J-o-l-l-i-b- double E!

I miss Jollibee. I miss the soggy french fries, the yumburger, chickenjoy and practically everything about Jollibee.

I grew up spelling J-o-l-l-i- double E in their commercials. It was fun. I vividly remember Jollibee swimming in the ocean and meeting his friends there. I had those Jollibee collectibles kept inside the "aparador", mugs, glass, toothbrush, plates, name it. We had those.

Jollibee opened it's first store in Davao maybe in the early 1990's. Before that, it was my lola who frequently went to Manila who'd bring us those pasalubongs. From Jollibee items to dunkin donuts, yes, even dunkin took so long to start its business in the province.

Ask any filipino kid back in Pinas and he/she can relate to Jollibee. Even if you have not eaten or gone to Jollibee you probably would know the smilling big bee in yellow and red outside it's stores as if calling you to try the Filipino food.

When I go back home for vacation, I would really stop by and have lunch or meryenda there. I'll post pictures here for proof. ;)

Thank God for the blessings

I have this very funny (i think) trait, I talk to myself. Sometimes I hear myself making different stories as if I were somewhere else. Maybe I can attribute that to my being a Pisces. They say that Pisces are dreamers. Maybe.

As I was walking towards the grocery just a few hours ago, I heard myself utter a prayer. It was actually the nth time that I did that. Often during my walks home and when I am alone during those walks I'd talk to God. Prayers is just one, sometimes I'd hum a tune or sing for Him.

As always the prayer was for my loved ones back home. My mother, my baby, my brother and sister.

I realized that even though I am too far and in such a different culture/ society I can always find more things to be thankful for. Yes, unlike those families who are complete and together, I thank God that inspite of being a single mom my family showed me more love than I could imagine.

That beyond the poverty that so many people are experiencing, I have a job and able to sustain my family back home. And in the midst of hatred, I have people around me who genuinely treasure the friendship that we have.

Message in a bottle (part 4)

Dear Andy,

Hi there sweetheart. Oh you've grown so much the past year that I have been away. I remember when I left you, you can barely call me mommy. Now, you've been so talkative especially when I call you.

Please anak as I nearly finish my first year here, I would like for you to understand, not just by your brain but in your heart how I have come to the decision to grab this opportunity. I know I can never turn back time. The moment that I have decided, yes, I will go abroad there was no turning back.

I was once asked if the pay was worth it, please remember this Andy, it will never be. There won't be any monetary equivalent to being beside you as you grow.

The next two years I know will also be hard for me, as our separation won't ever be easy. I pray that when this contract/ experience end there will be something good for me back home.

Always remember that I love you and I will always pray that you grow up to be brave and patient and kind and loving.

There will be so many things that I will want to tell you... I will, in time.

I love you so much anak.

love,

mommy

Knowing

I was amazed how she has learned the skill of talking. Andie has just turned two and yet she can almost talk straight. The way she speaks to me when I ask her certain questions make me so proud of my daughter.

She's very intelligent and learns fast. I just hope she grows up to be a very very good girl.

Happy birthday little girl!

Happy.

Paalam Cory Aquino (1933-2009)

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. Cory Aquino, President, democracy icon.

When Andrea understands things, I will make sure she will come to know and learn of the life of this great woman in our history.

I may not have experienced how it was to live in the martial law era but I know how to live in freedom.

There is a great responsibility with this type of freedom. It is each Filipinos' duty to make sure to guard this well.

Thank you for helping us get that freedom from oppression Madam President.

You will always be remembered.