Christmas Theme: Children's Party!!!

Venue: Hamabar, City Sports Club
Date: December 19, 2006

Here are pictures of our company's very first Christmas Party.

These guys work hard and know how to party hard too. Food was overflowing for our party of 20! Oh yes, and beer too. The guys must have been too inebriated to remember the following day how they just let loose the night before. There were games, dancing and karaoke singing.

Yup, it was all fun!

Behold the wacky bunch in pictures! (You may view slideshow here.) *Pictures courtesy of Mitzi, Jerry, Junnie, May & Linnor

In the Last Few Days

The Management team during the last All White Christmas Party @ Astoria Plaza, Dec. 15, 2006. I flew to Manila last Friday to join Jerry and the rest of the Ortigas team.


The following day after the Manila Christmas party, we were back in Cebu to attend Manny's birthday dinner last December 16... Marcel's family was in town as well.

Yes, we're definitely in that time of the year when we feel the extra poundage creeping up on us. Yikes! In every invitation we go to, there's just so much food to eat! Food galore! What else can I say?

Caution: Student Driver

Matt's first attempt at driving was made into a family affair...
@->--

Why we thought it was a good idea to teach 13 year old Matt to drive during the height of typhoon Seniang last weekend is beyond me. :D But then again, the road at IT Park was empty when Matt, under Jerry's tutelage was on the wheel driving around the block for a few rounds. He was all gawky and nervous but evidently excited at this new prospect.

Jerry taught him important pointers which Matt realized was a responsibility on his part more than it is for show.

Since our vehicle is automatic, the whole experience was only to give Matt a taste of things to come in a few years.

Celebrating Special Days

Let me greet my own Paparazzi a (belated) happy birthday (12/10)! Here's my brother Junnie's tribute to the main man in our lives who molded us and taught us how to live God-centered lives: Paparazzi - the other side

We love you Pa!

@->--


MIL with her favorite boys...


@->--


Last Monday, the 11th, was my MIL's birthday. There was a planned dinner by all her kids. It was just a small gathering of family and relatives. Jerry's branch of the family (us of course) was there from early afternoon. And on seeing Jake and hearing him sing his birthday "serenade", Mommy was all smiles. She was a pleasant sight to behold. We're all glad she seems to have gotten over the blues brought on by Parkinson's. And we continue to pray for her health and peace of mind.



Among many things in common, we both love Jerry and kids to bits.

@->--

OFF-TOPIC

Mommy (MIL) has remained affectionate of and concerned about my family in spite of her knowledge of some friction brewing in the periphery (blown out of proportion by a meddling person & concurred/tolerated by several others who should have known better but apparently did not know any better). I wonder who feeds Mommy the info, I wonder if the info is accurate.

When she learned about Jerry's weekly assignment in Manila during one of our visits to her, she asked me if everything's okay with me or if I don't mind handling our home, kids and work, all by myself. Aw, sweet... I told her we're managing. It's not a new set-up to me after all, since I've been used to Jerry's frequent trips (locally/internationally).

(Rant alert) Mommy's concern is genuine and runs contrary to the belief of some quarters who say I don't do my wife and mother duties well, who question our parenting style, who belittle our dedication at work, who question our every motive, or who call up my own parents to tell on me for something really silly (hahaha!), etc. etc.

Really now... We've been together happily for more than 15 years, even more than our detractors' (failed/dysfunctional) marriages. Jerry and I have talked a lot of times about the situation. We both agree that it doesn't matter what others say, as long as we're not guilty of things others do i.e. harassment thru blogs and text messages, false and malicious accusations, immature name-calling, or character defamation (all because of the word "bullsh*t"), etc. etc.

We know where we stand. We're so thankful to God that we have a normal family and a happy marriage, we live comfortably, we mind our own business, we have excellent kids and we have been blessed generously in sooo many ways.

My message to those who think otherwise (you know who you are)...

Deal with it. You and company, stop sending text messages like you are the aggrieved here, because you're not. All of you have done more harm than good. Capisce?

Jerry's Birthday Treats

Katsudon fest at Chowabungga


Japanese dinner at Ginza


with MIL, our very special guest for the night (shown here with nurse Cathy)

We had several meals to celebrate Jerry's birthday. Talk about binging!

Ma & May

@->--


Ma has been a frequent visitor of Cebu these days shuttling in from Manila and back to take care of my grandma. 92-year old Lola Meding has been confined at the ICU of the Cebu Doctors Hospital for several weeks due to on/off fever. It turned out that her lungs were infected and had to be drained. She's back in a regular room. She's stable now and making a slow recovery. We're all praying she gets better soon.


@->--


Ma is not one who's brave to fly. Riding a plane is something she's not too thrilled about, especially if travelling by herself. On her recent trip from Manila, Papa was busy with work stuff and was unable to accompany her to Cebu. Instead, Ma paid for my sis May's flight just for her to act as chaperone. Heehee... It was timely as May was off from Sun-Mon.

Aside from staying up sleepless for 24 hours (catching up on family chika), May & I were able to finish up Pa-Ma's 40th anniversary invitations/handmade envelopes. Plus of course, if you noticed the pictures, we also binged on salad and Oh Georg food!

Making the Most

@->--


Jerry spends 3 weekdays in Manila. Matt & Kyle spend 8-10 hrs every weekday in school. What do I do with my time on weekdays other than spend 8-10 hrs at work? I go home for lunch and ham it up with Jake and the cam.

Long Sundays

@->--


It's been a while that we have been spending our Sundays differently. We used to visit my MIL on Sundays after hearing the 11am Mass. We'd linger on for a chat with other ILs way until mid-afternoon. It was a pretty predictable schedule for everyone and weekends without the Sunday get-together felt rather incomplete.

However, since August, we've modified the routine a bit and rearranged our weekend schedules. Now we visit my MIL on Saturdays, leaving the whole day of Sunday all for spending time with Jerry and the boys.

We have plenty of time to do all or any of the following: review Matt & Kyle for the past week's lectures and prepare for the coming week's tests or projects, de-clutter our own rooms and clean up our mess, finish up on some D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) stuff around the house, go for a drive to see new places or just go for a drive, watch a movie, eat out, or be with each other while everybody does his/her own thing.

Matt and Kyle actually appreciate this new routine better. They feel like they've gained an extra day to spend time on their interests. Happily, I feel the same way too.

Happy Birthdayssss!

@->--

Dec 05 - Happy Birthday Jerry!
Dec 10 - Happy Birthday Paparazzi!
Dec 11 - Happy Birthday Mommy (MIL) and Jaymes!
Dec 16 - Happy Birthday Annalou and Manny!
Dec 21 - Happy Birthday Marcel!

Birthdays are a-plenty this month. Lest we forget, the most important of all birthdays is just two weeks away. He's the reason for the season.

Perfect Wrong Timing

ooOoo

Jerry got back from Manila last Thursday. Good thing super typhoon Reming did not hit Metro Manila directly or PAL's domestic flights would have been cancelled.

For a person like me with a short supply of patience, I was glad I didn't have to drive. I abhor the way taxicab and jeepney drivers weave their way in traffic! Now that Jerry's back in Cebu, I get to rest from the wheel for a few days. Hehehe... However, as he was driving me and the kids home that night, there was a sudden knocking sound from within the car. It turned out to be engine trouble. It was perfect timing that Jerry was already around when the car chose to conk out. Or else... who knows how I would have panicked.

Yesterday, we had the car towed to the shop for repair. Friday and early today, the kids, Jerry and I took cabs to and from our destination. Save for the expense (Php 82 to Php 92 each way), it was rather convenient hopping on and off of it, just like the old times. Never mind the way they drive and weave in traffic! As for the boys, it was an entirely new experience.

* The car is now fixed

Little Man of the House

This is a common sight these (week)days when we all go out for school/work.

Just a Few Updates

Guy 1: Thank you!
Guy 2: You're welcome. Don't mention it.
Guy 1: Don't mention what?
Guy 2: "Thank you!"
Guy 1: You're welcome. Don't mention it.
Guy 2: Don't mention what?
Guy 1: "Thank you!"
Guy 2: You're welcome. Don't mention it.
...

Mahaba-habang inuman ito....

---excerpted from the San Mig Light radio ad...

I hear this every single day as I drive Matt & Kyle to school or myself to work... It borders on amusing and irritating when heard over and over...

~~~

Okay so maybe some healing is going on unless the text invitation I received for dinner was nothing more than just that, an invitation. I thought it best to just keep mum though. I know....my bad. I should have just texted back. But nah, I can't help it. I felt it was kinda awkward to just reply with a yes or no.

In a situation where you're one of two parties and both are hurt by circumstances, how do you bounce back?

~~~

With the recent re-organization, Jerry now assumes (after being appointed) a bigger role in the company. He is now concurrently the GM and head for Sales & Marketing. Tough combination isn't it? Along with the title/s comes the demand for him to spend 3 days in Manila and 2 days in Cebu. And what does that mean? By default, I take on the responsibility of overseeing Cebu operations on top of being mom & dad on days that he's not around. Tough, but I'm not complaining.

~~~

As if the new arrangement is not enough to keep my weekdays full, I am also into the thick of things planning for 2 big events in December - our company Christmas party on the 19th and Pa & Ma's 40th/Ruby wedding anniversary on the 22nd!

When could I squeeze in the Christmas shopping?

Trust me, I'll find a way!

~~~

We're on the final stages of having our condo sold/rented. My boys are not too happy about it, understandably. They've spent a good 7 years of their young lives in this compact space. This is the only place they've known as home. Aw... I could relate, I felt the same way not too long ago, when Mama put up our house in Manila for sale. It's a pity how we let go of things that have become very dear to us due to some pressing matters. If things were better, we would have chosen to keep the property... Oh well...

If terms are firmed up, we'll be moving out early next year. Meanwhile, we haven't taken it off the market yet. It is still up for grabs. P3.5M anyone? Hehehe... Check out the fotos below...

Our home for the last 7 years..

(Un)Happy Feet?

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Happy Feet, originally uploaded by gratitude.

Jacob, posing by the life-like 3d poster/picture display of the Happy Feet movie

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Yesterday, all students of the school where my two elder boys study, went to watch the special screening of Happy Feet.

The night before, I rushed out of work to the grocery to buy large packs of junk food and a liter of orange juice for our consumption in anticipation of this school's annual movie date. I was thinking, we will go with a full arsenal of munchies as what we have always done before. This is going to be great.

"So who bought me my movie ticket?", I asked them both. They quizzically looked at each other as if to say: "Huh?". There was a slight tug in my heart....

At breakfast yesterday, I was teasing them about not wanting the parents to be around anymore... I pretended not to push it though... But in the elevator going down to our parking slot, I repeated my statement again. Kyle smiled and Matt gave me a peck on the cheek.

In my mind I wanted to say out loud: "Okay, I get it. You don't want Papa or me around, this time."

There's very little time now and I am desperately clinging to the vestiges of Matt and Kyle's childhood. Soon they will be doing things on their own.

*Sigh*

Happy 1st Year E!

Jerry with the VCs and bigwigs walking at Asiatown IT Park to soon-to-be E's 2nd facility

---

First Year Milestones:
- Officially opened last November 17, 2005 after registration with SEC & BIR
- Hired our first software engineer on Jan. 16, 2006
- Peza-registered by March 2006
- E became profitable in 6 months
- To date we have 16 software engineers on permanent status
- Now we are ready to renovate our 2nd facility (300+ sqm)

Woohoo! GOD is GOOD! :D



to celebrate the 1st year, we all had our seafood lunch at Alavar's de Cebu

Boom Tarat

Jake, with his mouth full of rice, trying to keep it all in while smiling for the cam.

---

Why I was late in going back to work after lunch today:

1. Jake was awake
2. Wowowee was on
3. We had fun singing (o sige na nga, dancing din) the Boom Tarat song...

For the benefit of those who have not heard the Boom Tarat song on TFC, please click the link below:


or here if the player above doesn't show.

This is going to play in all Christmas parties this year, the way Macarena and Ocho-ocho did in years past, don't you think?

Lola Eats

Since my last post about home-cooked meals, we have been allotting more for our grocery budget which has since grown by 50%. After being "pampered" with daily food supply for 14 years by my MIL (not on our request, it was her decision to do this), we weaned ourselves from dependency and made do with what our own cook could prepare for us.

For the first month, we have managed pretty well. I now enjoy planning the weekly menu, buying and putting together the ingredients. Something we never really had to spend time on until last October when we requested for the food supply to stop.

However, in the early part of November, our own cook decided to leave to get married. Until now we haven't found a replacement yet. The nanny doesn't know much about cooking. And I am close to zilch when it comes to kitchen skills. So how do we cope?

Luckily, in Guadalupe where we live, restaurants are in every street corner. I'm not saying we buy our food from these restaurants. Imagine how much damage that would do to our budget! Instead, we found a place that sells really affordable native food "carinderia" style. This is not your run of the mill "carinderia" where you'd probably catch some hepa virus. This one caters to nearby residents living in condos and townhouses who either don't have cooks or who just wish to have their food "to go". We even bump into some doctor friends who regularly order their meals from this one.

Regular fare consists of: bulalo, kaldereta, fish/chicken tinola, fish "inun-unan" (paksiw), kilawin (puso ng saging or langka), chop suey, pinakbet, pork menudo, pork adobo, sisig, lechon kawali, pork chop, afritada, chicken curry, grilled fish/pork/chicken, beef steak, etc... etc... There's just enough variety that you could try a different meal everytime.

For busy working moms like me (who do not know how to cook :D), this is the next best thing to having home-cooked meals. I do not have to plan any menu or bother with any ingredients. At least for the time being, Lola Eats is our food source, until I learn how to we find a replacement cook.



"Lola Eats"


Dining area

Dinner at Big Mao

Paparazzi, Junjun, Aunt Didi, and Ma with Jerry, Jake and me.

---

Pa took us to dinner last Sunday at Big Mao. It was timely that cousin Junjun was also in town. He was on a UN mission for a week and scheduled to fly back to Macedonia last Monday. Too bad, cousin Mimi and family, as well as Stella, couldn't make it that night.

Junjun, a law graduate of ADMU (I hope I got it right cuz Mimi), has been with the UN for the last 16 years. His successful career brought him to different countries mostly in Europe helping war-torn places. It was during his stints abroad too that he met his wife Nicole.

He was in Cebu to arrange for the construction of a house at upscale Ma. Luisa Estate Park for his parents, our Aunt Didi and Uncle Jun. Aw, just how generous is that? I get reminded of my own younger brother Junnie who has been a great help as well to all of us, giving us free trips abroad, a business to take care of, and well-paying positions in a (soon-to-be) American company. The list goes on and on... God bless their hearts!

Care to share stories about any of your siblings (brother or sister)?

Busy Saturday

Jerry got back to Cebu last Friday after 8 days in Manila. So last Saturday was a specially busy day as I have put off some errands until he was around.

Ruby Anniversary Preparation (Update):

We were out of the house by 930 am, leaving just Jake and nanny at home. Our first stop was downtown Cebu for the florist that we contacted to make the floral arrangement for our church decor on the 40th anniv. The sample was pretty impressive! It still needs minor adjustments but I was glad my idea was executed really well, the way I imagined it to be. Here, the chapel aisle would be lined with this....



ruby red roses for the ruby anniversary

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My sister had a similar bridal bouquet made for her 2 years ago, 3 dozens of red long-stemmed roses which according to her cost her P3,000. The one we're using for December.... a total of 10 flower stands with 3 dozens red roses per stand or 30 dozens in all, is not even anywhere near P3,000! I think I'm getting the hang of playing the role of wedding planner. Hehehe....

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Report Card Distribution

After the week-long sem break, it was time to find out the result of the boys' 2nd quarter academic efforts. Grade 4 Kyle maintained his 1st honors status while 1st year high school Matt dropped from the Top 10 in his level after getting 2nd honors. His Math and Science grades went down a couple of points. Oh well. He wasn't too happy about it.

After getting the cards, Matt stayed behind for his group's sleep-over at school. It's going to be a fun time with his class/groupmates/friends and I'm sure this would cheer him up.

---

Asilo de la Milagrosa

Kyle with the bags of rubber shoes

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Next stop after downtown and the school was the office at the Asilo de la Milagrosa where we dropped off the bags of stuff we have gathered after doing some de-cluttering at home. We hope to be able to make some orphans happy with these used (but still in good condition) rubber shoes...

So that was how Saturday morning went...A few more stops and then we were back to base for lunch...

Work-out Jake!

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Have you ever found yourself this active? The video was taken a few weeks ago...
The Energizer bunny pales in comparison to precocious Jake. He does push-ups, running/jogging and sings alternately... In this one he sings (or at least attempts to sing HIS OWN lyrics of) the song from High School Musical: "We’re soarin’, flyin’...There’s not a star in heaven...that we can’t reach."

Actually, ako ang napagod habang pinapanood ko sya... Likot! :D

---

Me: Jake kulit
Jake: Mama kulit
Me: Jake kulit
Jake: Mama kulit
Me: (hmmm lemme try this...) Papa kulit. Who is kulit Jake?
Jake: Mama kulit
Me: (grrr...)

---

330 am yesterday, I fed Jake his milk. He was roused from sleep and began to smile at me. "Hi Jake, go back to sleep. Look, it's dark pa oh (pointing to the window slats)". He closed his eyes and contentedly drank his milk.

530 am...
Jake: Maa-maa, wake uu-up...
Me: (Opened eyes momentarily just to check I wasn't dreaming. Checked the time: 530am. Still early. Then closed eyes again.)
Jake: Nooo... nooo... no close eyes Ma! No close eyes.
Me: (Eyes still closed but already awake)
Jake: Wake up, Ma! Look! (He pointed to the window slats as if to say the sun is up)...
Me: (Quite amused now, I slowly pulled myself up) Hmp, Jake kulit. Hehehe...

Wasn't It Just October?

The management committee in a bittersweet moment...

---

Nov 2 - Pa & Ma flew back to Manila after 4 days in Cebu.
Nov 3 - Jerry flew to Manila on the 715 am flight for V's last day. C also arrived earlier from the USA.

Nov 4:
430 am - Jake woke up when I fed him his milk
530 am - the household was already awake (Matt, Kyle, Jake and Ann); the Fast rent-a-car was already downstairs waiting for me

6 am - I was at the PAL check-in counter with a lot of other Manila-bound passengers with carts of luggage for check-in. They were probably at the tail-end of their November vacation. To avoid the long queues, I took the Mabuhay lane.

615 am - At the lounge, I tried the airport's WIZ hotspot. The procedure was to text: "WIZ on" to 2333 using my handyphone. Then the SMS reply would give the username and password. To login the username and password, you join the available network which would give you the Globe splash page. After login, the handyphone will be charged for P2.00 per minute. Not bad. Using my blog aggregator, I opened all updated sites in separate tabs for offline viewing/reading. I logged off just before the boarding announcement was made. It took all of 3 minutes to do this. Total surfing charge - P6! Beats having to lug a pocketbook or a magazine in-flight.

830 am - Jerry picked me up in a taxi and we proceeded to Malayan Plaza for our buffet breakfast. I've come to like this hotel right across Podium as their amenities and service are pretty impressive. Loved their beefsteak Tagalog and omelette. Heeheehee...

1030 am - We were in the office to prepare for the meeting. The place was kinda dark since only a few were in the office at that time.

11 am - 1200 nn - Special board meeting. V formally handed in his resignation. It was a sad moment seeing him teary-eyed. He's such a big loss for the company. Yet, this was something he had to do to be able to sort some personal problems and for us to forge on.... Except for V who still had to do some packing, we all had lunch at Podium (the Chinese resto's name has already escaped me. Not too fond of Chinese food anyway.)

A few minutes more of wandering around Podium with Jerry and then we walked back to the office by 3 pm for our drive (c/o W) to Blue Wave near the Mall of Asia.

4pm - 930pm - Mancomm meeting/activity. When the announcement of the resignation broke out, most were caught by surprise. As an impromptu tribute, everyone said their piece and recounted the good times with V. It was emotional and I know the office wouldn't be the same without him as head.

730 pm - My supposed flight back to Cebu which I had to miss... Poor kiddos, they slept alone with just the nanny.

Nov5
630 am - breakfast at Malayan
730 am - enroute with Jerry to PAL to rebook my flight.
830 am - checked in with the rest of the Cebu bound passengers, including: Roderick Paulate, Amy Perez, Carmi Martin and their personal assistants. Hehehe...Star-studded flight.
930 am - flight to Cebu
1030 am - arrival.
1 pm - burger steak lunch with the boys at Orange Brutus. Jake was asleep at home with the nanny
2 pm - boys' haircut for the Monday inspection, my pedi-treat
430 pm - Sunday mass at the Redemptorist Church
630 pm - dinner at home (callos & fish tinola)
9 pm - bedtime

Nov 6
Woke up with a really bad cold. My head felt light and my face seemed stuffed with mucus! EW.

7 am - drove the boys to school
745 am - at the office
9 am - general meeting with Cebu emps
430 pm - got kids from school
530 pm - Nanny called the office to say Jake was having fever.
6 pm - Joined the meeting with mancomm via VOIP
7 pm - rushed home to give Jake his Calpol
9 pm - bedtime
11 pm - checked Jake and was glad his fever was gone

Nov 7
230 am gave Jake his milk, his temp was normal
530 am gave Jake another bottle. This time he woke up. His temp was normal. Thank goodness!
7 am - drove the boys to school
11 am - 3 pm Marathon meeting via VOIP with Jerry, C and mancomm. I'm still nursing a runny nose and sore throat.

After eating bread and kalamay brought by one of the engineers, I'm calling it a day now...

---

With V's exit, who would be appointed the interim Prez and GM?

Let's just say I'm the interim first lady... hehehe....

Have My Cake and Eat it Too!

Click to see Jake, feasting on my birthday choco cake given by Marriott.
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Let me share this "nakakatakam" na video to all... Don't you wish we could all eat with this much gusto and not worry about anything?

Happy Weekend!

Feast of the Saints

Mama and Mama Sol at the family crypt in Cempark

Mass for loved ones who passed on...


Group shot


Family shot

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The mass was set at 430PM. There was no rush in the morning as we all just thought it best to leave the house by 230PM. On the way, we bought 2 baskets of flowers for P200 and P300. Parking wasn't allowed inside Cempark near the entrance. However, parking was okay in areas near the exit. It helped decongest the already crowded cemetery.

Monsignor Kintanar officiated the mass in native Cebuano dialect. Some of us understood the conversational Cebuano dialect but not too much the really deep and formal Bible verses. Anyway, our replies were mostly said (softly) in English. The important thing is we participated in the mass and prayed for our loved ones.

By 530PM, dinner was served. With Mama Sol at the helm of this annual family activity, we were not surprised to see lechon, kinilaw, fried lumpia, siomai, chicken, budbud (suman), giant crabs (flown in from Siargao Island), prawns, etc. It was an early dinner that actually lasted us till breakfast the following day.

To us, November 1 is not just for remembering our dearly departed. It is also a time for us to re-connect and reunite with our living loved ones.

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Below is a beautiful prayer shared by Cathy

AN IRISH FUNERAL PRAYER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.

Source: derived from a sermon written by Henry Scott Holland and delivered in St. Paul's (London) on 15 May 1910, at which time the body of King Edward VII was lying in state at Westminster. Although not originally derived from Irish writings, versions of this sermon have been used at many Irish and Catholic funerals over the years.

39

The first order of the day (yesterday) was to attend the 7am mass at the Redemptorist Church. It was a good and fitting way to give thanks to the Lord for 39 blessed years and to invoke for His generous blessings to continue. The mass set me up for the rest of the day and hopefully for another 39 or more years.

As for dinner, it was a toss-up between Alavar's de Cebu for their curacha and other seafood specialties or Marriott Hotel for their Monday Madness buffet, but Mama swayed me into choosing the latter as she preferred the hotel from the native resto ambiance of the former. Hehehe... I readily agreed and started the short-notice text invitation for yesterday's dinner.

Except for Ann (hubby was out of town thus couldn't leave her kids at home), Stella (indisposed) and Malou (with a prior commitment) who were not able to make it, the people who mattered in my life were there - close friends and loved-ones (super supportive, thoughtful and generous) from my side of the family who are based or presently in Cebu. The 7pm dinner invitation stretched up to 10pm. We were all full to the brim!

For gifts, I got boxes of cakes from Marriott, Georg, and Leona's, a pair of thongs from Havaianas Dupe, a lariat necklace made of pearls and a cute card from my boys. Sweet!

My heartfelt thanks to those who took time off to join me on my special day, those who SMS-ed their birthday wishes and greeted me thru my comment box. If you are not too busy, check out Memento's 39 things about me (if you haven't done yet).

Generations

Cebu is a much better place these days, Pa & Ma are here for a short stop.



Paparazzi & Mama by the fountain at our Guadalupe address


Four generations in all!
Jake, Ma, Lola Meding, moi, Kyle, Matt, Jerry (in green)


This time sans Jerry but with Paparazzi...


If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much.---Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

In my almost 1.5 decades of being a parent (together with Jerry), I continuously pray for success in being the best mom to my 3 boys very much like Lola Meding and Mama's success in rearing their own.

Work-Life Balance

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We just had our first ever teambuilding activity last night at the Bowlingplex. After an early dinner at the office, 2 hours of play and 3 to 5 games later, everybody was still up and about inspite of the early 8am call time the following day.

It was a fun event put together by the software engineers themselves. All I had to do was to fund the activity and provide the food on company's account. It was timely that one of the engineers was celebrating his birthday. We had extra doses of carbo from the 3 half gallons of ice cream he treated us with (yummy pistachio, cookies and cream, choco brownie).

The successful activity was a welcome breather for this hardworking bunch. And we plan to do it again - really soon!

(Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus our company does exist and no need for me to show you our articles of incorporation. :P)

Beats Georg & Wang Shan Lo

Kyle and his friends...


Matt and his friends (and Jake)...


Most of the invited guests (with Jerry and me)...

After the busy preparations for the 2nd quarter exams and having the last exam day on Friday, Matt and Kyle were just too eager to unwind and have fun. It was the perfect excuse to invite their friends for a swim party to celebrate Kyle's 10th birthday (Oct 11).

It took us only 2 days to make the guest list (Matt and Kyle were given the free hand to choose their guests), reserve the pool, plan the birthday menu and buy the giveaways (beach balls and snack items). On the day itself, we were all glad the weather was sunny and perfect for the 130-5pm swim.

Here are some photos of the Saturday afternoon riot between the groups of 10 and 13 year-old boys..

Jake all geared up for the swim...





Without the clowns and the cartoon character themed- parties now, birthday celebrations for the boys have gone significantly less costly. What a relief for us peso-pinching parents! Hehehe..

The sound of laughter, the looks on their faces as they swam, dove, played basket(beach)ball, romped and cannon-balled clearly indicated they enjoyed every minute of it. They didn't seem to mind if they were served regular picnic food and gobbled up, and went for seconds and thirds of the roasted chicken, ngo-hiong, hotdogs, macaroni with meatsauce, puso and choco mallow cake.


After the swim, time for trading of Pokemon cards...


Playing unmodified PS2 and Dota PC games...

To these boys, the free afternoon play (that stretched well into the early evening) and pure fun in the company of each other were all that mattered.