Champion Kids

My team and thousands of kids and parents were in Aliw Theatre and Star City today for the Kiddie Crew Event of McDonald's Philippines. These kids have learned many important values in their early life as they became part of the McDonald's crew through summer. It was also a whole day of fun and prizes... and all the excitement of the rides and games inside Star City.



Photo shows the five Champion kids who will represent McDonalds in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

45 years

Happy Anniversary to Edwin and Auring Gabutina, our parents and who have been parents for 45 years to Edwin, Cecile (my wife), Manny and Minnie. Photo shows Cecile, Dad, Juluis Gabutina, Mom Gabutina and Minnie. Seen in the background is Jag Gabutina (in a white jacket)as he walks back to Shaq.

This Anniversary date was celebrated at Antonio's Grill, Tagaytay. Manny and Vangie Gabutina brought their three kids, with Jag hitching a ride with us. Mom and Dad also rode with us.


Photo shows dad and mom enjoying lunch.


Angelo and Aileen just called from Hongkong to greet their parents. Photo shows Dad talking on the phone to Angelo.

There was a slight drizzle as we arrived in Tagaytay. One really needs to arrive before 11:30am if one wants to get seats in any restaurant here.

At Antonio's Grill, we arrived with only a few guests... that there were four waiters attending to us. But by noon, the place was full and service slowed down. The food? Hmmmmm. The boys liked the chicken. I enjoyed the crispy pata but everyone agreed that the squid was "like rubber." Mahirap kainin. We wanted crispy kangkong but they didn't have it. Why? The sisig? Dencio's and Trelli's still taste better! At least soup was hot and bottomless.

Happy 45 years to mom and dad... and Manny's "Anniversary AVP" would capture the feeling and emotion we have for our parents!

Happy Mother's Day

Photo shows Chief and myself just outside Cafe Wah in New York City last December 2003. It was our first trip to the States and we were both extra excited to be traveling to this part of the world. But today, there is a different kind of excitement for all the mothers in the world.

Yup, happy mother's day to my mom, Meya Velez, and my wife, Cecile Velez! Words are not really enough to express my appreciation for the love and affection my mom and my wife have shown and showered through the years.

Though, sometimes, they can be makulit, but I guess, it is just their way of showing they care for me.