Today is Ash Wednesday. It marks the first day of the Lenten season and occurs forty (40) days (hence the local term,“cuaresma”, for Lent) before Easter.

I’m glad that Conne and I were able to go home in time to attend the 7:30PM mass and have ash imposed on our foreheads. And I noticed that the queue heading up to the imposition of ashes wasn’t that long, this is probably because most parishioners already attended the early morning and afternoon services.

So what’s next? Well, the forty day period gives us ample time to reflect on our lives, make amends, and prepare for the coming Holy Week. So let’s do it!

God is good! Cheers!

Here are some pictures taken last January 2nd at my grandparents’ place in Pampanga. We went there to celebrate my mom’s birthday even though she’s already based in the US.

We love you so much mom! We miss you!

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CJ, Conne and I with Lola Andring and Lolo Mente

Emily, Cel and Conne with their respective kids: Purple, Indigo, Melvin, Jervis and CJ

Group Pic – Lolo and Lola with the apo’s and apo-sa-tuhod

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This is my first official blog entry for 2008. I’ve been busy with work and other stuff (read: PSP gaming, ha!) the past few weeks.

Conne and I agree that 2007 has generally been a good year for our family and we’re looking forward to this year, hoping that it’ll pick up from last year.

Our son CJ’s growing up real fast and, at 2, is showing signs of being mature, mentally and emotionally, for his age. We hope that his precociousness and sweetness keeps up for this year.

Conne’s career has taken off as well. She finally got the management job that she deserves, even at her young age. I’m really proud of her. I envy how she can adeptly handle a myriad of job functions, where most people, including myself, have trouble handling even just one. And don’t forget to add the task of being a mother to a “terrible twos” tyke. She’s a prototypical superwoman.

My mom has finally re-married and now lives in the US with her loving husband, Dan. We’re happy because we know that they’ll take good care of each other and that they love each other so much. We’ve also welcomed a new addition to the Catarroja (Conne’s family) clan courtesy of Perci and Cienne (Conne’s sister). They finally have a son – Isaiah – or Ice, as we fondly call him. “Kuya” CJ has a new playmate and we can see how much he adores his younger cousin.

And so, we thank the Lord for everything. 2007 has been a good year and with His blessing, we hope that 2008 will be a smashing success.

And we hope and pray that you and your family will have a great year too! Cheers!