Pinay Pathways

The Joy of the Ripen Years....

2011-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

My father surrounded by his grandchildren....

When I was in my really young years, I had never thought how lonely it would be when we grow up in years. Now as I look at my fast aging Tatay, I could not imagine myself battling my own feeling of uncertainty. I believe our life is full of uncertainties that oftentimes erode our inner strength. The only thing that keeps us going is the faith in our heart that always shines through all those moments. But what if in your ripen years nobody cares to pump up your depleted spirit?

I guess my parents made the right decision when they decided to nurture a "big" family at the beginning. To me, no amount of money can ever substitute the love we give to our parents. To love does not mean to give material things because what lifts our spirit is something that our eyes can never see. It's the intangible that touches the very soul of the person. Quality time spent with each other with no conditions, is the best family time that boosts everyone to become a nurturing being.

The picture of Tatay shows that he is happy, despite of Nanay's passing away few months ago. Needless to say what paints the happiness on his deep-furrowed face. The joy of his ripen years is coming from the angels who surround him and for whom my brothers and sisters have ushered in to this world.

Get-Together with the Bishop Of Tandag

2011-09-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

People from the same place usually gather together to celebrate fiesta, birthdays or whatever. But I consider it very seldom and one of the rarest moment when people gather because the Bishop from where they come from visits them. It's very rare. And it happened here in the Bay Area when most Surigaonons, if not all, met at St. Justin Parish to hear mass celebrated by Bishop Nerio Odchimar of the Diocese of Tandag. With him was Msgr. Cid Irizari who used to be the Parish Priest of the town where I come from. The mass was simple and very modest but what was important was the presence of two great men from our diocese.

After the mass, we were able to hold a small pot luck which surprisingly had a great support from the Bay Area group of Surigaonon. We had it at the small hall behind the Parish Church. The outpouring of support was shown in the abundance of food on the table and the amount collected to support the construction of San Nicolas de Tolentino Shrine in Tandag. Although not everybody made it to the gathering, their spirits were celebrating with us, for sure. It was on a Saturday of August 13th and a lot of people were at work. I lucked out that my request for day off that day was granted.

The picture on the left shows Msgr. Irizari's relatives posing with him after lunch for souvenir. To the right is the Barobo group where Fr. Cid Irizari, now a Monsignor, served for several years as Priest leading the Mother of Mercy Parish.

Of course, we could not let this passing moment go by without souvenir pictures from the visiting Holy men from Surigao del Sur. My spirit was jumping with joy even just with the thought that they were coming. I was so overwhelmed when Msgr. Cid told me on the phone that they would stop at our house for coffee. It was truly a blessing for me and for my husband.

Before that day, I mentioned to my hubby and Ate Nelia about the blessing of our house but I dismissed the idea thinking that their visit was already a grace from God. But when they were there, OMG! I could not decide when Ate Nelia mentioned it to the Bishop. But I felt the spark inside and my mind and heart spoke... NOW or NEVER! So our house was finally blessed by the Big names from the Diocese of Tandag. Actually, Bishop Nerio Odchimar is the current president of the CBCP. His coming to the area was only a side trip from his major trip in Denver, Colorado for the State Dinner of the Knights of Columbus.

It was really a blessed day for me to cherish... as long as I live. I never know if there is going to be a repeat of the same exact event that took place on that day. Only God knows. Until now, I am still overjoyed!

Photo Book

2011-09-01T12:55:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Life is too short....

2011-08-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

In May 2009, I went home with hubby to celebrate my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary and at the same time, my church wedding. It was one of the most unforgettable moments in my life to be able to celebrate two important events at the same time with my family.

Last month, I went home not to celebrate but to mourn for losing Nanay. It was exactly the opposite of what happened two years ago.

I just never had the slightest clue that it was my last chance to see my mother alive. It was so sad that I had never spent more of my time with her and Tatay on that visit. Hubby and I stayed only for a week in my place but we never stayed at my parent's house. We chose to stay in one of my brother's rooms which limited my chance of being with them during my entire stay. I showed up only on meal times, not even at all meal times. Had I known that it was going to be my moment to talk and to laugh with her and to do things for her... OMG!! I should have known but who are we to know the future.

If I am still feeling the pain and if tears are still rolling down my cheek every time I remember her, it's for all those moments that I took her for granted. I have never said "I Love You" to her but she knew what's in my heart. But I could have done much, much more while I was there with her and my father. Life is too short, really very short for everybody who does not see the opportunity to do what is best for the moment. Now I only have her memories and I know that these memories stay forever within me.

Nanay was my best mentor in this vast school of life. I believe she's now home with God in heaven. To you Nay... I LOVE YOU.

Bike to Work Day 2011

2011-05-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

All these pictures were taken on May 12, 2011 in our driveway, getting ready to leave the house. This was his first trip to work with his new Trek Bike and Giro helmet.

It's been 3 years in a row that hubby participated on the Bike-to-Work Day. At first I thought that it was only for Lockheed Martin employees but it was bigger than what I thought. He told me that on his way, there were water stations that the City of Santa Clara put with people to help the bikers rehydrate and to cheer for them.

Taking off waving, so proud of what he's doing and so proud of his new gear. How he got new things was due to the incident last year. On the same event, he came home on a flat tire. He had an old bike and the helmet he used was from the company. He said that he was a little bit embarrassed because he was the only one using it. Everybody was showing off their nice bikes and biking gear. So I suggested it's time for him to get a new one which he did late last year. He got the helmet from his daughter as a birthday present and I got him the jacket. He bought all the lights and other accessories himself. He knows better what else he needs and he has the liberty to get them all as he likes. What a spoiled brat!!! At least, he is happy with it and now that the weather is getting better and better, he thinks of going to work more often in his bike. It's a way to save gas and a better workout for him.

May 8, 2011

2011-05-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is what transpired on May 8, 20011. When I called my sister few weeks ago, she told me that they were planning to celebrate Tatay's 81st birthday. She told me that they just wanted to gather together to make Tatay's ripen years colorful, not a lavish one but anything small in the name of LOVE is wonderful.

However, my brother's quarrying business lead him to discover Tatay's cousins in one of the baranggays in Agusan del Sur. According to my sister that they knew they have relatives in Barobo but just could not find the opportune time to come and meet them. So my brother invited them on Tatay's birthday which was a total surprise for the celebrator, as well as my sisters. I mean, they knew that they were coming but my sisters did not expect that a truckload of relatives were coming to see my father on that day. The pictures above show only few of them. So all the food was instant, my brother ordered a huge lechon to add to the food that my sisters prepared.

My father had his cake in the evening after they all left. Actually he is still 81 but my sister-in-law who made the cake thought that he is already 82 so it means Tatay will still have more birthdays to come. The evening was graced by the presence of the new priest and choir members, as well as the grand kids and great grand kids. Kim, the oldest grandson, composed a song and they all sang with him playing the guitar. I wanted to put the video here, but FB did not allow me to embed it.

The picture to the left shows my brothers and sisters, three of us were missing: my two sisters in Manila and me. To the right are tatay's grandkids, not all of them. They were the ones being captured by the photographer as they usually hang out together as cousins and neighbors. Their houses are next to each other that's why they seem to have their own world, too.

Besides, my father's birthday, it was also Mother's Day. So in one of the corners of the house, they had a balloon bouquet for my mother. How sweet!!! Two celebrations in one day.

Maria Luisa Rose....

2011-05-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Heeeyyy!!!!! I just miss you my dearest pamangkin!!!! Oh well!!! Not only you but the rest of the family, too. You're now a lady... not a girl anymore! Sorry, I steal this picture from your Face book Account. I want to tell you that this picture is great. Who took this picture? I need to give her or him credits....

My Friend's Birthday....

2011-05-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is my friend who surprises me always with her crazy spending on birthdays and other events. Every year, on my birthday, either she connives with hubby or other friends, she comes to our house bringing goodies. But on her birthday, she does not even want anybody to remember it.

Well, she got a nice day for her birthday this year. It was on Good Friday. I gave her a call after we came home from church and she told us that she was in the store to buy something to cook for her 4 boys, after I jokingly asked her where's the celebration going to take place. I said OKAY but after 2 hours, she called me to find out our location. We could not believe how she changed her mind so quickly. It was an ambush invitation for a buffet dinner and on a Good Friday? You think she was kidding but they really went with our other friends. We told her that we're fasting and that we would just make up some other time.

Few days ago, I told her to stop by our house after her work to pick up the gifts. She did and so these pictures were taken. I did not want her to leave the house without opening them. I asked her to open the card first and foremost. She got intrigued but she did succumb to my will.

She went ballistic with the card we gave her. She never had this kind of card yet from both of us. We always gave her cards with so serious messages. When I went to buy it, I thought of something different, something funny. And it did with all her EWWWWHs and her facial expressions. It was a real cracking up moment.

Then she opened the other ones which she liked. I told her that hubby and I got this pan in December when we went to Macy's. It was really a good deal on the price and knowing that she needs one, we decided to just get it and hide it until her birthday. She told us that she's been looking around for this kind of pan and thought of going to Macy's but we got there first. Yehhh!!! I hope to see more crabs being cooked on that Martha Stewart pan.

2011 Grandparents' Day

2011-05-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

After Grandparents' Day at St. Raymond Catholic School, I uploaded few pictures here on Pinay Pathways but had completely forgotten them. This event happened in February 4th this year and now I just found them in one of the Untitled drafts. This is gonna be another history being unfolded here which I normally do. Very seldom do I make very updated story here. So now, everybody knows.

In last year's GPs' Day, hubby and I went together to see them for half of the time each. But this year, we had to split to be on each of them since the other grandma was not around. I went with Bryan in his classroom and hubby went to do things with Brianna in her room. The picture on the left was taken when Brianna took her grandpa for the switch, to her brother's room where I was with him. We were able to finish the two puzzles and had made the paper work.Of course, the grandma was full of energy after the nice breakfast at the hall which the parents always do for the visiting grandparents.

Thanks God that Bryan's teacher spared us a moment to take this picture. I wish that there was more time given for grandparents to be with the grand kids. One hour is never enough and for us was half an hour because we needed to see them both. What if we had more than two? LOL!

These pictures were taken at the church while waiting for the priest for the service. It was another day to remember. We just could not believe how fast they grow as we watch them in school each year, from their "just-to-be-able" to finish the work stage to refined one. We are truly proud of them and for what they do in school.

CANCA Night

2011-04-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

One party leads to another party. This is what happen after the Fil-Am event that took place at St. Justin Parish Hall. The one who sold us the ticket for the gathering happens to be the newly elected president of Cabugao Association of Northern California (CANCA).He happens to be the son of one of our friends. He noticed us during the party and gave us two tickets for their annual fiesta. They were raising money to finance the programs of the association. We wanted to say "no" but knowing that it was for a good cause, our "no" turned to "yes." We could not turn it down, not only for friendship sake.

The ticket was a little bit high. That was what holding us back at the beginning. Later, we realized that the venue was in a hotel. That alone justified the price. The pictures on top showed where the place was. It was a nice and clean.

We arrived there very early so we had a lot of time taking pictures here and there. There were already more members around but since the hall was still closed, we stayed at the hotel lobby socializing while waiting for the door to open.

Upon our arrival, the association president told us where we were going to sit with his parents. Indeed, it was really a nice spot for us. Our location inside the reception hall was on the side which was not very direct to the buffering speakers and yet, we could still see the coronation of their queen and the different presentations from the members which was done after dinner. It was awesome. The program was started with the invocation from Fr. Richie Bueza, the Parish Priest of St. Justin and who is also a member of the association. It was followed by the singing of the American and Filipino Anthem. After which followed the sumptuous dinner while the band was playing.

The pictures above were taken after the party, exhausted and tired from the leg exercise. It was really a very nice night that reminded me of how the fiestas in the Philippines are celebrated.

Ma. Luisa Rose!

2011-04-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

I just want to congratulate my beloved niece for winning the contest. She bagged the honor being the first in Copy Writing Category in the National School Press Conference which was held in the CARAGA Region in Mindanao. Two years ago, when she was still in First Year High School, she was one of the Regional representatives to the competition. She did not make it to the top. I knew she was frustrated at that time but she was, I guess, the youngest competitor. Two years later, here she goes. It's a great achievement my dearest Luisa!

My salute to you for bringing home the glory! We are so proud of you!

25 Years at Lockheed Martin

2011-04-01T23:58:00.000-07:00

It has been hubby's dream to reach at least 25 years in Lockheed Martin. He never thought that he would survive with all the cuts that the company made after the present US president was elected to office. Obama wanted to cut the defense budget so lots of the company's huge projects were stopped. As a result, massive lay offs were made and continues to be a threat to those who are still working in the company even until today.

My husband was spared from the danger of being included in the list. Thus, few days before his birthday he earned his 25th year milestone in the company. His immediate boss sent him a congratulatory message which made him happy. Along with it was the link to which he could go online to choose the gift that he likes to receive from the company. He asked me to help him pick the item. We did it at home and so we decided to get Bulova Wall Clock to replace the old one we have on the wall.

When he came home from work yesterday, the package was already waiting for him. He opened it right away and was surprised to see it. We both underestimated the size and quality when we picked it on the web. We thought that it was just any ordinary cheapy looking thing. But having no other choice that we liked, we chose it for we really were planning to buy a clock for the garage. Now that we already see what it is made of and the crafsmanship, it ended up on the wall in our living room. It matches our furniture. We already hanged it last night

Inside the box was a card the the company president signed. The card is something, so meaningful that hubby put it inside our souvenir cabinet. That's a great memento of his valuable contributions to the company for 25 years. What an achievement! Cogratulations my dearest one!

Happy Birthday, my Dearest Brother!

2011-03-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother Boy's birthday! I don't want to miss this day to tell him how I love him. He is just an amazing brother to all of us. He is always there when we need him. I wish him all the best in life. I just can't wait until I see him and everybody again. I don't know when but that is my deepest longing.

I want to be around in all the family birthdays but distance keeps me apart. Anyways, HaPPy BiRThDaY my dearest brother!!

PS: By the way, the picture was taken on our last visit in 2009.

Phil-Am Night

2011-03-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Last Christmas, we signed up for Phil-Am membership during breakfast at the hall of St Justin Parish. Right there and then, one of the officers offered us two tickets for the Phil-Am night. Hubby and I were hesitant the fact that we haven't had attended one before. But since the schedule was not bad, we just decided to give it a try. We always welcome parties on a Saturday instead of Sunday, so that's how we ended saying "yes" to that.

I worked until five on that day but since the party started at six, it was not a problem. I work just five minutes away from home and church is just less than a five-minute drive too. So when we got there, people just started lining up to go to the buffet table to get food. Since we were seated at the table next to the buffet table, we were offered to go first. It was perfect because we were already starving. But when we looked around after we had food on the table, we found out that most of the women were dressed up nicely. Some wore glittering and revealing gowns. I thought I was under-dressed but when I saw my friend whose step son was the one who gave us the tickets, I felt comfortable because she dressed up like I did. We were not over dressed but we're not bad either.

We did not know until we got there that it was supposed to be a masquerade night. So some had really nice outfit to match their masks. But the association was handing out extra masks on each table and leis. That's how we got our masks.

It was indeed a great night. The band was playing while we were eating and after dinner, everybody rushed to the dance floor to feel the beat of the music. We were one of those enthusiasts, too. Hubby and I danced non-stop even if we did not seem to know the music. We were dancing according to the rhythm, the beat, ignoring the people around us. Few times, I ran into someone who was behind us. With that event, another tickets were sold to us for April 16. I don't know if I really look forward to it because of the ticket price but at the same time, I want to be in it. We'll see.

Nanay Turned 72....

2011-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 10 years since my mother retired from the government service. I just wish she had no medical problems to be able to enjoy her fruit of her labor. Not bad though, she is still surrounded with happy campers despite her afflictions brought about by her diabetes.

Look at the candle on her cake! It looks like my mother was blowing a paschal candle on her birthday. LOL! My sister told me that there was no more time to go to the store to buy birthday candles. The happy campers were already there and they could not wait. Besides, they were in a hurry because a group of people were coming to our house for the prayer meeting. It was so timely that the Image of Sacred Heart of Jesus was brought to my parents' house day before. I figured Jesus has a message for my mother for none of the group had the idea that the next day was my mother's birthday.

It is always a nice feeling to celebrate this special moment with the presence of all the people you love. The picture to the left is Nanay's granddaughter-in-law with her 3 sons and Nanay's great grandsons.And to the right is my sister-in-law with her two kids. Her eldest is not in the picture.

Look at this funny expressions! It does not take long to gather these campers. They are just a text away from where my parents live.These are the happy faces that revolve around them.Their playful innocence makes the world so alive but not chaotic. They get along so well.

Tatay surrounded with his grand boars. Just kidding. They don't eat like pigs do.

Oh funny faces! I wonder what's in their minds! Each one has a talent, each one has something to show. They just look so hilarious! I wish I were with them on that day.

These are just a few of the prayer group after the prayer. My sister told me that they had no clue it was my mother's birthday. Most of them are neighbors who are also my mom's contemporaries.

To my dearest mother, I wish her many many more birthdays to come!

A Surprise Birthday for Hubby....

2011-03-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

My plan to surprise hubby on his birthday did not come out as I wanted it to be. He was supposed to be at work for me to carry pout my plan. But unluckily, he was sick and had to be home. He stayed home for two days which made my every move so difficult. I planned to make all the food by myself but with him around was impossible. So I decided to contact my friend and have some of the food ordered. I was able to make some of the desserts without arousing his curiosity. It's because he knows that I always make cupcakes for myself. I was able to make rice cakes also which seems normal for me to do that. I was able to make three leche flans one of which was for the house on Friday and two for the party on Saturday.

What made him curios was when he saw large amount of food on the platter. I never suspected he would go to the kitchen before my friends arrived. They were supposed to be in our house at 6 pm so by 5:45 pm I started putting things on the table. He was busy on the computer in the garage but all of a sudden he went to the kitchen to find out what took me so long to make the dinner and what made me so quiet. I told him that I was making ginat-ang gulay with fish since it was the day of fasting. But he's smart and begun scrutinizing me. One thing I never learned is to tell a lie so I spilled the beans before my friends arrived. But he did not know the details.

It was already 7 pm when the whole gang cracked our door with their laughter. I asked hubby to open the door while I was doing something. Our friends showed up with pizza for the kids, a big platters of escabeche and shrimps, respectively. They also brought a cake was from Red Ribbon. I knew he was happy but I just felt so sorry for him because he was not 100% well yet to enjoy the food. I knew that he loves Filipino food and it was his party but he never got to enjoy it.

Birthday... A Day to Celebrate

2011-03-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

One of the popular events when family and friends unite is birthday. It usually brings relatives and friends together, sharing only one thing... HAPPINESS. Whether we bring a gift parcel or not, our presence is the most precious gift we can offer the celebrator. It is a day to celebrate life and to thank God for such gift of life.

After work yesterday, I got a text message inviting us for a buffet dinner. I was not too sure at all whether to go or not for I was not feeling too well. I had a terrible headache and muscle pains, thought I had colds with my hard coughing. But thinking it's a friend's birthday, we could not take a pass on that. I responded to the text messages telling that we would be there despite my colds.

From different directions, we got to the place at the same time. We got our table and without delay, we went to fill our plates with food. I always start with fish ball soup and so did hubby. There was a lot of food, lots of choices. But everybody enjoyed the seafood. I could have eaten more but with my colds, I enjoyed the soup more than anything else.

Another plus when you go to a buffet as a group for a birthday, the restaurant people will create something for you at the end. The picture shows a simple arrangement where they put the birthday candles for the celebrator to make a wish. The candles were stuck on top of a macaroon surrounded with sweet tomatoes and red beets with wedges of oranges around. It was a nice gesture made by the restaurant management. The server brought it to our table as the birthday song was played in the air. It was really nice!

The Agustin Family to the left whom we consider more than a friend. We've been into so many celebrations with them. To the right is the whole happy gang, taken after the sumptuous dinner.

One of the messages we found inside the cookie. Too funny, I got two same messages in my cookie while hubby did not get any inside his. This was the message that everybody was picking and made fun with. The picture to the right tells which buffet we went to last night. I just don't know why they call it Crazy Buffet.

From the restaurant, we went to their house for the real cake which Michelle bought for her Mom. Then we waited for her to open all her gifts while all the guys had fun in the kitchen with a bottle of champagne. It was already late when we got home. It was indeed a fun-filled day for everybody.

Free Style Test Strips and Lancets

2011-03-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

For over three years now, I've been buying test strips and lancets in different stores here near my area. I remembered I bought the meter in Walgreen's before thinking that Walgreen's offered better price compare to other stores. I also bought the strips and lancets from them, the very first ones. Then few times, I got the set from Long's Drug Store which is now CVS. Most of the time, it's Walgreen's. I always paid over a hundred dollars for a set of hundred strips and lancets from any of these stores, never did it come down to less than a hundred. I wish.

When my sister called me and told me that my mother is almost running out of her supplies, it made me frantic. I don't want them to run out of it because it's very important to monitor my mother's glucose count. She's on dialysis for almost two years now. I seemed not to know what to do, money is so tight this time. I don't want to pay over a hundred again and pay almost half of the cost for shipping. My husband told me to go online to find a better price. It took me few days to act on that. I was a little bit stubborn. But I decided to send a big LBC box instead of sending the little one by air for shipping cost reasons. It was not until I almost filled the box with goodies that I decided to go on line.

I was trying to compare the price from all leading stores but unluckily the only way to find out is to call their Pharmacy. I was shocked to find out that Walgreen's is $4 more expensive than Safeway. $130.00 versus $125.99. Then I called Walmart and found out that theirs is only $104. I called Costco Pharmacy but too bad, they never tell you the price over the phone. So hubby and I drove down to Costco. Their price is few cents more compared to Walmart but considering the distance of the nearest Walmart from our house, we'd better off getting it from Costco.

The LBC box was ready that evening and until now it is still ready because of the issues and I know that this box will never make it on time. So I decided to go online again and found out the website for American Diabetes Wholesale. It's just so unbelievable how the stores jack the price up. I ordered and paid two boxes of a hundred strips for the price of one that I paid in Costco, even two cents less. It was exactly $103.98. All in all, including two set of lancets, I paid $123.88 only. And the good thing, I was able to avail of their FREE standard shipping on orders over a $100. The best part, their standard shipping is different from any online businesses that takes 7 to 10 business days. With ADW, I ordered on Tuesday and the box was on my door yesterday. Amazing!

Mammography

2011-03-04T17:06:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to go to work today but I switched with my co-worker. Thanks God I did not find it hard to find somebody to switch with. All because my mammogram schedule was at 12:30 pm today at Kaizer Permanente.

I planned to take the bus on the way hospital because I did not want to be sweaty and stinky. I waited and got tired of waiting as I am not used to waiting for the bus a long time. I was thinking that if I walk, it's not too far, then I would be good for the day. I mean, that would be a good exercise and besides, the day was just perfect for walking. So I did.

I got there five minutes before my schedule. It was very timely, there was no line and so quiet. The lady asked me if I had an appointment then she handed me the paper to be filled out after getting all the info she needed from me. It was really quick. I filled it out and handed it back to her and I did not even settle on my sit when another lady called me to follow her. She lead me to a small compartment for me to change my top with the hospital uniform.

Today was my third time to be standing in front of that machine with half of my body uncovered. My inhibition was gone, unlike the very first one that I asked the operator if I really needed to undress my top part. When the lady operator told me to remove my uniform today, I did right away and no more cross arms to cover the front. It was an improvement (LOL!), but the pain is still the same. I have to endure this kind of pain every two years. I am hoping for a breakthrough in mammography in the near future. I don't like the pain during the process. It lingers for days on my part. I don't know if other women feel the same, too.

LBC Issue

2011-02-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

This is the box that I was supposed to ship today but it did not happen. I called the LBC office in Milpitas last Monday to schedule the pick up. I would have wanted to have it picked up earlier this week but the guy who answered the phone told me that the only opening was Saturday which is today. I took that schedule and after getting all the information, he told me that the LBC guy would be around between 10 am to 12 pm Saturday.

Hubby and I decided to just hang around the house, though we had plan to go to the store, just because of the box. He went to the Farmer's Market just by himself because we were thinking what if the guy arrived and no one's home. He came back and thought that the box was already gone from the garage. It really was unusual because LBC is always on time. I already did some of the house chores but nobody rang the doorbell. I waited for a little bit before I decided to call their office again, thinking that something must have delayed the trip. It was past 12 when I decided to pick up the phone and talked with the lady in the office. At first she told me to just wait a little bit because the guy might be somewhere taking his lunch. I really had second thought and so I insisted for her to look at the list to find out what happen. Then she told me that my name was not on the schedule. Was it not stupid? I got really really mad that resorted me talking on top of my voice. I thought I was talking to an adult on Monday. How can LBC do that to me? I'm an old customer but now that I am only sending only one box, this thing happened? This is totally unacceptable. Then the woman on the other end told me that the LBC promo is extended until March whatever but I don't care. I wanted to ship the box because of the things that my mother needs for her diabetes. That's why I wanted it to be out already. Then she offered to reschedule my pick up on March 8th, was it not stupid? Then she told us if we could just bring the box to the area, would be better. If the box is light, we could probably do it. But both of us could not even lift it. How are we going to put it in our car, that's the problem.

So now, I will be going to bed still harboring rage in today's incident. Worse yet, I still did not resolve how I am going to send it. I wish I knew of some other shipper who could assure me that the box would arrive where it's supposed to go, seeing all those Balikbayan boxes issues on the news. I don't want that to happen.

February Birthdays in the Family....

2011-02-24T22:28:00.000-08:00

Out of twelve months in a year, it is truly amazing how our family birthdays are lumped up in February. Of ten, five of us were born on this month and two were born on the same date. They are not twins but one after the other.

I am the first celebrator on the 3rd, my sister Tata on the 11th, Ian on the 21st, Toto and Didith on the 24th. My second eldest nephew is on the fifth, one of my brothers -in-law on the 18th. I also have a sister-in-law who celebrates her birthday on the 25th which is today. To all of us, may God give us more blessings in life!

Kababayan Christmas Blast 2010

2010-12-30T13:30:00.001-08:00

Towards the end of November, my friends and I decided to celebrate this season in a uniquely Filipino way. At first, we agreed that each one of us would pick a date to host a party in our house. But seems like there were only three of us who committed to do it in our respective places. It started in Dublin on the 17th. I picked 26th thinking that everybody would be available day after Christmas. So it happened in Santa Clara when we had a fun-filled afternoon. It was indeed a very blessed day because of the beautiful weather. Otherwise the kids would never had the good time playing outside.

We all agreed that it was going to be a progressive dinner where everybody could bring a dish to be shared by the whole group. But being the host, I could not tolerate to run out of food in my own kitchen. So I arranged it with my friend to have some of the food ordered since I do not have much time to prepare them. Thanks God we still made it. On that very day, I only made chicken adobo and steamed rice. I made the flan day ahead so I had them ready.

This is what took place after we ate. All the kids went outside and played war game in our lawn. It was so unbelievable that a girl beat all the boys who played the game. She took home the prize which was not really a big one. It was only a little box of See's candy.

After the game outdoor, all of them went inside for the Monopoly game. We thought that we could keep them busy for awhile while we did karaoke. But no, somebody was a master of that game and it seemed like the game was a mismatch. The finished shortly and another box of candy went to the winner.

Karaoke time was interrupted by the elephant game that we all played. We agreed that all gifts for the game would be household items that are more practical and not expensive ones but some went overboard. Most of us were happy except for one, LOL! She was not happy when somebody took it from her. Poor Vibs was forced to choose from the gifts she liked the least. Then after the game, we distributed the presents to kids and adults and opened at the same time. Karaoke time continued until everybody was tired and ready to go home.

It was really a very jolly day for everybody!

A Day at the Beach

2010-12-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

It has been our routine to go out for a long walk at least once a month. It is our mode of getting away from the busy world where everything is tight. Work can be draining and sometimes we feel like it is choking us to death. We need true recreationThat's why hubby and I always have a day to go out and be away from the noise of passing cars and the police siren or firetrucks.

Our favorite place is the walking trail by the creek in Los Gatos. We have been there many times and the area is just so refreshing and so relaxing. The smell of the Eucalyptus trees lined along the way makes one feel rejuvenated and alive. But for one time, we both decided to go to the beach and walk on the sandy shore which is more challenging than walking on the steady surface of the land.

This walk took us more than 4 hours to come back, longer than we thought would be. But our goal was to reach the end of the beach but there seemed to have no end when you get near to the point where you think it was the end. There was just so much fun that we encountered on the way. We were able to see the Dolphins and a whale. It was hard to believe but there was a couple with binoculars who were the first ones to notice the jaw. We joined them for few minutes just to watch it then continue.

When we got back, we were just so exhausted and hungry. We did not go anywhere to eat since we packed lunch in the coolers. We had so much food that we barely touch the rest of it. Then we decided to stay for the rest of the day since the day was too perfect for us. The beach was quiet and not crowded on that Friday, may be because people were still working and kids were still in school.

We left after the sun disappeared in the horizon. It was an awesome view watching the sun go down. We just had so much fun on that day.

Grandson Caleb's Dedication Weekend

2010-10-26T17:45:00.003-07:00

We did not think that we could make it to Oregon for grand kid number 4's church dedication. Money is always the drawback but we made it with the austerity measures we did to stretch the value of penny in our pocket.

It happened on the second week of August. Things just turned out really nice to be with the whole family and doing things together. We got the chance to see few places and had a great fun in the park.

This is the aerial view as we were approaching Portland International Airport. It's amazingly green and so refreshing to one's eyes.

We stopped at Mount Angel Abbey, a St. Benedictine Monastery and Seminary school, on our way to the park. This palace was on top of a hill and it's a very quiet place that one might wonder if there was anybody inside.

Family picture-taking took place in this park. It was quite a ride but the beauty of nature paid it off. I thought that we were going to a place where people always felt so lazy to go but when we got there, the park proved my thought was wrong. There were a lot of people, young and old exploring and trying to conquer the huge park.

Just before we left, I decided to take few more pictures to make sure I really documented that phase of our sojourn to one of the green states.

These pictures were taken inside the church. The ceremony lasted over an hour with all the singing and praising. The congregation was so alive and the sermon was great.

Drive Out for the Island's Best Pizza

2010-09-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

On the last day of our Kauai trip, the whole family decided to go for a different adventure, the first ever. Another form of family bonding as we call it. We went out to find the best pizza place in the island. It was quite a drive but where we went paid off. The place called Brick Oven Pizza is the name where we found the best and the most healthy pizza.

We were surprised to see the walls covered by different car plates from different states, that as we knew some customers who have gone to this place have mailed their plates to the owner to signify that they had been into this pizza house. It was neat!

After the pizza lunch we drove up further to find shaved ice. Then we found a Filipino place and most of us ordered halu halu. We loved it! Instead of heading back to the car, hubby and I got side tract by those little souvenir stores across from where we got our cool aid. We decided to go inside and a pinay was able to convince hubby and ended up buying me a Hawaiian dress. He paid and we left. We were heading back to our resort, about 15-minute drive already when hubby remembered that his credit card was not in his wallet. So we drove back to the store and luckily, it was just setting on the counter, not even the store-keeper noticed it. What a dumb experience! We learned from it, though and ironically a nice lesson to culminate our vacation in Kauai.

Spending Most of the Day at the Beach

2010-08-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hubby is a big soccer fan. It was a problem to us since World Cup intervened with our desire to do something while we were on vacation. There were times that we planned to wake up early to take a walk or to go to the beach but we never did. It was all because of soccer games which were always scheduled very early. Sometimes we had to wake up around 1 or 2 am to watch the first game and around 8 am was the second game. It was always difficult for us to do things in the morning. But we were able to go to the beach as a family on that Monday after watching the second game. We just decided to pack all our towels and headed to the pool then to the ocean.

It was low tide so we could see the sand bridge that connects the shore to the little rocky islet. It has its sandy little shore which disappear during high tide and where people who really like to get sun color can just bring their towels and be cooked by the sun. It was such an irresistibly beautiful day that we decided to cross the sand bridge. The guys went to the rocky side to see the tiny crawling creatures while Brianna and I stayed on the sand.

This picture captures the Marriott Waiohai Resort where we stayed. It's the one with red roof which is the very next to one of the top beaches in the world: Poipu Beach.

Nobody can question the beauty of nature which is always at its best in this Garden Island of Kauai. Everything compliments each other from the blue sky, crystal-clear water and the shining-white sand. It's a perfect place to strengthen family bond.

Bonding with our Two Grand Kids....

2010-08-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

Time is so precious that we just can't let it pass without doing anything as significant as our being here on earth. Most of our time is devoted to keeping our jobs and to make sure that we always have food on the table. Oftentimes, we just take our family for granted thinking that it's okay. We forget or may be ignore the fact that we need to strengthen our ties as a family and to build a relationship that is strong enough to stand against all odds in life. It's not about money, but time. There is nothing more valuable than the time we spend with each other.

This video shows all. This happened in Maui during our vacation when we watched our two grand kids while their Mom and Dad went out with their friends for dinner. It was just a fleeting moment. Before we realized, it was already time to head back to our hotel room but every second of it seemed to draw us closer and closer to them. It was one of the most cherished family bonding just hanging out with our dearest grand kids.

Choppy Ride....

2010-06-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

The best moment in my vacation always comes when we do something not properly planned. There is always lots of surprises that comes along with the unexpected package and those surprises turn out to be the moments worth treasuring. It's not only the amazing places that we go and see but it's the family bonding that draw us closer to each other.

Yesterday, we decided on the last minute to push through with our half-baked planned trip to Lanai. It was really an adventure because we were not sure if we could make it to the place before the ferry departs at 9:30 am. But we barely made it. We were the last passengers to get on the boat and we're lucky to still find seats for our party of six.

The water was okay on our way to the island of Lanai. I mean, the water was not calm at all but at least the waves were not too big. On our way back was a different story. The water was choppy and we felt like we were riding a roller coaster. We could see the huge splash of water on the opposite side of the deck spraying the passengers who were seating there. We were scared at the beginning specially when the crew member told us to remain seated. But every time the ocean water blessed the passengers on the deck, we were just laughing at their action to avoid being wet.

The picture to the left with our two grand kids was taken just before the ferry left the harbor in Lahaina and to the right was at the Menele Harbor when arrived.

The first picture above was taken before we got off the ferry and the second one after we got off, with the boat at the background.

Anniversary Dinner

2010-06-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 1st year church wedding anniversary last month, just a year ago since we joined my family back in the Philippines. Since it's only the two of us, our plan was to go to a fine dinning in the evening. I thought I was so lucky on that day for not being scheduled to work and I really did without requesting it. However, hubby had to work because he already spent all his month's vacation. That was a bummer!

In addition to the vague day, the guy from the Chain Reaction where he ordered his new bike called saying that his ordered bike was ready for pick up. When he came home, I told him about it and out of excitement, we both decided to get it. It was already late and yet we still went. The store was still open but was closing in 10 minutes. The guy told us that hubby needed to ride it first before he could take it to make sure that he's happy with what he's paying. So we just wasted our time going there for nothing. We lost more than an hour going back and forth.

The option to just stay home for dinner was out of question. I did not make any food because I was doing something else in the house during the day and the plan was really to go out. So there was nothing fresh fresh. I had frozen food in the freezer but both of us were starving that we both could eat a hog. So we decided to go to a nearby buffet which both of us were not happy about. At least it alleviated our hunger.

Fun in School

2010-05-29T00:44:00.001-07:00

Time goes by too quick and we never realize until something special happens in the circle, like birthdays and holidays. Since we live 45 minutes away from our grand kids, our opportunity to see them is less. However, we always make sure we are present during Grandparents' Day, which is only once a year, just to spend time with them in school.

As grandparents, we are always excited to see them again and again in action with their peers and teachers. It's amazingly wonderful to watch them grow and be part of their growing up. Childhood comes only once in a lifetime and all the experiences we have with them will just be part of yester memories when the become adults.

We both decided to see each of them in just an hour. So for the first half, we went to see Bryan in the second grade classroom. Together we worked on a project that the teacher prepared for that day. I took a picture of them as they gradually formed Red Heart. Bryan read the instructions while grandpa tried to materialize it on the paper. Then he showed us all his projects that were displayed on the wall along with the works of his classmates. I took a picture of them but I just cannot contain them in here.

Brianna came to get us and took us to her classroom. She had an unfinished activity which she reserved for both of us. Then, she showed us all her works and the most difficult of them all was the miniature Mystery House that she made. She wanted to show few more projects but we barely had no more time. It was time for us to go to church for the service.

The day was very short but we truly enjoyed every moment of it.

Babysitting Dogs....

2010-04-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hubby likes dogs and he always thinks of having one like the ones he is holding. He does not big dogs, so do I. The only thing that's keeping him from not getting one is when we decide to go somewhere. The question of "who will take care of the dog while where away" is really a problem. Although there are already some places where we can leave our pets, still it's a problem. It's only good when we go out for just two or three days, but if we go for 2 weeks or more, the charge would certainly be an enormous amount.

This picture was taken when the Wolfe family went to Lake Tahoe. They took these babies to our house and we keep them for three days. We have no problem with Kona, the older one, because she's been with the family for a long long time. In fact, she was born from Elsie's original dog and has siblings but she's the lone survivor now. On the other hand, Koloa is just a baby and is from another breeder from Arizona. She was flown out of San Jose Airport late last year. As expected from a baby, she's some characters that need to be straighten up. We could not even touch her when she first came to our house.

This is what she did when both of them were left in the garage. Kona was quiet in her bed while this little rascal went into the box where hubby keeps his old files. The second time, she seemed fine because we knew already how to deal with her. Right now, she already learns a lot from Elsie and so next time they come should be no problem at all.

Beauty of Nature

2010-04-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

As what I have mentioned in one of my previous posts, hubby and I made it a point to walk the 12-mile Los Gatos Creek once a month. Well, this month we did it earlier, usually we do it towards the end. We just got the luck to have our day off on the same day.

The good things we like in this trail is the beauty that seems to walk with you all the way through. It's truly therapeutic to smell the fennel herb along side of the creek. The Eucalyptus trees give the same healing effects while at the same time give shade especially during mid day.

These are few of the pictures I took:

I usually take a picture of a duck but on that day, I got this little black bird. I was so glad to be able to take the shot from the distance with my new camera. So pretty....

I have no idea if these flowers were planted by human hands, all I know is its beauty that accentuate the green surroundings.

These are just weeds but beautiful when they blend the color of the water in the creek and the sky.

This is the dead tree that was totally no water in March. Hubby and I had even pictures in the branch but on that day, we could not get near because the water was high.

We really had fun that day and looking forward for next month's schedule.

A Beauty Beyond Question...

2009-11-25T23:10:00.000-08:00

I took this picture in the garden of Marriott Waiohai when we were babysitting our grand kids. We took them to the playground and as we walked along the path on our way back to our hotel room, this flower really captured my very eyes. It's truly beautiful and I wonder if this plant will still be there next time we go on our vacation.

This was some kind of a water hyacinth and was growing on a big vase. I wish I could grow this in front of our house but may be the frost will kill it on winter time.

Walking on Trail....

2009-11-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's always our practice when in the island to find a trail where we could go for a walk. We've been to the Sleeping Giant on our first trip few years back and we did not want to do it anymore. We wanted to try some new places that's just very close to our hotel. We finally was able to get a list of all the trails in Poipu. The one we picked was just few minutes away from where we stayed. Our whole group decided to go in the car passing The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and all the way down to Makawehi & Pa'a Dunes. We were able to find a park and started the hike from there.

As we walked, we passed by the Shipwreck Beach and some historical war ruins. At first, we thought we were lost but there were also few hikers who happened to know the history of the place but just was not sure if she was heading the right way. We continued and the trail was just fascinating that every scenery we passed by was amazingly beautiful. We were walking along the coast seeing all the picturesque nature and enjoying its magical sound that we hardly noticed its distance.

We had so much fun and we got back not feeling stressed. We thought that may be we could go there each time we visit the island. It was a proposal.

Sunset Dinner at the Beach House

2009-11-10T22:47:00.000-08:00

It is always part of our plan to spare one night to dine at one of our favorite seaside restaurant. The Beach House Restaurant is not only good for its food but the location itself lures people to come. It's the lovely sunset and the romantic ambiance of the place that makes a person come again.

I did not take to many pictures this year. I did not know why but I just wanted to really feel what it felt being there with my loved one. Besides, it's not just hubby and I but we came as a family. I did not even take a picture of our plates. It was my moment to just hang in there, relax and be lazy.

Just a Few of the Fun...

2009-11-06T22:34:00.000-08:00

Going to Kauai is just like seeing the Philippines again with all the green vegetation and the occasional rain shower. The ornamental plants are very similar and it's really very tropical. The only thing that I notice is the cooler temperature, although warmer compared to what we have in the US of A except when there is a heat wave.

Here are some of the evidences of the few fun we had:

It's me.... Hubby was able to catch me almost stumbling while running away from the big wave that was coming. I was glad he was no longer holding the camera when the successive waves rolled me to the shore. We were just laughing.

Almost every morning, we went for Koi Fish feeding at the front of the hotel. The person in charge distributes the fish food to the people, particularly kids who are willing to do the feeding at the scheduled time.

These pictures were taken at the children's playground by the hotel on the same day we went for the Polynesian show. We had so much fun with our grand kids. Brianna was always in charge of making the list of the things we needed to do for a day.

Every time we woke up in the morning, we went out by the porch and fed the chicks and chickens with the leftover food we had. Sometimes we did it with bread crumbs. It's really amazing how domesticated those chickens are that hubby was able to feed them in his palm.

As I said, these were just few of the activities that made us occupied while in the island.

Hawaiian Monk Seals

2009-10-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

It's been our forth visit in Kauai and been to Poipu Beach many times. But this year we were stunned to see the Hawaiian Monk Seal on the beach where there were a lot of people. When we first saw it, we thought it was dead but after seeing and reading what the note says, we found out that it was alive. We then learned that it's been there for quite sometime already almost every afternoon... seemed like it was doing its siesta. So the Beach Guard put a rope around the area just to enclose the monk to make sure nobody touched him. Like a celebrity, that mammal was surrounded with curious spectators and we were one of them.

Beautiful!

Despite all the noise around, he seemed like a kid truly tired from his day activity that he just opened his eyes and closed again. We watched him until he was fully awake then he rolled back to the water. At first we saw him swimming around but later on he disappeared from our sight.

It was really an awesome experience having been able to come close to that kind of sea creature. We could almost touched him if we wanted to break the rule. He was just really a foot away from us. And then the following day, he was there again. There was even a day that there were two of them resting on the same spot but we no longer go there to see. We just watch the sea turtles on the other side of the sea. We hope to see them again next year.

A Week in the Garden Island of Kauai...

2009-10-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

Every year, we always look forward to spending a week in the Garden Island of Kauai. Sometimes it is hard for us to decide right away for financial reasons but "if there is a will, there is always a way," as the saying goes.

This year, the Wolfe family invited us to be their guests at Marriott Waiohai. They were entitled to have four more people to occupy the room. We did not give them the outright "Yes" to their invitation since we were still weighing how much more we were going to spend. We were not sure if we could afford it since we were tight on our budget after we came back from the Philippines. But the invitation came in a package with half of our fare paid by them as wedding gift. They even gave us money to pay for our check in luggage since Hawaiian Airlines already charges every luggage that goes on their cargo. It was a very generous package that there was no way we could say "No."

Morning walk in the neighborhood...

It was a perfect timing when we went there last July because of the week-long Koloa Festival. We were able to enjoy the night with Live-Band at the Sheraton Hotel compound where I got my first Lappert's Kona Coffee Ice Cream. We were able to go to the Kids' Festival hosted by Kiahuna Plantation which is just next to the Marriott.

We really had so much fun and a great time in just so short time.

July 4th Fireworks...

2009-10-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

My friends from Hayward joined us last July 4th to witness the Fireworks Display at the Central Park here in Santa Clara. They used to go to San Francisco just for the show but this year, they decided not to drive that far and headed down where we are. The show was scheduled at 9 PM so they showed up at around 4 PM. It's so hard to find a parking on that day so they drove straight to our house. We agreed to have hubby parked our car out on the street so when they arrived, hubby just moved it in the driveway. There's just too many people that the parking is always extended in our street every single year.

We talked for a little bit then we headed to the park to find a nice spot for all of us and the 5 kids. We brought our chairs, blankets and little snacks to munch while waiting for the show. The place was really packed with thousands of people but we were able to find a nice spot where we all could take pictures without any barrier.They have both nice cameras that can capture picturesque moments. I made an attempt with my little camera but I never capture a good one.

Here are the pictures that Jun took from his Nikon camera:

These pictures were taken at the beginning of the show.

the grand finale of the show...

We really enjoyed that evening. It's been our first time that we were joined by our friends from another city. We hope to do it again next year... hopefully.

Just Fix My Computer Problem...

2009-10-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

I got a problem after I posted my last article in September. All of a sudden, the text font on my three sites became so small that I could hardly read them so I went to the setting and try to enlarge the font. I thought I touched something that changed the layout or whatever. I was so frustrated that I lost my desire to come to my desk top. I tried to open my sites on hubby's computer and they all looked fine except for those I changed the font. They became so big and out of proportion.

I asked hubby to fix it but he is not a blogger that's why he did not seem to understand my problem. I finally decided to contact my designer and I am glad we both fix it. Had it not been of her computer ingenuity, I would still not be doing this now. Thanks Vhiel!

Went Fishing...

2009-09-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, my sister-in-law gave us some of the fish she caught on her fishing trip to Half Moon Bay. She gave us more than enough for one meal but I fried them all for dinner. I thought I could handle all the leftover. I felt like I was eating fried fish in my parents' home in the Philippines. They were all fresh that there was not even a fishy smell while I fried them.

With that, hubby and I decided to go fishing with his sister yesterday. She went very early to be there on the morning high tide. Then as we were about to leave, she called us telling not to hurry because she wasn't catching any yet. So we stayed a little bit then left at 11:45. Our plan was to have our lunch out there. We brought our coolers with food but when we got there, we were fascinated that we started throwing our hooks right away.

Hubby caught a few then we decided to eat our packed lunch before moving to another place. I did not catch any for four hour. I kept casting my hooks and caught the hill and the rocks many times that my sister-in law had to rescue me. Both hubby and her were catching more and more but I never got one until one sardine got mesmerized by my fake bait. hehh! I finally caught one. Then we moved to the dock for fishers which they called pier. I was able to catch a mackerel and few sardines. It was really fun. We stayed there until 8 in the evening.

Here are some of the pictures we took:

the harbor...

Sunset at the Pillar Point

The Fishermen

Our catch... more than enough for 3 meals

We look forward to going back there again, with our own hooks. My sister-in-law provided us hooks and baits. Seems like we just found a new kind of recreation.

Just A LoNg WaLk

2009-09-26T00:50:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I decided to do a monthly walk by the creek starting from Campbell all the way to Los Gatos, passing the Vasona Park. This has been the second month that we did it. It's really fun to see the beauty and to listen to all the different sounds of nature. I love the sound of the rippling waters, so refreshing so therapeutic, so rejuvenating and etc.

This is our form of recreation since we don't go to a movie theater. We both love to walk and normally, if we can't do it in the creek, we do it in our neighborhood. Walking from Campbell Park to Los Gatos is a 12-mile walk or at least 20 kilometers back and forth, so this is going to be a good exercise for both of us.

The first time we did it, we both felt sore in our legs but not much on the second one. The second one was worse because the temperature was almost to a 100º. We could not believe that we emptied six bottles of water. It was terribly hot on our way back but we really enjoyed it.

We look forward to doing it again next month, hopefully.

One Year Ago...

2009-09-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

... my friends and I with hubby went all the way to Vasona Park in Los Gatos, CA for a walk. On our way, we saw this tree on the water. It seemed like it just got uprooted by the water current and like kids, we challenged ourselves to get to the end. Sure we did!

Just earlier this month, hubby and I decided to do the walk again. We saw the tree, still on the water now lifeless. I just took this picture to have the comparison of how it looks now after a year and a bit over. Besides, it doesn't look climbable. However, I took it in a different angle, I should have done it on the same spot where hubby did it for the three of us last year.

My Mom's Illness

2009-09-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

As I stated in my previous articles, my mother is diabetic and her kidneys are the ones affected. She's been taking oral medications for years already. If you notice in her pictures, she's really bloated and that's not her normal body size.

Two weeks after the wedding, her attending physicians suggested that she should do dialysis for her to really feel better. Her kidneys are only few % functioning so she needs that treatment soon. My sister took her to one of the hospitals in Cebu with refferals to prepare her for the next treatment. The reasons her doctors in Butuan Doctors did not want to do it was because of the facilities and my mothers nerves are so thin and were already contracted of her illness. So my sister took her and glad that my Aunties were also in Cebu to help them out in their needs while in the hospital.

They went back home and my mother rested for another couple of weeks then she went to the hospital again for another check up. She was then scheduled for dialysis and has been for two months now. She has two sessions a week and so far, according to my sister, she is responding to it positively. I am so happy....

Crazy Pix

2009-09-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

After all the guests left, my sisters and few kids stayed just to talk while the place was being cleaned. Here are the pictures we took for fun:

My four nieces and my two sisters....

It was the day that came to pass all too quick after a year of preparation. And despite all the plans, still somethings came up which everybody did not want to think about it anymore. Everything was done and there's nothing we could do to undo what we did not like during that moment.

Picture-Taking Issue....

2009-09-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

It is really hard to get a nice picture with a family like this big. The photographers tried their best to get the best but out of so many attempts, the ones I am showing here are the best so far. I just realized the need of a picture-taking director who will direct both the picture-taker and the people to be taken picture with.

Above is the picture of my whole family. It's like a small community now with all my nieces and nephews. But see the different directions of our eyes! This thing needs an overseer.

A picture with my parents and just the ten of us, siblings... with the same problem. We were counting on some of our relatives but they never came for some reasons.

After the reception... with my sisters and my sisters-in-law. So far, this is the best but not really.

At least there's few pictures that are good to fill the wedding album. I learned a great lesson. I still have sisters that are not married yet, I hope to oversee this aspect when their time comes.

The Ceremony....

2009-08-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hubby was all too proud to have our wedding done in the Philippines. According to him, the ceremony in a Filipino church is fuller and more complete than the one that he attended here in the US. I also thought so because the Philippine culture are manifested during the ceremony.

The thing that truly fascinated him was the veil and cord part. He fondly said that he was tied with a rope around his neck and to him it symbolized strong union between a couple.

Another thing that he did not about was the Money. He did not know that the dollar coins that I got from our bank here would be inside the pouch that the priest gave him after blessing. Then he was told to give the pouch of money to me. After hearing and saying what the pastor said, he realized what it means. To him, that part showed a shared responsibility between husband and wife - the husband being the key earner and the wife being the keeper. He said that it's only in the Philippines where money thing is integrated in a wedding ceremony.

There were still few things in the ceremony which are practiced in any church in the world like the giving of the bible and crucifix.

When we got to the reception, all the guests were already there waiting. As agreed, my parents went through the main entrance and we went through the stairs on the opposite side. My parents released 50 golden balloons. I did not know what that really means but hubby and I gave meaning to the event as we watched the balloons went up together. It's been 50 years through thick or thin and in sickness or in health.

My parents with their 50 balloons...

Sweet! hehh!

Then our turn came. Ours were two doves tied loosely together. Those doves were meant to fly independently but something happened. The male dove wanted to fly away but the female dove pulled him in. They never got separated and together they flew to the top of the tree.

The Special Moment in Our Lives...

2009-07-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

After all the preparations had been made, the day came! It was a day not only for hubby and I but for everybody in the family since it was also my parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary rolled as one.

All my Aunties, Uncles, Tiyas and Tiyos on both my father and mother side were present to celebrate with us. It was really a moment to remember.

A picture with the Officiating Priests....

A picture of my parents with the 10 of us....

The picture of the whole tribe... husbands and wives, including grandchildren and great grandchildren....

With my Aunties, Uncles, Tiya and Tiyo....

It was a day well attended by all important people in our lives. A lot of our neighbors, friends and colleagues also graced the occasion. It was really a day to remember.

On the Big Day Preparation....

2009-07-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I decided to have our church vows simultaneously with my parents on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was a hard decision for us to make because we did not want to deprive my parents of the attention that was due them. However after consulting them and my brothers and sisters, the approval was so overwhelming. My sisters took charge of the program and invitations while my brothers took cake of the venue. It was a concerted effort and everybody chipped in for all the expenses.

Here is the glimpse of how the place looked like on that day:

This is my brother's place where the reception was going to be held and this was our point of entry from the church. My parents' entrance was on the opposite side as my Aunts suggested.

My bana took a picture inside the reception hall while it was still in the making. Gold is the motif of the occasion as shown in most of the skirting.

These were the few pictures inside the church that were taken prior to the event that took place in May 20.

To be continued...

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T01:45:00.001-07:00

Have a HaPPy InDePenDEnce Day!

God Bless America!

Friday Tag - My 1950s name is...

2009-06-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dorothy Thelma! Cute! I like it. ^.^ It sounds more modern than my real name though. Thanks Ria for sharing this Friday fun.

What's buzzin, cuzzin?

What's Your 1950s name?

Have fun!

I'm tagging everybody who has the same curiosity as I do. But with special mention to Sheng, Bless, Rose and Joops. I really thought this is something worth trying.

Today isTatay's Birthday

2009-05-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

How can I forget my father's birthday! I can't let this day pass without telling the world how proud I am to be my father's daughter.

Tay, HaPPy BirtHdAY!!!
May you get all you wish for and more!

Happiness is a Voyage....

2009-05-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

I was just fascinated by the message of this presentation that I can't help but share this to everyone. We are all in pursuit of happiness in life but sometimes we ignore little things that often lead us to the real joy.

By the way, my sister forwarded this to me for quite sometime now. I had it saved in my folder.

Fulfilling God's Command...

2009-05-02T23:44:00.000-07:00

...Go to the world and multiply and fill the earth! (Lord, we can't afford anymore to have more kids. It's so expensive here in America. Forgive us, oh Lord!) But it's just a good feeling seeing the family grow and get together sometimes.

This is such a nice picture of the father, the son and the grandson... three generations in just one. This took place on the occasion of hubby's birthday party. Seeing his grandson was the most precious gift of all the presents he had on that day.

A Visit to Woodburn, Oregon

2009-04-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Week ago, hubby and I flew to Portland, Oregon for the church dedication of baby Isaac. We had no idea how far is Woodburn from the airport where Michael and Tasha live. We both thought that it's just a few minute-drive but it took us almost an hour to get to their house.

Michael decided to stop at the Market of Choice to buy something for Tasha's recipe, since the place is on our way. As usual, hubby can't just get inside the store without buying anything. We both decided to buy the things we needed to nourish our body while we were there.

We were starving when we got to their house. There was a lot of just-to-get-by-food that we were left without a choice but to eat it. Hubby really tried to open a bottle of sardines which we bought at the Filipino market week ago. He could not hold himself so he ate it with bread but he did not finish it for some reasons. Everybody was eager to go somewhere which we had no idea where and what it was. Then they told us that they planned to go to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm to see the Tulip Festival. So we went with the troop just like seaweeds being moved and carried by the water current. Anyways, we did not know the place so going with the group was the best thing we did.

These pictures were taken at the entrance of the farm. We thought that these were already the best.

This blanket of colors covers over 40 acres of land with over a hundred kinds of tulips. It was amazingly beautiful! There were different types Daffodils that I have never seen yet in my life. I could hardly believe what I saw. I seemed like a dream.

I wish I had the eyes of a professional photographer. I could have done better than this. There were tons of nice subjects but my attention was all destructed by the beauty surrounding me.

This beautiful bright yellow tulip flower flamed with red is called Mickey Mouse. It's already in full bloom and does not look tulip at all.

Seeing the farm was such a wonderful bonus pack in our trip. We never know if we ever have another chance to come again to this place someday but it really was worth the time.

Mister Chef

2009-04-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have not seen hubby making the main dish since I arrived here in America. He always had excuses telling me that I already kicked him out of the kitchen and that he did not know where to find the things now. The truth is, I was only trying to put everything in the kitchen in order which most men have no concern about it.

Oh well, he finally was able to put his Starbucks apron and transformed himself into Mister Chef on Easter Sunday. He kept telling me that he wanted to make alcatra for me to see (like a demo...LOL!) and learn how to do it. His demo cooking was just very timely. He did it when we were both free from any commitment be it family or friend.

This is him trying to clean the meat. He does not want fat in his meat so he cut off every fat he could find in all his meat. I was surprised to see him bring the pan to the kitchen without asking me "where is this and that" questions. Our original plan was to make just a small dish so he brought the smallest pan that we have in the house but then after seeing the amount of meat he decided to use the biggest one.

He asked me to cut the onions and placed them on the pan. That's all I did, and he did everything else. He looked cute on his apron especially when he asked me to take a picture of him for documentation. LOL!

This recipe calls for a lot of wine to soften the meat and to give aromatic flavor. This whole pan took 4 hours to cook in a 450º- oven temperature. So we were able to put inside the oven on time for dinner which was just perfect.

I took this picture when it was already peace time. In short, this is now how much leftover we got from this big pan of the Portuguese Alcatra. So we have two containers in our freezer and another one just refrigerated.

Three Friends....

2009-04-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

It always nice to have someone whom you can call a friend, one who is always there to lend a hand. Finding a real one is really hard. But once you find one, it will be a real treasure to keep.

This is Vilma. I met her in one of the parties in Sunnyvale that she was involved in the planning of. She's very friendly and very outspoken. She speaks what's in her mind whether you want to hear it or not. She's a single mom of four boys. Her husband died trying to rescue their second child from the kidnappers in the Phils when they went there to visit her family. For almost ten years now, she's been raising the kids all by herself. Her problem now is her Mom who wants to go back to the Phils. She's been Vilma's help in watching the kids while she goes to work. But lately Nang Mading has been making trips to the hospital. She's always saying that she wanted to go home. This alters Vilma's planned trip with us next month. She wants her Mom to take care of the boys while she's in the Phils but now she can't leave her behind with her present health condition. So she decided to take her with us and asking her mother-in-law instead to watch over the kids.

This is Maui. She is Vilma's neighbor in Hayward and I knew her through Vilma. Since I met her the three of us became friends and were always together in family gatherings. She's on her family way with her fourth baby. She and her hubby planned to have the baby born in the Philippines so they scheduled their flight this 25th of April. She plans to stay there for at least 2 or 3 years for her to get another degree in the medical field. But just the other day, she got the news that her daddy in the Philippines died. So the plan of having a baby shower for her on the 18th was canceled because she has to fly today. I called her yesterday and shared her my condolences. She's busy as a bee trying to run last minute errands.

I have my own concern, too. Hubby and I are also busy trying to get things done before our trip to the Philippines next month. But next week, we need to fly to Portland for the church dedication of baby Isaac. But as always, my real worry is my Mom who is always going back and forth to the hospital. I hate to say how scared I am especially now that their golden wedding anniversary is at hand. It's going to be next month that's one of the reasons why we are going home. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that nothing will happen to her and I'm hopeful of God's mercy to her in sparing her more years in this world.

Indeed we are friends with different problems and concerns in life. The thing is we have each other to give words of encouragement and for support.

Surprised Birthday Party

2009-04-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

When Elsie came to the house to pick up little Kona (the dog), we talked about hubby's birthday. Much as he did not want a celebration grande, we decided to make it a surprised one for him. Actually, our plan was to hold it on the 22nd of March which was the day after Brianna's birthday. Hubby is so used to celebrating his together with his granddaughter. But Elsie got a message from Michael and Tasha in Portland saying that they were driving down to celebrate their wedding anniversary with baby Isaac here in California. So we agreed to move it later to make their presence an added element to the surprise.

Hubby did not doubt anything. Elsie took charge of the invitation, the decorations and food. I made few Filipino dishes. I made chicken adobo, pancit, lumpia and braised beef. But my honey never suspected anything big. He thought that the food I made was only for a small gathering between us and the Wolfe's.

Since we were to go to Great America on that same day with our grandkids, I decided to cook the food as early as I could. So when Elsie dropped off the kids in the morning, the food was ready. She took it with here but we told her that we were to pick up Brianna's cake in Union City on our way to her house in the afternoon. I also told her that I would cook rice when we arrive from the picnic while preparing everything to take with us to Pleasanton.

We had great time at the picnic Brianna and Bryan. But then we still had things ahead of us. Hubby begun questioning me when I started to pick the shirt he had to wear. He wanted to go with the same shirt he wore at the park. I finally convinced him to dressed up nice since he was to celebrate his birthday with Brianna. I almost came to the point of showing him the picture of last year to show how he dressed up. But he listened to me.

To make the story short, we were late. We arrived just few minutes before 8 in the evening and everybody was waiting. He was already suspecting that Elsie was cooking up something for him, especially when she called to find out where we were at and to ask him to park in front of her house. I just gave him few speculations to pacify his mind but he is really smart. He did not come in right away. He unloaded all Brianna's gifts and made few trips back and forth from our car to the porch of Elsie's house. It was an excuse. He did it on purpose to listen and to see if he could pick up a clue. The kids and I were already with the waiting crowd inside but he still did not come in. So I decided to come out and help him. I asked him to get inside first and I stayed behind. So he opened the door and walked to the side. He wanted to peek but the lights were not on. Finally he did and was surprised to see all the people waiting for him. What struck him the most was Michael and Tasha's presence with baby Isaac. It was a real big surprise for him.

These are few of the pictures I took with my camera.

I took this picture in the morning as we both decided to sleep over at the Wolfe's house. He's gleaming with happiness just being with our three grand kids

My Brother's Birthday...

2009-04-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

I did not forget my brother's birthday which was on the 30th of March. I just could not get close to my computer. There's just so many things going on here brother Boy. I really did not forget about you.

We will just get together when we get there next month, hopefully. I know we will but just to let you know you were on my prayers not only on that day but everyday.

God is Good!

2009-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hubby always gets nice gifts not only from his family and friends but also from God. I remembered when he applied for the annulment of his marriage last June of 2008. He was told the it was going to be a long agonizing process and normally takes 6 months to a year to get it done. So after the interviews and all the paper works, he expected it to be final early this year. But he got the result just few days away from Christmas. It was then the most valuable Christmas gift he got and he never thought that it would be that soon. God is Good!

Another instance, he called the church where he had his baptism and confirmation in Azores. He did not expect to talk to the Bishop but he did. He told the bishop that he wanted to get a confirmation certificate and was told that his request would be processed and would be sent to him here in California as soon as it is done. Hubby waited and waited. Two weeks after, he called again to see what happen and the priest told him that is was already in transit. He waited another two weeks and scheduled a Friday to call again. But on his birthday, the paper arrived. Again, it was the most valuable gift he got on his birthday. God is Good! All the time!

Today is Hubby's Birthday!

2009-03-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a family practice that if a birthday of a member falls on a weekday, we need to agree to move it on a weekend where everybody is not working. I'm the only one that has problem with this because I normally work on weekends when everybody is home.

Anyway, today is my dearest hubby's birthday. So after he left to work this morning, I decided to make spaghetti for dinner just for the two of us. Then I was thinking that may be I could grab a small fruit tart from the store after work just so I could put his candles to blow. But surprisingly, hubby showed up at the store before I could get a chance to get the small cake for him. As usual, he did not want it. He said to just wait until all of us get together in March 28th. So we went home. But I really want him to blow candles today, so what I did... LOOK!

I put the candles on top of the spaghetti. It was funny, never heard this type before but we were just laughing at this creativity. He made his wish. He loves the way I make my spaghetti and so, not having enough time, it is a quick thing to prepare. Besides, it is something that superstition suggests on birthdays. If not pancit, spaghetti for long life.

Then after dinner, I asked him to open his presents. I just could not wait to see his face knowing what he got today.

He got a card and a swim wear since we are planning to go to the Philippines this May. I thought that he might need an extra pair.

Then I got him a digital alarm clock because he has been telling me that he needed to get a new one.

He was so excited to get Cristiano Ronaldo's shirts in the National Team for Portugal. Since he is an avid fan of him, these gifts gave him a nice feeling. Then I let him open the last one.

This long sleeves turned out to be his most favorite. He said that he was going to wear this shirt to work on Friday to brag to his Mexican friend who is also a soccer fanatic like him.

This is how it looks on him. He decided to wear it when we went out for a 40-minute walk in our neighborhood this evening after dinner.

HaPPy BiRThDaY, Nay!

2009-03-12T00:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Nanay turns 70! I just want to wish her all the happiness in life. May she be free from serious complications of her diabetes. She has been on medications for years and seems like her case is getting worse. I just hope that she will endure more as she is being treated.

To You Nay:
We love you and I want you to know that!
May God give you more strength and the strong will to overcome the trials.

Valuing Children's Work

2009-03-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Having been in the company of children for a number of years, I know for certain that praises and appreciation lift up the spirit of everyone. Children in school need to be recognized in every little effort they make in order to learn. It does not matter if they produce smart or mediocre output, they all deserve recognition. It's all up to the ingenuity of the teacher to challenge the children to achieve their maximum potential without being coerced into doing something which is not motivating to them.

One way to encourage pupils to obtain higher level of excellence is posting all their works in the classroom. Their is nothing more effective than letting them know their work is valued. Doing this, give them the opportunity to evaluate their own output without being mean to the under achievers. They come to realize how is their work compared to the others without the teacher saying a word. It's the children self-awareness of where they are at in comparison to the rest of the class that will give them the inner drive to do better next time.

The following pictures were taken during Grandparents' Day in St. Raymond's in Dublin. Brianna was very proud to show us all her works and it was really neat seeing all the things that the kids do during class hours.

These things were made possible through the initiative of her teacher in putting all these together. All the walls were covered with colorful displays of the result of the pupils' day to day encounter with their ever-creative teacher.

I believe that upon looking at this kind of display parents feel very proud. This is also a motivating factor for them to get involve in all the school programs and activities.

Part Two of My Birthday Celebration

2009-02-25T22:42:00.000-08:00

This is the second part of my birthday celebration. Neither one happened on my real birthday which is very common here in this very busy world. I mean that people tend to move family celebrations based on the majority's availability. That's what happened on my birthday. The first part was done with the family and the second part, with friends.

These are just few pictures taken on that day. I was never dressed up properly as I was caught unaware of their coming to my house. I was scared when somebody rang the doorbell at about eight in the evening. I was cleaning the dish in the kitchen when all of a sudden I heard not just the bell but knocking as well. So I ran to the bedroom to get hubby. I asked him to open the door but then, when I peeked through the little hole I saw the three musketeers. I let them in and the noise began. They brought along with them balloons and a chocolate cake which we then ate after the singing of the birthday anthem.

It made my day!

Today's Birthday Celebrators...

2009-02-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

These are the two birthday celebrators today in my family. They are not twins. They were born in different years but luckily my mother gave birth to my sister on my brother's 6th birthday. Both of them have their lives of their own, and both have three kids.

To you my dearest brother Toto and sister Didith...

Wishing you both all the great things in life,
hope this day will bring you
an extra share of all that makes you happiest.
May God continue to bless your life
and give you the desires of your heart.

May God bless you and keep you always
in His tender, loving care.

PS: I just want to know what's on the table today! Save my share when I get there soon!

hApPY BiRThDaY, bRo DamZ!!!!!

2009-02-21T00:19:00.000-08:00

I just want to wish you the best of everything
today and everyday!
May you be blessed with joy, prosperity
and good health!

You're older today than yesterday
but younger than tomorrow...
Happy Birthday, my dearest brother!

My Birthday!

2009-02-16T23:39:00.000-08:00

Another year was just added to my age two weeks ago. Hubby and I did not plan anything big about it thinking of the big plans we have ahead. We really thought I could get by without celebrating it.

But here is the flowers I got from the Wolfe Family. They thought that it's so cheap not to celebrate the day with out a cake. We all decided to go to Cheesecake Factory for dinner after I got off from work. I was the only one in the family who worked on the day that we agreed to go out and eat. After our dinner, the waiter brought in the small cake with a candle on top and they all sang the old time birthday song. It was really a surprise because we all agreed to keep it just within the family. Besides, a real birthday cake awaited us all in the house. But nothing can beat Elsie when it comes to events.

This was the cheesecake that hubby bought at Whole Foods while I was at work. This cake was so good.

He also bought organic chocolate chip ice cream to go with the cake. We enjoyed the food at the restaurant as well as the dessert. It was really that simple and just within the family bound.

I got a Coach Purse from the Wolfe Family and a coach wallet to match the purse. It was really nice of them to give me this personal gift. Oftentimes I got things for the house which I truly like but at least for a break, something personal makes my heart jump for joy.

I already started using this purse and I just love it. It's very roomy and it has a zip to keep my belongings inside safe.

Another Year, Sis!

2009-02-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Sis! I just want to greet you today! I called you this morning but because I was trying to make "tipid" I forgot about it tuloy!

Anyway, Gilbert and I wish you the best in life. We may not have the wealth to give you but deep in our heart we love you. We may be far but we think about you....

Have a wOnDErFuL Birthday!

Grandparents' Day 2009

2009-02-10T23:09:00.000-08:00

Last Friday of January 30, hubby and I went to the school of our grand kids at St. Raymond in Dublin. It was really an exciting day having to see them and their works in school.

The day started with meeting all grandparents in the hall for a sumptuous breakfast. There was a lot of food being prepared by parents and volunteers. The meal was excellent. Then we heard the principal talked and giving instructions as to how the activity's handled in every classroom.We decided to go see Bryan first on the first half of the session. Then the other half for Brianna. It was not bad at all because Grandma Wolfe was there too. So we just split the time.

Since Bryan is still in the first grade, we decided to see him first and the other grandma went to see Brianna in the Third grade, then we switched in the middle. We both enjoyed the moment we spent with them as we helped them in their activity for the day.

These pictures were taken inside the church as we waited for the service. Brianna and Bryan took turns in taking pictures.

Profile of My Four Brothers: Damian

2009-01-29T06:49:00.000-08:00

This is my fourth and my youngest brother, Damian. He is the ninth sibling of ten. My parents brought him up the way all of us were raised but our five fingers are never the same. He is like one of the two brothers in one of the parables in the bible who when asked by his father to help him in the vineyard said "yes" but never showed up. He is kind of spoiled but not really to the fullest extreme. He is still a righteous person with a sound decision in life.

I remember how we always tried our best to impose some measures to make him a better person. He truly got words and sticks from my parents. I was already a teacher when he was still a young boy, so I saw how he defied the house rules. Many times my father's request were never realized with him. My eldest brother got mad with him one time that he almost got into the brink of hurting him. Damian was so terrified that he had his first seizure. It was triggered by his fear and it went on and on periodically. He had it in his entire elementary years. My mother took him to the doctor but the more medicines he took, the more seizures he suffered. Sometimes he all woke us up with his groaning. Many times he had three or four attacks during the day that made him so behind in school. So I asked my mother to just stopped the medication and just prayed. My mother silently prayed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus without us knowing it. Then one time, when I went to Bohol and visited Fatima Grotto in Carmen, I promised at the foot of the Virgin Mary to bring my brother if She would spare him a year without the dreaded attack. It came true and so the following year, I took him to the grotto then and only then I found out that my mother also prayed to Jesus. He got healed through our prayers and he was able to go to high school without any problem at all.

He never experienced what my other brothers did. My parents never forced him to do things that he did not want to do like going to the farm or go fishing with my father. He was spoiled in some aspects but we understood.

My brother is good in designs and eyes on aesthetics that we all thought he could be a good architect someday. So when he decided to take architecture, it was unanimously agreed. He is good but we could never figure out why he did not finish school. For nine years in college, he had done his thesis writing and passed it but we never could encourage him to get his diploma. He was tied to petty projects at first until he got married.

Now he is happily married with two kids. He is engaged in a contracting business. He makes residential plans, as well as for businesses. He also owns a xerox place in an established location in Davao City.

To you my dearest brother, I wish you all the best in life. See you in May this year!

Honest Scrap Award

2009-01-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow! I got my second award for this year from my wonderful friend Ria! Thank you so much my ever loyal pal!

Honest Scrap Award Rules:

When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.

Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!

Now, Here is a list of TEN Honest Things about Me! :)

1. I am very emotional. I cry for almost everything. It's embarrassing but I just can't hold my tears back. I cry when I watch movies, when I listen to stories, when I am mad, when I am happy and when I am lonely. I feel like I have an ocean of tears inside my tear glands.

2. I love going to church but I am not a holy person. I just feel guilty when I have all the time and I don't share one moment to God. It's just my way of making up for all my evil doings. Sometimes, I just want to cry in front of Him.

3. I hate arrogance because I am arrogant myself sometimes. It's just like seeing my boastful self in another person.

4. I am a quiet person that some people think I am a dummy. I don't talk a lot unless I am forced to do so. But I am a keen observer and ready to back fire when one tries to step on my being.

5. I am not an aggressive type. I don't react quickly to what people say or do to me. I want to give them the chance to take back their actions before they see me in my wildest temper.

6. I don't want to say this honestly, but I am an honest person. This part of me made me experienced that very horrible, very humiliating moment in my life years ago. It saddens me every time I think about it. I wish I could just hide truth if it benefits the many and myself. It always shows on my face and my gestures.

7. I love gardening. Everything that I put in the soil grows. The funny thing is sometimes I assumed that my plants are all self-sufficient and ignore giving them water everyday. I am glad hubby is good at reminding me. He does it for me many times otherwise all my plants are all dead now.

8. I love window shopping and buy only the things that I like and think I can use. But sometimes my impulse is stronger than my will. So every now and then I have to clean up my collections of nonsense items.

9. I hate mending things that involve thread and needle. It is just not my interest. But this does not mean I don't do it at all. I do fix little things but not big one. I tried to use sewing machine in my college days but it did not seem to like me. The wheel just kept coming back and forth.

10.Last but not the least, I consider cooking a God-given talent. I can cook anything out of what is available in my kitchen. I always try to make food from a recipe book and from other source but I love to modify them the way I want to. I only wasted may be a couple of them, they did not come out good so I have to dump them before hubby noticed them.

My! This thing made me think seriously! Now I am "victimizing" (as my friend Ria said) these folks to tell more about themselves and be awarded as such:

Richard, Joops, Rose, Blessie, Amy, Chelle and Faye.... Have fun!

My Anniversary Flowers

2009-01-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

Hubby loves to give fresh flowers always. I remembered when I first came to America, the very first things he gave me at the airport was the two dozen of red roses. It was a great surprise to me because flowers in itself is a very symbolic thing a person can give. From that point on, I always get twelve long stems during my birthday every single year.

But yesterday as we celebrated our 4th year, he came home with flowers in his hand for the first time. I was stunned because he did not give me flowers in the past three years of our anniversary. The feeling was so overwhelming that I felt in the verge of crying. So after dinner, I decided to put them in the vase which I love doing.

Bryan and Little Kona

2009-01-21T23:35:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken on New Year's Eve. After dinner, Bryan fell asleep on the couch with the dog. He was really tired of the day's playing and running.

He was playing his Wii then watched TV while we adults were busy in the kitchen. Then all of a sudden it was quiet in the living room. So we all started looking for him and the dog. We saw him on the couch so we went to check if Kona was there too. We all found out that their baby was sleeping with him, feeling comfy with the warmth they both generated from each other. It was so CUTE so I decided to get my camera and snapped a picture of him sound asleep. The dogie woke up with the click and click of the cam.

HaPPy FrUiT AnNiVErSaRY!

2009-01-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

Today marks another year when hubby and I went to the Santa Clara County for our Civil Marriage. It's the fourth year now and there is nothing that I can think of better than having to love and live with him.

This is the poem that I copied from a source. Sorry but I am not a poet! I just feel that the words lines are so appropriate for what's inside my heart now.

I Will Love You Forever

I love you so deeply,
I love you so much,
I love the sound of your voice
And the way that we touch.
I love your warm smile
And your kind, thoughtful way,
The joy that you bring
To my life every day.
I love you today
As I have from the start,
And I'll love you forever
With all of my heart.

- Amanda Nicole Martinez

Triple Awards

2009-01-20T22:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you Richard of Dreamworks for giving me this award.I truly believe that there are still a lot of people..."blogger" este that we can really count on. And you are one! Now it's my time to pass this award on to:

* Ria of It's My Party...
* Blessie of Happy Life
* Twinks of Twinkletoe Writing Space
* Chelle of My Life's Journey in Italy
* Madel of The Power of Three
* Janiz of Life is Full of Mystery

Here are the rules for the recipients:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
(sorry I have to break this rule)
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

The Day With Isaac Timothy

2009-01-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the Oregon-born baby.... He came to visit California to see his family and friends for the first time in his life. We were all excited to have him in our arms. Brianna always tried to snap an opportunity to hold him. The great grandma was also present during the party, as shown on the first picture.

The party that Elsie planned to welcome baby Isaac was wonderful. The food was great. She did not expect some guests to be there so when they showed up, it was kind of a surprise. The party lasted the whole afternoon but after the clean up, we stayed a little bit just to be with family. We decided to go home because I have to go to work the following day. But it was really a day to remember. We hope to see him again on the day of his dedication in April. We already plan to go to Oregon for that occasion.

Every Penny Counts

2009-01-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

One, two, three... and so on.... Bryan was counting all the penny that grandpa gave him last Christmas. Hubby and I both decided to give him extra cash to be deposited on his bank account, aside from the Nintendo DS we gave him. While I was at work that day, hubby thought of making it too exciting for our dearest boy (It was not exciting for adults at all). So when he opened his second gift and seeing all those coins, he exclaimed, "I am rich!" So he started counting them until his Dad decided to get their coin machine to help him.

I was an accomplice to the plan but hubby explained his sole intention of doing that. It was not to make fun out of our dearest Bryan but to teach him the value that every penny counts to earn a dollar, which made sense to me.

Profile of my Four Brothers: Matias

2009-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

This has been a long overdue project. I wanted to post this article before 2008 ended but procrastination has something to do with it. I kept postponing until I ran out of time last year.

I already posted an article before which talked about my brother's ordeal with the military when he went to the farm with my father. But I think I still have few things that I need to talk about.

Matias is my third brother and the fifth of the ten siblings. He is fondly called Toto by friends and relatives. He is the person that you can count on when you need help. He is a well-rounded person. He used to be my father's constant companion both in the farm and on the sea. He never said "NO" to my father even if did not feel like going.

Just like most of us, he also experienced a year of baby sitting the younger members of the family. He started college when I was already a teacher. At first, he went to Cebu Institute of Technology to pursue his chosen field. At that time, he thought he wanted to be an electrical engineer. He was doing good except that he wanted to go home on weekends to help my father but the truth was homesick all the time. The problem was, he could not go home whenever he wanted to especially when the weather was bad. So after a year, he decided to transfer to the University of Mindanao in Davao City. Then he shifted to Civil Engineering but all the subjects he took in Cebu were all credited. It had become a routine for all of us to expect him either Friday evening or very early Saturday. Even if he had exams, he still managed to go home and be back on Monday or Sunday evening. I have no idea how he did it but he was able to finish within the time frame. And passed the board exam for Civil Engineers.

He got a job at the Department of Public Works and Highways based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. He came home everyday on his motorcycle. Then one day, a huge fire happened in my home town particularly in my parents' area. I was not there since it happened on a school day. When I went home day after, I found my parents' house still standing but surrounded with rubbles. The first block from the highway was totally wiped out. Five houses in our blocked were also gone but our house was saved by the fruit trees that we had. It was then that I knew how my brother almost lost his life trying to prevent the fire from spreading. First, he was almost hit by a bullet coming from where the fire started since it was owned by a policeman. Second, he almost fell from a second floor of our neighbor's house trying to demolish the windows just to delay the fire. Too bad, the fire truck was caught in the fire and had to wait for the fire trucks from neighboring towns.

Matias is really very helpful and no matter how much it costs him. He always tries his best to help others. So in 1997, he decided to run as a municipal councilor in our municipality. He garnered the highest votes and got the first seat in the council. Then married after a year of being a councilman. He got reelected for the second and third term. Now he is the vice mayor of our town no matter how we discouraged him not to run again. His commitment to serve the people has engulfed him and I think he will never stop until he sees progress in my hometown.

This picture was taken more than one year ago. Now he has three kids already.

The Things I Missed Last Christmas

2009-01-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

I have been so blessed to have a loving family here in America aside from my own back in the Philippines. I can never complain. Life is so full of joy when you are surrounded by loving people, much more if they are your family.

Last Christmas, I got things that I never expected from family and friends. This spirit of giving is a manifestation of love for which our Savior Jesus Christ was born. With all the things I received, I felt like a spoiled brat. Nevertheless, I hope it is not going through my system and start acting like one.

Although I was showered with abundance, I still missed few things like the food shown in the pictures below. These were the food that we ate at my brother's house on Christmas Eve of last year. As I looked at them, I wished that hubby and I were there again to celebrate Christmas with my own family back in Mindanao.

The food there was awesome, though we got enough here in America, too. But I felt something was missing. And I knew it's the spirit of being together, the love that binds us all as a family that made the food even more appetizing to everyone.

Just Becoming a Member

2008-12-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

This is just to claim Pinay Pathways.

Inborn Talents

2008-12-09T07:31:00.001-08:00

Each and everyone of us, I believe is endowed with talent. It may just vary, some excel in this field while others may show their potentials in another. However, as illustrated in the Parable of Talents in the bible, we need to use and share them, otherwise it will go away.

Given the vast opportunity here in America, there is no reason why an individual can't attain his full potential. "Rich and poor" are given "equal" chance to be who he wants to be in this earth.

This picture was taken on Thanksgiving when Brianna and Bryan were playing in their play room. These grand children of ours are loaded with enormous talents that one has to be quick to be able to capture them in their unguarded moments. They know how to synchronize and how to choreograph their own movements in front of the camera. They both excel in academics and in sports. Both of them are in St. Raymond's Catholic School in Dublin and are both playing soccer. Brianna has been featured in the local paper to be one of the best defense in their team. She hopes to get soccer scholarship in the near future. Bryan is doing so well too in the Little League where his dad is the coach.

The future is too promising for those who are never afraid to do what is doable.

Thanksgiving Pictures

2008-12-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

We did have a lot of fun last thanksgiving. The fun was great that I could not exactly pick which picture to show here on this post. As a result, I decided to make a slide show to contain every memorable moment we had that day and the day after. Fortunately, I got a day off Friday after the Turkey day which was unusual for my job. That's the very reason we felt like we were away from reality.

Welcoming the New Family Member

2008-11-27T01:37:00.000-08:00

It seems like only yesterday when Mike and Tasha moved to Oregon. They were just married then but now... they already have a baby! Ye hey!!! We're so happy to welcome baby Isaac Timothy into this world.

Words are not enough to express how inspired we are as grandparents. Isaac is the first grandchild to carry the family's name and we really were in cloud 9 upon reading the message on our cell phone last Friday announcing his birth. We were in ecstasy but then the thought that we live far from each other made us sad. We wished that they were just close to where we are right now.

Anyway, we are hoping to see them this coming Christmas for they are planning to be with the Californians very soon. It's going to be a big welcome party for baby Isaac Timothy.

Disclosure Policy

2008-11-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

This policy is valid from 21 November 2008

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

The owner(s) of this blog would like to disclose the following existing relationships. These are companies, organizations or individuals that may have a significant impact on the content of this blog.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Mary Antoinette Award...

2008-11-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

We would like to thank Richard of Dreamworks for sharing us this award. We are greatly honored to receive this Mary Antoinette Award and hope to keep up to truly deserve this.

Here are the rules for the award:

1. Please put the logo on your blog.

2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award.

3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on your blog.

5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

I nominate the following:

* Ria of It's my Party

* Faye of Morgentau und Rosen

* Rose's Obstacles and Glories

* Mabel of The Power of Three

* Joops of Sailor's Adventures & Opinions

* Blessie of Happy life

* Chelle of My Daily Diary

^0^ Be HaPPy!

CoNgRAtULatiONS LuISA!

2008-11-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

I just want to congratulate my dearest niece! She is an Alumni of PNU-CTL and a first year high school of the Special Science Class of Agusan National High School of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. She topped among the 60 plus contestants for Copy reading and Headline Writing in the Regional Schools Press Conference which was held in Tandag City, Province of Surigao del Sur last November 14. The second placer was a second year also an Alumni of Philippine Normal University - CTL.

Her adviser expected her to be just on the third place during the event since she was not the top one in the division level. She was fourth placer in the whole division of Agusan del Sur, besides she is only first year high school. So she really did not expect the award. She is going to represent Caraga Region on the National Level in February of She is next year.

I would like to congratulate her adviser too for bringing the best in her!

HATS OFF! We are so proud of you Ma. Luisa Rose!

HaPPy BiRtHDaY, BrO!

2008-11-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

To my dearest brother who is celebrating his birthday today (Philippine Time-Nov. 11), here is a simple presents from the very bottom of my heart.

May God continue to bless you life and give you the desires of your heart.

May God bless you and keep you always in His tender, loving care.
I hope that your day is blessed with happiness and joy.
You're the kind of friend that only heaven could have sent.
Praying that your day is as special as you are.
May you enjoy the Lord's presence today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAREST BROTHER, Val!

My Dream

2008-11-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

This morning, I woke up with hubby to send him to work. As usual, I made our breakfast and prepare his lunch kit to take to work. After he left, since it was still dark and to early, I decided to take a hour nap before really starting my day.

In that very short hour, I drifted somewhere in my dream where I vividly see one of my sisters with her daughter. I was a little bit shocked to see her on the side walk awaiting for something. The scenario was, hubby and I, as well as the Wolfe family, were waiting for our flight schedule. So as we were waiting, I rose from my seat and explored the areas around. That's how I saw my sister. We chatted and then I learned that she's here in the US without me knowing it. Oh My! I felt guilty! And at the same time very happy to see her. Then I invited her and my niece to join us on the other side but then she refused because she was still waiting for my brother's son Earlo (who is both our nephew). He was flying along with my brother's friend. WOW!

Then I woke up because of the alarm that I set to make sure I don't oversleep. And I felt sad knowing that it was only a dream. I wanted to go back to sleep to continue the momentous meeting but somehow I need to get up. I suddenly feel the urge to call her and to find out how things are back in the Philippine. Then I changed my mind thinking that it was already late to wake my sister up. Besides, I want to call her when hubby arrives home today from his work so we both can talk with her.

A Phone Call Away...

2008-11-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

I have been so engrossed with my life here in California and almost have no time to connect to my own family back in the Philippines. Sometimes when silence settles in, I can't help but feel so nostalgic. I feel guilty sometimes for not being able to send any of my sisters or brothers a text message. There were so many a time when I planned to call them and just forgot about it. When I realized, it was already too late to call. And they all know that I don't like texting, I always prefer to call but the cost now to call overseas is going up too. Sometimes I just consoled myself that it's better to communicate with them less to avoid being homesick, which to me, is a better excuse but an inexcusable self-denial.

Anyways, I just want to let them know that even if I don't communicate with them that often, they are always in my heart and mind.

Big Thanks...

2008-11-04T22:37:00.000-08:00

I had a problem with this site last week, if you happened to notice. An error showed on the screen when you opened this page. It was because of my switching from a blogspotdotcom to a domain. Since our other sites are already www, I don't want this to be left out, although I may not be able to post an article here regularly, at least it's already broadcasting ww.

With all gratitude, hubby and I would like to thank Vhiel for bringing this site back in its course. I switched it without my designer knowing it. I am so glad for the help she extended otherwise, this site would still not be working until now.

I would like to let everyone know that this site is still under "renovation," so I am asking everyone to just bear with all the inconveniences if ever you happen to experience one.

Bryan Turned Six...

2008-10-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

I felt so bad last Saturday because it was our grandson's birthday and I did not get my request for day off. Hubby and I wanted to be there earlier so we could spend more time with family and friends but time was not in my favor. I went to work and worked until 7:30 pm. It was already late but we still managed to get there.

We were on the road when Elsie called us to find out where we were at that time. They were getting ready for the cake but after knowing that we were almost there, they decided to just open the gifts so we all could sing the birthday song for our darling celebrator altogether.

When we got there, Bryan was still opening his gifts and so we added ours on the unopened group. We got him just a birthday card since he already knows how to read and a Target gift card. Target is his favorite store to shop that's why we decided to give him that. But what really astounded us was our choice of the birthday card. We picked the 5-year-old card instead of six. It was a mistake but anyway Regina did the same thing too. We're not the only one, anyway. But Gilbert and I both knew he turned 6 and I wrote it on our calendar at home. It's just that when we picked the card, we were so focused on the contents inside forgetting what it said outside. LOL! It was a funny embarrassment! To think that he is our grandson!

This is our boy with his Lego. He just could not wait to assemble them all after opening the boxes.

My Cousin's Visit

2008-10-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

My cousin called me from the Philippines when she got her multiple entry visa. She told me that she's coming and that hubby and I had to pick her at the San Francisco International Airport. That's what we agreed but I kept waiting for her next call to confirm her departure and arrival so I could schedule my day off from my work. I suggested a weekend for her to arrive so hubby and I could pick her from the airport without a problem. But she called me just before she left the country and since I was at work, she left me a message saying that she was flying through LA instead of SFO. It was a relief then because hubby was working. Besides, she was flying through another airlines that arrives day time. We're used to PAL that always arrives late which was easy because we could just take off after work time.

She did not give me the number to call so I just waited until she called me to tell here whereabouts. When she called, she told me that she would come on a train the following day. What the heck!!! I was struck. I did not know what to do because it was a weekday and both of us had to go to work. I was just glad that I work swing shift last week. So I called my best friend from Hayward and told her the story. It was a perfect timing because it was her day off. It was a real coincidence! I planned to leave my cousin, while I go to work on that same day, to my mother-in-law's house so she could be with the lady from Fiji who is also an adventist like her. I thought that they could get along well having the same religious background but my friend got mad with my plan. She offered to take my cousin to San Francisco while I went to work. I thought it was too much for my friend to go to that extent but she was insistent.

So we picked her last week (Tuesday) at San Jose Amtrak Station. We got there a little bit late because of the traffic and she was already waiting outside when we arrived. We took her to our other friend who lives nearby. It's been a long time though, since we last visited the Obenza's so we decided to just stop by to say Hi. From there, we went to Crazy Buffet for lunch. Then we headed home to drop off her luggage and to bring me to work. Then they took off San Francisco bound. They had dinner at the Agustin's house on their way back and told me that they would stop by to pick me up after work. It was already late so I told hubby to just sleep and not to bother coming the store where I work. Vilma (my friend) decided to stay for the night. Then in the morning, she took my cousin again to Hayward to meet Manang's other friend. I really did not have enough time to spend with her because of my work. They came home late again so hubby still did not meet Manang Alma (my cousin). He went to bed because he had to wake up at 4 am to go to work.

The only time that we were together was last Thursday, the day before she headed back to LA. Vilma went to work during the day but I asked her to stay with us for the 2nd time for the Karaoke night. I went to work until midnight so while I was gone, I suggested a singing time would be a perfect entertainment. It was then the time that hubby and my cousin finally see each other. The four of us had dinner at our house just before I went to work. They stayed talking and singing until hubby decided to go to bed. Vilma volunteered to pick me after work. My friend is really a blessing. Then in the morning, my friend left to go to work while hubby and I took my cousin back to the train station.

This morning, I just got a call from her. She's in LA now and is doing fine with her friend.

Another Feather Added on her Cap....

2008-10-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

Awesome Achievement

Your MBA graduation
Fills us with love and pride.
We always knew that you could do
Whatever you really tried.

It's a long and challenging journey
To get an MBA degree,
But you wouldn't quit it, you just went and did it,
And we're beaming affectionately.

Your achievement is awesome, Elsie;
You've worked hard and you've passed the test.
We love you so, and we want you to know,
We think you're the very best!

Congratulations!

By Joanna Fuchs

Profile of my Four Brothers: Cirilo

2008-10-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is my second brother and the third of ten. His name is Cirilo but he is Boy to all family members and friends.

Just like my first brother, he also went through a lot of struggles. He did not finish school on time because of taking turns and financial problems. My grandma took him to Butuan City to keep her company as she was living just by herself. He was in grade four at that time. He was shocked when he went to school and told us that he was the brightest in that class. Not a surprise though, I know that he also has a sharp brain if given the chance to shine. But he was not able to finish that year because my Lola got sick. So he came home and joined us again.

It's really tough when you have the desire to finish school and at the same time have the intention to help the whole family. He never got a 100% attendance in school but he was doing okay, though some assignments were missed. He finished elementary and enrolled in the Municipal High School which was just opened. It was a little relief to my parents because the tuition fee was not as high as in the Catholic school.

He finished high school with honors and his motivation to go to college was amazing that he could not wait for my mother to go with him. He went just by himself to Marawi City and enrolled at Mindanao State University. He took civil engineering where he is good at Mathematics. He was lucky to get partial scholarship at the start and it helped him through as he gained full scholarship in the succeeding years. He finished his chosen field without any problem except for financial aspects.

After graduation he went to enroll for a review class in Manila.That was really a big sacrifice from all of us but that was the only reason that he could get a license and be able to land a good job. He was blessed when he passed the Lisensure Examination for Civil Engineer and Jr. Geodetic Engineer. He came home bringing the laurels of all his sacrifices. No more fish nets, no more going out to sea in the evening, no more going to the farm to clean the fields.

His real world started when he got his first job at the Department of Public Works and Highways in Agusan del Sur as one of the engineers . He was commuting everyday until he finally got his own motorcycle.

With him landing a real nice job, and with my other brother (though he was already married), with me in the field of teaching and with my other sister who happened to finish first before him, life was getting better. And I knew that it was a little bit of relief for my parents too. Not only that their toil was compensated, that also gave them the sense of pride. Six more to go out of ten.

Now he is the Municipal Engineer of our town and got his own family.

Just like my eldest brother, he built his own house too. They are next to each other in that small piece of land that my father bought with a can of sardines.

Aside from being an engineer, he also has rooms for rent right within few steps from their doorstep.

And now their eldest is already in First Year High School and is intending to follow the footsteps of her father. She is really good in school, too.

(to be continued...)

Profile of my Four Brothers: Val

2008-09-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

This is my brother Valentino. Everybody fondly calls him Val. Being older than I am for just a year, we grew up together and shared the same childhood experience. When my mother enrolled him in grade one, I cried because I wanted to go to school with him too. With no choice, she put me in school agreeing to the policy that I would only be there just a visitor. I was underage at that time but we were classmates until grade two. We got separated in grade three when I stopped for some reasons. I had to take care of the younger siblings as my mother got her job at the municipal office. My brother went ahead but as I went back to school the following year, he was my idol. He finished elementary then he enrolled in the Catholic High School since there was no public high school then at that time. I knew that my brother has a brain but the fact that we were so busy helping our parents, we never had enough time to study and do our home work. He graduated with honors in high school. Hooray!

My mother took him to an agricultural college in Tagum, Davao del Norte, now Tagum City which he did not like. I knew he wanted to take another course but he had no choice. That was the only school that my parents could afford to send him to. So though he did not like it, he still did his best in school. And just before he graduated, he got married to his schoolmate who was also an agriculture student. Anyways, they both finished and came home and started their life the hard way, too.

My parents was devastated at that time because they thought that at least he could help them out a little bit before settling down. But I assured my parents that there were still the rest of us to count on. I was a college sophomore when that happened so I knew quite well their frustrations.

He started working as an elementary school teacher in one of the barangays. At that time, almost all public schools were overflowing with children and the demand for teachers was everywhere. He did not stay long in that job as it really was not what he was prepared for. Although the head teacher said that he was doing okay but he really had to move to where his filed was. He worked at the Municipal Assessor's Office for few years then moved to the Department of Agrarian Reform.

His family grew and they were able to build their own house in that small piece of land that my father bought with a can of sardines. His wife Vick got a teaching job in High School which was great help, too.

My brother's performance in the implementation of the Agrarian Program was very noticeable. He fought against few landlords in our place who refused to submit their property to Agrarian Reform . He defended so many tenants and took some of them to court to testify, thus earning their share of the land. Because of his achievement, he was being offered a higher position but he turned it down because he had to move away from his family. He decided to stay and got the Undersecretary Award in late 90's.

After 15 years of service, he decided to retire and manage his own business with his wife. They now have three grandchildren from their oldest son Kim.

These pictures were taken last Christmas at their place. To the left is a pose with their daughter-in-law and two grand children. Kim was not able to join because he was in Cebu. He was not able to take a day off from his hospital job as a radiologist. To the right is the picture with Ariel, their second son who is still in college right now.

Above is the picture of Kim and wife Jona with their first son, Liam. And on the right is my brother's house located just across the Municipal High School where his wife Vick used to teach before she retired.

This is all about my brother Val, the eldest of ten siblings.

(To be continued...)

In not so distant past...

2008-09-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

I could still recall our struggle in life back in those days when we were still young. My father used to be the tenant of their own ancestral land which my grandmother acquired when they resettled in the little town of Barobo. My grandfather died early and since my father could not go to school because of his asthma, he became the right hand, tending all their plants in the farm while grandma was busy doing some other works. She had another farm in Libertad, Butuan City in Agusan Norte. That made her went back and forth but most of the time she stayed there and just came to see my father once in a while and to get the money from the harvest.

As my father started his own family, he had nothing in his name except a small piece of unproductive land which he traded with a can of sardines and few pesos. He was just a mere farmer whose income was never enough to make both ends meet. Since I'm the second of ten siblings, I witnessed how tough life was for all of us. Tatay (my father) knew that his farm income would never bring enough food on the table, so he tried fishing. He once was a very skillful fisherman that some fish broker in our town granted him money to start his own fish pen. He did everything he could to support his growing family. He worked from dawn to dusk and from dusk to dawn. It was almost unbelievable but it's the truth. Sometimes he went to the farm early and came home for breakfast to go to the sea because the type of fishing he had largely depend on the movement of the water. So during high tide, he ran to the farm and worked for few hours. He estimated the time perfectly through the movement of the moon in the sky and he knew when to come home to pick his fishing gadgets to rush to the sea. He did not want to miss low tide because that's the time for him to gather all the fish in the pen. Then after selling the fish to his broker, he ran back to the farm to finish his unfinished work there. That's how he got his name "From the Sea to the Mountain Man" and to think that he would just walked the three-kilometer distance from our house to the farm. He also watched the fish pen in the evening to make sure nobody took the fish before him. Sometimes he took my brothers with him spending few hour or the night at sea.

It was really a rough time that as we were growing up, we were involved in the struggle. We were young and carefree but my father and my mother were both the authority. On weekends, they sent the three of us (Val, me and Boy) to the farm while my father was still in the sea. Many times we resisted but they always reminded us of our future. As young as we were at that time, we already learned the value of work and how important it is in achieving our goals in life.

One awakening truth that brought us all to success was the fact that both my parents did not finish school. My father was up to Grade Seven only but he has great common sense. My mother was a high school graduate but she has the discipline and the determination in keeping us all focused in our dreams. They both unceasingly reminded us of how tough life is without education. Both of them were instrumental in what we are and where we are right now in our community.

Look at them with worn out physique but both wear the glare of happy and contented parents because they were able to bring out the best in all of us.

29th Annual National Grade School Convention

2008-09-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

I called my sister in Laguna the other night and we talked about her experience with her daughter Kaye. She told me that she went to Baguio City with Kaye who attended the convention. She represented their school in the search for Little Mr & Miss Graders Convention 2008.

There were more than 30 competing schools from all over the country. It was held at the Teacher's Camp in Baguio City. During the search, my sister stayed on the backstage along with few moms to attend to Kaye's needs. The reason she did not get pictures from her camera.

This is Kaye on stage presenting her talent. She knows how to play the piano and probably the reason why she made it to the top six.

Her costume was a unique one, too. It made her stand out from the rest of the contestants because most of them were wearing Mestiza dress. Hers depicted Gabriela Silang, the Filipina revolutionist in the Philippine History.

It was a week full of activities for Kaye, though she did not get the title but being on the final level was worth the experience.

Congratulations my dearest niece!

Back in my Hometown...

2008-09-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

I just had a talk with my brother this morning. He is the current vice mayor of our town. I called purposely to talk about his plans and to check what he is doing right now. I know and I believe that he really has the strong conviction to make our town a better place to live. Right now it's a third class municipality, with a lot of resources untapped.

Barobo is rich in human resources if only all these people will get on their butt and start finding a job for themselves. There is a wide track of land to till in our place but only few are now engaged in farming. There is a wide sea but only few go out to fish. I wish all my kababayans had self- commitment to better off their lifes. It's just a matter of courage, perseverance and common sense. If everybody has all these three key things, Barobo will be a very progressive town in the long forgotten province of Southeast Philippines.

The Two Smart Kiddos...

2008-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

These pictures of our grand kids were taken when we were in Maui Ocean Center. I took these on our way out. Bryan was emotional here because he could not find his stuff toy which he left somewhere inside the place. But he was still smiling.

Last time we were in Kauai, he lost his pirate ship at the pool. We were looking for it in all the pools but the search was in vain. The same thing in Maui. Keith, his Dad, tried to search every possible corner that Bryan said he was there. But he did not find it.

We went back to our hotel with Bryan crying.

To My Sister... Rosa!

2008-08-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Because I appreciate
Being related to someone like you
This comes with loving thoughts
And warm wishes too

You are so dear to me
In so many ways
I'm wishing you the best
On this special day!

With love,
Manang Cely & Manong Gilbert