Glad that August is done

I wanted to post about how eventful August 2025 was. For some reason or reasons, it didn't go well for us. It started with our dog being hospitalized for almost a week due to blood parasites. She was already diagnosed with another ailment before and this made it worse. A few days later, it was our daughter's turn to be hospitalized for a week. Fortunately, she was quick to recover and her lab tests turned out okay. That was so scary for us as the initial diagnosis pointed to her probably spending two weeks in the hospital.

Those were the medical incidents. A week before our daughter was hospitalized, our vehicle (carrying her) was involved in a freak road crash where a truck hit a vehicle that in turn collided with ours. While we were able to compile the documents needed and the truck operators have been cooperative, we still haven't heard from their insurance company about our vehicle's repairs.

Was it a case of a severe type of ghost month? I'm sure some people believe in the stuff. I would say that a part of me would like to believe so considering all the "pamahiins" (superstitions) we grew up being mentioned and even substantiated by relatives. We are just thankful and relieved that August is over and we can now move on starting with the first of the 'ber' months. Christmas, as we jokingly say in the Philippines, just started! 

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Paalam Papa Luis

We lost a good uncle last Saturday. Luis Salamera or Papa Luis was the husband of my mother's younger sister Esperanza or Mama Panse as we call her. He had a stroke a while back before the pandemic and though he survived it was slow to recover. He was not as mobile as he used to and needed to be attended to. As such, he was not able to attend to many family events the past decade.

I cannot say or remember anything but good about Papa Luis. He was a good provider for his family including the 2 daughters from the first husband of my aunt that he practically considered his own. He made so many sacrifices including going overseas as a seaman. He was a radio operator in the 1980s and 1990s on ships that now don't require his skills. He helped the husband of my cousin to become employed as a seaman. The latter didn't have any formal training and was an auto mechanic before being able to board a ship. I am told that he also helped many others become OFWs. They have comfortable lives now with their children (my nephew and nieces) all graduates and with good jobs. That could not have been possible without him giving a recommendation and vouching for my cousin-in-law.

My fond memories of Papa Luis though were of playing chess with him. After my first cousin Manong Edgar, I thought Papa Luis was another very strong chess player. Being out at sea for long periods probably contributed to this. No, they didn't have gadgets or computers to play with that I assume now are the pastimes of seamen. So playing chess was probably one of the games they played and those who played well helped others become good players as well. Another pastime he had was reading. He read a lot of books, mostly the bestsellers, and took many of them home. Unfortunately, many of those perished in a fire that gutted their community many years ago. Still, many survived and I was able to borrow a few that I read back when I was in high school and college.

Papa Luis was a generous soul. Hindi siya madamot considering how people thought about seamen or OFWs as being infinite sources of money back then (I think that's how many perceive them even now.). If someone approached them for help, he would lend money even if he knew that money will not be repaid. His generosity extended to me and my siblings as well as my parents. He knew Tatay played tennis so one time he was on a break and came home, he gifted him with a nice racket. It was the same for other nieces and nephews and in-laws. He didn't need to be generous but I guess he was happy when he saw people happy with his pasalubong. 

Here's a heartfelt farewell to a good man. His life is well-lived and certainly touched the lives of many. Rest in peace in the eternal embrace of Our Maker.

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On haircuts and barbers

I'm a creature of habit and one of the things I am very particular about is where I get my haircuts. I've had a barber in Cainta before who cut my hair since I was in High School. Mang Alim was also my father's barber so we usually only had to sit down on the chair and he would know how we wanted our hair trimmed. The only time he wasn't my barber was during my time in Japan (Yokohama, Tokyo and Saitama) when I went to a barber shop in Meguro to have my haircuts. Unfortunately, my barber Mang Alim got sick and passed away. 

He had an understudy of sorts though as at times when Mang Alim wasn't available and I had to get a haircut, there was this younger fellow who agreed to cut my hair. He was always reluctant, probably thinking Alim might get angry at him for what may seem as 'stealing' a regular. It was actually okay with my favorite barber as he knew there were days I needed to have my haircut when he wasn't there. The next time I'm there he would usually be there, too. After Alim passed away, I automatically and naturally shifted to this fellow and he was my barber  for a few years until for some reason he just disappeared and didn't show up a the newer barber shop where he transferred. Mulong's or Romulo Santos barber shop closed shortly after Alim passed so I also had to transfer to another barber shop. Unfortunately, there was no understudy for this fellow and the other barber didn't do well the only time I tried a haircut with him.

It took some time for me to find another barber. I recall having a few of haircuts at a barber shop at the Petron station at La Vista. That closed and I found myself without a barber again. I tried another shop at SM Taytay but that shop also eventually closed just when I was getting comfortable with a barber there. Perhaps a year or two passed before I found a new barber. The barber shop at Q Plaza in Cainta was recommended by my brother who had his haircut there. It turned out that my brother-in-law and nephew also had their haircuts there. That's where I met Alvin, my current 'go to' barber. I just sit on the chair and he knows how I want my haircut.

During the pandemic, it took a few months before I was able to get a decent haircut. As the shop with Alvin had not reopened, I had a couple of haircuts at one barber shop near our condo at the Uptown Mall in BGC. I think I went there a couple of times before I was finally informed by Alvin that they were back in business. Those were the times one had to wear a mask and face shield for a few times (I routinely had a monthly haircut) until we transitioned to just the mask and eventually got rid of it.

Fast forward to this week when I had my regular haircut, Alvin informed me that he will be moving on soon. He was hired by another shop in Quezon City. The catch is that this was located in a posh area (White Plains) and the price of a haircut is significantly higher than that of an ordinary barber shop (i.e., 4 to 5 times more expensive). While I haven't really decided yet, I am gravitating to try out the new place once my barber moves in. If its not as snooty as I imagine it to be and if I can get my satisfaction and money's worth then perhaps I wouldn't have to look for another barber soon.

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Why I love Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso concluded its three season run last year. I thought it was one of the best series I've watched. It made a lot of sense considering the situations the characters found themselves in and the humor was realistic rather than slapstick. Never mind that in reality an (American) football coach would never be considered to coach or manage an English football team.

I liked it when Ted wrote on the cover of Trent's draft that the latter only needed to change the title. Instead of "The Ted Lasso Way," the book's title became "The Richmond Way." It wasn't really about the football but life (in its many variations and situations) that was the topic of the series. Of course, it helped that there were many notable guests on the series including football legends like Pep Guardiola and Thierry Henry.

I think the top reason why I really love Ted Lasso is that the series helped me through a battle with COVID-19. One or two episodes a night for several nights including the most difficult ones while I had the virus and was in isolation helped me keep my spirits up and made my condition a bit more bearable while I struggled to recover.

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Thoughts on a Leap Year 2024

Today is February 29. It is a Leap Year. A lot can happen over four years. In 2020, we were bracing ourselves for the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it seems all have returned to the 'old normal'. February 2024 was very eventful for me. A beloved aunt passed away and until now, I cannot compose a decent article to celebrate her life. I think I have not had the proper grieving for her. I was not able to attend her funeral unlike the time when another beloved aunt passed away. Now Tatay has no other living sibling after the passing of Nay Paring. Tatay seems to be taking it well but I know he is sad inside and perhaps feels  about his mortality. 

Our dog Mocha had surgery a couple of weeks ago. This was to remove a tumor that was diagnosed as malignant. The dog is 10 years old. That's about 70 to 80 in dog years depending on your reference. She's better now but we also had a scare and know that she maybe has 2 or 3 years remaining considering her being a canine. Our daughter grew up with Mocha, who is such a loving animal. Dogs like her give unconditional love and we have lots of happy memories with her.

Most recently, our daughter was admitted to a hospital for the first time. Her confinement was due to a viral infection (not COVID-19) that led to her having very high fever. The experience gave us a scare as well as reminded us how difficult it is to get good medical care in the Philippines. I guess we are blessed to have the resources for our daughter to get the medical care she needed. There is hope but it is fleeting for many.

The other day (February 27) as I was exiting our home to go on an early evening walk, I saw a meteorite as it streaked across the clear sky. Another one was spotted, this time with my wife, seconds after. A third appeared as we walked. These are so rare that people make wishes when they see one. In our case, I guess we had three, each. I just don't remember making 3 wishes as their appearance were so unexpected but very pleasant considering the quick spectacle.

I will make another reflection like this in 2028. I wish the next 4 years will be blessed ones.

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Why do I collect watches?

My daughter asked me why I had so many watches as she saw me putting away some watches while taking out others. I was in the middle of changing my rotation for the month (yes, just so I get to wear most of the ones I could on a daily basis) when she entered the room. I explained to her about my hobby and somehow got to the part where I related to her how important time was to me and a part of that was keeping the time. The watches reminded me how important that was to me and them being in great condition and keeping the time helps me be on time and manage my schedule. I thought she understood what her father was trying to tell her at her young age. And then she popped the question: are these going to be mine when I grow up? I said yes! And somehow I know she's going to be fine!

Here are among my favorites in my collection, the ones I regard as keepers and perhaps my "first five". Only a couple are in my regular rotation and while the others are usually worn for special occasions, I tend to make sure these occasions are more often so I can enjoy them on my wrist.

Jaeger LeCoultre Futurematic

Mido Ocean Star Caliber 80 diver, which I prefer to use when I'm swimming

Seiko 5626-7040 King Seiko Chronometer - one of my birth month, birth year watches

Glashutte Spezichron diver, a much sought after classic from the former East Germany

And this piece that needs no introduction

If this were a basketball game, the sixth man position will go to this:

Seiko Landmaster AGS - my usual pick when I go out to do fieldwork

There are other watches I have an attachment to including a couple of other Seikos, a Baume and some Swatches. They have a part in my rotation(s) and I keep tabs on them especially the quartz ones as I am usually the one changing their batteries. :)

Happy Father's Day!

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Vintage Seiko Lord Matic 5606-6080, another BMBY

I wrote about a couple of birth month, birth year watches that I had. Unfortunately, both were kept at my office and I only had photos of the Seiko Actus that I posted a couple of months ago. Here are photos of the LM (Lordmatic) Special.

The elegant black dial has day and date features. Day settings can be in English or Kanji (i.e., kinyobi or Friday as shown in the photo)

Side view showing the crown

The other side view

Case back showing the model number, and the serial number indicating this to have been manufactured in February 1972.

A wrist shot I took yesterday at the start of work

Close up of the dial showing the watch model at the bottom that matches the one on the case back

This is a rather small-looking watch. It actually measures 35mm wide but looks smaller because of the dial and case combination. Keeps time and has a decent power reserve. The Cal. 5606A movement runs at 21,600 beats per hour and potentially has a 46 hours on it on a full charge (regular use).

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Food for Lent

It's the Lenten Season once again and its that time of year when meat consumption tends to go down for Catholics. We are supposed to fast and abstain from meat (that's beef, pork and chicken) on Fridays and the specific days like Ash Wednesday, Maunday Thursday and Black Saturday.

Frozen seafood i vacuum packs mean they will last longer in the refrigerator.

I usually get dory, tanguige, tuna and milkfish as part of our food supply. Bangus (milkfish) is usually for breakfast while the other seafood can be cooked a number of ways. Sometimes I get tuna belly for grilling and sashimi-grade tuna for a home-prepared version of this Japanese favorite. And this is not just for Fridays but for the entire week. Of course, I try to get fresh seafood whenever I have the opportunity to go to market. That's where I get our supply of vegetables, shrimps, fish and other seafood from our suki vendors.

There was a bit of irony when Ash Wednesday happened to be the same day as Valentine's Day. Some people (the more religious ones?) were in some sort of dilemma how they can "celebrate" Valentine's Day when it was a day of fasting and abstinence if you're a Roman Catholic. I'm sure they were able to figure that out while practicing abstinence from meat

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Farewell to a National Artist

We have had our share of meeting (or rubbing elbows with) well known artists. Some of them are friends or acquaintances. But perhaps the most frequent that we saw was a National Artist who recently passed away. Napoleon Abueva is a National Artist for Sculpture. He is famous for many of his creations that include the Himlayang Pilipino's iconic statue and the crucifix atop the UP Chapel's main altar. He also has versions of the UP's oblation as well as many other works spread around the campus.

We remember him though as a fellow parishioner at the church where we hear Mass on Sundays. Abueva, I believe and observed, was humble, low key, and not the rock star type of artist. He was practically inconspicuous during the 9:00 am Masses that he attended at the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Antipolo. Perhaps people did not recognize him or unaware of this accomplished person among us? Perhaps he preferred this, too.

We often sat near (at times shared the same bench) him, his wife and their two assistants. The latter always greeted us and were sweet with our daughter who liked singing during Mass. He often just sat through the Mass and probably said his prayers or meditated in silence. When it was time to greet each other peace, he would often gesture to those around them with a nod while also acknowledging those who greeted him.

We knew he was already weak though he could still walk with assistance and didn't need a wheelchair for those times we saw him in church. Recently, we have been attending Mass at the chapel near my in-laws' home in Novaliches and so was not aware of his condition until the news came out about his passing.

Paalam po at nawa'y makapagpahinga kayo sa kanlungan ng Panginoon. May your works continue to inspire people.

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Coming home at last

After a week at the hospital, my mother is finally coming home. Mama had a stroke last Friday and it was a good thing my brother was still home to rightly identify her losing her balance and fall as a stroke. This we confirmed after a battery of tests including an MRI that revealed she had other 'small' strokes before. We thought she was lucky this was also a minor one and that the fall didn't result in any complications that could have made things more difficult (some people hit their head or have other injuries). It could have been a whole different situation that could easily have deteriorated given Mama is also diabetic.

Now, we begin the next chapter with Mama's rehabilitation. She will be doing physical therapy to get the strength back in her legs and the balance she lost due to the stroke. We also noticed that there's some memory loss and some slur in her speech days after the stroke but we believe these will eventually be resolved. For now, she will be using a wheelchair but we believe she will heal by the grace of God.

We are very thankful to people who were there to support us especially relatives and friends who prayed with us and shared positive thoughts and vibes. You know who you are whom we chose to let know about this trying experience. May God bless you for the comfort you brought us.

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Farewell 2017 and Hello 2018!

With just a few hours until the new year, I looked back at a very blessed 2017. This was a very productive year for me and a momentous one. I turned 45 earlier this year and among the things I wanted to do were to travel to new places. I was able to do these with new places both international and domestic. Among my travels this year were my trips to Australia, Vietnam, and Zamboanga.

The Sydney Opera House

Ho Chi Minh City Hall and statue of the man credited for uniting Vietnam

Zamboanga City airport

I look forward to an even more exciting year ahead with new places to explore and more experiences to live. More importantly, I look forward to spending more time with family, especially our soon to be four-year old daughter who is growing and developing so fast before our eyes. Here's to life and love!

God bless us all this 2018!

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Maundy Thursday musings

Maundy or Holy Thursdays these days don't really feel like what is was many years ago. For one, people seem to be no longer going to the churches for religious purposes. People appear to go on Visita Iglesia these days more like tourists rather than the faithful on pilgrimage. This is evidenced by the massive amount of selfies and other posts on churches and other religious places visited today and tomorrow. In other words, its more for show than for one to strengthen one's relationship with God. Do you really have to take a photo and post about the church on social media real time? Do you really have to "check-in" wherever you are tonight as you go for your seven churches?

Then of course there are the travelers who take advantage of the long week off to hie away to a resort somewhere in the country or abroad. I'm sure everyone's social media accounts have lots on their newsfeed about friends or acquaintances posts of beaches, resorts, hotel rooms, airports, train stations and others about travel and tourism. It's peak season for tourism facilities in the Philippines and those who can afford to travel do so to escape the heat and other discomforts of Metro Manila never mind how inconvenient the travels would be between their homes and their destinations of choice.

In my case, I have preferred to stay at home during these times of the year. While catching up on work is tempting (I have lots of exam papers to correct.), it seems inappropriate to do that during these holidays. Instead, the Clairvoyant and I have done some housekeeping, clearing various stuff from our cabinets, drawers and other storage. We've also taken the opportunity to spend quality time with our daughter and checking on our parents. That, I believe, is more valuable than going around or somewhere during the Holy Week.

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Farewell to another mentor and friend - Prof. Leonardo Q. Liongson

I was a bit in disbelief when I first got a message from a close friend that another mentor, later colleague and friend, passed away. There seemed to be too many deaths the past weeks with a beloved aunt and an uncle passing away only last month. I had to check for myself about the news despite my impeccable source. 

Prof. Leonardo Q. Liongson passed away last April 5. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few years ago and chose to live his remaining years with his capacity for wonder and discovery as if he was a much younger person. A renowned Academician, he was our teacher in hydrology. That was CE 110 to us, which was the first major course in a series of Water Resources Engineering subjects. He was a good teacher and a very serious one. We didn't get to see his lighter side until after I joined the faculty and I discovered how kind he was as well as his intelligent sense of humor. Before he retired, our institute had already submitted documents for him to recognized as Professor Emeritus. He was very much qualified for this recognition but unfortunately some people at the university did not agree. This, for us, was unusual considering the university had recognized others before whose accomplishments were definitely less.

Here are a few photos of Prof. Leony from a few years ago. Many of us like to remember him as the photographer/documenter of our activities at the institute (and previously department). He was always with his trusty cameras, which were the good model point-and-shoots.

Prof. Leony (in red) with Transportation Engineering faculty of the Institute of Civil Engineering during the ICE 2015 Christmas Party

Prof. Leony (left) with junior faculty of the ICE and Alumni Engineers at the ICE 2014 Christmas Party

I recall I've had a lot of interesting conversations with Prof. Leony. He can talk about anything under the sun. We shared an interest in trains and bridges and he was very happy to share a lot of stories and photos he collected about trains and bridges here and abroad. His wisdom from his many years teaching and researching will be missed. Paalam Prof. Leony. You made the world and the country better with your work on water resources, and we will all miss your company! You will always be a Professor Emeritus for us at ICE and the College of Engineering.

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Sunrise in Mactan, Cebu

I have posted a lot of photos of sunrises and sunsets in this blog and on social media. Among my favorites are the sunsets in Panglao, Bohol and Puerto Princesa, Palawan and the sunrises in Tagaytay, Cavite. Of course there are the sunsets over Metro Manila that we have had the chance to take photos of on many occasions from on top of the highest point in our village.

On a very recent trip to Cebu where went on vacation, I noticed for a couple of mornings that the sun rose early and the hues from our room indicated how beautiful they were. Unfortunately, I was still sleepy or too lazy to get up and capture the scenes. On our last morning in Mactan, Cebu, I made sure I would be up early to see the magnificent sunrise from our hotel room. We didn't have professional cameras but our smart phones did a great job capturing the following images. These have not been filtered or altered or enhanced in any way. I guess with such beauty you can't really go wrong with any camera? 

Here are three photos of the sunrise from Mactan, Cebu taken before 6:00 AM and only minutes apart:

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Our home in Iloilo

I searched for my father's hometown in Iloilo on Google Earth and Google Maps before but didn't use the street view option. Last time around and after coming home I decided to take another look and to check if Google's street view includes the streets near our home there. Lo and behold! It does include them and the Google survey vehicle even passed in front of our home. And so we now have nice images of our home online. Below are the images that I embedded here using Google's features:

I can now go to Google Maps and click on the Street View option whenever I feel like I need to "go home".

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Paalam Tito Froi

Last Monday, another loved one was laid to rest. Froilan Laudit, or Tito Froi as my wife fondly called him, passed away almost two weeks ago after succumbing to organ failure due to complications brought about by a severe asthma attack. He was visiting his son's family in Auckland, New Zealand where the latter had immigrated. I could imagine it was a very joyful and exciting trip to Auckland as his first grandchild was born last year and only recently turned one. Who knew that only a few days after arriving there that he would have a fatal asthma attack.

The youngest sibling of my mother-in-law (the eldest), I have known him almost two decades now. The Clairvoyant also had told many stories about him. He spent a significant part of his life as an overseas worker in Tokyo, Japan. We could have been there at the same time when I was a student from 1996-1999. I'm just not sure our paths crossed at least one time because he resided and worked in the northern part of Tokyo while I spend most in Yokohama and the southern part of the capital.

Tito Froi was a doting uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was a good man, a kind person. He will be missed!

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A sad start for the month of March

A week and a half ago, we were struck hard with news of a beloved aunt, Nay Nene, the elder sister of my father, being hit by a jeepney in Iloilo. She has since been transferred from the ER to the ICU where she survives, albeit miraculously, and is still in critical condition. As I write this, relatives are trying to figure out how to go about paying the hospital bills and transferring her to the district hospital (she's currently in a hospital in the city) closer to our home there. From the looks of it, her case will be one that will be lingering for a while. Although it is a sensitive matter, the mounting costs will definitely be a major concern as this is the sort of situation that could drain a family's resources. Whether she fully recovers or not, we expect some difficult times ahead, especially emotionally and even perhaps spiritually.

Now comes news of an uncle, Tito Froi, the younger brother of my mother-in-law, having a severe asthma attack and went into coma almost immediately. He only recently flew to New Zealand to visit his son's family. The latter recently had a baby, the first grandchild of our uncle from any of his children. And so it came as a big surprise to a lot of people especially his siblings that this would suddenly happen. As I write this, his son, a nurse in Auckland, would have had the prognosis from the doctors. He would have to make what we think is an extremely painful decision to let go. The asthma attack starved his father's brain and heart of oxygen, and there have been too much damage for him to recover. We await for news from New Zealand but the Clairvoyant is now en route to their home in Novaliches to talk to and comfort her mother and aunts who have congregated there and now stricken with grief about the situation.

We thought February was a sad month because of what happened to Nay Nene. We truly didn't expect it to be sadder with what happened to Tito Froi. Very recently, too, a couple of friends lost their mothers, both mainly due to lingering illnesses. We can only pray for them and ask for our Creator to comfort loved ones they left behind. We can only beg the Lord for mercy on their souls and by His grace that they be with Him in heaven.

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Praying for a miracle for Nay Nene

February has always been a happy month for me. For one, it is my birth month and so we usually have some celebration during the latter part of the month. It is also the birth month of my niece and I have a lot of happy memories of things happening in February (e.g., my first trip to Japan, my first experience of snow, etc.). This year was not supposed to be different because it is my 45th and we had already planned a family trip over the weekend. So much for a happy February...

Earlier today, I received news from my father that a beloved aunt (his elder sister) was hit by a jeepney. She is now in critical condition in a hospital in Iloilo and we are trying to confirm exactly what injuries she sustained. My brother says that from his conversation with our cousins, it looks bleak and we can only hope for a miracle for my aunt to get through this.

Nanay Nene or Enriqueta Regidor is one of only two living siblings of my father. The other, Nay Paring (Amparo Torre) is older and lives with her in my paternal side's ancestral home in Cabatuan, Iloilo. Although Nay Nene has had some health problems recently and the past few years, these were mostly the typical illnesses attributed to her advanced age (sakit ng matatanda). I've known her to be a tough lady but she was very kind, very cheerful and that is how I want to remember her from my childhood days spent in Iloilo during summer breaks.

Nay Nene (4th from left) beside my lola (3rd from left) in front of our old house in Cabatuan, Iloilo (photo taken in March 1974, just after my 2nd birthday)

She was like a mother to me and I was very fond of her. I used to tag along with her whenever I was in Iloilo whether its going to the market, on a religious procession or to church. It was she who usually cooked for us whenever we were in Iloilo. It was she who usually accompanied us to the airport when we returned to Manila. Nay Nene was a teacher and one among many close relatives who probably influenced me into teaching, too.

This is going to be a long night and a critical one at that. We can only pray that Nay Nene will get through the night and hopefully recover. Only God knows what about His plan for her and we surrender to His will.

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Another beautiful sunset at the "second floor"

We only recently have gone back to what older people in our area of residence call the "second floor". This is atop what appears to be the highest point in our village. The Clairvoyant wanted to go there again for the first time since almost half a year ago before she had surgery. I had brought our daughter there for the first time a week earlier as part of our adventures together. She was actually more interested in the cows grazing near the road than climbing up to get a nice view of the city, the mountains and even Laguna de Bay. But when we were on top, she became curious about the mint that grew seemingly everywhere on that rocky land. I just had to caution her about running and not watching where she went. She can get quite clumsy and might just end up stumbling and hurting herself.

I related our little adventure to her mother and the Clairvoyant was naturally envious of our expedition. When we finally had the opportunity one afternoon, we decided to go there again and timed our climb so we can have a great view of the sunset. We were not disappointed and here is one of the shots we were able to take using just our smartphones:

The major elements conspired that late afternoon to give us this spectacular sunset

There are no two sunsets that are alike and so we will continue going up the "second floor" to view the sunsets. Of course, now there will be three of us going there from time to time. :)

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Simple celebrations for the New Year

We celebrated the arrival of the New Year without much of the more festive atmosphere that included the food and drinks at the dinner table for what was supposed to be traditional media noche. Instead, we decided to have a simple dinner and had some sandwiches and slices of cheese to tide us by while we waited for midnight and the turn of the year. Our daughter made an effort to stay awake and she did follow our advice to take a nap during the early afternoon so she won't be sleepy at night. Her almost 2-hour 'siesta' was enough and we played and read with her so she won't get bored.

Towards midnight, we already made the observation that there seemed to be less of the initial revelry that usually ushered in the New Year. We thought perhaps it was because of the rains that day that may have been a deterrent for some who didn't want to risk spoiling their firecrackers by getting them wet. We also thought that maybe more people have become aware of the risks and costs of fireworks and have come to appreciate the fireworks displays that cities and municipalities have organized usually in partnership with the private sector. Those celebrations I think can become a tradition and help build stronger communities. And the benefits are definitely worth it as you get less noise, less garbage (from the exploded fireworks) and even much less air pollution from the smoke generated by fireworks.

And so we celebrated the coming of 2017 on the balcony of our home, enjoying the view of aerial fireworks care of our neighbors and those residing in the villages around us. We heard few of the sinturon ni hudas (Judas' belt) and sawas (snakes or pythons) and definitely of the other conventional paputok (usually ground-based fireworks) like the trianggulo, 'five star', fountain and other lusis. People probably now understand how costly it would be to quite literally blow your money on such things just for the sake of generating noise to drive away the bad luck. That's one pamahiin (superstition) that we certainly like to phase out.

Happy New Year to all!

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