My First Visita Iglesia in USA

As what I have mentioned for Mamang's eulogy, there were TWO great irrevocable, most steady lessons Mamang shared to us. Love of family, and Love of God. We were raised in a Catholic religious manner, true Mamang was strict and firm with it, we were required to attend church activities namely Sunday celebrations, fiestas, Simbang Gabi, Sta.Ana novenas, and many others. She was such a great influencer that gradually, we were all looking forward to any event in our parish.

Holy Week has always been big to us. From Palm Sunday to Easter morning of Salubong, me and my brothers have perfect attendance. That applied to everyone in the neighborhood.The norm on Holy Thursday is to attend the Mass of the Last Supper, afterwards we visit seven churches for the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, it is more widely known as Visita Iglesia.

It's been two years that I am not in Philippines for the Holy Week since Mamang passed away. Hopefully and prayerfully, next year I will be there. This 2019, I wanted to do what I could to at least "feel" the Holy Week so I had Holy Thursday and Good Friday off from work.

Yayyyyy!! My Dizon US family accompanied me for Visita Iglesia. I pray this will not be the last.

 1) St. Martha Catholic Church

 2) St. Joseph's Church

 3) Saint Louise of France Church

 4) Saint Christopher Church

 5) Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

6) Sacred Heart Church

7) Our parish: Saint France of Rome Church

I am a proud Catholic girl. I know that the core of true deep faith of Christianity is to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to redeem mankind.

I believe in God. I believe He listens to me. I believe He loves me.

Faith. Pray. Catholic.

Tiger The GenXer

An epic day not only in golf but the whole of sports universe- Tiger Woods as The Masters Tournament 2019 champion wearing the green jacket with confidence and pride.

Oh Tiger!!What you do is beyond understanding, how you make millions of people wake up early in the morning to watch you play, for many of us who do not even have the slightest clue how the scoring in golf happens yet cheer for you. How you turn the "elegant and quiet" golf audience to screaming ones while chanting your name is unfathomable. If it is not your charisma, then I don't know what it is.

As I was at the Eucharistic celebration this morning, I prayed to God for three petitions. The two are not to be written, the third one is for Tiger to win the game. Yes I do not cease asking God's help for everything. I even lighted my Manaoag candle while Tiger is competing. I want him to win, I want everybody to be happy, I want my koyas to be relieved of their stress worrying about Tiger.

The whole day of today is all about Tiger Woods. There is TwitterTigerTraffic. Kobe, LeBron, Tom Brady were tweeting about the win. Michael Phelps was seen in the audience at Augusta. The sports channels were all about him. Advertisements reliving his career path of struggles and titles dominated the screen.

I bet the most touching moment was when Tiger shared his joy with his family-especially his kids ( I noticed they seem to be shy) and mom who by the way is an Asian. Tiger even mentioned in an interview it is his proudest moment that his kids are able to witness this championship event.

Tiger is 43 years old today as he won his 5th Masters trophy. His bouts of depression, scandals and addiction may have placed him at the lowest rank in his personal and professional life. Nonetheless, he faced the trials, chose to make painful and unfamiliar detours that will lead him slowly but surely to a clean and new slate of life.

"Forty is the new Twenty", many times over I have come across this line, Tiger magnificently shows numbers do not matter that much as long as the passion, discipline and dedication are heightened beyond the ordinary. He not only serves as an inspiration to the young golfers but to  everyone, more likely to his Gen X mates who may be at this time, wondering what awaits them, what lies ahead.

Thank you Tiger for not giving up. You bring a loud and clear message to all that there is hope. That with courage and faith in oneself,  one can achieve dreams and have the best kind of life.

Tiger. Inspiration.Lodi.

Happy 48th Birthday, JOSE!!!

The brother who lives in the "upscale" NorCal, the "prodigal"son, who we unconditionally love and care for. Beloy/Balu to many, Melvin to Mamang.

 He was with us here for one weekend, and he complains how hot it is in SoCal. Maybe the affection and party for him gave him too much warmth, that's why.:)

As I wrote in my birthday card for him, I can't help but be mag-inda-inda(bosssy like a mom) sometimes to my koyas coz I feel like it is my responsibility to look after them especially now that Mamang is not with us here on earth.

 I pray for his safety and peace of mind and a healthy liver each day. May he bring in his heart every second that we are here for him always.

The only rose among the thorns.:)

Hi Mang, we miss you and we love you so much. You very well know that you are in our thoughts all the time. We shall continue to do our best to spend time together.

I have 3 guys who are loyal to me.:)

 I am genuinely happy when we are all together, however it also often crosses my mind when I look at us that we do not have our parents anymore. At least, we have strong warriors in heaven.

Coz C is late.

Thank you for making time.

Mamang's Sese

May your wishes come real.

Pretty Mykee and Sophie

And my tops fit them.

Our tiny family. I continue to pray that we will meet Samantha someday.

We thank Mamang and Papang for raising us, and instilled in us the value of family. We were never rich with earthly possessions but we had the best childhood memories and we siblings stay connected and united as one.

Thank You God for taking care of Koya Melvin. Please continue to guide and bless him.

DR family. Priceless.Love.