FLETCHER'S DAY

Last Saturday, we celebrated Fletcher's Birthday at Puerto La Boca in the Little Italy district of San Diego downtown. It was his treat, so we were just happy to go and at the same time try to dine at a different restaurant. It was Argentinian with an authentic setting and we given a separate room like at The Crustacian, but not as chic and upscale. But, the food was delicious, but what spoiled the day was the very, very hot breaking weather (it was about 95 degrees).

MAY BIRTHDAYS

In my families there's one month where birthdays are celebrated more that any. It starts with Kuya (May 8), Astrid (May 8), Nette (May 9) and Daddy (May 17) which for years we celebrate on May 29, until they found records that he was actually born 12 days before. May is not only Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo month, it's also when some of my important, beautiful and handsome (like me?) love ones where born. So, it;s always a time I always look forward to. This year is special for it's the 40th for Astrid and 55th for my Kuya. May we share more of these moments for years to come. Kuya may have celebrated his alone, he can be sure that we remembered just the same. Astrid was very gracious and made us feel important by inviting us to her very impressive party at The Crustacean. I'll tell and show more about in my next post.

WHERE ART THOU BROTHER, 55 ?

Historically parents name their children after persons they admire, emulate, wish they were like them or simply hoping their children would be worthy of such prestigious name. Lydia and Pabling named their first born son, Socrates, the great Greek philosopher. So, you have an idea why they give him that name. Your guess is good as mine. Just kidding, bro! Later thru my Kuya's life, he was known by many names. First was as Boy, which is explanatory given by my parents followed by Soc. He was Jess, named after the Filipino famous action star, Jess Lapid, during his high school and basketball days, by his friends. Then, he was called Jericho, which if I'm not mistaken was given to him after watching the movie with the same title.

And did you know our names initials stands for owners, we wish, of airline companies like Kuya's SAL of Singapore Air Lines, me, PAL of Philippine Air Lines and Lynn's JAL of Japan Air Lines and also of Mabelle's MAL of Malaysian Air Lines. I only wish that's true, so, we won"t have a hard seeing each other often!

But, to us, he's always been Kuya, Tagalog for Eldest Son. Me as Diko for the Second Son and Lynn as Sangko for the Third Son.
He's always been the the third breadwinner in the family. He's the one who bought my first real Nikon camera, which I still have, that started my love for photography and later videography. He's been the tough and solid, disciplinarian brother, but, he can also be the loving one, especially when he started getting older. A loving father and husband and most of a appreciative and caring son and brother. And not long from now a great and proud father-in-law and grandfather.

And what does your fifty-five years in this earth say? That is--you have kept your name, Socrates, a dignified, respected and wise person that you have been. May you continue to do well for your grandchildrens" sake and for us. HAPPY HAPPY 55TH BIRTHDAY FROM US. Always take care and prayerfully ask God for safety. We are excited to celebrate it here and in the Philippines.

Note: I used the same picture of the my cake to remind you that we are indeed The Three Muskateers: "All For One and One for All."

IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY, SIS

Let me be the first greet Mabelle A VERY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. For that may I give you my cake. How time flies even if you're counting or not. Not very long ago, you were just a little girl playing cute and showing off our car to our neighbors in Project 8. Next I remember you being a grade schooler at St. Joseph's In Espana Blvd. Fast forward, you were a high schooler at Carlsbad High. Fast forward still, you have a family of your own. And with all that you've been through, I admire you for your strength and courage and independence to make your life work even if some things are beyond your control. Still, you continue to dream and are making the right decisions. Together with Billy's ambition and Julius being your inspiration, I'm sure in your birthdays more to come you would have attain your goals. I wish you happiness and the best in life. Be strong, be positive and that your life is a cause for celebration. May you enjoy your day with those who really matter to you.

By the way, watch for a package I sent yesterday. Don't throw away the paper wrappings, there are cards at the bottom. Take care of yourself because there many people who care for you, love you and need you.

MITA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Today, Mommy celebrated her 67th birthday in our house together with Papa. Tess and her hubby Ron with her friend, Bong, visiting from the Philippines arrived at 11 am from Las Vegas. Nette's high school classmates and our bestfriends, Guada and Sid, came from Pomona, Calif. Astrid and two sons, Alfred and Andrew also came and also my brother-in-law , Fletcher. Soon, Mommy's friends, Auntie Salud and Uncle Amado and Edith and son, Dale partook a very delicious lunch and merienda and dinner. And of course, some Magic Singing with the Supremes: Nette, Astrid, Tess and Guada. Needless to say, everybody had a good time ending after we watched Manny Pacquiao boxed his way in Juan Marquez's Super Featherweight title in a split decision in 12 rounds for Manny. And obviously, we all feel proud to be a Pilipino.

MY DEAR SISTER

It's my birthday today and my sister send me a card with this dedication. It's very touching and I think that was what she was thinking when she bought this card. It goes this way:

Dear Brother,
I may not always tell you but I hope you know how special you are to me,
how much I appreciate the friendship between us and how many times
I talk about you and feel proud to have such a kind and caring man
for my brother...

I hope you know how often you inspire me,
and how much I look up to you for the values you live by
and the difference you make just by being who you are...

And today, I hope you know all the good things I wish for you,
And all the love that;s in my heart for one very special brother.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y