Youth Encounter with the Pope

Andres at the rightmost side.

Andres (rightmost) in a group hug with Pope Francis.

Andres in the middle of two Thomasian young ladies.

Youth Encounter with the Pope

January 18, 2015

University of Santo Tomas

(Pictures) Andres  (right side of the pictures) with Pope Francis

Our family is so blessed with three from our family meeting Pope Francis face-to-face and had that once in a lifetime experience of being personally enveloped with his holy charm. First, Kuya Willy met Pope Francis in the Papal Nuncio's Residence when he was blessedly chosen to be part of the Jesuit contingent who met Pope Francis and had a chat with him. Then Andres was chosen to be the one reading the petition of the youth. I was also given a chance to face and embrace the Pope to represent the parents.

Rediscovery

Tinkering my wife Thelma's office computer led me stumbling upon a forgotten blogspot we created to continue the joy of recording our family's trip through life. I actually forgot and lost the password and just tried to recall and typed the last password remembered. Then the blog opened like Gandalf unlocking the formidable stone gates of the Misty Mountains. 

Its been sometime and hopefully, everything will be put in order again in blogging, using this site, and not forgetting, again, the password.

Birthday Simplicity

The sun smiled all day and it affected our whole day wallowing in the warm glow of sharing the blessing that is our Nanay Conching. Celebrating her 75th birthday at Cravings in Katipunan was made extra special with the presence of her close friends and relatives that came from as near as Tagaytay City to as far as Ateneo De Manila University.

Patrick, Eli, Kuya Willy, Ms. Ditas, Gillette, Jackie, Nanay, Thelma

 We were in for a treat with the overflowing food and drinks and the salad bar with all the fresh healthy options but the overflowing stories and laughter made it more special.

Andres, Ponso, and Paco

 The venue was definitely not simple with its calculated class and sleek interiors but Nanay Conching's simplicity and humble demeanor pulled everything in place and reminded each and everyone the grace of good moments and companions.

Jackie, Hallel, Lory, Ditas, Andres, Thelma, Eli 

Thank you for everything and we love you!

Maxs' Kopong kopong

I saw this picture inside the baul. Photo taken maybe around 10 years ago in a Maxs' Restaurant but the event escaped me.

Paco's Gymboree Day

Paco with Tita Hana and a pretty little lady.

Paco went to Gymboree at the Sofitel last weekend with Tita Hana. He initially did not want to play but eventually gave in to the enticing set-up Gymboree is known for throughout the world.

 Before going home, they passed by Sofitel's Patisserie to buy Lola Mama's cupcake. Paco was happily wasted when he arrived home.

 

Ponso's Ferry Ride

At last, Ponso finally rode the new Pasig Ferry System. From the UST, we rode a jeep to Plaza Mexico to catch the trip going to PUP. We were almost disappointed again when the people in charge informed us that the next trip will be at 5:45 p.m., a good 1 1/2 hour wait. We decided to check out the surplus bike at the Pier and while waiting for a jeep, the MMDA personnel called us excitedly pointing at the coming ferry from the Escolta Station. God was with us.

Ponso waiting for the ferry Boat to dock.

We were informed that a private entity acquired the operations of the Ferry system and that we check the uniform of the ferry driver. It was from the SM group of companies.

Privatization might be very harmful to our economy and our country but Ponso chose to think about it some other day. For that ferry boat ride, he just enjoyed the Pasig river drizzle and the experience of looking at the metropolis from a different perspective.

We hope to ride the Ferry Boat again with the whole family in tow.

Ponso's Escolta

May 24, 2014 - While Andres was visiting the Correctional Institution for Women to celebrate cousin Hallel's birthday sharing with the inmates, Paco was with Tita Hana in Gymboree, and Thelma working overtime at the University of Santo Tomas, Ponso and I went out of our way to check out the scene at the Saturday Future Market @ Escolta. It only took us three short jeepney rides to reach the place and immediately immersed ourselves with what the scene has to offer. I bought a brand new Jose Saramago book for a steal while Ponso bought a bottle of coke to quench his thirst.

 

We met singer-songwriter Dong Abay and definitely has to ask for a picture taken with him for posterity. He has a stall with his artworks for sale. 

Ponso with artist Dong Abay

 We planned to ride the Metro Ferry but the long wait made us re-schedule the said ride for another day. We just walked along the Pasig River overlooking the Post Office and checked the ferry schedule. 

  

Then we got hungry so we tried the Escolta Ice Cream House and ordered hamburger and Banana Split. Ponso finished everything on his ice cream boat.  Then we hied off to pick-up Thelma at the UST. Escolta has so much to offer and is an exciting place to be.