travels with our papa

wonder | wander | women have so many fond memories of traveling with family. My aunts and uncles are seasoned travelers and we loved tagging along with grandparents on trips to Europe, the US, Asia, and all over the Philippines.

a rainy day in Italy

My grandfather was especially photogenic, a sporty but snappy dresser with great posture and a dashing attitude. I loved photographing him and my grandmother as they were taking a stroll or a relaxing break in some of the world's prettiest places.

a dolmen in Spain

We mourn the passing of our beloved patriarch. Five months after his 100th birthday he left us in a blaze of grace and glory. We all believed he would be with us forever. 

between tours in San Sebastian

He lives on in all our fond memories. He was lovable and so easy to love. A man of a few choice words - he signaled across with raised eyebrows, a sly wink, and blown kisses.  

outside the cathedral in Siena

From him we learned to love nature and live a well travelled life. Long before eco travel became a thing, he would return from his travels inspired and enthused over how folks in far flung places grew their food and fed their people. 

the royal gardens of Seville

His pioneering work on irrigation, farm machineries, and deep well on our island and among farming families reached far and wide. He travelled all over the country and far abroad. 

island-hopping in Thailand

Decades later when we visited a childhood classmate who had moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan he had us contact some farming machine supplier he had met back in the 80's. The owner had passed away but his son remembered our father most fondly - his engaging curiosity and deeply innovative interest. 

entering the palace courtyard in Seville

He was such a fount of organic hands-on knowledge that long into his nineties farmers would come to him seeking advice and purchasing his self-designed couplers and implements. 

coffee & talking shop when we got to Palawan

Sitting a close family friend and security specialist for afternoon coffee as we were checking into our resort reservations - he discussed how he first brought over drip and hydroponics irrigation ideas and samples after a trip to Israel where they were trying to tame the dessert to feed folks in their nascent kibbutz nurseries. 

wonder | wander | women at his birthday - Ani Villas, Thailand

A true man for all seasons. We will miss you, Papa. Safe and splendid travels. Asta lluego!