Too Many Things To Write, Too Lil' Time to Blog

it has been one whole month since my last entry. i sure have been busy. sorry blog. but these were the reasons for my absence:

ONE. my parents from the province stayed w/ hubby & i for 2 weeks. it meant being out of home most of the time after work & on weekends for their general medical check-up, shopping, shopping & shopping. the great accomplishment of the visit, second to medical concerns, was to have been able to have our family picture.

we used to have us pictured decently on christmas days & new year's days. so i grew up seeing us change (improve & otherwise) in our yearly pix, the latest being in 1999. distance primarily contributed to our failure to continue our christmas tradition. good thing, in oct 2001 during my wedding & the april 2005 wedding of my sister, we were all gathered to pose for posterity.

as is still now, we are physically distant. but thanks to digital thingies & photoshop! we worry distance no more. i just hope blogger will cooperate so i'll be able to successfully upload our pix once the magic of adobe & photoshop takes its course.

TWO. i'm rushing paper works & what-have-yous for an event in october. no, not for our 5th wedding anniv. teka....i wonder what's in store for me. i hope husband gets to read this.

enough said.

Gay Gays

finally, i got to see carson, kyan, thom, ted & jai in the flesh! yes pipol, the fabulous queer eyes are in manila.

the encounter happened last night in greenbelt. but oh, i wasn't among the "privileged" to have "my own seat". but i managed to have a brief, close encouter w/ carson & kyan when they crossed to nuvo (restaurant), for sure to have a pee. eh, i was at the nuvo door, kaya ayun, i grabbed talaga carson's shoulders. and when kyan came out of nuvo, i was like 12 inches apart from him that i was floored w/ his charm. instead of shouting his name, i blurted "thom!!!" *ha ha ha*

while i was going gaga over these nakakatuwang gays, husband was busy taking their pictures for me. yes, that's how supportive he can get. only that, he never got a good shot. my sister who's physically small (sorry inky) wasn't able to get near them. but we had fun. and i can say that just as how they project in queer eye, the fab 5 are happy & gay. i just love them no less!

~

husband treated us to a trio-flavored ice cream when we got home. i think he's fast learning from jai, the culture vulture. or maybe ted, the food & wine connoisseur. it was such a sweet way to cap the night that i forgot my coffee binge (oops, that should be on a separate entry) .

June Vacation

you read it right. hubby & i took a 10-day off from work just when the summer season ended. here's a travelogue of sort:

june 9, friday - husband & i arrived tacloban and immediately hied off to guiuan. it was a swifty 2-hr ride, what w/ hubby trying to hit destination before sunset ('coz mano alex's pajero's headlights were very dim). in my auntie's house we found plenty & plenty of relatives - - all attending the next day's wedding. oh, it was great to be w/ family again. the sad part was, my uncle, the father of the groom, got sick and was flat on bed (i guess from stress) that my first order upon arrival was to check if he was ok. he was running a fever w/c made me fret (but didn't show it) because he prepared well for the wedding of his son, the last to marry in the family. from a hearty supper, my sisters & i rushed to the church for a late-night practice. we hit the sack before midnight hoping to catch enough sleep before 5am - the make-up artists' calltime.

june 10, saturday - first thing in the morning, i cajoled my sister baby that we see aura (the bride) at their house for last-minute instructions. sure glad we did. back to our lodging house, no one wanted to have them made-up first so i volunteered. sure glad again i did, because the beautician was not yet tired & i found my up-do nice & appropriate (hmmm....sa ganang akin lang naman).

by 8am, me & my 2 sisters, baby & chinky were at the rustic yet majestic immaculate conception church, hopefully to meet majority of the bridal party who didn't attend the rehearsals. my! imagine the frenzy because we weren't doing the usual march (read: the kaartehan in me rushed in that i was determined to have a non-traditional bridal march w/ the girls marching alone & their partners meeting them at the center; & a closed church door for a dramatic entrance of the bride just like what we did for my sister's wedding. in the province, that's something new). oh how i wished my sister jingle (who's the official wedding planner/coordinator in the family) was there to do it all.

hubby & i were the first to march & lighted the candles along the aisle. when we reached our seats, we surreptitiously returned to the formation, so i can 'coordinate' the processional & for hubby to stand as proxy to an absentee-ninong (eeew). during the bride's parents' walk, i wondered who was attending to the bride! my instinct dictated that i get out of the church & quick! you guessed it, she was in her lonesome in the bridal car. what a patient girl could aura be. if it were me, i would panic. so, i led her to the closed church door for her walk. when it opened, i heard an applause. i had goosebumps. i was sure my cousin was glad to finally see his lovely bride. later, i learned from my bestman-cousin that indeed, the groom was in the verge of tears.

the wedding ceremony went as planned - - solemn, period. i was relieved. my sisters were relieved. the reception was rather laidback, just the way everybody wanted it to be. there, we ate, danced, ate & danced. everybody was happy.

in the post-wedding dinner back at the groom's house (where our relatives converged again over a non-ending buffet), my sisters & i were congratulated for a job well done (hmmmm). for that, my auntie gifted me w/ a big victoria's secret hand & body lotion. i wonder what my sisters got (another hmmm). actually, it was just a bonus. what matters is we helped our cousin & new cousin-in-law achieve their dream wedding.

june 11, sunday - after a 4-hr drive, we were in oras at 1pm. yehey! home at last.

june 12, monday - husband & i woke up early so we can see the independence day parade pass by hubby's home (where we stayed). i was amazed that until now, our flag is still displayed in majority of the houses for the ocassion. i rarely see that in manila.

by lunchtime, the villalons in tiguib, my family in paypayon & compound relatives in riverside were all in burakay. a monday on the beach? sure it was the best monday, ever.

cagpajo river landing

immortalized in burakay

june 13, tuesday - hubby & i just stayed in tiguib & visited paypayon where i started covering my nephew, anjo's notebooks & books (haha, me the dutiful auntie ever!). in the afternoon, we fetched tatay & nanay in burakay (read: they go there everyday. to clean & beautify the place, that is).

june 14, wednesday - we were in burakay again, this time w/ nanay's siblings to discuss important family matters. in between, i walked along the seashore (haaay, sarap!).

june 15, thursday - tatay, nanay, chinky, jerome, husband & i visited auntie lina in cagpajo via a 1.5-hr boatride. for those not in the know, cagpajo is my paternal grandpa's rice farm along the oras river. i remember as a kid, i asked tatay to point to me the extent of the property & he said: as far as your eyes can see. i know it is just a hyperbole. but i know too, that it's really huge. auntie lina (who's retiring there) has a cute bahay kubo at the far end of the place w/c can be reached thru a loooong concrete pathwalk & a high bamboo bridge that cuts along the rice field. aside from her veggie & flower gardens, she also has a tilapia pond & tends a poultry. the visit wouldn't be complete w/o a tampisaw at the waterfalls. purely farm life. surely peaceful.

june 16, friday - after a bried visit to tatay bett's musoleom and a garden lunch in paypayon, we had our first 'official meeting' for the del rosario feast in october. later in the evneing, we had an audience with msgr. japzon. good thing, the parish priest agreed to our plans. that's a great way to start. then, hubby & i paid a 'courtesy call' to auntie delia in the evening.

june 17, saturday - we reached tacloban by 8am after a 3.5-hr drive. husband cum driver was starving, that's why. in the evening, mano alex treated us for a bbq dinner in rtr plaza.

june 18, sunday - husband & i had the whole morning playing w/ bea. we hit manila in the evening as our 4pm cebu pacific flight was deeelayed.

bound for manila

as husband always put whenever we prepare for bed on sundays, we are back to 'reality' again the next day. after our 'vacation' w/c for me is such a blessing considering the 'hard life' today, i try to be enthusiastic on mondays. because i'm lucky i have work w/c keeps me at bay. not everyone gets to have work, a happy married life & vacations in between.

Always a Bridesmaid, have been a Bride

for the nth time, i stood as bridesmaid. for my benefit, allow me to count:

aug 1991 - maid of honor to my sister dodit;
may 1994 - cord sponsor at my friends, litos & arnel's wedding;
june 1994 - maid of honor to my cousin louie;
june 1996 - cord sponsor w/ ex-bf-now-hubby to our friend elsa;
april 1998 - bridesmaid to ivy in her wedding to my cousin bobbit;
july 1999 - veil sponsor w/ ex-bf-now-hubby at our friends, enan & donna's wedding;
dec 2000 - maid of honor to my friend iris in her wedding to my cousin roldan;
july 2003 - cord sponsor w/ hubby at my cousin, kevin's wedding to minerva; &
april 2005 - cord sponsor w/ hubby at my sister, baby's wedding to jerome.

and that doesn't include my bridesmaid role w/ ex-bf-now-hubby as groosman at my cousin, lalaine's wedding in may 1996, which, sadly, we weren't able to attend.

this time, it's me & husband again. we lighted the aisle candles at my cousin, babie's wedding to aura last june 10 in the historic immaculate conception church in guiuan, eastern samar. that meant travelling again, our second defiance for the year (read: we resolved in january this year to limit our out-of-manila travels). not that i'm complaining because i just love wearing gowns (which also means not having to worry what to wear if i were just a guest).

not only did i stand as bridesmaid, i also coordinated w/ my sisters (minus the official events coordinator in the family, my sister jingle who's abroad) & read the prayers. and oh, during the reception, i helped count the "gala". talk about multi-tasking at its best.

Coincidence

isn't it amazing that these glass coasters i got at landmark at a really cheap, cheap price look like my blogskin? simple things...simple joys...

To Dance or Not to Dance

to dance...in obando (bulacan), that is.

early morning friday (may 19) saw us rushing to obando. by us, i refer to husband & me. for those born just today, obando is known for the fertility dance in celebration of the feast of sta. clara. myth has it that those who have difficulties conceiving may ask for the intercession of sta. clara so that they may be blessed w/ a child.

about 2 years ago (during our 3rd yr of marriage & no child yet), husband & i would joke about going to obando. but we remember about it past the month of may, when the annual festivities is held. so when husband reminded me on thursday that the next day will be obando's last day of the 3-day celebration, i was more than ecstatic. honestly, i was happy becuase he was as interested as i am. who would think of a he-man like my husband wanting to join the fertility dance?

amidst a throng of people, we joined the procession to the beat of a dancy tune. i learned that even those whose 'wishes' have been granted still join the fertility dance as their way of acknowledging sta. clara's 'help'. odd but true, a lady who was manning the restaurant we ate in, guessed correctly that we were there for the dance. the way she told us that believeing in sta. clara's intercession is just a matter of faith trailed my ears even as we were leaving obando.

from obando, we proceeded to glorietta to watch da vinci code. tom cruise's character, robert langdon said something like "in the end, what matters is what you believe in". yah, correct. just as what the restaurant lady said.

will we dance in obando again next time? yes. because it's just a matter of faith.

35 na!

yes, i hit trenta y cinco.

when i reached home from the office on friday, may 5, i immediately told husband about our friend dundee's text asking if i have many visitors the next day. i wondered: visitors? that led to my pleasant discovery that husband already texted our 'close-in' friends for a b-day party. honestly, i just wished to watch MI3 on the big screen and eat out after.

it was sweet for husband to concoct the surprise-that-never-was. you see, he better tell me early, otherwise, we'd have no plate, spoon & fork to use. our spare china & silver are neatly kept that he will not be able to locate. he also made sure that a tacloban lechon be sent by mano alex & rented extra tables & chairs, considering that we only have 6 dining chairs & a 4-seater sofa.

despite the impromtu-ness of the event (at least on my part), it was a happy one. i got to share wine with my sisters dodit & baby, & my girlfriends liza & bingklay. and oh, husband got to bond with his boyfriends, too.

husband & i hit the sack in the morning of may 7, tired & sleepy. but who cares. we had a great time. 35? yes, i'm 35. it means i'm already classified a high-risk if and when i get pregnant. that sounds scary. but reaching this age is an achievement in itself. i am married to the 'right' man for 4 1/2 years; we live in a pretty decent dwelling in urban makati & able to pay rent; we are employed, albeit not that 'gainfully'. we don't have a child yet. maybe soon. we hope soon.

God must have his way of saying that we can't have it all in one setting. yet still, we have to be thankful. and i am.

I won! I won!

whenever husband & i ride cebu pacific, we get giddy during the on-board games. i see to it that my stuff are ready for the picking once the steward/stewardess shouts "bring me...!" and we also intently listen to every word they say even before the games start. you see, questions may be based on just anything. and there are only 3 slim chances.

in an october 2005 flight to tacloban, the passengers were asked to identify at least 3 ctities w/c cebu pacific flies w/ airbus 320 (fyi: A320 has just been introduced that time). that info was part of the stewardess' intro when the flight started. i eagerly raised my hand w/ nothing in mind. i heard myself shouting "davao, cebu & tacloban". of course it was just a guess. that good guess earned me a small-sized cebu pacific shirt. not bad.

on march 25 this year, still on a flight to tacloban, the passengers were asked the no. of exit points on the airbus 300 we were riding. husband whispered to me "8" & even said that airbus 320 has 11 exits (see how attentive he can be for a prize). but of course i didn't raise my hand because i wanted him to speak out. so we missed question #1. then another question: name of one of the 2 captains. i told husband to answer capt. sevilla. he did not answer, maybe because he was still annoyed at me for not heeding his call on the 1st question. i was also unsure so i did not answer & we missed the shirt. the last question came: to name at least 4 colors that starts w/ the letter P. we were told 'pula' & 'puschia' are not among the correct answers. but of course!

mel tiangco (yes, the kapuso) who was seated in front of us, answered pink, purple & peach. failing to give the 4th color, i raised my hand with pride & shouted "periwinkle!" & recited the other 3 colors. i was declared winner & immediately got another small-sized cebu pacific shirt. husband asked me how i knew. heavens! i reminded him periwinkle was our wedding motif. how can i ever forget. and why did he ever forget.

those small, happy winnings reminds me that it does not harm to try after all. i'm sure husband & i will always try to win a shirt, even if we don't get to wear them. and i hope he does not forget our wedding motif. for what? just for the heck of it.

Happy Misis & Happy Mister strike again!

our #1 new year's resolution for 2006 is to limit our out of town travels (read: those that necesitates an air ride). obviously, we want to give our finances a breather after 4 trips to tacloban/oras & husband's bangkok trip in 2005 .

PRIORITY being our mantra, we figured, we have to go home only once this year. that said, husband & i agreed that it has to be in october, during which time, nanay will be hermana at the feast of the most holy rosary.

in january though, i received a call from my closest male 1st cousin that he wants husband & I to be part of the entourage in his june wedding in guiuan (a 2-hour ride from tacloban). i didn't have the heart to tell him of our new year's resolution. for sure, it will sound funny & it will disappoint him (read: he recalled that i attended other relatives' out-of-manila weddings in the past). so, I said yes. this early, we are breaking our new year's resolution.

~oOo~

in february, husband & i were reminded by my sister-in-law of her daughter's 1st bday celebration in tacloban. the bday girl, bea, is my goddaughter. after several computations, it appearing that we will not be cash-strapped, we said yes.

husband made sure that we avail of an airline promo rate. instead of the almost P8 thou 2-way fare, we got a P2.4 thou cebu pacific mla-tac ticket & P2.1 thou PAL tac-mla ticket. that's around P5 thou each! not bad.

we had a smooth ride to tacloban on a saturday morning, march 25. for the 2nd time, i won a cebu pacific tee during the fun-flight game. that hilarious experience deserves a separate blog entry.

husband & i were billeted in a decent air-conditioned room at vic-mar beach resort (the party's venue). the room being really big, we shared it w/ my sister & nephew, & husband's brother's family of four. all of them went all the way from oras. it was a good time to bond for all of us.

sunday, march 26 lasted so fast. in the morning, i was designated by the bday girl's mom to oversee the caterer's re-do of the garden venue. while taking snapshots of the venue's transformation, i prayed hard that it won't rain. it did not.

the party started w/ a mass officiated by the same priest who baptized bea. while adult visitors

enjoyed a 6-course buffet + an array of seafoods (read: huge shrimps, crabs...aaaah name it), the kids went ga-ga in their jollibee zoo party. the moment the jollibee mascot appeared, the place was in chaos. if only kids can vote, i bet jollibee will hit it big time in the polls : )

as if the gastronomic treat was not enough, bea's papa & mama hired 2 acoustic singers to liven the party. several intermission numbers of bea's cousins & her mama's officemates also added to the happy mood. will a sing-along machine be left behind? the answer is a big NO. as expected, the party's time limit at 10pm was extended to around 12 midnight.

bea's mom who's on oficial travel to baguio, joined us on our way back to manila, monday afternoon. we checked-in late & had no choice of the 2nd-to-the-last row seat left for us. good thing, we rode a PAL airbus 320 w/c felt as if we were seated in front. we have technology to thank. oh yes, dear GOD the most.

Meet BACH

The date was August 13, 2005.

I received the good news that our youngest sibling, our only brother, is finally a father. It was not a surprise, much more a pleasant one. But the moment our family was told that our brother's girlfriend is pregnant, we embraced the reality that, yes, a new family member is coming & for the first time, he will be carrying our family name (after 3 sons by our eldest sister).

The moment I laid eyes on this cutie, little boy at the Chinese General Hospital where her mama had to endure a cut, the cesarian section way, thoughts rushed in to 25 years ago, when our brother was just a baby himself. Dear God, my mind said, bless this young family.

His parents named him Bach (pronounced BAK). They say they got this unusual name from Johann Sebastian Bach, the classisist. We insisted that at least a Justin, a Joshua or even a Johann be affixed before the Bach (considering that Bach's parents' name both start with a J & our 3 other nephews' names also start with a J). But our brother was adamant. He prevailed. He's the father after all. And he's no longer a boy.

When our senior citizen aunt heard of Bach's name, she exclaimed: "Ay sus, kadami ng pangalan, bakit talud-tod pa!" (talud-tod is the waray term for likod; likod is the tagalog word for back, right?).

Barely 2 days before Bach turned 7 monhs, he was christened at the Sto. Domingo Church & we, the adults, feasted on an eat-all-u-can buffet in Kamay Kainan, West Avenue. He may not have parted with the yummy treat, but it is with hope that he will grow knowing and feeling that he is much loved by all of us.

Looking at Bach now, I can say that indeed, the best things in life are free.

Holidays in a place called HOME

Yes, it's right, husband & I spent Christmas and welcomed 2006 in Oras.

It was an spur of the moment decision to go home. After all, we thought, our respective families are there, so to purchase our tickets right away was the main concern. Unfortunetaly, we were not able to avail of any airline promo (argggh!)

It being a peak season, we also had no choice but to go for the Dec. 21 Cebu Pacific extra flight. In my last blog for October 2005, I promised not to ride CP anymore (ha ha!). With this new CP experience, I might wish (again) not to patronize it.

~0~

Dec. 21 - Bad things had it coming that day. The taxi driver wanted a fixed rate. OK, a fixed rate is fine, but not when it's way, way too much the just fare. Like from our place to the airport, a taxi fare will just be around P70; ergo, the P150 the driver demands will drive you nuts, right? As expected, husband was pissed. The driver might have sensed that he was not in for a joke when husband suggested that we go straight to the police precinct, forcing him to use his meter which yielded P63.00 when we reached the domestic airport. Uhm, see!Nevertheless, I told husband to give P100.

As expected, there were too many passengers in the check-in counters. 2 lines were alloted for Tacloban until we heard a CP employee shout that another counter has just opened. When we were finally settled at the departure area which seemed like a market, came the announcement that we will be 1 hour delayed. Ha ha! 99% on time, huh! But the 1 hour delay turned out to be 2!

The ride was rather smooth. Since we were seated in the 1st row, hubby & I could see the goings-on of crew. 1 of the 2 female stewardess turned out to be a trainee, and she was to assigned to close the door!

Considering my proximity to the door, I noticed that the smaller lever was still up. In seconds, the phone rang and the trainee lowered the lever. I heard the senior say " nagalit si captain?". See, I knew that the door was not totally closed after all!

To complete the day, 2 of our 4 baggages were not in the same flight as we were. I was dismayed, rather, utterly dismayed 'coz no one among the CP people at the Tacloban airport seemed to care. It was only after I demanded, no, yelled that I be referred to the manager did I realize that I was in for a lousy costumer service. The male manager did not offer an apology at first even if it was obvious that my baggages were nowhere in sight. He reasoned, it was not their fault, but of the CP people in Manila! How pathetic! Instead, he asked for my address in Tacloban and offered to deliver the 'lost' baggages the next day. But I cried "NO!". I demanded that it be sent that day, wherever it could have gone since 1 of the baggages carry wedding paraphernalias scheduled that very day (truth is: it has Baby Bea's formal dress for her aunt's wedding going on that hour and my friend Liza's mother's gown for a Dec. 29 wedding). I think it was only after I implied to the manager the urgent need of the 'lost' baggages did he make radio calls in front of my face to confirm its location. And yes, it was only then that he offered me a seat!

It turned out that my 'lost' baggages were carried by the flight next to ours. So that's another hour wait. The result? Baby Bea was not able to make it to the church for her aunt's wedding. At the reception in Hotel Alejandro, I whiled the evening on yummy food to forget the mess. Can I shout haaaay!?

~0~

Dec. 22 - Husband & I left Tacloban for Oras at exactly 2:35pm on Mano Alex's pajero (bless this man. We took the Lawaan route 'coz the shorter way was not passable due to heavy rains and landslide. So instead of 3.5 hours, it took us 6 hours to reach home.

After we settled our baggages in my in-laws place in Tiguib, hubby & I paid a visit to our Paypayon home. Tatay was ready for a welcome party that lasted 'til 12 midnight.

~0~

Dec. 23 - I had the whole day to help Baby wrap the presents in Paypayon that need to be settled in the Christmas tree.

~0~

Dec. 24 - In between preparation for the Christmas dinner, Baby, Anjo and I had a hearty laugh as we took photos of ourselves at every corner in Paypayon.

Later that night, during early dinner in Tiguib, "Santa" came to deliver presents for the kids, to the delight of everyone. Husband & I went to Paypayon at past 12 midnight. There, he continued drinking w/ Auntie Lina and some 'compound relatives'.

~0~

Dec 25 - We woke up to a festive mood. Husband & I accompanied Baby Bea to do "house to house". On our way, we were able to deliver gifts to our inaanaks Laieniel, Gabby & Kuliglig.

While I was in Paypayon, Tony & Liza dropped by to tell me that they just went to Tiguib to deliver their gift to us (clap clap clap). At 3pm, we attended mass w/ Mano Alex & Mana Adette. It was while we were queueing for the communion when Rivah said we were in identical colors. It dawned to me that yes, Mano Alex & Mana Adette were in red, while husband & I were in pink! After church, my sisters-in-law & I whiled our time in Tiguib. I was also able to open Tony & Liza's gift - - - a black authentic Guess wallet *yipee* & a blue izod shirt for husband.

In the evening, husband & I went to Paypayon to wish Auntie Lina a happy trip since she was leaving the next day for Manila to take a chance flight to Vancouver. I guess, she really needed all the luck.

~0~

Dec. 26 - In the morning, the Villalons convened at Auntie Delia's house. Yah, she played Santa, that even husband & I were not spared to receive P100 + an imported corned beef *wink* .

At noon, husband & I were invited by Tony & Liza to visit their resthouse. As I was in a short

denim skirt, Liza gave me a Marks & Spencer denim pants *applause applause*. Aaaah, we had a great time eating and enjoying nature, aside from the 'competitive magic singing' that kept us busy.

~0~

Dec. 27 - While I was in Paypayon to see Auntie Dayday who visited us all the way from Guiuan, husband drove Mana Adette and friends to the town's jail to visit an incarcerated classmate. Misa wanted me to see the jail so he fetched me. And go I did to the jail!

After our jail visit, husband opted to have his nails cleaned! Yah, instant manicure and pedicure. See, husband has gone vain, really vain.

~0~

Dec. 28 - I also had my nails cleaned while doing nothing in Tiguib (me too!).

~0~

Dec. 29 - After lunch w/ Anon, we proceeded to Paypayon & found Anjo 'home alone' since Baby & Jerome attended a wedding. Tatay & Nanay were in Tacloban (Tatay was ninong at Homer's wedding). Husband & I had a much-needed siesta in Paypayon. It was a treat - - - worry-free nap to the max!

~0~

Dec. 30 - Baby Meeko, Tony & Liza's 3-mos old 'american' son was baptized w/ a party that followed at Kirum-Kirum. Heavy rains didn't dampen the event.

In the evening, the Villalon boys convened in Tiguib over 2 watercans of tuba! Beat that! The 'survivors': husband, Anon, Jose & Edsel decided to 'bar-hop' in Mucho Beer Garden. Since I was in my pajamas, husband excused himself from entering the bar and promised to come back. Of course, he didn't return *bwahaha*.

We were told the next day that Anon played Santa in Mucho (he shouldered everything that was consumed that night, include those not among his company - - - in hindsight, i should have pocketed all of anon's money!)

~0~

Dec. 31 - After the Tiguib household said goodbye to Baby Bea (back to Tacloban for the New Year), Nanay Luz, husband & I visited Tatay's Bett's musoleum. From the musoleum, husband & I ran to Paypayon to have brunch. As the house was getting ready for the New Year dinner & Baby's b-day, husband & I opted to clean the garden. It felt like we were in Extra Challenge . Whew!

The 'compound' people, Jerome's family & Villalons from Tiguib were all in Paypayon for dinner. Benly & Liezl w/ kids came too. It was our first time to see thier son Wamig, husband's godson. Naughty but cutie Shannen & Sky came w/ their papa & mama.

~0~

Jan. 1 - After I packed our things so I won't cram when it's bye-bye time, we had breakfast in Paypayon underneath the mango tree (oh I miss it!).

~0~

Jan. 2 - By 8:45am, we were off to Tacloban via the usual Bagacay route minus the road slip and landslide. In 3 hours, we reached our destination. By 6:10pm on the dot, PAL flew us to Manila.

We were back to 'reality' by 8pm! I can only praise God for the treat.

On Being Grateful

This is an account of a wife who was left behind by her husband for 3 days! (mwahaha, OA noh?)

You see, since we got married in 2001 or even before that (9 years earlier), we have never been apart. The rare times that we 'separated' was during hubby's short 1-week work-related trip to Malaysia, and another shorter 5-day trip in November last year when he accompanied Aunt Lina to Oras.

So when I learned that he's off to Bangkok, I made the effort to search for low fares as early as September, hoping that i'd be able to squeeze in (ha ha!). The PAL round-trip was just around P13T that time, but when I got back several days later, the rates escalated to a whooping P22T! I just realized that it was peak season 'coz of the SEA Games here in Manila (grrr!). Because of that, husband was not able to get a Nov. 19 return booking, what with the many delegates coming over.

The new rates being over the budget, I had to beg off. Ok fine.

Hubby said the Rama Gardens were he was billeted was rather imnpressive, better than Hilton, true to its 'hotel in a resort' subtitle. On the 19th, he took a chance flight back to Manila but had to shell out a few dollars for that. He could have just galivant around Bangkok considering that the remaining 4 days at the hotel have been paid, but he chose to go home. Aaaws, that's sweeet.

He had for me a pair of gold dangling earrings which he placed in a fancy jewel box. Bad as it may sound, but I'm not an earrings person. I was hoping for gold bangles, but he didn't remember (haaay). And because I'm such a brat, I went like arrrrgh instead of being grateful.

I soon realized my bad, and really felt sorry. So from the office, in order to make up, I bought him a slice each of sans rival, fudge cake, banana cake & an ube ensaymada at the newly-opened, neigborhood bakeshop, Ella's. To my surprise & embarrasment (haay, torture ito!), he was already home & on our dining table lay a beautiful box of Aggy's brownies. I just hugged him.

Anyway, I just learned another lesson. I realized the importance of being grateful for whatever comes your way.

Speaking of being grateful, hubby said that at the Bangkok airport, an old man claimimg to be a Singaporean approached and told him that he dropped his wallet! The old man patiently compared every human face at the airport w/ husband's ID in the wallet. When the man handed him his wallet, he embraced the good fellow with utter happiness. Oh I thought, thanks heavens for that honest to goodness man. I wish he had at least an email address so we culd have thanked him endlessly, but he don't have.

Now, that's another thing to be grateful about.

10-day October Fun

I should have blogged the moment husband & I arrived Manila after a 10-day hiatus in Oras. But I got very lazzzy (yah! I just can't get enough).

here's my travelogue:

Oct. 15 - our PAL tickets say 0600 hrs but as early as quarter to four, Nanay, husband & I were already at the centennial airport. After checking-in, I had to find a place to sleep (side kwento: I didn't sleep the previous night; after a brief, crammed, shopping, I realized that I left at the office 'what-should-have-been-our-first-born' [product of miscarriage on 2-13-05], so we had to get it at midnight 'coz we want to have it buried with father-in-law in Oras; by 4am, I was finished packing our things!). The cold steel chairs at the airport didn't prevent me from catching a 1-hr sleep. It was only when i waas awakened did I get back to my senses in time for boarding.

The PAL airbus 320 impressed me. It's sleek as new. Thanks God for Cebu Pacific, otherwise, PAL will enjoy monopoly & not improve their services. In fairness, we took off on the dot. After having travelled so many times to Tacloban, it was my first time not to experience a delayed PAL flight. Isn't it that PAL stands for PAlaging Late?

We were in Tacloban 45 minutes later without the bumpy feeling although the stewardesses remeained stoic, still.

While alighting, a crowd frenzy caught our attention. The banners say: Welcome Jericho! (with the exclamation point in the banners, huh). I found out that it was meant for Jericho R., the actor who was in the same flight. In fairness, he looked good (at least that day, LOL). From the airport, my bro-in-law treated us to a seafood breakfast in a nearby resto. Life must be beautiful!

After dropping by to see my 7 mo old baby niece Bea, we headed off to Oras at exactly 10am. My bro-in-law lent us his pajero and my cousin Kevin & his family of 3 rode w/ us so it wasn't a lonely ride. We hit our destination at 2pm on the dot & found our household in Paypayon running agog for Tatay & Anjo's birthday party later that night.

After a brief nap in my in-law's house, we reported to Remedios Garden to help. To my surprise, we were in for a blast, complete with skirted buffet tables - - you know, the works. Indeed it was a celebration: Tatay's 60th and Anjo's 13th bday. They blowed candles atop layered Go Nuts Donuts w/c we painstakingly hand-carried.

Oct. 16 - we were awakend at 8am by the Holy Cross Academy Alumni parade, led by the pioneering batch -- 1950's (?) that's why they had to ride tricycles! My unconformist Auntie Lina from batch '58 was grinning from ear to ear, while Nanay was in chika-mode w/ her classmate Auntie Estring. Tatay was also with his classmates.

that's my sassy mother in dark sunglasses w/ her hi-school classmates

For me, the best shirt was that of batch '70 that says "batch, miss na kita, txt back" (cute 'no). Batch '85 was also a blast w/ a gay Darna.

When husband's batch '87 came, they were teasing him 'coz he didn't join (here, his mind was willing but his flesh was weak). The culminating dance that followed in the evening was rather enjoyable, what with the older batches' production numbers. I was so happy with for Auntie Lina, Tatay & Nanay 'coz they all participated in their respective presentations.

The night ended w/ a brawl w/c I'd rather not elaborate. Batch '87 'continued' the night 'til dawn of Oct. 17! (that makes it our 3rd no-tulog night!).

Oct. 17 - We hit the sack at 6am, yet still woke up before noon 'coz we were scheduled to see Burak-ay for the first time (background: Burak-ay is a beachfront along the stretch of Burak, thus, the name, inherited by Nanay & her siblings from their father. Tatay started developing my uncle's share last August only). A huge cottage is ready for use & 2 big ones are under way. Two concrete restrooms & an artesian well are already working. In time, it will be open to the public.

Oct. 18 - The previous night, husband & I promised to have a good sleep, but lo & behold, we were awakened by shouting in our adjacent bedroom (background: bro-in-law & wife, the same characters discussed in my Sept. 9 entry). Husband & I opted to leave Tiguib in the morning since we knew there'd be continuing arguments. He headed to the plaza to help coach the Tiguib team in the basketball championship vs. Balocaue (yap! Tiguib won 2-1) while I went to Paypayon. I whiled my time wrapping spoon & fork since it's my only talent. After dinner in Paypayon late in the evening, I had a long conversation w/ my sisters-in-law w/c lasted 'til 3am!

Oct. 19 - It's our 5th day in Oras & we haven't had a decent sleep yet. At 6am, we were again awakened by a brawl (yes, same characters). To my disgust, husband reprimanded his brother & sis-in law! And there was silence & peace.

It's fiesta day! In Paypayon, visitors included my sisters' friends & several others I don't even know; same thing in Tiguib. In the evening, we visited 2 addresses: Auntie Mitang's & Uncle Rady's.

Oct. 20 - We visited Tatay Bett's musoleum. At last, we were able to finally bring to rest our 'what-should-have-been-our-first-born'. From there, we visited our 6mo old niece Chin-Chin. By 12 noon, Uncle Andy was already sending us a message that he wants us to leave for Borongan. And so we did.

I was amazed at how Borongan has become. In fact, it already has a mall & what looks like a decent hotel. The hotel's coffee shop 'Se La Vee' (yes, just as how you pronounce ces't la vie) is a good experience - - - nice place w/ really cheap food.

When we got back to Oras in the afternoon, we headed to Dundee's place for another batch '87 reunion. In the evening, we tried the new Mucho Beer Garden (yah! that's how petty it sounds).

Oct. 21 - Husband promised that he'd have an undisturbed day w/ my 'latest' bro-in-law, Jerome. And yes they did, despite the 1st Balic-Balic Boys Reunion in the adjacent vacant lot & another batch '87 reunion in Tru-Cut.

Oct. 22 - We were awakened early in the morning, thanks God not by a brawl, but by nephew Kobe telling us that it's breakfast time. The Tiguib people reminded us that it's our 4th wedding anniversary! How could husband ever forget! Instead of going back to Manila as previously planned, we headed off to a beach in Binogawan & had a great time.

here i am at the beach w/ my baby niece bea

Oct. 23 - In the morning, we watched the Del Rosario procession pass by our house in Paypayon. Nanay is next year's hermana so we better observe. By 2pm, we (w/ Chinky, Baby & Jerome) were on our way to Tacloban. In the evening, Mano Alex treated us for a b-b-q dinner along Mac Arthur Park.

Oct. 24 - We were supposed to take the 8am flight back to Manila but didn't catch a plane. As if perfectly planned, we instead had lunch at Mano Alex's parents' house in Sagkahan: fiesta time! Talk about eat & run, by 1pm, we were on our way to the airport to make sure we make it to the 3pm schedule.

Cebu Pacific's Airbus 320 was not as polished as PAL's version. Ha ha, after that super bumpy ride, I promised not to ride CP anymore (that, even if I won a t-shirt in their "fun flight game"). I wouldn't trade that for a smooth PAL experience.

By 4pm, touchdown Manila na. Waaa! back to reality again.

In hindsight, in spite the hectic schedule, our 10-day hiatus was a blast. Thanks God for treats like Oras!

Attaining a Secret Wish

God really answers prayers, even secret wishes (yes, even those that you just keep to yourself!).

Last Sunday, Oct. 23 while Nanay Luz (my mother-in-law) was preparing to attend the mass and procession for the Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Oras, she handed to me a small white thing, which I thought was a paper - - - a pasalubong from Dada, our auntie-nun who just got from Rome. I couldn't contain my happiness 'coz it's the rosary beads that I have been longing for!!! Wow, nice na the silver packaging, smells like roses pa.

Back in Manila, I texted Dada:

me: good afternoon. i received the rosary beads i longed 4. i couldn't thank u enough Dada.

salamat talaga. i'm blessed!

dada: ok. iyon lang naman kaya kong bilhin. i am glad u lyk it.

It's a reassuring feeling that it was given to me on such perfect timing. Believe me, it's my treasured possession.

October - The Rosary Month

I love Octobers! I really don't know why....ok, maybe it's because Tatay's bday is in Oct. 3, my first ever nephew, Anjo's bday falls on Oct. 14; October also means going home to Oras for the fiesta, and yes, it now means looking forward to celebrating our wedding annivesary!

I also grew up in a family which prays the rosary as the clock ticks 6pm, even before the adage that "the family that prays together, stays together" became a by-word. And so when my bf then, suggested that we marry in October because it's one perfect month to gather our families, I thought the better reason would be because it's the rosary month, and the rosary means perpetual grace. I am also used to being secured with my rosary beads in handy & putting it beneath my pillow when I sleep. When my mother-in-law gave me luminous rosary beads as her wedding gift, I was ecstatic not only because I think of it as lucky to receive one (rather than buy one for yourself), but also because I feel special since that was also just given to her by her sister-nun. Unfortunately though, I lost it & haven't received a replacement yet *sigh*.

In Fr. Jerry Orbos' column, he wrote about praying the rosary in this context "A folly maybe to some, but the lowly rosary is very powerful. Never understimate the power of the prayer. Pray on. Pray without ceasing. Pray desperately". And since it's the rosary month, our office was 'home' to a statue of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary yesterday. Our makeshift altar was adorned with flowers taken from the hospital garden & I made a little artsy thing to serve as backdrop. I think hubby would have done a really better version, but hey, I'm sure Mama Mary wouldn't mind. Don't you think?

Tatay is a certified senior citizen!

Last Monday, Oct. 3, the person who fed me, clothe me, sent me to school, loves me unconditionally & continues to support me when the 'need arises' - - -my father, turned 60! To celebrate this milestone, our immedite family members in Manila [minus Joni & Baby Bach who had to stay home 'coz Bach has rashes] had an eat-all-you-can dinner at Kamay Kainan in West Avenue. Absentees were Baby & Jerome, my nephew Anjo who are all in Oras, & Jingle who's in Doha.

We all had a feast, what with KK's 60 dishes. I don't really go for oyster but when Misa soaked oysters in vinegar, I ate at least 3! Because I truly love veggies cooked in coconut milk, I had multiple serving of laing *burp burp*. Despite our appetite however, we all agreed that Tatay has better versions of KK's dishes. Tatay wanted to cook for his bday dinner (as he always do), but we figured that for his bday it was but appropriate to spoil him.

As his present, Chinky & I bought a red polo shirt in Robinsons Ermita & had it wrapped in red too. Misa gave him a Bartlet brandy & patiently looked for a buri bag to go w/ the brandy (I guess, my husband is really sweet).

The next day, the celebration continued in Kamias, this time with our relatives. Highlight was an 'all boaut Tatay' trivia game participated by my 2 nephews. It was a tie :)

I can only thank God for Tatay & look forward to many birthdays ahead!

Tagging myself - Down Memory Lane

Here's a flashback...

25 years ago...1980 - I was in grade 3 in Divine Word University, Tacloban City. I vividly remember our class adviser, Mrs. Flor Manuel, the epitome of a refined lady who taught our 3-A class many things from GMRC to proper handwriting. That answers why my classmates & I have similarities in handwriting. Ok, I'd have to brag that I'm one of the few left-handed in this world who has a good script *sorry, mayabang lang po*. During our Christmas party, I received a white puppy toy which I didn't like, but I pretended to be 'happy about it' lest I embarass my 'manita'. See, that's fast learning my GMRC! And oh, during that party, I wore a white & yellow dress and a ponytail, geee!

15 years ago...1990 - I was in 3rd year nursing at United Doctors Medical Center in Quezon City. Nursing school was tough at this point but I still managed to have a very active social life (read: gimmick left & right). I remember during a Nutrition class (it was such a bore!), Liza, my bestfriend (who I believe was also bored with Botany in UST) dropped by our class (you see, we had the same uniform cut that's why she easily slipped through the UDMC guards), made a hand-signal which meant I had to cut class with her. Since I was seated in the middle, I passed my bag to my seatmates leading to the door. Exactly when our teacher faced the blackboard, I skipped my way out of the door with Liza holding onto my bag. I looked back & my 'understanding' classmates were all grinning at me!

10 years ago...1995 - I was a bum! After becoming a registered nurse in Aug. 1993, passing the CGFNS in September 1994, my application forms were all over the hospitals in Manila. Despite my good grades *wink* & line of 8 board rating *wink wink*, it proved to be the most difficult period for nurses because of the recession in US & local hospitals had no openings *sigh*. So I opted to undergo a 6 months volunteer job (read: no pay) at Quezon City Medical Center if only for experience. Summer of that year, my friends & I (actually, husband-wife/bf-gf pairs from Oras) opened a canteen beside Unciano Hospital in Sta. Mesa. It was a promising venture at first, but probably because we weren't prepared & considering our respective 'jobs', we called it off after a few months. It was my first taste of entrepreneural skills & learned a lot from it.

5 years ago...2000 - I was on my last year in Law school at FEU. I was mighty proud to graduate among the 'regulars' in April, mourned the sudden death of my maternal grandmother in May & took the Bar in September. On Oct 22, my bf then for 8 yrs & 5 mos, 'suggested' that we marry in Oct 2001. I thought it was just a corny joke (read: in denial 'coz I wanted the proposal to be romantic!). But when he insisted "it's October or nothing" (aba, takutin ba ako?), I realized he was serious.

We had a hard time telling our parents about the plans. Not that they would object, but it was an unexplainable fear. He started off with his sister Adette & I, through my sister, Dodit, who had a hard time telling my mother, who had a harder time telling my father. It was on their first visit ever to a Starbucks joint when my mother had the 'courage' to inform my father of our Oct 2001 wedding plans. His immediate response was to have it postponed to 2002 (until now I have no idea what's good about 2002).

4 years ago...2001 was my year! (read: roller coaster ride). On Feb 29, my bf-then-hubby-now flew to Oras for the 'bat-ul' (tagalog: pamamanhikan; english: is there a translation?, ok, it's when the would-be groom formally asks his would-be bride's family for her hand in marriage *whew* ). The success of the 'bat-ul' was without a blooper. my bf-then-hubby-now fell from our stairs *har har har*. Our first order of the day in Manila was to consult an orthopedics doctor. Good thing it was just a sprain. And the worst is yet to come in May.

On May 5, one day before my 30th bday, the Supreme Court announced the release of the Bar result. My bf-then-hubby-now egged his way to SC while I stayed home. Even before he returned, I received a text message from Mimi (my closefriend in Law school & room mate in Angelo King where we were billeted during the Bar exams): "I didn't make it Darlene. We didn't make it". My world crumbled. I told by-then-hubby-now I wanted to die *so so sad*. Liza called & said she didn't know what to tell me. We both cried. I have never felt so much pain. Several days later, I resolved to set aside (read: hide) my books & things. I realized that my wedding was just 5 months away!

In beween wedding preparations & work at PGH, I slowly recovered from the pain of flunking the Bar *argh!*. My younger sister Jingle took charge of the fashion part of our wedding (read: design, style, fabric & several other essentials), Dodit made the 300+ jelly candles, Baby printed the souvenir tags, Liza shouldered the invites from QP Designs *mwah mwah* & my bf-then-hubby-now worked double hard to augment the wedding fund *wink*. Come Oct 22, we had a rain-free wedding officiated by Bishop Medroso & concelebrated by 9 other priest-friends at St. Peter of Alcantara Parish in Oras. A garden reception at our backyard which we coined Remedios Garden (in honor of my maternal grandmother) completed the event. We wanted it that way: intimate & private. We could never ask for more. Our wedding story deserves a separate space in this blog. So I'll spare you with the details.

After our wedding 'high', a low point closed 2001 - my father-in-law for 2 months died of an asthma attack on Dec 16. We had a blue Christmas.

3 years ago... 2002 - my immigrant petition for the US was approved by the INS on Nov. 15. A day before that, on Nov 14, my cousin Liza A. (who was part of my bridal entourage) said her vows to Mayor Tony at San Sebastian with a reception at Westin Phil. Plaza. Liza P., Meline & I were among the usherettes at the reception. We had a good time.

2 years ago...2003 - in July, I was confined for 3 days in PGH due to severe stomach pain - - - my first hospital confinement ever. I stayed at the pediatric area 'coz I didn't like the infirmary. My Mickey Mouse PJs & Mickey Mouse blanket went well w/ the walls of my room *laugh*. Thank God it was just simple gastritis & my AP, Dr. Labio didn't charge me a cent 'coz I'm a PGH employee *clap clap clap* (discIaimer: case-to-case basis only).

On Aug. 26, hubby & I stood as cord sponsors at Kevin's wedding to Minerva at Sacred Heart Parish in Tacloban & Kanhuraw Convention Center (Kevin was his best man in our wedding). We had a great after-wedding party but had to leave Tacloban the following day since hubby had to leave for Malaysia on Aug. 28 for a 1-week business trip.

Last year...2004 - Husband & I finally decided to have our own space. We transferred to a 2-bedroom unit in Makati on Nov. 1 & painted the cupboard, cabinets & bedroom doors yellow against the all-white walls & ceiling. Our dining chairs are in yellow & black, & we eat in yellow china *smile, sigh*. We find it soothing. It's our space anyway. During the last week of November, he left for a 1-week 'official trip' to Oras. He had to do site inspection of the Cagpajo farm Auntie Lina plans to retire, 'coz he had to design of the river landing, pathwalk & farm house. During that week, Jingle stayed with me at home & whiled her time by making 3 fruit paintings which now hang in our kitchen (I had it framed in black w/ yellow borders in keeping w/ the house motif *wink*).

This year...2005 - In the despedida for Arnel & Litos (who had to return back to Arizona) on the 1st week of February, I was cajoled to drink tequila for the first time. I don't know why, but I just can't stand the after-taste. I guess I did it for the love of a friend who I have't seen for a long while.

In the evening of Feb. 12, I just got back from Rustan's Makati where I accompanied my sister Baby to register in their Bridal Registry when suddenly, my stomach surged w/ intense pain. I figured it was my not-so-monthly cycle. My OB, Dr. Ching Ilao-Oreta's phone was off *gasp gasp* so I endured the pain rather than be sent to the hospital. The next day, a rather meaty substance went w/ the bleeding & I suspected something was wrong. The first order of Feb 14, a Monday (we forgot it was Valentine's day!) was to see a doctor. Since I was in PGH, & St. Luke's is rather far from there, I was referred to see Dr. Aguilar. The pregnancy test strip yielded 2 stripes. My! you can just imagine our surprise. I had to have a trans-V ultrasound the next day to find out if, in Dr. Aguilar's word "something was left". When the doctor said during the trans-V that "it's gone", I cried. God, it felt like flunking the Bar again *sniff*. I didn't return to the office at once as I was really down & out. I just found myself walking back & forth the parking space of UP Manila Pedro Gil wing. At that time, husband was at the airport to fetch her sister. He texted saying how sorry he was for not taking care of me enough. I cried more 'coz I know he's taking care of me more than enough *sniff again*. If only for the thought that I am in fact capable of conceiving, I was relieved despite the diagnosis that I had a complete, non-septic abortion. But the days that followed left my husband devastated *sniff more*.

In the evening of March 30, we started our long drive to Oras. The AUV husband was driving carried dozens & dozens of fresh flowers & loads of apples, pears & oranges for Baby's abundant harvest-themed wedding, so you can just imagine Baby's sigh of relief when we arrived Oras in one piece. On April 1, the clock ticked so fast amidst the busy wedding jitters. After the church practice, we had a surprise shower for Baby complete w/ balloons, a drawing of a giddy bride by Anjo, naughty gifts & games.

As early as 9 a.m., I started decorating the 3-layered white fondant cake w/ fruits while Remedios Garden was in its final sprucing-up stage (read: hubby & my sister Jingle climbing the walls to hang the yards & yards of white tulle to create a ceiling *argh*). By 12 noon, the minutes ticked like a bullet. Before we know it, Jerome (our soon-to-be brother-in-law) was already calling Baby that the Bishop was at the church & we were running late! As planned & expected, the event was a success.

On May 6, I stood as ninang to my cutie niece, Bea Alexa Macato in Tacloban. Yes, it was also my 34th bday. In the afternoon, we attended my cousin Jumbee's wedding to Bing in Sacred Heart. At the reception in Kanhuraw, I met Lilian, Grace & Lorelie - - -3 high school classmates who I haven't seen for ages. Small world indeed! The next day, we went to Guiuan & had a really great time for 2 days (read: cheap seafoods & beachfront).

On July 24, Jingle left for Doha, Qatar where she works as a designer in a fashion line, and on Aug. 13, our brand-new nephew - - - Bach Cordero was born in Chinese Gen. Hosp. c/o my brother Nonoy & Joni.

Yesterday...Sept. 27 - 1 day after my mother's 61st bday & 7 days before my father's 60th bday, was just another ordinary day at the office & went home to a hearty dinner c/o, as usual, dear hubby *huuug*.

Last night...We were not happy with HBO.

Today...Sept. 28 - another ordinary day at the office. I look forward to tonight's 'American President' starring Michael Douglas & Meg Ryan on HBO (I'm a Meg Ryan fan). That's not saying that I'm not as excited to see my hubby dear 'coz I always am.

Tomorrow...I hope it's another good day.

Next year...Aside from a baby, I wish we'd finally be able to immigrate to the US. That's not asking for too much after the petition's approval in 2002. Otherwise, I'll start reviewing for a 2nd try of the Bar in 2007 *fingers crossed*.

5-10 years from now...I pray for good health of my family. If it's not an abuse, I pray that by that time, we are already blessed w/ an improved version of a mini-me or a mini-Misa *he he*. Can I wish that I hope by that time, we are finally relocated in the land of milk & honey?

Now, who do I want to tag? YOU. Try it & see what you've been up to.