Maligayang Pasko!

When I was a child, Christmas used to be the most wonderful time of the year for me! I love everything about Christmas: the flickering lights of the colorful parols and heavily-decorated Christmas trees, the smell of ham and queso de bola, the silly monito-monita we would have in school at work and at home, the exchange gifts, simbang gabi, the aroma of puto bumbong. I can still vividly remember the first time we went caroling around the neighborhood -- I must be about five or six that time -- and I went wild with the one peso share that I earned that night. I miss going to my lola's house where we would all celebrate Christmas eve with the table oh-so-full of so much food. Yummm! I miss going home with truck loads of gifts and pockets bursting with aguinaldo! Christmas day we spent going from house to house to visit all our relatives to get more aguinaldo. I could not remember a Christmas where I went home with less than five hundred pesos on me. Those were the days! Miss them.

Sigh. But now that I am old and a bit jaded, Christmas has lost most of its magic. I wish I can transport myself to the old days when I was young and innocent to just revel in the season and everything that comes with it. Oh well.

This is also the fourth year in a row that I am spending Christmas away from home. I could not even put to words how sad I am -- for all that I lost and everything that I miss. For some weird reason, the pain seems more acute in sharp contrast to the season's festive spirit. But Life goes on and I would not want to spoil your Christmas either. So, from Australia, I am wishing all a Merry Christmas!

Congratulations, Chef Mark Bayani!

This blog entry is dedicated to my best mate, Mark. He just finished his Certificate IV in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TAFE. Woohoo! Well done.

Bai, I know that Life still has so much in store for you. It is a joy to see you growing in faith. Just keep your feet planted on the ground and always give your best in everything that you do.

Oh, one more thing, remember the time I texted you that you seem to be always not there when I need you the most? Well, I do. And I am taking it back now. Bai, daghang salamat for always being there for me. You’ve been such a good friend. Naks naman! Seriously, I thank the Lord for bringing you into my life. I don’t know how I would have made it through my darkest moment without you (and of course, some booze – Carlton Draught! and Collies! and the long drives that go nowhere…) Thanks for being who you are: funny, selfless, reliable, jolly, corny, dependable, a good chef, an excellent driver, parking instructor (hint hint), gym buff (ahem!).

One last thing, and many people may not know it, but Mark is also a good son and brother and uncle and grandson and nephew and friend. They’re all so blessed to have you, bai. Every time you mention one of your favourite lines: “Basta malipay lang sila, malipay na rin ko.” -- it makes me realize that your heart is in the right place and God will reward you abundantly for that. I just wish sometimes you would think more of yourself too.

Enough drama. Lol. Before I close this entry, let me thank our sponsors: Officeworks (the works!), Harvey Norman (go, Harvey Norman, go!), AAMI (luckyeee, your with ayyymiii!), Bing Lee (Ay, luuvvv Beeng Lee!), Woolworths (ooohh, aahhh, Woolworths the fresh food people) and of course, the Warehouse (where everyone gets a bargain!). Congrats, Bai!