My Son Turns 24

Today, July 31st is my only son's birthday. Eversince, from his childhood until his middle school days, we would celebrate it with a party, sometimes at a park, at the beach or at home, but, always around his loved ones- family or friends. But, as he gets older, he doesn't want to make a big deal about it. A simple gathering of immediate family members or just the three of us is enough for him, as we did today.
His work schedule started at 5 am, so, I wasn't able to greet him Happy Birthday and the only time I had the chance to do so was when I phoned him at noon during his lunch break.

Then, for his birthday dinner, I bought him a small cake, though not his favorite- the Oreos kind- a marble with chocolate icing. And Nette made linguini with Shitake and clam sauce. Serve with chilled Smirnoff "ICE." Pictures were taken showing us all happy although it was quite simple and him wished more birthdays to come.

To Gino: A Happy Happy Birthday and Know That We Love You Always!

Just As I Expected

As I woke up this morning I thought this would be another day at the office, but once I was on the street I realized that people would have what is called the "Monday Blues." You know how that feels, if not, it's a day back to work after the weekend, workers tend to be sluggish, not sure of their actions or just plain having a hangover. Like drivers who can't decide if they would yield or not to traffic or to another car whose driver's trying wait to what the other driver would do. These behaviors can have fatal consequences if the parties involved are not careful. Luckily for me there were no accidents that happened.

And by noon, with all the things that I have to do at work, it's all back to the same routine just as I expected. Dealing with customers-what's their concerns, their opinions and suggestions. Just their diferrent personalities make my day interesting which makes it go faster and before I know it, it's time to clock out. Heading out of the dealership for home, I'm thinking already of watching tv shows like 24 HOURS, LUPIN, MGA MATA NI ANGHELITA, SINASAMBA KITA, SA BAWAT PANGPINTIG NG PUSO and ending with EAT BULAGA in the comfort of my living room just as I expected to do every single day of the week.

If you are one of these people, all I say is to live life with cheerful disposition and realize that our lives are better after all just as we expect it to be. That we do can do good as well. Have a fine day my friends.

Gino's Favorite Places

After yesterday's Mass, we passed by Ralph's Superstore for Gino to look at his work schedule next week. The store is one of Gino's favorite places aside from Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Target and the Mall. He loves working there and his co-workers like him in return

Spending Time With Him

Yesterday, my family and I attended Mass at the our parish, the Mission San Luis Rey (MSLR), the biggest Spanish church the Catholic Mission built, starting from San Diego to far as the Northern California, during the discovery of the New World. For that the MSLR is called the "King of the Missions." Going to the mission's grounds remind me of the churches I used to go to in Pilar, Bataan which has a main church and a cemetery nearby. Here, they have the main Mission church, a modern parish center-church and an old small chapel and a big cemetery.

In front of the Mission church is a big pepper tree, the first in California, a sunken garden and ruins of a soldiers' garrison that was used by the Americans during the Civil War. There's also a museum, a souvenir shop and a retreat house. For me it is always relaxing when I'm in this holy ground, which is kind of ironic cause it sit just a mile away from a freeway. But, best thing I like about this church is that it's where we can hear Mass with Pilipino Choir, which the religious experience more meaningful and prouder that after one song they perform, some parishioners would softly clap their hands in admiration. It's also not as crowded as the other missions we have seen throughout the Golden State. And I would prefer for it to stay that way so We can really just spend time with Him that way He would like us to.

It's Nice To Be Nice

A sports manager once said:"Nice guys finish last." I don't believe this. A living proof is my Father, who is, to me, will almost be Number One. He has accomplished many important things in his life and one of them is to raise children who have become responsible and respected citizens just like himself. Thanks Dad. He's the nicest guy I know who I never seen husrt a fly. He's not a wimp for he commands gentleness from others.

Here are some things to emulate about being nice:
1. The power of nice a domino effect that may not be immediately apparent but will eventually find its way back.
2. A stranger on the street mat seem insignificant, but could be your boss's wife of client's daughter.
3. Treat everyone with respect. Today's clerk could be tomorrow's MD.
4. Being nice is always ON. It must be automatic, it's loses it's effectiveness if used only whenever you like it.
5. Being nice has effects that may not be seen but they are felt; if only by you.
6. Treat others with kindness, respect and generosity and you'll be blessed.

This OFW is Coming Home

It's late at night now, but I have to welcome one OFW (OverSTATE Filipino Worker)who's coming home from Washington tomorrow night. She's been away from home for four days, leaving me and Gino alone by ourselves. But, she need not worry for we're doing just fine. She has work hard and I am proud that she bag 2nd Place as National Marketing Director for the first half of the year in their comapny. And she even has a trophy to show for it and rightfully deserves it. I know cause I was there since she started in this field.

So, with great pride and joy, we welcome my wife, Nenette. And next weekend we're going to the beach which we have been planning so many times before.

Kiss Kish Goodbye

I have to post this after seeing it on PinoyTV. Kish Island is near Iran where several OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) are stranded for many reasons and one of them is being maltreated by their employers. They live and sleep in the beach because they run out of money to pay the hotel and just walk around asking for help from their kababayans. And there are some of them who do help without fanfare or publicity, just plain desire to do good to those who's having a bad time. Or shall I say a bad dream. One of them do it even if they cannot send money to her family back home.

I don't know why this keeps happening to our fellowmen. I can only wish that the governments involved would take measures to educate their citizens as good hosts and workers. And when one of the OFWs gets his or her visa to Dubai, there are very emotional and happy scenes of relief and joy. My heart really went out to them. And I say to them "Kiss Kish Island Goodbte!"

It's Time To Change

This is a new look of my blog since my old one was erased and I don't know if it can be unerased anymore. For this I want to thank Mabelle for helping me create this new spot and Jon for helping get started with the old one. For these two blog gurus, you are my saviors in these ever-changing technical blogging world. You'll read more about me this time and look at pictures which I wasn't able to insert more often in my old blog.