SANTA WAS HERE

Everybody was glad Santa showed up in our house and so was litte Andrew who really really happy and surprise that he couldn't stop smiling when posing with Santa. Same with Sandra and everybody else.

GOT FOOD? WE HAVE LOTS AND DRINKS, TOO

The main course included lumpia, morcon, rigatoni pasta, seafood chowder, sinigang, roasted turkey, honeybake ham, edimame, shimp salad and laing. Drinks were Callaway champagne, Napa Valley cavernet, Remy Martin cognac, Martenilli Sparkling Apple Cider and Pellegrino Mineral water. And the desserts were plenty: Extraordinaire chocolate cake (Fletcher) Leche flan (Mommy), homemade baklava, suman, ube and kutchinta (Nette) and beans, garbanzos and macapuno balls (bought by me) and assorted nuts. No wonder even Santa Claus to join in the fun and merrymaking.

A GATHERING OF FAMILIES AND SPECIAL FRIENDS

What would Christmas be without families and friends to spend it with? Shown are the Aguiluz Family, the Callanta Family and the Hopkins Family. Known whose family is missing? My family. Wishing would we could be together again on this joyous day.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2007

This is the view from the front gate, the back patio and the colored lighted peach tree. It's just amazing to look at these lights which goes well with the full moon and the chilly night's air. These are the times we feel blessed that of all the places to live, we ended up here--an almost perfect site and good people.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SUNNY OCEANSIDE

A Merry Merry Chrismas To Al My Love Ones! This greeting comes from us here in Oceanside, California. Home of the US Marine Training Base-Camp Pendleton, the largest such facility. It is also here that you can find, actually about 3 miles from our house, the San Luis Rey Mission, the largest mission church established by the Franciscan priest in 16th century. The photos shown is that of the Oceanside Marina and Harbor, just southwest of Camp Pendleton. There are small quaint retail stores and covered picnic tables near the Pacific Ocean. After a dip in the water, Kuya we can bring you to the Joe's Crab Restaurant which famous for their shrimp and seafood fares in a pirate's hideout setting. With year-round sunny weather even during Christmas day, Oceanside, being the first city you'll reach in San Diego County, would be the best start when you visit us. But, there's more to see like the Oceanside Pier that extend about a mile from the downtown area. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip and we'll be your hosts. Have a bright day any day.

WINTER SUNSET

This was taken this year along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) 101 in Cardif-by-the-Sea, next to Encinitas where we stayed temporarily shortly afer arriving from the R.P. way back in 1987. It was an autumn day when I took that shot and it will be winter starting December 23. This is our winter sunset which made Bing Crosby sing about longing for "I'm Dreaming of a White Chistmas." The song was in reference to weather in San Diego during this time of the year. Have a Merry Christmas where ever you are. For Christmas is in the heart not the gifts, although, I must admit it's nice to have both.

The very very tall Christmas tree at South Coast Plaza near John Wayne Airport in Irvine, California

A wreath near the living room

"When I was small and Christmas tree was tall", as the song goes. Well, our tree is smaller than any of us.

The giant Christmas tree in front of JC Penney at the El Camino Real Mall, now Westfield Plaza, in Carlsbad

CHRISTMAS IS HERE TO STAY

Our parol blinking bright as a star

IT'S BEEN A WEEK

Is it already a week since I last posted an entry in my blog? Pardoname! Pardon me!
Excuse my absence from your presence. There's no essence for such thing. It's just that we are busy decorating the house or busy driving around the stores for the cheapest bargain on Christmas items. It can be pretty overhelming, overdreaming and overbudgeting. Last Saturday, we went to the Apple Store at South Coast Plaza in Irvine, about 70 miles from home and you'll get what I mean. All the latest gizmos are there like the IPhone, ITouch, the Touchscreen GPS systems and I touch my temple cause I'm starting to have a headache. Next we went to IKEA. We looked at the Christmas decorations which Nette was planning to buy. Then, we went home a 2:30 and late in the evening, the three of us planned to see Will Smith's "I Am Legand." Only to find out it was showing yet in the theater near us. So, we went to Jack in the Box for Gino's Cookies n Cream milkshake. So, we just watched "Dreamgirls" on HBO at home. Next thing we know it's the sun had set. And all in all, right there is where our whole day went.

And Sunday was spent with me pruning and trimming the flowers and trees around the house. And putting up more Christmas lights at the back patio and the left side lawn. All of which I have to do in the morning, while Nette went to work, because the San Diego Chargers football team are on TV vying for a playoff spot. I cannot miss that one for this might be the year they'll be finally win the Super Bowl. America is really a sports nation the whole year round. If you're a sports fun, you'll love living here. As the NBA slogan goes:"I Live For This!" and is true. At least for me, even while I was still in the R.P., I was watching oval car races and rally car races on TV even if I didn't have a car yet. And when I finally had one to drive, there was no stopping me. There and especially when I got here. As one singer would sing:"I've been to many places in my lifetime, I"ve sung a lot of songs that made some bad rhymes." I driven to many places here and listened to many music along the way. And it wasn't a bad trip after all. Not at all.

Monday is work, work, work. So are Tuesday and Wednesday. And in the evenings are rest, rest, rest. And writing and dedicating more Christmas cards I forgot do and sent. Even though my apologies to those who won't be receiving one this year. So you see ten days is not that long. If my days are longer and my night shorter, maybe then I would be able to spend more time with you. But, even if I don't, be sure to know I'm thinking of you all always. Till we meet again.

TATTOO OR NOT TATTOO, TOO

"To tattoo or not tattoo." That's the line I have been seeing the past months. Whether to have one or not. Whether you want a clean body like a blackboard without any writings because you don't know the answer. Or a body like a mural of canvas like that of Juan Luna's Spolarium. If you want one, how many do you want? If you know how many, what part of your body you want them put on? If you now know where you want them, what's the design you want? A face--of yourself or that of a fish or somebody you idolize. Or any design you fancy or worship or any object to protect you from harm, like a rosary, a snake or sword. If you know what design you want, will be in black and white or in high definition color? Lastly how big or small would them to be? If you now know the answers to all of these, go ahead and have them. You're the Master of your Body.

I just have one question to ask: Oh,are they going to be permanent or just stick-on?
Is it more harder or painful to have them removed than when they were done the first time you decided to have them? But, as they say:"No pain, no gain." You're a man now. We can decide for ourselves. But, now is the point of no return. But, also be proud of yourself for having the guts to tattoo. To me, this is still a question. "Tattoo or not tattoo, too."

Hey guys, I mean no pun intended, I was just playing with words, whether those words have wisdom or not. Just the same, I love you. So don't be surprise if one day, one place you see me with ..... Wait for my next post(s) on these.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOC!

After 51 years here on earth, what do you supposed you have something to show for it? Have you been good? Have you been fair? Have you loved and have been undertanding? Have you been helpful and cheerful? Or have you been bad. Or have thought of yourself only? Or ALWAYS frawning?

Lynn has only been good to others and most specially, to himself, courage to do what he think is right and what it is that what really make him happy. He has accomplish so many successes and I'm sure will continue to do so. Okay, let me be truthful--he has on ocassions frawns. But, doctors are also human. They get sick, too. Hehehe.

Because you've been good all these years, my wish is you'll finally see Santa Claus this Christmas. As it is said:"Yes Scrooge, there is a Santa!" Even if I know we were not bought up believing in one, just like in a White Christmas. To you, my favorite kid brother (hehehe) and doctor, a happy and delicious birthday.

No Words, Just Chat

No words, just signs to tell us what or what not to do. No words are enough to let them know how we feel, even if i try hard. Nor no words are needed to make others change if they don't want to. A little chat, a little type, a little emotion icons are some to make us feel better. I did feel... Have a chat, join a conference. If you fall asleep, no words are needed. Sleep weel. Have nice weekend.

Got Food?

Belated Happy Thanksgiving Day to all of you. Most of all I want to thank God that He made me come down (or be born) and be a member of this family. I feel blessed that you and my love ones, good friends and extended families alike are part of my life. I couldn't ask for a more perfect members, not like some families I know who constantly fight with each other. The only fault I can find, though, not that very serious, is our love or too much love of food. And that's explain our happiness on expecting birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and soon next year the wedding of my niece. Or the togetherness we share when we all go out for a simple lunch or dinner.

That's why I haven't had time to post is because I can still taste the turkey, stuffings, mashed potato, gravy and cranberry juice we had last Turkey Day. And there's some more left-over in the fridge. Though I don't get too big, unlike some people I know (guess who? Hehehe!) even if I over-eat, I made it a point not to eat a lot. That's because it's got to do with my metabolism. Got to do with my age. And most of all, it's got to do with my doctor. There's some health parameters that's a litte high. And most of all, it's got to do with my wish to spend more time with you all.

But, sometimes I cannot help it. Got some food? Some wise old man said: the way to live healthily is--Eat like a king at breakfast, eat like prince at lunch and eat like a pauper at dinner. That maybe true, but I don't have time in the morning. (Gino doesn't even breakfast.) Lunch at work is limited for I have to take my power nap. (while Nette doesn't eat lunch, depending if she has a tour to do) That leaves me a dinner I look forward to especially when I can compete with you guys on who eats the most during Chat Friday.

So what's for Friday? Got Food? Pork chop, tempura, shimps or batchoy? Whatever it will be, just take care of yourself and exercise. And after that let's go to Hana or Asian Buffet. As Pinoy, we say: We live to eat, not, eat to live. To all--TGIF= Thank God It's Food! I'll see you at this same table.

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY & ADVANCE HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Gwen, I'd like to greet you a belated Happy, Happy Birthday. I remembered it when it's the 14th here, so, late na. As they say: Better late than later.I'm sure you all celebrated it well. May all your wishes come true and the future be more fruitful and more success come your way. Belated Happy Birthday also to Argenie, who is like my own daughter, who I had the great chance to take care of. If only her grandma wouldn't be so selfish as to let Argenie forget us others who love her just as much. Your Mom and me miss you a lot. One day we'll meet again. I still remember the last I saw you: we ate with your Mom, Tita Nette and Gino at Homestyle Buffet at YOUR birthday also. Gwen (and Gail), I may not have had the time to spend your many birthdays with you, but, that doesn't mean I love you less. It's just that we don't have the means to do so before. Now that we have, let's party on till and enjoy the moment that I've missed all these years. Though, I have to practice my two left feet or take up ballroom dancing. Yabang ano?

Lynn, so I won't forget to greet you. I'm greeting you advance Happy Birthday. I may not have been in touch with you often before we discovered the internet. But, you are dearly missed by me and my family. I appreciate what you have done to help Mom and Dad financially and emotionally. I know it was of great sacrifice on your part. During those times when they needed someone, you and Kuya were there. As much as I wanted to be there, too, I couldn't. I hope you understand. Kuya, huwag ka nang magtampo, this goes for you, too. We're a brotherhood of three men and one sister. Hehehe!

The Box Has Landed

Just a while ago this evening, Lynn texted me that the balikbayan box have been delivered at their meatshop in Pasig City, not PASAY City, as I mistakenly wrote in the waybill. I'm very sorry, but, at least it wasn't lost. This maybe a good thing--this day being closer to December--the items that we sent might be considered our Christmas gifts to all of you guys. Hehehe! I hope you like the stuffs we sent especially the cameras and the Ralph Lauren POLO shirts.

I inquired at the shipper's office here and was told that it might have been delayed because of the Barangay Election and the November 1st All Saint's Day long holidays. But it has taken longer for it to get there that I was afraid somebody else is enjoying and very happy with such good fortune to have an early Christmas gifts. Patay kang bata ka. Well, I was wrong and now know that I can still trust my shipper and the goodness of people.

It reminds me of the time that Ferdinand Marcos was flown out of Malacanang Palace by American pilots during the People Power days in 1986. Marcos was asked where he and his family wanted to go. He said:"Paoay". The pilot said:"Okay Mr. President". When the plane landed at the airport, Marcos asked:"Where are we?" "Welcome to Hawaii, Sir". Patay kang bata ka! And now, as far as I know, the President's body is preserved in the place he'd always wanted to go back to- in a museum named after him in PAOAY, Ilocos Norte, not Pasay or Pasig.

The New Me, Part 2

This is what became of me after the Halloween. After a facelift and frontal enchancement, do I look like somebody you know? I know what you're thinking--he looks like Nette. You're right. I just wanted to look like just like her. Who wouldn't want to? She's the most cheerful and friendly person I know. And most of all, husbands and wives tend to look alike as they live together longer. Though, I couldn't say that with my own parents--so, maybe that's why all their children--that us-don't look somewhat the same, too. I look like a Chinese, Lynn and Mabelle look like Indians and Kuya, well, he looks like Ariel Ureta or Rico J.

As some people get older and their faces look older too, today, there many ways to recapture lost youthfulness and one of them is to go to a dermatologist or a face surgeon. Michael Jackson comes to mind. And it doesn't make them any happier. More famous, maybe. For the wrong reason. For me, except for chubby cheek, chinky eyes, a big nose and being a dark-skinned face, I can accept what God has given me. Just don't judge me by my face. Hehehehe.

a seagull near Coast Highway 101 in South Carlsbad

A Greener Landscape Ahead For Mabelle

Baby What A Big Surprise

After a stressful last weeks of October caused by the fires in paradise and the first two commemorative days of November. Now comes in sight the view of a much greener pasture,a much enjoyful life, a much better life for one of our own. The breaking great news was revealed to us yesterday evening that for a while we didn't believe what we were seeing. And after showing us more proofs that everything was for real, we knew that it was the truth. And who could be more happier than my kid brother and me (and later I'm sure, my whole family here and abroad). So, without further ado, stand up Mabelle and family, accept our greetings of congratulations for an accomplishment that you should have deserved a long time ago. You really did a great job on this one. I assure you that it is so, because unlike me, you did it without asking so much help from anybody. It may have taken for both of us to finally get this, I say it was worth the wait. And we can proudly say that we stayed true to ourselves and the respect that comes with it. I can even say that I felt more (a little bit) happier with this than when we got ours. I can only imagine what you are feeling now and the coming weeks. I say this should put a big smile everytime on your face for a long time.

I know from experience that this is only the start and a lot has to be done. And this thing is NOT the only way to make us to be really happy, but, it's definitely a big help. Don't you agree? But,I'm sure you know that also by now. We all learn from our mistakes, correct them and stand up stronger after we fall. Let the past be our guide to a better future. Good things happen to good people and who ask for help from God. Even if we fail sometimes, we will receive what His mercy will give us and return stay true to his teachings. Am I sounding too corny already? I can't help it I have to put down my reading glasses which is starting blur out with tears. Tears of joy and relief for who better feel and understand than me who saw you grow from an innocent girl to a more mature mother and wife. I may not have been there for you when you needed me. But now, I'm just a TXT away, so to say. I will always remember this important day, too.

Now it's time to drive into new and greener pastures, time to see the world and time to hug and meet (again) those people that really matters to you. Without fear and without shame. Holding your head high and be proud again. Holding again those warm hands of our parents that have all our lives all meanth unconditional love and unending comfort while there is time. For I've seen too many 80th birthdays and I envy those people in those ocassions. Don't worry we will celebrate one in the near future and we will happily be waiting for it.

I also know that you have many plans or many responsibilities or many worries that come with this achievement, let these take care of itself. (Like what I used to say to myself when we going through the same situation:"Everything will work out well. Everthing will eventually turn out good for us." And it has. And I am grateful for Him. And I'm thankful that everything's still turning good for us. Got to go Mass tomorrow. Mommy always tells you and your family's always in her prayers and now I believe her. Why don't you call her yourself? That would really make them happy. And hear the words:"Baby, that's a big surprise!" A wonderful one at that. I can only add:"It's a wonderful world." Afterall. Love you all!

The New Me

The me you saw last Halloween is the new me. After I have my face done by Dr. Vicky and Dr and Dra. Calayan! What do you think? Was it overdone? As they say:"Beauty is the eye of the beholder" Oops! I guess I'm having a bad dream again. Seriously, I would like to look like Boyet de Leon. But, what can I do. I like how I look like, now. At least at one time in my life--high school days--they said I look like Jay Ilagan!!! Funny, huh?

This Is My Halloween

After a week of tragic events in San Diego county, as I've seen for myself, the residents were not in the mood for a Halloween celebration. I cannot blame them. Many people have lost everything they own. They have lost happy memories, treasured belongings, a loved one or even a beloved pet. The furthest thing on their mind is to don a costume and have a party on October 31. To them the images of the raging and deathly fire is wildly scary enough to think of anything else. But, somehow life goes on for others, especially for those who were not directly affect by the fire.

Although we didn't have time to decorate our house, we did had candies for children who might come treat or tricking. Nette cooked corned beef spaghetti and garlic bread for our dinner. Not long before after sunset, there wasn't anybody walking through our front door, but, soon, there were a group of costumed small children who came with a parent and I happily gave them different kinds of chocolate candies. And they thanked me for being kind. Then, nobody came and we still had a lot of candies and after about 8 pm only, we knew no one else is coming anymore.

And this is time I took picture of how I looked like that night. Boo! Did I scare you? I would be if I were you. Don't worry I locked the front gate already. But, I see you next year with the theme song of "Phantom Of The Opera."