First Brew

Iron Maiden Pinter Picture (from website)

I like beer. I would say that I would prefer beer over other alcoholic beverages. Though, my preferred beer of choice is not seen in commercials. I guess you can say I would choose craft beers over commercial ones. However, if I am invited over, I will drink any beer they have, beggars cannot be choosers you know. Most of time I will bring my own choice of beer.

During Covid, I bought a beer kit online thinking that I probably can try making my own beer. Sad to say even after watching videos, I did not even open the kit until recently. I opened the beer kit after I bought Pinter. To my disappointment, the kit only had grains, yeast, a gallon jar and some other tubes. I ended up throwing up the kit since it had been sitting for years.

I saw Pinter on Facebook, did not click anything and just opened a browser and searched about it. I got interested in the product and bought it from their website. There was a promotion which I took to get the product for free. The caveat was to get a 2-beer pack a month subscription and you can cancel after the first delivery.

YouTube Videos

While waiting for the delivery, I soaked up on video I can find in YouTube to get myself familiar with the product and to get reviews and to know what others say about it. I found out that this product originated across the pond and recently introduced it here. So far, the videos have been positive. Looks like this does not entail boiling and mashing since it uses fresh pack which was already prepared and only needed water and yeast and placed inside the Pinter.

First Brew

My Pinter - Conditioning

Finally, I received my Iron Maiden Themed Pinter (had to pay $50 instead of getting it free) and unboxed it and I was amazed at how they packaged the product. I already downloaded their app to guide you through the step on brewing the selected fresh pack.

I chose En Casa, which a Mexican Lager, which is described as light, dry and crisp. I went through the steps as prescribed in the app. It was slower even though I already had an idea what needs to be done, but there is nothing to it.

The agonizing wait begins.

First Tap

En Casa

I did not start tapping the beer per the app suggested and waited another extra day. The first tap looked great, did not get so much head. I could not describe how it smelled other than it really smelt like beer. It looks like beer and the taste of En Casa was true to the description. There’s a slight hint of citrus. I invited my daughter over and her fiancée to try the beer. They loved the beer. My wife did try but still preferred Corona and nothing else.

There are only 10 pints, and I was drinking a pint every night of the remainder of beer.

Opinion

Though, it was my first time brewing my beer, discounting the boiling and mashing, this product is good for beer drinkers like me who wanted to get their hands on brewing without so much hard work.

The Pinter is well designed since after mixing the fresh pack and yeast in the barrel/keg, it is self-carbonating. After fermenting and conditioning, you can tap from it directly. The only drawback that I have shared with Pinter support is that it is difficult to tap the beer after multiple glasses. And towards a few pints left in the Pinter, the beer is flat. However, surprisingly the beer still has great taste.

I suggested an idea of using CO2 through the hopper. This hopper facilitates adding hops later in the brewing process without releasing pressure inside the Pinter. I have seen a video where someone DIY what I was thinking.

Pinter

I cannot complain about their after-market support. It was rare to get an immediate response after sending a support question from their website. When I received my product, I noticed that I was missing the Iron Maiden pint glass as seen from the promotion, and that same day I got a response and was asking for order number and shipping address.

 I have been corresponding via email about some issues like the one I had and received a reply on the same day.

I would rate the product 4 stars just because of the carbonation. It is understandable that it is only using the carbonation that it creates. I just wish that they could sell you the CO2 in a similar container to use in BB guns but designed to fit through the hopper.

Pinter company, I would say 5 stars because of their after-market support.

Off to my next brew.

Formula Drift

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Ash and Denisha bought tickets for us to watch Formula Drift as a Father’s Day gift. It was held at English Town, New Jersey, about an hour drive from us. We arrived at the racetrack just half past 1 in the afternoon, we looked for parking and it was full.

There were a lot of spectators, but it was not that bad going through the gate. It was surprisingly organized. There were a lot of pop-up vendors and car shows. We walked around to check out some cars and grabbed a free cold drink from Taco Bell.

We then walked to the bleachers to find seats, and we should have brought some umbrellas because the sun was beating down on us. It was not a real race, but rather 2 cars riding side by side on a figure of 8 track doing drifting. There were judges who were looking into how drivers use the track to drift. What is amazing was that the cars running side by side drifting without hitting each other.

I took out my camera and attached the 200mm lens to take pictures, however, since we are seated behind a fence the pictures showed wire fencing. Instead of using the camera’s auto focus for faster shooting, I opted to manually focus on a distance where the cars travel. Later I decided to go closer to the fence and found a spot where I could stick my camera lens out. I managed to take several pictures through it without showing the wire fence.

It was a fun day at the track spending time with my daughter and future-son-law. Click here to see pictures I have taken from the track.

Graduation

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I wanted to share these pictures I have taken of my kids’ graduation pictures. I have compiled high school and college pictures, I would also have included grade school, however, I need to dig deeper in the vault which may be a challenge. I will probably update the album when I am able to find them.

As a parent, I consider myself fortunate that both my kids graduated in college. It may not be the major we wanted for them, but more importantly, they chose what they liked and finished it.

Let me tell you a story that happened when I used to live in the Philippines. My parents used to rent bed space to college students, and they had a student who went to the university daily and came home in the afternoon. He did this for 2 semesters. On Sunday, he would be in his military uniform, since it was a mandatory requirement to attend half-a-day training. We just found out afterwards that this student did not attend any of his classes, including military training, when his parents came to collect his things and told my parents that he will not be coming back for the next school year. Looking back, I cannot imagine how much money was wasted, not to mention time. What was the student doing all those times? What the parents must have gone through financially and emotionally?

My opinion, as a parent we cannot ask our children to be what we want them to be. All we can do is guide them, teach them (I think showing them is better) how to be an upright person, and take responsibility for everything that they do and learn from them. Easier said than done.

Graduation is a milestone in our lives, a chapter in a book for some and skipped for others. However, it is not a measure of success or failure. One cannot guarantee that you will get your dream job but try to get a job. It may not be financially rewarding at first, but it may just be a steppingstone to a better one.

Let me share this quote from Dale Carnegie, “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”

2025 Engagement

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My daughter and Ash's engagement party was held a week ago.  It was a simple one, but I was surprised to effort decorating their backyard, not to mention the food that was prepared.

My participation was on the day of the party to assist, however, as I walked into their backyard, there was this gorgeous backdrop and a tiki bar being finished. Zina, Ash’ mom was so busy for the past weeks transforming her vision to reality, we were just there to help.

We finished decorating and arranging the backyard around noon to go home and get changed and come back again late in the afternoon.

Attendees were just family and their closest friends. I had a fun time, and I could not wait for their wedding in Mexico.

I brought my camera and a single speedlight mounted on a softbox. Please click here to see the pictures.

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It is hard to believe that it has been more than six years since our first cruise with our friends to Bermuda, but it was our second time. Our first was on our 25^th wedding anniversary. We boarded the Royal Caribbean, and it was a five-day cruise to Bermuda. The second time around was with our friends, 16 people in our group, boarded Norwegian Cruise.

Right off the bat, I gave the Royal Caribbean the advantage over Norwegian: the ship; the boarding experience; the dining; the entertainment and the food. Not to mention it was better to board at the Liberty port than in Manhattan port. Parking your vehicle is much easier on the Jersey side than in New York.

Both are five-day cruises, and both with overnight stay in Bermuda. The first time we came, we spent most of our time close to the port, sampled the local food and drink and went to the crescent beach for a day tour. The second time around we used the complimentary boat from Norwegian and went to the other side of the island where we went to see underground cavern.

After our tour, we went back to the ship for dinner and just spent the night drinking and dancing. Well, they danced, and I just drank. The jury did not come up with a verdict up to now as to what happened to me that unfaithful night. They told me that I kept ordering drinks from them, but what I remembered was it was they who kept ordering. Long story short, I missed the rest of the night and probably the rest of the next day because I was nursing my hangover. I thought I would be able to go back to that restaurant that my wife and I visited the first time we were there.

At any rate that cruise was fun, here are the pictures I have taken.

2024 Massanutten Resort

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We have been going to Massanutten Resort since early 2000. My wife signed up at a kiosk at Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem, PA and we received an invitation to spend a weekend at their resort for free. Little that we know that it was for a timeshare pitch. Long story short, we bought a time share.

During that time the maintenance fee was around $200 per year. It seemed reasonable enough since you can spend a week on only the maintenance fee. It was great for us since our kids can enjoy amenities at the resort. Then they built a water park which can be used all year round. The resort was great because it catered to families as well as golfers. Did I not mention that they have a few golf courses, I was told that one course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. 

Then the kids grew and the time for Airbnb and the like came sprouting and the allure of timeshare sort of disappeared. Not to mention the maintenance fee skyrocketed, especially after Covid. I am currently paying around $600 per year. It is still cheap for a week’s stay. The unit that we bought has 2 bedrooms and there is a sofa bed in the living room, 1 master bathroom and a common bathroom and kitchen. Laundry is shared between the downstairs and upstairs unit.

We have been paying the yearly maintenance fee without even using the unit. I had it used one time and just asked for the maintenance fee in return for the use. This year I am thinking of listing it for rent on the resort website. I think the resort owner was also changing since they may be finding out that some if not all unit owners are letting other people use their timeshare units.

Last year, we decided to use it just to get away for a bit. It was roughly a 5-hour drive from us, so it was not that bad. I thought I could bring Cooper with us, but we must pay about as much as a kennel would charge and the dog must be behaved, which my dog failed miserably. Cooper had to stay with Sinjin and Ruchi since they were not able to come with us due to work.

The resort changed a lot, most of the activities that used to belong to the resort were now managed by other operators which were no longer included as perks if you are a resort owner, that was a bummer.

I have a collection of pictures taken from the first time we came here up to last year. Surprisingly, I just had over 50 pictures taken. I might link other pictures taken through the years.

2024 - Akshardham Temple

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My son’s in-laws came to visit them in their apartment and planned to visit the newly built Hindu temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey. It was our first time seeing the temple and I could not believe that it was huge.

Currently, it is open for anyone to visit but had to schedule visit time to accommodate everyone. Clearly, the place is not yet complete because there were still a lot of uncompleted construction areas.

I was able to take pictures, mostly outdoors since they did not allow any recording device to be turned on inside the temple. Understandable, it is a place of worship. It was so beautiful inside the temple, and you just need to take my word for it.

Regardless of whether you are Hindu or not, it is worth a visit. I may visit the temple again when it is not sunny to take a much better photos outside. Please click here to see pictures.

Denisha and Ash Engagement

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My daughter just recently got engaged. Her boyfriend, Ash, asked permission from us before they went on a cruise to Bermuda last month. We saw pictures and videos they posted on Facebook on how Ash proposed. Even though they were with friends during the cruise, Ash wanted the event private. However, he did that during a tour they booked. Everyone that was with them witnessed it and congratulated them.

After they returned from their cruise, they came to our house and told us their wedding plans. They were choosing dates and planning on when they will be sending out “save the date.” I suggested to them that I can take their engagement pictures to add selections from the ones they took with the smartphone.

Good thing that the photoshoot was a family event. My wife, Sinjin, and his wife, Ruchi, joined us at Barnegat Light House to shoot pictures. Ruchi oversaw posing and Sinjin assisted holding reflector to direct light back to the subjects.

It was a cold, windy but sunny day. I normally would suggest either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is not harsh. After the shoot, we went to grab a late lunch before heading home.

I was able to finish my processing after a week and gave them a digital copy of the shoot. I hope that they will find a couple that they use for their “save the date” invitation. Click here for pictures

SINGAPORE 2024

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Our Philippine trip this year was through Singapore. My wife wanted to try Singapore Airlines not knowing that the first stop was 19 hours to Changi Airport in Singapore before continuing to Manila for another 3-hour flight. When I pointed out to my wife about the flight, she did not know that it would take that long. Compared to other airlines like Korean Air and Asiana, it was about a 14-hour flight. Singapore Air route was eastward compared to others which were westward.  

Other than the flight time, it was good. Food and service inside the plane is good. Though halfway through our flight our section lost entertainment, and we were given a $200 voucher which we could use to purchase items in the airline shopping magazine. Though, I did not think I received it in my email. 

This was our second stop over at Changi Airport. The first time was last year from India to Manila. Both times we did not have time to go out of the airport to visit Jewel. However, this time around on our return flight to United States from Manila, we have more than 12 hours layover. 

Prior to our departure in Manila, we applied for a transit visa and availed of their free tour courtesy of Singapore Tourism. We were able to go out of the airport on a tour bus and went to popular sites Singapore is to offer. We went to the area where you can see Merlion overlooking the Marina Bay Sands and other stunning buildings. Our tour guide also mentioned that we passed through the street where the F1 cars race is every year. Our tour also stopped by Gardens by the Bay where you can see the super trees. Then at the end of the tour they dropped us off back at the airport with 2 options: back to the gate or stop by Jewel. 

Since we had more time, we opted to get dropped off at the Jewel and walked around and marveled at the indoor waterfalls. We also had dinner at a Chinese restaurant with an extensive line at level B2. I need to go back to my card charges to find out the name of the restaurant. I paid about $40 for 2 people and our table was filled with so much food that we did not even finish. It was good by the way; we just did not know that some of the dishes we ordered were for 2 people. 

We then walked to the airport through the bridge connecting Jewel and Changi Airport. We just waited at the boarding gate on our flight back to United States.

 Click here for pictures

PHILIPPINES 2024 - BAGUIO CITY

The Summer Capital of the Philippines. Every summer, people from the lowlands flock to this highest city in the Philippines to escape the heat and enjoy its beauty. My family moved here because of my father's job when I was in 3rd grade in elementary. I remember my brother and I visited my family on my father's side in Manila every summer.

This was decades ago and this city is far less attractive than it used to. Back then, the City of Pines (another nickname of the city) had pine trees and the side of the mountain was full of trees. The air was fresh and you will need a sweater when outside.

Sad to say that after all these years and after much improvement and progress, I feel that this city that used to be the Summer Capital or the City of Pines is no more. The trees were cut down to give way to high-rise condominiums and subdivisions. The city became so crowded and much much worse during summer. I will try to look for old pictures that I have of my beloved city to show you what it looked like.

This city was our last stop before heading back down to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. From Pangasinan, we drove to our Airbnb in Baguio City to spend a couple of nights. It was a 2 bedroom condo. I am guessing owners bought condo units for this purpose. Our condo's balcony overlooks other housing developments and several condominiums, gone are the days when you could see luscious green trees and a breath of fresh air. That time you smell gas fumes and noises from vehicles.

When we arrived at our condo, it was already night time and we just ate our dinner and chit chat then called it a night. I was surprised that we needed an electric fan because it was hot and humid. It was supposed to be cold but I guess this is what we pay for progress.

The next day, Chona stayed for work and we got ourselves ready to go to Camp John Hay to grab a breakfast buffet. This used to be an American base where servicemen came for R&R. Technically they built the Kennon Road that connects the city to the lowlands. Before you could not get admission to John Hay without passing through security. Since the Americans left the country, this place was converted to some tourist attractions, and built hotels and restaurants.

I just found out that I did not take many photos here. The one shown below is Mines View. Decades ago, you would only see the mines, hence, Mines View. Now, the mines closed and the area is being converted into a housing development.

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After breakfast, we just strolled in Camp John Hay and they headed back to the condo and dropped my wife at a flower shop. We needed to get flowers to lay on her father's and brother's graves. This was the main reason we went up to the city, to visit the graves of her deceased father and brother. Did I mention that my wife used to live here as well decades ago? I did not meet my wife here in the city but in Manila, however, that is a topic next time.

Later that day, we went for dinner at the Slaughter House. Kid you not, it was my first time to come here and dine although I used to live here. I was told that this area has improved a lot and was made famous by bloggers who dined here. If you are a picky eater then I suggest not to come here, otherwise, you should try what they have to offer and you will not be disappointed.

The next day, we made sure that the Airbnb was in order before we turned in the key to the caretaker. Then got ourselves ready to drive to the cemetery where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were laid to rest. Afterward, a long drive back to Laguna.

PHILIPPINES 2024 - TRIP NORTH

Two weeks is not enough time to spend vacationing in the Philippines. It has been just a week and most of the things we've done aside from celebrating our mother's birthday were doing day trips.

This was the only time we could get away for several days. My wife planned a trip to Pangasinan and then to Baguio City with her niece Tania and her mom, Chona. They picked us up at the Seda Hotel. I was told that they were driving alternately since they were working remotely. We were supposed to be picking up a friend from the States who came to the Philippines as well but there was some change of plan.

Our first stop after about a two-hour drive was at a rest area 50 miles from our hotel. It just goes to show that you need more time to vacation in the Philippines. Traffic to Manila is brutal despite the road improvements they have made.

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Then, another 4 hours to get through 90 miles. We stopped at Los Pedritos restaurant in Alaminos, Pangasinan for a late lunch before we headed to the resort, Bamboo Paraiso, where we booked for 2 nights. They were checking out restaurants with high star ratings and this one came up. But before the restaurant, we stopped at fruit vendors along the highway to buy some mangoes. My wife was haggling for a better price, which you can see it was ₱70 per kilo, roughly $1.25 per 2.2 lbs. She bought a lot.

Going back to the restaurant, it was decent and you can't beat the price. We also bought baked goods since they also have a bakery.

After our meal, we drove for about 10 miles to our destination. Our Google map led us to the wrong way. We were supposed to go through another resort to get to ours but they have blocked access. We need to turn around and look for road signs to Bamboo Paraiso.

When we finally got there, it was a small resort and we had to park our car outside the resort. Not to mention that it was not as good as it looks on the website. I believe there was a huge contingent of military personnel with their families on their R&R. It was nighttime already when got there, and they had commandeered the central area where doing karaoke and getting drunk. Too bad for us, our room did not shield us from their revelry.

This resort is famous for its 100 Islands. This was my first time being here, even though I used to live less than 100 miles north of here. We did not get to see anything since it was dark, we just ordered dinner and ate after we freshened up. My wife booked 3 rooms, but we only occupied 2 since our friend had changed of plans.

The next morning, we woke up to the same noise we had last night. I thought those people singing did not sleep. But the good thing was we got ready for breakfast and we booked our island hopping tour and left their revelry.

The only plus side for this resort was the proximity for booking the island hopping tour, literally just outside where we parked our car. We had to change the boat we booked since it was small and there was no ample cover for the sun. We opted for one good for 10 people, though we were only 3. There were a lot of tourists that day and we were only able to manage 4 islands. 100 Islands Pictures

Manaoag, Pangasinan

We only stayed at the resort for 2 nights and 2 days; just spent a full day island hopping. We left the resort on our 2nd day to go up to Baguio City. We always pass by The Shrine of Manaoag whenever we are going up to Baguio, and sometimes going down, depending on the plan.

The drive is about 50 miles away from the resort, however, we stopped by roadside stores to buy some local food to take to Baguio. By the way, I have not mentioned the weather, it was a scorcher. I needed to douse my head with cold water when we visited the Shrine. We just lit up candles and offered up some prayers for our loved ones. There were a lot of people since it was Sunday.

After our visit, we drove for about 12 miles to Silverio's Seafood Restaurant. Another Google search and a recommended place to eat. As usual, my wife ordered too much food that we had to wrap up and take with us. Manaoag Pictures

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PHILIPPINES 2024 - SAMPALOC

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Time flies and my kids are flying back to the States after about a week in the Philippines. It was a short visit for them, but it was priceless to celebrate their grandmother's 80th birthday. Ten years ago, I came for her 70th birthday celebration.

With our rented van, we dropped them off at the international airport. With Joel's courtesy, someone from the airport accompanied them through security to facilitate their departure.

After dropping them off, we headed to Sampaloc Manila where we used to live, and went to grade school for 1st and 2nd grade before moving to Baguio City. My Tito Jaime started his "lugawan" business outside their home and occupied the sidewalk. Lugaw is like porridge because it has a similar consistency but with options of adding different proteins like cow's eyeball, cow's intestine, and hard-boiled eggs to name a few. He starts prepping early in the morning and usually closes around 10 AM. However, we have to let Tito know that we are coming so that he can reserve some for us that day. Amazingly, people will see us eating and will ask him if there are still some left since it is way past 10 AM.

In the picture, you will see my brother enjoying a bowl of lugaw and whatever my Tito saved him for protein and my Tita Alma. If you look closely on the left side of the picture, you will see the price of the lugaw depending on what protein you want added. The most expensive one is 40 pesos (less than $1) plus the price of the lugaw, I am guessing around that much as well. I usually don't ask since I get to eat for free. Click here for other pictures

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The visit to Sampaloc is not complete without stopping by to visit my grandparents at the cemetery. This is by far the largest that I have seen. Others who have not visited this cemetery will be in for a surprise when they do. A cemetery is usually reserved for the dead but not here, when you drive to the cemetery, you will see a community living inside the cemetery. There are stores and houses inside the cemetery. They have their own utilities inside, just don't ask where they get them from. I was told that they tapped into public utilities. I was told that it comes alive at night because there are bars as well.

Once a year during All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November 1, this cemetery and all the cemeteries in the Philippines get crowded due to this celebration. People visit their dead loved ones in the cemetery. They bring food and drinks, and they spend almost the entire day at the cemetery. Personally, I have not had a chance to visit during this time and honestly, I don't think that I would be able to.

My Tito (uncle) and Titas (aunts) from Australia send money for the upkeep of my grandparents' tombs. Recently, they improved the location by building shade and improved by adding a restroom. This will be pretty convenient during the celebration I mentioned above.

After our Sampaloc visit, Grace and Joel invited us for dinner at Wooden Horse Steakhouse in Molito Lifestyle Center. They have another dinner celebration for my mom's birthday. The picture below shows the head chef greeting her, my dad and brother were also in the picture.

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PHILIPPINES 2024 - PICO DE LORO

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It was just last night, or should I say earlier since it was already passed midnight, at my cousin's house that we had an impromptu plan to go to their beach property in Pico De Loro. My cousin Marc had work but was coerced to take some time off or work remotely, not sure what happened. My other cousin Albert had to rebook their flight back to Cebu.

Though we wanted to spend an overnight at their beachfront property, it was not possible because my kids were flying back to the States the next day. We will just be doing a day trip so that they can still finish packing.

The drive was not that bad, it was about a 2-hour drive from Sta. Rosa, Laguna to Nasugbu, Batangas. We just took a little bit longer since we needed to stop for breakfast as well as buy some items that my cousin Graced asked for.

The property is gated and you need to be a property owner or their guest to be allowed entry. There were still a lot of units if you are interested in buying, Pico De Loro. My cousins met us at the clubhouse before we went to their condo unit on the second floor a couple of buildings away from the clubhouse. They had food catered for our lunch before we headed to enjoy ourselves at the beach.

After lunch, Joel booked a banana boat ride and I went with the speedboat, pulling the banana boat, with Joel and Ash. I opted not to ride the banana boat since Water and I don't like each other very much. I just took pictures of them from the speedboat.

Then Joel rented a few jet skis and we took turns taking it for a ride after being given safety instructions. Others enjoyed swimming in the pool or enjoyed watching those who were on the jet skis. My mom and dad were just under the shades watching us all enjoy ourselves. It felt unfair to them since they were not able to participate in our activities and just watched from a distance.

We headed back to their unit, cleaned ourselves, and ate before we headed home. We took obligatory pictures before we went our separate ways. This time the drive back was eventful, it took us more than 4 hours this time. It was either our driver made a wrong turn after avoiding traffic or we were just driving slower. I don't know which, but the good thing was we got home safely.

We dropped Nanay and Tatay home first before we were dropped off at our hotel. My cousin Marc and his family were dropped off last since the driver lives near them. Pictures

COLLEGE REUNION 2022

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I have posted this before in my previous blog post, but I forgot to renew my WordPress site and was taken down. I am reposting this again and hopefully, I will be more active in keeping this blog and adding more posts this time.

I attended a mini-reunion held in Niagara Falls (Canada side) during the 4^th of July weekend of 2022. Countries were starting to open after COVID-19, this is a conversation for next time.

Most of us probably saw each other last in 1989, which was too long ago. Our Canadian classmates organized this reunion as well as hosted it. It was around an 8-hour drive from our home to Niagara and it was a very relaxing drive. I opted to take back roads more than highways whenever possible. I arrived a day earlier and just walked around a familiar and not-so-familiar Niagara. I have visited this place with my family a few times already.

The next day, I met up with some of my classmates at the meeting place and it was nice to see them. Had a lot to talk about stuff and whatnot. Of course, the obligatory pictures with the group. We hung out the entire day, walking along the famous Niagara Falls after lunch before meeting some more classmates and heading to the Filipino restaurant for our dinner.

It was crowded in Niagara Falls; you were walking shoulder to shoulder with other tourists or other Canadians. In addition, the weather at that time was nice. It felt like people just wanted to be out and about after being couped up for a very long time.

At the Filipino restaurant, I believe the entire place was booked for our reunion. There was a lot of food but amazing enough no alcohol. Back in our college years, any gathering had alcohol involved, and yet this time we had to scamper to get them.

After dinner, I found out that most of my classmates were booked in the same hotel, except me. We agreed to continue our reunion in one of my classmate’s hotel rooms. Somehow, we managed to get some beers to bring to the hotel, I think. I believe I walked back to my hotel way past midnight.

The next day I woke up early and grabbed the complimentary breakfast then checked out. Met up with my classmates at Niagara Lake. On my way, had to stop at a huge floral clock to take pictures.

We had a picnic at the lake and just continued chatting and planning for our next reunion. After lunch, I had to say my farewell since it was going to be an 8-hour drive home.

It was great seeing my classmates, some looked like they did not age at all were others gracefully aged. I truly would like to get a chance to see them again. Reunion Pictures

PHILIPPINES 2024 - MANILA

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On the day of my mother’s actual birthday, we were invited to lunch at Café Rizal. This place used to be the Army Navy Club. It is situated near Manila Bay. Joel and Grace’s family met us inside the restaurant for lunch.

Getting there was a hike, distance wise it was not far from Laguna, however, traffic was really bad. The beauty of having a driver is best. We rented a van with a driver for the entire day. For those who want to rent, it was around US$100 including driver, gas, and toll. We tipped our driver well, I would think.

On our way, I saw the hotel we stayed at when I was on our college field trip to Manila, which seemed ages ago. To our surprise, we also saw a statue of a popular Filipino actor, Fernando Poe Jr., who I was told ran for the presidency but did not win. I need to find out why the statue.

Our lunch was super, as always, the food that was ordered seemed endless. Again, to our host, thank you for lunch. The plan after lunch was to go food trekking in Binondo. It is a place where you can walk around and experience different local specialties. However, that day was not a day to walk about. Not to mention the temperature was like in an oven, it was not fair for my mom to brave that heat in a wheelchair or for any one of us for that matter.

My ever-ready cousin Grace bought tickets to go to Manila Ocean Park. It is located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park. This is called Rizal Park, the name of our National Hero. They have erected a monument where he was shot during the Spanish Regime.

The Ocean Park was not like what we have in the United States, but it has so many species that I have seen only for the first time. There was also an outdoor attraction but chose not to see it because of the super-hot weather. It does not only have marine animals but also other land animals or were they different attractions but in the same building as well as different tickets?

Our day did not end in Manila but rather we were invited to my cousin’s new house. I don’t need to mention how bad the traffic was, it was so bad that my wife and I needed to use the bathroom and we were up in the skyway where traffic was moving like molasses if at all. We had to hold it a lot longer and as soon as we got through our exit, we stopped quickly at a gas station restroom.

At my cousin’s house, we ate dinner and did karaoke afterward. Filipinos like to sing; a home will never be complete without a karaoke system. Well, if there is alcohol involved then definitely, I will have the courage to sing. To my surprise, my cousins Albert and Marc were good singers. Grace, I already heard her sing the night before with live performers, I am not even in her league. Before we called it a night, we planned to go to Pico de Loro in Batangas the next day or should I say later that day. My cousin Albert had to rebook their flight and my cousin Marc had to work remotely or he called in sick. Philippines 2024 - Manila Pictures

2024 PHILIPPINES - 80th BIRTHDAY

Sony A7IV  ■ f/2.8 ■ 1/50 ■ ISO 1250

The second day was just for my mother’s 80th birthday celebration. It was decided to hold it on Sunday, one day before her birthday, to accommodate working attendees.

When I walked into the venue, I was impressed with the decorations my cousin Grace prepared. There was even a host for a prepared program which I was not aware of. Probably I was but was not expecting that much. Joel brought a whole roast pig for the occasion.

People were already at the party, including family, and friends who I had not seen in a long time. My mother was not expecting this much preparation and neither did I. Hats off to my cousins. In a way, they were the actual children because they were the ones taking care of my parents.

There was a photo booth, an actual photographer, and an actual program for the celebration. I am only sharing the pictures I took since I have not seen or was given a copy of the photos taken. Day 2 Pictures

After the celebration, my parents went home, and we continued the celebration in our hotel. As always, we stayed beyond closing time.

I would like to take this opportunity to deeply thank family and friends who came to celebrate my mother's birthday, and special thanks to Grace and Joel’s family. 

2024 PHILIPPINES - DAY 1

Sony A7IV  ■ f/2.8 ■ 1/60 ■ ISO 500

We booked our flight several months in advanced before planned departure towards the end of April 2024 via Singapore. It was for my mother’s 80th birthday. My brother and cousin Grace were coordinating the event, and I went along with whatever they came up with, since I was not a party planner.

I was on the fence about going back home knowing the long flight let alone my fear of flying. Since it will not be for several months. I was not thinking about it and was thinking that it was for my mom’s 80th birthday, and I needed to be there.

I don’t have any idea why the fear of flying but I will probably write about that later. For now, I am going to focus on what is at hand, the trip to the Philippines.

It was decided that the celebration would be held a day earlier than her birthday to accommodate guests who have work the next day. It was also decided that the venue would be the same place where she had her 70th birthday. My cousins did the legwork and much more. All is settled.

There were 5 of us from here who made the trip: my wife and I; Denisha and Ash; and Sinjin. Ruchi was not able to make the trip this time since she was waiting for her travel papers. Well, she did get the documents before our flight, however, the price if she was to book it would be more than double the price we initially paid. She opted to stay and just looked after Cooper.

My wife suggested that we stay in a hotel rather than stay at my mom and dad’s house. If we stayed, it would be crowded.

Weeks before the flight, I looked at our itinerary and noticed that from Newark to Singapore was a 19-hour flight. I asked my wife if she knew that the flight was that long. They wanted to go and visit the Jewel just outside Changi airport. We also found out that there are free tours provided by the country to entice flyers who have at least more than 6 hours of layover. I will be writing about our layover in Singapore later.

Everything was planned with help from my cousin Grace, arranging the hotel reservations as well as the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Our arrival was around midnight, and I did not want to bother my parents or my cousin, she had already done so much.

Seda Nuvali

Breakfast was included with our stay; we just called our parents and brother to just go to the hotel for breakfast. My cousins on my mother's side would be checking into the same hotel that day because it was closer to the venue. Relatives from down under will be checking in that same day, or should I say re-checking in because they just checked out a few days ago to go to Boracay.

I should have taken a picture of the hotel but sad to say I did not, I think I may be able to screenshot one from their website. Better yet just click on this link to see their website Seda Nuvali. I would say 4 out of 5 for the price. The room was spacious, the staff were so accommodating and breakfast was included with the stay and it was eat-all-you can.

First Day

My wife and daughter are scheduled to get their hair done in Alabang. Not sure why since we were in Sta. Rosa, that will be more than an hour's drive depending on the traffic. No traffic, probably 30 minutes, with traffic maybe an hour or more.

We exchanged our money, and they will be using ride-share, but my father suggested driving them there instead and we can hang out in the mall while waiting for them. I also decided to get a haircut.

After my haircut, we ate lunch at Sandaime restaurant inside the mall. I will not recommend this restaurant to anyone. Only Ash enjoyed his food and all of us were disappointed. My brother and son ordered mango smoothie and they only took a sip and left it. Nobody even bothered to ask us about our food and the smoothies that were barely touched.

My parents, my brother, Sinjin, Ash, and myself. My wife and daughter were still not done with their hair. I suggest they go back to Sta. Rosa, and I will wait for them and just book a ride-share.

That night, there was a planned dinner in Sta. Rosa at Amare La Cucina, there were around 30 of us, and as always Grace and Joel handled the bill after. It was my first time seeing my cousin Lolita’s daughter, Zadiya, and her fiancé, Ali. Last time I saw Lolita was during my mom’s 70th birthday and she was still single then, time flies.

The restaurant was closing at 10 PM and it felt that we needed to hang out longer. The closest places are hours away from us. Decided to just get back to our hotel and hang out at the bar by the poolside. When we got there, there was live entertainment, a duo. Found out that they were also almost done for the night and the bar was closing soon. Someone from our group requested the duo to stay longer and we ordered a couple of rounds of drinks before the bar closed. We ended up jamming with the duo and got on stage. There may be a few videos floating around somewhere.

Day 1 Pictures

CHOICES

Disclaimer: Just my opinion, and they are neither right nor wrong.

We did not have a choice when we were born. From which parents or if we are to be born rich or poor or to be a boy or a girl. On the other hand, our parents have a choice of whether to have us or not to have us. It is sad but true that pregnancies can be terminated because they claim that it is their right. The unborn don’t have rights they say, and this is a hot topic for debate. What do you think?

Growing up, some are slowly given choices, like what food they like to eat or what clothes to wear. Others are not given choices because there are simply no other choices but what is available. Gradually we get more choices, either we choose them ourselves or they were chosen for us.

Unlike our parents, we can choose who our friends are. We can choose to let our friends run our lives or we can choose to run their lives. I would choose neither because I don’t want to force anyone to do things, on the same token that I don’t want to be forced to do things I don’t like.

The bottom line is that we need to be responsible for all the choices we make in our lives. We cannot and we should not blame anyone for the choices we made. Blaming others for our wrong choices is just making an excuse and blaming others. Our choices are not going to be always right, perfect, or popular, but we need to learn to move on and correct ourselves when we make wrong choices. However, whatever choice we make, we have to fight for it or we have to accept that others do not conform to our choices and learn to accept theirs, just like you want them to accept yours.

Often, you will hear some lame excuse why they are such because of what has happened in their past. An example, an alcoholic or an abuser will say that they are such because they saw or experienced it growing up. You have a choice to be one or not to be one. You can choose to rise above or to get drifted by the current.

We live our lives today with so many choices and we are getting drowned by such an overwhelming number of choices. The information or the misinformation that we see every day makes our decision-making too difficult. Do we choose the popular or the less popular? Or do we choose based on our conviction or do we choose because we are swayed?

Choosing what is right and wrong seems straightforward, but what is right and wrong? Who defines what is right and what is wrong?

Nativity

Sony DSLR-A200 ■ f/4 ■ 1/40 ■ ISO 400

I took this picture when we were active in the Alliance of the Two Hearts. This church, Saint Peter, in Merchantville, New Jersey was the host for Adore. It was a three-day event for children and young adults to participate in a religious celebration. The church had a nice Nativity display, and I was learning photography. My first take on a low-light situation.

The Birth of Christ is accounted for in the Bible and the Quran. There are so many visual representations all over about the Nativity. It adorns most Christian churches and homes all around the world during the Christmas season. In the Philippines, when the month ends in “ber” people start to hear Christmas songs and even put out decorations. Most countries celebrate Christmas. Businesses capitalize on the season, just like any other holiday or event. One may even think that all these are just to make money.

But why December? If you read the Bible, suggests that it happened during the lambing season. Shepherds were out in the pasture with sheep when an angel appeared to announce the Birth of Christ. Otherwise, sheep may have been corralled during the cold season. I have read that the Roman Empire may have had a hand in choosing the 25th day of December. I believe Emperor Constantine chose this date maybe because of a political motive or probably just a popular date for the celebration. Not to mention, the emperor was leaning towards Christianity at that time after previous emperors persecuted Christians.

The fact of the matter is that we do not have first-hand experience or knowledge, however, it does not diminish the fact that the event gives each one of us hope for togetherness and shared love. What’s ironic is that people get together only during some sort of celebration or something horrific that has happened. Why not give love not only on Christmas but every day?

But why do we have a Christmas tree? I will share my thoughts on this one next time.

Gateway To India

Sony SLT-A99V ■ f/4 ■ 1/320 ■ ISO 200

During the spring of last year, we went to India to celebrate a wedding between Ruchi and Sinjin. They already had their civil wedding early that year. They shared their wedding only with family and close friends. Ruchi’s parents were in attendance via live streaming, I am thankful for its invention because loved ones from far away can witness if there is internet access. After their civil wedding, they had their pictorial despite the rain and cold weather. Those pictures turned out great. We went to a restaurant for a small reception for those in attendance. They also threw another reception a week later for other family members, well my wife’s side of the family, and their closest friends. We went to a brewery afterward and I was told that I made a fool of myself, but none of that right now.

I would like to thank Girish, Artie, and Neil (Ruchi’s parents and brother), who planned and prepared the wedding celebrations down to the hotel where we stayed for the duration. I cannot express enough how hospitable they were for the entire week. They have planned tours and transportation to go around. We met their family and friends and we’re welcomed.

In the picture is the famous Gateway to India. We were fortunate that we went there early in the morning otherwise the picture would have had so many people in the background. Opposite this magnificent structure is the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, where we ate dinner that same day after we toured Elephanta Caves.

I will tell you more about the places we toured in Mumbai during our short stay, but for now, I would like to extend my wishes to them on their first anniversary. As I said during the reception:

"There is no perfect marriage, you must make it perfect. Misunderstandings and arguments are inevitable, it is how you treat each other after. Love is shown through respect. Be careful to say things when angry because it is difficult to take it back when said. Lastly, it is nice to be forgetful. Let the past teach you but leave it in the past and not dig up every argument."

Happy Anniversary, please select link below for pictures.

Mehndi

Haldi And Sangeet

Wedding And Reception