Jed's First Communion

James Daniel Wilson Semilla, fondly called Jed had his first communion April 22, 2007. This was held in St.Patrick's Church in Markham, Canada.

Jed is the only son, actually the only child of my youngest brother Jimmy. They have been residents of Canada for about I can't remember for how long!

Jed just turned 8 years old last August 3 and is now in 2nd Grade at San Lorenzo Ruiz in Markham, Canada.

This godson of mine loves to play video games. He ice skates (who would not if you are in Canada) and riding his bike. He is now into basketball also. His father thinks he will grow to about 6 feet or higher!

Jed's favorite subject in school is Science and perhaps may pursue a career in it. Hmmm, a Semilla scientist, never heard of anyone before. Plausible?

Just to add something that came from Jimmy himself - "he is pogi, mana sa ninong". Hey that came from him and had nothing to influence it...

A First Communion Blessing

May you always feel
as close to Jesus
as you to today,
May you always count on Him
to gently guide you
on your way...
May you always trust in God
to answer every single prayer,
May you always
feel Him blessing you
with tender, loving care.

-Author Unknown

View Album

Get your own

The Way We Were

Remember the days of yesteryears
as I take you back to times almost
forgotten...

Pictures courtesy of Joel Toribio Limcangco
Due to the comments of my previous post - "Jopoy is 17!"
I decided to use the same medium of presentation.
Click on the "View Album" if you want to see the pictures
bigger and with captions. Don't forget to use "Slide show".


The Way We Were
-Barbara Streisand

(sing with me again...)

Mem'ries,
Light the corners of my mind

View Album

Get your own

Misty water-colored memories
Of the way we were

View Album

Get your own

Scattered pictures,
Of the smiles we left behind

View Album

Get your own

Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were

View Album

Get your own

Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time re-written every line?

View Album

Get your own

If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we? Could we?

View Album

Get your own

Mem'ries, may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember

View Album

Get your own

We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter

View Album

Get your own

We will remember
Whenever we remember...
The way we were...
The way we were...

Jopoy is 17!

This blog uses flash player plugin, so if you don't have one, download it and install. Oh, this blog may take some time to load also...

Sunrise Sunset
Sheldon Harnick (lyrics)
Jerry Brock (music)

(sing with me...)

Is this the little boy I carried?

View Album

Get your own

Is this the little boy at play?

View Album

Get your own

I don't remember growing older
When did he?

View Album

Get your own

When did he get to be so handsome?
When did he get to be so tall?

View Album

Get your own

Wasn't it yesterday
When he was small?

View Album

Get your own

Sunrise, Sunset (2X)
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

View Album

Get your own

Sunrise, Sunset (2X)
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

View Album

Get your own

What words of wisdom can I give him?
How can I help to ease his way?
Now he must learn from me and another
Day by day

View Album

Get your own

We used to look natural together
Just like Father and Son should be

View Album

Get your own

Is there a canopy in store for me?

View Album

Get your own

Sunrise, Sunset (2X)
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

View Album

Get your own

Sunrise, Sunset (2X)
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears.

View Album

Get your own

Meet the Graduates of 2007!

Jean Christianne Naniong Semilla, or "Jeanne" is the eldest daughter of my eldest brother - Kuya JV. Born November 20, 1994, she will be entering her teens this year.

She just finished her elementary studies at Magis Young Achiever's Learning Center where she was recognized for Excellence in Theater Arts and Journalism. She will be attending high school at St. Scholastica's College.

Her interests are playing Sims and chatting with her many friends through Friendster!


Nicole Arielle Baluyot Villaroel, known to us as "Arielle" or "Nica" to her friends is the eldest daughter of Ninang Do. She was born September 27, 1994, like Jeanne she will be a bona fide teenager when she celebrates her 13th birthday this year.

Arielle finished her grade school at St. Theresa's College of Quezon City and will still attend her high school there.

Jonathan Paul Amigo Semilla, "Jopoy" is my eldest son. Born July 1, 1990, he will be turning 17 on his next birthday.

He just finished his high school studies from Gospel Light Christian Academy where he received a Pathfinders rank as a Boy Scout. He was also cited as Best in Photography. He is the school newsletter official photographer. Jopoy was also cited as the school's Widest Reader. The school's principal told us that they ran out of library books for Jopoy to read!

Like Nanay (Lola Sening), Mommyen (my Mom), and Tita Lita, he wants to pursue a teaching career specializing on secondary education. "I don't want to waste my life in a four walled office - I want to reach out to the youth and share what I know..." is his motivation.

He ranked in the top 100 entrance examinees of University of Santo Tomas, but he chose to go to deLasalle-Araneta University where he feels he can freely achieve his dreams.

In Recognition:

John Angelo "Gelo" Quinio Limcangco - Johan's son, finished preschool at The Little Apprentice PreSchool, teacher's pet, moving up to Junior Prep in deLasalle Zobel-Alabang.

Jan Noel Baluyot Villaroel - Ninang Do's youngest, Jan is moving up to Grade 4 from Grade 3 where he received a bronze medal at the Lourdes School of Quezon City.

Jana Christen Naniong Semilla - Kuya JV's youngest, moving up to Grade 3, 6th placer out of 400+ Grade 2 students, 5th in honor list, St. Scholastica's College

Josephine Mae "Jasmin" Amigo Semilla - my daughter, moving up to Grade 5, with honors, Gospel Light Christian Academy

Julia Mirielle Vida Limcangco - Joel's youngest, moving up to Grade 6, Montessori de Manila

Jessica Angelique "Jessie" Vida Limcangco - Joel's eldest, moving up to 4th year High School, Montessori de Manila

To All - Congratulations for a job Well done!

Happy 11th Birthday Jasmin!

Jasmin, my daughter just turned 11 years old last March 1, 2007.

For the occasion, we decided to give her a swimming party in one of the private resorts in Pansol, Laguna.

Relatives from both sides of her family attended and had a whole day of fun, eating, telling stories, and of course swimming!

As for the Anselmo side - everybody was there except for Kuya JV and his kids (hindi niya toka...) Ate Divine's kids - Carlo and Denise (have work), Alex, Carla and Chi have school. Jessie of Joel had school work to finish. Johan is still in the states, but Ina and Gelo where with us!

As always, lots of food. I won't mention anymore - just wait for you guys when you come home...

It's just sad that on that day I learned of an Anselmite just passed away - Arnel Anselmo San Diego, son of Tita Seny and Tito Manoling of Obando, Bulacan. My mom and Tita Cely with Ninang Do and Uncle Caloy proceeded to his wake after the party to extend our condolences...

Anyway, enjoy the pictures. Click the picture below and enjoy it in slide show.

jasmins 11th bday pansol

Happy Birthday Mommy-yen!

My mom just celebrated her 70th birthday. Mommy-yen to most of the nephews and nieces and to all grand children - she had a wonderful celebration.

We had the party in Macapagal Seaside Port, that's near the Mall of Asia along Macapagal Avenue in the PICC reclaimed area (I think that is what they call it...). It's a row of restaurants where one gets to do some "palengke" for the food you want to eat. Then you pick your restaurant and they will cook it for you. "Dampalan" is what the place is commonly known.

We had this also with Ate Beth's birthday party last time she was here in the Philippines, only it was in the "dampalan" in Pasig.

Kuya JV was with his kids - Jeanne and Jana, that made it more special for my mom.

Ninang Do was there with Caloy and their kids - Ariel and Jon. Ate Divine with Carla, Alex, Carlo with his wife Denise, and Chi! After a long absence from the Anselmo affairs, she was with us this time. Not present though was Danica who was in a camping trip. Tita Lita was there with Joel, Joy and their kids Jessie and Julia. Johan cannot make it for he is in the states and his wife Ina and son Gelo had to attend a musical.

Tita Cely was about one restaurant away from where we were. They were having their Torres high school batch reunion. Mom was able to see her batch mates as well and that added to the treat.

We had so much to eat! I shall enumerate to you what we had so you can start craving for them : Sinigang na baboy and Isda, inihaw na liempo, prawns, crabs, some vegetables in all sort of preparations, variance of fish, crispy pata, and so much more. Hmmm... delisyoso!

Much to moms' surprise was when she was serenaded with a birthday song by a group of waiters. She had a slice of cake compliments of the house...

This event was made possible by Ate Beth, Jimmy, Kuya JV and myself. Also, to my wife Monette who picked the menu (which was perfect!) and did the "palengke". To my siblings - muchos gracias me hermanos y hermana! Maraming Salamat sa inyo mga kapatid!

I am trying to add videos to this post, but I am still in a learning curve. Watch out for it very soon. I am getting there!

Click on the image below to see more pictures of the event. Again - best viewed in slideshow.

Mommie-yens' 70th bday

Remembering Nanay

It has been 4 years since Nanay passed away January 31, 2003.

Mother, Wife, Teacher, Author, Green Thumb, Guidance Councilor, Community Servant, and most of all she was "Nanay".

This is just a tribute in pictures. Of her younger years, her way that I never knew.

I don't know the events surrounding each picture as most of us will never know. I just hope that to those of you who may happen to remember may just, well... remember.

Right, Nanay at 13 years of age. The next pictures are Nanay at 15, 17, and 24. Then Tatay and Nanay in 1936.

I found a picture of Nanay and Tatay with Tita Letty, Tita Lita. and my Mom (Fe.) Immediately is a family picture - Tito Eddie, Tita Lita (pregnant with Joel), my Mom, Nanay and Tatay, Tita Letty, and Tito Geny. The kids - my siblings - Jimmy, and Kuya JV, and me (picture compliments of Joel).

Last is Nanay in one of her happiest mood, with me, my wife Monette and Jopoy, then Joel, his wife Joy and Jessie.
I tried to write something for her. The way she was to me. So hold the criticisms first. Read on and then post your comment whether good or bad, OK?

Here is to you, Nanay.

Growing up with you by my side. Through the years you watched me grow. Listening to every word I've said. And every word I've wrote you've read. You've been there for me to the end. Until the day for you, God did send.

I will miss you with all my heart. Thank you for being there from the start. Through all the good times we had she never said I was bad. I was her favorite. Well, to my mind I think I was. When I was with her, she held me and said
“I love you and I’m always here. If you can't live with someone who is more precious, then I will take care of you.”

She made me understand things I just couldn't get. She made the best "putchero". She gave me money when I needed it. Who would try to give me the entire world as far as she could see? And never is too busy to show how much she cares.

She was not perfect, as anyone of you can attest. I cannot say that I agreed with all things that she said and did. Nor to some of her actions that she thought was just best.

When she was sick I stayed by her side. With my arms open wide, all this to show my gratitude, my love.

I saw the old in her eyes. At times it made me wonder how long she will still live.

The wrinkles in her eyes were like wrinkles in time. She’s more tired and older than I remembered her to be.
She’s weak and loses her temper easily.

I waited with her and cried
But I wasn't there
That night she died...

A Day in Enchanted Kingdom

Jopoy and Jasmin has just finished their 3rd quarter exams. And as a treat and to "relieve" themselves of the demands of their rigorous studies, Monette and I bring them out of town. This quarter we brought them to Enchanted Kingdom.

To those who have not been there, Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park located in Sta.Rosa Laguna, a little over an hour from Solis at cruising speed. Not so much like Disneyland or any theme parks there abroad but it still provides the fun and enjoyment for the kids and young-at-heart.

There are enough rides to give enjoyment and a bit of scare. There are even rides that will soak you real wet (just couldn't take pictures on these "wet" rides, you know - might damage the camera!).

We went there with a nephew and a niece of Monette.

I know that this has nothing to do with the Toribio-Baluyot events, but it's been quite a time since I posted something for you guys.

Maybe when you guys come home we will "enchant" you to Enchanted Kingdom!

Click on the picture and view in slide show.

A Day in Enchanted Kingdom

Tita Lita's Birthday 2006

Tita Lita's Birthday has become a yearly event for us.

Fresh from the mini-reunion of Christmas day, all of us feel like meeting again, and what perfect occasion than that of Tita Lita's birthday which falls on New Year's eve!

This year it was Italian - we had pizza, baked spaghetti, tacos. We can't do without fruit cocktail. We had a bit of Filipino too - Johan brought with him bibingkettes (small bibingka pies).

There was camera shoot fest! Everybody brought with them their cameras to capture the moments.

The younger NOW generation brought their game boy consoles and displayed their skills in playing them much to the amusement of the older ones.

It was a very joyful event because everybody was there! - Kuya JV and his kids, Joel and Johan's families, Ninang Do and Ate Divine's families too! Of course I came complete with Monette, Jopoy and Jasmin. Tunying also joined us with his kindda outrageous get-up.

We played Taboo and Jon of Ate Do surprised everybody with his coolness under pressure and vocabulary skills. It was boys vs. girls with a race to win 20 points first. Of course, the boys bested the girls... need I say more. It was a sure thing from the start!

Mom and Tita Lita, with Caloy, Ninang Do and Ate Divine chatted the night away!

Unfortunately we couldn't stay for the New Year celebration. Everybody has to go to their own individual parties. Us, we have to go to Monette's house for a reunion with her relatives.

But still, though time seemed to fly, we enjoyed ourselves. More so for Birthday girl - Tita Lita.

Enjoy the pictures here. Click on the picture, preference you view the pictures in slide show:

Tita Lita's Birthday 2006