By  LPJ

The Laiya, Batangas beach resort experience during my recent vacation in the Philippines was somehow different. Though the surroundings and ocean view were just as alluring as the previous beach R&R’s, and the enjoyment just as much, the company was unusual. This time, many millennials joined us, tennis buddies of my niece Nikki and her husband Gab Arellano. The conversations were hip; the teasing interrogations were lighthearted but at times serious; playfulness dominated; laughter competed with the ocean breeze, and there was music. This Lola felt young again, like I was in my 20’s or 30’s.

The lovely setting was La Luz Beach Resort in San Juan, Batangas, around 3-4 hours drive from Manila. The rambling property features a line of cabanas on the beach, several cabins behind the cabanas, an oversized pool between the cabins and the shore. The large, comfortable restaurant offers a wide choice of continental, Philippine and other Asian cuisine. Outside the restaurant is a sizeable spa and massage center. At the end of the property on the beach is a hill rich with vegetation and with a path for easy hiking. Remarkable about La Luz is the preservation of tall, shady trees around which buildings and landscaping were purposely designed. The charm of the resort is the unique blend of beach and mountain ambience.

My brother Tzetzu and sister-in-law Rorie show off the scenery outside the pool by the beach at La Luz (photo by Rorie Pandes)

Little Eli sifts sand through her tiny fingers as she watches her brother Zi (right) and cousin Tian-Tian (left) build a sand castle (photo by Rorie Pandes)

The millenials before the boodle fight (photo by May Gordoncillo)

Relaxing with my sister Chichi and brother Tzetzu stretched on our cabin’s balcony ledge (photo by Rorie Pandes)

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By  LPJ

Bicol is a progressive region composed of three provinces in the southern tip of the big island of Luzon in the Philippines: Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon. In all my vacation travels to Bicol, I found new spectacular places to see, new buildings and structures that showcase attractive art and architecture, and new tourist resorts that seem to sprout everywhere. And of course, I have relatives there; likely, that claims a big part of why I’m drawn to Bicol every time I visit the Philippines.

During my Bicol trip In February-March of this year, I enjoyed a “surrogate” home base, my Auntie Rosie Manuel Cruz’s place that always offers comfort and ease, due much to Auntie’s warmth, loving generosity and hospitality. The travel agenda was packed with fun field trips joined by several cousins, nieces and nephews; the core group being my regular travel companions (my brother Tzetzu and sister-in-law Rorie) and myself. Auntie Rosie, an amazing lady in her eighties, was of course, up for adventure and joined our travels. We all were up for adventure.

(Photos by Monette C. Valencia) 

Vitton Beach Resort in Donsol, Sorsogon — early morning before the boats went out to sea.

Modesta Resort cabins in Irosin, Sorsogon

The Sports colosseum in Sorsogon City

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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

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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

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By  LPJ

As 2024 peeps around the corner in this side of the world, I look back at 2023. A good year that fleets by so fast. Faster for us, the seniors, and slow for the young ones raring to be grown-ups. It is grace to go through hindsight with a sense of gratitude. And it is with that gratitude that we ruminate on the past with contentment that has brought us to the now that leads to anticipation of the hope and promise of the future. It is a good place to be. So, we stare at the approaching 2024 straight in the face with a determination to make it a good year.

That the new year follows on the heels of a jolly Christmas was perhaps meant to be. All the family bondings and reunions, the partying with friends, the festive celebration over food and gift sharing, in the full enjoyment of the Christmas season — all those seem to be the apt fanfare to usher in a new beginning of an increment of time. The magnitude of God’s love in His son Jesus lays before us a span of opportunities, possibilities and blessings, not without the challenges, but with abundant grace. Thus, we welcome 2024 with open arms.

Linda and Angie — Meeting a high school classmate after 60 years (photo by Angie Guevara)

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By  LPJ

In the world of imagination, I found the “happiest place on earth”, just like countless of others. On a long holiday weekend in September, I enjoyed the entertainment features of Disneyland and California Adventure with my son John, daughter-in-law Natasha, and grandson Eliott. To boot, we stayed at the luxurious and extravagant Disneyland Hotel at a corner suite where lights all around flickered like gems at night, and where sleep was most comfortable on thick, snow white feathery beddings that generously billowed around the head and body when laying on them.

I felt like a kid again. In both amusement parks, I experienced rides I never dared to go on before, like those of Mr. Toad, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Astro Blasters, Toy Story Mania, or Spider Man. Pretty mild, you might say – but to this baby boomer Lola, mild is crazy.  And of course, I dared not go near the authentically crazy rides. Guess what! I had more fun with those new rides than I expected, and certainly can do them again next time I visit the “happiest place on earth”.Read More »

By  LPJ

The two-day celebration of the Sangtiagenians of the USA 46^th anniversary at Stockton Hilton, CA last weekend more than met expectations.  For one, the attendance was among the best in decades, 220 plus. The vibrancy couldn’t have been matched. The Saturday banquet/dinner-dance glittered with the ladies’ elegant Filipiniana wear and the gentlemen’s formal Philippine attire. The entire ambience at the Stockton Hilton ballroom was undoubtedly festive.  The zest was infectious. General impression at the start of the event was excited anticipation. There was no let-down.

Upon arrival at the celebration site, warm greetings were the usual protocol, accented by brief chats focused on catching up after the restricted covid years.  Everyone looked good. “Aging” diplomatically described as getting older didn‘t seem to mar the sparkle in everyone’s eyes and the lilt in the smiles that greeted attendees.  And of course, posing for pictures often broke conversations that never seemed to find resumption in the milieu of party-goers that swarmed, waved and robustly called out greetings. It was a joyful chaos that continued till the last dance of the evening.

(Photos from Dr. Chandra Vadhana)

Saturday evening banquet at Stockton Hilton.

The Santiagenian Sunday picnic at Lodi park, CA.

Lunch at Fremont Thai restaurant on the way to Stockton.

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BY  LPJ

It couldn’t have been a more delightful belated birthday celebration than what we had last Sunday, for my son John’s 50^th. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine in Menlo Park, CA did not disappoint. A fancy restaurant with flashy décor inside and a large balcony seating facing the railroad and train depot, Farmhouse enjoys the ambience of industrial hubbub, and yet the comfortable elegance of an upscale establishment. The choo-choos and chug-chugs from passing trains pepped the characteristic charm of the place.

And of course, the cuisine was exquisite. The flavors were intensely gratifying. The artistic presentation did whet the appetite. When items on the menu are all so enticing, choosing is never easy. Such was the case at that dinner. But we had to pick, and we made the right choices.

(Photos by John S. Jacob)

Lobster Pad Thai

Yellow curry with pork belly

White and blue jasmine rice

Beef 24 hour noodle soup

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By  LPJ

Mother’s Day, in my esteem, is one of the most emotional celebrations of humanity.  Whether you’re a mother, or you think of your own or of other mothers – the thoughts converge on one basic thing, and that’s love.  Let me add another significant component — selfless giving.

I postulate that likely we don’t celebrate Mother’s Day without shedding a tear.  If we remember our own Mom who has gone to be with the Lord, surely, the flood of memories will incite sentiments ranging from sadness to cheer.  Even the happy memories will surge tears of joy.  If you’re celebrating your own motherhood, you’ll regale in flashbacks of childbirth and precious years of devotedly raising your children.  If your children are grown, nostalgic tears will shine your cheeks.  When your doorbell rings for some delivered bouquet or care package, you can’t help but smile with a tear or two, thanking God that your child remembered.  And if you celebrate other mothers, your appreciation for their toil and sacrifice will remind you of your Mom or your own experience so very dear to you.

So, back to my hypothesis – you can’t celebrate Mother’s Day without shedding a tear.

A Mother’s Day gift from my daughter Joy — simple, practical — and loving

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By:  LPJ

It’s been three weeks since I got back from the Philippines. Getting adjusted to the time difference took longer. I felt sluggish and sleepy often, perhaps due to not getting sleep at the right times. And maybe because my 5-week travel followed a very hectic schedule.

The week and a half prior to my return to California was just as eventful as the rest of my vacation. After our Baguio stint, we opted for a relaxed hotel stay at Mella in Las Piñas, Manila. The purpose was to catch up on rest, a respite from the rigors of road travels. The hotel amenities were outstanding, particularly the heavy breakfast that offered a rich variety from arroz caldo (flavored soupy rice), samporado (chocolate flavored porridge cooked in coconut milk), tocino (marinated and grilled pork), to sinigang (garlic fried rice), daing (fried dried fish, longanisa (pork sausage), omelets, fresh fruits, and several other items that I did not have the chance to get to. If anyone asks me why I want to go back to Mella – easily, I’d say, the breakfasts.

The hearty meal before my flight back to California – at Melodee’s home (Photo by Melodee Isaguirre)

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By:  LPJ

That was the first children’s party I had attended in a decade — the birthday of Tian-Tian, my nephew/niece’s (Siegfrid/Gerlyn’s) precocious little boy turned seven In February.  A room full of attendees (half of them adults) at McDonald in Calamba, Laguna, reverberated with excited chatters mostly from the children.  The dancing and action games elicited loud cheers that seemed to bounce off the walls. Amazing, I felt euphoric, and felt like a child again.

As I watched the contented birthday boy, I remembered that only a few years back, after seeing a Godzilla movie, he expressed his worry that Godzilla was in California where I live.  In response to his concern, I blogged in my Babyboomerlola website  – “No Tian-Tian, Godzilla is not in California”.  I wonder if he still thinks that the scary monster is in CA.

After the party, we drove to Rabon in Rosario, La Union, my nephew’s home by the beach, one of my go-to places for spectacular scenery, refreshing relaxation, fresh and healthy sea breeze, and the calming music of repetitive ocean waves on the shore.  All these, matched by the graciousness and kindness of our hosts, Chito and his wife Benita, and the lively company of my relatives.

I entertained great excitement and anticipation for Rabon, which made me antsy during the six-hour drive.

The lure of Rabon, La Union (Photos by Rorie Pandes and Melodee Isaguirre)

Chilling out at the Bonoan condo in Baguio (Photo by Rorie Pandes)

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By:  LPJ

Ah, Naga City, the home of my youth.  I was there three years ago, right before the pandemic. Anticipating another visit thrilled me.  The 12-hour drive from Laguna to Naga was like a pilgrimage.  Traveling in my nephew/niece’s (Chito/Benita’s) comfortable Grandia with great company and an efficient driver, the bumpy ride on the truck-trodden roads did not diminish the excitement of visiting a city that bears youthful memories for me.  To boot, I so looked forward to seeing a dear aunt, younger sister of my Mama. Auntie Rosie Manuel Cruz was our generous host during our week and a half stay, a loving matriarch, a model of strength and benevolence, a warm source of family memories.

My Bicol trip was a journey in nostalgia.  Seeing old places now changed, and new or revitalized features of the cities yielded to sentiments of gratitude for what was then, and appreciation for what has become and what is now. The Naga of my youth will always stay in my heart. Very special were the bonding moments with family members, relatives, old and new friends.  While touring and sightseeing goad interest and excitement during travels, nothing is as gratifying as reconnecting with dear ones one hasn’t been with in years. For me, this is the heart of my travels to the Philippines.

An impromptu family reunion at Auntie Rosie’s home in Naga. (Photo by Melodee Isaguirre)

Watching sunset at Cymae Beach Resort at Pasacao, Camarines Sur. (Photo by Rorie Pandes)

Vista Point at Legazpi, Albay, Bicol. (Photo by Melodee Isaguirre)

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By:   LPJ

The first week of my vacation in the Philippines glitters with multiple highlights deserving equal importance.  But Feb 4^th claims distinction for its offering of music and brilliant artistry in the performing arts. The University of the Philippines International Concert Corus staged its 60^th anniversary extravaganza at the UP Theater before a fully packed auditorium.  Music of various genres and dance combined for an evening of grandiose entertainment. While still in California and before my trip to the Philippines, I was asked by my niece Ritzi Villarico Ronquillo if I wanted to attend the concert. Without hesitance I said – yes, get me 20 tickets. So glad I did, because 20 members of my family thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous concert joined by some 200 voices of choir members and alumni from previous years, coming from various cities in the Philippines and countries abroad.

The concert was extraordinary– just as I remembered the group’s highly touted performance when my husband (now deceased) and I hosted the UPCC in Palo Alto and Mountain View, CA during their world tour in 1978, ’79 and ’81. Our involvement was because my niece Ritzi was one of the sopranos (she married the chorus bass member Robee Ronquillo) — and the group’s conductor Rey T. Paguio was a friend of my husband (from UP and church circles).

The Feb. 4th event recognized multiple luminaries who were alumni of the UPCC, like Prof. Edru Abraham, comedian Nanette Inventor, national artist for music Ryan Cayabyab. But special honor was given to Rey T. Paguio, under whose tutelage, musical genius and leadership the concert chorus first gained fame and awards in international music festivals nationally and abroad.

The performance at the 60^th anniversary was exhilarating – profoundly uplifting – with historical sidelights of the UPCC that were quite informative.

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By:  LPJ

So much to tell, yet little time to just sit and write.  This has been the case since my arrival in the Philippines on January 28^th for a 5-week vacation. Every day has been packed with spontaneous and scheduled activities.  My children John and Joy and other family members wonder how I deal with a hectic itinerary.  The key, I believe, is anticipation.  Each morning, I face the day with eagerly looking forward to what lies ahead, and after all that transpires, my mind blurs the tiredness that gives in to a good night’s sleep.

Anticipation – it hasn’t failed, it hasn’t disappointed.

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By:   LPJ

Yesterday celebrated a milestone.  Dr./Prof. Harry Greenberg, his wife Diane and daughter Sophie hosted a heartwarming and fun get-together at their Palo Alto, CA home, as a goodbye to his research group at Stanford/Palo Alto VA. The Professor, widely distinguished for decades of pioneering work on virology, immunology and vaccines is approaching retirement from an achievement-packed and highly touted career. This has led to the closure of his extremely productive research laboratories after over 40 years in operation.  Scores of trainees, postdocs and employees have benefitted from his mentorship and guidance, and themselves have become successful and known professionals in scientific research and medical practice.

From closure evolves  a mix of sentiments.  The very nature of goodbyes.  For some, it is respite from continuous hard work that has led to innovative and ground-breaking results and statistics.  For others, it is a pause to re-energize again and pursue a new career or further the same one.  For some, it is retirement.  At any rate, that closure is really no closure – for working relationships continue on to friendships, or at the very least, prompt the start of convivial connections spiced with occasional meetups.  Such were the goodbyes yesterday.  They weren’t really goodbyes, but something like – “see you sometime later”.

A young man’s ‘to-go’ from the sumptuous lunch at the goodbye party (Photo by Dr. Takahiro Kawagishi)

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By:  LPJ

I sit here, soon after the strike of midnight, awed at the passing of the old year and the birth of a new one. How time segues is appalling, almost mysterious.  How father time opens one door and closes another is a wonderment. Year after year, we live with this mystery. As the Auld Lang Syne song goes, we celebrate memories of the past as we look forward to creating new memories with the new year.  New dreams float in, fresh hopes arise, anticipation and excitement surge for what might come.  But these, without failing to look back and remember all the good, and even the challenges, that have brought us thus far to now.

Just now, I consumed nearly four hours of video chatting with family members in the Philippines.  We regaled each other with cheery updates, catching up on tid-bits big and small about happenings of the past weeks or months.  And then, dwelling on hopes for the good that the budding year might bring, almost like a wish list, on a grander scale than the wish list of Christmas.  One door closes, another opens.

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By:  LPJ

Amusingly wild and rowdy, totally a surprise, but immensely fun. That’s what my unexpected birthday greeting was the eve of my birthday at Kalesa, a brightly decorated Filipino restaurant in Milpitas, California, where customers are greeted with oversized glittering Christmas wreaths hung outside the restaurant’s glass walls, and inside, an exquisite and well-appointed display of paintings, multi-colored lights and other artistic holiday décor.

Gigi and Lani, upon hearing it was birthday dinner that we celebrated at the restaurant, rushed to the kitchen to concoct a surprise. Just as my group was readying to leave, since we were the last customers remaining that late night, a loud pop blared out of the microphone followed by rousing music.  It seemed like the big bang of a starting disco. Voila, Gigi and Lani waltzed out with tambourines for a rowdy birthday song and greeting.  Didn’t expect that. A sizeable mound of coconut ube ice cream topped with a slender candle was set before me.  My dinner hosts: my sister Susan, brother-in-law Mario, their daughter Shirley and her husband Craig were just as surprised, and in the midst of robust laughter and merrymaking, I heard urges to blow, blow, blow!

Photo by Susan P. Veloro

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By:  LPJ

All year through, we wait for the magic of Christmas.  Something so vibrant and precious. Is it in the nippy air?  Is it in the sultry smell of burning logs in fireplaces at wintry nights? Is it in the carols we hear? Is it in the gifts we give and receive? No, the magic is really in the heart.

Through my baby boomer years, I’ve carried a valuable collection of memories of Christmases recent and past. Every year, there was always something different and special. Something uniquely endearing. The common thread that ran through all glistened with zesty anticipation, tingly excitement, and distinct joy.  Emotions that fill the heart with sheer gladness.

Yet, not all, related to the giving and receiving season, glittered in gold. Not all showed the bounty of commercialism or wealth. Not all came from money. But my Christmas experiences woven from simple delights were the richest, because the magic was in the heart.

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By:  LPJ

I went for a leisurely walk at Stanford Shopping Center the day after Thanksgiving with my niece Veronica, her husband Willie and their son Stevie. I hadn’t done that since the start of the pandemic, and it felt so good. With the crisp air that vibrated with Christmas music along the hallways, it felt quite festive. With nostalgia, I realized then how I had missed walking the Stanford mall, an occasional pastime that I enjoyed with my husband before he passed.

After a hearty meal of vegetable spring rolls, fried calamari, wonton soup, crispy honeyed shrimps, pepper steak, braised eggplant, sweet and sour shrimps and combination fried rice at PF Chang, walking at the Stanford Shopping Center was the best healthy option, we decided. Stevie lighted up. He hoped to visit Laderach, the candy store that he thought had the best chocolate varieties. Bring me to that store, I chirped. I’m like a kid in Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory when I’m in a candy store. The caveat was, it would take many steps to the parking lot and the shopping center, and with my sciatica — would my crutch and me endure? The kid in me won.

Stevie was happy.

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By:  LPJ

Educating Chandra on the proper birthday ritual was an unusually fun experience.  She learned quickly.  But you see, Chandra isn’t a kid, but a lovely and lively lady who just turned 41. Six months in Palo Alto and having come from India for a scholarship at Stanford University, she was surprised by a birthday celebration that turned out to be tremendously instructive and enjoyable, perhaps, a bit esoteric. The lunch treat was expected – but not how the treat quickly transformed into an impromptu full-scale but casual soiree.

The party of four ended up at PF Chang at Stanford Shopping Center. The initial intent was to  patronize a Japanese restaurant that we missed while driving and looking for it, and intentionally passed the Korean Tofu House which was the backup plan. Instead, after making a U-turn on El Camino to go back and search for the Japanese place, we spotted PF Chang on the right side of the street, and immediately decided to enter Stanford Shopping Center and park in front of the Chinese restaurant. Utterly spur of the moment – that was going to be the place for the birthday treat, we agreed.

We couldn’t have stumbled on a better choice.

Delectable choices for a spontaneous birthday bash at a restaurant.

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By:  LPJ

Fun on a Saturday.  Yesterday, I came back refreshed from sitting in front of a wide pool, invitingly clear blue water with waves stirred by little children propped with winged plastic floaters around their arms, Moms and Dads guiding their toddlers as they negotiated the water with their flailing small arms and legs, splashes from youngsters jumping into the big basin, and one father who leaped into the deeper blue and landed on his belly with a loud thud.  On a gorgeous summer-like day, it was a most entertaining and satisfying respite, for a delightful party of five for the birthdays of a mother and her 18-year-old son.

I could have sat there the whole day, till the sky turned gray, and the sun’s shimmers disappeared from the waters, and the lighthearted banters and laughter from neighboring customers had silenced. It was a happy place ideal for eating and socializing outdoors.

Dinah’s not-so-secret but hidden garden, and lavishly rich brownie sundae. (Photos by Dr. Chandra Vadhana)

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By:  LPJ

I had a most enjoyable impromptu get-together with two of my high school classmates last week. Three golden girls reminiscing about our youth’s golden years. It couldn’t have been more fun, or even more nostalgic. After 50+ years with Leonora (Nora) Badong Sumangil, and 9+ years with Iluminada (Luming) Gaerlan, time couldn’t have been kinder.  I quickly recognized them; they seemed to look as young.  I just hope they think the same of me (Nora did say on our group chat that I had the “same cute dimples and signature hairdo; and Luming had the same sweet smile”). I’m happy with that report. Silly, isn’t it?

More silliness – Luming triumphantly quipped that she still is taller than Nora, recalling that in high school, we routinely formed a line starting with the shortest in front, to the tallest at the back. Nora stood in front of her.  No disagreement there.  [Casual Addendum – message received from Nora all the way from Florida soon after this blog was posted – she strongly disagrees: she’s a tad taller than Luming, she insists.]

Because of this, I am so hyped up to attend our high school batch reunion at the University of Santa Isabel in Naga, Philippines come February next year. There’ll be more of this kind of banter, and more sentimental flashbacks as well.

And more endearing silliness from golden girls, maybe.

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By:  LPJ

An advanced Mother’s Day treat, I’d like to think. Can’t say enough about how lovely and enjoyable my vacation was with my family.  Lazing it out on the beach on a fabulous  spring day is unmatched.  Especially when spending the time with family.

My son John, daughter-in-law Natasha, grandson Eliott favored me with a very special treat by taking me to Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles, for a week’s visit with my daughter Joy and son-in-law Matt. Hermosa Beach is a charming home-townish community sandwiched between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach in Los Angeles. Hermosa Beach somehow has retained the simple, more laid-back, down-to-earth ambience so much more conducive to comfortable relaxation, sans the hassle and glitter of a commercialized tourist resort (like its close neighbor, Manhattan Beach).  Don’t get me wrong.  I wouldn’t complain if someone gave me the gift of a week’s stay at Manhattan Beach. But I was perfectly happy with my grandiose vacation with my family at Joy and  Matt’s Hermosa Beach home just a block and a half from the shore.

Fun, heartwarming, magnificent, perfect just about sum it all.

The perks of our Hermosa Beach vacation [Photos by Joy Jacob Rosenburg (1); Eliott Nathaniel Jacob (2); John Stanley Jacob (3)]

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Wishing all — blessings, good health, safety and joy for the New Year – however 2021 turned out be, we thank God for pulling us through in His protection, that we might be ready to meet the fresh promise of a New Year. May we always stay in the grace of God. Happy, happy New Year! – lpj

By:  LPJ

It’s Christmas again! Christmas always comes fresh, always like a new dawn, always like the new day that we look forward to, always the joy.

The songs over my TV music channel jubilantly celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. Like Bing Crosby’s song says, it’s Christmas again and the bells are ringing —   they’re ringing because of the carol we sing in our hearts.

It is our hearts that God sees and listens to.  It is our hearts that Jesus came for — to claim back our hearts for God’s eternal love and joy. 

This Christmas eve, as I sit in my living room, staring in awe at the brilliance and beauty of my Christmas tree, the luxury of beaded lights and the ostentatious array of shiny ornaments, I think about the baby Jesus born in a humble stable with the horses’ trough covered with hay for His bed.  The king of kings born as a human in a lowly setting.

Oh wondrous night. Oh holy night!

Then I stare back at my tree. I catch sparkles from the tree lights.  Magnificent illusion created by the slight movements of my head.  Then I think of that night in Bethlehem, when the stars shimmered brightly and one big star guided the shepherds and the Magi to where baby Jesus lay. A cold crisp piercing the balmy night, but a sacred hush permeating the air – the son of God has been born.

Oh joy to the world!

 Merry, merry Christmas one and all! Let’s celebrate with hearts devoted to the Almighty, the King of Kings.

Linda P. Jacob

Sometimes, what you plan is not what you get.  For me recently, I got something else so much better.  I planned to pick up a quirky custom, carried from my youth, of treating for my birthday. Instead, wonderful friends gave me the party. Though not the plan I had in mind, I am so thankful for a gorgeous pre-birthday treat which Cai and her husband Genhai very graciously hosted in their lovely San Jose home yesterday. This really resulted from my inviting them to lunch with me and some other friends, to try authentic Filipino cuisine at a restaurant in Milpitas, CA.  I might have unintentionally uttered that I wanted to treat because of my birthday.  Immediately, Cai grabbed the opportunity to say, she’d rather do a lunch for me instead. I recall quickly explaining that where I grew up and in my youth, the celebrant was often teased for a “blow out”, meaning, the celebrant does the treating. Cai would not hear of it despite my flamboyant insistence. She was relentless, and she won.  I’m glad she did, though, because her lunch was superb, and the social, a bouquet of liveliness and fun. A real gift.

A very heartwarming birthday treat (Photo by Genhai Zhang)

The impressive food fare (Photo by Dan Yasukawa)

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Thanksgiving celebration isn’t just on Thursday.  This popular holiday draws family members and friends from afar, for a merry observance of this joyous occasion that extends over the “black Friday” and on to the weekend. My Thanksgiving started with a hefty Thursday lunch at my sister Susan’s home in Palo Alto, California that lasted the whole day.  It was a welcomed opportunity to be with friends we hadn’t seen a long while due to pandemic restrictions.  The animated, incessant chats were interrupted repeatedly by urgings to come to the buffet table for more eats. We succumbed. There was a priest there, invited by my brother-in-law Mario for a second house blessing.  But for some minutes of subdued, respectful prayers, the party conversations were exuberant and loud, punctuated by intermittent outbursts of cries from a super cute seven-month-old baby Julie, my sweet playmate that day.  As customary, we happily took home food still left on the buffet table.

I enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with my son John, daughter-in-law Natasha and grandson Eliott Friday night at Sundance restaurant in Palo Alto.  After eight years, I got my heart’s craving – a 10-ounz prime rib medium-cooked with a zesty, lightly sweetened and spiced sauce poured over the robust and moist meat glowing in its own juice.  Deliciously soft, creamy spinach and pieces of sliced carrots and broccoli more than just adorned the presentation on the side of the plate.  My son made the perfect choice of restaurant.  An old, popular dining establishment in Palo Alto, the place was full and quite lively that night — brought back fond and nostalgic memories of when my husband (now deceased) and I frequented that restaurant when our children John and Joy were very young.

With all the scrumptious leftovers from those feasts, I continue to celebrate Thanksgiving with an abundance of delicacies that fill my refrigerator at home.

As a matter of fact, Thanksgiving is also today, as we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent.

Thursday Thanksgiving lunch (Photo by Susan P. Veloro)

Prime rib from Friday Thanksgiving dinner (Photo by John S. Jacob)

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Today, I pulled out some packed food from my freezer, leftovers from last Sunday’s party at home.  Contentedly I thought, ah, the party’s not over – for me at least.  After a quick nuke in the microwave, the food looked as enticing and fresh as it did last Sunday.  Then straight to my salivating mouth. I love good leftovers! Don’t you?

Sunday’s birthday celebration for Lili, Linda and Cai (current and retired work mates) was a potluck extravaganza. The long table was fully laden with a festive variety of dishes representing  different ethnic backgrounds: American continental, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Filipino, and several in between (with traces of cultural influences but not distinctly identifiable).  My regret was not having a picture of the attractive culinary array.  We were all so eager to dive into the main activity of the gathering after a robust happy birthday song. At 1 p.m., perhaps, we all were starving and raring to partake of one another’s delicacy.

The feast in front of our eyes mesmerized us.

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Outdoor dining, result of pandemic restrictions, actually carries  a casual charm.  Strange, or maybe not, I take preference for outdoor seating whenever I go to a restaurant.  Last weekend, I yielded to a craving for fish and chips that I enticed my sister and her husband to lunch with me at Dinah’s Garden Hotel in Palo Alto.  I was not disappointed.  The setting was perfect.  Tables and chairs were arranged under large umbrellas by the poolside, with adequate distancing between tables.  Servers were masked.  Customers took off their masks when eating  We couldn’t have asked for better weather.

The wide pool was teasing and inviting.  The clear turquoise water that shimmered in the sunlight matched the blue of the sky.  Families swam and played to unwind in the pool, or just waded while carrying on conversations with friends and family members. Respectful of dining customers, people in the pool did not engage in rowdy activity or loud conversation.  All in all, the atmosphere was of delightful conviviality.  But the special touch to the dining experience was the friendliness of the lady owner, who not only busied herself in helping to serve, but took the time to stop at tables and chat with customers. She lighted the place with her genuine interest in her customers and the service they get.

Cod fish on garlic fries at Dinah’s restaurant (Photo by Susan P. Veloro)

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Music and fine dining – a fabulous mix.  That was a marvelous treat from a lovely couple, Linda and Dan, who invited me for outdoor dining at La Boheme in Palo Alto, California this week.  I hadn’t gone out much in the evenings during the pandemic times, except for the August weekend in Monterey with my son and his family, and dinner with my sister and her family at a Filipino restaurant in Milpitas.  So, that night was an exhilarating break for me. To boot were professional performers who sang opera, Neapolitan and Broadway numbers with vibrant accordion accompaniment.  Strong tenor and soprano voices pierced the mildly cool night air – and jubilantly rang out for the benefit of neighboring outdoor diners for sure.  I couldn’t resist mouthing some of the lyrics I knew, short of volunteering to go up front.  Much to my delight, the lady at the table to my right was softly crooning as well.

Seated under a canopy with subdued lights beamed from nearby street lamps was like basking in the moonlight. The atmosphere and surroundings were exquisite.

Superb climax of the dinner – rich chocolate fondant and mousse (Photo by Linda L. Yasukawa)

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My 15^th visit in Monterey, California since the ’70s, and it seemed like it was the first.  A fun and relaxing August weekend in Monterey with my son John, daughter-in-law Natasha and grandson Eliott flashed back fond memories of early visits when my children were younger, and my husband was the tour guide and driver to numerous relatives and friends visiting California. Monterey was our favorite go-to place for sightseeing, beach strolling, seafood dining, or just breathing in fresh ocean air.  Last weekend was not lacking in any of these pleasurable amenities and advantages.  It felt good to play tourist again.

Stunning Monterey (Photos by John S. Jacob)

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Very common question – have you been vaccinated?  Likely for some, the curiosity is audacious.  But the audacity has its purpose.  Since the trend leans toward striving to move toward a semblance of normalcy, it remains of importance that the pseudo-normalcy infers health precautions and pursuance of safety measures.  Just plain sensible and sensitive.

Admittedly, I find myself audacious – yes, because I tend to inquire of those I’d like to invite to a small gathering for a birthday celebration at home – have you been vaccinated?  Much as I desire more friends to attend, I bear in mind the wellbeing of my guests (and myself included).  But also imperative is the safety of those not yet vaccinated. Those of us who have been administered two doses of the vaccine wisely choose to be considerate of those who haven’t, specifically, not incur the possibility of carrying the virus strain to those not vaccinated (or vice versa as well).

Be it for a gathering indoors or outdoors, the audacious question pops up.

Fresh vegetables from an LA market remind me of what I need to get for the birthday celebration at home (Photo by Matt Rosenburg)

My cousin Monette’s family outing on the mountain slopes of Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines – don’t we wish for something or more like this? (Photo by Monette Cruz Valencia)

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After our first Pfizer vaccine shot, a Mexican friend, a Japanese friend and I enjoyed a dine-out last month.  Exuberant with that experience having gone through a year of pandemic restrictions and intermittent lockdowns, we decided to schedule meals together once a month, be it at a restaurant or here at home.  Today was our follow-up eating social. Having received both doses of the vaccine, we happily take the privilege of getting together, mindful, however, of continuing to follow safety guidelines when we go out.

Today was a most relaxing respite from my friends’ lab work and my remote work, a Saturday afternoon well spent in just leisurely enjoying spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, ice cream, cookies and a mound of sweet strawberries and grapes. The conversation was most delightful.  Some  catching up after minimal social meet-ups, and a little chat about work  And of course, food as usual emerged as the favored topic while eating.

Enticing fruits leftover from a simple lunch social (Photo by lpj)

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Sharing with you one of my many blessings of 2020, a strange year not without its positives.  Pollyannaish, you might think. I always like to say, blessings abound.  Maybe, some in the nooks, crannies and crevices. You may just have to search hard to find them,  And when you do, celebrate and be thankful.

Mine, I found while staying home during this pandemic guidelines-dominated era.  Beyond some remote work hours, I found time to squeeze considerable bits of creative writing.  With encouraging suggestions and feedback from my 11-year-old grandson Eliott, a fairy tale was born, “Something Curious, Book 3: Stratucopia, a starry tale”.  This book, third in the “Something Curious” series, just came off the press, literally speaking.  The story aims to interest both the youthful and adult readers.  Ninety-page “Stratucopia” features vibrant illustrations, including one drawn by my grandson just before he turned 11 in July 2020.  He also is the creator of the abstract artwork used as cover for all of the books in the series.

As a teaser, I include in this blog the Prologue of the book.

PROLOGUE

A land not so far away, floating atop a heavy mass of white billowy clouds, enjoying the same blue ceiling of a sky as the earth below, is Stratucopia.   Stratucopia is as real and vibrant as the cosmic earth, as lovely as the forest and rivers of the Amazon.  It can be as peaceful as the pastures of Montana, or as turbulent as the erupting volcanic craters of Hawaii.  Stratucopia sits solidly on thick billows of clouds.  It is just there, gliding above and holding lives of inhabitants unperturbed by earth’s current events, because it, too, has its own current events. It has no connection to the earth below.  But its residents are like earth’s people, with the same looks, same needs, embroiled in life’s daily demands, drawn by the same magnetism for relationships and lo, strapped by the same rules for survival.

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Thanking God for all the blessings now, and looking forward with great hope:

Merry, Merry Christmas  —  let’s celebrate the birthday of all birthdays, the birth of Jesus Christ the King!

A Wonderful, Joyful New Year to All!

❤❤❤

Linda P. Jacob

“Happy Birthday!” is like the “sound of music” ringing joyfully in the celebrant’s ear.  The greeting is a powerful reminder that the birthday itself comes from life, a gift from the Almighty God.  The deeper message of birthdays is that life is precious.  We live wisely according to the purpose that God has given us on this earth.  Especially in these times and age, we momentarily forget that despite being mired in uncertainty, and striving through the risks of pandemic threat and consequential changes to lifestyle and livelihood, life continues, and we commemorate birthdays with much gratitude.

On the lighthearted side, birthdays give ample reason and avenues to celebrate.  Mine was special.  I started to receive scores and scores of greetings the day before, on the 17^th in the Philippines.  I was a day older in that part of the world, but didn’t mind at all.  The fact is, I thoroughly enjoyed my baby boomer milestone celebrated with myriad wishes for more and abundant blessings for me.  I love blessings, and I will take every bit of blessing I can get – of course, from the will of a super generous giver, God.

An interesting pattern I’ve observed – my birthdays are sprinkled with elements of surprise.  This year, while my daughter Joy sent her early greeting on facetime, I didn’t expect to receive a lovely and extraordinary vase of mixed flowers with a colorful balloon floating on top.  What I was waiting for that evening was my Amazon delivery of chicken chicharron (crispy fried skin) which my mouth was salivating for.  When I opened the door after two rings, I discovered an  even better surprise!  Flowers and balloon for my birthday, from my daughter Joy and her husband Matt.  Forget the chicharron.  I’ll take this beautiful surprise anytime.

Another surprise that day.  From my son John, my daughter-in-law Natasha and my grandson Eliott – in the mail came a most impressive 2021 calendar that John designed with interesting family pictures and several photos of Eliott with his long, thick hair moussed for a comical and delightfully raised  tousle – absolutely lovable.  Usually the calendar arrives before the end of the year, but this time, the timing was perfect for a surprise birthday gift.  I have a collection of the yearly calendars, precious memorabilia.

A semi-surprise was my sister Susan’s gourmet renditions  of various food offerings dropped off before lunch by her husband Mario.

Flowers from my daughter and her husband for my birthday (photo by Linda PJ)

Calendar 2021 from my son and his family (photo by Linda PJ)

Superfluous birthday lunch from my sister (photo by Susan P. Veloro)

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It’s Christmas in my home.  This started when I put out my tree, trimmed it with colorful and shimmering balls, then lights, and voila!  Next, I hung the evergreen wreath on the door (really ever, ever green because the large ornament is a lovely replica of pine leaves and branches glued to a ring).  Replaced the batteries, and voila, twinkling lights!  The Christmas spirit is rife in the air.  And I love it.

A Christmas tree mirrored on the glass wall, and a sparkly wreath on the door (photos by Linda PJ)

With the Christmas spirit comes my Christmas wish ,list.  Do you have one?  For the fun of it, I’m going to whip out mine and share it with you.

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