The day Dominic turned "legal", we took him to the
Ice Vodka Bar and presented him with an array of
vodkatinis to toss and toast his birthday. But he
already looks tipsy without having had a single drop!

Nothing like some foot pampering and pedicure
after a whole day of shopping for pasalubong

Shoppesville at Greenhills

Lunch was a veritable fiesta in the latest Families Reunion ~
Laing, Kare-kare, Grilled Stuffed Milkfish, Roast Chicken,
Paella Negra, Pancit, Green Mango Salad, Special Bagoong,
and Maja Blanca and sweet ripe mangoes (as well as Pork
Barbecue and Baked Macaroni for the kids). The pièce de
résistance was the \"Prichon\" ~ Lechon sliced into slivers and
served in little pancakes, Peking Duck style, with a choice
of 7 different sauces.

To think we were worried there wouldn't be
enough to feed 52 people with huge appetites!

An old photo of my Mom (in far left) with her friends on a
trip to Baguio. I love my Aunt Ely's feline-ish glasses! So
mid-century chic! By the way, I am also in the picture,
although inside my Mom's tummy!

If there was just one thing I would be thankful for in 2004,
it's for my family. That we are one, we are whole, we are
all still together in love and harmony. From us to all of you,
may 2005 bless one and all with the sense of oneness, the
love of family, the peace and joy of togetherness. Cheers!

Perhaps they're pretending to be the 2-headed god Janus,
one head facing what's been and the other what is to be,
in honor of the coming new January?