With fingers crossed, we let her ride the bus that early Feb. 5 morning.  We gave her last minute reminders on what she should do when in a camp and to mind all her things, especially her tent and her sleeping bag.  That no matter what happened, don’t forget to brush her teeth before going to bed at night and wash her face, hands, feet and her “thing” if she can’t take a bath at night.  I know that the teachers are all there to take care of the children, but I am sure it will gonna be a bumpy ride.

When we arrived at their place, it was already teeming with people.  We were met by Nanay and Tatay Darang, both of whom I noticed seemed very tired, haggard and with bloodshot, puffy eyes.  We then went inside the house where she is being lain in a white coffin.  I prepared myself for this moment, but still no amount of preparation is enough to see a loved one in this situation.  We just couldn’t believe it… Until we saw her lying inside.  And it was the time that it finally sink in that she’s no longer with us anymore.  We will not be seeing her big, beautiful eyes which was one of her trademark, the other one is being an ‘Indian’ most of the time; we will not be  able to witness her endless bickerings with the boys.  She’s the only one who can compete with them in the ‘asaran’ department and the boys just couldn’t keep up with her.

The other barkadas who were not in Manila were also informed about this sad news and they have the same reaction, they just couldn’t believe it.  Because she’s too young for this, and to think she still have 2 sons to take care of,  our hearts really were with them to be motherless at a very young age.  Our prayers are with them, as well to Jupiter her husband, and Nanay and Tatay Darang.

Jeannette was finally laid to rest last February 6.  Her temporary journey ended, and she’s now sleeping, waiting to be reunited once again with her loved one on the next coming of our Lord Jesus.

To Jeannette, thank you for sharing with us a part of you.  We’re very thankful for letting us know you and be one of your barkadas.  Eventhough we were not able to play word factory during your wake, the next time we have that opportunity, the first game will be for you.

One of the most important thing for this celebration is exchanging gifts, or the monita-monito.  This tradition has been around since time immemorial and in this modern technology era, it still being practiced.  However, I noticed that although the thought is still there, variations have been applied maybe due to necessity or for practical reasons.  Given the present worldwide economic crisis, you couldn’t just let go that easily of your P500 worth of gift.  So to make sure that you will be getting what you really want, most people will openly tell to everyone what he wishes to have as a gift.  In this scenario, the giver wouldn’t have to go to the trouble of looking for the “perfect gift” which we all know will mostly be not, but will come up with the gift that his monito will surely appreciate.

Let’s take an example from my husband’s office exchange gift tradition.  One night he arrived with a brand-new laptop heating pad.  I asked if the one that we own is broken, but he told me that it is for his monito because it’s what his monito asked for.  For him, he requested his monito for a wireless LAN USB Adapter with access point function so that he can share internet access from anywhere.  And this made me wonder why don’t they just buy whatever they want and go away with this tradition once and for all!  They use this tradition as an excuse to get the things that they want, which they cannot buy under normal situation.  I still remember one of our company exchange gift 6 or 7 years ago.  I requested for P200 worth of disposable diapers for my kids.  At least I was able to fully realize my money’s worth, not just one of those displays that will accumulate dust overtime.  That’s practicality!

Yesterday, I removed the three plump caterpillars from our flower plants on the roof. My Nanay do not want me to remove it because it will become a butterfly later on. But when I looked at the plants, almost all the leaves were gone, so I decided to remove them before they cause anymore trouble. I place the three caterpillars in a box and filled them with leaves and stems for their sustenance.

Today, when the kids arrived from school, they inspected the box and there’s only two caterpillars left. We do not know where the other one is. Bambam noticed that one of the caterpillar is colored brown while the other one is green. We thought it is already done but when she touched it, it moved so we assume it might be turning into butterfly that’s why its changing the colors. So I told her to put the caterpillars on one of the plants outside the house so that they have something to cling on. She has second thoughts on doing it because the passing children may harm them so I told her to put them somewhere between the plants very well hidden. She’s checking on them every now and then making sure that they’re still there.

I was in the kitchen preparing our lunch when suddenly she rushed to me with eyes swelling with tears. She whispered to me that the caterpillars were gone. I asked her who did it and she told me that our neighbor’s father squished them on the ground. I went with her outside hoping that she’s just joking me but when she showed me the caterpillars, I felt sad for her. Then she started to cry and I don’t know why would some shed a tear for mere caterpillars, but when I looked at her, I realized that you need no reason to feel attached onto something or someone because it’s been so long ago since they last had a pet so maybe she’s missing the thought of taking care of something. The sobbing last for sometime and I reassured her that there are still more caterpillars to come to her life so we just have to patiently wait for the next batch to come to our plants.

During lunch, as usual Bambam is very concerned about what food were served on the table. She’s not fond of eating vege-foods (synthetic) that’s why she requested for alternative dish. I told her to eat whatever is served, she don’t have to picky. So this irritated her much and started to make a scene. She requested for noodles instead, but I would not give in. Rantings are heard from her up to the point that she pick on her sister who is quietly eating her lunch. Another round of bickerings were exchanged and I have to step in to quiet them down. With tears in her eyes, she pleads for her noodles so I asked nanay to prepare one for her. While waiting for her request, she then starts to eat the vege-tapa and vegemeat. And as usual, they did not agree as to who gets what and starts another round of confrontation. Kids! I’m sure that this bickerings will last for a long time and I’m just patient as to when the time it will cease.

Then I remember, they do not have internet access in their computer room, so how can they browse them? Anyways, maybe the teacher wants to know other sites besides yahoo, google and friendster.

http://www.cruschgear.com
http://www.jimerston.com
http://www.pinoysport.com
http://www.viewsandblogs.com
http://www.opinionko.com
http://www.cruschblog.com
http://www.packetbytes.com
http://www.frisspoint.com
http://www.philmalesingers.org
http://www.hpgems.org
http://www.seeohsee.com
http://www.natureswayph.com
http://www.webarracks.com
http://www.pinoyhacks.com
http://www.bahaynibato.com
http://www.altmedph.com
http://www.itravelmanila.com
http://www.iblog2you.com