What does Easter mean to me?

By  LPJ

It means love, the greatest love of all, that He should give His only son to come down to this world, suffer and die for us for our redemption – and be resurrected, God the Father reincarnated in His son Jesus. Awesome, amazing love!

Easter on this side of the world is tomorrow.  Today is what in the Philippines we call “Sabado de gloria”, and this Saturday already rings with joy in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Indeed, it is glorious.

I browsed (again) over lovely pictures sent by my niece Karen Melodee Isaguirre, memorabilia of my recent fun vacation with my big extended family in the Philippines. I chose one picture that I share here in my Easter greeting, one that makes me think of Easter in the context of God’s power, sovereignty and benevolence in nature’s magnanimous beauty. This photo was taken in Sorsogon’s Donsol Beach resort during my travels in Bicol.

Why this picture?

Feeling like Easter — Auntie Rosie Cruz contemplating the magnanimity of God’s love in nature’s beauty in Donsol, Sorsogon (photo by Melodee Isaguirre)

Read More »

Segue 1: Philippine vacation 2024 – Scenic Rabon (Follows travel blog 3/23/24)

By  LPJ

Rabon is a thinly populated beach community on the outskirts of Rosario, La Union, a popular vacation destination for family and close friends. Rabon schedule came on the heels of our grand family reunion in Quezon City.  From one fabulous event to another – I didn’t mind the roller coaster excitement. Thrilled, in fact, to be again in that magnificent place, my nephew Chito and his wife Benita’s rambling home right on the beach where sunsets paint dramatic hues of blue, orange and gray that dominate the sky at the ocean’s horizon. Pure bliss for poets and romanticists.

(Photos by Rorie Pandes)

Dramatic sunset as seen from Chito and Benita’s home

Prime seating on the beach — my brother Tzetzu and I waiting for the waves

Read More »

A grand family reunion jumpstarted a joyous Philippine vacation

By  LPJ

Back home in Palo Alto after a most enjoyable vacation in the Philippines. My vacation February to March this year had been a roller coaster ride with a series of fun activities and reunions with family, relatives and friends, not to mention frequent culinary and touristy adventures during our travels to various localities. As to be expected, what dominated all this wonderful experience was the special bonding.

There was no activity in any of my travels that did not include family. While I missed a lot my own core family in California (my son and daughter and their families didn’t travel to the Phil. with me), I regaled in every moment spent with siblings, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces and their children. I cannot thank them enough for taking time off work to join me in my vacation trips to several cities and provinces.

I shall start here with mentioning our big Pandes family reunion of 86, likely the biggest attendance so far. Valentine, love, red, pink flavored our reunion event.

The big family reunion at Celebrity Sports Club, Quezon City, Philippines

Read More »