ALL SOULS DAY
Follow the Spanish tradition, instead of Halloween, the souls of our parted loved ones are prayed over on November 1 and 2.
Here we are visiting our beloved Nanay Clara and Sansei Eding at the cemetary. We miss you!
Ate CHING and Kuya TONY NUPTIALS
My cousin's beautiful wedding! I am so lucky to have been a part of it! Their love story is very unique. They met in Saudi Arabia as OFWs and spent much of their courtship apart from each other. Actually, my Ate was on a 2 week vacation from work in Ireland and Kuya was on vacation from work in Saudi Arabia. Right after their honeymoon, they were separated yet again. They tell me they fell in love with eachother solely by text messaging each other. I'm happy to say, they are now together in Ireland! CONGRATULATIONS!
TRIP TO NORTHERN LUZON
Look at me and look at that massive ocean! WOW! I was fortunate enough to take a trip to the northern parts of the Philippines - Abra, La Union, Vigan, Baguio! It was wonderful being able to step back into history, learn a new dialect, and meet more wonderful people!Thanks Ate Malet for the incredible experience!
VIVA SAN CLEMENTE! HAPPY FIESTA ANGONO!
Viva San Clemente! Isn't he cute? He just loved my camera; and the camera just loved him! Following the tradition at the end of every novena (mass), the marching bands begin to play and everyone begins to dance! I am told the dancing will help prayers get answered (Yes, I did join them in the dancing). I had a wild time making new friends, taking in the beautiful art, dancing to the wondrous music, and getting incredibly wet during the march. What an experience!
A TRIBUTE TO CARLOS BULOSAN
Here we are putting on a free cultural show for one of the poorer areas of Quezon City. It was a celebration for Carlos Bulosan, one of the early Filipino-American writers and pioneers. I recited the poem, "Where Have All the Women Gone."
MSP CONVENTION
Migrante Sectoral Party (now Partylist) held a convention to announce its candidates for congress. Now that the first ever overseas absentee vote is now being extended to OFWs around the world, Migrante Partylist is working towards amplifying the migrant voice in congress. The convention was crowded with many notables including migrant victims Sarah Balabagan and Joselito Alejo; politicians, Raul Roco and Crispin Beltran; as well as various members of Migrante from throughout the world.
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - LANTERN FESTIVAL
After the convention, Boni and I headed straight for the Lantern Festival at the University of the Philippines. It was so much fun to see each faculty with their crazy inventions and lanterns. We had a particularly good time taking in the local Rock scene. It was nice meeting you Enzo!
A CHRISTMAS RALLY AT THE DFA
Nearing Christmas time, we held a rally - dialog with the Department of Foreign Affairs. Family members of stranded workers in the Middle East attended and pleaded the government to help bring their loved ones home.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I had made plans to end my 2003 with a big giant bang - music, dancing, everything. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. I stayed in Angono instead babysitting my sick God-son, Red, and nephew, Allen. The entire day was spent avoiding the "minefield" of (what would be illegal in Canada) fireworks. I started my 2004 with a kiss - thank you Little Allen!; prayer; and family.
