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."

SPRING IN OUR LITTLE PARADISE

Spring is a nice time to be here in North County. Everything is in bloom and lots of color and fresh smell. It may sometimes be a Dog Day Afternoon like last Saturday, as Paris, a dog will tell you. But, that is alright cause today and the days ahead will be cool and perfect. And as we locals can easily take for granted our little paradise, we nevertheless are blessed and very fortunate to be living here. Come visit us and you're always welcome to our house.

THE BAPTISM

The next day, we went to Ruby's daughter Leah's first baby boy, Noah baptism in Perris, Riverside. The afternoon drive's temperature reached 100F with no breeze at all, so it was very, very hot. We just stayed inside Leah's house partaking on a lot of food that included Filipino favorites and American fares. Noah's a very big boy at 10.1 lbs and look very much after Leah, morena-skinned, not like Daniel, her hubby, who is white. Sorry Belle, I run out of battery that's why there's no photo of him here. Among the attendees where Leah's grandma, Jojo's family with Nette and Ruby and friends and relatives.

THE RECEPTION

At Hana's, we ordered the Big Sushi Boat as appetizers. Later, we had different dishes ranging from shrimp tempuras, chicken, beef and fish. And each of the adult had sake. For dessert, we had tempura ice cream. Needlessly to say, it was a very good. Don't worry Kuya, we'll take you there, too as we did to Lynn in 1994.

THE ANNIVERSARY

Nette and I's 25th wedding anniversary was celebrated and renewed and blessed by Father Peter at the Mission Parish Church on April 26. In attendance were the Aguiluz and Magbitang families only because Nette's Mommy was still in Hawaii and Papa was at home. We were nervous just as we were on our first marriage ceremony. We practiced how we're going to walk (hand in hand) towards the altar and how I was going to kiss Nette (of course this time-a soft kiss on the lips). The parishioners applauded when our names were called, with even some ahh!!! and after we walked back to our seats. The people in front and back of us congratulated us. And as we're having our pictures taken in front of the altar, one of the elderly minister commented:"25 years, you're not that old enough." We took it as a compliment as we just answered: "Thank You".

25TH IS SILVER AND IS FOREVER

We started as friends, then as lovers and ended up as a couple and tomorrow Nette and I will celebrate our 25 Wedding Anniversary. I knew we'll last this long, but, as with other marriages that last, it wasn't always easy, but, it wasn't very bad either. It had our share of problems, joys and hardships. Through it all it is a happy partnership. Through it all, we survive and will continue live together till we don't know each other anymore. That's a joke. Or till I get older and older. And that one is true. This song says it all. I hope your marriages will be a long, happy and loving one.

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

A faded wedding photograph
You and me in our first steps
The lives of those
We lost in the sweet abyss
Though the faithful world has changed
But our love remains the same
God know we've had our share of saving grace.

And I'm proud of all the blessings
You have given me
The mountains we have climbed to get this far
You learn to take the laughter with the tears
After all these years.

You make it feel brand new
After the trials that we've gone through
Against the odds we never lost our faith
In our hearts we've made our home
Where our children all have grown
Precious moments time cannot erase.

We've been livin' up and down the dixie highways
Seasons that we've learned to share apart
Somehow in my heart I always keep you near me
After all these years.

After all these years
You stood by me
Those days and nights that I was gone
After all these years
You sacrificed, believe in me
And you stood strong
Cause with our love there's nothing left to fear
After all these years.

After all these years
You stood by me
Those days and nights I was gone
After all these years
You sacrifices, believe in me
And you stood strong
Cause with our love there's nothing to fear
After all these years.

PLANNING FOR THE 25TH

Last Saturday the 12th, Nette and I went to our parish office to inquire about renewing wedding vow or a short blessing by our parish priest, Father Peter. Our 25th wedding anniversary is on the 23rd, but ceremony will be on the 26th. At the end of the Mass, Father Peter will call us in front of the altar and the parishioners, give his blessing and maybe he'll tell me to kiss the bride again. After which we'll have a reception with a very few relatives and closed friends at Hana's. You are invited and wish you could be here with us to share our joy of a long and happy marriage.

Flashback to the morning of 1983 at The Holy Redeemer Parish in Quezon City, where we were first married. Sidelights were: Mabelle was our flower girl; limo was provided by our good friend and classmate, Benjie; clothes designed by Rey Manago and photography and video by our godfather, Danny. And did you know, my hair was almost done by SuperCuts with my hair cut short and curly, which they said would look good on me. And it was only when Nette saw me that it's a bad idea, so I had them straightened just in time for the wedding. And it was a wise decision, I was, and still, very proud of my wife and that we were sharing the moment with all for love ones--family, friends, classmates and neighbors. Reception, if you still remember was held at The Aberdeen Court in West Triangle.

Looking back at it now, I always know that I made the right decision in getting married to this amazing, wonderful and beautiful and very loving woman for we have stayed together for 25 years. Our marriage had its hard times, but most, it had more of the good times. May we last for the next 25 years and I hope you all will be there, still. But, on the night of the 23rd, Nette and I will be by ourselves having dinner at Macy's World restaurant. I'll post about this next.

REMEMBERING ATE ROSIE

Ate Rosie passed away last month after a long medical battle as Ima Migring years ago and Impong Lucia many many years ago.
I can still remember hearing Ate Rosie's voice from her house in Wawa, Bataan, calling out Resty, her eldest son who is a good 500 feet away to come home. She supported her family doing manicuring and cutting hair of women from her barrio. Later, she would sell insurance plans and whatever jobs she can take. It was in these ways that she was able to send her children to school and now all her hard work have paid off. Some of them are well-off.

She was always the Santacrusan Queen stylist and dance teacher. She was always cheerful and I was always welcome to have lunch or dinner at their house when I spent my summers during my high school and college days. Her house then was made entirely of bamboo slat flooring where one can see the ground below. And it was also in her house where she said we can see spirits who show up in the eyes of little children like us. And that thought have always scared us, so we must behave whenever we're there. Now, I learned that her house is the biggest and most modern, which I have never seen for myself.

The photo above is a sculpture of St. Rachel in our Mission San Luis Rey parish. St. Rachel is said to have waited for her children and was sadden when they haven't returned to her. But, it's now us, her nephews and children, who feel sadden that we won't be able to see and feel her love and kindness. Rest in peace and may her wait for us to be united again be a joyful event with God at her side always. Thank you for being there for me when sometimes I'll just show up in your house unannounced.

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.

FLOWERS TO GO TO DINNER

Don't you just wish the sides of all the off-ramps and on-ramps in the North Luzon Expressway and in the Michigan interstate, for that matter, were as pretty as they have in Carlsbad? Ending with shrimp tempura, miki-bihon lo mein with kikiam, Costco lechon manok, sinangag and egg drop soup for dinner at home with your most beautiful people.

A CAR DEALERS PARK IN THE MIDDLE

Next, we went to see the Flower Field, about half a mile long, on a hill at the back of the Car Country Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Premium Outlet. The pictures were taken a street-side viewpoint above. The rancoulus flowers bloom from late March until late April and has been a popular tourist attraction like Legoland nearby also and the Paul Ecke's poinsettia gardens in Encinitas. It's amazing view to make as your computer screen saver.

After that, the Strawberry Field was just a few feet near at the north side of the car dealerships. The strawberries were very sweet, which one can pick by themselves, or eat while doing so, after paying $11/KFC-size paper bucket. It's very popular with kids and the kids-at-heart. Ate Liz was very excited picking up her strawberries, eating some and putting some in her pockets like just the other kids I saw. And hey, some of the fruits just get spoiled and wasted on the field. Might as well feed a paying customer and letting others about this very wonderful experience. Contrary to what a musician said, strawberry fields are NOT forever, the memory is.

SPRING SATURDAY

Ate Liz arrived Friday evening with Nette from her work. It is always a treat when she's here. So after catching up with what has happened to her and her family, the next morning (yesterday), we headed out to Ross, the Flower Field, Strawberry Field and back to Macy's, JC Penney and last to the travel agent and back home to another good dinner. Kuya, Gwen, Gail and Lynn and Jon and everyone of you, we wish you were here too.