New Year 2015

Jan. 1, 2015

ON MY WAY OUT.

At around 7AM I peeked in my parents' room to see if they were up. They were already out of bed and preparing to go out to the dining room and said they didn't want to miss my departure. I told them I wasn't going to leave without saying goodbye. Mom pulled me aside and whispered that dad had a difficult time sleeping; not because of the uncomfortable feeling he's been getting when his leg gets hot but because he knew I was flying out today. I approach him, kiss him good morning and he looked at me with sad eyes and said, “Are you leaving today? Is there a way you can work it out and stay?” He then hung on to me really tight and started crying and asked me again to try and work it out. By now I was bawling myself and can only apologize and hug him back. I've never seen my dad cry and I hope I never do again. It is the most hearth-wrenching thing I've experienced in my life. Here is a man who has been our protector, strong and unwavering all of our lives and to see him like this knowing it is something I'm causing was breaking my heart. The hardest part was it is I who was breaking his heart. We hug for a bit more. I told him I loved him very much and promised to come back for another visit. I promised to take Katharine with me too. Though I hated thinking that dad might be thinking he'll never see me again, I wanted him to know that I was confident with returning and also with the hope his pain would be lessened. I started to walk towards Uli's car and before getting in, I turned only to see him look at me as if he couldn't. He was straining to look at my direction and waiting for me to acknowledge him. I wave and though everybody waved back, it was his that I only wanted to see. Uli sent me the picture of him later that day after I left to show how sad he looked. 

The airport ride was uneventful and quiet. The roads were practically empty as if there was a storm about to hit. It took us no less than 20 minutes to get there this time but if it weren't a holiday, it very well could taken us 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at the airport, I go to the ticket counter of Cathay Pacific, check in, blah blah blah, and done in 5 minutes. Wow! I text Uli and to his surprise asked me if I was having problems. I said no and complimented the efficiency of the counter staff. He then stated that since I was flying Business Class that I had a separate line and likely all to myself. For some reason, I head over to the convenient pasalubongs kiosk and stock up on more snack items. Mind you I have three bags of nuts and candy I surely didn't need to get more. Is that a problem? Boarding starts, I sit down, plane flies, and lands in Hong Kong. S'all good. The Business Class Lounge in HK is huge and has showers. I took advantage of the service and after filling up on siomai and fried noodles, I go in and take a shower. Surely didn't need one but thought if it comes with the program, why not use it?

Very impressed with the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 in Manila.

Started to rain as soon as I entered the airport

Boarding starts, I sit down, plane flies. Next stop – Chicago! 

Christmas and New Year 2014 Day 12-13

Dec. 30, 2014

WAKE UP!

I have now fully adjusted to the time zone but I leave back to the states in a couple of days. I was thinking, should I try to wean myself out of this now and be ready for the time zone change? Of course that was just a thought. I will attempt the change during my 24 hours combined flights. Somewhere there I should be sleeping and waking at the correct time(s). The mild December temperature (mid 70's) had been real nice that dad, Uli and I would sit out back just enjoying the breeze. We also watch the kids play there often.

Nothing much to report today. Its the last day of work for most people before the New Year holiday. A small preparation for more friends coming tonight is underway. Nothing spectacular, just grocery shopping for snacks and booze. Pretty late into the evening as this one ends sometime around 4AM. 

Eline was able to bring home one of my favorite desserts, sweet custard with sago.

Here's what a wrong-side driving looks like. Before it happened, I asked Melvin why he was attempting to turn onto on-coming traffic. He said "the right lane is a zoo and besides, we're turning left in about a 1/4 mile." I suppose he's justified with his decision – and I thought it was a slow day.

Dec. 31, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

Whoopee! Today is mom's, lolay's birthday! She's a healthy 50'-something. Just like me she stopped counting as soon as she hit 50. Ate Cris and company are coming for lunch and bringing crab cakes and clam chowder soup. All prepared by our family chef, Ate Lourdes. Yup, she brought me more leche flan.

Timmy and I were showing off our mango trimming techniques.. I was not able to hold off for the picture. Just had to devour it.

We picked up a cake from the french coffee shop next to Cafe Mary Grace (can't remember its name) and was a triple chocolate torte cake.  Unfortunately, I cannot find the picture in my file) It was good. We will be getting mom a spa day somewhere (we haven't decided where she goes for this) or we can have a home service. With dad's limited range, should we decide to drive somewhere it can only be to go to the mall or a short sightseeing trip. We'll figure it out. Hope you had a fun day mom!!

After the lunch party left, Uli and I ventured out to purchase stuff for the evening's highlight and much awaited event, fireworks at midnight! We went to two places and picked up about $50 worth of stuff. Mostly sparklers (the big kind), about 30 rockets, two large fountain shows and a box of little fountains. Wow! This is something you have to experience when you're in the Philippines. Its one thing to see organized fireworks during the Fourth of July celebration but to be in the middle of it all for about 15 minutes is an experience to remember. Every has and lights their fireworks right at midnight so you can imagine the sight, sounds, not to mention the smoke of all of it happening in a short amount of time. Even dad was up to the task and be wheeled outside and join us in the festivity. I love it! That is way too cool! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Waiting for the midnight before heading out to do fireworks

Isabella and Luigi 

Eline and nephew Karl