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.

22 years ago

22 years ago, a lot of young men and women, some just out of college, joined millions of Filipinos in EDSA to help bring down a dictatorship and bring democracy back to the Philippines.

Still many of the problems that plagued the country continue to exist today, 22 years after the first "People Power."

While I scribble these words at Starbucks, I look back to those four days in February and reflect how much change has resulted out of "people power." Yes, we all forced Marcos and his cronies out of the country, but still some of these cronies are within our midst, pretending, to be good parents wanting change for the country and their children.

I hope it won't take another 22 years to bring about change. It starts with us.

Parents at EDSA

Back in the last days of February 1986, thousands of parents, joined other Filipinos, students and clergy to help bring an end to rule of the late Ferdinand Marcos and bring a new era of democracy to the country.

22 years later, many parents, who were probably,just out of college then, feel the economic crunch (despite the strong peso) and are angered over the "moderation of greed" and excessive corruption that plagues local politics.

Will people step up and forward for change?

V-day at home

Now, am trying ti recall how Cecile and I have celebrated Valentine's Day through the years. I remember the most memorable Vday celebration was when we were back in Ho Chi Minh City where I spread out rose petals across our 3rd floor apartment in Tran Nhat Duat Street. I had made arrangements with a local Vietnamese florist (with the help of Minh Chau).

The florist brought a bundle of rose petals and she spread it from the entrance of our door, leading to the bedroom. There were also 14 long stem roses spread across our nearly 50sqm Greenhome.

I have forgotten what other gift I got Cecile.

But definitely, she got the gift of love!

Tonight, Cecile will get a couple of framed photographs from two good students, Sainah Alonzo and Kharren Cabais, which would symbolize the love we share.

Happy Valentine’s Chief!

Making parents proud

So far, so good. All my thesis students so far have successfully defended and passed their thesis, which started last Monday.


Yup, after nearly a year of consultation with my 17 students, the day of reckoning has arrived. It was really like handling and developing 17 campaigns for different brands.

Even, when Cecile and I were in the States, interaction with the students continued, thanks to yahoo messenger. Probably not as much as my students, I did have my share of long nights, plus frustrations and disappointments.

Now, cheers and smiles for most of my students. Gian Nealega was first to bring home the bacon. His thesis on “green IT” by Hewlett Packard had earned the right to be part of thesis exhibit next year. Cecile had already predicted that Gian’s work would be recognized. While the creatives were not “fantastic” Gian’s confidence and presentation style would convince the three jury well and good.

Only two had some initial troubles. Patricia Parreno and Lyan Go, who didn’t have their thesis books on hand on the day of defense. I quickly defended saying “The students definitely don’t deserve to fail because their thesis books had been delayed as all their creative materials were produced and mounted.” It really easy to match what they were saying with the ppt presentations and the creative materials. “At the very least, they could earn a ceiling grade.”

Today, Marianne Quan (Play-Doh Event) and Eia Belveder (Justice League) are in-line to present their work.

Am confident they will do good and make their parents proud. And that would be a really nice Valentine’s present to their parents! And to Cecile too!

My cousin Renelle

This scribbles are about my cousin Renelle. Wait, sounds like a title of a movie, "My Cousin Vinny!" But photo shows me with Renelle and Patrick.

Renelle is mom to EJ. The eldest of the kids of Tito Rene (my dad’s only brother) and Tita Nenen. Am not sure how old she is? How young are you Nel? Yup, she recently celebrated her birthday. Am sure she had a memorable date with someone special.

Last December 2007, Cecile and I spent a couple of days at her home in Demarest, New Jersey. She also got us (and Patrick) tickets to the Nets and Pistons game. My first-ever NBA game.

She also baked chocolate cookies for us on our last lunch at her home, our last weekend in the States. Even my mom and Violet got a taste of her home-cooked chocolate chips.


I won’t forget the smile in her face when we arrived at her home last 24 December 2007 to surprise her mom and dad. She was jumping up and down outside her door like a little girl. And it was cold winter night that evening. She hugged us tight that swept away the cold.

Back in 2003, she also treated us to watch “AIDA” plus a nice commemorative T-shirt. I remember that Japanese restaurant we first had dinner, on the way to her home in New Jersey. She cried as she opened up her heart and life to us. I felt weak and unable to help.

Now, she has moved on and forward with her life. EJ had grown big and has a rabbit in his room.

As we soon celebrate Valentine’s Day, Cecile and I share our love with Renelle Velez. Happy birthday cousin! May you be blessed with good health and happiness!

Parents and Thesis

Some parents joined their sons and daughters as Advertising students from CFAD presented their thesis today, yesterday and tomorrow.

I met parents of John Patulan. He had worked with the agency through summer. And he was working the blue Mickey Mouse neck-tie we had given him last year. His mom said, “Thank you for giving John work last summer.”

Through thesis, I also met the parents of Chico Paola Santos (The Real Ems) and Marianne Quan (Playdoh Event).

Plus, the parents of Chesca Genato, when the thesis 2K8 team spent a whole day of creative brainstorming at their house in Cubao, Quezon City. Yup, just walking distance from Immaculate Concepcion Parish School, where I studied through my primary years. I remember Fr. Kutcher and Fr. De Castro. Need to blog about those years soon.

Through the corridors of the 4th floor of Beato Angelico Building, some parents gave their full support and many words of prayers for their sons and daughters. Guess, through these past months, I, too, have been kind of a “father” to some of my students.



Good luck to Chico Santos, Marianne Quan, Chesca Genato, Karla Torricer, Lloyd Querijero, Gian Nealega, Kristine Buendia, Migs Gutierrez, Kristel Leonardo, Asia Parreno, Lyan Go, Jeeno David, Jacklyn Remo, Andrea Ong, Eia Belveder, Jessamine Javier and Christine Kiac

Nestle Team in the house

Yes, the McCann Erickson Nestle team were at our Greenhome this Friday night up to early Saturday morning for a nice long dinner with pasta and red wine and lots of kuwentos in-between. From left to right, Minela Mirafelix, Mutch Wright, Cris Dar Santos, Chief, Laura Dorotheo, Judy Buenviaje and Cha Golpeo. Not in photo is Aida Baizas who came in after the photo was taken.

Each of the ladies had stories to share and tell and laugh about, whether it was related to work or simply everyday life inside the country’s biggest advertising agency, McCann Erickson. They had come from work, even as far as Los Banos, Laguna or as near as ABS-CBN. Me? I came from a long line of people at DFA, getting my own passport renewed for my business trip to Singapore for the EMC APJ PR Summit.

It was really a post-xmas gathering for the Nestle team of McCann Erickson. Chief got a Gourdo’s spaghetti cookware gift set. And as a small token to our guests, we gave each a pair of chopstick from Vietnam.

Since we didn't have a maid at home, using paper plates was the better alternative, except for the wine glasses. Cecile brought out a couple of bottles of red wine. Food was delivered and came early. Around 7pm. I particularly liked the "turon" with the strawberry sauce.

After dinner (honey-glaced chicken, pesto pasta, etc), the team got a special screening of our love story which had been featured in “Mel and Joey” last November and later, more peaks into our personal lives. Curious? You would have to ask one of the ladies above to find out why Cecile and I call each other Chief and Cukie.


I said that the team should be doing this every quarter. Maybe, make it like “themed parties?’ Really good for the team spirit with a little bit of fun and teasing, as they each get to know Cecile better, outside of her "mamu" role at MEP.



Now, they tease her "chief" and would greet her every week, saying...

Tagaytay Wedding

Last 2001, our friends cheered Cecile and I for a "wedding" at the Cellar Mansions in Tagaytay.

Vodka In Her Hand

Tita Lourding Velez had a full life at 79 years old, even if she would normally have a glass of vodka in her hand. Greg Jarencio said one of her favorites was Vodka crystals. Now, that I have to find out. Photo shows Greg Jarencio, Mom, my sisters, Violet and Minnie, and my wife Cecile, during a birthday celebration.

Cecile and I went to pay our last respects to her last Friday night at Mt. Carmel Church along Sta. Mesa, near Broadway Centrum.

Cecile had picked me up from school, since I had an early Friday morning class and decided to stay for thesis consultation the whole day.

We arrived at the wake around 8pm and greeted Tito Pepe and Tita Irene. Tito Pepe is dad’s first cousin. He is a famous ophthalmologist in Manila but age has also slowed down his career.

Then, we caught up with Greg and Monet Jarencio, swapping stories about family and advertising. Also, made kuwento about our recent trip to the East Coast and meeting up with my dad’s brother, Tito Rene and Tita Nenen.

Cecile recalled that during mom’s 70th birthday, Tita Lourding came to Aristocrat Restaurant, where the birhday party was held. She was already in a wheelchair but still had a glass of vodka in her hand. See photo.

Cheers to Tita Lourding!

Barbie and Transformers

On our last day here in Oakland, California, Nicole Velez, my youngest “pamangkin” was making “lambing.” Result: Laly and I drove to “Toys R Us” the most famous and the second largest toy store chain in the United States. Wal-Mart is the biggest chain. And this outlet was only a 5-minute drive from Laly’s home in Hayward. Photo shows me and Nicole outside the store. Photo taken by Laly.

Cecile opted to stay at the house and pack our stuff as we would be leaving for Los Angeles soon.

Toys R Us has 587 stores in the United States and 600 stores in 29 other countries. I remember the first time I went to this store in HK around 1988, together with Rene Bernal. I was overwhelmed by all the toys one could get… and I was already 28 years old then. I bought my first remote control racing car. Forgot how much it cost. But I know Rene was surprised how much I enjoyed this toy as I put it into gear just outside the store’s doors, after I had bought it.


Now, it is Nicole is having fun shopping for toys. She quickly picked out a “Barbie” doll set, which was pretty expensive. Around 30 dollars. I also got her a smaller “Barbie” set as she has started her “tantrums.” She just wanted both toys. She is really spoiled by her mom. Photo shows Nicole enjoying her new toys.

Laly bought Miguel a transformer-inspired Star Wars set, while I got him a smaller “Transformer” toy worth around ten dollars. I could have bought something for myself but didnt want to start collecting "Transformers" even if I also enjoyed the movie. But for myself, I got three tanks! Those die-cast toys.

The flagship store in New York City's Times Square is the largest toy store in the United States, has a colorful ferris wheel, a lego display, and roaring dinosaur!

It Charles Lazarus who started Toys R"Us in Washington, DC during the baby boom era in 1948. The store was then a baby furniture retailer known as "Childrens Supermart." Later, it was "Children's Bargain Town USA".

Today, the chain gives smiles and tears to millions of kids like Nicole and Miguel around the world and to adults like me, who discover a world of toys.

Lito and Ana

Lito and Ana Vergara drove all the way from Long Island Sunday evening to meet up with Cecile and myself at Jackson Heights. Earlier, Cecile and I, together with Renelle, Ben, Patrick and Tita Nenen had lunch at Renelle’s house in Demarest, New Jersey.

Lito had learned from Paeng Adriano that I was in the East Coast and “insisted” that we meet up, even for an hour. I have not seen my “cheatmate” in 30 years, since we both graduated from UST High School.

Meeting up brought back so much memories of UST High School. He even remembers my handwriting. Skewed to the left. Big curves. Ana even asked me to write down something so she could see proof. I wrote down “Lito Vergara” in an envelop. And, Lito was right. Cecile validated it too.

We just had salad and drinks at Texas Grill, at the corner of 84th Street and Roosevelt Avenue. Cecile had red wine. Ana had strawberry daquiri.

For nearly, one hour and a half, we caught up for the years we have not seen or talked to each other. Lito and Ana talked about their love story and family. We listened, despite being tired and sleepy (as we have been for the last few days.)


Lito still recalls “Niyere” the main character of a play I wrote back in high school for our English class (but I think it was for our Spanish class under Prof. Verzosa.) He describes the main scene where in African terrorist disrupt a U.N. meeting with their guns hidden in pizza boxes. I had really forgotten all about that play in years.

Today, Lito and Ana are proud parents. His big SUV plates say “V Boys!” Thanks Lito and Ana for meeting up with us and bringing back fond memories of high school and sharing your love story with us. See you soon in Manila.

Arrived at 12 midnight

Yes, Chief and I arrived at 12 midnight from Narita International Airport and actually, left NAIA a few hours ago.

Leaving NYC

Leaving NYV in a few hours.

Lunch at Renelle's

It is our last weekend here in the States and we are having lunch with my cousins, Renelle, Ben and Patrick and their mom and dad in New Jersey. Unfortuantely, Renee was not feeling well and couldn't join us for this Sunday's lunch.

Coffee with Kaye

Yes, after three years, I finally caught up with Kaye Tyapon. The last time we met ad talked about life, family and parenthood was more than 3 years ago, in Cebu City, where we met for the Ad Congress.

Now, she and Andrew are here in New York City and we met for a long chat at Starbucks at the corner of Lexington and East 40th Street, just walking distance from McCann Erickson amidst the chilly winter cold.

First Day of 2008

Cheers to 2008

After dinner with Olwen's friends, we came back home to Jackson Heights and wait for the Year of the Rat, 2008. Olwen brought out red wine. There was chips and cashew nuts, which I had bought in Salcedo market and brought all the way to the States.

We were actually tempted to join the millions in Times Square, but I guess, since we had done that already during our first trip last December 2003, it wasn’t as tempting as before. Besides, some peace and rest would do us good as we had been walking and walking around Times Square for the past few days.

Olwen called up Love Abergas, who was now in Canada, spending the holidays with Eric and his family. We tried to call our families but the lines to Manila were clogged up. Just can’t imagine how much Filipinos in the States are trying to call home at this time.

East coast time is thirteen hours ahead of Manila time. There still practice DST here in this part of the world. Daylight Saving Time.

Mom, Violet and Miguel are probably at Tita Cabanela’s place in La Vista, together with Auntie Cely and Tito Domeng Octa. Mom and Dad Gabutina are probably at home in Golden City, Cavite.

Whatever lies ahead for Chief and I in 2008 remains to be seen, but we always hope and pray that there is a chance for parenthood this year. Happy New Year to all our families, relatives and friends and to Christian Gabriel!

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.