It was a very exciting day for Lolo Cen because Kayen and her family were finally arriving for their maiden visit to Bohol. Before this day came though, there was much debate whether or not to even come, and if so, what logistics would be involved. For those of you who are interested, or have the time to read about it, click
here. It's going to be a long one, so I understand if you prefer to just skim over the pictures on this post.
I too, was very excited to welcome Kayen to Bohol. To make it a special event, I made a sign to greet her as she got off the boat in Tubigon.
But alas, this was the face that greeted me. Sad, tired, uninterested. Apparently, the kids had been up late the night before, excited by Kayen's & Dwayne's return from Afghanistan (they are soldiers - yes ma'am [salute], welcome home ma'am!), did not sleep a wink on the plane from Guam, and the lack of sleep and fatigue were now catching up to them.
Not Kayen! This soldier lady, the tomboy I grew up with, manages to perk up a smile for the camera.
Finally, the long awaited reunion.
Aw, but look at Kayen's three - that includes Dwayne! - babies...
Still so glum...
And tired...
And in pain with a pounding headache...
Come here, Jonjon. You sleep in Lolo's cot.
My darling great grandson...
You just rest now...
Ah, my darling granddaughter Kayen, you are all grown up now, and such a good mama to my darling great grandchildren.
I keep writing "darling" (in Cebuano: 'lang-ga) because that is exactly what Lolo Cen calls his grand children and grand neices and nephews.
Even though she's very tired, little Alex's curiousity outweighs her fatigue.
Lolo Q, what is that?
That's bangus?! (Milk Fish)
Then Vince and Irene show up, and Alex just had to show them her nails.
Look, I have pink nail polish. My mom and I got manicures together.
Before you know it, Alex is in tip-top shape, bright eyed and bushy tailed.
Calling the fish by banging on the bamboo pole, and feeding them.
The grand uncles couldn't stay away from their adorable princess diva Alex.
Poor Dwayne was suffering from an injured shoulder, and yet he mustered the grit to carry their luggage. Don't mess with that soldier!
The next day was Lolo Cen's 87th birthday. We got up early to sing him a mañanita (morning birthday serenade), and then went to church.
Later that morning, the tide came in...
So of course, we went to the beach.
We visited the town market.
I tried to get Jon to sit in the tricycle pedicab, but he refrained, saying "the owner might get angry..."
Oh, Jonjon. You're such a considerate gentleman. But I promise, the owner of that tricycle would have been honored to have his ride photographed with you in it. That's just how Boholanos are: hospitable, humble, easily amused by the most simple acts.
And then back to Lolo Cen's house for the birthday party.
Alex wasn't quite sure what to make of it.
But wait... is that a smile growing on her pretty face?
Indeed it was a smile! She actually thought if was fun to dance with Lola Pisyang.
Fishing in Lolo Cen's fish pond:
1. Lower the net below the water surface.
2. Very important for a little girl who's never fished before... Aim the fish food pellets at the center of the lowered net.
3. When you see the fish over the net, PULL!
Kayen meets a great grand nephew.
Off we go to see a few sights.
The Tarsier Monkey: smallest primate in the world.
Chocolate Hills - 'cept this season they are green tea hills.
(I found some green tea covered Kit Kat bars in Narita, Japan on my way back. Thus, green tea hills.)
Just look at what a horrible time Jonjon and Alex are having. HORRIBLE! In fact, so bad that they can't help smiling.
Finally, a Philippine experience isn't quite complete unless you ride sardines.
Now, Dwayne, you can't say you haven't been totally welcomed into the family. We all huddle tightly, like sardines in a can.
Thank you, Bohol.
Kayen and Family have left the building.
