Angel Thoughts

This is a tense week for some of us the Mayon volcano watchers (my beloved was a Bicolano, that's why I love the province) and the activities of the perfect cone-shape natural wonder is worrisome. But we can only hope she will not blow, at least, anytime soon. Another worry is Taal volcano in Tagaytay which is visible from my home on the ridge, as it is puffing out plumes of smoke, PhiVolcs says. Let us pray for a ceasefire from both volcanoes! Now, our take on the new Tourism slogan for the country. “Love the Philippines” from Its more fun in the Philippines. Sounds like a logical cry of approval from tourists, right? After experiencing our beautiful beaches, waterfalls, islands, delicious food, friendly natives, historical churches and landmarks, our native culture, and fantastic scenery, this is the only conclusion for our country. Love the Philippines—Approved! From top left: Novic and Candy Dela Cruz, Jon Basco, Anna Abola, Junie Siytangco, Jennifer Ligones, Cynthia Simolde, Melai Feliciano, Rachel Ong, Anne Marie Abao, and KitKat Diestro; Next row from left: Carlo Malana and Marc Galido; not in photo: Eio Abola These last days have also been hectic for our family as my eldest son, Ramon Amado, or Junie, came home from Vancouver to be with his lucky mom. He came in time to bring me down to the operating room with his sister Sandee, and helped me in being discharged from the hospital two days later. The paperwork and protocols are, as any former patient can tell you, horrific, but then again what a relief after all that hassle.  Whatever, it is such a relief to be home! Our balikbayan, Junie, has been caught up in a happy whirlwind of reunions with friends, classmates, and relatives. His wife, Coralyn was here earlier than he and they just switched places after she went home to Vancouver. DLSU (De La Salle University) Volleyball Alumni Men's and Women's Team 1986 to 1990 Reunion at XO 46 Century Mall. One of the reunions, Junie was with his former co-players of De La Salle University (DLSU) men's and women's volleyball teams. The group which remains very close to this day since their university playing days keep in touch with each other and always jumps at the opportunity to gather and catch up. And they enjoyed the food at XO 46 restaurant in Estancia mall. In between stories of past adventures and news of what has happened since they last met it was all fun talk, jokes and light banter. It went on until the mall had to close and still the group didn't want the night to end, they moved to a nearby bistro and deli to continue to be able to catch up and wait for others still to join them like Eio Abola and carried on until the bistro also had to close down. It was a most enjoyable night as friends who are family seem to be able to pick up where they left off even after a long time apart. Some of Junie's co-players and classmates were familiar faces in our home in Paco, so it was a joy to see my son reconnect with them. Then our family got together with aunties and cousins from the Munson side at a sprawling venue like XO for a whole day of fun. The younger kids went swimming and the older ones sat around and had fun keeping up to date with their blood relatives. We had special guests Dr. Mina T Gabor, who is practically a family member already. Also with us was Vancouver-based Edna Corrales and her granddaughter Zion Nelson, 23-year old star athlete and member of the PATAFA. More on this amazing athlete with three several degrees and M.As in a later column. Zion swooned over the special “turon” prepared by Chef Tanya Dizon, banana- wrapped and sweetened with special sauce. She also approved “bibingkang malagkit” from Coralyn Barte's mom. Thanks, cumadre! The clan spent a happy restful day, happy with the delicious food served non-stop, the sounds of the happy youngsters in the pool area, and the chatter of the tri-generatio guests around the sprawling sofas.