Now that I’m having a child of my own, I can’t help but wonder what kind of life I would provide him. I do not want to say I will not spoil him, because I know deep down I would. My parents were not wealthy, but my sister and I had the best childhood. And we were not even spoiled. Life was too simple then. Couldn’t help smiling wistfully whenever I reminisce about my childhood memories. They were the best times of my life. I hope my child (or children) will have the same great memories for them to look back to.
Cursillo Houses
– back then, cursillos were popular. Ate and I tagged with our parents along whenever they were appointed as “Rectors”. There were cursillo houses in Caloocan, Mambungan Rizal and Cabuyao Laguna. We would always play hide and seek and peeked at the classes to see what they were doing because they all seemed so mysterious. Like in a cult or something. We even memorized most of the religious songs.
Guagua, Pampanga
– our landlord before, Lolo Mac, was in good terms with our parents, and he always tagged our family along when they go home, esp during holy week. I had memories of eating halo halo or mix mix, eating atis, doing sampaguita sticks decorations for the float, night processions, sightings of penitence, my first experience of earthquake, lahar surroundings when travelling. At one time we went there with campaign materials for Neptali Gonzales, for the ’92 election.
Luneta
– this is the place dear to my heart. Ate and I used to have skating lessons here, when there was still a big globe surrounded by a skating rink. We would close the store early, ride in Tatay’s new owner-type jeep, and head to Luneta, for our rest and relaxation. We would buy ice cream in cups and simply enjoy the rest of the night. Those nights were irreplaceable.
CAA
– my father’s relatives live here, and every summer Ate and I would stay here. We would drop by Pizza Hut along the way and I would eat 4 slices. We were spoiled by too many delicious foods esp ginisang monggo and daing na bangus. We would buy junk foods and have picnic at the nearby field with our younger cousins. We screamed for Gwapings and UMD whenever they come out on TV.
Store #2
– there was a summer when Ate and I didn’t go anywhere, we were stuck at home tending to our 2nd store. We listened to oldies music, ate Serg’s bar and dreamed of our future businesses. Mine was an ice cream parlor and hers was a burger house. It was probably one of the best summers I had.
National Book Store
– I love NBS when I was a kid! I was addicted to Sweet Valley Twins and Archie’s Comics, and whenever Nanay and I go to Uniwide Crossing, I would make sure we would stop by at NBS to buy a book, or two when its sale.
SM Megamall
– I remember going here with Ate esp during sale, we would spend all our budget buying whatever at Gift Gate, WWF magazines at Mag-Net, scream our heads off whenever Quit Playing Games with My Heart MV goes on the Ad TVs.
Tulay, Guadalupe
– Vemizon for our school supplies, Booksale for WWF/Bop/Big Bopper/Seventeen magazines, McDonalds quarter pounder meal that Ate and I would share.
These were just some of the places and memories planted in my head. They were too many to mention, and I know time will come when I’d grow old and maybe forget about these in my head, but forever be embedded in my heart. What I would give to turn back time and experience even just a day of these once more.
Happiest 28th birthday to my one and only tabachoi! I love you forever! ♥
Prada has been on my wishlist for a very long time. Their classy and sophisticated bags never go out of style, and the price range is reasonable enough for a quality, branded leather bag. I personally think that a Prada leather bag is more valuable than a coated canvass Louis Vuitton, both at the same price range.
Our experience at the Prada outlet store in Ap Lei Chau, Hongkong was superb. Prices were slashed in half against the normal Prada store in Harbour City. These are off-season models, as the saleslady explained. They offer bags, shoes, clothes for men and women, and some Miu Miu items as well.
The location of the outlet is a bit far off the city, it is located in a residential area. It is best to travel by taxi which normally costs around hkd150, and make sure to have someone write down the Chinese translation of the address, for taxi drivers. The only problem we had was going back to the city, we waited for about 15-20 mins as the taxis were refusing us because either its not their area of duty anymore or simply because it was far.
My first Prada bag, a Vit Daino Caffe covertible tote calf leather bag. A normal Prada bag sells for hkd 13,950 in Harbour City or approx. php 77,402. This is such a steal for hkd 8,700, or approx. php 45,774.
a. Rolex Lady Datejust
b. Prada Vit Daino
c. Louis Vuitton belt
A. All of the above!^^
I am a cat-lover for as long as I can remember. Growing up, our house was full of stray cats. My mother would always bring home a cat or two she found somewhere and took pity on. At one point we had 27 cats, that’s the most I can remember. She’s still picking up strays from streets until now, whenever I come home she still has over a dozen cats. It can get really crazy esp. during meal time. Of course I have my share of favorites. Like humans, cats have different personalities, too. Some are snob, some are cuddly, some are indifferent. As different as they are, I love them all. I instantly feel good whenever I see one. My instinct of feeding them and protecting them is very strong, and I feel bad and say my sorries If I don’t have any food. Now I make it a point to always bring a container of cat food because I always find cats everywhere! I may not be an active animal supporter but I have my share of helping, in my own little ways.
Even though cats are usually street smart, they can be objects of bullying and injustice sometimes. I have seen numerous scenarios of cats’ sufferings, even deaths. Even though I shouldn’t feel too affected anymore, I still can’t help feeling depressed whenever I lose a cat, or see a suffering or dying stray cat. I lost a favorite cat in a car accident in 2006 and I mourned for a very long time. I still think about him sometimes, maybe he became an angel after death and was looking over me and my family already. I know just like everything in this world, cats are here for temporary. Maybe just like humans, they have a mission to accomplish, too. To love us and be loved back. And so it makes me really furious to see a suffering stray cat, esp. those being played on. Today I’ve seen a sick kitten walking in the middle of a street island. I was driving when I saw it in my side mirror, and my heart breaks at the sight of the poor little cat, which thankfully somehow, won’t live long to suffer anymore. How it ended up in the middle of the road, I’m blaming on the cold-hearted humans.
I feel my life is blessed because I love cats, and care for them dearly. Just like in the movie, I always dream of having a home for all stray cats I can find. Maybe when I grow old, my house will be filled with big, cuddly and playing cats. I can picture it in my mind, lying in a hammock or a rocking chair surrounded by my cats, and I will be happy and content. 🙂
leerenah 
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