More steps around Subic Zoofari

We spent three days and two nights at a house Binictican, which costs around 7,500 pesos a night. A little expensive, but it was worth the trip out of Manila to take these steps around the Subic Zoofari.


The house had three bedrooms. Nady took one bedroom while Rene and Juami shared one bedroom. The biggest room went to us. Grace, our broker, left some plastic paper plates and utensils for us. While we brought some pans, Rene cooked breakfast. Yummy. Omelet with tomatoes and onions!

There was a slight problem with the front door which Grace had someone fix within our first day. The place was newly-painted. Can just imagine the former American officials who used to live in this place and around Binictican until Mount Pinatubo drove the Americans back to their homeland.

Around Zoofari, Nady and Rene took these photos. I really couldn’t snap much pictures as I carried Rafa most of the way around Zoofari.

Tigers of Zoofari

It was Rafa’s second trip to Subic. Last year, we took these steps with Max and Grace and Kai. And we explored the dolphins at Ocean Adventure. Although, Rafa was a little afraid of the dolphins. Maybe, as he grows older, he would learn to appreciate these intelligent dolphins.

Last week, we took the steps around Subic with Rene Bernal and Nady Nacario. We arrived late Thursday afternoon at Binictican due to traffic along NLEX. Maybe, most Manilenos were heading to out of town for the long weekend.

We hit Zoofari Friday morning as we were expecting a big crowd on that day. True enough, it didn’t seem like Holy Friday here at Zoofari as families in all shapes, sizes and color were around Zoofari.


The day started with a short program and animal show. Not really interesting. No special tricks that one hasn’t probably seen around. Plus, there was little audience participation. And those who did get a chance to go on stage got discount coupons. Not really an attractive incentive.

The safari ride in an enclosed jeep was a long wait after long walks around the zoo under the heat of the sun. It was around noon when we were in the safari, which was really a small enclosed area.


Only one tiger was around waiting to be teased. Our guide convinced us to shed out 200 pesos (at one hundred pesos per group) so a chicken could be fed to the tiger who would teased to approach the grills of the jeep. But by this time, this tiger would have surely eaten his ____th chicken.

Do you think the tiger went to our jeep, growled at us or even jumped on the roof?

I read that tigers are territorial. They are also solitary animals which is probably why there were one or two tigers in the cages around Zoofar. Many of their kind have gone extinct.

Today, these tiger will long be in the mind of Rafael as it was his first up close and personal encounter with these “big cats.”

Photos by Nady Nacario and Rene Bernal

Top 10 Oldest Restaurants

According to Yahoo! News published last 03 September 2010, the top 10 oldest restaurants that we would like to bring our Rafa one day include:

10. SAVORY (1950) 201 Escolta Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila with various branches Tel. no. 243-0336 Open from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight daily

9. LITTLE QUIAPO (1949) 90 Malakas St. Brgy. Piñahan, Quezon City Tel. no. 922-4131 Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

8. MAX’S (1945) Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran, Parañaque, Manila with various branches Tel. no. 832-1991 Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

7. ONGPIN MANOSA RESTAURANT CO. (1940) 926 Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closes earlier on Sundays

6. BOY CHING WOO (1939) 103 BCW Building, J. Rodriguez Street, Caloocan City Tel. no. 287-1430 Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

5. ARISTOCRAT (1936) 432 San Andres St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate Tel nos. 524-7671 to 80 loc. 225 or 230 Open 24 hours daily

4. RAMON LEE’S PANCITERIA (1929) 540 Ronquillo Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. no. 733-0642 Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday

3. MA MON LUK (1920) Quezon Boulevard, Manila Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

2. AMBOS MUNDOS (1888) 750 Florentino Torres Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. no. 734-1160 Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

1. NEW TOHO FOOD CENTER (1888) 422 Tomas Pinpin Street, Binondo, Manila Open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday

Among all, Cecile and I have eaten at Max's Restaurant and Aristocrat, often with our own parents. Rafa has tasted Max's Fried Chicken, while their chicken sisig is a favorite!

Complaint for Pizza Hut Greenbelt

Below is a copy of a complaint for Pizza Hut Greenbelt which is NOT a baby-friendly restaurant!

Store: Glorietta IV Branch
Date: 01 August 2010
OR# 4751

Primary Complaint: Poor customer service

Ten Specific Complaints
1. When we entered the outlet and being led to our table, close to the cashier, one of the crew (lady in black) was obstructing my way to take my seat. She knew that we were moving towards that table and should have given way first prior talking to another crew in the place.

2. We asked to be transferred to another table, closer to an aircon as that first table assignment was a hot spot. Note that we had a 13 month old baby. We were transferred with ease to a table, closer to an aircon and a cashier.

3. When my wife was asking for extra napkins, we were with-in striking distance from the cashier, where the cashier (Carmelita Pineda) and crew members. One of your female crew members motioned to another crew member to give us extra table napkins. Note that she was near our table and it wouldn't take one minute to come to our table and give us extra napkins.

4. When we were paying our bills, I just handed over the bill with 500 pesos to the cashier (forgot her name). She put aside the plastic plate with the bill and money which I placed on the counter. This plate fall off the counter and into the adding machine (?). Her action and body language seem to imply get away from here. She could have easily said, "Could you give me a couple of minute while I finish my transaction?"

5. By this time, we had lost our cool and verbalized our frustration. I asked for the manager and the cashier referred me to Ms. Pineda, who is actually NOT a manager but a cashier.

6. I asked Ms. Pineda to give me names and contact details of the store manager. She was NOT focused on her task as she wrote these info in another receipt, which was NOT our own receipt and she re-wrote it in another sheet of paper.

7. Minutes had passed before Mr. Romel Canonigo had come to us! I explained in frustration the poor service and slow reaction towards our complaints.

8. My wife had already walked out with our baby and the stroller. She later informed me that nobody offered assistance by opening the door for her.

9. Try calling the number of the outlet at 5560511 as indicated by Ms. Pineda and see fast you would get an answer. Have been trying to call that number to reiterate my complaint but that phone is never answered.

10. We also requested for a high chair for our 13 month old baby but was informed there was NO high-chair. Then, later Mr. Canonigo informed us that they had a baby stool available. We were NOT informed that an alternative was available. Isn't a high chair a "must" for restaurants? We have eaten at Max's and even Shakey's in Greenbelt and they have high chairs available.

Note that in two other previous dining occasions in this outlet, we had suffered poor customer service. On one occasion there was a hair strand in our pizza. We complained and they just replaced the pizza.

This is very frustrating and am considering filing a formal complaint with the Consumer Welfare Desk and/or the Department of Trade and Industry.

Would appreciate your immediate investigation of the matter.

Discovering Boracay's Beauty

It was going to be a most memorable birthday weekend for dad as we all went to Boracay. Yes, it was part business but could still squeeze in some important quality time with our son Rafael. Above photo shows Cecile embracing Rafael reallly tight as the cool breeze hits the shores of Boracay.

Mommy Meya and Minnie also flew in to Boracay for this weekend. It was also their first time to enjoy the fine white sands of Boracay, but most of all, spend many rare moments as Rafael takes his first steps in the beach.



Photo shows Gil holding Rafael who wants to run around the beach,



Photo shows Cecile protecting Rafael from the strong winds the hit the shores of Boracay.

Dad's Boracay birthday weekend

It was a really blessing to have shared my birthday with my loving Chief and blessed bundle of joy, Rafael in Boracay.

Plus, my own loving mom and sister, Minnie, who came home for a vacation from Edmonton, Canada, were also around and sharing these steps of parenthood with us. While they checked in at the hotel, besides our hotel, since I was on a media trip, they were really just a few steps across. And with the fine Boracay sand, walking to their hotel was not a problem. More of a leisurely walk.

Below is a photo myself with mom.





Photos of us waiting at Caticlan airport for our flight back to Manila.





The only experience that I missed on this birthday weekend is sharing the same flight with Chief and Rafael. Minnie says Rafael was behaved on his first airplane ride, but on the return flight, he was a little edgy.



There will future airplane rides with Chief and Rafael. Maybe, to Singapore? Hong Kong? Or even the States?

Steps around Boracay

It is was our second trip to Boracay, since 2001. Yes, it has been nearly 10 years since we stayed at the Pearl of the Pacific Resort. We were still both living and working in Saigon and we decided to make a short visit to Boracay during our Christmas vacation. Most expats we met in Vietnam had been talking about the beauty of Boracay and surprised that we hadn;t experienced it. So, we decided we take steps around Boracay. That was in 2001.

Fast-forward 2010. these steps would take us with our son, Rafael and Mom Meya and Minnie to Boracay.

Here a video of Rafael enjoying the fine, white sands of Boracay. Minnie and Cecile closely keep up with his running along the beach!



And it was a most memorable way to celebrate dad's birthday... in Boracay with family!

First Time with Minnie

My sister, Minnie, had been working in Edmonton, Canada for nearly five years.

By 2005, when we were returning home from Vietnam, my youngest sister was packing her bags to explore work and life in Canada.

This was going to be her third foreign trip. She visited us in Vietnam around the summer of 2005 and even got to meet up with Patrick Velez, our cousins based in the East Coast. We had also travelled to HK that year with mom. It was our first trip together as a family.

Last month, my sister had come home and for the first time, she would meet Rafael! Am sure Rafael felt the love and affection when Minnie first hugged him. I, too, was all smiles to see the immediate connection between my son and my sister.

And for the first time, we would all go duty-free shopping. You could see the smile and excitement in Rafael as he kept Miguel busy running after him at the lobby, while Minnie was filling up her registration form.



Maybe, Rafael was saying, “What are you guys getting for me. I have been sitting here in this push-cart for so long and haven’t really gotten anything for myself.” Baby Crocs?



But I guess, Rafael was amazed just the sight of the bright packaging of candies and chocolates around him. Plus, seeing the M and M mascot. And the Disney-inspired merchandising items, from bags to pillows.

He would point endlessly at these items, probably wondering, what’s for him? Well, that would be all the love and affection that our family can share!

First Haircut

I don’t remember when I had my first haircut. But for our son, Rafael, his first-ever haircut is a milestone that will forever be etched in our lives and in blogosphere. His first hair-cut was last July 25, 2010. And it was at Rustan’s. We had asked our friends where there was a good barber for babies. He definitely couldn’t go with me at Bruno’s Greenbelt.


Amazingly, Rafael was behaved during his first haircut. He sat quietly at the car-inspired barber’s seat while watching one of his favorite cartoons. Dora. There were a couple of other kids and they seemed behaved too. But they didn't look like neophytes in this barber shop.

At the walls, there were poster of various kids with different hair styles. Guess, we were both conservative that day and didn’t want to experiment on any styles. Maybe, when he turns two? Or three?

Chief and I were also experiencing a first as we watched the barber slowly and carefully trim our son’s hair. There were moments of a few close calls, specially, as his “bangs” were being trimmed.

But I guess that is all part of our steps of parenthood. Being nervous and excited for Rafael’s first haircut!

Efren Penaflorida makes a difference

Another Filipino makes us proud.

Efren Penaflorida made it to the top ten for CNN’s “Hero of the Year” Award. The winner gets US$100,000 top prize money! Efren was among the thousands of nominees. Yup, thousands from across the globe.

Efren’s growing recognition and respect has been brought about by the mobile school program. Here, our 28-year old Filipino and his “Dynamic Teen” goes to the rural areas to help improve the lives of kids through education. For nearly 12 years, he and his team has made their presence felt in the lives of nearly 1,500 young kids who have learned how to read and write, and appreciate numbers.

According to an interview published in the online-edition of the Asian Journal, Efren says, "We should all start the change from within. All of us, we should open our minds and hearts to accommodate to the needs of the less fortunate and release the hero within.” While Efren considers it a great honor to be regarded as a modern-day hero, he believes that no one is too ordinary to be heroes. “We are all capable of contributing to our community and to our country."

Efren has already been featured in the “Ako Mismo” advocacy campaign together with respected Filipinos like Ely Buendia and Charice Pempengco.

He needs our help. Let us vote for him, by simply following this CNN link.

The CNN Hero of the Year will be announced and awarded soon in a program at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Last day of voting is on November 19, 2009!

He has been on the streets helping many young, impoverished kids learn. Now, it’s our turn to help him so he could help more kids. Can you imagine how much books and learning materials US$100,000 can bring to Filipino kids?

We all can make a difference in the lives of others and we can help make that difference by voting for Efren Penaflorida and his mobile school program. And these kids whose lives he touched would hopefully, pay it forward and become good parents one day!

Students for Typhoon Ondoy

The response of the government for Typhoon Ondoy has been criticized. In a story published in the Inquirer website, Sen. Logarda says, “It’s plain incompetence of the leadership, and government was absent,” said Sen. Loren Legarda. There is a pending bill on “disaster risk management.” Senator Biazon has blamed the NDCC “for the slow passage of the bill in the House of Representatives.”

While there are many criticisms, the response of many Filipinos has been praised here and abroad. There are many continuing untold and unpublished stories around us. And these includes the hundreds of young students who fill campuses, å barangays halls and warehouses around the city where they are packing relief goods for the typhoon victims.

Schools like UST, La Salle, UP and Ateneo have pulled in their students and teachers into their campuses to pack relief goods. These volunteers have given up their holidays to provide hands which have touched the hearts of many.

Officers and staff members of the UST Central Student Council have brought in concerned students for the packing of relief goods, clothes and other items for the typhoon victims. This operation was called “Tara Tomasino, Tulong Tayo.” Maybe, UST can adopt 400 families who are victims of Typhoon Ondoy as part of its 400th year program?

Ateneo de Manila University also opened up its campus to volunteers and victims. Students who need help or know of people who need help and text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). The school is now an open shelter and accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)

There is an Ateneo DREAM Team established in Sept 2006 to coordinate the efforts of various units within the school toward the relief and rehabilitation of disaster victims. DREAM stands for Disaster Response and Management Team. The Dream Team runs Ateneo Task Force Ondoy, in partnership with the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan.

De La Salle University-Manila is accepting donations and goods. Drop off at the South Gate of DLSU-Manila. DLSU Medical Center is also accepting canned goods, blankets, clothes and water. Drop-off point is at Congressional Avenue, Dasmarinas, Cavite. You can (02) 844-7832 and (046) 416-4531

UP Diliman USC is collecting food, clothing and/or cash. Contact Titus 09178001909, Jose 09273056607 and Tin 09154906106. UP College of Arts and Letters (CAL) is accepting goods and cash. Donation center at CAL/text 0929-6454102

Assumption College is now accepting donations. These can be dropped off at the AC guardhouse inside San Lorenzo Village. St. Pedro Poveda College is accepting relief goods. You can call the Social Action Center 6318756 loc. 121.

All these students have made the country proud!

Help for Typhoon Ondoy

Nearly one week after Typhoon Ondoy brought havoc and tradegy into thousands of families in and around Metro Manila, specially, in Pasig, Marikina and Cainta, there are still many Filipinos within our midst and own communities who need are help. Photos credits to Reuters.

I got this list below from Lisa Bruan, via a forwarded email. You can see many ways and means on how we can help.

1. Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.

2. NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at +639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.

3. Miriam Quiambao drop off points: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.

4. Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.

5. Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.

6. Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298, +632-5639308)

7. Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)

8. Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy

9. Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.

10. Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

11. Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)

12. Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)

13. Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

14. Hillsborough Village Chapel – Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes may be sent to Hillsborough Village Chapel in Muntinlupa City. These will go to families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.


15. Greenhills/Mandaluyong/San Juan Area, if you want to help out with the rescue and relief operations, you can drop off your donations (clothes, food, etc..) at La Salle Greenhills Gate 2 tomorrow or volunteer from 9am to receive, sort, repack the donations.

16. “LUZON RELIEF: Volunteer / Donate / Pray”: Donations can be brought to RENAISSANCE FITNESS CENTER, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City starting MONDAY (Sept.28) / 9am – 7pm Contact Person: Warren Habaluyas (+632929-8713488) or email at luzonrelief@gmail.com

17. Katipunan Avenue. Contact Erica Paredes at (+632917-4741930) — they need bread, packed juice, sandwich filling (tuna, chicken, anything) You can help her make them, deliver the sandwiches to her house, or help her distribute! Call for more details.

18. Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC): Relief goods for typhoon victims being accepted at 72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC. Tel (+632-9299820/22)

19. Tulong Bayan hotlines for donations and volunteers are (+632908-6579998) Marilyn, (+632939-3633436) Jenn (+632-9137122, +632-9136254 & +632-9133306).


20. AKBAYAN’s taking donations, call 433-69-33/433-68-31 to donate or volunteer.

21. Worldvision Foundation is also accepting donations/volunteers to pack relief goods in QC. For $donations, BPI:USDacct #4254-0050-08

22. Xavier School in San Juan is now accepting donations, please bring to Multipurpose Center (MPC).

23. Move for Chiz is asking for volunteers at Bay Park Tent, along Roxas Blvd., beside Max Restaurant and Diamond Hotel in Manila, or at Gilas Minipark at Unang Hakbang St., Gilas Q.C.

24. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan is accepting donations @ AGS Bldg Annex, 446 EDSA Guadalupe Viejo. Contact Vina Vargas at (+632917-8081247)

25. Operation Rainbow (Zac Faelnar Camara) at Ayala Alabang Village needs Canned Goods, Ready-To-Eat Food, Bottled Water, Ready-To-Drink Milk/ Juice, Clothing, Blankets, contact (+632-4687991)

Please call given contact details and find out how you can help.

Rescue Operations Contact Details

These numbers would come in handy during the current and future disasters, specifically, related to typhoons and floods. These numbers have gone around blogosphere specially after September 26, 2009, when Typhoon Ondoy brought rains and flooding in and around the city. Photo of rescue by the Phil. Navy of a woman by Cherly Ravelo.

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)
(+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665)
Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120)

Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)

Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)

Metro Manila Development Authority (136)

Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)

Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)

Quezon City Rescue (161)

San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)

Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)

Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)

Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)

Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)

Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)

Kim Clijsters as a winning mom

She is the first mom to win a major title since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 at Wimbledon and Margaret Court in 1973. Photo by Emmanuel Dunnand of AFP / Getty Images.

Yup, at 26, Kim Clijsters achieved it a couple of days ago, with her win over Carolina Wozniacki in New York. The final score was 7-5, 6-3. And Chief and I saw the final minutes of the game as we were in the waiting room of the Heart Station, Makati Medical Center. She was scheduled for a thread mill test that Monday morning.

With her win, she pushed her up the WTA rankings. Now, she is 19th after 2 ½ years of retirement. And she had only played two tournaments after coming out of retirement.

"Little things like that are very special, because you never know how many more of those years you're going to have," Clijsters said.

She gave up the professional circuit a couple of years ago to focus on her family in Belgium. Any active professional player would know that toll that 4 Grand Slam Tournament takes, and not to mention the little tournaments in-between.

She is going home to be with her 18-month-old daughter Jada and husband Brian Lynch. "Obviously in Belgium things are going to be a lot more hectic now again for me when I get back home," Clijsters said a day after winning her second Grand Slam title. "I just want to make sure it doesn't influence Jada too much, that she still has that normal life."

Kim cites the important need to be happy and her presence at home and with her baby is a top priority. "First you need to be happy," Clijsters said. "As a mother now, everything around me needs to be happy before I can go out there and play good tennis and be relaxed on the court. … If all those things fall into place, then the results will follow automatically.

New reports say that the night before the final, Clijsters wasn't watching videotape of Wozniacki. She was watching "Ice Age" with Jada.

Being a parent comes first for Kim and her values at home and even on the court serves as an inspiration to many moms, not only tennis moms!

Zak

Parenthood is a joy, a blessing. But sometimes, it brings pain and hurt. And tears.

Over the weekend, Grace and Max lost their second child, Zak. We know that Zak came into this world ahead of his time. A couple of months early and both parents had struggled to keep Zak alive. He went through some blood transfusion. I gave Grace my mom’s home number that in case Zak needed more blood. “Fresh blood” was what Zak needed, not blood that had been donated and kept in a freezer, probably due to the sensitivities of being a baby.

Last Tuesday afternoon, while I was in a client meeting at the Cisco office at Citibank building, I got an sms from Grace. Zak had died. That news really caught me by surprise. I sense of quiet dawned upon me.

I know in many ways Chief and I could relate. We had our taste of parenthood with Christian Gabriel. But CG didn’t live long enough go through nine months with Chief. I will never forget that day when we both cried at the parking lot, inside Shaq. Never.

And now, my friends, Grace and Max are going through their own loss.

There are really no words to describe the loss of someone in the family, and even more, the loss of a two-month old baby named Zak.

Wherever you are Zak, hope you are now resting in the hands of the Lord.

Thelma's Story

Thelma walked into our lives last Sunday.

Chief and I went to Mass at St. John Bosco Church. We were a little late, just a few minutes as the celebration of Christ’s life started. We found ourselves a place at the last row. Infront of us, there was a little boy, maybe, 3 or 4 years old. Every time the boy would stand and look at us, he would smile at the people besides us but not smile at me? Hmmmmm. Maybe, I reminded him of someone at home who scolded him often? Maybe?

Later at home, Chief told me. “Maybe, he is adopted as he doesn’t look like his mother.” Another maybe? I recalled that he had curly hair and probably had some non-Pinoy heritage? Maybe, Indian?

After Mass, we went briefly to Rustan’s. Just some window-shopping. We were both having long working days. The Corp PR 2 team was still short-handed but we were looking forward to Melissa joining our team soon. Chief was extra busy too. Getting less sleep. Often, patience is challenged on days like this. Stretched and stressed.

As we got home and about the enter the elavator from the basement parking, Jinnie approached me. I said, “Sandali lang pare. Aakyat muna ako.” Chief had been waiting inside the elevator.

After a few minutes, I went out of our Greenhome and met up with Jinnie at the basement parking. He started to tell me the story of Thelma.

Happy brthday CG

Today is CG’s birthday. Yes, today, Saturday could have been a big celebration as Christian Gabriel would have turned two years old. But CG moved on ahead and now watches over us. Often, when Chief can’t find a parking spot in Powerplant Mall, she would ask CG for help and suddenly, a slot would be available. Me? I always ask CG to keep watch over Chief as she drives and sometimes, shed a tear when we play the song, “You’re having my baby” by Paul Anka.

Still, after my classes at UST, I will quickly head to our Greenhome and pick up Chief so we can go to Mass at St. John Bosco Church along Pasay Road. This church has always been a refuge for us ever since we got back from Vietnam in 2001. It was here where we shared with Him the blessings of parenthood a couple of years ago. And also, picked up Fr. Armand one Sunday evening after his 8:30pm Mass. He counseled us on our lost. But not really our lost as we know that CG continues to be present in our lives, everyday. We ended at Starbucks at Greenbelt 1 that night.

Tonight, Chief and I will say a quiet prayer for our baby who gave us a taste of parenthood! We love you dearly and miss those moments when we shared your presence with our families, relatives and friends.

Finding Christ through a crisis

Last New Year’s Eve, we attended Mass at Makati Shangrila and heard Fr. Larry’s words about the holidays and the current economic crisis the world faces. He told the crowd to find Christ through the crisis. And must admit that those words caught my attention. Yup, there is a crisis brewing and people say that it was going to get worse before it gets any better. Hopefully not!

Guess, we should always be counting our blessings and appreciate these gifts from Christ, specially, the gift of family and friends… and of good health and a stable career. Chief and I have been blessed since we returned from Vietnam after our five year “tour of duty.”

We have been blessed with a tease of parenthood with Christian Gabriel who now watches over us. Often, when we are in desperate search of a parking slot in Greenbelt or Rockwell, we would call out to CG to help lead us to a vacant spot… and really, soon enough, we would find a space.

This year, we are still hopeful that Raphael will soon join our lives and get a rare experience parenthood again.

Through the celebration, Fr. Larry kept his sermon as simple and as relevant as possible, often giving reference to the current economic and political environment.

And we hope that after his sermon last Wednesday night, everyone has stronger faith that change will lead to better lives, specially, for those who have less in life.

Happy new year everyone!

A few hours before Christmas Eve

This is how our Greenhome looks on the night before Christmas.




It is Christmas clutter at our greenhome that will help spread good cheer to families and friends.


It is a few hours before Christmas and am scribbling these holiday cheer from our kitchen. From where I seat, the street across our Legazpi Greenhome is empty. Not a single car is parked. The windows of the call center at the building across are closed. The blinds cover any activity going on. Guess, none. Only a couple of cars are parked in the parking area below.


Earlier, I quickly passed by Don Bosco to pick up desk calendars with artworks of Joey Velasco. (Photo of Joey Velasco besides his famous painting from http://joeyvelasco.com) Joey received the 2008 Blessed Philip Rinaldi Servant Leader award. I had written about his work in Code RED, which was publsihed last December 2007. He received the award last December 6 during the 9th Asia-Australia Congress of Past Pupils of Don Bosco program held in Pampanga.

Guess, it was really God’s plan to allow me to catch up with Fr. Armand Robleza, SBD. Earlier, from work I called and talked to Madz Nayve to make reservation for those calendars. She told me that she would just leave the calendars and extra copies of the current issue of Code RED at the reception. I knew that I wasn’t going to make it earlier at Don Bosco because of work.

Yup, I am still working through this day as I needed to get a draft proposal read by client soonest. Plus, a couple of publicity materials out for CITEM. Work cut into our planned visit to Greg’s place for the annual “Cotyfest” in honor of Tita Coty Cobangbang. We missed that event last year as Chief and I were in the States and now, we are missing it again due to work.

Anyway, back to Fr. Armand. He was preparing to leave the compound and visit his mom and family in Antipolo for noche buena. We did get to talk for a few minutes, updating him on the challenges and concern Grace and Max were having for their new baby, Zak, who has been in and out of the hospital. And we talked about our parents and their relationship with their children.

Plus, about the rush for shopping. “They have their own way of packing and preparing gifts,” says Fr. Armand. He is referring to wives and how husbands like me get out of the way of their wives during Christmas shopping.

The only shopping I did this season are the calendars by Joey Velasco and the Swatch I got for Chief last Sunday.

Happy holidays everyone!

Coffee at Chateau 1771

Earlier, Chief and I caught up with Bingo and Mila Pantaleon at Greenbelt 5. Manny Gabutina and his son, Jag, dropped us off at Greenbelt where Chief and I could have dinner. Actually, we were just tamad to cook and prepare food at home. We still had paksiw na lechon at home. But really, just tamad. Hehehe. And besides, it was a couple of days before Christmas eve and I felt tonight was the rare night Chief and I would have together this season as reunions lie ahead for the next few days.

We ended up at Le Maison in Greenbelt 5. It was a little crowded. And the “macho chops” I ordered had run out. Huh? Albert, the waiter explained that the last piece had been ordered. Huh? He gave a recommendation but I opted for calamari (friend squid). It was little too "cracked" meaning a little too breaded... that it had sharp corners and service from the corner where we sat a little to slow. But still a good place to dine. Anyway, am not a food critic. This was our second time here. Our first dining experience was last August... my birthday.

Into our dinner, we both get text messages from Bingo and Mila… asking if we were free for coffee? That was perfect timing and advised them that we were just in Le Maison having dinner. Around 9pm, both were standing in front of us.

It was great to see good friends again!

We moved to Chateau 1771 for coffee and desserts. Mila noticed that I quickly talked to Hazel, the receptionist. I actually just mentioned to her that EON had it’s Christmas party at this restaurant only last Friday and she said that she remembered me. Actually, just PR. Chateau 1771 in Greenbelt 5 and is open until 11 p.m. for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. For inquiries, ask for Hazel but dont mention my name. You can call 729-9760 or 0917-862-6467. One day soon, I would like to taste their grilled king prawns. Photos from www.3mddigitalsolutions.com/chateau


Mila proudly showed off pictures from Unilab’s anniversary “Warrior” event. Both she and Bingo were wearing Indonesian inspired costumes. Both shared kuwentos about the parade that showcased its heritage and growth. Symbolic items like the first cash register, the first Unilab product package, etc. was passed on to the current leaders of the company.

It quickly brought back memories of how our own friendship grew since those days back in Saigon, when Chief was with McCann Erickson Vietnam and Bingo was Marketing Director of United Pharma.

Today, we hope to visit them in Jakarta next year but for now, also hope to catch up with Maribel Regino.

After coffee, Chief and I walked home while both rushed to Rockwell for last minute midnight shopping.