occasions

happy 114th independence day

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occasions, Papa, Blog Photo Challenge, Philippine Independence

Happy 114th Philippine Independence Day everyone!

I remember my Papa the most on occasions like this. Weeks before the celebration, he will busy himself hoisting up the Philippine Flag at home + teaching us a thing or two about our rich, colorful history. Most of what I learned + know about patriotism + nationalism, I learned from him + I hope to pass on to my little man when it is time. + I bet, Papa, will also be one of the million boxing aficionados who were disappointed at the result of the Pacquiao-Bradley bout last Sunday!

Anyway, choppers have been zooming past our place since before the crack of dawn today, one of them must’ve carried no less than the President himself. P-noy is slated to lead the flag raising ceremony at the Barasaoin Church patio in celebration of our Philippine Independence, the first time in our humble city’s history that the highest official of our country joins Independence Day celebration at the historic Barasoain Church. Oh well, just so you know it is in this beloved church, deemed as one of the most important religious building in the Philippines, where the First Philippine Republic was declared, which earned her the title “The Cradle of Democracy in The East.”

Shame I cannot attend the ceremonies. Hopefully when Jared is a bit bigger we can go to one of those flag raising + independence day festivities at the churchyard.

Oh well, am sharing this Independence Day celebration photo I took the last time we are out in the mall + linking it with 366 BPC {03/366} as well! 😉

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occasions

Papa’s 5th Death Anniversary

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Nothing is ever really lost, or can be lost, no birth, no identity, form – no object of the world, nor life, nor any visible things; the body, sluggish, aged, cold, – the embers left, shall duly flame again.

~ Walt Whitman

Today marks my father’s 5th death anniversary. I cannot believe that it has been 5 years already, we sure miss him every single day + cannot help but think that life will be so much better if he + my Mama were around. The little man would’ve had a better + fun childhood that is for sure! His grandparents would’ve smoldered him with kisses + love, + Papa would’ve spoiled him rotten, too!

…we miss you everyday, Pa, I guess losing a father is one of those things that never really grow on you no matter what you do. I keep looking back at those wonderful memories, those summers in my childhood spent biking around the neighborhood, laying our tattered old mat in the rice field + flying kites. I remember the last few months we spent with you + that fateful day, like it was yesterday. I will tell Jared all about you when he is bigger + I promise I will make sure that I pass onto my little man everything that you taught me, hopefully including the love for word puzzles + books, too!

I know that you are in a much better place now, Pa, but I cannot simply stop to think how our lives will be like if you + Mama were still around. We shall continue to uphold the values + lessons that you taught us + hopefully, in our own little way we make you proud up there!

Though, I have never really seen you danced, I wish I did + what I wouldn’t give to have that dance with you…We shall see you again, Pa, until then know that you will always be loved + missed!

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mum's thoughts

when sahmone speaks #15: what I love about my father

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If there’s one trait of your father that you’ve always loved, what is that?

My father is a hard-working man, apart from being the best provider (of course, he just can’t provide us with every whim, but he made sure that all our needs are provided for, including our wants if we are lucky ;)).  He worked beyond his retirement years so he can send each of us to College. But I guess, the characteristic of my Papa that I will always love the most is that of him being a doting father! When we where younger, he would take photos of us, preferably with our medals from school adorning our necks. It really was kind of embarrassing when I was younger but now that I look back, I’d have to agree that children needed that kind of affirmation from their parents. It sort of served as an unspoken (since my father is not that showy + expressive of his emotions, unless he is mad!) praise or my Papa’s unique way of telling us that we are doing something good! It can also be kinda annoying at some point, but I tell you, you will miss it when it’s gone.

I can go on the entire day about my father’s traits, but I’ll just reserve it for meal time. My siblings + I love discussing about our parents come mealtime, it sort of helps us feel like they never really left, like they are just gone on this very loooong vacation! Plus, I don’t want to bore you with my long story, you can check out this article I’ve written, though, if you are so inclined, I’ll appreciate it much, too! 😉

+ while you are at it, why not share your story, too. Simply visit here for details:

When SAHMone Speaks

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