For Dalas....

..... not just because its Father's Day!
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My father is not the orginal "Dalas" - my Lolo Celo was. Although he has 4 other brothers, the moniker was sort of passed on to my father. Lolo was known for his hilarious quips and witty remarks which my father, undeniably, inherited.
 
Ask for Dalas in our small barrio in Pampanga and everybody would know where to direct you. My father is that famous! Or its probably just because he knows everybody else in the barrio and could engage them in an exchange of playful banter.

 Tatang only finished elementary. He told me once that he was sent to high school but he had to walk about 10 km a day to go to school. He almost endured his first year but decided to quit because his tsinelas (sandals) gave up (he said that was the sign). :)

After quitting school, he worked as a farm boy until he met my mother whose father was a contractor. He joined my lolo in the construction business and became a skilled carpenter. And just like, I guess, everybody else with a growing family and a meager salary, he was forced by life's circumstance to work abroad.

Tatang with his not-so "little girl"....

It was perhaps difficult for us growing up without him - I don't know, I can't remember. But I can imagine how that could have been more painful for him. In a way, we are blessed - inspite of (or maybe because of) this period in our lives - all 5 of us siblings turned out well.

My father's life is not outstanding - he is a simple man living a simple life. Yet, I have the utmost respect and admiration for him. He rose above his deficiencies and stood resolute amidst all challenges.

He is the most patient, the most giving, forgiving and the kindest person I know. He'll give his last centavo to those who need it. He loves my mother sooooo much we sometimes do not understand why. :)

With the ONLY love of his life

He is not without fault, of course. He is funny bordering on "corny". He would regal anybody who would listen with stories of his childhood, his love story, his life abroad - that my youngest sister suggested that he makes a recording of all these stories and play them per chapter to save him the effort. He worries too much - even of inconsequential things. AND, he loves my mother soooo much...:) But all these make us appreciate him better, love him more.

All blessed and grateful...

So to DALAS, on this Father's Day and everyday, THANK YOU! May our good LORD continue to bless and keep you!

P.S> Basti is growing up to be the next "Dalas" in the family - having your wit and antics. Just a little short of your "poginess"... :)

2012 Philippine Independence Day!

PROUD to be PINOY!!!

Google's tribute to 2012 Philippine Independence Day!

Cat's Dance...

....a tragic lesson on industrialization.
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I used to just teach about it - preaching the ill-effects of methyl mercury on human health and the environment. Now, after having the opportunity to visit the place,  I have a better understanding of the environmental tragedy that struck the small town of Minamata and the consequences of the disease it is more widely known for.

The small, idyllic town of Minamata

Minamata is a small, idyllic town in the Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island in Southern Japan. The town's lush, picturesque scenery is a visual delight that it was so difficult for me to reconcile my preconceived images to what I was seeing. 

It was hard to imagine, in fact, that around 60 years ago, in this same paradise, a young girl of five was found to have unusual neurological symptoms. She had convulsions and difficulties in walking and speaking. Also, around this time, strange behaviors in cats,  who tended to eat scraps from family tables, were observed - wildly running around, convulsing, going mad and drowning themselves. Thus, the term "cat's dance."

Crippled hand of a Minamata disease victim

The epidemic, popularly known as Minamata Disease,  was traced to methyl mercury poisoning associated with daily consumption of large quantities of shellfish heavily contaminated with the toxic chemical. The culprit was a chemical company called Chisso Corporation - once the very definition of industrialization in Japan. Methyl mercury was a byproduct in the manufacture of acetaldehyde synthesized by the hydrolysis of acetylene using mercury as catalyst.

A visit to the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum revealed the long and difficult struggle of the local populace to be compensated for their sufferings. The museum relays the experiences of pain and discrimination through visual displays as well as by oral historians who give personal, first-hand accounts of their experiences.

The road to "mea culpa" was a circuitous one. Even with mounting evidences, it took the government 12 years (in 1968) to officially declare that methyl mercury discharged from Chisso Corporation was the cause of the disease.

Scratches on the wall in one hospital made during episodic convulsions of the victims

Minamata disease is definitely one of the most significant negative consequences associated with industrialization with little consideration to the environment. The lesson is learned, however, and today, there is a unified (and very, very expensive!!) action to regain this lost paradise.


There is hope until the CAT DANCES NO MORE.....

There is hope...

Date night: Strand Cafe

.....absolutely the.best ribs in Wien!
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Friends have been recommending the spareribs of Strand Cafe for sometime now. As we used to go to another resto for ribs, the Strand Cafe was never in the 'place to go on a date' list. Ironically, its a few meters away from home.

The recommendations kept on coming, however,  that curiosity led us to the much-touted dining place. And I tell you this - it did not disappoint!

Perfectly situated along the banks of the Danube, Strand Cafe offers a great view of the calm waters and  UN skyline - it was soooo relaxing! Much needed after a stress-filled week!!

Look at those smiles!!

The gastronomic choices are fabulous but of course, the best seller is their signature spareribs! The meat is so fresh and tender and the side dishes are perfect!

Sumptuous dishes...yum, yum!!!

The service is a delight as well - just took around 5 minutes to have our orders. It was great as I was famished!!

We're definitely going back to this place!! By the way, don't forget to make reservations - the place is just teeming with hungry customers!  And bring your appetite too, the servings are deliciously insane!! :)

Be a KID again....

"That’s the real problem with the world; too many people grow up.  They forget. They don’t remember what it’s like to be twelve years old again." - Walt Disney

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Well, ok, 41 IS old! That's debatable, true...but I won't argue because oftentimes I feel each and every year of those 41 years with my aching limbs and sore muscles!!

I am a happy person, I guess, by nature! Sometimes, even a bit immature for my age. I even have a tendency not to take things too seriously. But of course, as an adult, there are expectations that we have to meet.We are supposed to be responsible - no ifs, no buts. In essense, adulthood = responsibility. And of course, in this society of ours, old = adulthood. Therefore, as logic goes, old=adulthood=responsibility.

Sucks, when you're old, doesn't it?

That's why when the opportunity presents itself, be a KID again!! And what better way to do this than in a theme park! Now, off to Universal Studios in Singapore...

A visit is not complete without a photo here...

And so, the fun started....Like kids, we explored all the sights and sounds of the place - wanting to ride and see all! But the best attractions, at least for me, are these:

Believe it or not, I survived this - both the red (cylon) and blue (accelerator) rides...

The Mummy returns....not me silly!

Love, love this ride...4D experience...you'll be amazed how they did it!!!

Those are my top 3 but overall, the rides and the shows are all worth experiencing! But what made the day truly memorable was having my (not-so) kid sister, Rinrin, oopppsss, Cather, with me...

You bet! I am prettier... :)

I am glad that my life still gives me chances to feel like a kid again - having fun with no worries. Just one day... when the world is your playground, the stress of work forgotten and riding the CYLON with complete abandon!!!

A not-so hidden sanctuary!

...a wonderful discovery one chilly Sunday morning!
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I was sooo looking forward to this weekend's rest after a 22-day duty travel arriving at around 11 PM last Sunday and working for 10 hours the next day (...and the next)!

But REST does not necessarily come to those who wait.....

Saturday was spent entertaining some welcome guests (we dont do much entertaining here but company is always welcome)  and  attending a colleague's grandchild baptism. It was also an opportunity to showcase the hubby's and, ehhherrrmmm, yours truly's culinary expertise.

So a whole day of lazing around should have defined my Sunday!!

BUT the hubby has other plans. Right after I got out of bed, he suggested that we take a walk which I initially said no to claiming the need for physical and mental replenishment...hehe...Then he exclaimed, "You look so big in your new photos".  Huhh?? Usually, these words have no effect on thou and well, yeah, blame it on 22 day gorging on the gorengs of Indonesia (Sundanese cuisine is to die for!), tom yums of Thailand and laksas of Singapore - add these to the sisig and crispy pata of home!

I don't know if it was guilt for being away so long or plain 'rising to a challenge' response - I said YES to having a stroll!!

AND, oh boy,  was I glad I did!  For, on this chilly Sunday morning, we discovered a not-so-hidden paradise very close to home - the Donau Park!

Donaupark is a haven in the midst of the city featuring a rich assembly of sights, such as the Donauturm (Danube Tower) and garden sections with various plants. Its 800,000 square meters of lush trees and magnificent gardens!!

pretty flowers everywhere in the park

and these too...

wild flowers....

and of course, these trees.....

trees of various colors, shapes and sizes....

 The park also boasts of several entertainment facilities that cater to both young and the not so young!

Take the web challenge! I got on the first web...hehe..

The hubby after  having hurdled this maze...Happy, Yipee, Yehey!! :)

There's more, a lot, lot, more - all worthy to be featured here but best experienced personally! For us, it was one day of amazing discoveries and 'inexpensive' :) but truly memorable 'together time'.

Its really embarrasing to have just discovered this sanctuary after having lived in Vienna for more than 3 years! Hidden treasures lie near, indeed! I guess more Sunday morning discovery walk from now on....

Happiness all over!

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away...
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The official purpose is all-business - witness the processing of high level PCBs in the non-combustion facility of UNIDO in Bataan, Philippines. BUT coming home this month created several beautiful memories that will forever be etched in the memoirs of my life.

First, the ROMERO's FAMILY ANNUAL REUNION. For years now, it has been the clan's tradition to hold its yearly gathering in February. It also serves as a celebration of Lolo Celo's birthday who has passed on and probably anticipates this yearly event in Heaven as much as everyone in the family does.

Simple joys at the Romero's Family Reunion 2012...go orange!

Second, the GRADE SCHOOL DAY of the niece and nephew. I have always enjoyed watching the showcase of talents at the Montessori School during its GS Day. This year, the celebration coincided with my duty travel. How I enjoyed watching Alex sashaying gracefully to Tango and Basti swaggering to Rumba with the Banana Boat Song (6 foot, 7 foot, 8 foot...bunch!). There's talent in the family after all! :)

Awesome talents at the Montessori Grade School Day...

Third, of course, was my BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. I turned ONE! Last year, I said "Life begins..", so there.... It was a simple celebration made special by family and friends. The "radicals" (he..he..) of AUF Batch 87 came and it was sheer fun traipsing down memory lane! It was a night of wit and intelligent repartee!

I turned 1...!

 And then there's BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Part 2 - Fontana  Water Theme Park. It was Basti's first and the little guy just savored the moment. I can still vividly remember his expression while swimming in probably 5 inches of water in the wave pool saying "Ninang, ang saya saya ko!". Pure happiness there!! It was also my opportunity, eherrrmmmm, to don my swimsuit again! As they say, NO GUTS, NO GLORY!!

All smiles at Fontana Water Theme Park....

And then it was over...:(

Of course, the mission and the annual leave had to end. Time to go back to Vienna where the hubby awaits. Its always the same feeling - torn!! While I am excited to go back to the comforts and safety of my surrogate home, a huge part (pun intended :D) of me longed to stay. So, there I was at the NAIA with a luggage-full of native vegetables, tocino, longganisa and Mother's homecooked dishes, emoting like Ate Vi!

The 20-hour trip over and the cute chauffeur from Emirates waiting with the limo (ok, ok.. its free service from the airline...he..he..),  Vienna's sunshine greeted me. And look what awaited for me at home! This pretty bunch absolutely dissolved all the melancholic feeling....thank you, loves!!

Blissful contentment.....

Wait, it aint over yet! Almost zombie-like having almost no sleep, a party awaits...this time its the Aguman Kapampangan's fete for Feb-Mar birthday celebrants! What a delight!!!

Felicity of Community...

Then, 15-hours of glorious sleep....Thank you GOD for all these!!!