the best of 2008…more to follow. Happy 2009!!!

Lola Lingling, may she rest in peace

She leaves Lola Memang, the last of great grandpa Sebastian’s children. I have always admired and looked up to how Lola Lingling, Lola Memang, Lola Meding and Lola Fortang stuck up for each other. Their mutual loyalty we can all strive for. 

I am hoping to get an old school photo of Lola Lingling for this blog. Rest in Peace!

Pasko 2008!

I will be downloading photos slowly…Despite how family drama tends to unfold more often during Pasko, this year was, for the most part, devoid of this. For Julius and I it was smooth, salamat sa Dios.  This is the case when we hold on firm to the essence of Christmas—giving to others before the self. Giving manifests in many ways—a show, like Fuerza Bruta (thanks Nitte), which compels us to revisit and never lose our inner child; champagne and pomegranate with family; taking time to listen to single friends who feel the pang of the holidays; tipping parking attendants more; being mindful of the needs of others (as they are mentioned in their mindfulness);  listening more; framing old valued pictures and enhancing newly taken ones; sending money home; understanding and accepting the imperfections of everyone: our parents and ourselves; being thankful to God that we can ALL celebrate together and remember the good legacy of those who have left us behind…

Christmas Day was at my little sister’s and brother in law’s. See the host and hostess’ foto, below, taken by Julius and enhanced by me. Very Sampaguita pictures, a la 1940s. 

at home early Christmas Day with the Naughty Trinity. 

Christmas Eve at Don+Ryl’s

2nd art series and office holiday party a success despite heavy snow…

THE PARTY MUST GO ON! Undaunted, Julius and I proceeded with the office holiday party and the dj’d opening night of our art gallery despite heavy mix of snow and sleet.

Thank you Lito for your diligent assistance at the office. 

Congratulations to Daphne for her beautiful photographs. To James, our dj from Philly, thanks for carrying the party with great music. And to the brave winter troopers, thanks for stopping by!

It’s about giving thanks for the blessings at the office, loyal and supportive clients, friends and support system. FOR ART —visual, dance and music. DAGHANG SALAMAT!

Follow your dreams!

Mama’s Surprise 59th Birthday

We orchestrated a surprise party for mama on 12/13th, the day of her actual birthday. It was essential that we marked her first-ever birthday in the U.S. She most definitely enjoyed the gift opening and kept, half-jokingly, asking for more. May you continue to find empowerment here in the U.S. ma! Thanks to those of you who came, ma and pa’s new support system. 

Opening her solitaire…our gift. Priceless for a mother who has gone through her own hardships all these years! 

a shoe for injustice and stolen lives due to unjustified war in Iraq

‘This is a farewell kiss, you dog,this is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq.” This is what the Iraqi shoe thrower yelled out as he threw his shoes at the U.S. President and as he was dragged away from the conference room. This is akin to what many Yale graduating students did when Bush spoke at their commencement exercises a few years back as a good number of students stood up and turned their backs at Bush as he spoke. 

END THE OCCUPATION! END THE WAR NOW!!!

Pasko Spirit with ma and pa; of E&O Panederia dreams…

at the tree trimming this past sunday at my lil sister’s and her husband with their dog, einstein. love the silver and blue combo.

the last shot is of ma and pa decorating the “minimalist tree” with red glass balls in their apartment. below is a great shot of it and of julius and i with Oneida and Einstein, the soon-to be name of the bakery/deli that we hope to open: E&O Panederia. ‘Tis always free to dream. 

 

+Condolences to Vit Israel’s family in the loss of his elder brother in Baybay. May John rest in peace.

Happy Birthday Babes!!!

Last night, Daryl and I celebrated our dear little cousin’s 25th birthday (not so little anymore). We had light Mexican apertivos over mango, oops, guava margarita. Camille’s old skool friend, Ben, joined us for the latter half of the dinner.

As interesting as birthday dinner conversations go, Ben declared that Camille just completed 25 years and will be starting her 26th year the day after her birthday. A  chicken versus egg question ensued and enticed all of us to re-consider some mathematical calculations and logic. The conclusion was inconclusive but at best it compelled us to re-think our counted relationship with time. 

After dinner and gift openings, we watched Slumdog Millionaire. Visually stunning movie (slums of Mumbai) even if the story line was a wee bit melodramatic.

I got her the whole peacock theme—from the birthday card to headdress/lapel and earrings. Repping for Marc Jacobs here—antique urban chic.

Happy Birthday babes!!! See you in Dubai. It is free to dream, and the pursuit of it if it is what makes you happy.

Papa’s immigration milestone

Papa secured his social security number. After a month of lounging and adjusting, Papa is now ready to join the work force as mama has done since September. For those who are documented, getting a social security number opens a wide door of opportunities. Cheers to Papa!!! (The above photo was taken when Papa first arrived on 10/31, which also happened to be his birthday. Nay and Tay threw him a little welcome/bday party.)

Salamat Senor San Antonio.