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.

ANOTHER NEW YEAR'S EVE

As we have celebrated and waited for the New Year for years, here's what we have prepared: 15 round fruits (3 more, the luckier), bilo-bilo, ube and palitaw for media noche and seafood lomi and Smirnoff Ice for NY Eve dinner. The Eve is usually quieter and smaller affair for us (me, Nette and Gino), but, we always wait for the countdown at 12 midnight in New York telecast, we jump and steer and make noise (inside the house). Eat and go to sleep, only to wake up early to watch the next day's Rose Bowl Tournament of Roses Parade on L.A. Channel 13 as it's always has been eversince we've been here. This year, the People Republic of China is entering a float which had some activists complain because of the country's human right violations. That's the sour note.

But the better tune is when we drive to Astrid's house to celebrate NY Day with the Callanta, Aguiluz and Pimentel families. I know it's more happier there with all the fireworks and the multitude of authentic Filipino foods. I know I could be happier if I spend this day with you. But as it is said: "Happiness is where your heart is". And my heart is here and you there, always in my mind. Happy New Year, beloved. And we'll see you next year.

THAT WAS A REALLY ENJOYABLE CHRISTMAS

After the gift-giving it was time for family pictures. And after that was another round food and drink at dinner. And when after all have eaten, it was time to clean in our spa-inspired bathroom sink which was Nette's idea. Soon, it was time for them to go and for us to clean the mess for next day's back to work. But, we will all get t ogether again this New Year's Day at Astrid's house. Gino can sigh now for it will not be held at our house, so, he doesn't have to help in the preparation. He always:"Next time not in our house anymore!" He's just being himself, but Nette's just being herself also. So, guess who wins? Good intentions, right? See you at NYE.

Gino Got To Celebrate His 24 Year

As I've mentioned in my post before, we celebrated Gino's birthday last Sarurday. It was a perfect day--a sunny morning and blue sky with mild cool breeze in the afternoon. His guests include Astrid's family--hubby Rick and sons, Alfred and Andrew and daughter, Saundra. Of course, Nette's parents were there too, with Fletcher who arrived late, as usual, and left early, as he has part time work to do.

Nette prepared the pasta-liguini with clam sauce, adobo spare and mango salsa with shrimp and grilled scallops. Astrid made the kare-kare and Mommy made the sisig, empanada and bagoong sauce. Papa had his beer, as usual, and his banter and our discourse about the week's happenings. One of which was the recall of Chinese-made products. We all had a NO-DIET for TODAY day, spent in our patio, although, which was cut short--cause by swarming KJ flies, which apparently like the food fare also. So, at mid-afternoon we had to go inside and continue eating around the kitchen counter, which is the magnet for guests whenever we have a party. There was also a multi-flavor cake which the children like.

But, what the children enjoyed more is playing the new Nintendo WII video game, which Rick bought that day here. As you can see in the pictures, they had a lots of fun. Some shots were inside our house for those who haven't seen our french retreat. Ang yabang ano? All in all, the day was good for all of us and special because it's a celebration of a special guy, a special son like Gino.