Christmas with Barkada

When me and Judith were in Med School, we were fortunate to have a group of friends who gave us support and lots of laughter specially during those difficult times.

The guys were collectively called BTJCLOCK - Bernie, Tek, Junji, Chong, Lito, Odj, Cesar and Kim. The girls - Judith, Jef, Sonia, Lanie, Jen, Chinky and Tina.

Junji and Chinky are in Canada with their two boys, EJ and Paolo. Jef, Jen and Tina are in the States. Bernie is based in Pangasinan with his wife Windy and their daughter Lyanna. Lito with wife Joy and kids Bebang ang Bentong are in Bataan. Kim is presently finishing his studies in South Africa and will be back in February.

The rest of us are here in Metro Manila, from time to time we meet during parties specially for our own respective kids. We make it a point to meet every Christmas - chatting, reminiscing and exchanging gifts.

The picture below was taken last December 23, when the barkada met in Italliani's restaurant in Bonifacio High Street in The Fort. From left: Tek, me, Judith, Jude, Lanie, Sonia, Laura, Chong and Odj. The kids in front: Joaquin, Andrea and Gabriela.

Walking Enzo

My baby boy is growing fast.

Here are two proofs, in the first video he is seen walking with a walker (which he usually doesn't like to use). He struts around the house using this walker until his patience wears off.



This other video shows Enzo walking with support without the walker inside our home.

Hope you enjoy them as much as we do...

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.