Learner's Permit

The beauty of computers and technology has been so appreciated since transfer of communication is almost instantaneous. Just like thoughts and memories that one would want to keep, treasure and reminisce - the laptop is the diary. I could instantly write my recollections (before my memory fails) and share it to one and sundry.
Last Friday was a big day for James, our 16 yr old. He received his learner's permit to drive. When the dotted line was signed by the father,guardian, both of them walked towards the car.
The funny thing was - James was walking towards the driver's seat and simply assumed he was taking over to drive back home. Nag-unget iddi saan nga napalubusan nga ag-maneho. Isso ngarud nga learner's permit - kuna da.
I look back how it was when I was 16 and how it was when I started to drive. The volkswagen beetle was the starting point and Papa was the instructor. I got no learner's permit - I have the real thing, a driver's license.
It was easier to drive in Manila then. Saan nga matiliw itti pulis. It is a different story here in the States. James would just have to hone his expertise in driving before the keys are finally surrendered to him. Then the parents' nightmare begins.

Happy Birthday Estong

She is the artist - She can create anything from scratch and make the room light up. She is a ballet dancer. She knows how to clothe a mannequin. She has a mean eye behind the camera.

She took after the Rosete - She with the natural curl ( a telling Rosete trait ) and the stiff lip ( suplada ) characteristic.

She has a different way with people - she can be democratic and dance with the music yet stern and "natangken ti ulo na".


She is a big fan of Boy Mondragon. Kunwari "Rocker" daw siya kasi fan siya ng Maria Cafra and Howlin Dave. Indeed we commune on DZRJ - The Rock Of Manila.

Among the Three of Us Siblings siya ang hindi pwede maka - UP. Pero among the three of us siblings, she has the practical mind - especially in finances.

She is the best friend of Manuela and the favorite of Papa.

Today is her special day. I will not tell you how young she is - for that is tantamount to admit that I am also getting there - age wise. Enough to say that she is her own person and has carved out a distinct personality.
Happy Birthday Estong.

Sister Mary Piedad

I received a letter together with stampitas from Sister Mary Piedad - Lola Ping Natino. She is informing us and everyone through us that she is being transferred to Philadelphia this June. She is scheduled to leave St. Louis 5 June. Here is her address:

Convent Of Divine Love
2212 Green Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130-3197
(215) - 5670123

She will be leaving St. Louis MO. after almost 20 years of stay here. That's how long we've been here in Missouri too.

And I quote from her letter -

Write to me once in a while with news about the family. Praise God for your faith. Keep it alive! Never miss your Sunday Holy Mass and Holy Communion.