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