Moving Forward

The passing of my grandmother last August 27 and then of my cousin last September 25, barely a month apart, have taken quite a toll on my family. It was a lot easier for us to let go of Mama Gran. She lived a full life and went home peacefully to the Creator. On the contrary, we are bogged down by so many questions about cousin, Gabby's passing. We each recalled his 9th day last Friday, Oct 3. I had prayers held at my house Friday afternoon and while I was doing that, my Mom and Tito Bem (Gabby's Dad) were at the US Embassy fixing his papers. He's a US citizen but has been here for a while trying to rebuild his life but was hoping he could leave right away to catch Gabby's vigil and funeral. Soon after praying for Gabby, I got a call from DH who told me that my Tito's papers were okayed and he was booked on the first Northwest flight out of Manila on Saturday. PRAYER ANSWERED! We were all resigned to the fact that he wouldn't be able to make it in time. But despite all the heartache about Gabby's unexpected passing, God was truly on top of things as HE saw to it that my Tito would be able to give his firstborn and only son a proper goodbye.

I just got a text from another cousin who drove all the way to SF from LA with other family members to attend the services for Gabby. They're all there to give Tito Bem the love and support he needs at this extremely difficult time. It was sad saying goodbye to him very early Saturday morning when my DF picked him up from my house to take him to the airport. But very comforting to know that he's not alone as he faces probably the most trying time of his life as he buries his child tomorrow, 1am Manila time. But that is where he wants to be right now and we can only be happy that he was given the opportunity to go.

Hard to do anything from thousands of miles away but I console myself with the fact that our family members in the States will do whatever it takes to try and make things a bit easier for him. I can only pray for strength and acceptance, not just for him but for the rest of us who are pained by the unexpected loss of a very young family member.

Thanks to everyone who offered messages of condolence and comforted us in our time of grief.

Remembering Gabby

It's been a week since we were told of the terrible news that my cousin, Gabby figured in a freak accident in San Diego and died of severe brain damage the same day. Gabby was in the Marines and was enjoying a very promising career.

We've been trying very hard to understand the recent deaths in the family, especially this one and I'm really sorry that I can't fly to the States to see Gabby one last time. I'm a lot older than him as he belongs to a much younger batch of first-degree cousins on my mother's side but family is family regardless of age or distance.


John Gabriel P. Buencamino
Gabby the Buddha Baby

My fondest memory of Gabby happened when he was on vacation here. At the time, he was only around 3-4 yrs old. I was entertaining him and keeping him busy when he got bored, sat down and asked me from out of nowhere : Ati? Are you really happy with your life? And I remember laughing so hard, floored and stumped.
I really didn't know what to say to a toddler with such a serious question.

You were a source of pride and joy, Gab. Moreso in your Papa's eyes. We are all deeply saddened by your sudden and still unexplained passing but we will try our best to remember the many good things about you.


Be safe in the care of Lolo and Lola and the angels who await you

Prayers will be held for you tonight at my house
FLY FREE, GABBY!

ALICE BLUE Candles

I am loving these right now! I read about them online and saw many raves from those who use them. I was in Makati yesterday on an errand and made sure to pass by Glorietta to see them for myself. I spent a good 20 mins at the stall trying to figure out which scents I wanted. It was tough!

Anyway, I ended up with 3 scents : White Tea and Ginger, Vanilla Sugar and Banana Bread Nut. The first 2 are their best-sellers so I also got their Room Spray in the same scents. I settled for their Lemongrass scent for the Liquid Soap. I hoarded hahaha!

I opened one of the boxes in the car and now my car smells like Vanilla. It's true what people have been saying. Everything smells yummy and the scents are really long lasting. They're highly-comparable to Diptyque Candles, which are a ton more expensive. The packaging is simple but so attractive. I am definitely giving these away this Christmas!

Check out their website at http://alicebluecandle.com

Branches are in Glorietta (beside Regatta) and the Podium Mall