Days Before New Year

Spent a day here at Jaclson Heights.

Pistons Win

It was on the 26th of December, when Cecile and I finally got to watch our very-first real live NBA game. Being an NBA fan, this evening is probably one of the highlight of our 2nd trip to the US and the East Coast.

Renelle sponsored our tickets for this game. Each cost US$110.00 at the lower section, which was really a good vantage point to see the game at the Izod Center. Formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, and later, Continental Airlines Arena, the Izod is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is home to the New Jersey Nets and the home of the New Jersey Devils NHL hockey team.

I pointed out to Cecile a banner that hung in the rafters that gave tribute to the 35 concerts Bruce Springsteen has done in this venue.

The arena opened July 2, 1981, with the first of six concerts by New Jersey rock musician Bruce Springsteen. The “Boss” remains the most popular concert act to perform here. His appearances have included a 10-night, sold-out run in 1984, an 11-night run in 1992, and a 15-night, sold-out run in 1999.

The New Jersey Nets, who had played their first game here on October 30, 1981, losing to the New York Knicks, 103-99. Later that season, on January 31, 1982, the NBA All-Star Game was played at the arena.


But for this game, Richard Hamilton scored 22 points as the Pistons defeated the Nets, 101-83 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. It was probably all over by the third quarter as Detroit Pistons shot 78 percent. Hamilton made all five shots and the Pistons connected on 14 of 18 from the field that from a one-point halftime lead, it blew into a 14-point margin entering the final quarter.

Patrick had earlier predicted it would be a “blow-out.” And he was right. But I didn’t expect it to be that big a margin. And Cecile had observed that the Nets were not really “going for the ball” which is probably one of the reasons why Jason Kidd wants out of this team.

Christmas @ Renelle's

Merry Christmas.

Christmas @ Renelle

Universal Studios

Scribbles and pictures to come from Universal Studios.

Nicole @ Toys R Us

Hannah Montana made Nicole cry yesterday at Toys R Us.

Back in LA

Today, we are back in the City of Angels!

Napa Valley

Ami McCrory picked us up at Laly’s house at Hayward around 10:30am for our long drive up to Napa Valley. And thus begins Cecile’s Wine 201 lessons.

Bien Perez had given his “Wine 101” last September when he visited Manila, but unfortunately, I was in Vietnam. Bien and Cecile had breakfast at UCC Café, front 6750 Building.

Now, we were in Napa Valley, where the best of California wines is produced.

Ami is my batchmate from UST High School and was also a classmate for one year at the Faculty of Arts and Letters. While she married early and didn’t finish her Journalism studies, she, however, recently graduated (with honors) from University of California at Berkley (an IVY league school here in the States) with a degree in Sociology. She now has two children

AppleBee

We just had dinner at Apple Bee Restaurant, which is like a TGIF restaurant, filled with celebrity pictures and posters. Dinner cost around 112 dollars for five persons. All big servings. I had the fried shrimps with french fries and salad. And even shared with Geneva's mashed potatoes.

Pictures soon.

Oakland Scenes

Blog and pictures from Oakland, California coming soon!

Frank at Rodeo Drive

Yesterday, Chief and I visited one of the most expensive shopping places of the world. Rodeo Drive. This is a three-block long stretch of boutiques and shops in Beverly Hills, California. Until the early 1950s, the center divide on this street was a horse path which is why it is called Rodeo Drive.

In the few minutes we were here, I was quietly hoping for a famous celebrity to come out of a shop. We entered Tiffany’s. Took snap shots around and front the famous shops.

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Anderton Court Shops at 333 N. Rodeo Drive. It features a triangular-shaped tower and spiral ramp. Rodeo Drive is also the first place in California to implement diagonal pedestrian crossings called scramble crossings at some particularly busy intersections.

Crossing one street, one woman struck up a conversation as she notice one car made a U-turn. I responded to her. Even a woman in the car behind the “u-turn” car also agreed with her. Was she a celebrity? Definitely, not Britney Spears.

Steps to Narita

Northwest Airline 0020 brought us to Narita International Airport around noon time. It was a pleasant flight, although, we would have preferred an SQ flight. The flight crew of SQ were more friendlier and accommodating. Guess, it is because they were Asians like us.

Still, it was a smooth flight into Japan. I have been here before. Back in February 1998 and spent nearly two weeks. Still need to find those pictures with Chin. Roland, Maui, Honey, Nelia, Injong and the rest of the Philippine team attending that conference we called ENFT - 1.


Today, Chief and I share these steps. Rather, Jiru and Sheshiru as our names are said in Japanese. We stepped towards McDonalds but moved into a Japanese tea and donut shop. Chief got her coffee latte while I got a green tea latte. Trying to be health conscious. I quickly texted Bien Perez and Noelle Farol about us being in japan.

Narita International Airport is located in Narita, Chiba, Japan. The airport is in the eastern portion of the Greater Tokyo Area. I know the airport is one of the busiest hubs (but Kansai International would be busier). It serves as the main international hub of Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. It is also a major hub for Northwest Airlines and a focus city for United Airlines. It does take an hour to get to downtown Tokyo and that is by the fastest train. The Narita Rapid Railway is scheduled to open in 2010 and hopes to alleviate the long travel time by shaving 20 minutes.

In July 2004, Bobby Fischer was detained at Narita Airport for allegedly using an invalid U.S. passport. He was trying to board a Japan Airlines flight to Manila. That news made the pages in Manila.

The Night Before We Leave For The States

It has been nearly 4 years since Chief and I were in the States. We were in the East Coast, arriving just in time for New Year celebration at Times Square and spend a few days with my cousins and Tito Rene and Tita Nenen. Tonight is the night before we leave for the States, making stops in Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco before joining my cousins for a white Christmas.


By Saturday, it would be the start of Simbang Gabi. And it would be our third Christmas since we returned from Vietnam in 2005 and our 1st Noche Buena in New Jersey with my cousins. Photo shows us from Christmas 2006 at our Greenhome.

Chief has not had a complete 8-hour sleep these days as she has been packing and wrapping and more packing and wrapping. I stayed out of her way as she has a “system” to get things done. She finished all our gifts for family… both Gabutina and Velez.

Today, I made three trips back and forth to Greenbelt 1. Luckily, it was only a 15 minute walk. I had pictures printed for a photo album and bought extra Yale locks. Plus, sent our Xmas money gift to Uncle Ming, who lives in Marikina.

Mom wanted to come to our Greenhome today so she could see at least on the night before we left but there was still so much work to be done and our home was in disarray. She was crying when we talked on the phone this morning. But I promised to call her later tonight and tomorrow morning from the airport.

Kingdom

I am a fan on Jennifer Garner. When Chief and I were in Vietnam, we rarely watched “Alias” until last year I started following that TV series. Last September, I did buy the box set DVD of “Alias.” But still need to open and watch her on the small screen.

Last Sunday afternoon, at Cinema 3 of Greenbelt 4 Cinemas, Chief and I caught “The Kingdom,” the 2007 film directed by Peter Berg and starring Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper and Jennifer Garner.



The movie is also co-produced by Academy Award nominated director Michael Mann, who had done work on “Miami Vice.” Remember that TV series? The film is inspired by today’s news and brings back memories of the bombings at the Riyadh compound on May 12, 2003 and the Khobar housing complex on June 26, 1996.. and in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That why the movie is called, “The Kingdom. Photo from Universal Studios.

Keno Turns One

The 4th child of Manny and Vangie Gabutina turned one year old last 24 November 2007. And the little bundle of joy celebrated his birthday bash in their home last Saturday afternoon.

Chief and I slept over in Golden City as it was our second to the last weekend before our U.S. trip and Chief wanted extra time with her parents. This would be the first time we would be away from home during Christmas since we returned from Vietnam in September 2005.

Chief, Minnie and Vangie were amazed that Keno wanted to be carried by me. Yes, the little kid wouldn’t let go even as I got tired carrying him. See pictures.

If CG had been born last year, CG would have also turned one year old, just slightly ahead of Keno.

Like a mom to Bob

This is a weekend of life and death.

Auntie Aya dies and Keno celebrates a birthday!

Last Friday morning, around 8:30am, Auntie Aya passed away. She is the aunt of Bob Novales, one of my best friends from UST. She had taken care of Bob since he was a kid, as his mom had passed away at an early age.

I remember, or rather, Auntie Aya would remember our “grupo prumer” whenever we would have “food trip” at their home in Iba Street, La Loma. Together with Cesar, Cere, Bien, Guy and others, we would eat turbo-broiled chicken, courtesy of Imarflex which was popular during the early 80s. It was during these days that I popularized dipping bananas on San Miguel beer.

I remember also sitting down for mahjong with her and Auntie Luz, who was happy to see Chief and I at the wake Friday night at the Venice Rooms of the Loyola Memorial Park in Paranaque.

Since we arrived around 7:30pm, we had a few extra minutes to catch up with Monch. She reaffirmed the important role Auntie Aya had in Bob’s life. “Madalas dinadalaw ni Bob siya kase hinahanap siya ni Auntie Aya.”

Cesar and Marivic, plus Miguel and Iya, were also at the wake, after having dinner at Serendra.

Unfortunately, Bien Perez, is in HK and just sent his condolences via text message.

Mila at 44

Yesterday was Mila Pantaleon’s birthday and this blog serves to immortalize perpetuality our greetings to her! Happy birthday Mila! Photo shows Chief and Mila enjoying chocolate at Chocolate Cafe in Serendra

Here is a little profile of who Mila is and how she and her loving husband, Bingo, has touched and continues to touch our lives.

We first met Mila and Bingo in Saigon in 2002. They were introduced through a network of friends, specifically, through, Maribelle Regino, who used to work for J Walter Thompson Vietnam. She was a dentist by profession and a wife by vocation to a hard working marketing director of United Pharmaceuticals Vietnam (Unilab).

There was chemistry between us as there was similarities in our lives. Both middle-aged couples, working hard in a foreign country without kids. Both enjoying a good meal at Pendolasco, a good Italian restaurant, along Nguyen Hue, District 1 or breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel.


Often, Mila and Chief would go window shopping around Dong Khoi and often finding themselves at Ms. ha's Jewelry Shop at Mac Thi Boi. Bingo and I would only smile at the their choices. Sometimes, we would be at their home at the Pacific Gardens for lunch. Photo shows Mila, Gege (from Levi's) with my cousin Patrick Velez and Chief (at the far right).

These days, she had many kids. Young pupils who look up to her as a mom or elder sister in a kindergarden school in Jakarta. Us… we look up to her a good, endearing and trusted friend. Belated happy birthday Mila!

Minnie at 37

Today is Minnie Gabutina’s 37th birthday.

Minnie is Chief’s youngest and only sister. Still but “married” or rather devoted to her profession as a member of Opus Dei, she continues to give Chief and I hope and light as we pursue our chances for parenthood.

Years ago, she was based in Rome, Italy, where she lived, worked and studied for nearly 5 years. Unfortunately, by the time Chief and I made that visit to the Vatican City in December 2003, she had moved back to the Philippines. That was also the last Christmas Mass of the late Pope John Paul II.

But before she left Italy, she did ask Lisa Ocampo, a friend to meet us at St. Peter’s Basilica. . She did show us around the most famous cathedral in the world and also the sanctuary of Opus Dei. Now, Lisa teaches in U.P. and Minnie is head of Student Affiairs at the Amihan Technical School in Laguna.

Today, Minnie makes her presence felt with her students and community in San Pedro, Laguna. Their home-baked coffee crunch brownies are my favorites. 75 pesos for 9 pieces!

Happy birthday Minnie!

Mom at 71

Rene was early at mom’s birthday lunch in BF Homes Paranaque City. Among my many friends, he is now mom’s friend and text mate too. Chief and I quickly swapped stories from the Ad Congress and our own mid-80s trip to Ilocos Norte.

Melo, Cindy and Dexter had arrived Friday night for earlier. And also went out ballroom dancing with Mom, Violet and Miguel up to 2am, extending to Saturday morning. During those hours, Chief and I, together with Matess and Aries Estrella were still in Subic Bay Freeport at the Malboro Red Lights Party.

Monina Garcia, my cousin had cooked chicken and was also busy chopping the 5,000 peso lechon. Later, Melo would say that a 30 kilo lechon in Angeles would cost only around 3,000 pesos. That would also be roughly the cost of lechon was bought in La Loma.

Our relatives and cousins started arriving around noon. Bong, Gina and their 7 year old son Ryan also arrived. Toti and his family arrived. Tita Cely and Tita Peling also arrived. There were only a few guests. Still, enough quorum for two tables of mahjong. Tita Cely wiped out our table on the”first high” that surprised Vic de Vera (Nedda’s husband) and my cousin, Melo. Later, mom would take my place at this table. I felt that luck was not on my side.

Pancakes and Flashy Cars

The aircon at Vista Marina Hotel was so cold that I woke up around 4am Sunday morning, searched for the remote controI which was on Cecile’s side of the bed.

Matess was completely knocked into dreamland as she had been working hard through the Ad Congress. She needed to be back at GMA around noon and I promised her that!

I sneaked out of the hotel, twenty minutes earlier. Around 6:30am, with our Sony Cybershot Digital Camera and snapped these pictures. I knew it would take around 30 plus minutes before Chief and Matess showed up at the lobby.

Breakfast was at Pancakes House. And there was a row of flashy cars parked outside. Two other Ford Everest cars parked near Shaq, presenting itself as photo opportunities.

I pushed Shaq to his near limits as I drove back to Manila, together with Chief and Matess, to be at the GMA Network Center by 11am and be at BF Homes Paranaque for mom’s 71st birthday.

Bandera Farm

We all visited Bandera Farm, the sprawling farm of Tito Al Arzaga, located San Jose, Dumaguete.

Bandera Farm

We all visited Bandera Farm, the sprawling farm of Tito Al Arzaga, located San Jose, Dumaguete.

Chicken Inasal @ Jo

Rain greeted us Saturday lunch time as we proceeded to Jo’s Seafood Restaurant from Seventh Heaven. They are a famous restaurant here in Dumaguete City. The restaurant had a front view of the ocean.

Chicken inasal with atsara and rice was quickly served to us. I joined Tito Oscar and Tito Lorenz to take a peak at the food at the counter. Sisig. Puso ng saging. Talong that was my favorite because of its sweet taste!

And as always, Mitchell would clean up the table with his appetite!

For drinks, some had Coke…buko juice while I tasted the buko shake which was also good! I think it had some milk! Halo-halo for dessert was served in a coconut husk with fresh buko. Photo shows Chief with Tita Clot.

Despite the bad weather, there were quite a few guests at this time of the day. I saw a couple of Koreans.

Here are some photos of the restaurant.

Seventh Heaven

Breakfast was served around 7:30am. Danggit was served. And scrambled eggs and garlic fried rice, plus Nescafe 3-1 coffee. Kuwentos spiced up our breakfast.

Then we proceeded to town for a little “make-over” at Seventh Heaven. The ladies got their hot oil and blow dry for their hair while Tito Lorenz, Mitchell and I got a massage. Free. Usually, it would have cost us php 300 pesos.

Seventh Heaven is located at Bandera Building, along Cervantes Street. The building is called Bandera because it was the name of the farm where Tito Al Arzaga grew up. From the roof top of the building, one can see the whole town, still largely covered by trees. A quaint Jollibee house stands out among the buildings.

Early Morning in Dumaguete

Good morning from Dumaguete. The City of Gentle People. It is the 1st time ever that am blogging with the sound of ocean wavs splashing along a coastline. Yup, it our first morning here in Dumaguete.

According to the city’s website, the city is approximately 3426 hectares. The smallest barangay is Barangay 4 with an area of only 5.11 hectares, while the biggest barangay is Barangay Banilad with 362.71 hectares. Dumaguete City, classified as second class city, is the smallest in terms of Land Area.

Am looking at the coast and relaxing my eyes to feast on this morning sight. As far as my 47 year old eyes can see…I can see bright clouds and ocean.


The island of Cebu lies across the vast water in front of our room at the Wuthering Heights.

I can see Tito Lorenz and Tita Heidi warming up at the pier, that extends around 100 meters from the shore. Both are stretching the legs and arms as far as their muscles would allow it. Suddenly, I remember those scenes from “Karate Kid” with Mr. Miyagi teaching his protégé karate by the beach. Remember?

There are few “bancas” slowly moving around the ocean. Each “banca” has one fisherman. Am sure they are trying to get an early catch so they would have food on their table today.

Suddenly, I remembered Injong! Yes, my friend from DTI who is based here. Gosh, I need to find a way to contact him this weekend and say Hi. We were together in Japan for a two week training program back in February 1998. Nearly, ten years ago.

We all need calm and relaxing mornings like this. Only missing is a hot cup of coffee and that would be Figaro for Chief. Nescafe 3-1 would do.

Arrival in University Town

Weddings always bring family together. And today, Chief and I take the steps of our lives in Dumaguete to share in the blessings of marriage with Aldo and Patricia.

Dumaguete, nicknamed The City of Gentle Peopleis located in Oriental Negros. The 2000 census, counts a population of 102,265 people. It is also called a “university town” because of the presence of seven universities and colleges, primarily the popular Siliman University, the country's first Protestant school.

We took a Cebu Pacific flight. Was actually running late as I still had to attend by 7 to 10am class at CFAD. The flight was short. The sight of the plane landing near the coast quickly brought back memories of my first overseas trip to HK, where the airport then was near the coast too.

Tito Ramon and Tita Norma had flown in yesterday. We shared the same flight with Tito Lorenz and Tita Heidi, “Boom” (yup, the jock from DWTM who is also Chief’s cousin) and Tita Minda.

Again, the titos and titas were talkig about our TV debut at Mel and Joey last Sunday. Tito Oscar was much impressed with our “acting” while Tito Ramon and Tito Lorenz missed the feature.Tito Lorenz says, “There is a story pala behind your story.” Even Ana saw our feature. Photo shows Mitchel and Ana (top) and Cecile and Trixie. (below)

But this blog isn’t about that feature. It is about family getting together to share parenthood’s ups and downs to wedding day blues. And for the next couple of days, we shall enjoy the hospitality of Tita Clot and Tito Al and the beautiful city of Dumaguete.

CFAD Cheer for Mel and Joey

More cheers today from friends and students at CFAD. First to greet was Kathy from the CFAD Office. Also giving cheer for our appearance last Sunday at “Mel and Joey” were Anabelle Hilario, Ana Bautista and Bulanadi.

During my first class with Ad 3-4, a few students also saw the show. Even at my last 6 to 9pm class students finally reacted when I mentioned it in class. That broke the silence and stiffness in class as we were reviewing marketing basics.

My thesis class also gave me the cheer as they finally got a 20 plus year insight into my marriage with Cecile. Migs, Marianne, Ingrid, Jeeno, Gian, Eia, Asia, Lyan, Kristel, Christine and Krisi all gave out huge smiles.

Other professors like Deon Nacario and Cynthia Loza also saw the episode. Rhoda Recto says, “Sayang I missed the episode.” Even Dean delos Santos expressed positive feedback.

“Parang bagong kasal kame” I replied to Dean delos Santos.

Yes, all the congratulations I heard today at CFAD felt that Chief and I were newly married.

More Congratulations

Relatives and friends continue to send us warm and kind messages after seeing our feature on "Mel and Joey" last Sunday night. Even Laly Velez, my sister-in-law, based in the West Coast sent an SMS to Cecile saying that her kids and neighbor and my cousin, Eric, watched the episode on the Filipino cable network.

After Mel and Joey

Wow... our family, relatives and friends are all happy for us and the text messages keep coming in after tonight's episode at "Mel and Joey" in GMA 7. To all of you who shared their words and their thoughts, maraming salamat po.

Our next project is to list all your words on this blogsite and share with you all our feelings too!

We love you all!
Gil and Cecile and CG

Before Mel and Joey

It is a few hours before we go public. Before our own IPO, as business would call it. Excitement feels our hearts as the hours move forward to 8pm tonight at GMA Channel 7 for the feature on our lives and parenthood at "Mel and Joey/" Chief and I even stayed up to watch "Walang Tulugan with Master Showman" to catch a glimpse of the teaser for tonight's episode.

And some of our friends have already seen the "teaser" for tonight's episode. They have texted us last night about it, and some replied to our text blasts or heard about our feature from friends.

Zeny Toledo texts : I will watch your story tomorrow sa Mel and Joey. Saw the preview this pm. (1:48PM)

Rene asks: This Sunday ba o sa next pa? (3:17pm)

Rene Sale says: Ok, at sa lahat ng CItem personnel. (3:23pm)

Cere asks: Will definitely watch? Can I pass your message? (3:49am)

Cris asks: Nagartista ka na? Ba’t guest ka sa Mel and Joey? (4:25pm)

Cris Nery says: Happy anniversary sa inyo ni Cecil. (6:01pm)

Noelle Farol replies to our text blast: Abangan ko kayo Sir Nguyen. Pinamalita ko na sa HCMC at Hanoi, pati din sa Barangay Masikip. Batiiin mo naman ako siyempre, live ha. (6:08pm)

Bingo Pantaleon texts : Hi Gil and Cecile, so you will be there? Sayang wala kaming GMA ditto; kopya na lang so we can see it when we’re there, thanks! (6:11PM)

Mutch Wright says : will see you on tv? Happy weekend mamu. (7:13PM)

Rita Hans replies : Bakit a-appear ka run? (7:17PM)

Mariel Dayrit texts : Sabi ko na nga ikaw yun! Saw the preview kanina and said parang si Cecile yun. Pa-autograph ha? He he ! ☺ (7:18PM)

Cris Nery further says: Relax ka lang baka yumayaman ka ng husto. Hehehe. You should take a break sometime and just enjoy time w/ Cecile. (7:30am)

Mila Pantaleon asks : Can we see that u-tube? (8:03PM)

Jen de Vera replies : really?! Will definitely watch. (8:16PM)

Minela texts: Mamu, I saw the clips this evening ☺ will surely check it out ☺ (10:42PM)

Rene Bernal says: Kilig naman trailer ng Mel and Joey featuring Gil and Cecile. (10:54pm)

Grace Faigao-Feliciano texts : Magkaibigang nagkaibigan pala ha! ☺ (11:24PM)

Rene Bernal replies: Kanina lang. Palabas na pala dis Sunday ung feature ninyo. (11:51pm)

And the day after, this Sunday,
DJ Vizconde says: Hmm … aabangang ko ba ang Mel and Joey? ;-) (2:21pm)

This morning, Mamsit just texted at 9:44 AM and said : “Texted everyone in the family about your show.” And she further texted that “Na-utube na daw ni baby bro!”.

Inday-Minnie replied to our reminder text and said “Just don’t forget us when you’re already a star!” (12:57PM).

And Popcy replied when Chief texted that our segment is only 4 minutes long: “4 minutes lang, bakeeet? Want me to file protest?”

69

Often this number gives a sexy meaning but us, it is a step towards a milestone. Mom Gabutina today celebrates her 69th birthday. She is fondly called "Auring" by her relatives and friends.

Fr. Armand's Blessings

After the 6pm Mass at St. John Bosco Church, Chief and I met Fr. Armand at AMICI Restaurant, just within the Don Bosco Compound. He was surprised why I had called at this time of the day (around 6:30pm). I told him that we had just heard Mass at the church and "just wanted his blessings as it is our anniversary today." Photo from www.stjohnboscomakati.org. The Church is located A. Arnaiz Avenue corner Amorsolo Street, Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City. (632) 894-5932 to 34

"O sige, let us meet at Amici." he told me.

Even if Chief was not feeling well, we walked towards Amici, leaving Shaq in the church compound. It had rained earlier and the road was a little slippery. We just waited for a few minutes and soon, Fr. Armand, in a black T-shirt and beige slacks showed up.

"Oh, mas mukha ka pang pare kaysa sa akin." he first says to us, as I was wearing my lavender-colored short sleeve polo with a Chinese collar.

We sat outside the restaurant. He asked, "Nagmamadali ba kayo?" We replied, "No Father. We just wanted to see you. Kase, it is our 6th anniversary today and wanted your blessings."

But before he would give us his blessings, we got into a conversation about his work and daily challenges. And we thought that he was in a hurry to meet his own "Yuppeace" officials somewhete at Waltermart. We talked for nearly an hour and even moved up to his office at the 3rd floor, where he gave us free copies of the new 2008 Calendar, which features the artwork of Joey Velasco.

I had recently written a story about him in the last issue of Code Red.

Finally, we held hands and Fr, Armand placed his hands over us and prayed and blessed us!

Thank you Fr. Armand! You are "heaven-sent" to us!

The Sixth

Six years ago, 05 November 2001, Cecile and I marched down the aisle at the Church of Vietnamese Martyr in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

It was wedding planned in five days, after Fr. Tony Salas or “Pads” as he is fondly called agreed to marry us while we were having breakfast at Legend Hotel, along Ton Duc Thang. Just across the Saigon River. After that breakfast, we quickly went into high gear. Went to Khai Silk, along Dong Khoi, for our wedding attire. I do need to scan and upload a picture.


Within those five days, Kath Mojica, maid of honor, organized a bridal shower at her house. While I had a stag party, with Bong Banal and other McCann friends like Maung Maung, Thang and Lee.


We also met with Bert and Ditas Lara at United Pharmaceutical. Both were the “elders” in CFC (Couple’s for Christ). And invited Sally Carino for dinner at our home. Both Bert and Sally would eventually be our ninong and ninang! Fr. Pads again met us at Amara Hotel for our own pre-CANA meeting. He gave us tips and insights on what lies ahead in our marriage.


Cecile says, “Today it has come full circle” as it was a Monday when we got married in Vietnam, and today, is also a Monday.
Another circle as today in the Tech Times of the Manila Times, my 6th column was published. Agnes Francisco of McCann says, “Ang sweet ng greeting card mo” as she refers to my personal greeting in my column in the Manila Times.

To quote these greetings, “Thanks to e-mail technology, I got replies from Google, Yahoo! and Research in Motion. But most of all, e-mail technology helped Cecile and I overcome an LDR and contribute to our celebration today of our 6th year of marital bliss. Happy anniversary to us and I hope we can get more personal time!”

2 hours at Brazil

In Saigon, one of our favorite restaurants is “Brazil.” Other fave restaurants include Texas BBQ Ribs where Chief, Patrick (my cousin) and I feasted down to the "bones" of good-tasting ribs. And Pendolasco, with their eat all you can pizza crust. Only last September, during the Asian CSR Forum, I brought Tere Lopez-Pacis, my best friend from Intel at Pendolasco, together with a couple of other jounalists.

After the 10am Mass at St. John Bosco Parish, Chief and I proceeded to Bonifacio High Street to meet up with Rene Bernal for lunch at “Brazil” at Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. It was an easy ten minute drive while listening to 105.1 FM jazz music.

It was our anniversary weekend and we wanted to treat a friend who is dear to us. Photo shows Chief enjoying a cup of green tea, reportedly good to cleanse all the "fat" we ate.

Today, we look back to memories of more than 25 years while enjoying good food at “Brazil.” Rene Bernal had been my friend since I studied at UST Graduate School. That friendship started in June 1982. Together with his friend, Etoy, he visited us in Saigon last 2003 and stayed at our first Greenhome at 25 Tran Nhat Duat Street, District 1.

Unfortunately, they didn’t allow me to take pictures of the buffet table. Sorry. But for 670 pesos for "all you can eat" buffet, it was worth it. The waiter first served corn soup. Medyo konti lang. Just around ten spoonsful of soup. Then, I started with potato salad before all the grilled items started to fill my plate.

It was nice and easy two hours of kuwentuhan, from our trips to Olongapo, where we nearly faced death as Egay's car spun around three times along the expressway... to Ilocos Norte, where we stayed in haunted house... to Puerto Galera, where we buried each other in the sand and to more places we tried to remember.

Plus our first-ever overseas trip to HK in 1988. That would be a whole separate blog.




For dessert, I got strawberry cake and fruit salad.

Talking parenthood @ Eastwood

At Eastwood last night, Chief and I caught up with friends who were really proud parents. Picture show (top row, left to right), Gerber's friend, Gerber, Chynna, Guy, Cesar and Me. Seated (left to right) Marie, Marivic and Cecile.

Marie Datu-Mamawal had gone shopping with her “kids.” Gerber (my inaanak) was drinking Coke. I told him, “Sige, get one beer. Okey lang iyon.” Marie would say that he would still drive and Jovy wouldn’t allow it. I proudly showed the red Adidas tennis shirt I was wearing, “Paki sabi kay Jovy naka rd ako” as San Beda was the repeat champion of NCAA basketball. Gerber is taking up Marketing in San Beda.

Marivic says that she allows her “kids” Miguel and Ia to drink at home. Miguel, also my inaanak, is now is Ateneo. Chief was pencil-pushing the cost of tuition fees. Around 70k per semester!

Later, Chynna, also arrived with a guy in tow. “Nangliligaw pa lang” whispers Marie to us. He snaps this picture of us as Marie and her kids had to leave early. Both Marie and Jovy’s kids have picked up tennis and would probably wipe out Chief and I out of the court in straight sets!

On the ride home, Guy was also talking about his only daughter, Bea, who was turning 19 in a few weeks. He shares that she had just broken up with her boyfriend. I can imagine she is a lady now in the campus of St. Scholastica!. She is taking up journalism. Probably, she has her own blogsite here?

Chief and I are still a long way from parenthood... and would need all the help and insights from family and friends.

When would be the next Parenthood 101?

Parents of our parents

Yesterday was All Soul’s Day and many members of the Gabutina clan met up at Himlayang Cemetery in Quezon City to pay their respects to their parents. Tessa and Boyet had brought the ashes of their own parents, who had bought recently passed away.

Chief’s parents, including, myself and Chief, and Manny and his three boys, (Juluis, Juami and Jag) Minnie (Chief’s younger sister) and Tito Ed, first visited Lola Trining, who died June 2002. Photo shows Chief and Manny Gabutina.

She died a year after my own dad died, while Chief and I were still living and working in Vietnam.

There were much fewer people now at Himlayang, than last year. The long holiday weekend brought out the people in spreads, and probably, some opted to take a real holiday in Tagaytay or Baguio or even Hongkong. But stronger Christian and family tradition still brings families together to pay their respects to loved ones who have “moved on ahead.”

Later this morning, Chief and I would visit my own dad, the late Hector Velez.

At Himlayang yesterday, I saw one old woman, probably in her mid-60s praying (and crying) quietly as she looked down on her dead. Probably, a husband. I couldn’t didn’t take a picture but her image is vivid in my mind.

Quiet Halloween with Jay, David and kids at 2B

Halloween was quiet at home. Chief and I just watched “Heroes” which has become a habit for Chief and I on Wednesday nights together with “Boston Legal” as we followed the story of the “autistic lawyer” within the firm and see links and hints of Denny Crane to his old Capt. Kirk character in Star Trek.

All through watching TV we enjoyed mouth-watering tiramisu from “Gng Bukid” and some chocolate bars. More calories. Hehehe. Really good dessert. And affordable price.

The kids at 2B sent out nice little Halloween greetings to their neighbors in the same floor. And we responded with a basket of chocolate bars and Oishi’s “toasted bread.” I was teasing Chief, “Baka gusto mo din bigyan ng green salad and even red wine?” Am sure CG smiled!

Over at the “Late Show with Jay Leno,” Tom Cruise was guest and talking about his latest movie with Meryl Streep. While David Letterman had Jennifer Connally.

Smile, Camera and Action

The shoot begun at around 1pm, after lunch and moving into dessert. We cleaned up the mess on our dining table, except for the brownies and donuts. None of the guys chose beer. Preferred red wine. Monch picked up my digital camera and took footage. Maybe, for You Tube?

Matess asked questions that probed into the past. And the response of Bob, Cesar and Amvic proved to be both interesting, enlightening and even sentimental. But as honest as my friends can be, Chief and I were glad that they were around and sharing their thoughts about us.

Chief and I listened, specially, when each gave a “message” for us. Amvic reminded us to have God’s presence in our lives. Cesar and Bob joked about the long journey that we took…the long procession that finally led to Chief and I walking down the aisle in Saigon.

We popped two bottles of red wine. “Antares” from Chile. Actually, Merlot (2006). And “Stone Cellars” by Berlinger. Again, Merlot (2004).

If Bien Perez, my best friend, based in HK, were around, he would have given us lessons in Wine 101!

And CG must be smiling too!

Email Journals

Matess Salviejo (yup, the famous sister of Beverly Salviejo) arrived at our Greenhome around noon for the second part of the “Mel & Joey” shoot at our Greenhome. She and her crew had lunch at Don Bosco’s Amici. (Although, now, not really managed by Bosconians).

Immediately, Monch exclaimed, “Bob, kailan mo ako dadalhin sa Amici.” Then, Marivic furthered Monch’s agony by saying that pasta at Amici was really good. Photo shows Cesar and Marivic looking at old photos from....

Matess asked us to sit around the dining table, like a barkada enjoying red wine or coffee and good old kuwentuhan. While Matess would have wanted more friends around, our 55 sqm condo couldn’t accommodate the extra heads. Earlier, Chito, Guy and Meldy had sent their “regrets.”

I brought out the old photo albums and “email journals.” Yes, probably, one treasure of our relationship is our “email journals.” There are now 7 books (or editions) of these journals, which are simply print copies of our email exchange from late 2000 up to our first weeks in Vietnam. Photo shows Bob Novales looking at old photos from Marivic's birthday back in the mid 80s.

We had it “soft-bound” in Saigon. And the little creative effort of my part was to put “chapter” breaks… which were simple print ads from foreign magazines.

Last Friday night, as Chief and I were preparing our Greenhome, I had uncovered more hard copies of our “email exchanges” from 2000 which have yet to be compiled, labeled and hard-bound.

Violet at 28

Yes, it my sister's birthday today. The 28th of October. Violet, or Vio, as she is fondly called is a mother to one fast-growing kid, Miguel. Only last weekend, Miguel turned 12. Wow. Twelve years and soon, he would be going into high school. During last week's Olga's despedida, Celine, Rowell, Francis and I were talking... rather conditioning Miguel to consider going into a high school that would have good chances of leading up to college.
Photo shows Violet (right) with Chief (left)

He was just listening and said, "I don't know to my mom."

Guess, Violet knows better.

I remember back in the early 90s, during that strong earthquake, Violet was living and working in Baguio. And all communications were cut then. And no mobile phones yet... and mom and dad were extra worried about her, so I had offered to take a bus up to Baguio and check her out.

Yes, she was safe and my trip to Baguio would be another blog.

For now, happy birthday Violet! May you always count your blessings with Miguel.