God is our Provider and the Giver of all good gifts.
I left LAX to the Philippines by PAL last December 7, 2007, 10 PM and arrived Manila December 9, 2007 5:30 AM. I was blessed with good seatmates during the 16 hour trip and I was met by my sister, niece and nephews in Manila for a couple of hours connecting flight to Iloilo.
I arrived at Sta. Barbara airport, the new Iloilo International Airport and it is a nice airport; clean, organized and everybody was courteous and helpful. Papa, Toto, Bing, Jaja and Angel were at the airport when I arrived. Next stop was SM for lunch then grocery shopping.
December vacation is always a time of rest so from arrival until Dec. 23rd it was time to only think of when to eat and sleep. Until friends' arrival on the 23rd there were no scheduled activities. Our missionary friends, Maris, Lala, Auntie Sweet and Inday Emid came and spent time with our family during the holiday season. My friend from Oxnard, CA (Sannee, her son Simoun and niece Purple) spent part of their vacation time at Roxas City from Dec. 23rd to 30th. She wanted to celebrate her birthday in a very special way and that was sharing with the kids who were caroling at THOTW.
On the 24th we celebrated the birthday of our Saviour Jesus Christ Who is the reason for the Christmas season and friends whose birthdays were in December. Kids from the barangay who used to sing Christmas carols every December 24th were invited and were given gifts. Thanks to friends of THOTW. My friends Jennie and Joy shared their blessings too with our missionaries and the carolers.
We were blessed with the presence of our missionary friends and other friends who are supporting and praying for the ministry of THOTW.
December birthday celebrators
Video - Jaja Caldea singing and Angel BB Caldea smiling.
Dec. 25: To Iloilo. We passed by our house at Tinaytayan, Dumarao, Capiz where we grew up then to Toto and Bing’s house at Aglalana Dumarao, Capiz. We didn’t realize that 25th is a holiday and lots of businesses and restaurants were closed so it was not a very productive trip.
Dec. 26: Fishing at Capiz Bay. We had batchoy first before fishing. We had fun! We caught lots of bangus.
It was also a time of just being quiet and thanking God for everything.
Dec. 27: To Boracay. We had to take the boat to go to Boracay.
The view from our hotel rooms was just awesome.
It was time to go to the white beach but lunch first.
Smile, you’re on candid camera.
Oh, it’s just so beautiful. Let’s go and look for something good to eat.
Is it night time already? We still want to swim. Let’s go to the swimming pool.
It’s time to go home. We really had fun at Boracay but we had another place to visit: Sampaguita Gardens where precious moments dolls are sold
Lunch was so good that Angel was so happy.
December 30, 2007 - Advance BD Celebration for Papa
Papa singing
GLCaldea's grandchildren singing for Lolo's birthday
It hurts to say goodbye but it’s time to go back to Manila. Pose muna bago airport.
Caldea family and friends. Former NORMA staff (Cel, Leslie & Sannee)
There were five passengers and twelve friends who went to the airport. Masayang malungkot.
See you in LA.
Dec. 31st to New Year.
Jan. 2nd, Maris and Lala to Iloilo. Angel and Lolo (I love this picture)
Lunch at Max Restaurant.
Angel trying her new dress from Tita Sannee (click the center picture to view video). A birthday gift from everybody. Thank you all.
January 9, 2008 and time to go back to LA. It was a wonderful vacation with family and friends. God is so good. He gives rest to the weary and He gives good gifts even a time of fellowship.
Praise God!