Happy fourth anniversary to our blog!

Belated happy fourth anniversary to our blog! (our first travel was on 23 October 2013 while our first blogpost was on 21 October 2013)! To GOD be the glory!

—Yeyette—

Happy 18th and 4th anniversary to us!

It is almost midnight and I need to post this before the day ends because me and Daddy Pepe have to drink in a short while to continue our anniversary celebration. So, I will just share to all of you our hilarious anniversary message in Facebook this morning. Some may have read it, but I'll post it again for the benefit of those who haven't yet...

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Happy 18th anniversary (and 4th wedding anniversary) to my one and only Probinsyana wife, Yeyette the Wildflower! Ikaw Lang Ang iibigin nitóng dating Pusong Ligaw, that's The Promise of Forever. I am Destined to be Yours, debajo de La Luna Sangre. You and I, we have A Love To Last! =)

¡Te amo mucho, mi amor Jennifer!
—Pepe Alas—

And here is my reply:

Naunahan mo ako ah hahaha! Naka-mud pack ako nang binabasa ko ang komento mo, ayon napangiti tuloy ako at nag crack ang mud pack ko, hehehe! Pero huwag kang mag-alala, kasi mag crack na ang mud pack ko, wag lang ang Pag-ibig ko. 😱

Asahan mong andito lagi ako sayo: 
Sa saya at tawanan. Sa sigawan at awayan. Sa viaje at pasyalan. Sa diskusyon at bangayan. Sa pagmamahalan at lambingan. Sa kulitan at inisan. Sa La Familia Viajera at Buong Angkan Nang Familia Natin. Sa yaman at karangyaan. Sa bagong kakilala at hindi pa mga kilala. Sa tikisan at di pag-iimikan. 
Sa gimik at sa imbitasyon. Sa patimpalak at pagtitipon. Sa galit at poot. Sa paminsan-minsan at madalas. Sa bungisngis at halakhak. Sa lamig at sa ulan. Sa taglish at jejemon. Sa summer at sa beach. Sa buwan at sa bituin. Sa pelikula at social media. Sa writing at editing. Sa iba pang bagay at etcetera. Sa expressions at LOL. 
Sa dulo at walang hanggan...

Andito, andito ako... 

Ako, ako ito... 

Nagmamahal pa din at laging sayo.... 

Te am❤ tambien, and Happy 18th Anniversary and 4th Wedding Anniversary, mi amor Pepe! 😍
—Yeyette Alas— 😘

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Many couples today are facing a lot of struggles, obstacles, and problems. Me and dear husband Pepe are no different from the rest, but we have stayed stronger than ever, calmly facing the realities of life. And I am always hoping that we could surpass every trial that we encounter and still stay strong until the end, still in love with each other, and continue to keep the love and in our hearts, together with our children. May GOD continue blessing our family.

Again, Happy 18th Anniversary (and 4th Wedding Anniversary) to us!!!

—Yeyette—

¡Feliz 17° cumpleaños, Krystal!

¡Feliz 17° cumpleaños, mi hija Krystal!

Thank you for always being there for us, for always helping me in the household chores, for being my number one fan in my cooking (especially my specialty pastas), for all your sacrifices in our small home. There is no perfect family, but you still tend to stay strong too just like me.

Thank you for all the trials that you have endured with us. Thank you because you always maintain your respect for us your parents. Of course you are not perfect. But still, I can call you a good girl in spite of that imperfectness. Thank you for listening to our advice, for opening up your feelings to us. Please open up your feelings more to me and don't hesitate to ask any questions because we are both ladies, OK?

We'll always be there for you and support you. Follow your dreams, reach for it, and strive to be successful. May you have many more birthdays to come, my pretty and precious eldest daughter! Hugs and love from all of us! —Mommy Yeyette—

¡Feliz 38° cumpleaños, mi amor Pepe!

Happy birthday to La Familia Viajera's writer,  young historian, joker, and our "Mr. Know It All", the head of our family,  ¡mi esposo Pepe! May you have more birthdays to come, and may you always stay responsible, loving, honest, and faithful to us! We love you so much! ¡Muchos besos y abrazos! ☺☺  ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ 

Ho Chai Lai (Muntinlupà, Metro Manila).

La Cruz de Tunasán (Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol, San Pedro Tunasán, La Laguna).

—Yeyette—

¡Feliz 13º cumpleaños, Mómay! (100° aniversario de Fátima)

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Fátima.

Tan especial es tu cumpleaños porque es el centenario de nuestra Señora de Fátima. Ella es su

patrona. Deja que Ella sea tu guía durante tu estancia aquí en la tierra. ¡Feliz 13º cumpleaños,Mómay! ¡Te amamos mucho, Diamond Fist!

Shakey's Pacita.

¡Feliz 115º fiesta, Barrio San Vicente!

Today we commemorate our barrio's 115th anniversary.

A simple feast at our humble abode.

Our barrio was named after Saint Vincent Ferrer, a Spanish saint. Click here to know more about our barrio and its patron saint.

Inside the chapel dedicated to our barrio's patron saint.

Click here for more photos.Happy fiesta to our Barrio San Vicente Ferrer!

-Yeyette-

DID YOU KNOW? Barrio San Vicente used to be the second largest barrio (or barangay) in the City of San Pedro Tunasán. But on 11 July 2015, seven new barrios were created out of San Vicente. This move was ratified and approved through a plebiscite held on that date (under COMELEC Resolution No. 9969). The new barrios created from San Vicente are Chrysanthemum, Fátima, Mahárlika, Pacita 1, Pacita 2, Rosario, and San Lorenzo Ruiz.

¡Feliz 8º cumpleaños, Juanito!

¡Feliz 8º cumpleaños, Juanito! Esfuérzate por ser una buena persona siempre. Nunca dejes de respetar a tus mayores. Nunca olvides rezar. Y nunca abandones la lengua española. Esfuérzate por aprenderla para completar tu ser filipino. ¡Te amamos mucho!

Daddy Pepe's first book — "Captain Remo: The Young Hero"

At long last, my hubby has finally achieved his dream of having a book (a dream for all writers)! The book is entitled "CAPTAIN REMO: THE YOUNG HERO (Anatomy of Abelardo Remoquillo, the Pride of San Pedro Tunasán, La Laguna)".

Captain Remo is the military nickname of Abelardo Remoquillo (1922-1945), a native of San Pedro Tunasán who joined the guerrilla movement (Hunters ROTC) during the Japanese invasion of Filipinas. The book is the story of a young man who died while fighting the Japanese invaders. He was the only man left standing in his group while attacking a Japanese garrison in the town of Bay, La Laguna Province. Who would have thought that, at the age of 22, a person his age would have showed such heroism? In today's generation, young people his age usually spend most of their lives on the Internet or using recreational drugs. Many marry early, or just do nothing productive at all. But Captain Remo risked his life for love of his country and his countrymen.

This book, written by the legendary blogger of ALAS FILIPINAS (the first Spanish blog in our Filipinas) and FILIPINO eSCRIBBLES (probably one of the most controversial blogs in our country), is bilingual. It has a Tagálog translation by Erlinda Sietereales. Both my husband and Tita Linda are members of the San Pedro City Historical Council. The book was launched last March 8 at the city plaza, during the 72nd death anniversary of Captain Remo which is also known as "Veterans Day" in our city. You may read more details of the event right here.

La familia Viajera with Mayor Baby Catáquiz and Tita Linda Sietereales. Captain Remo's brother Vicente Remoquillo, now in his 90s, is at the background. He is also a Hunters ROTC veteran.

Captain Remo is Daddy Pepe's first book, and we hope that it would be the first of many more books to come! Thank you to Mayor Lourdes Catáquiz, our dear city mayor and wedding godmother, for making this book project possible and for having chosen my husband to write it! Without her support and blessing, this book would not have been possible. Her enthusiasm to publish this biography of San Pedro City's local hero is very touching. She wanted the youth of our city to know about our local hero's patriotism and valor. Thank you, Mayor Baby, for your passion for our city's history!

And speaking of local heroes, Captain Remo can also be called a national hero, I do hope it would happen because Captain Remo is an inspiration for everyone, especially the youth, and I hope it will be passed on to future generations.

Get a free copy of this biography from the Public Affairs and Information Office located at the second floor of the San Pedro City Hall building. Grab one now while supplies last. I do hope you could have a copy and read it because the story of this book is very inspiring for the youth.

Click here for more photos of the book launching! ¡Hasta la vista!

-Yeyette-

I am so proud seeing you like this! Writer ka na talaga! May nagpapa-autograph na sa'yo!

DID YOU KNOW? The blurb for this book was written by none other than the great novelist in Tagálog, Lualhati Bautista! Ms. Bautista is a dear friend of Tita Linda. They used to work together in Liwayway Magazine.

¡Feliz 10º cumpleaños, Jefe!

Happy 10th Birthday, Jefe!!!

We are not complete today because your Ate Krystal is currently on a field trip in Baguio City. But she still did not forget to greet you through Facebook video. I am so touched (¡Gracias, hija!) So, at the end of the day, in our hearts and minds, it is already a complete birthday for you, my son. We had a simple early dinner celebration for your birthday, a surprise video from your Ate Krystal, and that's it. We may not have a "bonggacious" celebration, but the love and care that we have within our family is enough to complete it.

Video clip courtesy of Krystal's friend, Melizza.

Happy birthday again, Jefe. May you continue to stay kind and God-fearing. And may the love and concern you have for your brothers and sisters always remain. GOD bless you, and we love you so much!!!! =) =)

—Mommy Yeyette—

For more photos and videos of our family travel blog, don't forget to LIKE US on Facebook! ¡Gracias! =)

¡Feliz Año 2017!

Media Noche.

Mañana, con el padre de Yeyette.

Imagen del Niño Jesús.

Misa de Nuevo Año.

Un belén grande fuera de nuestra iglesia.

Let's have a happy, healthy, and meaningful 2017, everyone! ¡Qué Dios os bendiga todos los días!

¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO A TODOS!

   For more photos and videos of our family travel blog, don't forget to LIKE US on          Facebook! ¡Gracias! =)  

Fourth Sunday of Advent 2016

Today, the final Sunday of Advent, focuses on the mysterious virgin birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-24). During Mass, the fourth and final candle was lit. We attended the evening Mass at our parish church, San Pedro Apóstol.

After Mass, we strolled around at our city's old plaza at the población to witness the ongoing Paskuhan sa San Pedro, a month-long celebration featuring performances from various schools and local organizations in our city. Tonight's show was hosted by Von Neri Erika, a local production house here in San Pedro Tunasán (you may check Paskuhan sa San Pedro's schedule here). We also feasted on classic Filipino Christmas merienda such as puto bumbóng and bibinca.



                                   

                              
                             

                             

Just a week to go and it's Christmas! ☺

—Pepe—
                                                                                          

Please click here for the complete photo album and don't forget to LIKE US on Facebook! ¡Gracias! =)

Third Sunday of Advent 2016

It was our first time in the Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia, locally known as the Holy Family Church, in Sampaguita Village. And unlike in the two previous Sundays of Advent, we attended morning Mass this time. Actually, we arrived 20 minutes before the 7:30 AM Mass. I was impressed to see that they also have the missalette Sambuhay (St. Pauls Media Pastoral Ministry), the shortened form of the missal which contains the prayers and rites used by the priest in celebrating Mass. I first encountered this missalette at the Iglesia de San Jerónimo Emiliani y Santa Susana in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupà several years ago. Throughout the Mass, my son Mómay was the one who used it. I hope all churches have this kind of missalette so that youngsters would be able to use it as their guide, thus enabling them to understand and thoroughly appreciate the Mass more.

Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia.

The Holy Family Church is small and simply designed. Actually, it looks like a large house, quite modern-looking unlike the church in Chrysanthemum and the one in Elvinda Village. Both churches looked classic, but this church in Sampaguita Village, particularly some of its wooden images, looked artistically modern. The wooden images reminded me of Paeté, La Laguna, because of the bas relief wood works of the Holy Family and the Virgin Mary near the altar.

These wood works reminded me of those in Paeté, La Laguna.

At the altar, right behind the crucifix, is a mosaic artwork. Another thing I noticed also is that this church has flowering plants by the altar. I even check if they're real — they are! I like it that way because I love flowering plants, being a nature lover.

This flowering plant by the altar is real.

The first reading was very touching, Today's gospel taught us to "say to those whose hearts are frightened: be strong, fear not! Here is your GOD, he comes with vindication: with divine recompense, He comes to save you." I was also touched by the second reading which said "You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates."

I just wondered why the priest, Fr. Ricardo M. Pajutan, Jr., did not give Holy Communion. Taking his place were his lay ministers (being Traditional Catholics, we didn't allow Krystal, Mómay, and Jefe —he just had his first Holy Communion last Thursday, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception— to receive the Host from them). Maybe the priest has not yet gone to confession? After all, although a priest, he is still human, and a Catholic like all of us, of course. I suspect that it is a sin for a priest who has not yet gone to confession to offer Holy Communion to parishioners. But I'm not really sure. I am not that knowledgeable regarding Catholicism. Me and my family still have a lot to learn about it.

After the Mass, our family explored the church's environs. At the back of the church, we discovered Saint Mark Hall. It's very relaxing out there because it's an open hall with a view of a stream which connects to the San Isidro River. The stream's banks has fruit-bearing trees and is filled with greenery. I would love to relax there with my family next time and have our merienda there, or perhaps for some siesta, hehehe!!!

Relaxing view at the back of the church.

We found these images at the Saint Mark Hall. Another way of looking at the Holy Family.

A sampaguita growing in front of a house near the church. But of course, this is Sampaguita Village.  =)

The priest said during Mass that the theme for the first Sunday of Advent is for Peace. The second Sunday was for True Love. Today was for Joy. He also explained that being happy is different from being joyful, that being joyful means eternal happiness. Hmmm, interesting. That's why before going home, I bought Chickenjoy for our lunch, hahaha!

Yes, we did enjoy our modest meal, and this modest meal gave us joy, just like what its bucket says: "Bring JOY to the Table". Yes, thank GOD for the blessings of JOY today. I am hoping for many more joys to come: blessings or eternal happiness. Me and my family will love to receive it with much JOY in our hearts.  ❤ =)

Family picture in front of the altar. It is also Junífera Clarita's 28th month today! Happy 28th month, baba levs! =)

                                                      -Yeyette-

Please click here for the complete photo album and don't forget to LIKE US on Facebook! ¡Gracias!
Advanced Merry Christmas, everyone! =)