This Old House

This old house was Lolo's & Lola's.

Where sons were raised to become accountants...

Tito Benny

...and pioneers.

Papa B & Tito Quirino.

"You may have the kick-ass BDU pants that hold up through back-breaking work, but I got the cool fedora that chicks dig!"

Where daughters were raised to be teachers...

Tita Virgi

...and grandmothers.

Greatgranddaughter Janice, Tita Nida, and Granddaughter Sandy.

This old house is getting a facelift.

A new terrace over the front entrance.

Cement now replaces the old wooden wall.

New rooms are added.

New rooms where greatgrandchildren now play.

When I was a child, my cousins and I ran up and down these stairs...

...we climed into this closet...

... and out this one, which used to adjoin the two rooms.

The Last Supper tapestry still hangs over the dining table.

These religious icons still adorn walls...

...and the alter...

...watching over this old house's residents and guests alike.

The old grotto still stands steadfast...

...a beacon for returning family and strangers who come calling.

A traveling shoe & umbrella repairman.

These old shoes definitely have a shot at carrying the greatgrandchilren's feet when they grow up.

Tito Nilo & Tita Nida

Lolo's & Lola's greatgrandchildren.

Sarah & Richard (Ian)

Vince & Irene (Honey)

Janice & Imelson (Sandy)

Grandchildren.

Sandy (Tita Nida) looking over King (Tita Nida).

Apparently, King (Tita Nida) is quite the aesthetician.

King (Tita Nida) & Mama K

One thing that has not changed, through typhoons and el niño's...

...is the basak (rice fields).

Papa B surveying the basak and suba (slough).

The ever sustaining grain that Lolo & Lola cultivated to nourish their children...

...and build their home.

In loving memory of Loloy Tikoy & Lola Irene

Thank you for giving us This Old House,

to cherish and hold for generations to come.

The Quest For a Coveted Cigar, Part I

Mission: To seek and acquire a very coveted cigar, the cigar smoked by presidents, and named after their mistresses.

The Team:

5SS - Chief Investigator, Lead Researcher

Uncle Chito - Head Hunter, Master Driver

Kuya Lars - Botswain, Personal Protection

First, start the quest with a hearty breakfast.

Secret ingredient - pancit a la Auntie Bel.

The hunt begins at 9AM sharp.

First Stop, an overpriced retail shop on P Street, Makati.

2nd Stop

As a small child, Uncle Chito used to play outside the gates of this compound, shooting rocks over the fence with a slingshot.

No wonder the large gated entrance is now guarded by personnel armed with M-16's.

(Warning to children with slingshots: do not play here!)

We're in!

Lunch Break.

"Jollibee again?"

"Uncle Chito, are we getting closer yet? My body is a mass of cramps from sitting in the back seat all day!"

3rd Stop.

Hmmm, is this the right place?

Indeed it is. This fellow is an internet vendor, but he was so kind as to give us his source.

Asking for directions.

"Make a right at the mango tree before the overpass. You'll know you're at the right place when you see the Indian scout."

Before leaving America, 5SS was asked by a friend to find him an Indian statue on this trip. Is this an auspicious sign?

Kuya Lars keeping the guard distracted.

"Cigars are overrated; here, have a cigarette..."

5SS plays his strategy.

"Yes ma'am, I'll buy your cigars under one condition: that you give me your source."

Thanks Indian Scout. We're off to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The rainbow ended here.

Notice only two men are carrying bags.

Another auspicious sign?

(Look closely, and you'll see Netty in the picture. Hint: her eye is shut.)

How long would it take to smoke this thing?

Notice, all three men are now carrying bags. The sign of a successful quest.

With sources information stowed in the safety of their wallets and cell phones, the team retires for a two week hiatus before resuming the quest.