a season of regrowth

wonder | wander | women are oceans apart once again, but for the first time in years we were able to spend the holiday season together. This year was intensely emotional for both of us. We were so happy to be able to see out 2025 and greet 2026 together.

Twinning for Christmas!

We came to say goodbye to the heads of our family, Mom's parents and my grandparents who had raised us both. Their house was already changing, the equipment of their long illness gone, but their presence and memories were still strong.

Playing mahjong in Mama's room

We installed their urns in the family chapel after a farewell Mass and celebrated them as we do our other dearly departed: by eating with our loved ones and sharing stories of them as we remembered them.

The family chapel at the Valley of Peace Memorial Park

This time we walked a lot with family! Everyone was determined to get their ten thousand steps, so we spent many afternoons walking around our neighbourhood. It was cooler and we talked about many things as we wandered between beautiful houses and grassy spaces.

Our garden seen from the street

The river Matab-ang winds between my grandparents' neighbourhood and my uncles', its banks wild, thick with grasses, bamboo and tropical jungle. Even so, tiny farms and villages have also sprouted up along the river, outside the high walls of the fancy houses, so as we walked we could hear roosters and goats calling along with the wild birds of the river. 

Wild growth along the riverbanks outside the fence

And of course, wonder | wander | women spent as much time as we could together! It felt the most like the holidays whenever we were in each other's company. We shopped, laughed, ate and celebrated each other as we love to do.

We joined the family several times in the main house for Sunday lunch and holiday dinners. It was so good to joke around with aunts and uncles, and listen to my nieces and nephews telling us all what they were up to in school and over the holidays. 

Niece all dressed up for dinner!

There was so much good food to eat...Mexican restaurants, inasal, merienda and coffee with friends, homemade pasta and fried chicken...everything comforting and delicious. I think I checked most items off my wishlist!

Quesadillas at Mezcla

But my favourite thing to eat, that I asked for over and over again, was the simple breakfast of buttered pan de sal and coffee that Mom made just right. We ate it most mornings, just the two of us. Sometimes there were also cheese sticks, fresh fruits and puto, but usually it started with toasty, buttered pan de sal and not one but two cups of fresh-brewed Negros coffee. Breakfast of champions.

Now we're far apart again and I have to make my own coffee. But our hearts are still together, remembering hugs and laughter and venting, and we look forward so much to seeing each other again.