Picture Postcards from Dubai/Abu Dhabi

Hey Peeps! Fresh out of Dubai / Abu Dhabi! Check out Ate Lheng's picture postcards. It seems our cousin is very much enjoying the middle-eastern beach, as well as the company of her very supportive friends.

*All girls? *

*Enjoying the sun! Dapat nakashades ka Ate!*

**Sea Breeze...**

Fun weekend with the kids

Yesterday, the 27th of May, the kids (Yssa, Ina, Iris, and Chad), and I (plus Mark!), all had a fun-filled day... all over the metro!

First on the list was Yssa's first haircut in more than a year! Yssa will be starting High School soon needs a new look! We put her hair-fate in the hands of the very able, Roldan from the Ystilo Salon (who also does my hair!)



Yssa was quite the nervous girl, but the end result was just too cute for words! Here's Yssa with her new do.



Next was a series of pick-ups. We picked up the Gutierrez girls, then we went to Makati for Chad. Our first activity was the Global Gutz's Paintball challenge! The very handsome Chad had no qualms about suiting up! He was ready to rock 'n roll!



The girls were a little (a little lang ba?!) scared when the instructor demo-ed us how the guns were used (safe to parents, promise!). So Ate Ten had to show them first that it wasn't really scary. First game, twas Chad and I versus Mark. Of course, Mark won. Haha!



Brave girl Camille suited up the next round! I was pleasantly surprised when she tapped my shoulder and whispered, "Ate Ten, gusto ko syang itry." Second game, twas Chad, Camille, and I versus Mark. Haha! This time around, I snuck close to where Mark was hiding and shot him! Victory at last!



We decided to throw in the towel after our second game. Since the Mall of Asia was pretty close to where Global Gutz was at, we went there and walked around. However,all the restos were full! So we decided to go to Blue Wave instead. Pancake house easily won as the resto of choice. The girls were all smiles after stuffing themselves!



Ininterview namin si Kuya Chad for most part of the merienda-sena. He's currently on the Badminton varsity team in Don Bosco (way to go, Chad!), and will be participating in a tournament soon! We're planning for a Badminton outing in the near future.



After eating, the girls simply refused to call it a night. Yssa was on the phone with Ate Che and Ate Love, negotiating an extension.



So to Timezone Glorieta 4 we went! They just couldn't get enough of the claw and the stuffed Care Bears to be clawed.



Finally, when all the Powercards exclaimed, "UBOS NA!", we called it a night and headed back to Casa Marias for our late dinner (courtesy of Sinangag Express pala). Ate Love took the chance to play stylist to Yssa's new do!



Phew! More plans made for the next coming weeks.... Possibly a trip to Enchanted Kingdom and a sleep over ? Hehehe!

The Aguirre 60th Wedding Anniversary

After six decades of marital bliss, Lolo Pepe and Lola Ining have yet again reached another landmark in their lives! And celebrating their sixty years of marriage just had to be as bongga as possible! Last Sunday, the 21st of May also marked the grand opening of the SM Mall of Asia (the third largest mall in the world!), where the family celebratory dinner was held. We had to weave through the sea of cars until we finally found a parking spot (I was riding with Tita Alda and family), close to the Olympic-sized skating rink.



Just behind the Imax theatre, in the Entertainment Center, was Gram's Diner, where the Aguirres and Magsarilis dined and celebrated this milestone in Lolo Pepe and Lola Ining's lives. The owner, a very pleasant lady who kept us company, knows Lola Ining from church. We sought solace in this place's "good comfort food" and homey atmosphere.



The food just kept coming and coming, one course after another. We had an assortment of dumplings for our appetizers, a tomato-based soup with beans, a side salad, and a choice between grilled chicken or fish for the main course. To close the deal, we had creamy, yummy milkshakes for dessert. Yum! Here's Majo enjoying her Banana-Vanilla shake,



The happy couple (smile naman dyan Lolo!) was pleased with the turn out and made it top priority that their guests had their fill of Gram's comfort food.



Lolo Pepe and Lola Ining's children and grandchildren were ever present to grace the occasion. Milkshakes for everyone! See how Ginger has grown! We all love her sleepy eyes (o baka naman sleepy lang talaga siya...)



Syempre when we say "Aguirre", we also mean Lolo Ric's family (complete parati!) and the Roxases. Take note of the color-coordinated Christine, Tito Ron, and Bettina!



At kapag sinabi mong Aguirre, andyan din ang Tanquiluts! Talagang Grams was bursting at the seams with all of us in attendance (hindi pa nga complete yan!).



I just couldn't resist to take this picture... and Christine just couldn't refuse to pose! She's our official bet to America's Next Top Model! Fashionista and mommy extraordinaire! Christine is also a fellow American Idol fan. And we're both rooting for Taylor Hicks. Yssa is rooting for Katharine McPhee.



We all waited with bated breath for the 10pm fireworks show. I wish I could've taken a better picture. The show was spectacular and well worth the wait. Nagulat kaming lahat sa unang paputok kasi sudden at walang warning. Remember sa Enchanted may announcement? Hehe! It was such a nice way to end the evening.



Congratulations to Lolo Pepe and Lola Ining!

P.S.
To the Tanquiluts in the US... you guys should definitely see Mall of Asia when you return. Who would've believed that the 3rd largest mall in the world is located in a third world country? :) How ironic. It's such a huge huge huge mall! The motherload of all SMs!

May Family Updates

Here comes the choochoo train of family updates...

Baby Numero Tres on Board...

Sheryl Santiago is three months pregnant with baby number three! The blooming mom of two confirmed last Wednesday that she is due to give birth sometime the first week of November. Celine and Vaughn will soon have a new playmate!



New Boss on the Train Station



Kuya Andre Gutierrez just got promoted from Manager to AVP (at East West Bank)! I think he's the youngest AVP I know! He celebrated this career milestone recently with Rhea and Tito Lito. Congrats Kuya!


Just came from Obando



The Angeles couple, Tetet and Nonoy went and danced in Obando, hoping that they will soon be blessed with a baby. Nonoy will be graduating from Angeles University soon, with a degree in Computer Science. Tetet is still working at Cyber as a call center agent.

Measles-Free Ianna!



Baby Ianna Gutierrez has been on the railroad of recovery from Measles. She lost a little weight, but when we saw her last Wednesday, she was in the mood for playtime! We're happy to see that she is feeling better now.


Next stop... Baguio City?



The next long weekend, June 10-12, is just around the corner and in the works is a family excursion to the lovely city of Baguio! We just started talking about the trip and nothing has been finalized yet. If you guys have any suggestions, please let me know!

Remembering Tito Ely

May 17, 2006 marked Tito Ely's second year death anniversary. We all went to Lola Naty and Tita Marison's home in Las Pinas to remember our dearly beloved uncle. He was generous, kind-hearted, and had a great sense of humor.



In attendance were Lola Naty's sibs, Lola Juling, Lolo Pepe, and Lola Ining. Tita Myr and Tito Hermie kept the oldies company for most part of the evening.



The ladies dined and chatted on Tita Marison's Zen-inspired wooden table. Stud muffin Alfonso, as usual, stole the show.



The guys had their usual "inuman" corner. Topic for tonight was Leo Oracion's successful Mt. Everest climb. He is the first Filipino ever to reach the peak of Mt. Everest!



Most of the young ones hung out at Tita Marison's room to watch thr primetime telecast of American Idol. The boys took turns sitting on Lola's wooden rocking chair.



Potluck was the name of the food game that night. Syempre andyan ang Ukoy ni Tita Myr, ang Pochero ni Nanay, Siopao ni Tito Boy, ang lechong manok ni Baliwag... and a lot of yummy treats.





We ended the evening with a prayer for Tito Ely and Tatay Doctor. We pray that they are keeping each other company in peace, where ever they may be.

Mothers Day 2006

Araw ng mga Ina today! Happy mothers day to all the moms out there! Shout outs to... Nanay, Tita Myr, Ate Abi, Ate Cynthia, Tita Molly, Tita Edith, Tita Linda, Tita Baby, Ate Svet, Ate Gret, Ate Lovely, Monina, Trudie, Cha, Che, Rhea, Tina, Tita Cion, My Mom (Tita Lody), Tita Guste, Sheryl, Tita Rosie, Lencx, Tita Alda, and Tita Gina! I hope I didn't miss anyone out.

Syempre, for today, we had to visit the mother of all mothers... Nanay Naty! Here's our artistahing Lola having dessert.



Tito Mar, the Munars, Tita Myr, and Kuya Ariel had their dinner at Lola's, while we (the Geocaniga family with our adopted sibling this summer, Edrick the bakasyonista) followed with dessert in tow. Tita Marison said that Tito Boy also dropped by earlier that day.



All mommies were pretty much in a great mood. No mistaking the gents enjoyed Quezo flavored ice cream (which in my opinion complimented the chocolate ice cream!). Here's the very cute Tito Mar enjoying his third serving. Pede nang endorser ng Nestle!



Gibo had us laughing when he did his Kuya Marlon poster boy impressions. Pede nang mag-model! He even gave us a Milet pose!



The mommies from overseas Tita Linda and Tita Baby, gave Nanay a call and we all enjoyed passing the phone and exchanging energetic hellos. In this particular picture, Mama was sharing with Tita Linda that Tita Myr's very famous Panglao centerfold poses are courtesy of a P45 swimsuit she bought from Uniwide Warehose Club. Everyone was just cracking up!



Me and my A.I. best bud Yssa exchanged our latest musings regarding the most recent American Idol eliminations. Yssa is a certified McPhan (rooting for Katharine McPhee), and I personally think Katharine has become majorly McPheeling. Hehehe! But that aside, Yssa and I enjoyed a good conversation.



Happy Mothers Day!

Next on the calendar of activities... May 17, Wednesday. Tito Ely's 2nd year Death Anniversary; May 21, Sunday. Lolo Pepe and Lola Ining's 60th Wedding Anniversary

Introducing CBOX!

Hello Tanquilut peeps! Thanks to my friend Mike, we have an additional feature on our website! CBOX! I think this may be short for ChatBOX. You will find this box on the right side of the page (parang grayish blue yung color). Simply put your name, email address, and message on the text boxes and click GO. Your comment will be posted on the box right above it.

Of course, the comments section is still available for your thoughts about the entries.

Enjoy!

Mariska Erika De Lusong's Baptism

Welcome to the Roman Catholic family, Mariska Erika De Lusong!! This little bundle of joy is also known as Meg, Ate Svet and Jojo's daughter. The Baptism took place in the Mary Queenship Parish, Plainsboro NJ last May 7, 2006.



Godparents were present in the Christening to share their excitement over this momentous event! Ninongs: Mostly Jojo's friends and of course,Edward. Ninangs: Gret, Ate Michelle, Jojo's sister-Arnie and three of Ate Svet's friends.



Luncheon was held at The Westin Princeton. The guest of honor had about 60 guests. Here are Tita Baby and Tito Vlad.



Meg wore a traditional Baptismal gown and later changed into a pink and white party dress. Here's a pic of the De Lusong princess with her dotting aunt, Ate Gret. Both looking pretty in pink!



Everyone was happy to be there and Meg was pretty ecstatic about attending her first party!

Ina and Camille say "Ni Hao" to Mickey Mouse

On May 3, 2006, Ina, Camille, and Ate Lovely boarded the 8AM flight of Philippine Airlines bound for Hong Kong. Their day started just right! They were bumped into Business Class (from Economy Class) because the flight was fully booked. Also, while waiting for their flight at the lounge, they bumped into the famous and handsome Piolo Pascual. Of course, the very shy teensters could not muster the courage to ask Papa Piolo for a picture.


Ina : "Ang sosyal ko at asa Business class ako!"
Camille : Deadma

Upon arrival in Hong Kong airport, they took the Airport Express Train to Kowloon. Iris sat on the window seat and took in the HK scenary.


Ina : "Masaya ako."
Camille : "Astig!"

They spent four happy days in Hong Kong. But the highlight of their trip was going to Disneyland, Hong Kong. To get there, they took the MTR to Sunny Bay. From that station, they took the Mickey Mouse train to Disneyland! Inside the Mickey train, they saw Disney Character statues. The train handles were shaped like Mickey's silhouette.


Ina : "Wow, wow, wow, wow!"
Camille : "Coooool! Hindi sya katulad ng ibang train????"

After the 30 minute train ride, the girls finally arrived in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. It was raining, so Ina and Iris were happy they had their trusty umbrellas (which they bought from City Super).


Ina : "Wow!"
Camille : "Ang haba ng walkway from the entrance to the ticket booth. Hmph! Cute pala yung mga street lamps! Mga Disney characters... si Tinkerbelle at Ariel yung asa entrance."

A few meters from the arc was this fun fountain with a whale and a surfing Mickey (although cannot be seen in these pics below). Mommy Lovely in yellow was a great sunny contrast from the gray, gloomy sky.


Ina : Deadma
Camille : "Astig yung surfing Mickey!"
Ate Lovely: "Kaines ang mga ibang tourista dito! Nakikisingit pa sa picture! Dumadaan kahit may nagpipicture! Bad trip!"

Just like the Disneyland in L.A., Mickey Mouse greeted them "Welcome!", in a colorful arrangement of green, white, orange, and pink flowers. Check out Ina's rolled up pants. Very fashionable!


Ina : "Ang laki ni Mickey!"
Camille : "Bakit red si Mickey? Diba dapat pink? Diba pink yung sa L.A.?"

To make up for the lost photo op with Piolo Pascual, the girls snagged the chance to have their picture taken with Disney's very own Daisy Duck!


Ina : "Hi Daisy! Say Cheese! "
Camille : "Ang liit naman ni Daisy!"
Ate Tenten : "Siguro Asian si Daisy!"

The girls spent 4 hours in the Magic Kingdom. They report that parang Enchanted Kingdom ang size ng HK Disney. After Main Street, Tomorrowland na kaagad. Fantasyland and the beautiful castle can be found right in the middle of the theme park. The weather wasn't really on their side, but they had a good time nonetheless. They watched Disney On Parade and the Lion King Festival. Of course, merong shopping! Camille got several pink pens and a pencil case. Syempre may chocolates din, and Ina got lollipops.


Ina : "Masarap ang lollipop!"
Camille : "Pinakain ko si Ate Ten ng chocolate galing Disney."
Ate Tenten : "Masarap ang chocolate na galing kay Camille na galing Disney!"

Finally, what's a trip to Disneyland without a pic with Sleeping Beauty's castle?


Ina : "Fun! Mommy, I want more Disney Lollipop! Kelan ba tayo babalik dito?"
Camille : "Ang liit din ng castle, eh!"
Ate Lovely : "Nakakapagod!"