Ready... Set... Blow!

Mamu turned 59 last June 5 . I went straight to MCB1 after my Pre-employment Medical Exam (yehey walang Stool Test!) today as she prepared lunch for us. I had yummy Baby Back Ribs. Pancit was served for merienda and we had Spaghetti for dinner. Daming food!!! Beer and Tequila was also served pero syempre, hindi ako kasali...

Before the party ended, Mamu requested for a picture with an improvised cake (from the ref, hehe). Her apos joined her blow the candle as we sing the "Happy Birthday" song.

CREDITS:

PAPER by Helena Monteiro
PAPER by Amy W. Designs
PAPER by Monika69
FLOWER CLUSTER by Raspberry Road Designs
FONT Cheryl

Mamu, may you have more gorgeous years to come! Love you!

When it Rains... It Pours!!!

When I was in my DL yesterday morning, it was still raining, but I had no idea I was going to experience the worst storm to hit Metro Manila in so many years. I am used to seeing floodwater on the streets of Fidel and Ambrocia when it rains.

I watched as the floodwater starts to creep near my DL's gate and I try to tell the kids who are enjoying the floodwater to back off. Kakatalon nila and swimming umaalon yung tubig and pumapasok na sa gate. Then I saw Ate Neth, the Caretaker, dripping wet with rain water. She told me she was helping the apartment tenants save their things as the floodwater already entered their houses. I started to panic. I was monitoring the floodwater very closely. After a few minutes, Ate Neth came back and told me that the floodwater at the apartment is already knee-deep. I opened the back door to check and foul smell greeted me. I walked to the CR to turn on the lights but after a few steps, I felt my foot is already submerged in water. At first, I thought I forgot to turn the faucet off, but when the lights turned on. I was shocked to see black, dirty and murky floodwater!!! Oh my God! I started grabbing things and placed them on top of the chairs. As in shit, hindi ko na alam kung ano ang dadamputin ko. When I went back to the shop area, I saw the floodwater come in. I told the customers that I have to shutdown all the computers. Then I started to grab my things again. Mark, one of the customers offered help. And I'm so thankful that he did offer. I was able to save most of my things though we did it the hard way, I turned off the main switch to avoid short circuits. So imagine me grabbing things while shouting "Oh my God" and "Shit! Shit! Shit!" in pitch black darkness. When Rellie called, I was literally shouting on the phone... I didn't know how to explain what happened. Things happened so fast. As in, in less than 30 minutes, I found myself already submerged in knee-deep dark water. He couldn't believe it either. I saw some of my things floating but didn't care na to pick them up. I was tired and so stressed out, at the same time worrying too much about my computer units.

I went out of my DL and locked up the shop. It was still raining. I can't go home to MCB1 as the floodwater is waist high at Diego Silang. When I decided to brave the floodwater on Fidel street, I made sure I was holding on tightly to Kuya Alex (caretaker). The current is so strong I had to remove my Havaianas and walk with barefoot. I stayed at the caretaker's house, they are lucky to have a dry home. I was sitting there worried sick, couldn't believe what actually happened. Rellie would call from time to time. By 2pm he told me to go back and disassemble the monitors so I can place them in a safer place. It was tiring. One hell of a day! But my only consolation is that I was there when things started to happen, and that I was able to save most of my things, especially my computer units. And that I am safe. Thank you Lord!!!

Kuya Dennis picked me up from my DL around 4PM. Their home served as my evacuation center. The streets are still flooded. When electricity went back by 8PM, I watched the news updates. A lot of areas got flooded, some with waist high and chest high water. A lot of people were displaced, lost their properties, lost their homes, and some even lost their lives. Some are still stuck in the streets, some on the second level of their houses, and some are already on the roof of their houses. Typhoon Ondoy brought a month worth of rainfall in Metro Manila in just 9 hours.

Sunday morning was spent sorting and cleaning up. Thank heavens my computer units are dry. I didn't try to switch on the electricity yet, I have to wait until tomorrow to make sure the sockets are really dry. As I write this entry... I am renting a PC somewhere in the streets of Amoranto or Mayon (I'm not sure). I'll be spending the night at Rellie's home. I'm glad he's now in Manila because I do need a big, warm hug!

Back from Pixie Hollow

It's ALX's 7th Birthday!!!

Celebrating in her cute wings and petal skirt, she invited her fairy friends, the pirates, the lost boys, the redskins and the sparrow men.

CREDIT:
FRAME by Danielle Engebretson Designs

Yesterday, we went to Dad's Glorietta to celebrate with Alx. Though puyat from attaching fringe trim to my costume, I was already at the venue by 10:30AM to help decorate together with Fe, Ric-Ric and L.A. I was also able to finish the AVP before the party actually started. Cramming!

The party was great. Alx' friends and classmates are in costumes too. Raven look good on his Pirate costume while the girls dressed up as Pixie Hollow fairies.

CREDIT:
TEMPLATE by Danielle Engebretson Designs
FLOWERS from Origami Kit by Akiloune
PAPER from Lemonberry Fizz by Kimi's Kreations
PAPER from Quincy Garden Club by Amanda Thorderson

I figured, even if I put on fairy wings... I don't look like a fairy, hahaha! Negra kasi! So I came up with this outfit and everyone loved it. I was able to pull up as Tiger Lily. To refresh your memories on who Tiger Lily is (lifted from Wikipedia)... she's the princess of the Piccaninny Tribe of Indians (Native Americans) living on the island of Neverland. In the Disney version Tiger Lily is kidnapped by Captain Hook and Smee. Hook threatens to kill her if she does not tell him Peter's hiding place. She remains silent, as she does through the whole movie, refusing to betray Peter. She is saved by Peter Pan and he takes her to her tribe.

CREDIT:
PHOTOMASK by Bouille

That's Tiger Lily with uhmmn... with a bystander! Rellie's supposed to dress up as Mr. Smee but he's LATE, thus, the tambay look, haha! I was looking forward pa naman to this photo op... boo! He knows I was disappointed at him for wasting the pirate props I bought him. But I can't afford to stay mad kasi he brought the (very long) feather (I placed in my head) to complete my outfit. As in binunot from his favorite panabong (fighting cock). So now he's forgiven.

Kakatawa talaga, even one of the waiters approached me and said, "Ma'am bagay po sa inyo ung costume nyo. Kamukha nyo po talaga si Pocahontas!" Hahaha, toink! Ayos!

The not so young ones are also in costumes. They dressed up as elements of the wild. Fab talaga!

CREDIT:
FRAME by Hannah

Here's Inang Elo, she looks young in her blouse with butterfly print.

CREDIT:
PAPER from Happy Birthday Harmony Kit by Melanie Ann Designs

We had fun at the party. More pics can be found here. Went home full of pixie dusts and happy thoughts!

Indian Pana Kakana-kana

Just got back from SM North and bought our gift for Alx. Nakabili na rin ako ng costume for Kuks. Hay excited na ako!!! I'm sharing this funny story so you'll have an idea kung ano binili kong gift.

TUYA RENEBOY: "Anong gusto mong gift?" (hugs Alx)
ALX: "Baby Alive!!!"
TUYA RENEBOY: "Baby Alive? Ano yun!?!"
ALX: "Yung doll na kumakain, nagsasalita tsaka pumupupu"
TUYA RENEBOY: "Meron ba nun!?!"
ALX: "Five thousand pesos kaya yun!"
TUYA RENEBOY: "Ang mahal naman. Pwede ba bigyan na lang kita ng P50 tapos sa iba mo na lang hingin yung P4950?"
ATE CHENELYN: "Hindi ba pwede CHICKEN ALIVE na lang!?! Madami si Tuya Boy nun! Tumitilaok pa!"
(Alx turns her back on us and pretends she's studying)

Hahaha! Ayos ba yun!?! Dinedma na nya kami, as in after that.

Tomorrow's gonna be a very busy day. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it. For now, I will have to practice my "♫♫ Indian Pana Kakana-kana... ♫♫ " and my Sun Dance as well. At sana makatulog ako... umeepekto na naman ang low EQ.

Tatay Rey at 65

A few weeks before Tatay's birthday, I was having this YM conversation with Ate Mi. She was telling me that she's feeling sad again, now that Tay's birthday is just a few winks away. I came to realize that I was not able to join any of Tatay's previous bday celebrations in the past years. Back then, I would just help Rellie find the perfect gift. I may be a little too late this year... but I hope Tatay enjoyed looking at the white flowers I brought him from Dangwa. I'm sure he is having a merry celebration up there with our Lord.

Happy Birthday Tay!!!

CREDIT:
PAPER from Emma Kit by Amy Watson

FRAME

After the 6AM mass, we went to visit Tay to offer flowers and prayers, and to simply just be with him though he can't be with us physically. Some of his Teacher friends were also there to celebrate with us. They also brought flowers for Tatay. It was really nice of them to still remember.

CREDIT:
PAPER by Rhonna Farrer

TAG by Rhonna Farrer

CREDIT:
FRAME by Hannah
WORDART by Choukette

Rellie has been putting up a strong front since Tatay died. Every now and then he would tell me he misses Tay and that there are time when he would just sit and think of him. I know how tough this is for him, being the favorite child... growing up close to both his parents... I know he hasn't healed yet.

That day when we visited Tay, he opened up to me about one of his dreams. One night, when we were still in Singapore, Rellie dreamt about Tatay Rey. The dream wasn't that clear but when he woke up, he started crying. Hearing this story really broke my heart. I remember that night, I was sleeping next to him. But I didn't know that he woke up in the middle of the night and cried.

Hang in there... everything will soon be alright.

CREDIT:
QUICKPAGE by Hannah

For now, all I can do is hold your hand...

I Brought Bread Mama!

"I brought bread Mama!"

That's what we usually hear whenever Tito Ram visits us here in Novaliches. This guy has a very contagious laughter and his shoulders shake whenever he cracks jokes. I remember Mamu telling me that Tito Ram once told him that among my siblings, I am his favorite.

Growing up, I wasn't really able to share a lot of conversations with him. Because maybe, I was too shy to converse in English back then. Plus the fact that we rarely or rather, we only see him and Anj during special family gatherings. But something I won't forget about this guy is how he granted me a favor almost two years ago. When I was about to start with my business, I needed an air condition unit. His work is in line with sales so I gave him a call and asked him if he can arrange a 6 months 0% interest plan for the 1.5HP that I was about to purchase at Abenson. Most shops were offering only 3 months 0% interest plan. And he gladly did it for me. He called up the officers at Abenson and my request was granted. Until now, I am still using that AC unit for my shop.


CREDIT:
FRAME from Sunscrap by Niiki and Mil
FLOWER from Sunscrap by Niiki and Mil
FONT Bitch Cakes

Today, I am honored that I was able to witness an Indian tradition of laying a family member to his resting place. I went to Tito Ram's wake at Don Bosco Makati with Kuya Dennis. Mamu was already there when we arrived. Her vacation was cut short because of this incident. Luckily, they were able to book a flight for her back in Manila Sunday night. I was greatly touched by Angela's speech during the Eulogy. She talked about her bonding moments with her Dad and described him as "He is my world". I felt a pinch in my heart when she shared with us that she doesn't want to go home because everything there will remind her of her Dad. I hope in time Anj will be able to recover from this sad moment. Angela is a tough girl. I know she will get by...


CREDIT:FRAME by Cindy Doerksen

I took this photo of Anj and Tito Ram during Melvin's graduation Party. That same night, he was asking everyone the question, "When will we see eachother again?". Little did we know that that will be the last time that we will ever see him. Leaving us at the age of 71, I know he was able to live a good life.

Remembering Jimmy Lim

I'm home and my feet is still killing me. I was out the whole day. Whew!

Last Saturday, I was juggling the following options:

- attend the 10AM mass for Jimmy Lim, then go out with Batch'95 (kung ano man ang plano).
- attend 9AM mass at Megamall and/or just meet up with Tita Carol and Innah after the mass.
- meet up with Tita Stella to go to Tito Ram's wake at Don Bosco, Makati.
- meet up with Glady's at 1PM in Megamall then go to Bacoor to meet up with the rest of Rellie's cousins.

I was torn... really. Gusto ko puntahan lahat.

This morning, Tita Carol canceled our meet up 'coz she's not feeling well. So I decided to just attend Batch 95's sponsored mass. I was rushing to make it to UP Chapel by 10 AM. Buti na lang, on my way, I texted Miven, she informed me that the mass was moved to 11AM. Toink! I had late breakfast na lang at McDo North Ave instead of going straight to UP. Pancakes! Na-miss ko 'to!!!

CREDIT:
FRAME from by Eva Kipler
FLOWERS from by Eva Kipler
FONT BinnerD

There's still an on-going public mass when I reached the UP Chapel. I was trying to spot familiar faces from the crowd when Mae Manangan approached me from behind. Actually ang sabi nya, "Jennifer Palinar, right?" Hehehe, at least tama ang surname so I smiled and said, "Jenelyn". She's with her BF and Red Canoza. Then we spotted Malcolm Queyquep, tapos si Miven naman, then si Jasper. It was nice to see the same old high school faces.

CREDIT:
QIUCKPAGE by Eva Kipler
FONT BinnerD

This two ladies are one of my closest during high school. Sayang kami lang ang present today... most of my high school barkada are now living/working outside the Philippines. We had to take this shot...

CREDIT:
FLOWERS from Sunshine and Daisies by Maria LaFrance
FONT Sydney's Hand

The group decided to have lunch at Dencio's Trinoma. We had a long table. Ordering pa lang ng food ang kukulit na! And questions about who's going to pay flooded in. They were basing it on who's got the "grandest job" and out of the country photos in Friendster. Kakaloka!

CREDIT:
QIUCKPAGE by Karah Fredricks
PAPER from Digitreats
PAPER from Haloween Boo Kit
FONT BinnerD

Sarap ulit-ulitin! Pero sana naman hinde sa wake or 40 days ulet :) Too bad I had to go early. All through out the time we were eating, my phone didn't stop from beeping and ringing. They didn't want me to go but I have another commitment to attend to. Hindi rin kasi ako maka-No kila Mi.

Gladys waited for me at Mega. She even adjusted our meet up time to 2:15PM to accomodate me. As in when I got there, ako na lang ang hinihintay ng Van. Hirap pa naman tumakbo in my heels, haha! Sabi ko nga sa driver huwag ako isumbong kila Tito Fil. Buti na rin walang traffic, we reached Bacoor in time for the show. Dami namin! Rellie wasn't there but I had a good time with Mi and the rest of their cousins, Tito and Tita's.

Hay... what a tiring day it has been! And now I am restless because I haven't paid my last respect for Tito Ram. I have to go tomorrow! Paano kaya?

In Memory of Maestro

If you live long enough, there will come a time when you will experience the loss of someone you love.

It's inevitable.

At such a time, the love and support of family and friends is absolutely invaluable.

It helps us to heal. And for that loving support, we are forever grateful.

Tatay Rey joined the Lord last May 7 at 6:30PM. He was finally laid to rest last May 13 at Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.





The family takes comfort in knowing how he was loved and admired by his coleagues, friends, and family members. We would like to take this opportunity to give our sincerest thank you to everyone who have expressed their sympathy, those who have sent beautiful flower arrangements, those who offered their services, those who gave their financial support, and to those who have thought and prayed for Tatay and the rest of the family in this time of sorrow.

We find healing in God's tender embrace, and in knowing that others remembered and cared. Please continue to pray for Tatay Rey's soul.

Reynaldo D. Gonzales
Sept 6, 1944 - May 7, 2009

Tay... you are a great loss to the family. You will be missed...

Stories Squeezed In

To Blog or not to Blog!?!

Hmmn... the past days went by like a breeze. I've got a lot of things to share but I can't stay long and write as much as my hands are full too. And starting tomorrow, I won't have access to the internet for a few days. So I will just give you a sneak peak of how my days went by.

Friday, Kielle Louren turns 2!!! One of my inaanak celebrated her birthday with a simple merienda. I attended the party with Mama and LJ. I got a chance to see my cousins and Tita's from my father side. Seems like ages when I last saw them. I also received a canvass bag from Cliff (my cousin who's a Seaman) as pasalubong, yey! I was in Batangas when they had a welcome back dinner so he gave me a bag instead.


CREDIT:
QUICKPAGE by Shawtyp
PAPER by ksharonkdesigns
PAPER by Amy Watson (Amy W. Designs)
FONT Cheryl Hand

Saturday, woke up at 430AM and spent the day with 2 of my cousins (Tin and Innah) and my 2 nieces (LJ and Isay). We went on a picnic and we also took a dip in the cold pool to beat the summer heat. Hopefully I can blog more about this when I get back next week. We had loads of fun! It was my first time to be in full charge, being the eldest among them. Parang natakot pa mga Nanay nila when they learned that it will just be the 5 of us, haha! Fun... fun... fun trip! Tin, send all the pics na! Had to go home earlier though that day because of DSL issues in my DL.


CREDIT:
QUICKPAGE by Lil Missie Breon

Sunday, I received the news that Mels' Mom passed away. After hearing mass, I attended to my DSL issue then I went to the wake with Pol. Buti na lang he picked me up at MRT North or else I'll go straight to Funeraria Paz in Araneta. Out of sadness, I quickly forwarded Mels' SMS to friends that I didn't finish reading it. The wake is at Funeraria Paz -Sucat, toink! Gets!?! Anyway, it felt good to see and hug Mels. Bru, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please stay strong.

Monday, spent half of the day following up repair of my phone and DSL line. I swear they really suck at technical support! Nainis na naman ako sa attending Supervisor at 171 and nakipag-away talaga ako sa pinadala nilang Lineman, hay stressful!!! Got my connection back at 12NN. Met up with Bossing Jun in the evening then we picked up Joy, Ujin and Rellie at Magallanes. Caught up in SLEX traffic but I enjoyed my stay in the car kasi we were laughing all the time. Even at the wake, we were still laughing about stories of our past. Tsaka ang takaw kasi ni Ujin, wanting to finish all the Zesto and food at the wake. Fiesta!?! Pol came too with Chie. Hay.. I miss these guys so much! I'm happy that we were together but I wish it's because of a different situation so we can laugh some more. Finally, finally, finally... that day I was introduced to Joe, Mels' BF.

Tuesday... uhmmn, today I woke up in Retiro again, haha! Talaga yatang once a week schedule na ito. It was already late when we left at the wake so I slept again at their house. Had a short chit-chat with Mi. She had to wake me up, nakaharang kc ako sa cabinet nya. Ang kulit, huwag na daw ako umuwi, dun daw ako matulog ulet. Kamusta naman yun!?! Aga nya pumasok 630AM. Rellie woke up at 6AM too finishing some report. Kawawa naman si Kuks, super antok pa sya nagtratrabaho na. We had breakfast then I went home na.

Tomorrow I'll be at Sucat again for the Cremation. Hmmn... sana may kasabay ako kasi baka maligaw ako if mag-commute ako, toink! Then, I'll meet up with my College Buddies for dinner. Gela is back (with Baby Amber) since Friday. I'm excited to see my College friends again. Nagkikita lang kasi kami pag may Balikbayan, hahaha! Sana dito rin si Shey

Starting Thursday, I'll be MIA for a short while... see you next week!!!