stories of us

2008-05-05T20:11:00.002+10:00

St. Patrick's Church, Summer Hill NSW
04 May 2008

Today, Maya became a child of our (Catholic) God. Donning Bea's christening outfit, Maya was particularly attentive during the ceremony. She was just quietly taking in everything - the priest's soft voice, the waft of perfume from her godparents, the solemn ceremony, chilly air, her sister's excitement, and her parents' cuddles. But that's trademark Maya. The silent stare that seems to linger forever.

Even as the priest poured holy water over her head twice, she was silent to the amazement of the few yet very, very dear friends who were with us.

It made me think how vastly different our two daughters are. Bea's cesarean, while Maya was normal birth. Bea's baptism was a huge, huge occasion with over 50 guests turning up and family and relatives abound. Maya's, however, saw only four people with us during the ceremony. Yet in the stark contrast of these experiences, we still count ourselves fortunate. Our family has grown, and we have found new friends.

I've included a photo of the fabulous cake made by Maya's equally fabulous godmother, Maritza.

2008-05-05T20:00:00.002+10:00

Recently, in my private journal 'Under the World', I've written a piece on sadness, which at one time or another, afflicts all of us. I've published it below. Tell me your thoughts.
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Whatever this affliction is, I feel it feasting on my core. Tearing away at my limbs. Burrowing itself deeper and deeper into my being. And then, I really don’t know what happens next.

I would hate to give it a name. Depression. Blues. Boredom. Evil. That would be confirming its real presence. I prefer it confined to lumps of descriptive thought. Harness its force into prose or poetry. Anything to keep it imaginary.

But how long can I cage it in me? How long can I put on this face? How long before it gnaws at my mask and leaves me bare and naked before the world? Exposed.

I try to tell myself this isn’t me. I’m not THIS vulnerable. I can’t be weak. Especially not now. The timing would be devastating. But how can one inject the convenience of time into an unknown demon?

Not demon. Maggots. I shall call them maggots. And I will try to keep them at bay today.

2008-01-29T22:30:00.000+11:00

OUTDOOR CREATURES
SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2007-2008

Flying a kite. Feeding ducks and swans. Borrowing loads of books/ magazines from the library. Reading them under the shade of a tree. Running around playing tag. Playing the guitar. Munching on cookies, lychees and bananas. It's nice to go back to the lowest common denominator of childhood fun. This summer school holidays, with me being heavily pregnant, we weren't able to venture far away from the city. Instead, we took on a different perspective of 'fun'. Now, it was going for a quick drive to the park or beach, and staying there 'til sunset. And because it's summer, daytime can stretch up to 8pm or later. Noice.

On one occasion though, while we were all stretched out on our banig, absorbed in our own books, we were surprised to hear Bea shriek. She was scampering away. Perplexed, we turned towards the direction she was hurrying away from, only to find a solitary duck. It was right in the middle of our banig. Even I had to move farther away, as I recall a not-so-very-pleasant childhood experience with a crazed duck back in Pinas. Apparently, this duck nibbled on Bea's feet, maybe asking for something to eat. Cute! We broke little pieces from our biscuits and fed it. Pretty cool moment. Wish we were able to take a photo, but these days, we're not as big on the camera as we used to be. Alfred's Unmarked Plains is likewise gathering moss. :(

2008-01-29T22:06:00.000+11:00

ANAK'S LAST CONCERT
SPRING 2007

She had so much fun this day, that I never suspected she'd tell me a week later that she doesn't want to play her violin anymore. After four continuous years of learning with her private tutor and over a year playing in the school orchestra, Bea says she just lost interest and doesn't enjoy it anymore. Hard to believe (or accept) but I guess kids, like adults, have the right to give up on things, too. So now, the family's scouting for her next instrument.

During her last concert, she played Minuet 2 by JS Bach. After the soloists, all students played the ever-so-quintessential 'Twinkles' by Mozart.

2007-11-03T16:29:00.000+11:00

Hello, family and friends, and people who arrived at this page by accident! Apologies for the much-delayed pictures. In the meantime, I've been moderately (and steadily becoming heavily) pregnant, having the time of my life rediscovering my body and what it does without my knowledge or permission, and well, hitting the beaches as the mercury climbs. Alfred and I also had the chance to watch Soundgarden's Chris Cornell in concert here in Sydney, but sadly, no pics of that. We were too much in a hurry after the concert to pick up Bea from her cousins', but it was still unforgettable. To hear 'Spoonman', 'Seasons', 'Fell on Black Days' and 'Black Hole Sun' once again (and this time, live) is so exhilarating. Brings back memories of when we last raved to this music, we had beer and cigarettes in hand. And to watch Chris strip. Don't get me started on that. I had no idea he looked more a supermodel than a rock star. He started taking off his jacket, then unbuttoned his polo to reveal a sculptured six-pack there, until he finally just took the darn shirt off. Unreal.

I guess the nesting bug hasn’t hit full throttle yet, although Alfred and I have constructed our own blanket box already. From pieces of pre-cut wood we bought at a hardware outlet store, mind you. Not the flat-packed ones, so we did a fair bit of customising, sawing and measuring here... Ahem.

Yes, it’s summertime here in the southern hemisphere. The quilts have been rolled away, sandos, shorts and short skirts have been taken from their hiding places under the bed and back inside our draws, and showers, well, we do that almost twice a day now.

If you want to view all the new pictures, just select the month November 2007 from the menu on the right, as I’ve bunched them all together in one go – Bea and my three-days-apart birthdays, trips to beaches, a photo at home of Bea washing dishes (oh, yes), and photos of Bea’s book parade this year.

Well, enough blah, and on with the show. Hope you enjoy it. Tell me what you think by clicking the "O" at the top of each picture. It will lead you to a page where you can leave comments so we can hear from you, too! We miss you all so much!

2007-11-03T15:56:00.000+11:00

Silly face blowing my surprise cake after a long day at work. I was expecting flowers in Carbie when they picked me up from work on my birthday, but found nothing. When we got home, I was half-expecting flowers on the dining table, but nothing. When I went to the bedroom to change, I was expecting flowers on the bed or at least a card (I lowered my expectations), but nothing. I asked Bea who was with me inside the room if she made a card for mum. She said sorry she couldn't because there had been too much homework that day, and that she would make one after dinner. Then, I heard Alfred calling out from the kitchen. I walked over with all hopes for a present dashed, only to find a mango cheesecake with a tall solitary lighted candle in the table. And that's when the birthday song erupted. Beside the cake, there was also a homemade card from Bea and a framed poster designed by Alfred on canvas. Unbelievable. I told them both they're getting good at lying, as I wasn't able to detect a hint of a present from the moment they picked me up. I usually smell something fishy with these two, but not today. Anyway, it was a good 31st birthday for me, real good.

2007-11-03T15:45:00.000+11:00

Kids never tire of all this cake-blowing. Mum and dad, on the other hand, were exhausted after today. And we only had eight guests over! Hirap magpaparty kung wala si Ate Evy!

2007-11-03T15:34:00.000+11:00

Bea with Cake Number Two, on her intimate celebration with her cousins and a few friends last Saturday. The day after, her actual birthday, we plan to have a quiet day with just the three of us, er, four pala, including Maya.

2007-11-03T15:27:00.000+11:00

The girls (and a few boys) in Bea's class crowd up to her to get one of the six sugar flowers on her cake. Bea takes her time choosing. Oh, the dilemma...

2007-11-03T15:21:00.000+11:00

Sliced 26 pieces that day, for the whole class plus her teacher, and still had several to take home. For Alfred and I, of course, over tea or conversation... or... or while thinking up more excuses to have another slice.

2007-11-03T15:16:00.000+11:00

My anak on the Friday before her birthday, when Dad and I brought this cake to class. We call it Cake Number One in what we're about to discover will be a three-day cake-blowing (and eating, of course) affair!

2007-11-03T15:09:00.000+11:00

At around six months' pregnant, I can still lay on my belly, although it's starting to get a bit uncomfortable. I'm gaining weight, too, but not too worried, as this rush of hormones makes me feel terrific. Lapping up the sun and surf, as in a few month's time as my best friend in Virginia says, (fade in: 'Bilanggo' by Rizal Underground) I'll be home-bound most of the time. Miss you, Mylee, so terribly much!

2007-11-03T15:06:00.000+11:00

Dad and Mum's favourite spot - just the two of us... but with Bea at arm's length. Oh, and Maya growing well in my womb.

2007-11-03T14:58:00.000+11:00

Ayy, lamig sobra! But we still went in for a total body plunge soon later. It's not too bad if you don't mind chattering teeth. ;)

2007-11-03T14:52:00.000+11:00

Yes, the warmer months have ushered in the beach season, although the water's still a bit chilly. This is Coogee Beach in Sydney, around 20 minutes' drive from home. Thank God, Alfred's become a convert to Bea and my beach state-of-mind. Ninang Racle, wish you were here. We so terribly miss our Lenten season beach thingy. Hope to be with you soon!

2007-11-03T14:42:00.000+11:00

A hurried photograph before the class went up the stage to be applauded by their proud parents.

2007-11-03T14:35:00.000+11:00

Dressed as a 'generic' witch for this year's Book Parade, where kids are asked to dress up as book characters. What would children's stories be without this quintessential character? (Wink, wink) Gosh, I'm running out of ideas for costumes, and new, ready-made ones are too boring. This gem, we found at a second-hand clothes shop near home. Find out next year what we'll be dressed up in.

2007-11-03T14:21:00.000+11:00

Bea's first time washing dishes. Thank God, she enjoyed it! Hard to believe my suwit baby is now an 'ate.'

2007-07-20T16:10:00.000+10:00

What best way to end a hotel stay than with hot buffet brekky. This picture was taken by our nephew, Joshua.

2007-07-20T15:59:00.000+10:00

Outside the Australian War Memorial. Strange as it may sound, but the kids actually enjoyed themselves here. Nah, they seem to enjoy it anywhere, as long as they're all together. Oh, I miss my cousins back home.

2007-07-20T15:56:00.002+10:00

Bea and cousins pose for a quick photo with a statue of an injured soldier,
who happened to be named Simpson. Nope, it's not Homer.

2007-07-20T15:53:00.000+10:00

Us inside the War Memorial, right after a magnificent light and sound show.
The warplanes, submarines and tanks seemed to come alive with the lighting, video and sound effects. A must see if you visit Canberra. It will blow you away.

2007-07-20T14:35:00.000+10:00

Bea and her cousins amid a backdrop of the seat of power, Parliament House.
Canberra. Winter 2007

2007-07-20T14:31:00.000+10:00

Bea with cousin Elijah in the National Museum of Australia.
Canberra. Winter 2007.

2007-07-20T14:29:00.000+10:00

Alfred and I outside an impressive National Museum draped in modern art and architecture.

2007-07-20T14:27:00.000+10:00

Photos from inside our hotel room with a city view of Canberra. It's freezing here!

2007-07-20T14:22:00.000+10:00

Bea and cousin Hannah check out our hotel room.

2007-07-20T14:18:00.002+10:00

Stopping for a stretch and a quick photo while on a long road trip to Canberra.
Behind us is a vast field, which was once a lake, but dried up. Our first road trip
as a pregnant couple down under.
Winter 2007

2007-07-20T14:14:00.000+10:00

Bea learns a thing or two about Jose Rizal as she and dad stumble upon this statue
in a Sydney park. Hey, someone's been stealing our national hero.

2007-07-20T14:11:00.000+10:00

Bea and visiting American friend Sarah Ivy share some laughs in Luna Park. These two have been snail mailing each other often, trading stories and stickers. Suweet!

2007-07-20T14:07:00.000+10:00

Bea proudly shows off a mode-of-transport project on the eve before its big presentation in class. Dad designed the project, and mum, well... the boosters.
Both Bea and mum worked on the speech. (Is it too obvious the kitchen's a mess?)

2007-07-20T14:03:00.000+10:00

Alfred at work. (Really, now?)

2007-07-20T14:00:00.000+10:00

Bea and her latest best friend, Carbie.

2007-07-20T13:57:00.000+10:00

Yes, those are black swans and a pelican! More than ever, I wish I was there.

2007-07-20T13:54:00.000+10:00

Lake view with lots of lovely birds. Black swan?!

2007-07-20T13:51:00.000+10:00

Dad and daughter hit the streets to get to Sydney's Centennial Park for a stroll and a bike ride. Wish I was there.

2007-01-17T15:09:00.000+11:00

Fresh from the archives: At 6 years, Bea was the youngest to play a solo piece with piano accompaniment in this concert. She did "Allegro," her all-time favourite.

2007-01-17T15:06:00.000+11:00

Fresh from the archives: An unposted picture of Bea's first violin concert last winter. July 2006

2007-01-06T14:44:00.000+11:00

Nothing beats a nice long holiday in the sun.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:40:00.000+11:00

After a good Christmas lunch on a scorcher of a day, we head to Balmoral Beach to cool down.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:37:00.000+11:00

More Buddha boy poses
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:33:00.000+11:00

Bea poses like a young Buddha statue scattered across the temple grounds. Behind her stands the Pagoda, where Buddhists keep their dead.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:27:00.000+11:00

Fascinated with the Buddhist philosophy, Bea takes off her thongs and whispers a silent wish as she lit up an incense inside the temple.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:24:00.000+11:00

Up the steps to explore the temple and light up an incense. Too bad cameras aren't allowed inside.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:20:00.000+11:00

Buddhist temple on a rainy day
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:16:00.000+11:00

Towards the end of our 3-day holiday, we visited the magnificent Nan Tien Temple, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:11:00.000+11:00

We enjoy a good view after a long walk. However it wasn't as breathtaking as Pagsanjan Falls back home.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:08:00.000+11:00

The trek ends here with a view of the falls in the heart of the rainforest. It's just a shame people aren't allowed to go for a dip.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T14:02:00.000+11:00

Very much unlike my mountaineering days ages ago, going through the rainforest is like a walk in the park with wooden walkways like this. Good thing the kids don't have to go 4WD, which is using both hands and feet on an inclined surface. Yikes!
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T13:59:00.000+11:00

The troupe on a hanging bridge as we go deeper inside Minnamurra Rainforest.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T13:54:00.000+11:00

One can't help feeling like a child again beside this towering tree hundreds of years old.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T13:51:00.000+11:00

Walking the 2-hour stretch inside Minnamurra Rainforest, we marvel at a huge boulder believed to be over 400 million years old.
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T13:48:00.000+11:00

Opposite Kiama's Blowholes
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T13:45:00.000+11:00

Strong winds and the smell of the sea
NSW South Coast Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T13:36:00.000+11:00

NSW South Coast Christmas Holiday
Kiama rockies near the Blowhole

2006-11-23T14:37:00.000+11:00

Bea in Terrigal rockies

2006-11-23T14:34:00.000+11:00

The photographer and the (tired) muse

2006-11-23T14:32:00.000+11:00

The coastal rock formation seems as if it's on another planet.

2006-11-23T14:29:00.000+11:00

Soaking it up in the golden sands of NSW's Central Coast as we continue mum and daughter's joint birthday celebration.

2006-11-23T14:26:00.000+11:00

Us in Bea's eyes

2006-11-23T14:24:00.000+11:00

Us having a bottle of "bubbly" after a long hard day of .... FUN!

2006-11-23T14:23:00.000+11:00

Making the most of Crowne Terrigal's buffet breakfast

2006-11-23T14:20:00.000+11:00

Never without a compass on this trip, Bea shows the view from our hotel room.

2006-11-23T14:19:00.000+11:00

Bea and her horse Peter take a break from the 2-hour long mountain ride in Glenworth Valley.

2006-11-23T14:17:00.000+11:00

Exhausted after the horse ride, we guzzled water before heading off to the next adventure. For the whole day though, we walked funny as all our bums were sore!

2006-11-23T14:14:00.000+11:00

Scenic views abound as our horses take us inside the rainforest!

2006-11-23T14:12:00.000+11:00

Bea adores her horse Peter, which is the only horse in the group who gallops the most! My horse Cocktail and dad's Banjo were not as energetic. Our favourite part of the ride was when we crossed a shallow stream. As Bea would say, "This feels so much like Indiana Jones' adventure!"

2006-11-23T14:06:00.000+11:00

Before the ride, Bea has her eyes set on a pony. But apparently, ponies are more temperamental than older horses and thus not as suitable for young children.

2006-11-23T14:01:00.000+11:00

With a few family and friends, Bea had an early 7th birthday celebration. The three of us will be off to the Central Coast of NSW for horseback riding on her actual birthday.

2006-11-23T13:56:00.000+11:00

Caramel walnut brownie. Ahem. My creation.

2006-11-23T13:54:00.000+11:00

Bea nestled in a gigantic treasure chest!

2006-11-23T13:51:00.000+11:00

Bea with the Maritime Museum's silliest pirate! Nice costume.

2006-11-23T13:42:00.000+11:00

Bea crafts her own pirate hat and eye patch as part of the National Maritime Museum's "Pirates!" Exhibit.

2006-10-29T22:31:00.000+11:00

Inside a pirate ship, kids can try their hands on firing cannons. Blast them enemies to smithereens!

2006-10-26T18:40:00.000+10:00

Captain Bea for a day.

2006-10-26T18:36:00.000+10:00

Walking through the city to get to the Pirates! exhibit... and stopping only for pictures. And ice cream.

2006-10-26T18:32:00.000+10:00

Bea copies her dad's look when is he is not too pleased with her actions.

2006-10-26T18:26:00.000+10:00

Anak in her dad's eyes, as she fools around a huge anchor on display.

2006-06-15T23:48:00.000+10:00

Now what kind of stone(d) hen would leave her eggs right smack in the middle of Sydney city? ;)

2006-06-15T23:46:00.000+10:00

Bea checks to see if it's hatching.

2006-06-15T23:42:00.000+10:00

Barkadas have late lunch by the harbourside.. with a good glass of tap beer.
James Squire, Darling Harbour

2006-06-15T23:35:00.000+10:00

Bea wears a jacket which is a size bigger for her age. Funny as her clothes are now no longer under the 'kids' section, but the 'young ladieswear.' Hay, how time flies...

2006-06-15T23:31:00.000+10:00

Ito ang best friend namin ni Alfred.

2006-05-08T23:18:00.000+10:00

I end up sharing morning tea with Bea and friends after the Easter Hat Parade.

2006-05-08T23:16:00.000+10:00

Bea and best friend Remi hold hands during the Easter Hat Parade.

2006-05-08T23:01:00.000+10:00

Everyone, put on your silliest faces!

2006-04-27T00:32:00.000+10:00

School holidays find us peering through telescopes at the Sydney Observatory.

2006-04-27T00:29:00.000+10:00

Bea gets a taste of every child's dream - to become an astronomer!

2006-04-27T00:25:00.000+10:00

Bea poses for a photograph against a backdrop of neighbourhood graffiti.

2006-04-27T00:21:00.000+10:00

Dad and Bea play city rats this school holiday. The QVB (Queen Victoria Building) is one of the city's oldest shopping centres.

2006-04-27T00:16:00.000+10:00

Winter 2006: Pink, pink and more pink!

2006-04-08T19:08:00.000+10:00

Another baby tooth falls from our fine young lady.

2006-04-08T19:04:00.000+10:00

Bea shows off her Merit Award presented during school assembly.

2006-04-08T19:01:00.000+10:00

A lazy weekday afternoon is transformed into a photo session as dad asks me to smile while bathed in the afternoon sun. With so much time together, Alfred and I raid malls, cinemas, libraries, and art galleries. On our latest day out, we marvelled at self-portraits of Cezzane, Rubens, Van Gogh, F. Kahlo, Warhol and Rembrandt in a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit at the NSW Art Gallery. Too bad, photos are prohibited.

2006-04-08T18:54:00.000+10:00

A week-end recreation ritual - park-hopping!

2006-04-08T18:49:00.000+10:00

Our 'sweetest thing' is growing up fast.

2006-04-08T18:46:00.000+10:00

We strike a pose to test the new webcam. But as always, Bea has to stand out.

2006-03-18T20:03:00.000+11:00

UNICEF brings to Sydney the 'United Buddy Bears,' an exhibition of 124 bears depicted in each UN-member country's identity and culture. As of date, it has already toured Austria, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Tokyo and Seoul. Next stop for these bears will be Berlin.

2006-03-18T19:59:00.000+11:00

Delighted to have found the 'Philippines bear,' Bea can't help but give it a hug. Personally, I wished it had more vibrant colors.

2006-03-18T19:42:00.000+11:00

While Bea was trying to take this picture, a kindly old lady offered to 'help.' With a smile, I declined but said thanks, as there's no other way to capture a beautiful moment than with the eyes of my daughter.