Our Love For Musicales

I think that my (and some of my cousins') love for watching plays / musicales was influenced by our Papa -- directly or indirectly.  In my case, I think my Mom took after his love for watching both movies & musicales and so she in turn, exposed me to musical theatre at a young age.  While growing up, I remember going to Papa's room to watch some of his Betamax tapes of movies of musicales like "South Pacific."  

Manang Ann shares the same memories.  She says: "Remember Papa's room upstairs? We spent a lot of time in there. It had the Betamax and the cool speaker phone. I watched a lot of musicals in there with him from what I can remember. It's why I'm so very fond of them now."

One memorable trip I have was when me, my mom, Mama & Papa went to London to watch Miss Saigon, as well as a few other shows.

I remember though how upset ("ugtas") he got coz on the morning of our flight back to the U.S. from London, my Mom & I insisted to  go back to the theatre where Miss Saigon was showing, because the evening before (when we watched), we forgot to take photos at the front of the theatre! Haha! :-)

Some family Christmas photos with Papa through the years....

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below,
with tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
for I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly Home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love
He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

Papa's Funeral