Miguel Graduates

Photo shows Miguel waiting and teasing around with his classmates (Rayu-ta, Joffer, Sean and Luis) just an hour before the graduation of the 20th batch of Veritas Parochial School graduates. We arrived at the Church around 8am.


Still playing around with a female classmate, Jica Diego, as they wait for the big moment before the start of the graduation ceremonies. Holy Mass was scheduled to start at 9am.


His mom (and my sister) Violet takes a picture of Miguel as they wait. Violet had been waiting for this day for six years. Now, it was just less than an hour away!


The sixth grade students wait in line just and wait for the graduation march. Behind them are entries and winners of an "on the spot" painting contest organized by the parish.


Now, graduation was just a few steps away for Miguel. I took this photo as I sat on the floor, directly in front of the first row and a few steps from the altar!

Finally the big moment as Miguel receives his diploma from Fr. Martinez and his class adviser, Ma'am Cecile. Now, Miguel is official through his elementary years and ready to face the bigger challenges of high school. My mom, Meya Velez, was extra happy to see Miguel graduate. She said that she had seen Carla Velez and Geneve Velez graduate
from the same school a few years ago. Now, the girls are living in California and Miguel is the only grandchild at home. Congratulations Miguel!

Practice Parenthood

From Wednesday to Sunday last week, Chief and I were “parents” to Miguel Cuenco and Julius Gabutina, as we took the streets of Cagayan de Oro and the hot and cold springs of Camigiun. Both are our nephews. Miguel is the only son of Violet, my sister, while Julius is the eldest son of Manny and Vangie Gabutina. Photo shows Julius and Miguel at Sto. Nino Cold Spring in Camigiun Island. At first I didnt want to swim but I had to look over the two kids, while Nady, Rene, Christie and Chief enjoyed conversation and the warm summer breeze. There a lot of residents and visitors at the cold spring which was our first stop of our day-long island tour. Rental of the multi-cab is 1,800 pesos.


Must admit that it was a rare experience to be with Miguel and Julius. Somehow the parent instinct in us came out. Nady had observed that I would be the disciplinarian. More strict? Hmmm. Photo shows the boys with Chief and Christie inside the orange-colored multi-cab jeep that brought us around Camigiun Island.


We kept a close watch over them throughout the trip, specially, when they went swimming. I had to join them at the cold spring. And the hot spring and along the beach front in Mambajao. Photo shows me and Julius on the beach.

But along the coast, Rene and Nady kept the two boys company. Even playing with them.


But throughout the four days, Chief and I are sure they enjoyed the experience, learned a few things from the adults, discovered new places and food and became friends too.


Photo of everybody just outside the Seafood Restaurant where we enjoyed our first provincial lunch, after the one hour flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro. We had grilled squid, pork adobo and the fishpen all around us!

Arrival in Cagayan de Oro

Last Wednesday morning, we arrived in Cagayan de Oro, together with Rene Bernal and Nady Nacario, my best friends from UST Graduate School. Unfortunately, another friend, Christie Que, arrived late at the airport but was able to join us Thursday morning.



For this trip, two boys joined us. Miguel Cuenco, the only son of my sister, Violet and Julius Gabutina, the eldest son of Vangie and Manny Gabutina.

And for Cecile and myself, this vacation served as practice steps for parenthood.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is really one of the most important feast in the Catholic Church. For me, it is a joyous celebration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem before His own Passion and Death on the cross. Photo shows the fresco "Entry of Christ into Jerusalem" by painter Franz Plattner found in the Holy Cross Parish Church in Zirl, Austria Photo source is Wikipedia.

Chief and I went to St. John Bosco Church for Palm Sunday Mass. Everyone had palms and early during the Mass, the palms were blessed by the priest.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, palm branches have been used by all nations as an emblem of joy and victory over enemies and in Christianity as a sign of victory over the flesh.



The palms are usually taken home by the faithful and used as a sacramental. These palms are preserved in prominent places in the house. Our palm now sits above a painting in our own living room.

The vestments for the day are deep scarlet red, the color of blood, indicating the supreme sacrifice Christ was entering Jerusalem.
The palms are saved in many churches to be burned the following year as the source of ashes used in Ash Wednesday services.

Parents in Camigiun

On the 19th, Cecile and I will be traveling down to Cagayan de Oro with our friends, Rene Bernal, Nady Nacario and Christie Que. Plus, two young teens, Julius Gabutina and Miguel Cuenco. And for those four days in the south, we shall be like parents to our young nephews.

It would be our graduation gift for Miguel who is finishing his elementary years while an advanced birthday gift for Julius. For me and Cecile, it was a good chance to open the doors of communication to the two teens and expose them to more adult-oriented conversation and activity outside of their own homes.

All these are part of our parenthood steps.

Birthday Cheers

Birthday cheers to my loving wife Cecile Gabutina-Velez. While we would have wanted a really nice and out of town birthday celebration, guess, we were both too tired to get out of Manila and settled for Greek food at CYMA Restaurant at Greenbelt 2.

The servings were enough for both us. Food was reasonably priced. A little too oily. I tried out the “Moussaka” which is a traditional eggplant based dish, with layers of meat. It was baked and layered. Should have taken a photo. “Moussaka” means chilled.

Service was a little slow but warm thanks to Sandy, who used to work for Segafredo, his warm and friendly service made the dining experience more memorable. The second floor dining area a little to cramp and tight.

Plus we would hear the Greek cheer "Opa!" as we dined in the second floor.

And since it was Chief’s birthday, Sandy gave us a scoop of ice cream. Nice gesture. “Flamming Mangoes” would be been a perfect freebee. Maybe, next time.