Will you see your furbabies again? Some thoughts on All Souls Day 2026

When you finally pass, and all of us will do at some time, will you see what were your pets again? Will they be waiting for you on the other side as they waited for you to get home? Will they run up to you as they did before; asking you to play with them or walk them?

Our first dogs, Troy and Barbi, looking out the front door of our previous home.

Troy and Mocha after the latter's arrival at our home in Antipolo.

Perhaps our pets are already in heaven and also watches over us. Maybe they'll be welcoming us, putting a good word for us if we truly did care for them. Our pets have a shorter life compared to us. It is said that their world probably revolved around us as we endure even as their lives end. We are there when they were puppies or kittens until they eventually grow old and pass, hopefully not from sickness.

Our previous dog Mocha arrived as we welcomed our daughter. Mocha passed almost 2 years ago. She would have been the same age as our daughter give and take a few months. One of our current dogs, Shira, also a golden retriever, arrived a year before Mocha passed so there's continuity in as far as our dogs are concerned. Soon, we will probably welcome another puppy. Though our Boots is still very healthy, he is already 12 years old and probably has a few years remaining considering their average lifespan. 

All our dogs were either cremated or buried when they passed. Fortunately for us, we didn't get duped and the cremations were legit. We sympathize with those whose pets were among those that are currently in the news and went viral on social media. Their pets certainly didn't deserve to be dumped like that after they were loved and cared for by their humans. May they also rest in peace.

- 

All Saints' Day 2026

Today and tomorrow we remember those who passed away including relatives and friends. We remember life with them and after they passed. We usually retell so many happy memories that we recall with stories as we reminisce being with them. 

We traditionally light candles in memory of our beloved who have passed away.

Our family's (on my father's side) memorial in Cabatuan, Iloilo

Aside from relatives/family members, we also remember dear friends who passed away. Just this past week saw the demise of one of the wife's classmates. We attended the memorial service last Friday night where their class paid tribute to their beloved batchmate. We weren't able to do something like this for one of our blockmates who passed away a couple of years ago. We just learned of his passing after he had been cremated. No funeral service where we could have also paid tribute to a friend. I don't forget Tony as I don't forget colleagues from our office who have also passed away. May they all rest in peace!

- 

My Yonex Muscle Power 80

Before I forget to complete my series on badminton and tennis rackets, here is the last article on my Yonex badminton racket. I bought this racket in one trip to Japan when I attended a conference there. I got it from a sports shop in Fukuoka while we were going around exploring the city. I was able to hand carry the racket on the trip back as the airlines back then didn't have the restrictions they have now. And there were at least 3 of us who bought rackets in Fukuoka to take back to Manila. I recall the rackets were cheaper and I had it strung at the sports shop where I got it.

Racket head

'Made in Japan' is part of the reasons why I decided to get this racket

Materials used for this racket, which is very light yet sturdy and durable

Close-up of the strings showing these to be Yonex BG 65 Titanium strings.

Photo of the racket after I replaced the old grip that already disintegrated.

I've checked out the newer rackets in the market whenever I have the chance. They probably are better but as they say, it's not really the racket but the one wielding it. :) 

-