Where Is...

Here is a really nice video of Paul & Xander showing their Tita Sarah how "bibo" they are. I am so glad to know that they are learning a lot of words. When I come home next month for my Chinese New Year vacation, I will teach them where favorite rock CD's are. Rakenrol, mga anak! \m/

Tatay and Nanay's Wedding Anniversary

December 8, 2008. It has been three years since I and my ex-girlfriend tied the knot and from that day forward, I am proud to say that our marriage has gone stronger each day. We have never celebrated our wedding anniversary together since I started to work abroad three years ago but this thing did not affect our relationship in a negative way. Being miles away from each other is really difficult but Paul and Xander constantly remind us to be brave with the choices and sacrifices that we make.

This evening, Supernanay asked me to check out the FB post she and the Wonder Twins made. I was happy to read this from her note:

We’re already on our 3rd year as married couple but we never had a chance to celebrate it together. If Jay’s here we could have….

  ….eaten dinner at the Fort. Maybe in Serendra or Boni High.

….pampered ourselves at “the Spa”. I can smell the scent of oils and feel the warmth of the water.

….taken a short escapade (with the twins) somewhere in Tagaytay

….started the day with a sumptuous breakfast. Either me or him preparing some toast with egg, butter, bacon and cheese.

….prepared a simple celebration at home with family and friends.

….stayed at home and have quality time with the twins – watching videos and playing with them.

….popcorn, chips, or fries in a movie marathon or even just watching episodes of House.

….attended mass before going to the mall with the kids enjoying the newly lit up Christmas decors.


or we could have just celebrated it by “being together” physically. With me being here with the kids, and him working in China, I always had faith that we can grow separately without growing apart. HAPPY 3RD YEAR ANNIVERSARY, LABS!!!! I love you so much. I’m looking forward to many years of happy and memorable moments together with the kids.

I MISS YOU LABS. I MISS YOU PAUL. I MISS YOU XANDER. ILOVEYOUALL.

Early Christmas With Tatay

My choice to work abroad has a lot of consequences and sacrifices; and one of the realities that we OFWs have to accept is that we never get to spend a lot of holidays and special occasions with our families. There is a common story of missing a son or daughter's graduation ceremonies, missing a birthday bash for a loved one, or missing a grand reunion. And of course, there is that experience of spending Christmas in a different land without your family. 

I had my vacation last month and my next one will be on the last week of January next year. This means no Christmas Eve and no New Year's Eve for me together with Supernanay and the Wonder Twins.

I and my wife decided to spend our Christmas Eve in advance, a night before I leave for China. We decorated our Christmas tree, bought gifts for Paul and Xander, and had our Noche Buena. We even wore our Sunday clothes to truly feel the occasion. Mommy Eli, Sarah, Carla, and Tita Baby were there to join us. 

It is not yet Christmas but it really felt like it.