Daily Happy Thoughts » Family

When it matters most

andoyitok — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:57:45 +0000

Why is it that people wait for someone to be gone before they offer kind words? By then it would have been too late, and these would just have fallen on deaf ears. By then, it would be meaningless, and it would be just that – empty words. Oftentimes, our filial bond is tested time and again. Most often, it could just be something inconsequential and trivial. It is during those times that our character is truly tested, our inner personality revealed. Some lesser bonds disintegrate and the people become strangers. Still some, take that opportunity to become stronger, and strengthen their bonds even more, like diamonds being forged amidst the heat of the earth. It would be a good time to re-examine our relationships and which among the two it is progressing into. One thing is for sure though. As long as we are still breathing, we have the opportunity to make it right.

On the occasion of the upcoming Father’s Day celebration, I encourage people to show their appreciation and love for that one special person. May it be custom flowers, a greeting card, a kiss, or simply just a hug. What matters most is that you still get to show it to a living, breathing person. He may not return the same feeling of love and affection, but certainly, you are the better person for just taking the risk to reach out, and putting your feelings out there. Sure it would spare you from the possible feeling of hurt and rejection when you don’t take the risk, but when everything’s said and done, it will come down to that one moment. We have but one lifetime. Surely the world could use more of that love and less violence.

A Memorable Birthday

borski — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:52:50 +0000

Cafe Filomena’s Special Chopsuey and Fish with Tausi, Qyosko’s BGC, Rago’s Pansit, Php@,@@@.00 (treat by Uno, so thanks)…

Fruits, Php@@@.00…

San’s Rival Biko & Cafe Filomena’s Pandan cake, Php@@@.00…

Softdrinks, Php@@.00 (given by Micah & Fel-Ann)…

San’s Rival large Cookie Monster, Php@@@.00. (but given again by 8G staff: E.C.Pinuto, K.A.Martinez, A.Mores, S.B.A.Patrimonio, M.E.M.G.Galera, F.M.C.Rival, V.P.Abuda Jr., P.E.M.Salazar, J.D.Tamparong, and M.M.Badon)…

Dos’s arrival, Php@@,@@@…

Truly involuntary surprised facial expression of A.A.Gregorio, followed by tears of happiness ….PRICELESS!!!

Happy 59th birthday, Daddy Andy!

Coming Home – homecoming

andoyitok — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:47:02 +0000

Now that my brother Ray is nearing the end of his two-year work contract in Dubai, he has been quite excited at the prospect of coming home, especially since contact with him had only been limited to phone calls and video chatting. Just this past week, through chat, I had discovered that he has already been hitting the gym, since he had gained weight from the time he had left. Initially, he lost a lot of weight when he shifted his diet (they did not have pork there), but then he regained the pounds and so much more. Hehe.

I am sure he has so many stories to tell. Looking at the photos on his Facebook account, indeed there are a lot of cultural differences which are obvious on the photos. One thing I found quite intriguing was one picture of him standing in front of metal buildings, which is a rare sight, and one that I haven’t yet come across here in the Philippines. I wonder though, if those buildings have considerable expansion or shrinkage in response to fluctuations in the temperature.

I can’t wait for him to come home, for his stories, and of course, for my ‘pasalubong’.

Exhale and be relieved

andoyitok — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:14:16 +0000

As the two-year overseas employment contract of my brother is nearing its completion come March 2011, he has been complaining quite often these past weeks on how hard it is becoming to endure working with his boss. As such, he has been telling me that he can’t wait to go home when his contract expires. By then, it will already be 2 years since he has left the country in search of a finance job abroad, him being an accounting graduate. Every time he sends me a text message complaining about his boss, I always tell him to just take it easy, and just exhale. My personal take on job related items like this is that if you let him get to you like that, you lose. You might as well just take it in stride and just enjoy the remainder of his contract there.

We have already scheduled an escapade, probably to the island resort of Boracay when he comes home. I can’t wait until that time. Yey!

Customized Alarm Clock

andoyitok — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:30:21 +0000

Coming from our 5-day vacation in Davao City from last weekend and the early part of the week, Borski and I can’t help but notice that despite the short stint there, we had grown accustomed to the “alarm clock” of DadMa there. I am talking about the music coming from the nearby mosque, about 2-3 houses away from their apartment unit. Everyday, at intervals of 6am, 12nn, 3pm, and 6pm, the music would not fail to sound off, which in a way, we would jokingly tell each other that it was already time for our snacks, or meals, depending on the time.

It was indeed a very relaxing 5-day vacation, and we got to indulge in the beach, foodtrip with Dad Tony’s homecooked meals, and a whole lot of snoozing. We hope to be back there in time for the new year’s celebration this year and hopefully spend the eve at Samal Island.

Underwater Escapade

andoyitok — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:32:04 +0000

As I was about to depart back to Manila to report for work about a month ago, Borski and I discussed that we would once again try out diving. We tried this out and surprisingly, enjoyed the experience so much that we talked of getting licenses once our schedules and wallets could make room for it. LoL.

We even documented the experience underwater. Thanks to JM, a former officemate and close friend.

Mañanita for Daddy Andy

borski — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:56:47 +0000

Today is a special day. Today is my father-in-law’s birthday, and he just turned 58 years of age.

I woke up at 4:15 AM and cooked corned beef with diced potato, one of the pitch-in goodies that will be brought to the birthday potluck. At exactly 4:30 AM, Nitz, Albert, Sovi, Kent & Weng (our guitarist), Erwin, and Venanz were already gathered outside the office, as agreed! IMHO, that’s the real Filipino time! Mylan and I scrambled into Ninong Nitz’s Adventure while the rest revved up their motorcycles and off we all went.

Our stealthy entrance to the Gregorio home went smoothly save for the dogs barking loudly (Batchoy, a dachshund, the loudest) when we arrived at the gate for approximately 10 seconds. Rambo, the youngest German Shepherd dog, was the last one who quieted down but only after I said, “Rambo (expletive)”. [Take note, with a growl. Hahaha] Our accomplices, Manang Edith and Fhel, let us in to the house and the whole lot positioned right in front of the master bedroom of Mr. and Mrs. Gregorio (the original. Hehe). After which, we finally got to sing the “Las Mañanitas” songs the 8G way, Philippine version, which we practised last Saturday. Mommy was the first to peep at the door, right out from bed as evidenced by her tangled hair. Daddy combed his hair first before coming out of their room and joining the group.

After the singing, we then arranged our birthday potluck that everybody contributed on the dining table. Everyone, including 8G Bacolod’s Sylfa, Aileen and Jenn thru Mylan’s phone on loudspeaker, said their wishes (Sovi’s wishes were the best, for me).

Of course, the best part was Dad’s reply. I knew then that we did the right thing. Aside from Clyde’s coming home the day before, Lalab also arrived at 5:30AM when we were all eating and chatting. What a wonderful gift to daddy, indeed!

The 8G mañanita group went home 15 minutes before 6 AM. At 6AM, the family (less Ian, Ray and Andrew [physically]) then proceeded to the most important birthday tradition — hear mass. Even without a celebration, birthdays would always be complete when we spend it with God.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

andoyitok — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:11:59 +0000

Last Saturday, as I watched my brother Andrew go through the pre-departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3), I couldn’t help but feel a little a little heavy, especially since considering the present crossroads that I am in this point in my life. Although it was but a trip from Manila to Dumaguete, the meaning was not lost on me as I pondered on the career decision that is before me.

As he made his way inside, some part of me was hoping he’d throw a backward glance my way just to tell me, wordlessly, that everything would be okay. Then I remembered how Ray must have felt as he was leaving for Dubai. Then I felt my chest get even heavier.

Busy-ness

andoyitok — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:14:28 +0000

Just got back to Manila a few minutes ago aboard a Philippine Airlines flight. That was the first time I was able to travel on board one of their larger jets. By larger, I mean the fact that there was a center aisle that seats 4 people, while there were 2 seats on both the left and right sides. I guess those jets are used for international flights.

Anyway, after the brief trip to Davao and Kidapawan, I was able to bring with me a box of my now favorite Durian fruit, which Davao City is very well known for. It was a photo finish check in again at the airport for me (as usual) since the the trip from Kidapawan to Davao took longer than usual due to the traffic.

I was not able to meet up with my in-laws due to the very tight schedule. I do hope next time my schedule would be a lot flexible so that I can spend time with them also.

My brother the Bartender

andoyitok — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:36:00 +0000

My brother Andrew will be leaving for the US come March of next year, courtesy of a study and work program in the USA wherein local universities in the Philippines are partnering with Hotels and Restaurants in the USA to invite on-the-job trainees to come work for them on a limited engagement. In a way, this will be an opportunity for students to be exposed to a different culture oceans apart, as well as a glimpse into the real world out there.

Personally, I do hope my brother is equipped to hurdle life’s challenges on his own in the big world out there that is America. One thing I am sure of, he will be missing home cooking while he will be out there.