through finishing the whole documentary series.

I cannot deny the fact that Thai Transwomen are more beautiful and modest than Filipinos. But when it comes to occupations, educational backgrounds and in speaking English fluently, Filipino Transsexuals are far superior and can hold their chins-up. That is why, most outsourcing companies in the Philippines are being dominated by LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) who are often bosses of the firms or are holding executive positions. And because of these achievements, public understanding about Transsexuals in the Philippines has gaining more and more acceptance as well as respect.

The majority of schools in the Philippines have welcomed the existence of being gay despite the fact that we are a Catholic country. That is why, being gay or showing a tendency to be one at a very young age isn't a big hindrance to continue the dream of becoming a professional. Actually, many gay students have high intellect with competitive skills and often lead student organizations. And because of this acceptance at schools, there are now Transsexuals in middle and upper management of many firms. They are generally competent as an employee or excellent as a leader.

Enough of the Philippines and back to Thailand...

After watching the whole series, The Life of Ladyboys in Thailand, I learnt a few things and my eyes were opened profoundly about the real scenario. I was in a deep shocked to learn that most Thai Ladyboys earn their living by prostitution on a few touristy streets in Thailand. They are working at night and flaunting their very beauty in order to attract customers who are willing to pay for the comfort and warmth they can give.

Morally speaking, trading your body isn't a good thing as it ruins your integrity. However, most Thai Transsexuals are not as educated as those in the Philippines and also, a great numbers of them are from farms in the provinces. Where the only way of living is either by laborious farming or rearing domesticated animals under the heat of the sun. That is why, when they are about 15 years old or so, they move to the capital Bangkok or Pattaya City to find the quickest way of generating money while they are still fresh and young.

We might think of what they are doing with body and soul as diabolical but its a SACRIFICE! The main reason is not to feed their vanity or desires. They do it, as long as their bodies can endure, in order to support their families back home who treat them as breadwinners. I have to admit that, it was a very sad reality to know that most Thai Transsexuals are into prostitution. And also that their families are, more or less, playing blind about how they acquire the money which feeds them everyday.

Furthermore, the documentary also touched on the topic of sex reassignment and they interviewed a few who had the procedure in the past. And I was dumbfounded to know that Thai Transwomen who underwent sex reassignment are still not recognise lawfully as a woman. When I was watching this part of the episode, I thought Thailand would automatically allow and distinguishes these Transwomen as females in their official documents. It was a shocking revelation because Thailand performs surgeries for Transwomen (to be specific) and are very open-minded about this type of sexuality. But I was wrong to assumed at the back of my mind that their country will identify them lawfully as females in their passports or other pertinent documents. That's why, the woman (Nok Yollada ) who shared her grief about this is now fighting for the fair right that Transwomen like them should be allowed and acknowledge females in their relevant documents.

In the Philippines, Filipino Transwomen who underwent sex reassignment can file a case in order to change their birth records to what and who they are now. The procedure of changing must be proven and supported with an authentic certificate from a registered Doctor. They will then be granted the changes they are wanting and their documents can be changed. This appeal may take time but at the end of the battle, a favourable result will be worth waiting for.

*Video courtesy of YouTube uploaded by Smspencer69