Make a Cake, Don't Bake!

Let me share the trick to make a celebration more memorable, have plain cakes available on hand and personalize them as you wish. I have never baked a cake and I do not plan to do it in the future as Porto's, Red Ribbon and our very own Kong Raymund of Hilton are always within the vicinity.:)

This week, two occasions were held at work, I bought cakes and decorated them. Of course, it is Ate Reggie who gave me the idea, she is as always nice enough to do the letterings. All I had to do was lay the fruits and letters on top of  the pastries. VOILA!!!

People at work expressed their appreciation with my thoughtfulness. It is the "personal" design that got them. As if I did a Herculean task.LOL!!:)

Oh, well fine!! I was glad with my work. It received two thumbs up too from my mentor, Ate Reggie!!:)

Celebrate.Create. Decorate.

Nice To Meet You, Pumpkin Patch!!!

Have I mentioned before that I have yet to play the "tourist" character here in America, particularly in Southern California, SoCal to us?? Quick lookback,I worked right away on the second day of my arrival in May 2015. Jetlag, culture shock, adjustment of all sorts did not matter to my former employer, it was only on weekends that my family was able to bring me to theme parks, few places here and there. Anyway, the main real reason of my immigration to this land is TO WORK!! So I am not complaining, jus venting an ounce.:)

A few days ago, I ticked off on my list one of the things that I wanted and wished to see here... PUMPKIN PATCH!!! Yaaayyyyy!!!:)

Thank you for always having my back.

A six-footer sunflower!

Tied big face!!

Another memory to remember in my lifeline.

Work. Rest.  Unwind.

A Night With A Musical Genius

Oh how a quiet weeknight turned into a magical one, with a music video that has 38 thousand plus views as of this writing.

 We have known Apung Cris Cadiang many decades past (hint hint with our age :)) when he was assigned in our Sta. Ana Parish. Through the years, grey hair and few laugh lines, we managed to keep one another posted, thanks to Facebook( I will try to reactivate it, we'll see) and Messenger.

I couldn't pass the chance to see him and bond with my cousins even after a long and stressful day at work.With my hairbow and scrub suit, off I went to Ati Cong's abode.

 May I share the story behind the music videos? I was washing my hands while we were casually chatting about ten and one topics and I started singing "Migising, migising, oras miras na!!!" And I was surprised to discover our guest all along is the composer of the said piece. Those who know me and love me too well are aware that I do sing a lot, any time, any day and any mood even if I don't possess idol Lea and Celine's voice. "Grab the chance while it's there!" I kindly ask Apung Cris if we may sing his songs "live" as Ati Cong has a grand piano. I was quite confident coz the two ladies beside me can carry good tune and I can just blend in. :) He was soo nice to say yes, with minutes to rehearse the lyrics and tunes, notwithstanding the fatigue from the hustle and bustle of SoCal life, we managed to sing Perdon Y Remedios and Migising, Migising.

I hope that in a tiny percentage, we were able to give justice to the songs. Moreso, it was truly an honor to sing classic Catholic Kapampangan selections.I think when I sing for God and Mama Mary, my voice turns to be of "good" quality. It becomes blessed.:)

Music is happiness. Singing for God and Mama Mary is joy.
What a blessed and fruitful night.

Music. Happiness. Gift.

Coronation of Virgen Delos Remedios 2019

How blessed we are to be able to witness a Kapampangan Catholic tradition here in Los Angeles. Thank you to the founders and organizers of the annual Virgen Delos Remedios and Sto. Cristo del Perdon festivities. This year is my third consecutive time to attend the celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels with my family, relatives and cabalens.

I love Mama Mary, I believe in her intercession and guidance. Mamang taught me at a very young age to venerate Her, and showed me Her power to protect us from danger and storms of life.

 I pray that my darling nieces Kadie and Mykela will be Marian devotees too. I am glad that I don't see them bored and annoyed on occasions like this.How Lola Mamang will be giggling in heaven to see you grow with tight devotion to our Mother.

Arlette and Rexville

 I look more lovely when Sta. Ana and Mama Mary are beside me. I am a thousand and one miles away from their simplicity and humility, however They love me in an infinite way, my kaartehan and kamalditahan don't matter.

 How lovely that we bond in many aspects- chika minute, fashion and food, and THIS.:)

 Hi Mang, I know you are smiling at us. I know just how much you approve that we are present on this day. Like what I always say, we will always try our best to live up your legacy and to make you proud of us.

Thank You for Your intercession.

Couples I admire.

I love you Mykela.Mama Mary loves you too.

Sophia as child of Mary.

May Mother Mary pray for you always.

I was named after St. Anne.I am a girl with flaws and loopholes, and will never be a saint. But truth to tell, I love praying, attending church activities, going to church because they soothe my sometimes troubled and restless soul. I feel in my heart Mama Mary and Sta. Ana's love for me, They keep me away from fire and dangers right away, they are overprotective.

May Mama Mary provide you with good and long life, Mommy.

Good job, angels.

 God, thank You for a family that adores You. May we always value Your love and care for us.

Men for Mama Mary.

My gorgeous sisters Joann and Arlette.

 Virgen Delos Remedios, ipanalangin mu kami.

Sto. Cristo Del Perdon, pakaluluan mu kami.

Hopefully, my family and I will be able to attend this yearly Coronation for the next 20 years and more. On this day, I had no particular petition for myself, I prayed for certain few special people in my life. I guess it's because I am really grateful and content with what and who I have now, and more blessed with the love and life I had in the past- Mamang's presence,love and guidance.

Blessed. Thankful.Faithful.