Gifts!

My birthday has come and gone, and I would like to take some time to thank the people who have made the burden of my years a willing yoke to bear.

As always, my family remains foremost in my thoughts.


My loving wife Tina, shown here with my brother-in-law Mike Puzon, Ralph Lumo, Boj Pineda, and a sleeping Juan Salvador Z. Borra.


My papa and mama. They cared enough to raise me right.


My favorite sisters, Papot, Joanna, and Therese.


My favorite father-in-law, Salvador B. Zamora II and some good friends: Eudaldo "Benjie" C. Atilano, Jr., Sherwin Mendiola, Jun Fernandez.

I would also like to thank my co-celebrant, the Philippine National Red Cross, ably represented by Geraldine Repollo and a literal cast of thousands. In lieu of my appreciation, which is impoverished when considered alongside your daily heroic, anonymous efforts, allow me to share some pictures, which may be found here.



On a lighter note, I am glad, despite my stated desire that in lieu of gifts donations be made instead to my favorite outreach organizations, some of my friends were just too stubborn to do so. Many thanks to Chuvaness and her wonderful husband, and constant World Cup viewing companion, Jeroen for the limited edition C2 My Pilipinas Moleskine notebook and the Team Manila Pepper Lunch notebook.


I am ashamed to report, as my wife will undoubtedly gleefully recount this the next time we meet, that I squealed like a girl when I opened your gifts.

Truly, my cup overflows with the milk of human kindness. Have a wonderful week!