Welcome HRH Prince George

 

As I opened my FB Homepage, there's something new and interesting that caught my attention.  A new Royal Baby is coming borne out of love between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, respectively.  From the day Kate Middleton showed some labor signs and finally brought to St. Mary's Hospital in London, the world started to get agitated by the coming of the new heir to the throne. 

As soon as the first picture of the Royal Baby came out from the press, wow . . . my FB Homepage has never gone empty of it.  Some pictures of the new Royal Baby were in solo, the others with his Mom Kate, the others with his Dad William, the rest, together with his parents.  The visits made by the other members of the Royal Families were also in the news until the day the Royal Baby will be brought by his parents to their official home ~ the Kensington Palace in London, United Kingdom.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George

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Prince George of Cambridge is the latest talk of the town

 

 

The Prince of Wales in his visit to his first grandson

 

 

The Queen's visit to HRH Prince George

 

Prince William lovingly kissed his first born

The parents of Kate Middleton are just excited to see their grandchild

 

As the craze about the Royal Baby is on the rise,  how I wish I am there to experience the excitement as well.  Hence, I cannot avoid but reminisce those days when we were there in London almost two years ago.  In fact, I have reposted some of our pictures at the gates of the Kensington Palace with the following status:  " We are now here at the gates of the Kensington Palace  waiting for the arrival of  the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with the latest Royal Baby . "  Naturally, it received so many " Like " and  many comments as well, as expected, some of whom seemed to have raised their eyebrows due to disbelief.

At the gates of Kensington Palace while undergoing its renovation

way back in 2011 in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics

 

 

Still at the gate of Kensington palace with my daughter Rein,

August 10, 2011

 

" Funny, " I said to myself.  Well, as an avid fan of the Royal Families specifically  of Princess Diana, I am simply a very natural person, excited to welcome the new next-in-line to the throne of the British Monarchy.

Welcome to the Christian World ~ HRH Prince George of Cambridge ! I'm ready to trail behind you!

SHAKE SHAKEY's , Puring!

Our birthday is one of the most important events to remember in our life.  No matter where and how, everyone tries to celebrate it in his or her own special way;

Yesterday, Puring Go celebrated his nth birthday.  Age doesn't really matter but since she's one of our VMHS'72 batchmates,  she'll be acquiring her dual citizenship in a year or two , I guess, just like many of us.

When Rosette and I arrived in  Shakey's Kalentong, there seemed to have a commotion inside the party venue.  Everybody seemed very happy and a lot of " photographers " or "videographers"  were right in front of a big birthday banner  trying to capture every moment of what was happening there.  When we got inside the party room, oh my gosh...!  It was PURING HERSELF, the birthday celebrator,  in her matching bright red blouse with black floral prints  and long walking shorts attire, very vibrant and youthful,   shaking SHAKEY's to the famous tune of Ryzza Mae Dizon's Chacha , with some friends on her side.

"SHAKE IT, PURING!  SHAKE, SHAKEYS!"

Truly, SHAKEY's KALENTONG was shaken to the max with Puring Go's birthday bash.  It was a well-attended affair ( truly a box-office hit ) with all the generations in it.  Everybody was like a little child ready to party. There was the teen-age generation with their bangles (or manicured fingers)  and sandals/footwear ( or pedicured toes)  in focus and there was the young adult generation in  their beauty pageant poses. Some were just like adults shyly looking at what was happening and then simply smiled.

 

 

 

 

 

It was also a party for photographs ( in the FB most likely )  by the different "photographers" armed with various brands of cellphones, tablets and digital cams. It was also a great party for different
" batch personalities ".  More importantly, it was a party for building new friendships and strengthening on-going relationships among batch mates, classmates and even seatmates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not to be forgotten of course is the great menu served by Shakey's to the food delight of everyone.  We had a great time with pasta in red and white sauces, the delicious and crunchy fried chicken,   the savory Shakey's mojos plus their signature pizzas of different flavors, of course.  Green salads were also served in every table for the health buffs.  To neutralize that salty taste, a glass of sarsi and some slices of chocolate and vanilla cakes were served afterwards.  On my way home, I still even have some pastillas to munch from the party.

 

 

 

"Ang saya-saya,"  says Julie Maneclang, a chic and sweet ex-Mapan whom I have met in person  for the first time, after a long time. 

Yes, the night was "ang saya-saya" for me to  regret of taking that long three-hour travel from Cavite to Shakey's Kalentong to be with Puring on her birthday.  It was indeed a one of a kind memory to cherish while away from rekindled friendships.  Special thanks of course to Rosette and her son for sending me off safely home.

To Puring, thank you for making us a part of your birthday celebration .  The party made our stomach full and our hearts grew big with joy.  May you be blessed with love and everything that your heart desires on your special day and always.  You are loved!

Throwback Thursday

While I was going over my FB accounts, I saw this letter which I have written for my daughter, Rein, on her 24th birthday.  She was already in London for the second time taking up her Bachelor's Degree in HRM at the London Metropolitan University.   I knew I have written her a letter on that day which I usually do, but honestly, I have already forgotten the whole content of it.  As I read it again, I felt the emotions once more and I decided to share it with you.  Here it goes...

ROOTS AND WINGS FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY

December 20, 2010 at 3:52pm

 

 

 

 Dear Rein,

Time flies fast.  It seems only yesterday when we  heard the loud cry of a cute little girl at the operating room of the Capitol  Medical Center in Quezon City at about 6:18 in the afternoon twenty four years ago. You were the center of attraction  at the nursery room at that time  being the biggest and the heaviest baby born on that day, Dec. 20, 1986. You weighed  8.1 lbs but  I forgot the exact number of your length  ( sori i don't have your birth certificate right now ).  The more you became the center of attraction when you were left at the hospital for a two-week photo therapy session because of  an A-B-O blood incompatibility or the RH Factor.  After two weeks, your Dad and I were so happy to bring you home.  Your presence broke the silence in our house and your cry, giggles and laughter brought joy to our family.  Not long after, we found out that you were afflicted with a congenital heart disorder.  Philippine Heart Center for Asia became your second home as we visit the hospital regularly during weekends for your check-up and  Dr. Wilfredo Lopez became your second parent who looked  after your health conditions.

  But in God's grace, you grew up and went to school. I was so proud when you graduated  with the 2nd Honors award  in the pre-school and eventually delivered the farewell address during your graduation day.  When you were in the grade school,  I could still remember how hard  you tried your best to speak in straight English as you talk  to your classmates who were mostly foreigners and English-speaking.  You looked so cute then and very , very smart.  I knew you had your happy student days in International Christian Academy (ICA) with all those friends, certificates and medals  except during those times when you were not allowed to join your PE classes due to your heart problem.  We  felt the pain and so despite all the fears and worries, your Dad and I have  decided for  you  to undergo the cardiac surgery and  correct whatever was there to correct and take all the chances for you to live a normal life.  True to His promises, God never left us.  Our merciful God provided all our needs during the surgery and gave you a brand new life!

 Truly God works in ways we cannot see. Your sickness paved the way for you to learn how to play chess and won awards for yourself and for your school.  I couldn't forget the time when you played for your school against 5 other international schools and eventually went home with the Grandmaster Award for the ladies division. You were so young then but you were really a good strategist. Chess is a mind game and a game full of strategies. And I was very hopeful that you'll grow up making the best strategies for your own life.

Before you finished your secondary course, I have witnessed how you have  handled one of your  biggest disappointments in your life so far - your failure to go to UP Diliman.  I can still remember those tearful nights -  nights when you were trying to question God why He didn't give what you were praying for.  But months later, God gave you His reply.  He gave you a 50% scholarship at the Southville Foreign Universities with  the  opportunity to study and work in the United Kingdom.  Not even in our wildest dreams had we thought of this opportunity.  But God is so good to make impossible things possible for you.  Without earning dollars, we were able to pay your schooling in dollars.  Without earning sterling pounds, we were able to pay your tuition fees  in pounds. It wasn't easy, I know.  But God made the way and provided us with all the channels for His blessing.

In college, we were so apprehensive that you might not be able to comply with the requirements to maintain your scholarship especially with regards to attendance. However, we were surprised how strongly motivated you were to report to school even when you were sick.  Reports also reached us that you have directed your cousin (Kuya Dick) who was driving our car at that time, to counter flow the traffic  just for you to be in school on time.  Knowing that you were  such a sickly child, we never expected  that you would finish your associate diploma in HRM  with a perfect attendance award coupled with the  academic excellence award.  We were your proud parents at that time  as you marched up the stage and got those awards and your diploma.  Later, we found out that it was not only your desire to finish school that kept the fire burning but you also started to fall in love with a certain guy in your school.

Few months after your graduation, you left for the Isles of Man in UK together with the guy you first fell in love with.  It was tough for us to accept the reality that you've grown a bit older already.  You can manage to fly  and live alone in a distant shore.

After two years, you came back with more dreams in life.  But fate wasn't  kind enough for you then and gave you another blow  - the end of the 3-year relationship with your first love.  You became bitter but better and stronger .  The experience made you even more goal-oriented, realistic and practical.  You attempted to run the school but, true enough, it was not your passion.  And you decided to go back to UK.

Back in  UK, you studied and worked hard.  You had your share of fun and laughter and of  pain and sadness as well. You have met both the good and the bad people there.  You have met also the love of your life ( Joe again ? ).  We all tried to battle against loneliness.   Thank you to the advanced technology that we have now.  We can talk and see each other almost everyday through the cell phone and the internet which somehow lessened  the burden of loneliness that we've been experiencing.  And slowly, your  dad and I  have learned to accept and appreciate these things that we now see  in you.

First, your roots have grown bigger and longer.  They now  held you firmly to the ground.  No simple storms in life can easily uproot you.  Your family and your experiences have nurtured those roots to become firm and strong  and prepare you to face the challenges in life  ahead of you.  Your dad and I will forever water those roots with love and care for them to remain firm, nourished and strong for you. No amount of  difficulties and pain will ever stop us from doing it. You are all that we have and we will do anything for you. That will be our first gift on your birthday today.

Second, we saw how adventurous your heart had become .  You aimed high and we really have to look up to see your dreams in life.  The path that you have to travel towards success seemed  so long and winding.  We know, however, that life is not all the time a bed of roses.  It has many thorns  that can  make your journey difficult and painful.  The snow may fall heavily and  you may find it difficult to bring your feet above the ground.  Your pretty little feet may have grown tired standing the whole day on the front desk, serving all your clients still with a genuine smile .  Your feet may be too  weak and  short to take you to the road of success.  So  today, on your birthday,  your dad and I  are giving you our second gift:  the wings to fly  to take you to the places  where all your dreams will become a reality.    You now have your freedom to choose what is best for you in the years to come.  With that freedom comes along our trust and faith in God and in you ; that the former will guide your path and that you will submit yourself to God's leading.

 God bless your heart, Rein as you turn 24 today.

With love, hugs and kisses,

MOM AND DAD

In your time . . .

 

It's been a long time since I had my last lunch at the French Baker.  We used to have our lunch in this  food chain after the Sunday worship in Las Pinas Church of Christ.  Since my daughter Rein left for London, I had never visited it again for years . . . not even for a snack.  Sorry to say but my husband is not a big fan of it ( actually he's not a big fan of French cuisine in general ) though he never complained when we used to eat there before . 

A few days ago  after my  appointment at SM Southmall, I decided to have a taste of French Baker once again.  It's now located near the National Book Store, Bon Chon and Chow King by  the  Door 2  of  SM Southmall.  It's newly renovated and as usual, it exudes a great, relaxing  ambiance.

 

 

 

It's near the Door 2 of SM Southmall alongside with

National Book Store

 

 

The 3D walls

 

I checked on their menu and ola... it's still the same with some few add-ons.  There's my favorite soup on a bread bowl and the chicken ala king with corn and carrot side dish.  I also longed for the mouth-watering green fetucinni carbonara with garlic toast on the sides  which is great with the four season drink.  If Rein is with me, she'll probably choose the Hamburger steak or the German Sausage with potato salad  or the Hickory Spareribs.

But it was only merienda time, so I opted to  have  one of their latest add-ons, a potato salad and my favorite soft roll cinnamon which they  served hot and was made a lot softer.  Hmmmm.... yummy!  The potato salad was chunky and made tastier with their very own salad dressing.  It became more attractive and delicious with some bacon bits on top.  It was an afternoon of something salty and something sweet and guess what - an afternoon also of daydreaming because their placemats feature some of the famous landmarks in France.  Their menu is French-inspired as well.

Soft roll cinnamon and chunky potato salad

 

Paris inspired placemat

 

The menu cover

 

While waiting for the sun to set ( coz the angry sun really makes me look more negra ) and enjoying the cool and relaxing ambiance at the French Baker, I drooled over my paper table napkins and this is what I came up with.

Sorry . . . I kept this in my wallet before I had it picture taken

Yes . . . I kept it in my wallet because they said that if you want something, keep it in your wallet so that you will always be reminded of it and eventually,  it will be yours or it will happen.

 

Lord, this is one of  my dreams and I do not know yet how I can make it happen.  But I know YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN  , , , IN YOUR TIME!

 

Last Two Hours With Bro. Hoffman

I was still a child when I first saw him and I’ve known him more during my early teens. He was in his prime years – very good looking and vivacious, very amiable despite his masculinity, full of enthusiasm and enery. What made him even more unforgettable to me were his brief but concise Sunday church sermons which kept me alive and interested, unlike the others ( a few of them ) who made me feel a bit sleepy. His great attempts to speak the Filipino language even made him an effective speaker . . . adding a bit of humor to his serious church topics.

For a few years, I have lost track of him. I’ve heard some stories about him ( well, who has none? ) and missed him in our church special events which he usually attends. Fortunately, sometime in 2003 ( I hope my memory serves me right) I felt so blessed to have met him once again at the Las Pinas Church where he was invited as a guest speaker. After the worship service,I ran to him and we hugged each other tight. He said “I missed you. How’s the Lealtad Church?”

Yes . . . the Church of Christ at Lealtad. He said it was one of his babies. And we, at Lealtad, used to call him “ NINONG ” or the godfather. For so long, we’ve been raising church building funds – doing concerts and regularly singing Christmas carols to neighbourhood and churches until Bro. Hoffman pledged to support the church financially and a bigger church had been constructed. He was indeed used by God for HIS goodness and mercy for Lealtad Church. For what and where we are now, Bro. Hoffman was undoubtedly instrumental.

Last January, 2011, we were so proud and honoured to have him as our special guest speaker during the Church’s 50th founding anniversary. Bro. Hoffman drove all the way from Candon, Ilocos Sur to be with us on this very momentous occasion. He delivered his challenging message for the church in the morning and stayed until we finished our special anniversary program in the evening of that day. It was such an awesome day of celebration with him and once again, we heard Bro. Ronnie’s crispy laughter especially when he saw his pictures in the video clips during his younger days. 

Yesterday, a delegation from the Lealtad Church drove all the way from Manila to Candon Ilocos Sur and return ( more or less sixteen hours ) just to be with Bro. Ronnie for approximately two hours. While he peacefully sleeps in front of us, we joyfully tried to reminisce those happy moments with him. Ms. Banjie Hoffman proudly told us of his great plans and visions for the Church at Candon. Before he met that fatal accident, he was on his way to Manila from Baguio City to talk to a certain doctor for a possible mobile medical mission in Candon. At his age at 74, he truly worked hard to serve God and to serve people and he has found so much joy in it.

Tomorrow, June 16, 2013, as the world celebrates Father's Day, the remains of Bro. Ronnie will be finally laid to rest after the church Sunday’s worship service. He will be with his ever-loving Father. Truly, our last two hours with him had been very enriching. His life has given us so many realizations. The glory does not lie from what or where you have come from but to what you have developed into. What matters more is not what people will say about you but how you have lived your life in the eyes of God. There is so much joy in serving God and serving people.

‘Til we meet again, Bro. RONALD ALBERT HOFFMAN ! We may be grieving over your loss here on earth but we are sure that the angels in heaven are now rejoicing as they welcome you home to lean on God’s everlasting arms! (7 photos)

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One Sunday at the Hillsong Church London & Covent Garden

It is our first Sunday in London and just like here in the Philippines, it is a  Church Day.  All of us  dressed up and headed to Hillsong Church London , a Pentecostal church and, according to Wikipedia,  is the London congregation of Hillsong Church which also meets in Sydney, Paris, Kiev, Cape Town, Stockholm and New York City.   They're having their Sunday Services for four times at    the Dominion Theater along Tottenham Court Road in Central London.  By tube, the closest station is Tottenham Court road on the Central and Northern Lines.  Dominion Theater is only a short walk from Leicester Square ( Piccadilly and Northen lines ), Holborn ( Central and Piccadily Lines ) or Oxford Circus ( Central, Bakerloo and victoria Lines ).  It was a fantastic experience to gather in such a place for praise and worship with people from all over the world and be inspired by the great teaching about the Word of God. .  Unfortunately, we still had our jet lags during that time  so that we cannot control the dropping of our very sleepy eyes especially during the sermon.  Nevertheless, we really had a great time for the first time in Hillsong Church London and after the worship service, we smiled and shook hands  at our new acquaintances.  Before we left the place, we had our picture taking, of course. for posterity.  Enjoy and thank you for visiting my blog site.

                                       

From the church, we took a short walk around Covent Garden and tried to look for a restaurant  where we could take our lunch.

Covent Garden /ˈkɒvənt/ is a district in London on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane.^[1] It is associated with the former fruit and vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and the Royal Opera House, which is also known as "Covent Garden". The district is divided by the main thoroughfare of Long Acre, north of which is given over to independent shops centred on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials, while the south contains the central square with its street performers and most of the elegant buildings, theatres and entertainment facilities, including the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and the London Transport Museum.  Below are some random pictures we have taken as we walk around the district with my daughter Rein and her high school friend, Mariel, and with my sister Bengga Arciaga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Finally, we ended up at Nando's for our first family lunch out.  What we had for lunch,  guess what ?

 

How to get to the Hillsong Church London at the Dominion theatre:

Dominion Theatre Address:

268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, Greater London, W1T 7AQ

Map & Directions

To get to the church by Tube:

The closest station is Tottenham Court Road on the Central and Northern lines.
The Dominion Theatre is also only a short walk from Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) or Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo and Victoria lines).

To get to the church by Bus:

You can reach the Dominion Theatre from any of the following routes: 1, 7, 8, 10, 14, 24, 25, 29, 55, 73, 98, 134, 176, 242 and 390.he Dominion Theater along Tottenham Court Road in Central London.


Source: Wikipedia