The Year That Was

2008 passed by so fast that I felt as though 2007 was still fresh for me and here comes another year. Maybe I got very busy last year and added to that was the excitement of my much anticipated year-end homecoming.

As the year started, I was involved in this big project based in Germany and for a while I had been commuting Bonn-London on a weekly basis. This has been eating up most of my time as the project schedule was hectic with few people working on a tremendous amount of work with tight deadlines. It was an enjoyable working experience though and I got to meet interesting people as well.

In past year, work has given me opportunities to travel. Actually, an overload of business travels that I almost gave up. I came to a point where I only spent a couple of days at home with Zach and head off to the next destination. But I am thankful just the same. I got to discover those places without taking its toll from my own pocket.

We entertained guests last year and sharpened our tour-guiding skills. My cousin Cathy dropped by at England on the first week of June and spent a weekend with us after she completed her seminar in Aberdeen, Scotland. Months later, Rey and Elanie came over and we had a fantastic time catching up and wandering around London, Windsor and the countryside. Read Rey and Elanie's story here.

The most popular tourist destination in London-Buckingham Palace

Cathy at the Picadilly Circus

At the Stonehenge with Rey and Elanie

2008 has seen me driving with British Driver's License. haha! Finally, I was able to overcome the fear of practical driving exam and booked myself an exam date. Even before the exam I was already expecting a retake but I just could not believe it when the examiner handed me the verdict - PASSED with 1 out of 16 allowable minor errors. It was not that frightening after all.

Of course, the year ended with me in the cradle of dear old Bacolod and this has been the highlight for me. Nothing beats the comfort of being in the company of family and friends. Heaven!!!

Thank God for a generous and fun-filled 2008! Most of all, THANK YOU for helping me and my sisters fulfill a dream gift to our parents.

Two Souls, One Heart

"Two Souls with but a single thought, Two hearts beat as one" - Friedrich Halm

Allan Paul and Joy
16 December 2008
St. Isidore Parish

My homecoming became more meaningful because of my dear little sister's wedding. Indeed, she's no baby anymore.

Little Sister

After years into the relationship and going through the ups and downs together, I could not be more happier to see them tie the knot and live life as one.

It has been a grand reunion as well since relatives from both sides of our parents' families gathered for the memorable event. Aunts, uncles and cousins from abroad came home and it was so much fun that I barely had time to think about jetlag.

The bride's BIG clan

Nanay, Mama and Mommy with Aunts and friends

The Santillanosa's

Mama with the boys - who have all grown up so fast.
My nephew Kyle, bother Eugene and cousin Jade