A winter wonderland

Anniversaries and other special occasions only commemorated once a year always demand a big celebration for me. Just this past year, I have managed to give a whole new meaning to my everyday existence.

I felt like things that can be done today, should be done today, because every day is different for me and each one of those days should be treasured in their own way. I know I’ve got a very simple, but weird perception, but hey, every day only happens once every seven days!

My point is, every day is a new day and should be celebrated in a special way. Christmas, however, is one of the major events we all need to celebrate the best way we can and really prepare for months ahead.

A good friend, Carol Castillo, also celebrates her birthday on Christmas Day. She and I decided to fly to Seattle to meet a couple of our other friends and celebrated both occasions there. It was just the other day that we got back in town from Plain, Washington. We all went up to the mountains where there was snow and spent a night at the log cabin of our friend’s grandparent. This was literally a White Christmas. I never appreciated cold weather this much.

We all have seen snow before, but not three feet of it! It was so amazing to drive up through the mountains during snow storm. "Winter Wonderland" is what we call this trip. A part of me felt a certain kind of happiness I’ve never felt before. I found that "kid" in me again as we literally threw snowballs at each other.

I was overwhelmed at the innocence of excitement I felt, I wasn’t able to sleep at night. All I could think of was my brother. And I began to plan things for both of us to be together in the snow. I never thought snow could be so wonderful. Even though we didn’t have electricity or a cellphone signal for a couple of days, the feeling remained priceless. The excitement is never-ending.

We were also very lucky to spend time with one of the most wonderful families in town. Carol and I were the only Filipinos there, yet we really had a great time. Americans celebrate Christmas very much like we do in the Philippines as well. I still have yet to find out how they do New Year’s Day up in the mountains. It was quite a wonderful first-time experience for me and it’s something I want to share with you.

By the way, please watch All-Star K The One Million Peso Videoke Challenge on GMA 7 tonight. My K!hilingan was a pangkabuhayan showcase for my driver, Jenevie Gabasan. He has been working for me for almost a year now, and has done an excellent job. He’s a young father, working hard for his three children while his wife stays at home to take care of them. I hope to start the coming year by winning the showcase for him. He truly deserves it because he’s hardworking and has done a lot for me as well.

People who work for us deserve to be treated as family, especially when they do more than what we pay them to do. Requesting for the showcase was just my simple way of letting the family of my driver know how much I appreciate the service and attention I receive from them.

I wish you a wonderful, fruitful year this coming year! May all the success and happiness we desire come our way for 2007!

Have a blessed Sunday!

(E-mail me at [email protected].)