Day 62: All About BXU - Orange as Orange Gets (3rd of a series)

Once you enter the city boundary of Butuan, you will know that you've arrived once you spot these bright orange-colored motorized tricycles on the road. These heavy-bodied trikes are the primary means of transport around the city. I believe they're even more popular than the multicabs that ply the city's specific routes. These orange things will get you almost anywhere within the city limit and even right to your doorstep. The only place these are prohibited to pass by is along J.C. Aquino Avenue. For P6/ride it is quite a cheap way to go around...that is if you don't mind smelling like exhaust at the end of your ride. 

Day 61: All About BXU - Malling Promdi-style (2nd of a series)

Mall of Asia it is definitely NOT!!! However, it is the only mall-type store that can be found in Butuan. Having grown up in Quezon City, I'm used to seeing big malls all over the city...from SM to Robinson's to Ayala...and the malls get bigger and bigger every year. 

The Gaisano Mall of Butuan is a pretty small shopping center that surprisingly served its purpose for my family for the past four years. Despite its size, it had mostly all the basic foodstuff that we would need on a monthly basis. Of course, it didn't have specialty stuff like fresh herbs, imported flavorings (if you wanted authentic Italian meals) and a lot of choices for meats, fruits and vegetables but the basic stuff were there. Overall, it was good enough.

Because it didn't have that many stalls and features, we rarely spend long periods of time here...it's more of "grab and go home" for us. When the kids want to have their arcade fix, there's a small one at the top floor offering rides and games for only P5 a pop. Comparing with the more popular Timezone, this was a steal. Well, the rides and games are old...what do you expect for the price, eh? But they make the kids happy and that's what's important. 

This is really a stark comparison to what happens on a weekend in NCR and in the provinces...most families would be seen malling and spending countless hours at MOA, Boni High Street, Megamall, Shangri-la Mall or Robinson's whereas here in the province, the mall serves as just a place where we source out our foodstuff/clothing needs.  Most families still spend a large part of the weekend either at home or in the outdoors (beach, mountains and the like).

Day 60: All About BXU - The City (first of a series)

BUTUAN CITY Map (courtesy of Google Maps)

It was in March of 2007 when I first set foot in Butuan City. It is located in the province of Agusan del Norte, in the CARAGA region.  I wasn't too keen about this place when I initially found out that we were going to be assigned here after living in General Santos City for 5 years. I've heard a lot of feedback about Butuan and most of the information I gathered centered on the fact that it was not as urban as GenSan. I, of course, dreaded the fact that we were probably be moving to such a laid-back and "barriotic" place. 

Well, I soon discovered that it is all that...and more.

Butuan City has a total land area of roughly 817 sq. km. and a population of 307,942. Due to its proximity to Cebu, the widely-spoken dialect is Cebuano while Butuanon and Tagalog are also popular dialects.

At first I was surprised to see that there were only quite a handful of famous fast food places here...with Jollibee and McDonald's topbilling the very short list. What became more appealing to me as time passed by were the presence of local eating places that are considered to be pillars in the city. I shall try to introduce these places one at a time, later on in this series. 

What Butuan lacked in terms of "pop culture", it more than made up for in terms of the rustic, laid-back and relaxed way of life it offered. Staying in this place made me appreciate being at home more and actually cut back on my "lakwatsa" tendencies. 

As I go along this series, you will learn more about Butuan...the place I call home. 

Day 7: Sunshine

After a week-long battle with heavy rains and cool weather, the sun decided to finally peek out and give us some glorious rays of shine.

It's truly a welcome treat as I've been feeling drab already with such gloomy weather. Besides, we'll soon be running out of clothes to wear as we can't do the laundry for fear that they won't dry properly.

Hello sunshine! It's great to see you again!

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 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 235: Hero

Growing up, I always looked up to my Dad as my own personal hero. To me, he was invincible, there was nothing he couldn't do. I was always confident that he'll be around to save me from danger and pain. So it wasn't a surprise that from the time I was a teenager, I knew that the man I would eventually marry should be someone just like Daddy. 

Well, that journey of looking for Mr. Right was such a long and arduous one...no one seemed to get past even first base of the requirements. It wasn't until I was well into my very late 20's that I met and eventually married my true hero. Although he wasn't exactly like Daddy, I'd like to believe that I chose someone who was a very close replica of Dad and at the same time, a very well-upgraded version of him. 

Daddy will always be the hero of my childhood and teenage days but hubby is and forever will be my life hero. 

Who's the hero in your life?

Day 226: Sis. Ched's Journey

"Each person has his/her own story to tell."  This is what I've come to realize and appreciate during our joint breakfast meetings at BCBP.  At the end of two full weeks, I revel in the fact that I will get spiritual and emotional renewal by listening to the life stories of our featured sharers. Each individual/couple has their own journeys to share, crosses and burdens to reveal, and inspirational messages to impart. By sharing a part of themselves, I get humbled by the enormous pains, sacrifices and burdens they talk about that have shaped their lives. I come to realize that my own little struggles are nothing compared to theirs and I become thankful for all the blessings I have in my life. 

And it was such a revelation to me when Sis. Ched made her life sharing today...she is one of the ladies who made such an impression on me the first time I met her. Definitely an extrovert, she's a cheerful and chatty person much like my own Mom (this is the trait I definitely inherited from her). Sis. Ched is the type of person who lights up the room upon her entrance. I also remember how she helped me implore the power of the Holy Spirit for the gift of tongues during our baptism last July 3. 

For someone so bubbly and lighthearted, I didn't quite expect to hear the enormity of the hardships she had to endure most of her life. I know that she is living proof of God's grace and goodness as she was able to endure and overcome all trials and is now living a life of service to the Lord and the community. I learned that by giving your full trust to the Lord and surrendering your life to Him, He guarantees life everlasting with Him in heaven. Sis. Ched's sharing touched me in a very powerful way, at times driving me to tears and I know that it was God himself who was touching my life through her words.

Day 212: Our First AGM

Having graduated recently from BCLP Batch 12, we became the newest Action Group (#6) of BCBP - Butuan Chapter. Being neophytes, we were oriented into the role of an Action Group and what goes on during regular meetings. With the guidance and support of our AGL's (Action Group Leaders) and Course Leaders, we enter into the BCBP AG life. Our regular meetings will serve as the anchor of our continuing struggle to follow Christ in this mad temporary world. With a supportive group like this, carrying the Cross will definitely be a shared sacrifice. 

Day 206: Fullhouse at Breakfast

It was almost "standing room only" at BCBP joint breakfast yesterday as Bro. Noel and Sis. Dina Mercado took to the stage for their life sharing. The combined wit and comic relief style of Bro. Noel and the calm and relaxing manner of Sis. Dina brought together a powerful sharing that had me laughing and crying at the same time. Their journey was full of life-changing and life-challenging twists and turns that can only bring about inspiration and hope for people like me who are given the opportunity to listen. 

Day 186: City Life

It will be more than eight years now that I'd been living the promdi (provincial) life. Being born and raised in Manila/Quezon City for most of my life, it is still a puzzle to me (and to most people who know me) how I was able to appreciate and love the simple life. Knowing and seeing it is one thing but living it is entirely a different matter altogether. 

I was known as "lakwatsa" and "porma" girl in my younger days. The Greenhills Shopping Center was my hangout place and I remember needing to be updated with the latest fashion trend. That was one effect of growing up in a private all-girls school. I had this lopsided view about life and belongingness. I grew up believing I had to be "in" to feel that I fit in. I guess that was the reason why I never felt real happy during elementary and high school days. I was always measuring myself against my richer and well-placed classmates that I forgot that the most important thing was developing my own being and individuality. 

I was fortunate to learn this once I entered the country's state university where my classmates came from all walks of life and from all over the country. It was where kikay met jologs and sossy hobnobbed with geeky and it was sooooo okay. For the first time in my life, I felt that I belonged in this crazy world. 

I guess it was this awesome, mind-blowing and culture-shaking experience that made me  go for the unusual things in life - choosing to start a career right smack in Manila's pier area, deciding to move to Cebu for independence and finally settling for a laid back life in Northern Mindanao.

Shunning away from the busy city life has probably added several years to my life expectancy because of less stress, no pollution and a no-excess lifestyle. The lure of the bright lights only come once in a blue moon and is easily fixed through a brief vacation in the city. Looking at how well my children are - carefree, simple and happy, I know that hubby and I must be doing something right and have made the best decision we could ever make for the family - the rustic provincial living. 

Day 185: Turning a new leaf

This is the first day of my new life...I cherish within me the gifts lovingly shared by God.

Day 176: Japorms

All grown up....(sniff, sniff)


Before I know it, he'll be the one putting his arm around my shoulder already...


Time sure flies so fast these days...


Just take your time growing up, son...Mommy will surely have a hard time letting you go.

Day 164: Worship

Growing up, I've been the type of person who was always conscious of the people around me and minded what they thought or had to say. This was especially true about worship and praise. I would usually be to embarrassed to lift my hands in prayer or praise when singing songs in church, afraid that the person next to me would think that I'm a weirdo or something. I realized today that I do all weird gestures and noises whenever I cheer for my favorite collegiate basketball team so why can't I do the same for Him, the Almighty Father, from whom all blessings come from. It was such an important lesson and realization for me and I'm glad for this wake up call.

Day 149: BCLP 12

After attending BCBP Breakfasts since late last year, hubby and I are now eligible to undergo the Brotherhood Christian Life Program (BCLP). It is a 9-day journey consisting of 11 talks to reacquaint ourselves with our Christian life and the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP).

So for the next 8 Saturdays, we will be attending 3-hour sessions together with our BCBP brothers and sisters. It will be a wonderful journey for both of us.

Day 140: Telltale

In my previous post, I marveled on my beach tan and new hairstyle. What the photo on that entry failed to show is what I'm featuring here.

You don't have to look closely to notice the telltale signs of age...it's screaming right at you. That's right, within my crowning glory nestles hundreds of silver strands, glimmering and shining for all to see. I'd have to say that premature graying runs in my family. My maternal grandmother has been sporting the coolest all-white 'do for decades now. My Mom has shared the same color in the last 5 years...imagine my current hairstyle in all-grey.

My stylist has tried to convince me more than once to have coloring and highlights done. He says it will do my short style justice. Wow! I'd love to but breastfeeding since 2006 has prevented me from going the dye route. If my 2nd daughter decides to follow her Atchie, it'll take me until 2012 (at the earliest) before I can consider having my locks colored. For the time being, let the silver in my hair remain as a symbol of growth and maturity.

Day 138: Waiting for Daylight

In life, there are many surprises - some will sweep us off our feet and others may shock or even disappoint us. I'm the type of person who abhors getting rocked or being jolted out of my comfort zone. I absolutely hate it and it takes me a while before I can fully adapt and accept changes in my life. Suffice to say, I'm for those types of surprises that excite and bring happiness (hey, I'm only human...with human frailties).

As I look upon the horizon, I can see part-darkness and part-light...with yesterday's sorrows and failures behind me, I can only see today's uncertainty...and yet, there is a radiance that peeks in to tell me that tomorrow is another day and that I should embrace it with newfound hope and joy.

Day 129: Mommy and Mama

On this special day, I pay tribute to two mothers who are my inspiration and source of strength in my own journey in motherhood.

To MOMMY: 

Thank you for all the sacrifices you've done to give us a good life and a bright future. It is only now that I understand how difficult it must have been for you to balance your duties as a dedicated pediatrician and your obligations as a wife and mother. 

Please forgive me for failing to acknowledge your efforts by focusing on what I couldn't see. I learned to appreciate your brand of motherhood only when I became one myself. It was a trying experience for me. 

I will never forget how you rushed to my side when I gave birth to Jarred and Cailie. We were spared so much hardship with you at the helm during my two deliveries. You taught us well, Mom. So well, in fact, Jerome and I made it on our own when our bunso, CeeJae was born. You'd be proud of us...

As a doting Mommy Lola, you never cease to think about your grandchildren and provide for their needs. The kids always remember you whenever they get hold of the precious toys or wear the attractive clothing you so lovingly gave them.

Thank you will never be enough Mom. Please remember that we love you very much!

To MAMA:

How can I possibly put into words the gratitude and love I have for you in raising a wonderful son like Jerome? You've had your share of hardship and trials in raising 5 boys, almost all on your own. It must have been chaotic and scary but you've managed and all of them grew up to be exceptional young men.

Thank you for accepting me into your family and treating me like your own. I value the assistance and support you give us whenever we need a hand with the kids or we're strapped for cash.

When Mommy wasn't able to come home when I gave birth to CeeJae, you were the one who assisted us in taking care of her. You made sure I was well enough to care for the new baby myself before you returned home.

Your apos look forward to their Cebu visits because they can spend time with you. I'm touched by your generosity and kind heart. 

**************************************************************************************

On this day, I wish my two mothers a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! Both of you have taught me to cherish motherhood and enjoy its ups and downs. I love you both! 

Day 119: My Princess

It wasn't too long ago when I held Cailie as a tiny baby in my arms. I remember being thrilled to see how fair-skinned she was, with lips that could rival that of Snow White's. For a long time, she remained tiny and small for her age. There was a point I was alarmed about her size but many friends assured me that as long as you see her active and bright, there was nothing to worry about.

And how right they were! My princess may still be on the petite side but she has grown so much over the last few years. She's certainly taller (which explains why her long pants now look like capris) and heavier. Whereas before, she would burst into tantrums when asked to wear dresses and skirts, she now looks forward to dressing up and being fashionable.  It was just a matter of time before she discovered the world of being "kikay".

Cailie is very expressive, "malambing" and thoughtful yet she's tough and formidable when she needs to be. With her Kuya by her side, she was able to take advantage of learning the English language painlessly. I could see that she got her love for school and learning from him too.

She's a doting "Atchie" to Shobe, CeeJae, many times helping Kuya take care of the "bunso" in the family. I guess she's pretty secure in her place in the family that's why our initial fear that she may resent having a new baby never materialized. Cailie adores CeeJae!

Sometimes, I do wish time would not pass by so quickly...I still want to enjoy my babies as they are now. I'm sure before I know it, my little princess would be all grown up and ready to face the world.

Day 116: Stillness

While waiting for my daughter to finish summer class today, I gazed at the empty playground in front of me. There was none of the usual noise and action-filled banter among children.  The silence gave me enough opportunity to think about the many blessings God has bestowed upon me all these years.

There may have been times I questioned Him for the many twists and turns my life had taken and it is only now that I fully understand what it means when God said "I've known you long before you were born." and "My plans for you are great".

He's letting me season with every hardship and difficulty, allowing me to become a better and stronger person each time. My fervent prayer is that He continue to watch over me and guide me to make the right choices and decisions.