LUNCH TODAY

KIKO AND HIS TEKKA MAKI

ANGELA AGAINST A COLLAGE

The city is abuzz with Dinagyang festivities today, but all we wanted was to find a quiet restaurant where we could eat lunch peacefully.

Bonding moments are hard to come by these days.

FLIPFLOPS

Havaianas was what she wanted for her birthday.

TRIPLE CELEBRATION

My 41st, her 14th.

Also my 1st as a cancer survivor.

CHRISTMAS IN POTOTAN

That's as loving as they can get.

(Photo taken in Pototan)

SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE

We took a quick trip to our beach property today, along with my brother and his family. Angela and Nadia did not waste a minute and rushed to the shore to gather seashells for dinner.

Sense the love and affinity that resonates between the two cousins/soul sisters.

SPECIAL STONE BENCH

I visited my old high school today. Profoundly touched that this bench is still around, having sat on it myself some twenty-five years ago. I wonder how many secrets it has shared with many schoolgirls like me through the years.

Link here.

QUICK HOLIDAY

We decided to take a break in between my oral chemo rounds. Walking through the shops of Boracay, savoring the indolence that only island living can bring.

(Photo taken by Kiko Mabilog.)

OUT OF THE WOODS

Literally.

As we end the first round of chemo and radiation treatments.

And my bone scan is clear.

(Photo taken in DENR, Dingle, Iloilo during our field trip with high school students.)

FATHER AND SON

My husband and my son doing what they love to do.

Preaching, leading worship.

It's a bonus that they can do it so well together.

HOPEFUL AND OPTIMISTIC

This photo marks the end of my radiation treatment.

I have been away from home for a month.

I am happy to be going home very soon.

ANGELA

ANGELA THEN

My daughter at four, when all her world revolved mostly around me.

ANGELA NOW

At fourteen, here eyes are set on taking the world by storm.

PATRICK

PATRICK THEN

At four, goofing around with his first guitar.

Adorable.

PATRICK NOW

At seventeen, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter.

Admirable.

VIEW FROM THE BED

KILLER LIFESAVER

These meds cost a fortune. But they are supposed to keep me alive.

ELUSIVE SLEEP

After every chemo session, I tried to sleep off the pain but restful sleep always eluded me.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER TALK

Walking and talking with my daughter on a recent vacation we took.

Trying to squeeze in every word of wisdom at every chance I get,

just in case I don't make it any further than this.

FREE RIDE

Hospital protocol required that I be wheeled into my hospital room during every chemo session, even if I could very well walk.

INTERMITTENTLY WAITING

I have lost count of the hours I have spent waiting for results in hospital lobbies, doctor's clinics and laboratories.

If I am fortunate, this will be my life for the next ten years.

OFF TO COLLEGE

ANTICIPATION

You can read the hunger in his eyes.

The future is full of possibilities as he embarks on college life in

the University of the Philippines, Miag-ao.

(story behind the photo via Root and Wings)

FIRST SHOT AT CHEMO

Toxic Taxotere

GOODBYE HAIR

Chopped off the hair for chemo that starts today.

Feeling empowered after the trip to the beauty parlor-this was a first for me.