Our Golden Boy

His mama carried him inside her womb for 6 & 1/2 months. Right from the start of his conception, he was way too eager to come out. Complete bed rest without bathroom priviledges, tocolytic medications and close monitoring were ordered so as to keep him longer inside his mother's tummy. His excitement to see the world however won,2 and a half months shorter the "term" delivery, my sister-in-law was transferred from a provincial hospital to UST in an ambulance for an emergency caesarian section. It was my first time to  be a passenger of such vehicle, I remember so well the trip to Manila. It was fast and furious. Every minute was counted and considered.

On December 19, 2001, a 2.2 lb baby was born, the first nephew in the family. In my lifetime,save for possible dementia, I will never forget his tiny and fragile appearance in his crib the first time I saw him. Fluid lines  and life-saving equipment were hooked to him, the attendings' lines of "It's a critical 24-hour monitoring, let's see if he survives" on his first few days inside the NICU seemed forever and difficult to endure.His admission gave me my first encounter to surfactant, a medication religiously administered to him to keep his lungs going. Never mind its staggering price as long as it would keep the delicate newborn breathing.

Two months after, it was Valentine's Day, we fetched the precious child from UST NICU.Finally.His parents were extra ultra protective of him and nobody can blame them with what the family went through. Looking back, Ate Reggie I think even had PTSD . :) My nephew's birth brought ranges of emotions which made his parents,grandparents,titos and titas realize their resilience and tenacity. Moreover, their faith and hope in God introduced itself as the greatest weapon in this battle.

This little boy continued his travel on earth,he celebrated his 1st birthday with a Sesame Street theme-party with relatives and friends who all prayed for him.  My nephew was a fan of the Korean all-male group, F4. Their songs were his lullaby for a soundful sleep. It was "Epoy, epoy" to him. His first favorite toy was a stuffed pig which he cuddled every night. He was a Tatang's boy ever since. When he had to migrate with his parents,I knew I will miss him big time.

Time really zooms fast.He is now eleven years old. He had his first crush like 4 years ago and up until now, he has the loyalty to the same girl. He plays basketball ( I love it) and has fractured his ring finger already. He is jolly in assembling Lego blocks one time he accidentally swallowed 1 piece, fortunately it came out from his poop.:) He is my Koyang Miller's mini-me because like his Tatang, he studies with the TV on, has selective hearing when he is doing something "important' and has a high-pitched voice. He can really pull a Pavarotti piece,he is a choir member in their school. 

All biases aside, he is one good-looking young boy with long eyelashes and almond-shaped eyes. I sometimes call him Harry Potter because of his ever so fast- growing mane. These days, he kinda looks like Justin Bieber.:) He wears braces and eyeglasses. I am proud that he is an outstanding student even if he does not spend long hours studying. His favorite for life to eat is chicken. Once I asked him what if someday,chicken will be nowhere anymore. "Tita Mitzi please no! Don't say that, I can't imagine not having chicken. Me too, dear, I can't fathom living without chicken!

His maternal grandma describes him as a very affectionate and humble boy. He is expressive with "I love yous" and "Thank yous." He speaks in a manner uniquely his, the high-pitched, sweet and slow voice. I love how he gives advice to his Lola Mamang, "Lola Mamang, please exercise. It's good for you.Please."It was a hilarious moment during one FaceTime  when he kindly asked $10 from me as solicitation for his school tickets. Of course I said Yes. Doesn't he have the inkling I am totally financially dependent on his Tatang,Tito Mark and Tito Vin!!!LOL!!!

My only nephew, the sole Del Rosario carrier of our family turns 11 today. He is christened Justin Michael, named after his Mama's lolo and our Papang. And the pattern of J-M with the boys continue.:) Dearest Justin, do you know that you were almost named Kobe? I strongly contested it because at that time, I was not a Black Mamba fan.  Happy happy birthday Jakjak. I love to hear the your recorded voice each time the answering machine of your Texas residence greets me. Every act you show like in the recent when you showed your mustache to me is kept in my memory. Simply staring at your baby photos here at home and your new appearance and height delight our hearts.

You are the only child of your Tatang and Mama because you are more than enough to complete their lives. May God continue to embrace you with His love and care. May your guardian angel keep on shielding you from the earthly harm and destruction. We miss you now and then. Know that you are one priceless source of joy and inspiration to us. 

Justin dearest, we love you to bits. Enjoy your special day. Hugs and kisses from LoLa Mamang and Tita Mitzi.:)

Worse than Mine

My heart is in a somber and hurtful state now. I cried a bit this afternoon while deleting on my iPhone the photos of Crush and the notes for him. Looking back, it has been 2 uneventful years of my admiration and giddiness over him. I am sad yet glad to discover that he is in a happy state of love relationship now. I prayed for this, that there will be somebody who will take care of him and nurture him in a special way. That that girl doesn't necessarily have to be me. Prayers come true.

Tonight as I watch the primetime news, a larger and lonelier plight compared to my melodramatic episode was on screen. The devastation left by Pablo in Davao Oriental squeezed  my heart in a stronger punch. Hospitals were down, water and electricity left the site, medicines vanish as the increasing number of sick individuals continue to pile up. As a nurse, it swells my soul to see the physicians, nurses and midwives tenaciously looking after the patients under the shattered roof and torn walls of their hospitals. Their resiliency and oath of care for others is so palpable, this in spite of their own broken and tired bodies and emotions.  Parents were helpless as they witness their children suffer from convulsion due to high fever, diarrhea hit the little ones and fluids and drugs to replace electrolytes and lost nutrients continue to go low in supply.

And I ponder, do I have the slightest right to complain and sulk about my sad love story when there is this lonely reality that there are these people who experience much worse than me.:(

I need to do something. I know that simply feeling sympathy and pity for these helpless and sick people is never enough.

24 Days Before the Day

Christmas is a favored season of many,me included.Its merriment and jolly display is intoxicating. Longer lines at department stores,land travel time that exceeds the normal,happy and bigger bellies from parties,bonuses and expenses there,I can feel it and I am excited. One can never get enough of the holidays,no matter what the age may be.

Here in our place,"Monita monito" of house angels,nieces and nephews and cousins began today with "something pink.":) I now allow Mayet to turn on the Christmas lights and lantern each night,I'll deal with Pelco bill later on.Yuletide plates and cups I bought this week are liked by Mamang and we started using these today too.

Christmas is for all.It is for us to celebrate the season of love,peace and happiness.

A Surprise Envelope

To receive a parcel from the land of Wimbledon,moreso from a loyal,chic,funny and witty pal/younger brother was one BIG thing that made my previous week merry. Wrapped in a manila envelope were:

 I wondered how he got my exact home address,well he PMed my cousin Analyn.:)

I can't wait to lay my eyes on this novel.The iPhone case is prettyyyy!

It arrived days before my natal day.What made me more ticklish was the fact that most of  these tiny little stuff are Ate Kris' favorites,and Prince knew that . Thanks very much Prince for always always making me feel special and loved.No matter the distance, the two of us are assured of each other's loyalty and care. As what I said,I am a lucky "ate.":) I shared the chocolate with my cousins  and they liked it.:)

Eat.Read.Share.

Thoughts on Lines

"We cannot stop our lives at one unhappy experience or waste time regretting or pining over it. Neither can we blot it out of our hearts saying it never existed.

We can only face life and go on, remembering that no love, honesty, truly and sincerely given, is ever lost. Its richness in the heart, whatever happens, is always a part of life."

Good Food Plus Cold Weather

A quick getaway at the City of Pines simply for good food and a feel of cold weather is pretty enough to recharge me for 2nd semester of school loads and challenges. I stayed at Chalet Hotel,it is a relatively new one located at Upper Military Road, an easy walk from Victory Liner terminal. I based my choice from guests' reviews on Agoda.com. The rooms are clean and minimalistic in design, I like that pine trees served as my neighbors.:) The staff were genuinely nice.The not-so-good thing was the slow and sporadic wi-fi connection and the free breakfast which was only fit for a toddler. I will give it a score of 7.5 from a perfect 10.

Pine trees,how lovely are they.

Christmas season in bloom.

Army Navy lunch at Session Road

 The tranquility Pink Sisters convent spreads like a warm blanket to the soul,be it weary or merry.I always remember the first time I heard the beautiful voice of the religious in pink robes and I thought angels were just beside me humming God's words.In my heart, I know that prayers whispered and written inside this tiny convent are undoubtedly answered.

Cafe by the Ruins dinner.Their bagnet is for the win!!

Playing with good fire.

All I did in Baguio was eat and sleep.Pusit in Mines View Park welcomed us,sad that my suki ran out of ODOCS(one day old chicks). She has this unique way of frying them crispy,I match them with the spicy locally -produced vinegar.Good Shepherd's ube jam is unbeatable we could down 1 bottle in one sitting. Romana's peanut brittle I eat while inside taxis going from place to the next. Dinner at Cafe by the Ruins was an integral part of the itinerary. The setting was romantic though I had no one to make it real that night.:) Next time, I will try their breakfast menu.My objectives in Baguio were not completely met as my plan to try food choices at Bliss cafe did not materialize as it was still closed the time we went twice to Hotel Elizabeth where it was stationed.:( My lunch at Army Navy though was a welcome compensation.

A trip in this cold place will not be complete without my lengua de gato, Vigan longanisa and oatmeal cookies so sure I did bring these home.As predicted,I quite had a bondat tyan. Good thing, I have my Usana Essentials to halt the unnecessary weight gain.

Baguio is love. I shall admit anyhow that I can't stay here for a long time as I could easily be preyed upon by seasonal affective disorder.:)

MUSIC MONDAY: What Makes You Beautiful

Oh,boys,you make me feel like a sweet 16 lass with your song I bought it on iTunes and giggle with delight each time I hear it on radio and when ASAP stars sing it. One Direction, I am a fan!!Come to Manila and let me hear yah sing this feel-good soundtrack live.:)

                                                        They caught the flu,too.:)

Sta.Ana Parish Celebration of Blessed Pedro Calungsod's Canonization

Blessed Calungsod,pray for us.

Archbishop Aniceto being interviewed by an ABS CBN reporter

Fr.Capulong & Apung Ceto with seminarians

At di ako nagpahuli.:) This is for Mamang.

ABS CBN Christmas Station ID 2012

For the past years, I know that many kibitzers are looking forward for Channel 2's annual Yuletide station IDs for various reasons. One, it is where the biggest stars of stars are gathered in a 10-minute or less video,and more significant, it never fails to elicit heart-tugging sentiments from viewers. I love ABS CBN way back when it re-organized in 1987. My affair with the station deserves its own blog, I wish I could pen it soon before 2nd semester load attacks me.

This week, the Kapamilya station headed by my forever crush, Gabby Lopez launched its Christmas ID. Twice I shed few tears glimpsing it and listening to the words of the soundtrack. Kudos to the composer and lyricist of the song entitled Lumiliwanag and Mundo sa Kwento ng Pasko. 

The disasters which visited our land in the previous months served as the inspiration and lead to a positive vibe of the station ID. On a personal note, this time around, Ate Kris has the longest and most special presence, she made it up for her absence in the summer station ID. She didn't need to dance nor sway her head after all.Easy peasy!:)

I am looking forward to this year's holidays as has always been. :)  I am inspired to do more good things.

Give.Share.Love.

ALEX CROSS The Movie

I can safely say I can't live without James...not the ex-hubby of Kris but Patterson that is. He is my most favorite author along side J.K. Rowling. His fictional character Alex Cross is definitely the most popular. Many months ago I discussed with my dermatologist my wish to see in movies or TV series Alex come alive. Unknownst to me, two movies were already made with Morgan Freeman as Alex: Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. I should and must have copies of these.

Today, I fought the sleepy head in me and watched a movie alone,I am getting used to it,really. ALEX CROSS based on the novel Cross by Patterson of course. Knowing that James is also a producer of the said movie, I had high expectations and boy, they did not disappoint. The first scene was already action-packed. The usual ingredients and twists of James's novels were carefully placed and executed on widescreen. I barely know the actors who portrayed the characters, not even the "Alex". Inside the theater, I felt it was an eyeball with Nana Mama, Alex's kids Janelle and Damon and everything in between in Alex's existence..Alex Cross was indeed tall and big as has been depicted in the novels.

The movie is worth my penny and time, call me bias. Let me tell though not even those who are non-readers of Patterson will surely appreciate the movie especially those who have penchant for suspense-action plot. And yes, James is terrific as well in adding substantial heart and emotion.

Come and see the movie.

Gathered facts about the movie: Tyler Perry as Alex Cross and Matthew Fox of LOST series as the main villain Picasso,directed by Rob Cohen.

Cool Kuala Trip

As the ad writes, "Every Juan can fly" with discounted seats being offered nowadays  by various airline companies. Nonetheless, not every one gets to be lucky as me who has generous siblings and family who make my trips complete with shopping moolah,complimentary hotel stay and treats to delectable food joints.:)  This time in Kuala Lumpur, my younger cousin Benelee proved she's a BIG woman( she stands 6 feet) with a Bigger heart for attending to the details of our journey to her work country in Asia in spite of her busy schedule.

All our bags are packed and ready to go.

This trip to Kuala Lumpur is special in a way that it is my first out-of-Pinas with sis souls Cleng and Analyn.This is their first experience too to be a thousand miles far from their sons AC and Yanyan.

Watermelon juice @ Picadilly Bar,Millenium Square

Blood is love: Beng,Clang,Mitzi & Lyn

The immediate thing we noticed soon as we stepped out of the airport is how similar the atmosphere is compared to our own. Mainet,medyo magulo rin. The local guy whom we asked about our bus going to KL Sentral replied with a "Yes, SO WHAT??" Our baptism of fire in Malaysia.:) Sunset occurs past 7 in the evening and it rises around 8AM.

DAY 1
Prior to our arrival in KL, Beng set an itinerary for our stay there.Digital Mall is stone's throw away from her flat. It has all the gadgets you want,wish or need at low cost. I bought a 16GB memory card for my camera and 32GB USB and I kinda saved around 900 pesos.

We went to see IKEA next.It is a Sweden home depot, no sales attendants hover the clients. It is the customers themselves who pick and assemble their chosen products at certain sections of the huge store. My "mansion" is still kept in a blue print so I bought nothing here.:) We had our lunch here though and as  shallow as I am always, I was mesmerized with their food tray.Yes, a 3-layer tray for foodie.I like it.

Food for 4.

Meatballs the best-seller.

A food tray at IKEA

Baked chicken with lemon sauce

An impressive note written on an IKEA wall explained well why the food prices are surprisingly cheap. The guests are expected to make up their tables and used utensils as there are only few attendants  inside their food court. Hmm, could we do that here?

At Beng's lobby.

Beng's flat at Millennium Square,PJ

It was very sweet of Beng to billet us at Renaissance Hotel. She carefully chose it as it was conveniently located near Petronas Towers and Suria KLCC Mall.

Checking-in.

Panoramic view from our room.

Sarap humiga with the fluffy duvet.

MRT

Believe me or not, one of my two goals each time I see new places is to try the local cuisine and taste every thing that my tummy can handle. My oral craving for anything edible is at its maximum mode most of the time. Food is love.

Iced lemon with honey juice

Nilaga version of a hole-in-the-wall Chinese resto.

Squid flavored dry noodles.

Plunged in the pool to ease the knotted muscles.

An avid fan of John Lloyd and Bea, I became curious with these twin tall towers of Malaysia from their movie Miss You Like Crazy. I knew I would meet Petronas towers one day and yeah, they were in front of me,behind me.:)

Hi Petronas Towers.

Dear Crush, you are like the Petronas Towers.So near yet so far.:)

View from our  room.

DAY 2

:)

Off to Sunday mass.

Right hand drive

:)

It never crossed our minds that there would be such a place in Malaysia where the weather will be cold as in cold misty. Our hands turned pale and numb as we only brought nothing but svelte shawl to cover us.We tried the 1st hand gliding ride in Genting Islands. It was one helluva ride,thank goodness we survived.Matatapang mga pinsan ko!!

Curry laksa.

Find Analyn...

Breakfast at Temptations,Renaissance Hotel.

Advance Happy Birthday,dear Lynlyn.

Oh Hi man in blue.:)

And now, the best finds in KL,Malaysia:

The milk tea  flavor of this Old Town coffee is for the win.Trust me it is so deliciously addicting I did not give a pack away.:)

FTW!

Prior to our departure for Kuala Lumpur, I had to sacrifice sleep hours in order to finish the pending school tasks (read: final exams,grades,case analyses).I purposely did not bring even just a single sheet of paper work with me because I wanted to have a stress-free trip. And boy, I was not disappointed. To walk,dine,eat and bond with these girls made it all worth it.

Till our purses and sponsors are ready again!!:)

Thank YOU God for times like these. Thank You for taking care of our babies Cor,AC and Yanyan while we were away. YOU are amazingly good all the time!:)

Eat.Pray.Love