dinner at dencio's 

my life... 

a date with my son 

Amazing what a different hairstyle can do... 

true colors...

Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do. you do.

lucky me!

Lucky me to be able to celebrate my birthday 2 days in a row. That's because most of the people who greeted me are in the Philippines which means they're about 16 hours ahead from LA. So I got older a day before I'm ready to make my leap. Thank God I did not have to add 2 years to my age...that would have been a disaster.

Well, we did go out for dinner on the 20th and since I get to choose, we went to an eat-all-you can place (american, chinese, japanese, mongolian). Afterwards, I felt like a big chunk of lard. I was so bottom heavy that I couldn't even get out of the car without someone helping me out... burp!!!!

The 21st is a working day, though, so off to work I went. After that, I just passed by a McDonald's (as usual) to get some french fries. When I got home, I figured since I ate too much the day before, I might as well finish my little redecorating project. While doing that, I was gossiping with my sister. I guess in all, I did celebrate it in Philippine time instead of LA time. No matter, I get to grow older (again).

mortality faced

My Uncle Efren passed away last January 20, 2006 around 7pm. He's been in a coma for the last couple of months.

Last Christmas, I went to his house to pay him a visit. I was really hesitant because I really did not want to see him in a helpless state. My Dad convinced me saying it might be the last time I'll see him alive. "Alive" being a relative term...

When I got there, I did not see the Uncle I was so used to seeing. He always has something witty to say even before I step in his house. This time it was very different. I saw a body, his body, lying there not moving and breathing with the help of a machine. I moved closer and said normally, "hey! what are you doing still in bed? aren't we going to have a drink today? You gotta get up sometime, it's Christmas!" I normally would have gotten a whack in the head at this time. Normally... Yes, it was very different indeed.

A while later when everybody went out of the room, I whispered to him, "Kung pagod ka na, pwede ka nang magpahinga. Matatanda na mga anak mo, kaya na nila yan, mahaba na ang oras na binigay mo para kayanin nila ang pag-alis mo. Tapos na rin ang inaalala nyo ng Tatay tungkol sa akin... kung nagaalala ka pa sa Ate, ako na ang bahala sa kanya." That was the last time I saw him.

A day before my birthday, he died. Rest easy and in peace. Know that you have been and will be loved by those who knew you well.

Back in LA

Like all good things, my vacation has to come to an end. Flew back to LA last Tuesday. Thank God the flight was shorter. It's been a touch too bumpy for my taste (I've always called the airpockets bumps in the sky), the plane crew were too slow in addressing the needs of passengers, and the food although slightly better still leaves much to be desired. The flight back to the Philippines was a lot better compared to coming back to LA. Considering the cost of plane tickets during Christmas season, you'd think they'd try at least to give better service...