Day 88: Lolo Joe and Lola Cora

During our last three days in Butuan, we were "adopted" by our very generous and hospitable BCBP brother and sister, spouses Joe and Cora. Those last few days with them allowed us to have a haven and respite while we were moving out and packing up our things from our home. 

No words of gratitude would ever measure up in response to the generosity of this couple. They made sure the kids and I were provided for in terms of comfort, safety and sustenance.  They even went the extra mile to lend a hand in the packing and stuffing of our boxes and furniture. 

The children would surely miss their Lolo Joe and Lola Cora...

On a personal note, I do praise God that He allowed us to be a part of a wonderful community that is the BCBP. A month or two before our scheduled move to Cebu, it was simply difficult to comprehend how possible it was for us to afford the expenses of such a move, not to mention that I was left alone with the kids to make it work. Through the kind and generous hearts of our many BCBP brothers and sisters, everything was made possible. God worked His miracle through them. What was impossible became a reality...

Many thanks to our BCBP-Butuan family!!!

Bro. Jensen and Sis. Grace - for the wonderful assistance, support and mileage you extended to us...we will forever be grateful

Bro. Mark and Sis. Joy - for being great sounding boards to me during my "anxiety attack" periods, for always being there ready to assist us in whatever we needed...many thanks

Bro. Francis and Sis. Marilou - for just being there as our constant Sunday "churchmates" at Miraculous Medal Chapel...your presence every Sunday helped keep me grounded...

Bro. Jeffrey and Sis. Manette - for the opportunities given to the kids to have some fun just before our move...those events gave some semblance of "family" during our 6-month separation from Jerome

Sis. Ched - for the boxes and always being ready to lend us a hand whenever we needed one...

Bro. Val and Sis. Langga - for the quiet nurturing and spiritual guidance you've given us over the past year...we take the learnings and insights with us wherever we go

Bro. Ben and Sis. Eden - for your inspiring messages and words of encouragement...

to our BCLP-12 family: 

Bro. Nonoy and Sis. Belen - though we don't see each other often, the strong bond of friendship can be felt every time...thank you for the prayers and advice

Sis. Lotlot, Sis. Fe and Sis. Delia - your strength as women continue to inspire me to continue to evolve into a much stronger woman...your points of view were indeed something I needed to view things from a different perspective

Bro. Nilo - your cheerful disposition and constant presence has made every breakfast and AGM alive and interesting...

Bro. Cris - your steadfast faith despite the tremendous trials that have come your way continue to be our living example of how we should live our Christ-centered lives...

and to the entire BCBP-Butuan community...thank you for always being there, constantly living your Christian lives so that we can derive inspiration and lessons from them...we will miss all of you!

...until we meet again...God bless you all!

Day 4: A Reunion of Sorts

When hubby and I were still dating, there was a hole-in-the-wall batchoy place that we would frequent in the Capitol area in Cebu. It was called Carlo's Batchoy. It was just an open-air outlet where people from all walks of life would frequent to get their fix of hot, steaming batchoy. 

Shortly after arriving in Cebu for the holidays, I wandered off to the place where I knew Carlo's was located and was surprised to find out it wasn't there anymore. It took two more days of leisurely walking along the Capitol-Fuente area to discover where this batchoyan eventually moved to. Well, it underwent a face-lift and is now an air-conditioned place located at the row of stalls called "Boulevard". The price of a bowl of special batchoy with egg didn't change from years ago...what changed though is the serving size and the amount of "goodies" in every bowl. 

This short rendezvous at an old familiar place also gave us the opportunity to bond as a family even for just a brief moment. There was laughter, loud exchanges of everyday experiences - from the funny issues at work to mundane ones like taxi escapades. On our way home, we couldn't pass up not having some shots of the Cebu Capitol building at night. Passersby and motorists probably thought we were some crazy bunch roaming the streets but they didn't know we were a family finally having a long-awaited reunion.

Day 361: A Reunion with Friends

I always look forward to reuniting with my ex-Aboitiz 'family' in Cebu. In my 3-year stint in the Queen City, these ladies became my family. Living away from home was indeed difficult but being with my gal pals made it easier and quite fun. We've been through a lot, our friendships tested and we've all passed with flying colors!

Having our own families and other interests have made meeting up far less in between and so whenever there is an opportunity, we grab it and make sure we make time for each other.  Due to some scheduling conflicts, our ISM Queen and her brood couldn't make it and we surely missed her this time around. 

The night was filled with good food, great talk, much laughter, amazing issues and Guinness  records of sorts (all revolving around degrees and women's handbags). Even the kids had a blast getting to know each other and bonding. By the end of the night, my kids refused to go home and were asking if they could still play with pals, Elle and Jaz. 

As with our usual get togethers, time is always too short, where stories were abundant and lengthy...it was a wonderful night filled with so much fun, camaraderie and love. There's so much to look forward to this coming new year...I'm sure we'll be given more opportunities to meet and catch up stories.

Day 355: Best buddies invade Cebu!

When we found out that Jarred's best buddy, Francis would be passing by Cebu en route to SG, we couldn't pass up the opportunity for them to meet up and enjoy some time together  before the mad rush of the holiday season. 

For a few hours they were able to spend some time playing at Timezone (which I discovered could really burn a hole in your pocket if you weren't too conscious of the card swiping thing) and the Playroom. Even youngsters Caitlin, CeeJae and their cousin Eejah had a swell time with Kuya's BFF.

Day 341: A Pizza Party

As in previous years, Jarred Andrei celebrated his 8th birthday with a party in school together with his classmates, teachers, friends and sisters. 

This year was like an extension of last year's pizza extravaganza.  An xtra super Cappricciosa pizza from Calda Pizza was the highlight of the afternoon recess time.  It was a huge 36" concoction of thin crust, tomato sauce, mozarella cheese, salami and mushrooms.  I knew that I made a good flavor choice when the kids kept on coming back for seconds and even thirds.

It was a simple and yet memorable event for my son who was just so glad to have been able to celebrate his special day with friends.

Day 315: Surprise in the Mail

This small packet of surprise came in the mail today. It's the 2010 W@W (WeddingsatWork) Wedding Primer. Skimming over the pages made me reminisce my wedding preparation days back in 2000-2001 (civil rites) and 2006 (church rites).

W@W became my best friend in all things bridal. I was able to scout many suppliers through the site and later on developed friendships with other would-be brides through the W@W e-group. To this day, these friendships have endured time and distance as most of us have graduated from being W@Wies to N@Wies, exchanging our wedding planners for marriage counseling, pregnancy tips and childcare concerns. 

It's so wonderful to see how W@W has evolved over the years and continue to assist all would-be brides and grooms to prepare for their wedding and marriage. Thanks to Abet & Benz for making my day today. Cheers to W@W!!!

Day 300: Two of a kind

CeeJae finds a new friend in TomTom, Siansi Jenny's youngest son. Older by about 6 months, TomTom plays "Kuya" as he shows CeeJae the ropes on how to play ball and ride the twirly-burly.

Day 299: A BFF Birthday

FRANCIS RYAN, my son Jarred's best friend, turned 7 years old today. In celebration of this milestone in his life, his parents, Mamer and Alice, threw him a wonderful party at their place and everyone in school was invited. 

Many days prior to this event, Jarred and his sisters were already getting very excited about this party and once school went out for semestral break, they started counting the days to Francis' birthday.

It was indeed an amazing gathering of family, friends, classmates, teachers and parents.  All the kids had a grand time playing and running around - from the little tots to the older ones. 

We were served with an array of gastronomic delights that filled our tummies quite heavily.  At the end of the night, I brought home with me three half-asleep and ultra-tired kids and a bunch of memories to cherish forever.

Day 257: Girl Power

Gal pals MARIELLA and CAITLIN take a brief break 

from play to pose for the camera.

One of the many gifts that membership to the BCBP has given our family is extended family. Living away from our respective families for many years now, there are times we long for camaraderie and support only family members can give.  We've found such in the community. Even our own children have found and made new friends.

God is truly good...all the time!

Day 252: Best Buddies

Francis Ryan and Jarred Andrei first met as Kinder 1 classmates back in 2008. Ever since sharing a ride on a "trisikad" during BFCS' 20th Foundation Anniversary Parade (dressed as superheroes) and spending free time playing and running around, they've become inseparable friends. This school year, they've been spending more time hanging out even during weekends. Ryan would usually call at home and ask permission for Jarred to come over to his house for a playdate. On those days, I'd usually drop off my son in the morning and pick him up late in the evening. Somehow, that day together would sometimes seem to be not enough for these two young men as they'd ask for extension minutes of playtime. They'd usually go bike riding, swimming, play computer games and matchbox cars. It was at Ryan's massive backyard that Jarred first learned to ride a bike without the training wheels anymore. Recently, I heard my son mention the term "BFF" and for someone who's having difficulty with Pinoy terms, I was taken aback when he mentioned it. He said that's what his best friend Ryan told him they were...BFF - best friends forever...

Day 239: Celebrating BFCS' 22 years

By the end of a very long and tiring week, everyone was ready to take things slower. Today marked the awarding ceremonies of the SportsFest and Literary-Musical events held earlier in the week. By noon, parents and teachers also had an opportunity to bond over the Luncheon Fellowship. In the end, all kids went home winners, their hearts full of pride and joy.

Day 233: Unity

There is much to learn from a jar filled with decorative sticks...or simply from a bunched up "walis-tingting". Separately, each stick is nothing and would just fall onto the ground. But held together, they stand proud and strong. 

The same goes with faith, family and friendship. Without God, our lives mean nothing. Without our family, our life is empty. Without friends, our life is dull. 

Day 198: Ole!

Here's a sampling of the scrumptious food we had during last Thursday's fellowship at the Rosales'. A staple at any Pinoy affair, the roast pig or lechon was the centerpiece of the buffet. There was a viand to each person's liking - healthy vegetables, tasty fish, gastronomically-delightful beef, tasty chicken and the ever-present pancit. To satisfy one's sweet tooth, a melange of yummy desserts filled one table - leche flan, chiffon cake, macaroons, suman and  brownies. It was a truly satisfying and belly-filling meal...burp!!!

Day 196: Fellowship

Several brothers and sisters from our BCBP community gathered together at the lovely home of couple members Bro. Nonoy and Sis. Belen Rosales to celebrate the eve of their town fiesta (Carmen, Agusan del Norte). Surrounded by a great view, enclosed in a wonderful abode, we shared the company of great friends over chit-chat, food and drink. It was indeed a wonderful way to bond and get to know each other better.  I'm looking forward to more bonding moments like this in the community.

Day 111: Gwyneth and Jarred

It was rare to see these two together like this so I snatched the opportunity to snap photos.  Gwyneth and Jarred - the two kids of Kinder II who vied for top spot in graduation.  Well, it wasn't really neck in neck as Gwyneth clearly swept past ahead of the pack as early as the 2nd quarter.  And so, it was she who bagged the gold and Jarred, came 2nd with the silver. 

I was in awe as I saw these two discussing the English/Filipino names of vegetables and fruits posted on the wall.  I had fun watching them and little did they know, I was capturing every moment on film...

Day 102: Blog Exposure

Thanks to my good friend and high school batchmate, Caren Bayhon-Yrastorza for featuring one of my favorite recipes on her food blog.  I've been following Caren on her foodie adventures for some time now.  Her recipes and food styling pics are awesome!  I've tried several of her tried and tested recipes and all of them have become winners for my family.  One of the more popular ones is her Baked Macaroni...it became the star of our Noche Buena feast back in 2008.  When I was invited to feature a recipe on her blog, I didn't think twice.  I  shared a family favorite - Adobong Pusit.  Read more about it here.  I was really tickled pink when I saw the feature on her blog...sarap pala ng feeling! 

Day 90: My Soul Sister

Today marks a special day for someone whom I'm very proud to call my dearest friend and soul sister.  We first met at work back in 1998 when I moved to Cebu.  Hers was one of the first faces I saw upon being shown to my work area and her presence became more or less a permanent one in my life since then.  Allow me to pay tribute to one awesome lady whose friendship I cherish like life itself.

Dearest Aries,

As I wake up on this lovely Wednesday morning, I think of you and how you've made my life so much richer by simply being there.  When I first set foot at the SuperCat office, you were one of the first people who welcomed me.  With your strong presence and booming voice, I knew instantly that we were going to click.  Even then, I envied your strength and confidence...you always seemed to be oozing with it and gosh, it was so natural!  Hmmm...I've always wondered how you did it.  Deep inside, I knew it was a special gift you had.  It wasn't to overshadow other people, rather it was so distinct yet subtle enough to just be something that inspired others to emulate or develop.  

You may not know this, but you were that one person whom I looked up to in terms of independent living.  As you know, my stint in Cebu was the only time in my life that I had a chance to live on my own.  Having had a sheltered life, I had no idea what freedom and independence was like until I met you.  I tried to be as fiercely determined as you were at work, as caring and supportive outside of it.  Being the eldest among my siblings, I had no one older to call "Ate" and God was indeed so gracious when he gave you to me...I found my real life "Ate".

We sure shared so much heartfelt laughs and even had several "Maalaala Mo Kaya" crying episodes.  When I didn't have anyone to watch those Pinoy "takilya" movies with, you gladly offered to come with me.  I can still remember how I converted you into a full-pledged Pinoy box office fan.  You knew how difficult it was for me to have no family around so you made sure I had one in you.  So you can just imagine how my world tumbled down when you decided to leave my side due to some sinister plot created then to destroy our friendship.  Of all the friendships I lost, yours was the one that really devastated me.  

Like a hurt cub, I retreated into my shell and went my own way.  I had that emptiness in me for almost two years and though at the time I already had hubby at my side, he knew there was a part of me that pined for my soul sister...my Ate.  There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think about how you were and wondered about what was happening to you.  But I could only look from afar.  It was indeed the Lord's hand at work when he used another soul sister to reunite us.  That was in November 2001...a time that will forever be etched in my memory.  The minute I saw you, I wanted to hug you to make up for all the time we were apart.  I was aghast when I learned the trials you had to go through on your own.  I wished I was there to help you and give you support.

But God had a greater plan and His timing was perfect.  I was about to leave Cebu then to move to General Santos City and He gave us enough time to catch up with all that have been lost.  To say that our friendship became stronger is an understatement...I believe it was fortified, much like a fossil leaving its mark.  We knew then that this was a friendship that no intrigue nor evil plot can ever topple down again.

We may not see each other as often as we did before but because of modern technology, it's just as if we're beside each other, chatting away like we used to.  Of course, I do miss my movie date buddy and I miss all those times we just go on and on about life, share laughter and tears but I'm glad that we are updated with each other's happenings through the wonders of the internet. I can still call you "bru" and "timang" all I want and that makes me feel like as if we're just neighbors all the time.  I chose you to become Ninang to my firstborn because I wanted him to grow up having you in his life.  Knowing how much positive influence you've had on me, I simply couldn't deprive my son of the same opportunity, right?  As you'd been a great inspiration to me, I want Jarred to always look up to you as I did.

And so, after so many lines and some tears shed while writing this, I simply wanted to let you know how special you are and how thankful I am to God for giving me a great sister and friend like you.  There's of course, no better timing than this, your birthday.  

Happy, happy birthday my dear friend, kumare, "Ate"....soul sistah...together with my family, we pray that the Lord continue to bless you with good health, joy, success and of course, love.  May you never cease to make the world so much more interesting with all your feisty adventures and funny misadventures.  We love you and miss you so much!

 
(the inset photo was taken right after New Year's of 2000...shortly before our brief falling out)

Day 78: Practice

In a few days my son will be graduating from Preschool.  For the past week or so, he and his classmates have been busy practicing for their Baccalaureate Service and Graduation Exercises.  I was given a sneak peek during their final rehearsal today for their Baccalaureate this coming Sunday.

The excitement is evident in their eyes.  It was a wonder they didn't mind being asked to do their numbers over and over until they got it perfectly.  They were all bundled up with tremendous energy and vibe.  Everywhere else, the faculty and administration were busy putting up the finishing touches to the backdrop, checking the program sequence and perfecting the script.

Looking around, I was brought to my own memory flashes of graduation practice week...of which I had three: elementary, high school and college.  They all seem like a blur now but I can still remember the feeling of pride and accomplishment I had then.  I'm sure my son and his classmates feel exactly the same.

Day 73: A Year Older

I woke up to a very beautiful Sunday morning today. For a perk-me-up, the fam bam had breakfast at the local batchoy shop.  The fresh noodles, pork bits and chicharon, garlic, leeks and glorious caldo (hot broth) made our tummies warm and satisfied.  We did a short joy ride around our small city before hearing mass at Sto. Niño Shrine.  For lunch, we hopped over to Mom's Finest Buffet to officially celebrate my natal day.  We arrived just in time for the much-awaited Pacquiao-Clottey boxing match to begin.  I was so happy to find my favorite Kare-Kare as part of the buffet...love it!!!  So my birthday feast consisted of Kare-Kare, Garlic Chicken, Fried Tilapia, Spaghetti, Pork Sarciado and Steamed Rice.  Jarred insisted I should have cake since it's my birthday but I told him that older people don't really get birthday cakes anymore.  To this he wittingly replied, "Don't worry Mom...I know exactly what to do!"  He scooted over to the dessert table and filled bowls and saucers with yummy dessert fare.  When he came back to the table, he said..."Here Mom, for ice cream, you can have this cool sago and cream mix and instead of cake, here's some Maja Blanca and Ube Jello." It was so touching!  We were all stuffed at the end of the lovely meal.  And despite the boxing match being so boring and uneventful, it was a birthday lunch that I will never forget.

We went to nearby Gaisano Mall so the boys can get their haircut and looked around for some stuff that hubby needed.  He was able to score a nice pair of driving shoes and 2 pairs of Old Navy sweat pants for an absolute steal!  Since I've been sporting a slimmer waistline nowadays, I scouted for a nice casual belt which I found after some steady search.  Before heading back home, the two older kids requested to have some fun at the arcade and armed with 2 tokens each, they chose a car race video game and a rickety bus ride.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home.  When I opened my email inbox and Facebook account, I was floored by the amount of greetings and well-wishes from family and friends.  And so, for a great day filled with delectable food shared with loved ones, precious time being together and wonderful wishes from all over the world - THANK YOU! It is indeed such amazing times we now have to celebrate getting older. I love it!!!

Day 70: Remembering MELOT

I

It was during the years between 1994 and 1996 that I have come to know a bubbly young lady uniquely named "Melot".  She joined ATS' QuEST through the Business Measurement Team (BMT).  From the moment she stepped into the Makati office, she has shone such magnificent light and vibe to everyone. Being petite and exhibiting such an impish smile, Melot clearly became the "baby" of the group.

Indeed, she was young when she first worked with us but she had displayed maturity and professionalism way beyond her years.  The different projects of BMT definitely excited and challenged her.  She loved all the traveling that came with the job.  If my memory serves me right, I might have taken maybe 2 or 3 SuperFerry trips with her while doing some Expectation or Satisfaction study.  I was from another team but there was a time I had to render an extra hand at BMT since it was the time of the WGA merger and everything was toxic!  Work surely became so much fun when Melot was around, she made sure of that.

I kind of lost touch with Melot shortly after I left the company in 1996 and although I made a comeback in 1998, she was no longer with the group when that time came.  My communication with her resurfaced last year through Facebook.  It was also that time when I came to know of her battle with ovarian cancer.  Browsing through her photos, you wouldn't really know of her painful and difficult physical journey because all you'd see are smiles and twinkling eyes.  If there's one thing I know about Melot, it's the strength of her faith in God.  And I knew it was God himself who was guiding her throughout her ordeal.  

It would be two weeks ago today that our dear MARIE ROSE - 'Melot' went back home to the Father.  I was shocked and sad to hear of the news but I was also thankful that her physical pain and suffering has ended.  She put up a great fight with her illness and it was time for her to finally be with our Lord.  The immense outpouring of love and prayers only showed how much Melot is loved by all her family and friends.  She will be missed greatly by us all.  I'd like to remember my dearest friend for her husky, booming and hearty laugh that would send everyone else in the room into a chorus of joyous laughter.

Melot, thank you for the memories, the laughter and the tears...rest well, my friend...until we meet again.