Old Photos

I dug up this old photo from our house in Robina a couple of days ago. I'm the one with the garden shears. With me are Lambert (with the saw) and Cocoy (with the fork). The submissive dog is Brownie. I can't be sure, but I think this was taken during our senior year in HS. I can't recall why these guys are in my house. It could very well been just one of those spur-of-the-moment things when we all decided to hang out one Saturday afternoon.

"Spur-of-the-moment" - I don't remember having any of those lately. I guess as you grow older, you have less and less of these. Everything needs to be scheduled, confirmed, texted...I miss the old days. I hope I can see some of the guys during the Grand Reunion this January 9th.

Bahay na Bato

mapayapa-0534
Originally uploaded by joel_s_staana

We visited my sister's house earlier today. It's scheduled to be completed next month. It's a beautiful house - very Filipino. All the materials are recycled from old houses. The ground floor is made of stone, while the upper floor is all wood. The ceilings are pretty high, and there are old-style "ventinillas" (windows for your feet). This is perfect for the Philippine climate. I wish more houses were like this one. The garage is even made to look like a stable. How cool is that?

Charge of the Light Brigade

Charge of the Manankils
Originally uploaded by joel_s_staana

This shot was taken outside the Monastery of the Risen Christ. It took us 2 hours (from Pampanga) to arrive at this little-known neck of the woods in the Tarlac mountains. The trip was worth it though. It was beautiful. The church had an actual relic of the cross (or so the story goes). There was also a giant Jesus statue overlooking the valley -- a'la Rio de Janiero. It was defintely a solemn place for prayer.

Being our first time to enter the church, we were, of course, entitled to the customary 3 wishes.

Christmas is for kids

Christmas is for kids
Originally uploaded by joel_s_staana

Nikko, Jacob, Juaqi, and Buknoy strike a pose. These kids grow up warp speed. It seems like only yesterday when it was my generation causing all the commotion in the yearly Sta. Ana Christmas party. Torch has been handed down to these 4 - and talk about bettering their elders! I don't recall us ever being this energetic. But that's part of the fun. Merry Christmas everyone!

Dog Rider Black

Dog Rider Black
Originally uploaded by joel_s_staana

How I regret that I didn't get this on video. This dog was riding a speeding motorcycle along EDSA -- and he was pretty cool about it too. No harness, no nothing -- he was surfing freestyle! He had a dog tag - "Hi, I'm Doggie".

Well, hello there Doggie. You are one cool askal. I hope to get you on video someday. Youtube material.