2008..the year that was! 2009...charging ahead!!

dear mazi,

today is the last of the year 2008 and i am currently holed up in our branch here in abbotsford. i needed to drive here (about an hour and a half drive) to observe the inventory taking. mommy is also at work today, eventhough she was not feeling well, because of some urgent matters.

anyway, i would like to sum up here the year 2008.... and also to look forward to what we will be planning for 2009.

here it goes....

2008 started a little bit differenct for daddy and mommy. daddy became so busy working on a project at work. i generally worked from 8am to 11pm everyday from january to july. i even went to work on weekends due to the heavy work load. i was trying to resolve some big problems in one of our branch. it was a tough first half of the year for daddy. there were times that we have to spend lunch or dinner at my work during weekends because i still can not go home. you and mommy just brought me some food to share. you also met my boss and had a little chat with him.

mommy's first half of the year was "uneventful" because she decided to take a break from corporate life. she was taking care of you full time. you were sooo happy that you get to bond with mommy everyday. she brings and picks you up from school and other activities every single day.

last april, we had our cousins from australia staying in our place for almost two weeks. that was a really good break for daddy from work. we drove around and ate to so many different restaurants during that visit. we went to seattle and stayed overnight at hampton inn near boeing plant at everett. it was great times. you were able to play and got to know your cousins way better. we had the tour of boeing plant where you got to try the simulated flight in a fighter jet. it was awesome (coz daddy tried it too!).

we had a wonderful time with uncle naz, auntie rin, nj and ot. and so with the dadamias although they stayed with tito alvin's place.

after they left, mommy started to look for a job. she wanted to go back to workforce (we needed to augment our income coz we needed to buy some more of this and some more of that!! hehehe). Before she got back to work, we decided to do a quick trip to san diego and los angeles.

that was the beginning of june. we flew from seattle. we stayed overnight at tito sime's place and had him drove and picked us up at the airport. lolo nonoy drove to la to pick us up. we stayed at their place for two nights. on the day we arrived, he brought us to ruby diner in the middle of the beach at oceanside, ca where he lives together with lola elsa. it was great. we got to see so many things in that area. you even wanted to swim!!!

we went to legoland for a whole day with mommy. it was soooo much fun. see the picture banner in this blog, that was one of your pics at legoland. a lot of people are staring at you coz you were so japorms. they said that you are so fashionable. wow!! we were so tired after that whole day visit. it was well worth it though. oh i should not forget that you got your first driver's license at legoland too. you had so much fun driving that volvo car.

our last night at san diego was spent having dinner in one of the thai resto there together with lolo nonoy and tita candy. oh before i forget, were able to try again jollibee and red ribbon restaurant. after almost 5 years we were able to eat jollibee chicken again....and again, coz that was what we had also when we went back to la. oh the ensaymada and ube cake were great too!!

the following day, we were driven back to la by lola elsa. we went back to universal studios. remember we went there when you were only 4? universal studios was on the news that day because of the fire that gotten one of the production area. but still, the park is open for us to explore and enjoy. and enjoyed we did!!!

we had lots of fun going thru the rides and watching some shows. i must admit, the best ride was when we got into the jurassic park boat. it was awesome!! you were so brave!! we again watched waterworld and got inside the horror house. (i think this is where you lost your sunglasses.

anyway, it was soooo much fun. you, mommy and i had a blast. we went back to the hotel dead tired. still, we tried to drive around la especially the beach area.

the following day, before heading to the airport, we went to the hollywood area where we took pictures (tons of them) of the handprints and some guys/gals in customer. we also walked around beverly hills and ogle at some of the wonderful items there. we also drove to one of the beach to have our pictures taken. you were frolicking in the sand and didnt want to go. just goes to show how much you love the beach or water in general.

to be continued....

ang maputing pasko 2008

dear mazi,

merry christmas sweetheart! 6th christmas in richmond, bc!! wow!! for the first time, we experienced white christmas!! everywhere you look, it is blindingly white! it was awesome!

well, this time, i will try to write you in tagalog since you want us to talk to you in tagalog...here it goes....

anak, maswerte tayo at nakaraning tayo dito sa bansang pangako.... ok rin naman ang buhay natin sa pilipinas subalit mas naging kaaya-aya at maunlad ang ating pamumuhay mula ng lumipat tayo dito sa canada. dito tayo unang nagkaroon ng sariling bahay at mga sasakyan. naging masigasig din kami ng nanay mo sa aming mga karera. nabiyayaan kami ng mga trabahong nagbigay satin ng karangyaan sa buhay.

natustusan natin ang mga pangangailangan at mga rangya sa buhay. nakapagliwaliw tayo sa ibang bansa at nakaranas ng maraming bagay na nagpapaligaya sa atin.

tayo ay nagpapasalamat unang una sa poong maykapal sa pagbibigay sa atin ng ganitong pagkakataon at sa lahat ng biyayang ating natatanggap. ganon din ang patuloy nyang paggabay sa ating araw araw na buhay. hindi rin nya pinabayaan ang ating mga mahal sa buhay. patuloy nyang ginagabayan tayong lahat.

ang paskong ito ay ang patuloy na paggunita sa pagsilang sa ating mahal na poon. dapat ay patuloy nating isapuso at isip na ito ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagsasaya at naghahanda tuwing darating ang ganitong panahon. ang lahat ng meron tayo ay patuloy nating idinudulog at iniaalay sa kanya.

sa ngayon, natutuwa ako at ikaw ay naligayahan sa mga regalong iyong natanggap mula sa amin at sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay. sana ay patuloy mong pagyamanin ang pagmamahal at pagpapahalaga na binibigay namin sa iyo.

patuloy ka sanang lumaki na nagmamahal sa diyos at nabubuhay ayon sa kanyang kagustuhan. patuloy mo rin sanang mahalin ang iyong mga magulang, at mga kamag-anak. lumaki ka nawa na may pagmamahal sa puso at respeto sa kapwa. patuloy ka sana magsumikap sa iyong pag-aaral at patuloy na abutin ang iyong mga pangarap. maging maligaya ka nawa sa pipiliin mong karera.

ikaw ang aming buhay ng iyong ina. ikaw ang aming tanglaw sa aming buhay. ang lahat ng pinagsusumikapan namin ay para sa iyo at sa amin. maging maayos masaya ka sana sa lahat ng desisyon na iyong gagawin sa iyong buhay.

masyado ng seryoso ang aking mga nalathala sa itaas. gusto ko lang maiparating sa iyo ang aming taus pusong pagmamahal at ang aming pangako na patuloy ka pa rin namin gagabayan.

nagmamahal,

tatay

santa letters

dear mazi,

i just want to post here the santa letter you kiddos got this Christmas. This is really nice.

Christmas 2008

Dear Mazi,

It is Christmas time once again!!! Have you been NAUGHTY or NICE this past year?? Tell me! On second thoughts, you don’t need to because I knew you have been very good this year!

I am happy that you are doing very well in both your school and extra-curricular activities like swimming, tennis, arts, singing and your other interests.

Keep up the good work. Study harder and eat a lot!! Continue to discover new things and always have fun! Improve your participation in school activities. Stay active!

Continue to be respectful of everybody. Continue being sweet and caring to your loved ones. They sure liked it!!

I know you are asking for hair curler as a gift from me. I’m sorry that I can not give in to your request as I think you are still young to use it and will just ruin your long shiny hair. Maybe in the next few years when you are already grown up, you can have one of those. Meantime, I gathered some of the most fashionable clothes that I am sure you would like. Have fun wearing and styling them. You are growing up to be one lovely girl.

Until next year. Ciao!!

Santa


Christmas 2008

Dear Sean Anthony,

Do you still believe that I exist?? If not, do not open my gift to you anymore, I will just give them to some kids who still believe in me. Kidding!

Anyway, congratulations on your swimming class !! You did very well, imagine you were accelerated, that means your mom saved some money! I know that you are also doing good in your other activities, keep it up! Kudos also for your very good performance at your preschool class.

Please continue to be a very good kiddo. Your parents are so proud of you. I have wrapped something that I believe you would be very happy. Enjoy it!!

Until next year. Ciao!!

Santa
Christmas 2008

Dear Allison,

Wow, you are so grown up now!! That cute smile and hearty laugh really fill the room. Have you started drinking milk yet? Remember, I mentioned that in my last letter to you.

Anyway, congratulations in your performance at school. You did very good!! It is so nice seeing you participating in school activities. It makes me smile to see you helping out your dad in some work at home. You are the efficient assistant. Are you now having fun in your swimming class? I hope you do.

Thanks for still believing in me. I made sure that I heard it right when you requested this gift. I hope it fits well. Be careful in rolling….. Get it??

Have a wonderful Christmas, I’m sure your family prepared a lot to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Take care.

Until next year. Ciao!!

Santa
Christmas 2008

Dear Alyssa,

You are the performer!! You really wow all of them!! Keep singing those joyful Christmas songs. I loved it!! It was fun seeing you dance as well. You bring joy and happiness to a lot of people. Keep it up!

What can I say? Well, you have been doing extremely well in school, making waves in your swimming class, hitting those nice tunes in your choir in school, and being a great kid to your parents. Being the eldest, you have shown great traits and attitude that your younger siblings can imitate. At a young age, you have shown maturity and have been very responsible. Your parents are so proud and happy! Continue being such a lovely and wonderful daughter as you are. Also, a great big sis to Sean and Allison.

Well, I know that you now have doubts to my existence but that did not prevent me from sending you something. I hope you use it on things that you really like. Have fun. Go girl!!

Until next year. Ciao!!

Santa

love you,

dad

It is our 5th Anniversary here in Canada!

dear mazi,

today marks our 5th year here in Canada. wow, how time flies!!!! it feels like few weeks or months ago.

first, we thank the BIG GUY up there for giving us this opportunity to move here in Canada. It has been and continues to be a wonderful place to live in. With the five years, so many things have happened to us. More of the great ones!!! memories have been etched to our minds, new friends connected, work-life improvements, great travels around and so on and so forth!

credit for this opportunity to live here also goes to your Tito Alvin as he basically paved the way for all of us. we wouldn't consider moving here had he not migrated here first. they persuaded us to make the decision to jump in as well.

it was a courageous decision for myself and your mom as we really didn't know what lies ahead in this country. back in the Philippines, we were working in some good companies holding respectable positions. although, we knew that it will be a long while before we will be able to afford the things that we want in life, we know that we are ok there. at the same time, we are also adventurous and wanted to make a change, so we decided to try our luck here.

the first year here in canada was a little difficult since you have to make so many adjustments. from weather conditions to working environment. career advancement is harder since they generally dont recognize what we had achieved back home. mommy and i persevered, with the continues guidance of the Lord, we were able to achieve things that are somehow harder to get.

it is still a work-in-progress for us but we know that with HIM looking after us, we will always be in the good if not better!

i hope we would be able to proceed with our plans to visit the Philippines this spring so we can revisit the places we hang out before, reconnect with friends and most of all, be with our families.

i always say that we are so fortunate to have what we have now. and as always, we are gratefull for all these blessings.

so, let's continue the journey and go in the path that the Good Lord has laid for us.

we love you,

dad

NINE Wonderful Years and counting....

dear mazi,

today, december 4th, marks the 9th wedding anniversary of your mom and i!! it's been 9 years since we committed to each other undying love and support to one another sealed by the sacrament of marriage and witnessed by all of our loved ones and friends. how time flies...it is still seemed like yesterday. memories the union are still crystal clear in our minds, the happiness and the excitement filled the church and the reception room on that day. there were some glithces though, but those were drowned by the wonderful memories that happened that night.

i love and continue to love your mom. she's my bestfriend and my anchor. she makes me better and whole. we continue to cherish the foundation of our relationship which is love and trust with the continuing guidance and blessings from the BIG GUY above. Having you nine months after the wedding was the perfect gift and the greatest blessing of all.

the marriage that we have continues to be a work in progress as there is really no perfect marriage. we keep on making each other better for one another. we continue to love and value the relationship that we have. having you make this union a lot tighter than it already is.

so, tonight, mommy and daddy are going to a wonderful intimate dinner just like the old days, to again look back and enjoy the memories of the great day we had on December 4, 1999.

we will have a dinner celebration with our relatives in our house tomorrow to celebrate this 9th wedding anniversary again.

this is all for now,

we love you!

dad