Social networking marches on with our friends from Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte opening their own Friendster account.

Check it out.

Real estate market bust notwithstanding, Maricar (nee Proceso) and Alan Simborio took another step to fulfilling the legendary American Dream. Friends and family joined in the blessing of their new home on Saturday, February 23 in Niles, Illinois led by Fr. Manny Duterte and Fr. Thony Pizzaro.

While the calorific offerings on the tables fortified everyone from the winter’s cold the high decibels in the impromptu disco down the basement surely drove whatever gremlins that may have lurked thereabouts.

The sight of kids cavorting in the snow and the resulting bumps and bruises reminded the new house owners of their responsibilities and the little ones to come in the future.

Congratulations guys! Repeat after me: “Health care is a recession-proof industry …health care is a recession-proof industry…”

View the party pics at Ambibo’s FLICKR album

Maricar (nee Proceso) and Alan Simborio invited friends and relatives to the blessing of their new residence in Niles, Illinois. Fr. Manny Duterte and Thony Pizzaro were on hand for the event which was held on Saturday, February 23rd.

View the FLICKR photo album.

After more than a decade, Minela Recentes left frigid Chicago on Wednesday, February 20 for the warmer climes of Dipolog. Health issues and a growing desire to be with family finally led to her decision to depart from a city which she had come to know as her second home.

“Nang Mayla” became an ubiquitous presence in many gatherings for her “hula” (fortune telling) sessions as shown in this classic image taken last year:

["Hula Hopes" , second photo from top] “Madam Mayla holds an impromptu palm reading session in the kitchen of a Pinoy family in Chicago. With the uncertainties of life abroad many Filipinos consult fortune tellers like her for answers and comfort. Lapses in accuracy are brushed off in favor of much-needed uncanny coincidences; affairs of the heart in this instance. When a recent advise for a visiting government functionary to try his luck at the casino failed, she is said to have replied “My prediction was only good until midnight”. And so the wheels of fortune roll on.”

In the end; frail in health but determined in spirit, Nang Mayla left with a grateful heart – to relatives, friends, even strangers who had come to her aid and managed to send her home in style – a sleek black limousine befitting the Hula Queen. Long live and Godspeed! [All images ©2007 ABF]

Bottom pic from last year’s birthday shoot
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Update 2.22.08

Nang Mayla is now at the Manila Domestic Airport on her way home to Dipolog finally home.

Update 4.21.08

Minela Recentes passed away today in Dipolog City. May she rest in peace.