38 Special

My parents are celebrating their 38th year of marriage today, April 24, 2007. 38 years! That's a long time by any standard. Theirs was not the conventional love story and they had their share of rough spots over the years. But they withstood all the challenges and remain together in spite of.

Mom met Dad through her cousin, Al Santos. Tito Al actually brought 3 of his friends over to choose from! Even if Dad was the one who said and charmed Mom the least, there was something that intrigued her and so she chose him. Dad, in his younger years, was the opposite of my Mom. He was painfully shy, an introvert who would rather keep to himself and to his close circle of friends. Mom, on the other hand, was the life of the party! She was THE social butterfly and was constantly surrounded by shiny, happy people.

Having said that, you could see the apprehension of people around them when they got together. Lola A thought Mom deserved better (hmmmmm, this dialogue sounds familiar!) and was always on Mom's case about how Dad was not right for her. Lola A would even scare Mom by saying that all her kids would be ugly and turn out dark and hairy! Bwahahahahaha. Apparently, this was not enough to scare Mom from marrying Dad. Against her parents wishes, they got married after 3 years of courtship. Since they just eloped and Dad was not a rich boy, they had a very small wedding in a church in Caloocan. Their reception was in a restaurant nearby and Mom's gown was by Flair Dress Shoppe.

Parang kawawa si Mom......but she was very happy. As a matter of fact, even when Dad was still a struggling lawyer and PATTS had just been established (ergo money was scarce!), she stood by him and was determined to make this marriage work. Dad was also not the easiest man to live with. He had his habits and his vices and I really thank God for giving Mom the perseverance to live with his not so perfect lifestyle. Mom was also no saint. She is the feistiest woman I know (Shyla being the second)! She can talk and bitch for hours on end. But Dad for most part, remains calm and just allows Mom to vent. This has become their daily routine. Despite all their faults and shortcomings, they have learned to accept one another and are looking forward to more years together.



Happy Anniversary Guys!







Thank you for keeping this family together.

Your Friendly Neighborhood

Check this out! What a cool invitation! In Filipino lingo, kina-career na rin ng sister in law ko ang children's party! Heehee. While we were celebrating Summer's 1st, Tristan was having the time of his life with Spidey on the other side of the world. We missed the party and the pics made us feel even worse. Boohoo. Actually, we would have given an arm and a leg to be with Tristan on his special day. Maybe next year? In the meantime, check out his celebration. Mommy Marilyn, good job!!!!



Spidey and his web of friends



Peter Parker and Family



Running away from the Green Goblin



I wonder if Tatay finds all this amusing?



Boys just want to have fun (too)






"Not everyone is meant to make a difference. But for me, the choice to lead an ordinary life is no longer an option."
---Yeah!!!! They'll be back!!!!

Summer Loving

Our Samantha Victoria recently turned 1 so despite the sweltering heat and humid conditions, we all came out to celebrate with her last April 15. Summer was sick on that day and was really not in the mood to party. Kawawa talaga! But Joaquin took charge of entertaining her guests and he did a pretty good job. Summer also had an inflatable party, similar to what Annika had a few months ago. But instead of the giant slide and the bouncer, Shyla opted for the obstacle course and the mini slide. Both were a hit with the kids!







Their friends arrived in droves! I think there were even more adults than children.






There were cute boys....




And pretty girls around....





Yummy food carts!




Shyla even gave out inflatables as party favors instead the usual candies and toys. Each child went home with a summer tube and a printed ball. I think even the adults helped themselves to some favors because they were gone in 60 seconds flat!


Happy 1st Birthday Summer Girl! Looking forward to next year's celebration.

Baby on the Way

My girlfriends and I got together to celebrate Maja's upcoming visit with the Stork in June. Finally, finally, we'll be having another boy. Maja is due to give birth to 'F' on June 6. Food and drinks were overflowing, conversation was endless and we were just munching at everything placed in front of us. And what would an evening with my girlfriends be without the usual ranting and bitching about things and people that 'make our day'. Ay naku. Some things never change.

Despite my vanity, I couldn't help but dig in to the food being served. How can you resist!
Bess made yummy tacos for us to feast on!


Maja's ref and pantry was armed and dangerous!


And since I'm so domesticated, I brought my own home-made chicken. It was finger licking good! Heehee.


Maja Stewart also had apples wrapped in 'Tiffany blue' paper for us to take home after the party. Ay naku Maja, boy si F. Hindi girl! Yari tayo sa checkered ribbon!


We had the usual Posers....



And the Southeners....



The funny interludes....



And some serious conversation....




All together, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Thank you to the Gamboas for sharing your beautiful home with us. Can't wait for F to arrive.