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Monday, June 20, 2011

Lucky to Have Experienced Lolo's Love

For my followers, no matter how few you are, I am so sorry for not being able to post on my blog the past week (or is it weeks?). Anyhow, since Father's Day is fast approaching, I deemed it appropriate to write a piece about fathers.

You may wonder, what prompted to write on the subject. Well, it's because I saw an old picture of my father and my lolo, which left me teary eyed because of missing my dear grandfather so much. Cousins and siblings who didn't have the opportunity to get to know Lolo Ipe like I did should envy me, as well as other family members who spent a great deal of time with lolo, just like me.

Crispin Gamboa Ocampo, or Ipe to people close to him, was a great man, in my opinion. I didn't know how he was as a father, a husband, a friend, or a brother - but he sure was a fun and loving grandfather to his grandchildren. That was an enough gauge for me.

He was strict, which was just normal, because he didn't want any harm done to us. I remember whenever I went to the store to buy candies, I would be startled to find him behind me, waiting for me to finish buying sweet treats. He was like a bodyguard. Whenever I missed the school bus trip (that I usually take), I would find him waiting for me 'sa kanto ng J. Ruiz', looking disappointed. He would lecture me, but that's all.

Lolo acts as Santa Claus every Christmas Day

My cousin Dennis receiving one of his Christmas gifts.

My fond memories of Lolo Ipe were mostly the ones that made me laugh. He was a really funny guy. He farts at strangers in the streets, and even tells them after, "umutot ka no?" Even if those scenarios embarrassed me back then, it was hard not to laugh. I imagine myself red from both embarrassment and laughter.

My lola, unlike my lolo, was more of the disciplinarian. She would often ask us to wash the dishes after eating. Once my lolo sees me doing the dishes, he would ask me to stop, and he would take over the said chore. When my lola saw what lolo did, she would get angry at lolo for spoiling us. What Lolo Ipe would do whenever Lola Chedeng catches him (because he often did that, doing things for his apos) was, he would motion for me to go back to the sink and do the dishes again, and tells lola, "sabi ko nga hugasan nya." Hahaha! Who could stay mad at a guy like that, right? I am actually (literally) laughing and crying right now.

I have one big regret in my life, and that's not spending a lot of time with him before he died. When he got sick, he told me at the hospital he will send lechon for my 18th birthday. I knew that it hurts for him to not attend my birthday, or not to be able to contribute for it. Lolo was always present during birthdays. Months passed, he got sicker, he became bedridden, almost catatonic, and it pained me seeing him like that, a man who was full of life - a man who I always thought would live to be a hundred. That was the reason why I would just peek at him from the bedroom door, instead of sitting beside him and talking to him.

A few days, up until the day he died, I was sick. I couldn't get up, but I tried with all my strength, so I could kiss his hand for the last time, before the funeral parlor guys take him. I cried so hard because I wanted so bad to show him my first set of grades (in college), I knew he'd be so proud.

Lolo Ipe was an extraordinary guy. He gives as much as he can, he visits his children and grandchildren even when they're far away, especially during birthdays. He was not expressive, he wouldn't tell you, "I love you, apo", or hugged us often back then, but through his actions and his sacrifices, I knew how much he loved his children and his grandchildren.

Me and my papa on my wedding day.

Now that my father is also a grandfather, he reminds me a lot about lolo, because they are very much alike. Just like Lolo Ipe, he puts himself first before others. He loves his grandchildren very much just like lolo, and my children, nephews, and niece - they are all lucky to experience the kind of love Lolo Ipe gave us through my Papa. It's almost the same, or even greater.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Craving for Champorado

It rained last Sunday, actually, it was more of a typhoon. It lasted until Monday, and it made me crave for good ole' champorado. Champorado is a chocolate rice porridge that's serve hot. Truly perfect for cold, rainy days.

Back when I was a little girl, my mama, papa, or lolo, would could cook it by combing soft boiled rice with chocolate cocoa, then serve it topped with evaporated milk. It's best eaten with a fried 'tuyo' (dried fish). It's a good thing that White King made this instant champorado, I didn't have to cook for a long time before satisfying my cravings.

Yum! :)


Monday, May 9, 2011

50 Questions I Answered

I saw this posting on a blog, and I couldn't resist answering the questions myself. I'm a sucker for these things, so here it goes...

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE.

Yes, after my maternal grandmother and my mom. My grandma's name is Maria, and my mom's Cristina. They combined the two name, made some twists, and they ended up with Ma. Kristina.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED.

Sorry, but I can't remember. :(

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING

Yes, I am very proud of it.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT

I don't get this question. Is it luncheon meat, or a meat I prefer during lunch. If it's the first one, my answer's Spam; If it's the second one, my answer is chicken. :)

DO YOU HAVE KIDS

Yes, I have 2 sons.

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU

I think so. I'm fun and friendly. :)

DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT

Nope. Only when the situation calls for it. It's actually a defense mechanism of mine.

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS

Yes.

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP

Sadly, no. I have a fear of heights.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. Yum!

DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF

Nope.

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG

Yes. Both physically and emotionally. My husband can't beat me at wrestling.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM

Strawberry!

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE

Most people would say eyes, mouth, etc., but me, I noticed how people dress the first time I meet/see them.

RED OR PINK

Red. It looks good one me. ;)

WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF:

How I let what other people's opinions of me affect me. My husband keeps reminding me that I shouldn't care.

WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST

I miss my college best friends. We used to laugh a lot (sigh).

WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST

No idea what you're talking about.

WHAT COLOUR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING

I'm on my bed, I don't have any shoes on.

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE
Pasta.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW

No music, just the rain outside.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOUR WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE

I would have to say green.

FAVOURITE SMELLS

Coffee and donuts. ♥

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE

My brother.

MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE

Beach house. I ♥ the beach!

FAVOURITE SPORT TO WATCH

Basketball and Tennis.

HAIR COLOUR

Black.

EYE COLOUR

Dark Brown.

DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS:

Sometimes, when I feel like it.

FAVOURITE FOOD

Pasta & Salads.

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS

Happy endings.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED

Thor in cinema, Beastly on DVD.

WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING

Pink.

SUMMER OR WINTER:

We don't have winter here, but my favorite month is the cold weather months, December to February. I love summer only because we can go to the beach.

HUGS OR KISSES

A combination of both.

FAVOURITE DESSERT

Ice cream.

STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO

Cardio.

COMPUTER OR TELEVISION

Computer. I don't watch TV anymore.

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW

An e-book of Pride and Prejudice. LOL.

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD

None.

FAVOURITE SOUND

Ocean waves.

ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES

Beatles.

WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME

When we went to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT.

Lots, actually. So, I think my best talent would be is that I'm a fast-learner.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN.

Manila.

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW

Angeles City.

WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR HOUSE

Green and White.

WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR CAR

Fire Engine Red. Haha!

DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS:

Yes. Obviously. :)



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Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Game of Cluedo on Mother's Day

I thought Mother's Day would be boring for me, since I had to work. However, on the latter half of the day, my family and I went to San Fernando to greet my mom a 'Happy Mother's Day'. After the sumptuous merienda/dinner, we decided to play a game of Cluedo. My brother bought the board game last year, but it was only last night that we were able to play it. Cluedo is a memorable game for us, because our Papa bought us the old version of the board game years ago, and we had fun playing it, just as we had fun that mother's day night.

I won one game - Mrs. Peacock did it in the Observatory, with a Candlestick! If you have no idea what Cluedo is, then you're missing all the fun.



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Friday, May 6, 2011

Fully Loaded!

The reason why I haven't been posting recently...see the post-it notes? Too much work to do! Help! :)

Cake for Moms

Eve of Mother's Day - long line at Red Ribbon.

Monday, May 2, 2011

What's for Breakfast?

For breakfast today, I invented an omelette recipe, since I always cook the same egg dish - sunny side up, scrambled eggs, and hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs. I call this...omelette ala Tin. :) Obviously, it was a success, since we ate it all up. My honest to goodness rating? 8 out of 10.


Recipe:

5 eggs, beaten
half can Maling (or luncheon meat), diced.
1 diced carrot
2 sliced medium tomatoes
1 sliced onion
crushed garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 pack Maggi Magic Sarap

Cooking Instruction:

Saute the garlic, onion, and tomatoes. After 2 minutes, add the carrots and luncheon meat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are a little soft already. Set aside.

In a pan, put in the beaten eggs, cook for a minute or 2, until it starts to set, then loosen the edges. Add the cooked luncheon meat mixture in the middle, lift the side and fold the omelette in half. Slide it on a plate so that you won't damage the omelette's appearance (Use a non-stick pan, something I forgot to do).

Kids will love it! Enjoy! :)



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