Birthday Wishlist: A Time to Give Back

My birthday is in less than 2 months. My family & friends know that I get all excited about it.

 I remember I celebrated it big when I turned 30. I had a birthday photo shoot,special invites,AVPs, souvenirs,lechon,theme (XXX-A Limited Engagement),a mini program, among others.

Last year I celebrated with my family,relatives and friends back in my home country. I really had fun and decided from then on, that I will always celebrate my future birthdays back home.

This year, I started planning as early as February. I wanted to bring my family to Boracay. In fact, I already made initial reservations with Boracay Regency ,however, I had to cancel it because of conflicting schedules among the family. I was really disappointed because Bora birthday with my family has been one of my dreams. Anyway, it took me awhile to resort to Plan B. Ok, i'll have my intimate party at home then. But I really want to make it more special so I had been thinking hard for the past few days. Last night, an idea came  up. Why not celebrate it with the less fortunate kids back home? And so, I came up with this blog. Yes, dear friends, I would like to ask a favor. Instead of material gifts, could you instead pledge a monetary amount to help feed the less unfortunate kids even for a day?

And so, I'm planning to throw a Jollibee Kids party for at least 20-30 less fortunate kids! 

I'll match 50% of your monetary pledge and for those who would donate at least 500 pesos,I'll give you a Tokyo keychain as a token of appreciation. 

I need to raise at least Php10,000 (~300 SGD) for the party to cover the party pack meals and loot bags. 

http://www.jollibeekidsparty.com/index.php/step_preview

Once I get enough pledges, I'll start scouting for an orphanage or schools with less fortunate children back home.

THANK YOU! 

Happy Father's Day Papa!

Dear Papa,

You passed away more than 16 years ago so you've missed a lot of what happened in the family.
Since today is a special day, I'd like to give you an update.

Mama Doris , the love of your life, never got married again. She has sacrificed a lot so we could have better lives. We could never repay her unconditional love but we strive to give her a little bit of comfort. Her grandchildren are so crazy about her! You must have missed her so much.

Ate Apples is now married. Yes, she married Kuya Dennis. I could still very well remember how you "lovingly" punished Ate because she was dating him at a young age.

Ate is a high-school teacher. She just passed the comprehensive exam in her Master's class. (You should be proud of your "original")

You now have four beautiful grandchildren from her-Denzel Julle, Doreen Anne ,Derek Dale and Donnel Leo.

Denzel (DJ) ,the eldest, is on his 2nd year at the university. He will be a successful accountant someday.
Doreen (Donne),the only girl, is now a senior high school. She is very responsible and Mama's sidekick. Her tito's favorite.
Derek (Dale), a brilliant kid, is on his final year in Elementary School. He's very obedient and prayerful. He was elected as president of his class this year.
Donnel (Deo), the family's baby, is now in Grade 2. He was born on your death anniversary. Ate said you gave him to her as your replacement. If you'll notice, "Leo" is part of his name-in loving memory of you.

Kuya Am-Am is also married. He married Joan and they have one daughter- Kimberly May. 

Kimberly (Yam2x) is a tall and talented girl. She's pretty and graceful. Ate told me once that when she sees Yam2x dance,she gets goosebumps.

I know you will be very happy if I tell you that Kuya finished college. (You should  be proud of your only son!)

Papa,. Ate Apples may have been your "original". And Kuya Am2x may have been your only son. But you told me I was your "number one". I would never forget that.

I am now an accountant,Papa. And I am away from home for the longest time. Mama encouraged me to spread my wings because she knew that you would have wanted that. Nevermind if I was the baby, Mama let go of me to pursue my dreams, fly high and make the most of the talents you helped cultivate when I was young. And I owe everything to you. One of the greatest lessons you've taught me is to compete only with myself and never with others. One time you were disappointed because I came out second in our class standing. I jokingly told you that I can't be number one all the time as I have to give chance to others. You got mad and told me that I should not think about what others can do, it is what I can do-I should only compete with myself and  always strive to be better than the last time.

I hope you are also proud of me Papa.

By the way, I never got married. [Pakisabi naman kay Papa Jesus diyan sa tabi mo,if it is in His will that i'll  be married in this lifetime, sana yung okay naman at sana asap na, haha!]


I hope you're having a party up there to celebrate Father's Day.
If you have time, visit me in my dreams and update me of what's up with you. :)

I LOVE YOU PAPA!

Papa Liling and Baby Jean-Grade 6 Grad Rites

Your Grandchildren

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

Today is the 113th Independence Day of my beloved country-the Philippines!
In Filipino language, we call this day "Araw ng Kalayaan" (Direct Translation: Day of Freedom)

It is my country's Independence from the colonial rule of Spain.
This one is quite complicated because the Americans colonized us right after Spain.
To make this story short, the Americans later on recognized the declaration on July 4,1946.
At some point, Independence Day was celebrated every 4th of July but later on changed to June 12 through RA 4166.

June 12 is also considered as Flag Day.
Public and Private Offices usually display the Philippine Flag on their edifices.

Happy Independence Day to my countrymen!



You may listen to our National Anthem here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_QBKzmtIIw&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdNOmKphK-M


It's also my niece's birthday today. Happy Birthday Doreen Anne! xoxo