Stunning Sunsets in Boracay
Flowers! Now I love flowers!
A sanctuary : Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, Manila
What a ride!
Somebody once said that we shouldn’t go out there and find ourselves. We should go out there and create ourselves.
So, maybe, I’m not trying to find myself. I’m trying to create my ideal self if it exists at all. And it’s proving to be such a wonderful, meaningful journey.
Part of it is discovering what matters and what matters more.
So, this is just to let you know that I’m still alive. 
And I hope to share my journey with you when I’m ready.
But, for now, here’s sending you happy thoughts. May life surprise you each and every single day.
Love. Laughter. A life well lived.
A Life Map
When I was in grade school, my teacher would take us hiking. He’d litter the trails with twigs and branches and leaves that meant something – stop, turn right, look up- so that we’d find our way. He trained us really well that we’d see a twig and know what it meant. And we always found our way.
I wish it were that easy in real life.
But it’s not.
I haven’t been blogging because I’ve been trying to find my way.
And I realized that this blog is more than bits and pieces of writing but my own journey.
I trust that I will find my way, eventually.
xoxo
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Many years ago, we were in the middle of a Tai Suey blessing conducted by geomancer Master Joseph Chau when my then six-year-old asked, “Are we Chinese?”
Good question.
No, we’re not. But just as we received blessings from monks by going through the rituals in a Buddhist Temple, we opened our arms to receive all the Dragon Year blessings by celebrating Chinese New Year in the grandest of ways with the Chinese community.
Our culture is a vibrant mix of the different cultures and there is no better gift I can give my sons than an enthusiasm to embrace each one and find beauty in our diversity. In fact, it’s my dream for them to explore all the nuances of each culture so that they’ll find out that different beliefs are different doors that lead to the same God.
But, truth to be told, I just want all the luck this new year will bring.
So, we packed our bags and booked ourselves in Mandarin Oriental for what they said was “the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Binondo.”
The kids loved the Club Room and even more loved the Club Floor Lounge’s free food that went with the free cocktails.
Two Pinoys. One Japanese. Chinese New Year Celebration!
Celebration Preparations
Makati Avenue was closed off for the grand celebration. Though Mandarin Oriental reserved the front of the stage for hotel guests, it welcomed the Makati residents to join in the celebration.
The New Year Revelers
The ritual was presided by no less than Feng Shui Master Joseph Chau and he went around sprinkling everyone with blessed water.
Master Joseph Chau
Tessa Prieto Valdez and Tim Yap hosted the event. The countdown hit a snag when, just as we were about to count 3-2-1, Tim Yap decided that we should count in Chinese. The momentum was lost and we decided to simply follow Master Chau and the Dragon Dancers instead of finishing the countdown.
The woman who personally introduced me to Master Chau and Princess, Mother Riza G., was seated in front of us. I guess, luck brings friends together.
The tiger’s and lion’s eyes were dotted by no other than Vice President Jejomar Binay with Mandarin Oriental Manila GM Mark Bradforda and Master Joseph Chau.
The dotting of the lion's eyes by Vice President Jejomar Binay.
The fireworks worked up the crowd!
Fireworks!
It was my first time to watch a dragon dance up close. Awesomeness!!!
Dragon Dance
Dragon Fire!
Kung Hei Fat Choi! Let this be the year we live the life of our dreams!
