Nicknames

When I was a little, my two playmates were Ate Deeday and Cho-choy. Our Mamang gave us these nicknames that are far more different than our real names. Cho-choy and I served as younger siblings of our Ate Deeday and for a time, we lived happily in La Loma.

Years passed, we left and led on different lives. But the nicknames, Ate Deeday and Cho-choy kept. Still graduated on the same university, though at different time zones. And the closeness we’ve kept. That we’ll never share with any other Marcial cousin.

I reminisced a bit because of the picture on the stairs. The three of us had same picture when we were little. Where is Cho-choy? In Bulgaria during the time the photo was taken. Thanks for the ubong, Choy!
My nickname need not be mentioned, I was lucky, I didn’t carry it growing up.

December 25, 2008

The old Christmas tree was retired and Ate Deeday bought a new one. Aside from that, nothing has changed. Still the wackiest, naughtiest, funniest, loudest and weirdest Christmas family reunion. Thanks to Tita, who made Kare-kare and Morcon. Yummy.
They say I was the luckiest “Marcial-cousin” because I was getting four gifts already while the others had nothing yet. Some are protesting that it’s been more than a year since our wedding and we shouldn’t be receiving weddings gifts anymore. I just smiled back them, thanked the ones who gave them and said, I am more blessed this year. Not that they aren’t blessed. It's just that at the back of my mind, I was thinking, I am really lucky. Because I have these.

Tito Mario

This was a pre-Christmas reunion, because it was Tito Mario’s birthday and his sons and daughters decided to throw him a party.

I call him the wise one, for not only was he the eldest amongst Papa’s siblings, he had the most number of experiences in life (along with the most number of children). At the back of his graying hair, is a very sweet and thoughtful Tito Mario. He saw to it that his family was complete during our wedding because he promised. He keeps newspapers clippings of Elijah when he sees one. He gives good advice and encouragement on our life and decisions. He treasures memories and keeps photographs. My favorite is every graduation picture framed and hanged, starting from his eldest daughter Michelle, up to Marlon. Though Marlon's took some time to be placed on the wall because of the lack of a picture frame. His gratefulness is transparent at even the smallest tokens that you give to him and his family.

Humility, his best trait. He’s not of proud material things but he knows the one thing that is his pride and glory, his children.

Happy birthday Tito Mario.
And Lij too.

Work Week Two At A Glance

How do you get a good view of a house that’s being constructed? With all the soil diggings, cement and sand scattered around and piled up concrete hollow blocks. For me, the sight of it is beautiful, in any angle.

I just have some rants on the building permit. It’s been more than a month since we passed the papers but we haven’t got feedback yet. And because of this, we couldn’t get electricity connection. And the funds because of the loan. And we’re running out of that, almost. Just hope the engineer contacts us soon.

So it starts...

Had a week off from work and I was glad I was able to spend it fruitfully. This was the first week that we started to build the house. I got to meet the work force behind the construction, watched and learned a bit. Also arranged papers for the water and electricity supply, and canvassed for the cheapest raw materials.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed. And hope it will turn out okay.

Saying Goodbye...

Bought a few years ago, because I truly liked the design and color, was one of my favorite slippers. A team-up of Nike and Lego, Clikits hearts are snapped onto the designated holes on the slippers. It took me sometime to find the biggest kids-size to match my feet. When I did, another dilemma came in when I lost one of the hearts. That, eventually, was resolved.

The other day, I was wearing it and it just snapped. It got broken. Unable to be repaired... So, as I say goodbye to my slippers, I thought of transferring the Clikits to my Crocs, as Jibbitz. Luckily, it fit. I didn’t have to completely say goodbye to it after all. I didn’t want to throw it all away, along with its memories. So I’m still keeping parts of it with me.

Lucky Day

And so, based on the Chinese calendar, October 30 is a lucky day to have the groundbreaking ceremony. But we didn’t follow everything on the previous blog entry. Here is what happened:

1. Our architect and contractor went there. They had an ocular inspection on the site.

2. For the offerings, we opted for the fish because a whole pig is expensive. And of course, no to chickens. But there were five different fishes, all colored red, which is a good color, right?

3. We also prepared the fruits. Tomato is a fruit, right?

4. We dug up soil but we didn’t spread any blood around.

5. We just prepared a short ceremony and prayed for a successful construction of our house. And of course, a peaceful and harmonious home.

6. Three other special guests came. We didn’t check if our birthdates matched. I just wanted them to be there because the two people are the good luck charms of my life. And the third one is a baby that is an angel to us.

Groundbreaking

Based on our Chinese Friend, before a structure is built, there should be a groundbreaking ceremony. I actually never attended one before, so we have to research and inquire further. Yup, this is for our “soon-to-be,” “long-awaited-for” ---HOME.

First, check your birthdates with the Chinese calendar and look for the best/luckiest date to hold the groundbreaking.

Prepare the offerings. Here are the possible choices:
1. A whole pig, cooked.
Head cut-off, blood to be spread over the boundaries of the lot.
2. A whole fish, with its gills, fins and tail uncut.
3. A whole chicken, with its head.
Blood also to be spread around the boundaries of the lot.
4. Three kinds of five-piece fruits.
Those are not connected/intertwined, i.e. grapes, bananas.

What to do:
1. Spreading of the blood around the boundaries.
2. Digging of soil on the corners of the lot.
3. Bring someone who could wipe out bad sprits.
4. Pray for a successful construction of the property.
5. And of course, a peaceful and harmonious household.

Apart from the cliché that you invite people and have a party afterwards, this is not recommended on Chinese Feng shui. Only those who are part of the household should be on the groundbreaking. If there are other people present, especially if your birthdates aren’t well-matched, they might bring bad luck to you.

But these are just guidelines. What you’ll do will still be based on your discretion. Thanks to Tess, for these info. And goodluck to us as well.

Cous-cous and Ton-ton

Last August 22, the night before Cebu-Bohol Trip, we were surprised when we saw two baby puppies inside Casper and Cotton’s cage. We didn’t even know that Casper was pregnant. And painfully, we had no choice but to leave them for three days. But I had confidence in Casper and Cotton that their puppies will do alright. When we came back, they were all okay.

After more than a month, cute and lovable as they might seem, we have to let both puppies go, with the assurance that they’ll both be in good hands. Goodbye, Cous-cous and Ton ton.

Callelicious

Papa seemed happy on his birthday celebration. As soon he made sure that we didn’t buy the puppy (Thanks to Sir/Uncle Jes.), he liked it already. A black Labrador retriever, soon-to-be Sam’s playmate. No name yet, this will be up to Papa. (Bumba, No! Not Batman!)

We had lunch at Miro’s event in UP, part of his HRM course: Callelicious. A complete meal of Mexican food. Appetizer: QuesadillaAztec, Entrée: Halo Taco Pasta with ZoCabob, Beverage and Desert of MIXican fruits. Yummy. (Thanks, Miyok!)



Seeing Papogs, Tita and Tito Meng gang up on a table and compete with each other on which joke’s better somehow showed he’s really happy. Though his favorite daugther was absent.




We still had dinner later that day. So we were completely stuffed. Ikoy, a.k.a. Robot-boy, thought the birthday candle was for him so he kept on singing the happy birthday song and blowing it.

Para kay Chime

Paano sasabihin?
Bilang na bilang naman ang mga “heart to heart” na usapan natin.

Paano ipaparamdam?
Kahit na dulo ng daliri ay alaganan akong hawakan.

Paano aalagaan?
Kung ayaw mo naman magpaalaga.

Paano ipapakita?
Wala ka namang nagugustuhan.

Paano pasasalamatan?
Kung hindi mo naman tinatanggap.

Paano mamahalin?
Iisang tao lang naman ang nakita kong minahal mo.

At binilin ka nitong taong ito sa amin.
Kaya susubukan, at hindi susukuan.
Hindi ka papabayaan, hindi ka namin iiwan.

Birthdays..

Dear Mommy,
If a person dies, do people still celebrate this person’s birthday? She doesn’t grow a year older, right? Maybe, people just don’t want to forget, like us.

We remember your past birthdays. The surprise birthday where Papa was just wearing house-clothes. It was like your 18th birthday. You even had the 18-roses-dance with the different men in your lives.

Your last birthday, we need not invite people. Visitors filled our house with party food and gifts. That, in exchange for seeing and being with you in your special day. Even if you were tired and weary, you still faced everybody with the classic smile in your face. This was the last time I heard your voice.

Years have passed. Now, Papogs is busy with his dogs at home. He needs to be careful with his health though. We bought Sustagen Premium for him. He’s happy when Ikoy’s around. And Lij, will you allow her to work far from home? Cherub and I do not want to let her. We think she’s performing well in her work now. She was even featured in a magazine lately. So pretty. And Cherub, did you see Justin? Looks like he loves our bunso. Anyway, she really followed your footsteps. An excellent med rep that will be a “legend” in the future, just like ate rose.



I know I need not tell you, because I’m sure you’re still watching us from up there. And even if you’re not growing a year older, we will never get tired of celebrating your special day.
Happy birthday, Mommy.
I love you.

Ika-15 ng Setyembre, 2008

Kaala-alala ba?
May mahalaga?

Tatlong daan, animnapu't limang araw.
Labindalawang buwan.
Isang taon.

Nine months after...

Finally!
You're here!
Welcome to the world,
Baby Annika Giulia.

I love you already.

Cebu Adventure

Day1
1. Ferry boat to Cebu - Cost 425 + 20 terminal fee and insurance.
2. Lunch at Bernadette’s – We ran out of Lechon at CNT.
3. Taoist Temple - Located at Beverly Hills. Just right for the Kung Fu Panda pictures.
4. Sto. Nino Chruch
5. Magellan’s Cross
6. Sto. Nino Museum – Entrance, 20. Very informative and educational.
7. Fort San Pedro – Entrance 25. A historical place turned into a lover's park in Cebu.
8. Sampaguita Suites – 1400/room for 4 people.




Day2
1.STK Lunch – Yummy!
2. Lapu-Lapu Shrine – or is this Mactan Shrine?
3. Plantation bay – Friendly staff. A good family getaway.
4. Spa Massage - Cost 350. For an hour and half massage.
5. Larsian’s Dinner - A different taste of Cebu that reminded me of UP Aristocart days.
6. Bo’s Coffee
7. Plane to Manila – Tired and sleepy to work. But had we the most wonderful time.

Bohol Adventure

1. Plane to Cebu
2. Ferry boat to Bohol – Cost 425 + 25 terminal fee.
3. Lunch at Loboc River – Cost 300. Food ok, Small waterfall view at the end. Kids diving from a tree to the river. Entertaining people. River cruise- FUN!4. Chocolate Hills – Cost 25. Really one of the wonders of the world.
5. Butterfly Garden – Cost 25. Not just butterflies, but with some facts and educational stories from a friendly tour guide.
6. Manmade Forest – Just stop by the sidewalk, take pictures and enjoy the site.
7. Hanging Bridge – Free. You just need courage to cross to the other side, then go back.
8. Tarsier Encounter – Voluntary donation.
9. Baclayon Church – Was closed already so we just took pictures outside. I learned that it was one of the oldest chruches in the Philippines. You could see traces of corals on the structure.
10. Pasalubong Shop
11. Blood Compact Site
12. Hinagdanan Cave – Cost 25. A different view at night time. But breathtaking.
13. Dumaluan Beach – Cost 1800/room for 4. Good food. Love the fine, white sand and clear water.

Prelude to the Great Cebu-Bohol Trip

Here are the cast of characters. Names are based on how Ikoy called us.
1.Nuni – That's me. Ikoy couldn’t pronounce an “s” yet. So, he invented "nuni" himself.
2.Denden – This, we thought for him. And he adapted easily, sounding Bisaya. ("Dindin")
3.Mama Ke– The bunso who turned turned out to be a mommy. Still sweet and caring.
4.Bamba – Don’t know how Ikoy came up with this. But imagine being angry at someone who’s called Bamba. Very pogi, especially when he’s smiling.

5.Jaji – Lij became a photographer. But she's still the prettiest and sexiest of all. But not allowed to work in Cebu.
6.Panda – Favorite tourguide. Thank you Chawo.
7.Mother Goose – Mommy of Moxy. With an odd-smile for a picture pose. Keeps on taking out dead hair from her head. But had the most cash for libre.
8.Cow – Moxy. The baby cow who had the most wonderful time. Properly documented with the pictures.
9.Madcow – Tita, you put this onto yourself.

When you wish upon a star…

It is really my childhood dream to be able to go to Disneyland. This day, my dream came true.

As we enter, there is the magical welcome in the atmosphere. It’s as if your fairytale storybook begins. All the familiar Disney songs are played in the background; you’d feel like you are a child, once more.

The Water Works parade, with the all Disney characters, the creative rides, the shows; Lion King and Philharmagic, the boat ride with the song It’s a Small World, in different languages. The doll displays where so colorful and beautiful. By nightfall, Neeky had an empty battery. But it was okay, because both of us watched the amazing fireworks in the Cinderella castle together.

Unlike Ocean Park, Disneyland is theme park that didn’t have real live animals or the marine or an astounding view of nature. But it is Disneyland. Every child’s wish come true.

Charlie Brown Café

Almost July 11

e says: May surprise ka ba sakin sa birthday ko? Magiging happy ba ang birthday ko? Happy naman talaga ako kasi punta tayo HK. Pero may plano ka ba para mapasaya ako? Wala naman e.

d says: Meron sana. Hahanapin natin sa HK ang Charlie Brown Café. Nabasa ko sa net masarap daw desert dun. Kaya dadalin kita dun sa birthday mo.

e says : Hmp. Asa pang makikita mo yon.

July 11 Gabi na, pagod at pabalik na sa hotel. Habang naglalakad sa mga kalye ng Mongkok, bigla siyang may nakita.


d says: Charlie Brown Café. Tara!

Nakangiti siyang tumingin sakin. At Happy birthday ko nga ito.

Baby Panda

The half day that we spent at Ocean Park was too short. We weren’t able to try the rides that looked both fun and exciting. We had to take really long escalators to transfer from one area to another. Plus, the cable car was really lengthy, and high.


But there were two things that made the trip worth it amidst that. Atoll Reef. First level was like the shore. The turtle raised his head from the water, as if saying “Hi!.” This made Kebs very happy. Going down was the mid-level of the reef; we could see how huge the sea creatures were, up close. Then the last was the bottom of the reef, where most of the little fishes and corals reside. It was a beauty.


The second was the Giant Panda Habitat. There were two sleeping Pandas that were just lying by the tree branch, upside down. What was an awe was when the baby Panda woke up and entertained us. Grabbed a leaf to eat, showed off in front of his visitors. What I noticed is that they had a comfortable home, air-conditioned and maintained. I had teddy bears, seen bears at the zoo, even a Polar bear. But the Panda was my favorite, so cute and cuddly. (Charo, you were there with us.)

Our TWINS

Nope! I am not referring to babies yet. But out newest toys that I would like to call our babies.


The first born is Neeky. We were hoping to find a good deal from the PC Show and ended up at Alan Photo. At first, he wanted a different, cheaper brand. And after some convincing powers, he decided on the Nikon D40 Dual Lens kit! Thus the name, Neeky. It was a good buy for SGD 1099, less the GST Refund. And a few weeks of playing with his new toy, he had no regrets.


The baby of the twins is Rui. I was having second thoughts of replacing Yugi, but on our last day, I was convinced, by the one with convincing power above, to go ahead and order online: Dell Vostro 1200. We opted for the 12 inch because we wanted the smaller one; lighter, more portable and mobile, since I bring it everywhere I go. I was happy because it was customized with the specs and add-ons that I really wanted. I don’t really know how I got the name though, just popped out of the mind a few days before it was finally on my hands.

They say we went to Singapore for a honeymoon, to make babies. This was the outcome, both ordered, bought and delivered in Singapore, our twins.

Pre-July 11 Blues

It isn’t July 11 yet but I received a couple of “birthday” blessings already. First: Since Kuting is leaving again and won’t be back until August, they “planned” for a birthday surprise for me. I felt it when I told my dear hubby that I wasn’t feeling well and just wanted to go home. First, he insisted on going out and somebody wanted to give me medicine. I thought, "If this is a surprise, I don’t want to mess up their plans," and so I just agreed.

At the parking lot, I saw two familiar cars, but pretended not to see. But I couldn’t act surprised so I just texted them where they were to give them an idea the I smell something fishy. At the resto, we sat, ordered and waited. Then the pianoman started playing the happy birthday song. I didn’t want to assume so I just kept quiet and when I turned on the other side, there they were, with the
complete package! I confessed after that. The surprise was a bit spoiled but I was happy. This was a happy day. Even though we couldn’t be together on the eleventh, I felt special because they still made effort to celebrate my birthday. I especially like my Secret Recipe yummy, yummy cheesecake.
Thank you, Bubbles & Francis, Djay & Kuting.

Second: I got my newest baby. More details on my next entry. Thanks Mommy and Daddy, taking the time to bring it to the airport, waiting and meeting a stranger to hand it over. I so love you both. Thanks also to Jenny.
July 11 is a few days more to go. Getting more and more excited for Hongkong.

My favorite things

IKEA is my favorite furniture shop in the whole world. Every time we visit Singapore, we see to it that we get to buy something from IKEA. From the simplest bowls for our doggies, to small kitchen utensils, up to stools and side tables.



What is good about IKEA is that the products are packed flat and small. An advantage for us, because they have to fit in our check-in luggage. And having to assemble the furniture yourself is a good thing. Because, there is “labor-of-love” attached on every item you buy. And once you’ve completed it, you will be more fulfilled.

One more favorite part is their showroom. Sitting on every sofa, enjoying the comfort of the arm chair with foot stools and feeling the sheets and mattresses of the beds. Almost falling asleep on the super soft bed and cuddly pillows, not being bothered when other customers walk in front you. The kitchen set-ups are the best. Still dreaming to have one of this on our own house, soon.



My favorite on all these favorites is having my favorite person with me during my trip to IKEA. Not only that, I am also with my “soon-to-be” next favorite person in the whole world.

A day at Malaysia

When the plane landed, we had to take the bus to finally reach Kuala Lumpur. It was almost night time when we got to the hotel and our tummies are grumbling already. Surprisingly, cab fare was cheap compared to taxi fares in Manila. And the sight of the Petronas Towers at night, was definitely an amazing view. The trip was worth it.

We decided to try on a different cuisine for dinner and ended up on a restaurant that is totally unknown to us, Indian/Malaysian food. I noticed that the servers are very accommodating and polite. Our experiment food was a success. After eating, we took a stroll around. Inside the mall, the out on the streets, bars, restaurants and had dessert.


The following day, was a rush. Too bad we weren’t able to go up the skybridge. When we reached the Pasarakyat bus terminal, tickets for the day were sold out! We were transferred to Pudarayat bus terminal, which was more crowded and a little scary, to avail of tickets. Travel time took almost nine hours, which was supposed to be just five. A lot of people coming back on a Sunday because classes were starting already.

It was a series of not-so-good events but we didn't argue or anything. It was an adventure for both of us. Scary but fun. And we had a wonderful, quality time.

August Rush

Saw it on DVD a few weeks ago when my sisters decided they’ve haven’t slept over our place for a while now. With Iko tucked in, the five of us found our places on the three mattresses on the floor, and pressed the play button.
August Rush. A film about little boy who searched for his parents and magically found his way to both of them. After 11 years and -- days of waiting: on an orphanage, a couple of struggles on the “outside” world, meeting Wizard and the little girl on the church, being a scholar on a prestigious music school and composing his masterpiece. Yes, music! He’s been hearing music ever since and he was hoping that if he played, his parents will hear him and they will find him.

I really liked the little boy who played August, Freddie Highmore. His other movies that I liked were Charlie and Chocolate Factory and Spiderwick Chronicles. But I fell in love with him this time.

The whole movie, we were touched by this little boy's struggles. The last scene when he turned around and found both his mom and dad in front of him, he just smiled. THE END. They didn’t even talk, or hugged, or kissed. Something all of us had been hoping to see. We ended up needing to hug to each other to feel better.

I was even hoping that I will be like Ironman. That after the credits, there will still one last scene. Wishful thinking...

Yes, I watched it for the second time. Hoping I missed the ending… nah!

Countdowns

Things I wanted to write about have been piling up because it's been a while since I've posted. And honestly, I haven't composed anything yet. Just needed to share the things that I am excited about.

First:

Get this widget!

Second:

Get this widget!

Third:

Get this widget!

I MISS YOU LIST

1. Chawo. Because your five-day-stay here isn’t enough.
2. Margie. Because you left again, for the nth time.
3. Bubbles. Because seeing you on mornings and sometimes on afternoons isn’t the same as being on the same office, same building, same department just-on-the-other-cube, with you.
4. Kuting. Even the effort of putting up all the hotel toiletries for the note below, won't be enough to convince me. Because four weeks is four weeks. NO MORE THAN THAT.
5. A soon-to-be-mommy-bestfriend somewhere over the rainbow. Whatever I do, I can’t seem to get you online. I hope you’re okay.

I MISS YOU.

And for that, I reminisced a bit and came up with this TEST.
Let's see if you get this all right. :)

Surprises

A real nice black blouse.

Chocolates from Ghirardelli. I’m not a chocolate addict but he brought drinking chocolate especially for me. I like putting milk and chocolate on my brewed coffee.

A black wallet. Confession: I don't really buy wallets. I am usually given one as a gift. But the one that I last used is just a nice freebie from my sister. The reason, I am not too fond of the usual big wallets with too many cards and pictures inside. But I like what he bought. It's tri-fold so the size was just right. And it’s plain and simple black with some white stitching on the side. And the catch is that he bought two. A his and hers for both of us.

Nintendo DS Lite: my really really really wish that I didn’t really ask him to buy. I am just hoping he'd be thoughtful enough to think that I wanted one. Anyway, these was almost replaced by a bag. Or was it the other way around? Since the baby puppies are all gone, this is my new baby.

Last but not the least, a heartbreak. Yep! One, big painful one.

D E A F

Asking..
Trying..
Wishing..
Praying..
No one seems to listen.

Calling..
Pleading..
Hoping..
Yearning..
No one seems to hear.

Screaming..
Shouting..
Demanding..
Expecting..
No one seems to understand.

Begging..
Hurting..
Longing..
Aching..
No one seems to care.

Cherub Nikolai

Two years of your life. More than a year you’ve spent with us and the other part, you couldn’t be with us anymore. But we couldn’t lose you, you know we couldn’t bear not to see you, your smile, your voice, your funny antics, your serious looks and your sweet gestures.

I always fear that you might forget all about us. That you eventually learn to talk, not only the “Ba---!” and “Broom-broom!”, but pronounce words and names and you wouldn’t know us. That one day, we pick you up and you wouldn’t want to come.

Even though we just see you once a week, we always look forward to that. It’s always worth the wait every time you enter the house. Oftentimes with a serious sleepy face in pajamas at first, but after a while, it’s like you remember and then you warm up and start to give out that smile. When you talk spontaneously as if telling stories, with meaningless words, we would listen. The way you look forward to riding the car, knowing that we’re taking you to some place you like. When we tell you something to do or just talk to you, your eyes clearly say that you understand.

I write this so that after many years, when you’re old enough, you’ll know. We aren’t really your true-blooded relatives but you are a part of our family. We loved you, we are loving you and we will always love you. We will always be here for you as much as we can. Happy 2nd birthday our sweetest angel.

Cousins' Bonding

The last beach outing with the Marcials was way back when we were still kids. This year, the plans were finally realized at a beach ni Catalagan, Batangas.
And for the first time, all the Marcial siblings were complete, almost. With Tita and Papa and a bonus of two babies, Mavee and Ikoy.

Thanks to Ate who planned it all. Lij for the sponsored transpo. Thanks to Miro, for the very well cooked liempo, and fish, for dinner. Swimming in the beach felt like we were all kids again. Playing with the sand, making Marlon a mermaid. And of course, the picture taking where we all should be caught in mid-air, jumping. Twenty-one people fit into the family room with 9 single beds. Some bonding and drinking session during the night, then we’re all asleep.

The next day, a Max’s-sponsored lunch at Tagaytay. Then we headed home. Wasn’t able to rest much during the weekend, but it sure was a fun and memorable one.

CIFFART!

If she has this line, ‘Chawo, Chawo, may zoo ba sa Cebu?’ from me, I have the title above as the tag line for her. Before meeting her in person, we had a couple of conversations already. I was very excited to finally see her.

"CIFFART! CIFFART!", with a high pitched tone on a bass voice, sounded weird, the first time she said this out loud. I thought it was a word in Bisaya. But this, she shouted out of the blue, in the middle of the traffic in Edsa, on our way to watch a movie. A little explanation and we know now what it means. They kept on repeating the word, but I couldn't say it.

Three times she went here and spent time with us: lunch at Leslie’s, trip to the zoo in Tagaytay, movie, mall shopping, plus the special visit to the kids in Cribs! At the end of every day, we look forward to the brewed coffee before going to bed, who gets to take a bath first and the never-ending laugh (‘Justin, matulog ka na, nakangiti ka pa rin!’), before finally sleeping.

In those times, she gave a warm acceptance in our welcome. And I feel, she’s part of our family, officially.

Charo, I am excited to see you soon! Again!

Tito Rey

I will never forget the look on his face when he visited mommy in the hospital, a few years ago. I do not have a good singing voice but as mommy requested, I was singing Tanging Yaman for her when Tito Rey came in. He stood at the other side of the bed, his face stooped down, gloomy and sad. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but he’s trying hard to hide it, trying to put on a smile on his handsome face. “… sulyap ng yong, kagandahan..” At this point, he couldn’t contain his emotions and just cried out, “Ate!” and literally cried, and hugged her.

Tito Rey is mommy’s younger brother. My sisters always thought that he has the kindest heart, of mommy’s brothers. He has this comforting voice in the sweetest tone, when he greets us and calls our names. But we seldom see him in our reunions because he was always busy and he needed to attend to his own family. This year, all of us were very glad because he was able to attend Nanay’s birthday. It was a must that he joins every family picture. And finally, we were able to give our gift for him this year. The Christmas reunion became even merrier. Indeed, a time for family, sharing and love.

Being A Mommy

I kept on denying to myself that my baby is pregnant. I didn’t really want her to be pregnant because I still think of her as my baby. Even if her tummy is growing big and everybody’s telling that she’s pregnant, I still didn’t want to believe.

I was scared. That I won’t know how to take care of her and her babies. I was afraid that a baby might not survive at birth, I was even more afraid that she might not feed them, or clean them.. they might get sick and I will die if something bad happens to the babies, and even to her.

Last night, when we got home, it was very unusual because both of them weren’t excited. I didn’t hear their usual greeting. As I went inside, he was just sitting on cage, giving me a mesmerized and scared look. As I came nearer, I heard tiny voices, cries. Then I saw her holding her little babies! I was shocked and I panicked! Their small legs are passing through the grilles of the cage, so I called Dennis to take them inside.


Three new lives. Three little white babies. Three little Caspers and Cotton tucked and tangled in their mommy’s legs. Sometimes feeding on their mommy’s milk, crawling.. crying.. then sleeping.

I was proud of Cotton because he was the daddy! But I am even more proud of Casper! She did it! She made it! She brought her babies out, on her own. And she immediately knew how to clean them, feed them, hug them, take care of them.

I was amazed! My baby knew how to be a mommy. Now I know. Being a mommy is an instinct. When you’re baby is there, in front of you, you will know what to do.

This goes out to somebody I know who will soon be a mommy too.