I remember the time when I first heard from Kaye that she was again pregnant way back 2006. My excitement went from 0 to 100! It’s like a different kind of rush actually, especially knowing that prior to this, we had a couple of miscarriages. What added to this rejuvenating joy was that Kaye had had a dream about a little boy being called by somebody from a distance. And the name the boy was called was Jeremy.

As researched, the name Jeremy is defined as “exalted by the Lord. ” Learning about this, indeed it gave me & Kaye a great sense of hope that this baby will be the best blessing we had been asking for as a married couple. And what’s more overwhelming about it, the name itself suggests that our baby would be a boy! “YAHOO!” was all my mind could shout out since we already have Kara, so a boy is definitely a wonderful gift for our growing family.

After more than 8 months of waiting, the time finally arrived. Coming from her final check-up, Kaye called me and said that her water is already depleting. So eventually, she has to be admitted in Asian Hospital in preparation for her delivery. Me, I went straight from the office to Asian, with all the jitters and coldness engulfing my whole body. Arriving at Asian, Kaye was already prepped and was given last instructions before the big moment. Around almost 1opm of June 1st, 2007, Kaye was already brought inside the operating room. As I waited, I was asked to dress in scrub suit for later I would be called inside. I could hardly contain myself as I imagined how it would be to see baby boy Jeremy for the first time. I was excited, at the same time afraid, since finally I’d get to find out how it was to become a full-fledged dad.

After an hour, a nurse from the OR came out and fetched me. And then, there he was. Only armed with Kaye’s Nokia 6300, I saw Jeremy for the first time. He was the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I couldn’t express the elation I felt being so close to him as he was cleaned by an assisting doctor. A couple of times, a thin tube was inserted in his mouth and nose to  remove excess amniotic fluids that he fed on when he was still inside his Mama’s womb. When the doctor did this, he often cried and boy, was he loud when he cried! But for me, his cries were music that you wanted to hear over and over. After removing the tube, and some white thingys (di ko alam tawag dun e basta puti hehehe!), the doctor made her measurements on Jem. Surprisingly, Jem was 5.30 lbs upon delivery, quite big considering he was premature on the time of birth. After they’ve finished with all initial statistics, Jeremy was  covered with a clean cloth, and finally, for the first time,  he was handed to me so I could carry him.  So how was it like? Well,  it it was really like God handed me a precious angel to take care for all time. He looked so peaceful and felt so fragile. I thought to myself, I am so lucky to have Jeremy as my son. I couldn’t really describe the awe and outpouring of love that I felt when I embraced Jeremy for the first time in my arms. At that point, I realized that Kaye was still on the operating table. I brought Jeremy  near her and tears flowed on her face. And of course, we did our first photo-op with baby Jeremy, eventhough Kaye still felt a bit groggy.

(Video to follow)

Afterwhich, baby Jeremy was taken to the nursery where he’d stay for the whole duration of our Asian stay. As I went back outside, Kaye was sewn up and brought to the recovery room. I went there afterwards until we were moved to a regular room the following morning. During the next few days and nights, I would frequent the nursery to look at baby Jeremy and see how he was. I never minded staying up late or not sleeping as much, as long as I got to see my boy. He was really a handsome baby, I should say! And more than that, he was mine. I never felt any prouder than that instant of just seeing him, holding him, and keeping him secure in my arms. And I thank God because finally, he’s already here, adding more sweetness and spice to my life, growing old with me, with Kaye and with her Ate Kara. Maybe, that’s also the reason why we added David to his name as giving praise to the Lord for his wonderful blessing to me and Kaye.

First carry of Baby Jem (few minutes after delivery on June 1, 2007)

Mama Kaye n' Jem

Ate Kara n' Jem (late 2007)

Dad n' Jem at a pictorial at home

Now, Jeremy is already 3 years old. But I always look back to the time when he first came out of this world. He is still my little boy… the little boy I swore to give a good life to… the little boy who’s meant to capture so many young girls’ hearts… the little boy that I will never be tired of loving, kissing and embracing whenever I have the chance. To you, Jeremy David, am looking forward to more years together. And everyday I thank God because you get to inspire me to do more and be a better Dad for you, Ate Kara and Cassie. Sana nga di ka na tumanda, as what Kaye always says. But even as we age, always remember… Daddy & Mama are so proud of you!

My Jeremy David

I love you, my Jeremy David! And thanks for giving me the privilege of being your Dad!

Last Monday,  most of us once again exercised our right to choose the best person to run the country. As a matter of fact, in just a span of a few hours, we already saw the trend of who the people have chosen best for the Presidency via the first-time automated voting system. Indeed, this was the first and hopefully, not the last since elections have always been plagued with controversies and unreliable counting when it was done manually. I for one, have been witness to such conflicts and there were times I wished things were a little different in the manner of voting then. But thanks to open-mindedness, COMELEC made history by pushing for the automated elections. Not only did it make counting easier and faster, but I also hope that it made the elections a lot credible and believable (but again, expect more protests from stubborn politicians who don’t want to concede yet).

Me against the crowd

As early as 6 in the morning, I prepared myself to come home to Manila, my former hometown, just to vote. The trip from Sta. Rosa Laguna was just a relatively short bus ride, since there was no traffic going home. I arrived at F. Guerrero School along Pedro Gil around 7:20am. Guerrero has been my voting precinct since the time I started voting for Barangay and Local elections way back 1992. Generally, the time I spent on voting was, hmmm well… short. The only thing I spent a little time on, was finding the precinct room I would vote. So to make things a lot easier, I celled (manner of calling someone thru cellfone; my own coining not Webster’s) Papa for the location. Good thing it was just in the first floor. What’s more relaxing about voting was that Papa already got a number for me and Mama. So there. I got my first shot at voting via Smartmatic PCOS machine hassle-free. Good for the numbers actually, since on my way to the room I got to pass by the other rooms with scary long lines. Imagine if I still lined up  (Kaye and her family didn’t have the same luxury as I had since they waited for more than two hours to be able to vote. Kawawa talaga!).

Inside Guerrero during election day

Anyways, when I finished, I lined up a bit before placing my ballot through the PCOS machine. I was able to finish everything and get out of the hot voting room in 30 minutes. Just then, the people in-charge began letting in senior citizens.  Hehehe lucky me indeed!

I went back to the area where the PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) table was located. I stayed with Mama for a while before going home to my old Manila house to freshen up and have breakfast. When I got home, Papa was getting ready for bed since he hadn’t gotten any sleep as he was an assigned COMELEC officer at Guerrero. So I said “good night” to him as he went up the room to sleep. For me, I just had a few pandesals and spam for breakfast, with fresh hot kapeng barako from the coffeemaker, and then I freshened up a bit before going back to the precinct.

At the PPCRV Station where Mama stays

I stayed at the PPCRV station for a while. It was just weird being there since I used to be active in PPCRV when I was still in Manila. But those times were far different from today. Me, am just a mere voter. And no more concerns with what’s happening around, just a plain spectator to everything that’s going around the school. Kaya siguro am proud of my parents because they remain vigilant to situations during elections. Amidst the pricking heat and lack of wind in the area, their dedication to such taxing volunteer work is truly commendable. I really wish I could stay and be with Mama during that time, but I was already missing the kulets back home in Sta. Rosa and I promised Kaye to get home ASAP.  So after saying my goodbyes to Mama and friends I knew back then, I left Guerrero with its huge crowd already overflowing at the gates.

At last, I boarded  the jeep going to PRC Makati. But as I looked back from the moving jeep, I smiled and thought that maybe this would be the last time I’d vote in Manila. I don’t know much about the politicians in the Manila district, anyway. Probably next year, I’ll try to work on registering myself in Sta. Rosa so for the next elections (local and senatorial), it will be at a new place for a change. But I’ll truly miss voting in Manila, especially since my parents and I usually vote at the same time. Well that’s ok. At least my last election ended with something unique, that is, via automated voting. Now that’s something to remember as I close the chapter of election voting in Manila.

Thanks Guerrero… hello Central!

Ps. This is just my post-election observations that I just want to share here.

… that despite the good show of results, some politicians will still insist that they were cheated, the reason for them to lose the race.

… that despite the plunder cases and crimes against the country which proved him guilty (but was pardoned a few years later), Erap was still a crowd favorite.

… that the election has enticed rather more celebrities to run, and they surprisingly won in the campaign.

… that the election, for me, remains to be a popularity contest in general.

… that those good men who are much better off for the positions at stake, are the ones who usually found themselves close to the bottom of the list.

… that in all of these observations, I’d say the elections was a swift and orderly one compared to the past years.

I’d stop here. If you have your own observations, feel free to share here too!

These past days,  the hot weather has really become a pain in the neck.  Or literally, a pain to every part of our body — our face, arms, nape, even to our hidden parts (censored!). The worst part of it, it can really hit hard on anyone’s health. For the last couple of days, I felt so stressed easily even if you stay indoors. Whether at home or at the office, the heat is something you just wish is gone for good. But that’s the sad thing. It doesn’t. Even when the sun has gone done, and you’d expect a cool breeze to ease it down (well, at least at home for that matter),  the heat wave that has bombarded your place for the whole day, stays… and I mean hindi nawawala or umaalis! Frankly, this has been the worst kind of summer that we have to experience to date. Imagine, temp records of around 38 to 40 degrees of scorching heat… now that’s very alarming! But what’s more alarming, especially in my family’s case, is the concern to my kids who are prone to asthma attacks especially in an erratic weather like we’re having now.

Unfortunately, the worse part did hit. My kids were admitted again at Asian hospital last April because of their asthma. Little did Kaye & I know that their exacerbations were already due to something worse… they have pneumonia already. But good thing that we had them admitted so they could get utmost care and medicines will address it. We decided of bringing them in since both Cassie and Jemy haven’t been eating at all. If not for their usual rounds of milk, they could have been dehydrated already. But even the milk intake has waned. So that was really a wise choice to do.

After a few days, both of them have coped up with meds and liquids. Soon enough they were eating more. I guess the only thing that made difficult for us to have them admitted was the fact that they’ll be inserted with the needle again. And that is really to difficult to bear, especially for Cassie who’s veins are overshadowed by her chubby built. Siguro, we just thought they’ll recover faster thru that so we’ll just bear the sight of the procedure.

Thank God the kids recovered from the infection. But still we weren’t taking chances since the heat is not going down. So when we got back from the hospital, we had everything on round the clock meds regimen, as advised by their pedia (incidentally, the one that took care of Kara has become their pedia na rin!). And after a few days, Jemy is again back to his kulit self, if not doubly kulit pa! Cassie still was selective with food then but eventually became her old self as well. Kaya we’re still grateful that the kids are back to normal now.

I guess we just have to deal with the heat wave better this time. Despite the rising electricity rates, I guess I’d rather keep them comfy all the time in a aircon-cooled room, so as not to be affected by the heat again. And maybe keep the fans running downstairs when they play around the sala just to be ventilated from the trapped heat of the whole day.

Last week, Jemy has showed signs again of mild asthma, as evident of his coughing. But before it got any worse, we already had him nebulized for a given schedule. Now he’s coughing is less but manageable. I just hope his condition will soon be over so I wouldn’t be as worried of him since Kaye and I are working. Though he may be nebulizing, Jemy is still as bubbly and playful most of the time, as well as talkative and matakaw especially during meals and merienda. With Cassie, haaay… she’s really adorable at the same time super kulit! Besides we think she’s really a lot stronger than Jemy. But overall, we’re not as alarming as the one last April. We just hope and pray that the heat wave would finally come to an end. Because more than just dealing with the sweat and scorching, sunburn feeling, it’s really hard to bear of seeing the little ones suffer again because of this climate problem, where anyone and everyone can’t do anything about… for now.

Hope everyone can stay cool if we can help it. And let’s deal with the heat wisely, for summer, I think, is still a long way to go…

Hi everyone! Sorry for the short notice but this is actually a treat for you my blogger friends. My friend from Gadgets magazine (who is sponsoring the event as well) is inviting bloggers to attend this one-of-a-kind Bloggers Convention on April 17th at the Richmonde Hotel. It is actually open to all, however, you have to pay around P2,500 for registration.  So as a treat, all you need to do is email me your name & email addy at kermiteah@yahoo.com so I can submit your names, and you can get in on the event free of charge! If you are interested, email away for I need to submit the listing by today until tomorrow after lunch. Those who will be attending will have the chance to meet prominent bloggers, bring home giveaways and may even win great prizes in their raffle (the last event I attended their event they gave out iPods and cellfones as prizes, so you get what I mean when I say prizes hehehe)!

To know more of the event, just click here about the ad: Pinoy Blogfest

So if you have time on Saturday, do come to this big gathering of bloggers from all over the metro. Kaya, email na!

I am not much of an avid fan of big celebrities locally and abroad. But whenever I had the chance, well, I try to get a souvenir of whoever that personality is, if possible with me in it! In short, pichur pichur! But of course, I don’t always get souvenirs of all the celebrities I meet. In the same way, not all chances I get eventually to meet some have resulted to souvenir shots. I do have preferences too. And those I am sharing in this post are actually some of the people I aspired to meet  in my lifetime. In short, sometimes a busy person like me, can also become bakya, a bit jologs, or a mere follower of some of the world’s renowned people in the biz. But before I present you what I have collected so far, just a note: all the pics I have uploaded are genuinely taken and not photoshopped. But I won’t take it against you if you think otherwise. Besides,  I’m quite good at making two pics look like it was taken as one. Hahahah!

Now… On with the pictures!

Sari Yap is one of those people I've longed to meet before. She's the former Ed-in-chief, now president of Mega Publishing. She's also a devout Opus Dei, and single. This was taken during the 2003 AdCon in Baguio.

Had this pic taken during the Ad Con in Baguio in 2003. Sir Gabby was very accommodating and approachable in fernez! Plus, you seldom meet someone who heads one of the biggest TV companies in the country. That's why it was a privilege to have met him then. Daba?!?

Lucrecia Kasilag is the former artistic director and president of Cultural Center of the Philippines. She used to hear mass at the Adamson church where I serve. The country lost a great champion of the arts when she passed away in 2008. But I guess I'm just lucky to have met her and even see her every Sunday at church. Glad to have personally known you, Tita King.

One of my favorite priests, Fr. Jerry Orbos is the sibling of former Executive Sec. Oscar Orbos. When he heard mass at Adamson, I surely did not pass the opportunity to take this souvenir shot with him. Galing nga he was still in full vestments.

This was for a Samsung shoot in 2003 which I art directed. I was not starstruck but she was definitely nice and fun to work with. Imagine, Phoem was going gaga over moi! hahaha!

Really, am a huge fan of Jim Brickman! Meeting the guy in one of his radio guestings was really awesome! Am glad to have this pic taken (1997 i think) at KCFM during that time. After 2 weeks, we even watched his mini concert at Shangri-La, front seats pa! Hehe talagang idol ko 'to!

This was taken 1998 pa. This was in a event at PanPacific Manila where Gary V was formally announced as the UNICEF Ambassador in the Philippines. Being part of UNICEF then, I was proud to have met him.

Of course, Kara is one of my favorite idols in this lifetime. Apart from her being intelligent and all, am just proud to be her Dad, and will always support her in everything she does. No wonder am lucky to be there for her.

Of course, Kaye has become my obsession since college. As in sobrang taas ng hanga ko sa kanya. Di naman ako stalker noh, talagang love ko sya ever since. This was our first shot being a couple way back 2004. Ang sweet nya sa kin diba? Kaya sobrang love ko 'to!

This is my twin bro Jon. He's really one of those people who I was so proud to be with and share the good & bad times with since we started working. Sayang lang he left us early in life. But am happy where he is now. And he'll always be my idol for all time. The pic was taken early January 1999 in Paco Park while waiting for our singing gig in a wedding. It was our last pic taken together. A week after, he passed away.

Actually there are many others that I have not taken pictures with yet. But hoping to add more in my list soon. My next targets? Who knows? But definitely those next will be worth showing off to everyone who is also a fan at heart!

O ano pichur pichur tayo!

 

This is my first official post for my new home. Anyways, go… and read on.

If you happen to pass by Pasong Tamo cor. Estrella St in Makati (that’s right after 3 blocks from Buendia), you would notice that there’s this one building with the signage “Datronics.” So what’s the story behind this and why am I making a blog about it? Actually, wala naman. Hehehe kidding! The truth is, Datronics is where my Papa used to work way back when I was still in grade school. Yup! Pretty long time ago! And frankly, after 2 -3 years that Papa left the company, it closed shop. And it’s hard to believe that after all these years the signage is still there. I thought of making a blog in tribute to my Dad who worked really hard for the company he was once part of.

"it was there since my gradeschool days..."

As far as I know, the company closed in the early 1990′s because of financial factors and as always, bosses. It was managed before by a brother of Sen. “Manong” Enrile, who was actuallyknown in the elitist circle. They were, in fact, the first carriers of Compaq computers then, when Compaq was relatively new in the market. The company used to be housed at FM Lopez building in Legaspi village (Eurovilla area). When I was a kid, Papa used to fetch me and my late bro Jon from Don Bosco and then we go to his office to stay a bit while Papa finishes some stuff. Come to think of it, Datronics was just near the school so it’s easier for them to fetch us (Dismissal before was around 3pm). Another thing, Papa’s office is just one floor up from Mama’s office then CIS, where she works. O di ba very convenient indeed!

When we get there, of course, the first thing that we’d want to play on was the Compaq PCs then. To describe it, the PC is like a big rectangular suitcase, with the handle becoming the keyboard. So the rest of the big apparatus makes up the monitor, CPU, and all others. Do you get the picture? Literally, it’s considered the first Compaq laptop in a bulge. But mind you, I enjoyed playing Galaxians and the ever famous Pac-man game. I remembered once, Papa, being dedicated and all, sometimes brought one at home for him to continue his work as accountant. I never realized how much he did love working at Datronics. In fact, he was one of those employees who were given a break and if not, most trusted by the bosses. And in all those years, his dedication paid off in having us go to a nice private school (which I never knew that tuition was a bit steep) and graduate from it. I knew Papa was happy there. And because we were kids back then,  we never saw that, except the fact that Papa let us sometimes play Pac-man on the other units while he work at his station. After a while, he would already pack up and move to where we are so he would also have his turn to beat the 5 ghosts while munching all the pellets in the process. I even remembered Papa relating to us that they even came up with a Pac-man competition, where top contenders vied for something (sorry matagal na yun I can’t remember na yung prize). You see, Papa, even if he was busy most of the time computing numbers and all, was also a very good Pac-man player. He’s the only one I knew who brought the game to a whole new level.  Can you imagine reaching 60,000 points+ in just a single game? Talk about talent… and practice!

Anyways, when we moved from Don Bosco to MaSci, Papa was still with Datronics. A lot of good things were derived from his stay there. I knew we were able to have a car, got some extra furniture, and had an extra Compaq laptop to tinker and play with. But as years went on, Datronics’ performance was not anymore at par with its competitors. Apart from the rising competition, there were rumors internally. Then “Manong” bro resigned. The company then moved from Legaspi Village to finally in Estrella (see pic above). Of course, following suit were other employees who felt the company is about to “cave in”. Even those people who were kababayan of Papa from Batangas (whom he recommended for hiring) suddenly were retrenched. Eventually, Papa decided that it’s best for him to find another work because there were no more better opportunities the company would want to explore into. And so, Papa left the company. It took him a few months after before finding a new one. And then after a few years, Papa heard that the company indeed closed. It was a sigh of relief for him that he was already out of Datronics when it “rested in peace”. But i guess the memories and the good things that it gave him were something he would always remember. I for one am grateful to Datronics. Because it gave Papa a great sense of achievement and direction. And of course, for the good things it gave us when we were still growing and studying.

So that’s the story of Datronics. If ever you happen to pass by that area, try (as in try nyo lang) to take notice of the signage. At least now you would know the story of that company. The reason for the signage being there helped me remind of how far Papa have gone and been successful after that. It served as a landmark for me that makes me smile everytime just recalling of the good things I experienced then. For that I am thankful. But to be simple about it, I guess, the owner of the building doesn’t have the ounce of strength to ask someone to take it down, though the company has been non-existent for so many years now.

It’s not really just because a lot of our bloggerkadas (including my dear Kaye) have gone dotcom that I got to join the bandwagon. Well, honestly, it’s nice to have something you can call your own. This is why I moved from my bongkito wordpress tambayan to a more contemporary, stylish and up-to-date location and relaxing area. Thus, I’ve recreated, refurbished and rejuvenated “Ang Aking Munting BONGKITO” with a more refreshing look, now located at thegreenfrogcreations.com.

First of all, welcome to my new humble abode. I actually thought a lot before moving in to this new place. A lot different from my last place. More homey, more indoor but minimalist in treatment, and I guess, to put it better, more inviting for anyone to drop by.But i guess, it suits me and also my personality. Also, I’ve considered a lot in going dotcom since it already identifies me as a person. Of course, with the new look I still want to keep the old concept . Mainly because the bangkito (bench) is where my blogging started. Just made a little overhaul and wala, a new home at last!

But most of all, this change is because of all of you blogger friends whom I’ve become so fond of exchanging banter and all. And I thank Kaye for this because nakilala ko kayo and nae-enjoy ko ang inyong pagbisita, moreso for giving me and Kaye the chance to know you in return, kahit through the blogosphere lang.

So for you guys, thanks for staying with me on my old wooden bench. And as I welcome you here, just feel free to stay, relax and share stories again with me. Because this new home is also because of you so your stay here will always be worthwhile.

Thanks to salbehe for the help in finding me a new home to stay. Iba ang convincing power mo girl!

Thanks to my Kaye for keeping up with me and for making every blogging experience better as always. Sa totoo lang, si Kaye din ang checker ko in terms of grammar and structure. Tiwala kasi ako sa kanya kasi mas gamay nya magsulat kesa sa ‘kin.

And lastly, to the Lord for giving me such great bloggerfriends. Hopefully next time matuloy na ang EB na inaasam ng lahat. So finally we could now actually share stories and laugh and even exchange chichirs on a personal level.

Again, to all you guys, welcome home!!!

Fifteen years ago, I remember the first time I laid my eyes on her. She, striding down the MassComm hall in a somewhat flawless walk, donning most of the time in maong and shirt blouse attire. She completely awed me every time she passes by or even just smiling from afar. Funny though, I never knew her then. Good thing, a batchmate of mine, Mai, was an orgmate and a close friend of her. Immediately, I asked for her help. And then finally, the moment came when I was formally introduced to her face to face. The moment Mai said, “Kaye, si Bong. Bong, si Kaye…” never was I totally ecstatic about the whole meet-&-greet setup with the person I’ve been eyeing to get close to. Since then, I thought things will then take its course. Or that’s what I expected it to become. After a few times that I had “happy feel” moments with her, especially those times when we get to take the bus ride going to Boni (where she gets off to go to her tita’s house where her dad fetches her), I thought I was doing a great job of slowly but surely becoming close enough to eventually ask her for a date. I know that time there were also others who’d want to win her badly. But that was my chance. However, when December came, the month when all good things seem to flourish, unfortunately ended not so good for me. I was refused, passed, thrown the bucket. In short — basted! It hurt me badly that after that instant, I thought of forgetting her. I thought that was the end of it

By middle of 1997 was the next time I got to encounter Kaye again after that “pffft” college incident. Still, something was different. Kaye has still that magic spell on me in a way. And all those times I get to visit her at the IL office in Makati, I carry with me that feel of elation because I knew it was her that I’ll see. I even remember bringing my camera with me and by chance, we did have that first picture together. Boy, was I so much in cloud heaven!

From 1997 to 1999, I tried again and again to prove myself to her. But there were countless but valid reasons why Kaye and I never ended together. I almost gave up, knowing she will not fall for me anymore. This was even reinforced when her department moved up to the new office in Alabang. It was then I thought maybe everything’s not just for me and her. But you know, there was something I can’t still figure out why I can never let her go. Was it fate… destiny even… or by the mere belief that Kaye and I may still be possible, no matter how remote it is to happen.

From 2000, things became mellow with my feelings for Kaye. Maybe because I was already seeing a new girl then. I almost ended up marrying her since we have been discussing wedding plans as early as 2001. Pressure was a big factor and that may have been the reason for the delay. However, there was one instance when Kaye invited me and my friend Ara for a special screening of “Oro, Plata, Mata” at GB3. Excitement rushed to my head again. Anxious of seeing her and maybe talking to her again, no matter how held back I was, gave me an unusual high of admiration. Bad ba? I guess so, because my girlfriend was there and I was harboring that weird feeling for Kaye at that instant. Even right after the movie, where we should part ways, I still insisted myself of taking sight of Kaye as she and my friend Ara walked away. I still couldn’t get myself over about that night afterwards. I just felt like there were so many things about Kaye I would still want to discover if given the chance.

In a weird twist of fate, I ended the 4-year relationship with my ex early 2004. I kept mum about the break-up especially from Kaye. Maybe afraid to tell or not ready to share. But secrets do find its way to be revealed. And Kaye found out about it. She knew that me and my ex, as strange as it sounds, were not really meant to be. Funny, but I did agree with her in silence. After a long while, I realized that I should give myself a shot at something far that I’ve been missing… and wanting for a long time… to be with Kaye finally after 9 years of deprivation and many circumstances that were not held back what’s due for me.

And so, when February 2004 came, Kaye’s birhtday month, I knew I have to do something special. She had an event one weekend then, but I waited for her the whole time. Upon going home, I assisted and accompanied her to the bus station, even held her hand (unconsciously! Kunwari ) while crossing the street or just walking. It felt good, actually. But what was more memorable is what transpired when I stayed with her in the bus while it was being filled up. It was almost a slight smack on the side of her lips that showed my real intentions for her. I knew she was also surprised with it but what the hell! I liked it a lot and am hoping she did too.

And, as they say, the rest was history. Never was I so fulfilled when finally Kaye and I became a couple. 2004 was indeed a big turnaround for me, but was so thrilled that the girl I was hoping to end up with a few years ago, now I share the same feelings with. I was hesistant at first (coming from a breakup) but, I guess it’s really about time that I finally give that a rest and move on to the best of what I expect of my life to have – that is to realize a kind of life that involved Kaye.

On January 29, 2005, we tied the knot. Good friends were there. Close relatives and family were present and ecstatic to witness our I Do’s. But for me, it was the day that marked my life with forever with the only girl I ever dreamed of ending up with. Speechless yet jubilant, nervous but convinced, and no matter what the expressions I have felt during the wedding, I knew that I was finally complete, in heart and soul. I finally have her. And never would I let go this time.

And 5 years after, I still feel overjoyed with the whole experience. And I thank God that He never gave up on me for catching up on Kaye through all the hardships and situations. Worth the wait? True. Lucky to finally have her? Not luck but simply rewarding! Kaye has been my dream finally fulfilled. And together with our kids Kara, Jemy and Cassie, there’s nothing in life that I would want more. Of course, maybe just growing old with her and see our kids realize their own dreams too.

Be, thank you for the first 5 years we’ve shared, through all the good times and bad. Here’s to more years ahead for us, and more blessings that we’ll be sharing for each other and for the family.

With all my heart, I LOVE YOU! Happy 5th Anniversary!

Alam ko medyo kalagitnaan na ng Enero. Actually, plano ko dapat mag-blog upang magpasalamat sa marami bagay na nangyari sa kin noong nakaraang taon. SO… without further ado, eto na.

Una… thank you kay Lord dahil sa maraming blessings na binibigay n’ya pa rin para sa king pamilya. Alam ko di ko ito matutumbasan ng kahit ano except for prayers lang and kung may chance ay pag-serve sa mass (kami ni Kaye ay cantor para sa salmo responsorio).

Pangalawa… salamat sa mga bumati sa kin sa aking birthday noon nakaraang buwan. Di man magarbo o kakaiba, makabuluhan s’ya sa kin ng sobra dahil kasama ko ang pamilya ko para i-celebrate s’ya ng matiwasay. Sorry kung ngayon lang ako makapagtenkyu kaya magmention na ko now — to my sis Ateyet, Mama ko, Papa ko, my darling Kara, Papa Melo, Mami Minda, Kuya Anne at sa butihing bf nit I o na si Onid, Iah (pinsan ko), Tita Meh, Tito Eric, at mga nakaalalang friends ko na nagtext, Karen, Ara, Genesis, Ai at ang future bayaw kong si RG (naks! actually magiging bunsong kapatid ko sya hehehe!) plus yung mga friends ko pang nagpost sa FB at lahat ng mga dablogkarda — daghang salamat sa inyong tanan! Pinataba nyo ang puso ko ng sobra sobra ng inyong pagbati! I love you all!

Pangatlo… salamat sa bagong trabaho kong pinapasukan ngayon. Nangangapa man ay alam kong katagalan ay kakayanin ko rin ito. Besides, alam ko si Kaye ay nakaantabay lang para ako tulungan. Medyo major shift for me kasi from copywriting ay mayroon na rin akong PR work, if not most of the time, yun ang gagawin ko. Basta, pagbubutihin ko na lang ‘to and I know I would eventually excel din sa bago kong trabaho later on.

And lastly, everyday na ako’y magpapasalamat sa aking Kaye na s’yang nagbibigay sigla at kahulugan sa aking bawat pagkilos sa mundong ito. Siguro iba talaga ang feeling ‘pag sinasabing sayong sayo na talaga s’ya. Oo talagang sa kin s’ya and am proud that nandun ako for her sa lahat ng kanyang pangangailangan. Sa lahat ng mga pagsubok, kasiyahan, di pagkakaintindihan, kulitan, kataimtiman, at pagmamahalan, ako’y taas-kamay na humahanga sa kanyang paninindigan at katibayan ng loob sa lahat ng aming nadaanan at dadaanan pa ng sabay sa darating pang mga taon. But most of all, sa pagkakaloob ng Diyos sa amin ng tatlong napakahalagang regalo sa buhay — si Kara, Jeremy at Cassie — wala na akong hihilingin pang kapalit sa D’yos dahil kinompleto na n’ya ang pinagka-asam-asam simula’t sapul. Sa ‘yo Be, maraming salamat at di ko ikahihiyang sabihin na Mahal na Mahal Kita ng sobra sobra!

Muli, Happy New Year sa ‘ting lahat at nawa’y maging masaya ang ating buhay ng buong taon!

Pahabol lang: Ma, Happy Birthday! (as in ngayon tlaga birthday n’ya that’s why I wanted lang a special mention of her here.) I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH and thank you for being my Mama!

I just came back to Rm 2003 from almost an hour and a half prayer time at St. Luke’s Chapel for a rosary and some daily readings from Fr. Fiel’s Bible Diary gift (thanks Fads for this). I already felt a bit hungry after a late breakfast. But I really opted to spend time with Him, and ask for guidance and peace of mind especially at this very moment.

Today is Kaye’s surgery for her slipped disc. I never thought things would actually reach this point. After almost a month of therapies and meds that we thought might work to correct and restore Kaye’s posture and agility, it finally arrived. Actually, as I am writing this, Kaye’s still undergoing surgery. Good thing that his cousin, Dr. Joel Lazaga, who’s a orthopedic surgeon, is the one who’s taking care of the operation. Not to mention Dr. Lazaga’s wife, Yogi who also happens to be Kaye’s anesthesiologist, is also there inside for support during the whole ordeal. So, I am pretty sure, Kaye is in very good hands.

But honestly, I am still in worried state. Of course, a lot of things are to expect. Will she be ok already? Will there be complications (i pray wala!)? Will things be a lot better for her, more so, normal as we’re hoping she would eventually after this? So many questions… But right now, I just don’t want to be bothered by it. I want to be strong when all these are over. I want her to feel that hey finally she’ll get to enjoy life again… spend time with the piglets more, report to work, go to the mall or just do anything without fretting on something painful that refrains her from doing what she loves best. I guess those are the things that she needs right now. Maybe after a few days of recuperating and all, she’ll be good as new. And I do hope she becomes fine. So maybe, I could again start fetching her at the office, go home together, stroll the mall on the way to the service, eat at McDo or even grab to-go delights from DQ. I know it’s tough to be strong at times, but I guess I’m only human. Fear might set in, even uncertainties can really play up with your mind. I guess that’s the purpose of prayer. Communing with the Lord does great wonders in all areas — mind, body and spirit. And I did needed that awhile ago. That’s the reason why I have to delay writing this post and first talk to Him.

Now I feel more prepared to wait. Because I believe He’s done His part of staying with Kaye during the whole operation. And of course, with all the prayers that may have bombarded the heavens for the past 2 hours from relatives, close friends and dabloggerkads, including mine, am pretty sure Kaye will be back in her “brand new” self after she’s moved to the Recovery Room. Besides, I did promise her that, after everything has passed, I will see her in a while…

See you in 2 hours, Be…