#laagnitantong

Fulfilling my promise to my nephew, Keith, I booked our Boracay trip on April 25-28, 2014. This was my graduation and congratulatory presents altogether for having graduated in High School and passing the UP College Admission Test (CAT), respectively. I initially offered this in exchange for an honor roll. But then after super-typhoon Yolanda struck Tacloban and for a while relocated the children to Surigao, I offered it for simply graduating high school. And then passing the UPCAT was an added value to this gift. Firstly, I secured the round trip air ticket from Manila to Kalibo for 2 since the proposed vacation dates fell on summer time when airfares are pricey. Then a little later, Keith's air ticket from Tacloban to Manila and vice versa was bought. Then the online shopping for the cheapest but comfortable hotel accommodations followed. But we ended up finding the rooms on the spot. There was this series of delays happening as we journeyed to and from Bora...

I can never be prouder as a stage uncle to witness my two nephews march this school year's graduation exercises. Mr. Emildan Macawile Gastardo, "Entoy" Mr. Emildan M. Gastardo, LLB Mr. Emildan Macawile Gastardo, "Entoy" as we dearly called him, the only son of my older brother Daniel and sis-in-law Emily, completed his College of Laws from the Fr. Saturnino Urios University in Butuan City. The graduation day on March 21, 2014 was attended by the whole family in both paternal and maternal sides. Coming straight from the Yolanda-hit Tacloban City were Ate Emily's family, Mama Fely and Waia. Riding along with them was my Papa Tantong and Ate Emily of course, from Surigao. Flying in from Manila amidst the bad weather brought about by typhoon Caloy were Ate Emily's half-brother, Arnold Cana, my Mama Dulcing, sister En and her 8-month old daughter, Wan-Wan, and myself. A gastronomic dinner celebration was experienced on the eve of the grad da...