Christmas weekend 2010

before this christmas weekend came I was already hearing talks about all the fun we would have if only we were back at home celebrating with love-ones. honestly I would say nothing beats the old christmas tradition in the philippines where we have noche buena with the clan and the whole country is in one mood of celebration and feastings. in bangkok where we now live Christmas is the usual daily grind... no firecrackers, no fireworks, no caroling, no parties, etc, and the phrase - "christmas is in the heart," applies in its truest sense, coz outside the heart it is not christmas at all.

this album will depict the christmas weekend - friday 24th to sunday 26th, that we had and how it temporarily took away our longings and yearnings for a home grown christmas while we drowned in the fun and laughter.

Merry Christmas!

worship @ ECB there were 3 services on the night of the 24th: 6, 7 & 8pm. all of us were on duty that day and we made sure that we got off from work to make it on time to ECB through the friday rush traffic

candle lighting. when you know the exact reason for the celebration of Christmas you will forever be humble.

tears flowed more than once throughout the ceremony.

from ECB to Central World Ratchaprasong... ...and this is where the test of humility commences. most good eating joints were full. One even refused us saying that they ran out of food due to the unusual turnout of customers.

goofing around with some props... Kailee didnt know that all the time she was running around with lolo in pursuit... she was actually killing time, and I loved it. hahaha

finally after 1 hour and a half we get served at Manhattan Fish Market. Honestly this was a marathon on patience and the delicious meal was the price. Kailee won!!

..we can say grace. Kathy, Jag and Zaldy were part of the family this time.

Saturday the 25th... at the river resort of the owner of Yanhee. This place has been the official pinoy employees christmas celebration venue for the past 4 years.

went around the place while the party was being prepared. most of the employees were still in Bangkok. They would arrive after 6 pm.

some ants preparing for a party, maybe

christmas decor dancing around

simply beautiful!

met this spider oblivious of Christmas

that's the pathway around the farm

the sun sets and the mood changes...

Nativity scene with Mary and Joseph. the manger was an igloo...

a special number... the youngest singer knew the lyrics by heart and she was taking her role very seriously.

the shepherd with his 'sheep'

the whole Bethlehem scene.

a dance number by the red team

sky lanterns culminated the party

Moreno family's latern ready to go

what a beautiful sight! after this a bus load of pinoys left for bangkok... some had to get back to work. about 30 people remained.

and then the best part starts!!

we had a videoke and a lot of brewed stuff and spirits to last till morning.

champ was the youngest guy up.

balong in a heart-rendering song dedicated to his father-in-law.

the sound system of 4 big speakers was turned on full blast to guarantee that all those inside the bedrooms could not sleep.

macho dancers and one fan.

4 am and you could expect some romance...

and some sleep dancing too..

that's when suppressed feelings are let loose

and the vision gets blurred.

the morning after. Thank you Jesus! you are the reason for all our fun and celebration and we give you all the glory and the praise!!