the stillness of night

broken by exploding lights

fireworks in the air


oo0oo


like giant urchins
fireworks light up the night sky
a celebration

Today is Labor Day - a legal holiday in the Philippines. Coincidentally, it is the city fiesta of Tagbilaran, the capital of our  province of Bohol. City residents joyously honor the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint. If a birthday, anniversary, graduation , or any special occasion calls for a celebration then, more so for a fiesta. It is a time for thanksgiving, a time when family members working in different places come together to join the celebration. 

The city fiesta of Tagbilaran ushers in the fiesta month in Bohol. Almost everyday during the month of May there is a town or barrio celebrating a fiesta, some even simultaneously. For one who is not conscious of his cholesterol level, going around Bohol in May is indeed tempting. The sight of a whole pork lechon on the fiesta table is common in most households.

Happy fiesta Tagbilaran! Viva Senor San Jose!

 

fiesta spectacle

pigs roasted by the dozen

no one left wanting

oo0oo

amidst the frenzy
of fiesta preparations
pork lechon parade

Today marks a special event of history in the lives of  two persons here at home. A mother and a son! Three decades have gone by but I still remember that day - the last time I found myself in a delivery room. Yes, the day I brought into this world an adorable baby boy - my youngest son.

Looking back to all those years past when my three sons were just kids, I realize just how fast time has flown. I can't help but echo these lines: "Is this the little boy I carried ... I don't remember growing older...when did they?"  To those of you who have seen that musical drama film of the early seventies "Fiddler on the Roof",  the quoted words must sound so familiar.

The little boy I used to cradle in my arms is now a fully grown man. I await that day when this fully grown man will give me a baby of his own for me to savor once more the sweetness of being a granny. I so miss cradling a baby!

To my boy of yesterday,  may your heart  be filled with love from people around you. And may the good Lord shower you with special blessings - good health always, inner peace and joy, a fulfilling career, realization of your dreams. Stay close to Him everyday of your life. Wish you all the best today and for always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN!!!

a birthday tribute to my son

three decades ago

mother and third beloved son 

last birth pain...first breath

my arms your cradle

my breasts your sweet spring of life
you don't remember


how swiftly time flies

my cute little boy of yore

now fully grown man


together...apart
our bond of love remains strong
forever my son 

guitar and organ

your favorite instruments

idle without you

today my heart shouts

a message filled with much love 

happy birthday son!

oo0oo

young coconut frond

stands tall with leaves turned crosses

blessed palm sunday

oo0oo

triumphal entry

holy man in jerusalem

 astride a donkey 

oo0oo

like angels they sing
pews filled, people smartly dressed
fiesta once again