Tita Josie and Tito Francis

When my Tito Toto died, 2 of my Nanay's brothers and a sister came home from the States, they are Tito Mading, Tito Francis and Tita Josie respectively. I have not seen them for at least 10 years.

Tito Mading and Tito Francis stayed in Makati for the duration of their visit while Tita Josie stayed in our home in Las Pinas. My other tita who lives in Dasmarinas, Cavite, Tita Inday, stayed with Tita Josie in our home so as to accompany Tita Josie while she is here in the country. They stayed for almost 3 weeks here in the country.





Both the pictures above were taken while we brought Tita Josie in Tagaytay Vista Hotel Viewdeck. Me, Judith, Nanay, Tatay, Tita Inday and Tita Josie afterwards went to lunch in one of the restaurants there.

The pictures below were taken at home, a few hours before they left for America. Seen here are Tita Josie, Tita Inday, Tito Francis and Enzo.

PCS Distinguished Alumnus

I spent my kindergarten days, elementary days, and high school days in Paco Catholic School (PCS). Last November 10, 2007, after graduating from PCS in 1988, the school alumni board selected me as one of their distinguished alumni for 2007.

The ceremony was held in the PCS Jaime Cardinal Sin Auditorium where the school director Monsignor Domingo Cirilos led the ceremonies.

I was so honored being with the other awardees, one is an Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism from Batch 1964, the next one was a prominent businessman who owns a Jollibee franchise from Batch 1963, the next one was a multi-awarded nurse now based in Hawaii from Batch 1975, and the other one is a distinguished prosecutor judge from Batch 1978. I was the youngest, an ophthalmologist from Batch 1988.

Judith accompanied me during the ceremony, and the event became more fun because some of my batchmates went there to personally greet me - Melody, Egay, Doming and Luzvi.

4th Year Anniversary

Judith and I celebrated our 4th year as a wedded couple last November 18. It was a Sunday, so all of us - the kids, the yayas and Nanay & Tatay - went to Alabang Town Center for a lunch date. We treated Nanay and Tatay to a lunch, while the kids went to a play center with the yayas. Zia and Enzo had a grand time playing while Jen and Cris tried to catch up with the 2 kids. All of us had a great time, especially the kids as shown here...

Tito Toto

Another sad news reached our home.

Nanay's eldest brother, Emilio Arboleda, Jr. or Tito Toto has died last November 18, 2007. I have regular contacts with him, since his wife Tita Nita is a patient of mine, having operated on her both eyes for glaucoma.

His dedication to his family is truly unremarkable, he always accompany Tita to her appointments in the clinic, and during family reunions, he always say the funniest jokes.

He will be truly missed.

Tagaytay 2007

The family spent a 3 day vacation in Taal Vista Hotel last October 19-21, 2007. The kids enjoyed their stay. Zia had lots of running space to go around, Enzo enjoyed the cold weather. Judith enjoyed the break from work, I enjoyed their enjoyment.

Tito Ben

One part of the Tahanan ng mga Perez has left.

My Tito Ben died after more than 2 months of lingering illness last October 18, 2007. He was buried last October 25, 2007 in Makati Municipal Cemetery.

As an alaga, he was the one who taught me basic rules of basketball, he introduced me to the NBA when I was in my elementary days, he gave me stories about the pillars of boxing during the 60's and 70's. Siya rin lagi ang nag-aalaga hindi lang sa akin kundi sa iba ko pang kapatid at ibang pinsan.

We all salute you, Tito. Rest in peace.

Tatay at Nanay

My parents are back in the Philippines!
They arrived last week, I fetched them at the airport. They look trim and healthy.

Their trip from Canada was uneventful, and they arrived just rightly, when the weather here improved, no more rains.

From the airport, we proceeded to Makati, and they have a wonderful reception from Lola, Tita Madre, Jing, Noli and the kids. Lola cried, saying those were tears of joy. After lunch, I accompanied them to Ospital ng Makati, where Tito Ben was confined. This was also one of the reason why they have traveled much earlier compared to their original plan of going here before Christmas time. Tito Ben was still very weak, but was quite glad when he saw Tatay and Nanay.

On their first weekend, the whole family went to dinner in one of the "market restaurants" in Pasay - me and Judith were there, Noli and Jing's kids were there, Bado, Lare and Alicia also were there. The food was great, and we all had a great time. We wished that Jay and Biboy were also there. I'll post pictures soon.

Then Tatay and Nanay finally settled in Las Pinas. They were glad that they're finally home. Tatay congratulated Judith for taking good care of the house, and of course, they were very eager to see Zia and Enzo for the first time.

The succeeding days were not as good, Nanay has started to have some asthma problems again (which she did not have when she was in Canada), and Tatay had some flu and diarrhea. Jet lag is still a problem, compounding the issue.

All in all, I am happy that I am again in the company of my parents. They are planning to be here until the first quarter of 2008.

Nice!