A Celebration Of 80 Years Of Life - Dr. Hermogenes Pobre

It's very rare and amusing for the whole clan of the Pobres will get together and all in formals. Usually it only happens when somebody gets married in the family, but last night, December 12, 2010 was an extra ordinary occasion. It was the 80th birthday of Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, former Budget Examiner at the Budget Commission (1958-1963) and Chief of Financial and Management Service (FMS, 1963-1978), served as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Justice (1978-1985), as Chairman of the Board of Accountancy (1987) and as Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission (1992-2000), General Manager and Board Director of the historic Manila Hotel and now, the publisher of Manila Bulletin.

Worthy of our sacrifice wearing high-heeled stiletto through-out the whole night, Uncle Hermie celebrated the 80 years of his meaningful and inspiring life. At the Ariato Function Centre located in IL Terrazo Penthouse in Tomas Morato, they've found the ideal venue and made it more perfect with the wonderful table settings, stage design and classy ambiance made by the drapes and lanterns around the place.

We reached our destination at exactly 5:00 pm as indicated in the invitation. With my dad and bro in white polo-barongs, mom in sexy tropical dress, my sister in basic polo and pants and moi, wearing white empire-cut top and black pants, my husband in white long-sleeves polo, and son in his cute barong, it was like we are about to attend a wedding rather than a birthday celebration. Some of our relatives were already there when we arrived and all chatting and complimenting each others’ outfits. There were also some high-profiled, well respected and intellectual guests from the Public Service sector and some celebrities.

By the time they’ve called for all the guests to settle, the whole family of Uncle Hermie are already lined up at the back for their entrance as the start of the program. Every member present in his family was introduced. His 3 children with their spouses, Ate Jacq (even came from U.S. to attend the occasion though her husband and daughter, for very good reason, weren’t able to make it), Ate Lai (responsible for the sumptuous food offered at the festivity) and husband Kuya Pics (also fresh from U.S. and just arrived on the very day of the celebration), Kuya Mel (the full-pledged professor of Physics at the De La Salle University) and wife Ate Mila (responsible for the mini-bayongs that were given away for the guests); and the four very intelligent and talented grand children, Pauline, Miggui, Jan Luke and Matheu. Though not present on the occasion, AJ, via video recording, played the piano for the opening prayer and Pauline sang the hard-hitting song ”The Prayer”.

Talents were showcased by his grandchildren, Pauline, Miggui, Jan Luke, Matheu and Jezie.Remarks were delivered by Ate Jacq, Tita Remy (Uncle Hermie’s sister-in-law) and Uncle Jorge (eldest brother). A lot of well-wishers and recognitions for all assistance and charity that Uncle Hermie did were expressed all night. Though it was his night, Dr. Pobre never failed to recognize his former colleagues and mentors that have helped and pushed him to be whatever he could be.

Whenever the Pobre clan gathered together, food is must and Lai’s Catering Service (owned by Dr. Pobre’s daughter, Lai P. Dizon) never failed to deliver such great food and guaranteed that no guest would go hungry. As for the victuals of the night, were well-planned carte du jour like for appetizers, they offered Empanaditas and Chicken Lollipops, wide range varieties for entrées for they have Pasta Seafood Pesto, Buttered Vegetable Medley, Beef Stroganoff, Grilled Blue Marlin with Garlic Sauce, Pork Hamonado, Baked Chicken Herb and the precarious Lechon. They also have a Garden Salad with your choice of dressing between Caesar and Italian. It will not be complete without the desserts. They tendered different kinds from pastries, flans to fresh fruits.

The whole night was fun. It’s always nice to see our clan together for our uncle’s grand birthday, seeing celebrities, taking souvenir photos for FB and an inspiring night for we had known the humbling experience my uncle had gone through for him to be where he is now and never forgetting his roots, going back and helping those who are well deserve for them too, be able to follow their dreams.

 Doing his best, with integrity, and principles untarnished, whatever the epoch in his career time. Truly deserves as the Man of All Season. Happy Birthday and may God always give you health and happiness. We always love you. 

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A Trinket From A Mom's Mind

He's a thorn that scares the hell out of me yet a rose that blooms and softens my heart. In a verge of anger paroxysm, one dance, one laugh, one smile, one "Mi-mi", all umbrages fades like echoes in the wind. A mother's life is a paradox.....

I trust you develop to always exonerate
Bar never overlook to have fun and breathe
There are things in life that are really grand
But then there will be some that you really just detest
Bear in mind to stay sturdy and you will survive
despite what you will make it out alive

Mommy is here for you with arms open wide
If you ever require aid finding a path
I will advise you to look at your own manifestation
It will confirm you your wish deep down within
To channel your prospect and yourself in your pelt
Listen to common sense, it’s always pre-eminent
And chase your compassion or it will never respite

I will love and shield you each and every day
Discern I’ll perform my paramount for you in every means
Epoch may find tough but we will constantly get through
The bond linking us is strong and true
I love you more that words can prove
You’ll constantly be mine from head to toe.
Just keep in mind I adored you prior to your birth
You’ll always be my tot as long as I‘m on earth.

Still Asking for Anyone's Help

It’s December 13, 2010 and I woke up excited on the few reminiscing stories on the affair the night before. Immediately, I opened my Facebook account and saw that I have few messages in my Inbox. When I opened the folder, I was shock to see the message title. Like someone dumps a bucket of ice on me, I got numb for few seconds seeing the “KD’s Wake” header.

Yes. December 12, 2010 is a bittersweet day. It might be a sad day that Kimberly has to leave her earth form at an early age. Leaving her 2 bundles of joy and her loving husband behind, it’s quite a misfortune that she wouldn’t be able to hug and kiss them any longer, though I’m pretty sure that she will be their angel to watch and guide them. This day could also be a joyous day for she lived her life to the fullest and righteous well deserves to be in the kingdom with our Father knowing the great plan of salvation.

Though KD already had her rest, she still has her child, Polo and the pending bills on the hospital. We are still asking for your kind heart to share even a little of your blessings to this wonderful family but devastated by a tragedy of loosing the light of their lives.

KD, we will miss you but we guarantee you that you’ll never be forgotten. We’ll meet again….. in His side.

Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life. Kindly listen to our prayers; look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their departed sister, mother, child, Kimberly Dionne Velasquez Almaquer. Heavenly Father, You are holy and compassionate; forgive our sister in her sins.

Lord Jesus, by dying You opened the gates of life for those who believe in You; do not let Your daughter be parted from You, but by Your glorious power give her light, joy, and peace in heaven where You live for ever and ever. Amen.

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Giving birth to a child is the most wonderful thing that a woman would ever do for everyone she loves, for herself and for God. But together with this gift is an enormous danger she has to face. As they say: one foot is already under the grave when we give birth.

Last November 27, 2010, a classmate, a friend and a sister thru Heavenly Father , Kimberly Dionne Almaquer (KD for short) gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Polo is her second child; her eldest is a girl, Eowyn. The delivery went too early from her due date of late December. She experienced pre-eclampsia which is a hypertension that arises during pregnancy in association with significant amounts of protein in the urine, and led to her having a caesarean operation. What's more, the doctors found out that KD has a condition called "Hirschsprung's Disease". It is a circumstance where the normal enteric nerves are absent that starts at the anus and progresses upwards. It arises when certain nerve cells in the gut (called ganglion cells) fail to develop and mature correctly. The usual treatment is "pull-through" surgery where the portion of the colon that does have nerve cells is pulled through and sewn over the part that lacks nerve cells (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse). She already went through numerous operations and had her Biopsy to determine if she developed some cancer cells and still awaiting for the results hoping that it will turn out negative.

While the new born baby, Polo is sick; he has pneumonia and is being given antibiotics.

KD and her baby boy are currently confined at Delgado Hospital along Kamuning Road, Quezon City. Her medical bill is bound to get bigger and just last night, she was moved to the Intensive Care Unit. I guess that isn’t a good news.

So this is the part where we're going to ask for your help. Let’s face it! Hospital bills for this kind of situation is not a joke. They were ready for a second baby but not the complications she is in right now. Actually, KD didn’t know about this but the family really needs any financial assistance as of the moment.

For those of you who want to chip in, please feel free to contact any of the following in their Facebook accounts:
Sinag Abello
Christina Canaria
Julie Espinosa
Hernan Obera
Florante Quinzon
Reinner Canoza
Michael Roque
Jonathan Pascua
or
Agatha Guidaben also thru her email: anvguidaben@yahoo.com or text her at +63919-850-2944. Or you may also deposit directly to our batch's bank account: BPI Kalayaan Branch peso savings account 1999-0180-13 Eidelweis Alden (she's been maintaining the account for the batch since our 2006 reunion).

Any amount will do. Balato nyo na lang kay KD yung mga pang-Starbucks, pang-sine, o pang-quiz night nyo. O baka naman isa sa inyo ang nanalo sa 6/55 Grand Lotto... paki-claim na sa PCSO ang jackpot mo para makatulong ka na kay KD. For those of you who have already chipped-in or have expressed their intention to help, thank you very much for going out of your way to do so.

Si KD, na mahilig magpatawa (pero mas matatawa ka sa tawa nya kaysa sa joke nya)...

Si KD, a proud momma of 2 kids...

Si KD, di man umamin ay higit na nangangailangan ng tulong natin.

Wishing more of us can contribute. Will keep you posted from time to time kung magkano na ang nagegenerate natin and kindly offer your prayers for the recovery of KD. More than the money, we need your help to pray for her. Will you please be an angel for a loving mother and his son this season of giving?

Heavenly Father, with your ever merciful grace, we give You thanks for the unwavering love and courage You showered Your servants with especially in this time of immense trial. We humbly entrust our sister in Your Name, Kimberly Dionne V. Almaquer, to your care; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the medical people who minister in your Name, and we plea to grant that every cause of illness be removed, that she may be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in more perfect harmony with You and with those around her. Through the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thank you very much.

November 28 : Day of Celebration and Remembrance

November 28 is a very special day for every member of our family. It is both a happy and a sad-memorable occasion for Vedarozaga and Pobre families.

2 years ago of the same date, we were celebrating my husband’s birthday at Muang Thai Restaurant in Malakas cor. Matalino street. A family affair, me, my husband, Aizen, his nanny, and a couple of friends and in the middle of our birthday dinner, my mobile phone rang. It was my mom saying my sister was rushed at the Lung Center of the Philippines and currently inside the surgery room because of a blood clot in her brain veins. I was shocked and wanted to rush immediately at the hospital. A month later, my sister, Myla L. Pobre had gone with our Lord, never to recover from her comma. That was one of the most dreadful thing I felt.

Though that painful day is also a happy day. Thirty years ago, a baby boy was delivered and given by Heavenly Father. That same baby grew up to be a fine man with principle, dignity, perspective to life and love-fear to God.

As to these significant occasions, we decided to celebrate the latter story but could still remember in silence the first. Differing the planned dine-out with both our moms and our family, we decided to just have a family lunch at our home considering that my brother’s family arrived from Nueva Ecija. Both our nephews are present and the whole abode was chaotic because of the noise, chats and laughs.

Alfred wasn’t at our home at first due to some marathon events, so I have some time to fix everything without him saying “no need” or “H’wag na ‘by...”. With him not around, I was able to cook some dishes like Sweet Spaghetti for long life and for the children as well, Adobo with pineapples and re-cook some dishes. He arrived near noon and got some white mussels.



I planned it to be a surprise. A month before, I saw some cakes done by my elementary classmate, Maureen Lozano Dela Cruz, and was amazed on her creations. With the help of Facebook, I was able to contact her and tried to collaborate on a simple cake but with wow factor. Since my husband’s hobby is running and joining marathons; and whenever he uses his Vibram Five Fingers shoes, lots of people bugging us where we got the shoes, I settled on using it as the cake’s main décor theme.

Maureen and I were practically neighbors that we never knew of. At noon and a half of the 28th, we met-up at our community Catholic church and finally got the ordered cake. It was fantastic and really looks good. I was ecstatic to show it to him confident that he will love the cake as I do. As soon as I got into our home, I showed it to him and immediately, a smile surfaced on his face. Our son kept shouting “cake! cake!” and wanted to play with it. My sister kept on saying that Maureen was insane because of the detailed creation of the shoes.

We had our celebratory lunch and still, kept on discussing about the possible pain-staking hours was given to the cake to be able to come out such a real-like edible topper. It was a nice lunch and fun. I just hope, it will be like this next year and the years to follow….forever. With our family, the people we love.

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For personalized cakes, you may contact
Anne Maureen Dela Cruz
of
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at +639214048608 or Email Address: annemau008@yahoo.com

Kaos: My Experience

Newport City in Pasay became alive as the Resorts World Manila held their 2010 Grand Fiesta last November 25-28.Various activities were organized for members and guests like the Light Festival, Grand Parade, Fiesta Run, concerts of local and international artists, and the special performance of the show – “KAOS”.

With my sister, brother, mom-in-law and my son, we left our home around 3:00pm last November 27 coming from Quezon City and discerning the intensity of traffic jams along the way. We headed first to Mall of Asia’s “By-the Bay” – G Square Palutuan for our early dinner. When we got there, we ordered some dishes and went outside while our food was being cooked. Mama and Aizen strolled along the bay wall when my son just scrammed towards slide and kept on saying “weeeeee!”. I thought mama might give up on Aizen’s impishness but I think she enjoyed his antics more than him.


After 15minutes, our order arrived and it was time to gobble everything. We had the Tempura, Sinigang na Sugpo and the Sweet and Sour Lapu-Lapu. The Sinigang was superb! Balance taste of sour, salty and the spiciness of chili made it a perfect start of the dinner. The light and crispy coating of the prawn was so sumptuous that the whole half kilo of it was eradicated within minutes by only four people. In effect, the Maya-Maya was barely touched but still, crispy outside and tenderly moist inside, it was very well cooked.

About 6:15 that night, we left MOA and went straight to Newport City. The traffic was an agony. The travel took us more than an hour which is a usual 20 minutes drive. Now, we got a new problem. When we arrived at the Resorts World, there’s no available parking slot. But hey, we are still excited about the show and by the time we got inside the casino front, Aizen was excited on the numerous coins thrown at the bottom of the lobby fountain. We met my husband at the “Mall” and took a lot of pictures….us family, the architecture, and again, the fountain.

Not used of the “Filipino Time”, at 7:30pm, we decided to go to the theater earlier than stated at the ticket. Yet again, another problem occurred. Children under 3 years are not allowed to watch the show for safety reasons, as they’ve said, and so, my son wasn’t permitted in. I called Alfred immediately (wasn’t going to watch the show with my brother), and begged the organizers to give an exemption. To our dismay, we still can’t have Aizen watch the show with us instead; he went with his dad and Tito to watch the HP7 part 1.


By 8:00 pm, we were ushered inside the theater and into our seats. Once we were comfy at our own spaces, I roamed my eyes around the theater and to my displeasure; there were children, even younger than my son, got inside. Their inconsistent on their own safety regulation irritated me. Another flaw happened. The show started quite late, in fact, it was an hour and a half late. Since they’ve said that it will be a great show, we sat patiently while my sis grabbed a smoke at the theater lobby. Not long enough, I went out too for a quick wee-wee break but once I reached the vestibule, my breathing went heavy. I had a slight asthma attack because of the density of cigarette smoke within the theater lobby. I would really love it if they could find a specific place within the quarter with ventilation and would not suffocate the other non-smoking viewers.

Finally, it was 9:30 and they’ve called the people to settle down and the show will start soon. The opening was grand! The costumes were magnificent and the back draft was an enormous LCD screen that gave us the realistic ambiance of a kingdom. The mix talents of international and local artist were astonishing. After the Miss Saigon, this was the first time I have seen an extravagant production and well thought scenes. Joel Trinidad stole the limelight from the protagonists. He was really a great character actor and seemed witty on adlibs. Though the singing voices of Gian Magdangal and Martha Joy were powerful and extremely beautiful, I can’t seem to pin-point what went wrong because there were moments of dullness to their scenes. The hanging ballet dancers were magical at my opinion and the Chinese acrobats were breathtaking, just wish they were maximized not just performing together with the dancers or the singers. The tigers and the lion, as their selves, were magnificent but it would have helped if their appearance were more than just paraded at the stage. I was really looking forward at the performance of the Philippine All-Stars, bar my expectation of their usual wow routines were plummeted. Honestly, they were quite dull.

But that night came alive when The Power Duo, Human Time Machine and the ultimate Cycle of Life came out. The whole crowd clapped, shout and some stood up to show their awe to these performers that evening. Kaos is one ambitious production and at first done of the same caliber here in the Philippines. In all, it was a grand show that could bring excitement and joy to the audience though some scenes were so-so, but in fairness, it was one of the best shows I’ve seen.

Alas, it was time to go home. We’ve met up with the guys at the Coffee Beans and headed to our vehicle. It was so frustrating ‘coz we were all sleepy and yet, we had a thirty-minutes traffic inside the parking building when we were just about to leave the premises. I guess the management didn’t expect the crowd rush and hadn’t planned the whole parking system well. Quite disappointing really…



Tired, sleepy aside from some disappointments, I slept quite good thinking of what I’ve experienced the whole night.