Steps Of Our Lives Around Halloween

The characters from "Beat Bugs" would greet kids and teen who would pass by our street for trick or treats. Rafa and Angel, in their Harry Potter costumes would be at the gate passing on candies, chocolates and cookies which they had collected earlier.

There are some many creative ways on how our neighbours can spread cheer during Halloween. Rafa and Angel particularly enjoyed the long horizontal "Chamber of Secrets" inspired banner along Champaca Street.

Yes, random acts of kindness is what the world needs more of these days and our children, Rafa and Angel are putting it into practice this Halloween weekend.

Steps around Daranak Water Falls

This was one of the most memorable out of trips of the LSDB community.

Daranak Falls is located in

There is the 14-meter high waterfalls cascading into a deep catch basin. Must admit that the cache basin needs a lot of cleaning. The water isn't clear. But still the kids enjoyed every moment being on the water.

Plus, people need to be more conscious of their trash. 

We rented out two vans and had the boys sit together and the girls sit together on separate vans. More bonding time between them.  Yes, that is Enzo, Santi and Rafa sharing a photo moment. There was a lot of snack food being passed around. "Knock knock" jokes  too. Only then did I discover that our son, Rafa, had a comedic sense.

Hopefully, the Steps Of Our Lives will bring our family together again with the LSBD Community.

Candles of Manaog Cathedral

Last 19 April 2019, The Steps Of Our Lives brought our family

the The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.

This is our second family pilgrimage to this renowned church.

We first visited a few years ago when we came down from Baguio City. Back then, Lolo Popcy and Lola Mamsit, and Lola Meya were with us, together with Manny and Vangie and their sons.

The basilica is under the administration of the Order of Preachers or OP. 

Or the Dominicans. 

I really don't know what Rafa and Angel prayed for 

as they lit their own candles 

but I am sure these candles will brighten the path of the Steps Of Our Lives.

Palilio and Velez Steps Around Manaoag Church

Back In San Fabian, Pangasinan

Yes, we were in San Fabian, Pangasinan this April for our annual summer beach road trip. And this time, the Macaso Family (Edmund, Ofie and their daughter, Cesca) and the Palilio Family (Viboy, Ana and Santi) joined us for a few days at the beach.

The Garcia cousins first visited the beaches of San Fabian back in the 70s. I am searching for old photos from this summer outing. But for now, all I have are memories. 

Steps around Zoofari

During the Holy Week break of 2011, we spent three days and two nights at a house Binictican, which costs around 7,500 pesos a night. A little expensive, but it was worth the trip out of Manila to take these steps around the Subic Zoofari.

Around Zoofari, Nady and Rene took these photos. I really couldn’t snap much pictures as I carried Rafa most of the way around Zoofari.

Arrival in Cagayan de Oro

Last Wednesday morning, we arrived in Cagayan de Oro, together with Rene Bernal and Nady Nacario, my best friends from UST Graduate School. Unfortunately, another friend, Christie Que, arrived late at the airport but was able to join us Thursday morning.



For this trip, two boys joined us. Miguel, the only son of my sister, Violet and Julius Gabutina, the eldest son of Vangie and Manny Gabutina.

And for Cecile and myself, this vacation, together with my best friends from UST Graduate School.