Holy Week 2006 & Fontana, Part 4

Huge highlight of our Fontana trip was our experimental Poker matches! Well.... Card games in general because we also played "In Between" after Poker! Tonton was our Poker expert and mentor. Tita Gina was a very lucky Poker virgin and Tito Nat was just plain hilarious! Sometimes he felt totally confident about his cards and then suddenly the next cards turn against him. Fortunately, he was able to earn back his "investments". Pao and Edrick were residents of the poker table themselves.


The day after, we all packed our stuff, to prepare for our return to Manila. Our last day in Fontana was not short of funny anecdotes! It was a classic moment when Celine asked me, while we were checking for items we might have left behind in our rooms. "Ate Ten, bakit may microwave dito a loob ng closet?" I was surprised to see that she was referring to the safety deposit box!


The Munars pose for one more picture... for the road! All the boys and their equally rambunctious Mom, Tita Gina.



Just before we hit the Noth Luzon Express way, what is the Pampanga experience without the famous Razon Halo Halo? Tis the Halo Halo that made Guagua famous!



Till next year!

Holy Week 2006 & Fontana, Part 3

After swimming, we returned to the villa where we ate to our hearts' content (Naubos ang isang bote ng Taba ng Talangka in less than 24 hours!) and took a lot of crazy shots:

Fonzie Puts Erap's pose to Shame

The Sultry Tita Gina and the Salty Pao

Pacquiao VS Morales

I love love this picture! Note that I did not have anything to do with choreographing this picture! It was all the Nuguids! :D Tetet and Nonoy have been quite the sweethearts! Very supportive in the Poker moments (pictures later)! They most recently moved to their new home close to Clark. It's a pretty huge house. Huge potential for parties too! Hehe! Nonoy will be graduating from Angeles University in a year. Tetet is still with Cyber.

Holy Week 2006 & Fontana, Part 2

Friday evening, right after the processional, some of us ("some" quantifiable to about 20 people) went to Fontana. Tito Mar and Tita Alda had a villa reserved for two days but were unfortunately detained in Manila (more details about this in the next blog). So we took the villa and spent some relaxing and fun times there. As seen in this picture (taken the day after our arrival), this was our humble abode for 2 days. Villa 3315!

After a good night's sleep last Friday, we awoke Saturday morning, excited about taking on Fontana's water park. Thanks to generous donations from Lola and a few kind hearted peeps, most of us were able to enjoy this refreshing treat (parang samalamig!). Here we are, walking to the water park.

Eto naman si Sarah Balabagan... :D We just couldn't resist taking this picture! Ate Lheng, you were in our thoughts when we shot this! Check out the perplexed Celine in the background!

The two baby boy batchmates, Fonzie and Vaughn, were quite comfortably settled on the shoulders of their very macho daddies. Later you will see the precious look of utter happiness in their faces while swimming.

On the simulated wave, tireless Daddy Chacha play with Fonzie, who was perfectly happy with where he was. Looks like this boy was destined to be one with the water!

Holy Week 2006 & Fontana, Part 1

*Guys, this is Part 1 of the family's Holy Week and Fontana extravaganza. I will try to complete the entries before our Bohol trip! Enjoy what's been posted for now!


This year (just like the year before), most of us went to Pampanga a day early (Holy Thursday) for our yearly Holy Week Prayer Vigil. For about 3 years now, the Geocaniga parental units have pursued their mission, the La Pieta Prayer group. Incidentally, our 50-year old caro is the La Pieta as well. Although it has seen better days, the family Pieta is still in good condition.

Lola Juling and Lolo Ric participated in the Prayer Vigil.

Babies were everywhere, making us smile despite the very very hot weather. See how Ianna has grown! She looks just like Mommy Rhea. Fonzie is as charming as ever! Lots of "boings" and "bahu!" here and there. We love his infectious laugh. Vaughn is cross between Sheryl and Jun! He looks just like a Precious Moments model with his sympathetic eyes.

Gibo is the Kuya of the bunch. He was maximum charming that weekend! Danny, Rhea's older daughter, was the apple of his eye and he aimed to impress!


That night, we redefined "jam packed". Sheryl, Jun, Celine, and Vaughn had to relocate themselves because of the overnighters! Air beds inflated and electric fans on full blast, I think most of us slept soundly. At 3 AM, Kuya Andre and Rhea transferred rooms because of Ianna's discomfort. She immediately smiled when she and her parents where nicely settled in.

Our San Isidro home said hello to so many of our relatives! On Good Friday, Tito Boy, Tita Edith, Lester, Mitchie, and Kuya Lancer's family, joined in the fun. Syempre, mawawala ba ang mga nagiinuman at nagbobonding na boys sa likod ng bahay? It was pretty hot tht day, so most of us couldn't stay put. Dream namin one day ay macentralized airconditioning ang house. Zozyal devah?

I'd say, also quite worthy to note are the ever-growing Gutierrez kids! Check 'em out! Nikki is a deadringer for her Tita Svet! Click on the picture to see that his dalaginding has her full set of pearly whites! Angge is also looking charming as always. Now, check out the boys! For this picture, I had asked Kuya Lancer to stand up, just so our relatives abroad could see just how tall Kuya Lance and Chad are! Kuya Lance is an incoming freshie at Ateneum in Cavite, while Kuya Chad will be a sophomore at Don Bosco Makati!

After several hours of generator testing and floral arrangement, our caro was finally ready for the processional. The two most famous Lolas below try their best to push the pieta.

Bohol and Cebu, here we come!

This Friday, April 28th, we leave on the 5 AM flight to go to Bohol via Cebu! Above is a map of Bohol. By next week, I am hoping to upload pictures of actual Bohol and Cebu sights! Coming with me on this fabuloso vacay are the entire Geocaniga family (Papa, Mama, Rommel, and Tonton), Tita Myrna, Tita Marison, Lola Juling, and Nanay. We are all pretty excited!

Our itinerary thus far....
April 28 --> Depart for Cebu
--> Take Ferry to Bohol
--> Visit Panglao Island and soak in the sun
April 29 --> Day Tour of Bohol (Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Tarsiers, Baclayon Church...etc)
April 30 --> To back to Cebu to visit Magellan's Cross and Sto. Nino Shrine
May 1 --> Back to Manila

Will post pictures when we return!

The Fonze turns two!

Alfonso Rafael Torres Arteta turned two last weekend! (Parang tongue twister tong sentence na to ah!) Twas as "munting" gathering of Fonzie's dearest pals! That night though, according to the balloons, our dearest gwapito is also known as "Foncy". Syempre, ayan ang super delicioso Torres culinary concoctions! Andyan of course ang best seller fresh lumpia ni Tita Myr at ang pagkasarap-sarap na grilled liempo. Yummm... That had the guests coming back for seconds, and thirds, and fourths.... (you get the picture!)




The celebrant wasted no time in spreading the charm. In spite of his very obvious facial marks (quick explanation mentioned in Mitchie's celebratory dinner blog entry), he was all over the place, calling his "Mama Abi" incessantly, blowing the candles on his birthday cake with Tito Ariel (who also celebrated his birthday that same night), and playing with his laser gun.



Plenty pa rin naman ang guests in attendance. The Tanquilut posse, Foncy's Arteta cousins and relatives, and his soon to be Tito, Tito Erick Paragua.

The birthday boy did the usual birthday rituals. Here, he blows the candles on his chocolate birthday cake for the first time, accompanied by his pops. Shown here as well is Fonzie opening his present (from Tita Ten). Very summer-y! A Hawaiian shirt and swimming trunks!

We all enjoyed watching Fonzie cuddle up to Nanay! We all know who his favorite great lola is! Take note! Nakapatong pa ang paa nya sa lap ni Tita Edith!

Here are some other note-worthy pics... Chacha the grill King, Beeday boy Kuya Ariel and his most precious possessions (his CDs), Kuya Marlon (Boracay Hunk), and Rommel (deluded Law-Office intern).

Happy Beeday Alfonso!

Camille's own website!

The very smart and very technologically adept Iris Camille Gutierrez (bespectacled beauty in the middle) just recently created her own webpage! Please visit her site and sign in her guest book when you can: http://www.matmice.com/home/iriscamille . Camille will be starting the fifth grade this coming June. She enjoys chatting, updating her friendster profile with the latest tricks of the trade, watching Encantadia, and promoting the shows on her Kapuso Network (GMA 7).

Other Family Updates, asof April 23

We have a couple more family updates as of April 23! I do hope you guys continue to send me family updates. Sabi nga ni Gengen, parang family newsletter and site na to. That, it most certainly is!

Anyway, here's the latest...

Gen on the Dean's List!

More Tanquilut academic conquests! Angelica Torres, or Gengen as we fondly call her, is again on the Dean's List at De La Salle University. She is currently majoring in Applied Economics and Accounting. Her GPA for last semester was 3.591. She is certainly another "Beauty & Brains" lethal combination! Keep the wonderful work up, Gengen!


Hong Kong here they come!
Aguirre news for now... Tito Ron and Christine Aguirre will be relocating to Hong Kong, for a one year cross-posting assignment Tito Ron is taking on for Sun Life. They will be living in an apartment in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island. Little Bettina is coming along of course. The couple told me and Tita Marison that in fact, Bettina's supply of milk (Nido), and Christine's shoes, have taken the advance flight to HK. We wish them happy voyage!


Lester To Tour Europe with the Glee Club
Showbiz news naman... The Tanquiluts' very talented Lester, will be joining the Ateneo Glee Club's European tour this July. He will be winning the hearts of the European audience, we are sure! Lester will be taking a break momentarily from school to join the tour. He is scheduled to graduate from college two semesters after.

Mitchie's Celebratory Dinner

Last Saturday, the 22nd of April, the family trooped to Wack Wack Country Club in Mandaluyong, to celebrate Mitchie's topping the bar (See related blog). The Pavilion near the pool was decorated nicely with the guest of honor's favorite color... Pink! Tiffany chairs everywhere and a lovely floral centerpiece of white and pink roses. I think there were more than 30 round tables, set to seat Tito Boy and Tita Edith's friends, the Benavides, the Tanquiluts, Aguirres, Lester's friends, and of course, Mitchie's friends.

Of course, forever present ang family! We wouldn't miss this for the world! In attendance were the Roxases, the Aguirres, Lola Marie and the Ramirezes, Tita Jo and the Tayags, the Chincuancos.

If you click on this picture, you might wonder what has happened to the very handsome face of Alfonso. He had a minor "subsob" incident, when he was playing in the streets of Teoville. Hehe. He is fine and hyper still, so no worries in that department!

There was a thanksgiving mass right after dinner, and Father George presided. During the homily, he also mentioned that he recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as a priest (correct me if I am mistaken). Mitchie read the first reading and responsorial psalm. Schoolmate Mr. Bernardo read the second reading. During dinner by the way, there was a String accompaniment who played nice standards.

The fun part of the evening started when some of the guests left. Mitchie's dear friend Xilca went up the stage and along with their good friend Helen, sang an original song acapella! The lyrics spoke of how our dearest Mitchie grew up and became this smart and gorgeous woman she is. Of course, she couldn't resist to bring out the infamous banner Mitchie's ninang from Admiral village had made and displayed just outside the village gates. This was most definitely the night of the one and only "Pride of Admiral Village"!

Most of the Tanquiluts met Miong (or Emil) for the very first time that night. He is Mitchie's boyfriend, and a recent law school graduate. We hope to get to know him more soon! He is equally proud of our dear Sheryl!

Flowers for Miss-Soon-To-Be Attorney! Again, thank you for inspiring us to be the best that we can be!

Yee-Haw! Tita Molly's 60th Beeday, Part 3

Program Time everybody!

After a grand entrance, escorted by hubby Tito Carlito (to the tune of "Sweet Home Alabama"), Tita Molly settled on her wooden bench right in front of all the guests. The great expanse field was a nice backdrop and some of the tall, wild grass added a Western feel.

Before we knew it, night fell and everyone was happily eating the great beeday food. Kasama syempre ang famous Esguerra Dinuguan.

We had a few games, and even the Esguerra kids were pretty excited about winning the prizes up for grabs. We had this horse relay. Syempre, wala naman kaming totoong horse na makuha, kaya a broom had to do. The game participants shot small plastic animals with their water guns. It was fun! Sheryl got into the horsey-ing part. Hehe!


Syempre, merong speeches! That's Tita Gina and Ate Mylene. They had nothing but words of gratitude for Tita Molly. May kasamang tears, which had the guests wiping a tear or two, while laughing. Si Tita Molly kasi, super patient and super giving. Tita Myr, Milet, Lola, and Tita Memeng also gave speeches.





Eto at boys turn naman! In true debut-fashion, the boys took Tita Molly in their arms and danced with her. Here's Lolo Ric, Tito Boy, Tito Mar, Pao, Kuya Marlon, and of course, Tito Carlito, who went cheek to cheek with his very happy wife. Syempre special ang music nila! "Looks like we made it...", croons Shania Twain.

We still waited to see what Tito Carlito had prepared. It wasn't long before we found out... He made an original poem for Tita. He recited this in front of everyone, giving Tita Molly a bouquet of flowers, too.

What is a beeday party without the blowing of the candles on the birthday cake? Tita Alda ordered a very pink beeday cake for Tita Molly. Talagang debutante! After blowing her cake, everyone was invited to the dance floor to dance the immortal "Achy Breaky Heart". L.A. walk anyone?

We all had a fun time! Sino na ba ang next na magbeebeeday... Hmm...

Yee-Haw! Tita Molly's 60th Beeday, Part 2

Cowboys and cowgirls on the loose!

Tita Gina and Tita Guste settled comfortably on the wooden seating area of the celebrant. Both looking quite pleased with themselves. Di pa nagcho-chocolate si Tita Myr nyan.. at di pa nakakaalis si Ate Lheng papuntang Abu Dhabi nun. :) Big smiles to match these ladies' big hearts.





Ang mga housemates nina Tita Molly... This wacky duo, most often than not, steals the show with their enthusiasm ang "pagiging game". Smokey the Bandit must've woken up that day, wondering where his clothes have gone. Tito Ferds... parang si Keanu sa the Matrix meets Dirty Harry... Or Hairy? Hehe! Tita Gina siezes every photo op. Yan ang di camera shy!



Inside the house everyone flashed their pearly whites. Lolo Ric, Lola Juling, Mama (Tita Lody), Tito Boy, Tito Mar, Tita Teng, Tita Molly, Tita Myr, Tita Guste, Tita Gina, Tita Marison, Tita Alda, at si Bg Sister Cowgirl, Lola Naty.

Of course, what is an Esguerra celebration without the famous Carlito Esguerra of Perla? He's equally excited about the party. He told me meron daw syang special na hinanda for tonight. I wonder what Tito has up his sleeves...

Back outside, more pictures needed to be taken, just so we still got the best light. Here's the official Esguerra family pic of this event! With the two lolas from both sides of the family.

Yee-Haw! Tita Molly's 60th Beeday, Part 1

Howdy pardners! Welcome to the sprawling Esguerra Ranch in Cabuyao Laguna, where we all had a rockin’ good time! We all saddled up here because of a very special cowgirl. A cowgirl, who sixty years ago graced the earth with her most loving presence. Today is truly a milestone for her and her family.



But before the fun and tributes began (well, exactly 6 hours before the guests started to arrive), the Esguerras and a Tanquiluts participated in the house blessing. As seen here, the fruits of the family's labor speak through the walls of this cozy yellow house.


After the ceremonies, the party organizers ate their quick (but splendid) lunch. Every second was precious and everyone present during the early afternoon poured all their energies in transforming the Esguerra's Cabuyao home into a happening cowboy ranch, fit for the festivities! Empty wine bottles and lassos were centerpieces.
Flowers everywhere! Arranged and designed by the floral team, Tita Marison, Ate My, and Tenten. To add a touch of humor in the decor, WANTED posters can be found all over the place.

Of course, it wasn't long after every table was decorated, every monobloc chair in place, that the guests started to arrive. Everyone was in the Western mood, wearing their cowboy hats, checkered shirts, chaleko's, and bandanas.