26 September 1966. God help me if I remember the hour of day I was born… but I think it was in the afternoon. I am the fourth child in a brood of eight.
My father’s name is Crisostomo. He also happens to be my angel now, as he was when he was alive. A man so gentle in presence and being, his spirit lingers within each of us whose life he made possible and those who were fortunate enough to have known him as uncle, grandfather, friend, colleague. 
My mother is this eccentric and strong character of a woman, Blanquita. She is difficult to describe in a mere sentence so I will have to refer you to future writings for this one! But definitely a strong matriarch, if there was one! 
These two bore me and the seven other characters that have filled my life with love, pride, woes, fun… and loneliness for their presence now that we are scattered in different parts of the world: Chris, Cliff, Carmela, Calvin, Cyril, Corina and Cedric. Eldest first, youngest last. Manila, Michigan, Santiago de Chile (Buenos Aires soon), Manila Ontario, California, Manila… those are their locations by order of appearance!
And as I write this, I have just returned to Manila, Philippines after having lived for eight years in Indochina. As I begin a new phase in my life journey I make a resolution to write more. Some years I manage some scribbles, some years I manage journal-fuls, one year I managed a book. 
Be my witness as maybe another chapter unfolds, or another book is born, or for just a few scrolls of online musings.
I have a son, Julian Victor — a beautiful 19-year old young man. 
Born on March 16, 1988… when I was but 21 years of age. He is the best gift life has given me. And yes, you will have to check out my forthcoming blogs for more of motherly ramblings about him.
