July 11, 2020 at 03:13PM

2020-07-11 CTTO via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CCfjXgXAKFk/

July 10, 2020 at 09:04PM

From the memory bank of past travels... These days, due to limitations brought on by the lockdown, we pass our free time watching Netflix and playing pusoy.

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CCdmvV6gccA/

June 28, 2020 at 05:50PM

Keeping it together despite being on lockdown for over 100 days.

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CB-W8N1gvGK/

Day 8/10 I was nominated by my friend, Cindy, to post 10 travel pictures for 10 consecutive days. 

Each day, I will select an image from my travel photos that made an impact on me, post it with no caption, no explanation and then nominate somebody to take the challenge. 

Requesting my son, Jake, to also accept this challenge. 

Right now, we need to stay home but eventually we'll need to go out there and travel again. #postpone #dontcancel

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CB5cbhmA44R/

June 17, 2020 at 08:22PM

2020-06-17 I’m not a frontliner, but I’m wearing this nonmedical-grade suit as my layer of protection when I go out for essentials. With Cebu City being the only one on ECQ in the country due to the rising number of positive cases, we can never be complacent. https://instagr.am/p/CBiRTXrgKud/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2N8dby2

June 17, 2020 at 07:22PM

2020-06-17 https://instagr.am/p/CBiJYxKAjXF/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2Chtzdh

June 15, 2020 at 08:22PM

2020-06-15 People watching. I took this last Feb while spending time idly observing people as they chattered away. Nobody had a clue that a month later, Covid-19 would cause widespread shutdowns globally. https://instagr.am/p/CBdH053Ad9F/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/30K9pTi

June 15, 2020 at 01:22PM

2020-06-15 👆🏼The things that DON’T define you - DidoyMD https://instagr.am/p/CBcW1KZAA6B/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3d6oOjo

June 13, 2020 at 08:22PM

2020-06-13 When do we sea you again? I wonder if the beach misses all of us. https://instagr.am/p/CBX-FaeA2tk/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/37o5sFk

June 13, 2020 at 07:22PM

You do not have to do it all. You just have to give your all. - DidoyMD https://instagr.am/p/CBXzeL_AlEf/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/30DY8UL

June 12, 2020 at 08:22PM

2020-06-12 The Hotel de Oriente was built in 1889 by Don Manuel Perez Marqueti, the father of Luis Perez Samanillo, owner of the Perez Samanillo building in Escolta. It was a first class hotel and indeed, at one time was the only one in the entire archipelago. - lougopal.com https://instagr.am/p/CBVZj4gAYKi/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2Yx7hvo

June 12, 2020 at 11:22AM

- LBCExpress 🤪😂 https://instagr.am/p/CBUZYn4gEBh/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3hjuolH

June 11, 2020 at 08:22PM

2020-06-11 The increasing number of cases in Cebu City makes me want to isolate like our Kobe. https://instagr.am/p/CBS0u-_gwOy/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/37mxFfE

June 10, 2020 at 07:22AM

Work in process https://instagr.am/p/CBO1iuKAX5z/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2YhgJ6d

June 08, 2020 at 08:22PM

2020-06-08 Cebu… We practically skipped summer this year. https://instagr.am/p/CBLGdKkgSas/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3dVcAew

June 08, 2020 at 02:22PM

Oh how familiar 🧐🥱 https://instagr.am/p/CBKdPkZA0uA/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/30jfy8J

June 06, 2020 at 08:22PM

2020-06-06 Not so distant past but feels like another lifetime away… https://instagr.am/p/CBF8vqXgCrO/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/377CjOD

May 27, 2020 at 10:22PM

👋🏼 And say a short prayer 🙏🏼 https://instagr.am/p/CAsUk5igpSG/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2M7dIiU

May 22, 2020 at 09:22PM

From a previous life, or so it seems…
(Amsterdam, May, 2018)

#forumsession #forumtraveller #maybestpick
https://instagr.am/p/CAfV_YggGal/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2ASJhee

May 22, 2020 at 08:22PM

Promise?

https://instagr.am/p/CAfQUx8gaHl/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3cXSwI0

May 18, 2020 at 08:35PM

We were at Ile Saint-Louis when this photo was taken in the spring of 2018. It was a wonderful time to be there with all the sons to mark Kyle’s completion of his university degree. Such a blessing.

Now we can no longer visit places the same way we used to. The travel industry has taken a beating due to Covid-19. It has changed the world’s jetsetting ways in the blink of an eye. And unless the virus is contained, the era of peak travel is over.

To be honest, I’d be wary to make plans even if all these travel bans are lifted. All the new protocols to be observed, the restrictions and mandatory quarantines to be imposed in every destination… Just thinking of all these, makes me want to stick close to home- for a long time.

#forumsession #forumtraveller #maystorehub
https://instagr.am/p/CAVCz1_g3k9/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3g0e60v

May 18, 2020 at 02:35PM

Extended community quarantine in Cebu City and I have no complaints… On a related note, no more FOMO even after 400 deleted contacts. 💁🏻‍♀️

https://instagr.am/p/CAUY0trg3FY/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2X4ZIeW

May 15, 2020 at 08:44PM

Sons 1 and 2 at Ile Saint-Louis on the Seine River, May 2018.

When they were growing up, there were strict rules, rigid routines and high expectations. Now that they’re adults, with jobs and making thoughtful choices, their Pa and I are incredibly proud of what they have become.

Let your boys test their wings. They may not be eagles, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t soar free.-C. J. Milbrandt.

#forumsession #forumtraveller #halfmays https://instagr.am/p/CANUOB1ASER/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/362zVId

May 13, 2020 at 08:26AM

2020-05-13 https://instagr.am/p/CAGxiCgAZaH/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2SZslsq

May 10, 2020 at 08:32PM

2020-05-10 The 3 reasons I celebrate Mom’s Day. ♥️♥️♥️ And I love that this photo is not posed. #forumsession #forumtraveller #tributemays https://instagr.am/p/CAAcXYdgjJm/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2AiDIpf

May 10, 2020 at 07:32PM

2020-05-10 Happy Mom’s Day! https://instagr.am/p/CAAXoeHAGd-/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3ckzbAD

May 09, 2020 at 11:32PM

2020-05-09 She looks charming in her pink top with cowl neckline. Mama is 81 years old, and her subtle Castilian fine features are still unmistakable. I took this photo last December during one of our salad lunches. I usually treat her and Pa out a few times a week to wean her off the casino. The latter is her guilty pleasure.

Nowadays, Ma spends most of her time in her room with Pa and her carer. Her daily schedule includes listening to live mass, the rosary, 1950-60s classic songs or praise songs. I recently filled her private FB profile with links to everything she loves to listen to. And as we have observed, her doing that greatly helped minimize her bouts of mood swings. Instead of her berating Pa for his cheesy jokes or for spending too much time on his phone, she is preoccupied with hers.

On Mother’s Day, I wish Mama a healthy long life. May God continue to bless her with more cheerful days and less grouchy ones (peace, Ma!). We may not be able to do our usual afternoon trip to Oakridge for salad or the salon anytime soon due to quarantine restrictions, but I would love to indulge her with her favorite junk food treats at home. And God-willing, I look forward to having her around for much longer and watching her listening to her favorite music.

I love you, our feisty Ma! I know in your own way, you tried  to be the best mother you could ever be and took care of us the best possible way you can.

Happy Mother’s Day to all! ♥️

https://instagr.am/p/B_-M-nVgiHY/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3fBDNEk

May 08, 2020 at 03:57PM

2020-05-08 Today’s mindful deed, if you haven’t yet. https://instagr.am/p/B_6wYu8grUS/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/35GaR9T

May 07, 2020 at 09:27PM

2020-05-07 This ECQ is the perfect time to (re)connect with family and friends. There are so many options to choose from: call, text, message via socmed or simply talk face-to-face, and all are free. Unless you are infected with Covid19, there is no excuse not to communicate. And “too busy” is now a myth, because people make time for what is important to them.

Yet, there are those who are simply passive, detached. Then I say woe to those who do nothing to cultivate existing relationships. Woe to those who do not make use of this “quarantime” to find new or better ways of engaging in conversation, of connecting, of being.

#forumsession #forumtraveller #severemays https://instagr.am/p/B_4twabASK7/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3bgP7SV

May 06, 2020 at 11:27AM

Hopeful always for things to get better in this seemingly crazy world we live in… https://instagr.am/p/B_1HsMiAJXd/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2WzRHOV

May 01, 2020 at 08:21PM

2020-05-01 A photo of me and my youngest son, pouring ourselves some ginger ale - We could not have alcohol. He is only 16 and medical conditions prevent us from having any.

When this was taken around end of Feb, he was days away from a procedure to blast his kidney stone and I was under medication for fatty liver. Still am. We don’t know yet if we are in the clear, but we are praying for good prognoses.

One could really not tell the whole story behind the photo just by looking at it. Right? It’s pretty much the same in real life, no one knows what another one is going through.
---
"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."


 #forumsession #forumtraveller #laborfred https://instagr.am/p/B_pRFEXAdl0/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2z1rqR8

April 30, 2020 at 10:21AM

2020-04-30 It is so liberating to reduce my FB “family and friends” down to half. No point having hundreds or over a thousand when there’s no interaction or thumbs up let alone a show of real concern.

Culling my list is still ongoing…


https://instagr.am/p/B_lm0fKgbDf/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2KI6QYT

April 25, 2020 at 08:31PM

2020-04-25 This was our view last Feb while the family was having drinks at one of Cebu’s rooftop bars. I wonder what the view is now with less cars on the road, with no lighted offices, with empty hotel rooms.

The bustling city, just like any other place in the world, has been disrupted. Stilled. But life, as we know it, will go on in some way.

https://instagr.am/p/B_Z0WomgaQb/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2KE2UIl

April 25, 2020 at 07:01PM

2020-04-25 https://instagr.am/p/B_ZoZTLgx87/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2VVA0Jg

April 24, 2020 at 08:01PM

2020-04-24 The quarantine period just got extended to May 15 and people are ambivalent about it. More than boredom at home or the inane remarks of those in power, it’s the uncertainty of it all that’s eating away at us.

Praying for an end to the challenges we are all in. Meanwhile, cheers to the additional weeks to spend with our dear ones.

In photo: our sons Jake, Matt and Kyle

https://instagr.am/p/B_XOLEtACX-/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3aG7YH6

April 24, 2020 at 06:01PM

ctto https://instagr.am/p/B_W_4ZOgdVD/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/35cIH6h

April 22, 2020 at 08:07PM

Wayback Wednesday:  Here's an excerpt from a blog I wrote in early 2012 when the sons were aged 18, 15 and 7.

While it's true that experience is the best teacher, we soon discovered that our earlier gameplan with the older boys wasn't effective with our youngest when it came to school deportment.  I dreaded moments when I would be met by his adviser who would tell me that our 7-year old boy was sent to the corner for not behaving well.

Weeks back, I received a Grade 1 activity paper.  Written in red were the words "Please learn to BEHAVE WELL in class". It was next to his score of 41/41!  He got both praises for his perfect score and a good reprimand for the red note.  The older brothers poked fun of the situation and said "You never had that problem with us, Ma". True, but I pretended not to hear.

I sure thought we had it all figured out, but no.  The "Tiger Mom" approach which once proved to be effective with the "kuyas", didn't do much this time.  It's like being first time parents all over again, trying out new or different tactics to mold the youngest one.

There's really no hard and fast rule to parenting.  One could never say a particular approach is the best way to do it.

Meanwhile, this happy young boy continued to have way too much fun.

Moving forward, we learned to go with our gut as we continued to guide our boys, the youngest most especially. Instead of having to impose rules, it's more of being able to make him understand why he needs to behave a certain way, why it's not "play time" always.  Occasional rewards helped, while harsh reprimands were reserved for extreme instances of misdemeanor.

It probably worked, because when I picked him up from school one day, he happily said: "Ma, I was not in the warning list this time!" ♥️ https://instagr.am/p/B_SFTpnAaOp/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3cBCsv4

April 16, 2020 at 01:04PM

2020-04-16 PRAY https://instagr.am/p/B_B1_EQgW6w/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2wIrHb7

April 14, 2020 at 08:23PM

2020-04-14 I have never seen any Kdrama or movie before last year’s visit to Korea. In fact, I was never a fan of anything Korean at all.

Today, exactly 1 year later, thanks to #CLOY I’m totally swooning over #HyunBin. So any links to his series and movies, please send them my way. 😂🙈🤗

https://instagr.am/p/B-9gQm5ABUM/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3cfIFg4

April 14, 2020 at 04:23PM

2020-04-14 Stop telling, start showing good examples.

https://instagr.am/p/B-9C4RmApCB/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2yZgJid

April 12, 2020 at 08:23PM

2020-04-12 Marking Easter 2020 with a throwback family pic from two years ago at one of the holiest places for Catholics.

#eastersnapic #forumsession #forumtraveller #fotografiaunited #easter_12
https://instagr.am/p/B-4UsP_ApIx/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2Xt08xm

April 12, 2020 at 07:53PM

2020-04-11 Quote from St. John Paul II

https://instagr.am/p/B-4TdLcAD-C/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2wCcB70

April 10, 2020 at 10:04PM

2020-04-10 Our sons, Siblings’ Day

https://instagr.am/p/B-zVe4QARxf/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/34yhU3W

April 10, 2020 at 07:04PM

2020-04-10 Good Friday

https://instagr.am/p/B-zBw_dAR7b/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2Rtj5w1

April 09, 2020 at 08:04PM

2020-04-09 Last Feb, we took this photo around the time we had our personal appearance for our visa application. Our visas have been approved since, but due to Covid19, we have nowhere to go.

We momentarily bemoaned the canceled trip and the amount already spent, but we believe there is a lesson to be learned from all these. God’s will for us always has reason and purpose. Now we are all together in one place riding out the effects of this pandemic.

With joyful hearts we are enjoying increased family prayer time; homecooked meals; movie nights; and simply leading a slower and peaceful pace of life.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5-18

https://instagr.am/p/B-wmOO6gmar/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2UVT62E

April 08, 2020 at 01:39PM

2020-04-08 https://instagr.am/p/B-tOb4agiZB/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2JOxFtP

April 07, 2020 at 08:39PM

2020-04-07 The photo I posted on FB in reply after being tagged to choose a pic that made/makes me proud to be a mother…

https://instagr.am/p/B-rcuwNA_sF/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2UNXJLS

April 06, 2020 at 09:39AM

040620 A blessed Holy Week to all...

 https://instagr.am/p/B-nqhNPglFy/ via Tumblr https://ift.tt/2JHE0r0

March 27, 2020 at 08:18PM

2020-03-27 Physical distancing.

This photo of our complete family was taken last August 2019, way before the outbreak.

At the moment, we could only pray for the protection of our healthworkers, frontliners and volunteers, the recovery of those infected, and the health of those on quarantine.

https://ift.tt/33NTJ0M via Tumblr https://ift.tt/3dwvXuM

March 26, 2020 at 05:18PM

2020-03-26 If only we can consume totally good media…

https://ift.tt/2ws5CgV via Tumblr https://ift.tt/33K1Sn9