It’s taking me forever to write the second installment of our recent vacation to the Philippines.  But here it goes….

One of the main reasons for taking the trip at that time of the year was to celebrate my mom’s 70th birthday.  It was one of those rare occasions where we were all present, so it was just about right to have a family pictorial.  My sister did all the arrangements and I think she did a pretty good job.

These photos were taken at my aunt and uncle’s residence in Valencia, Bohol.   The place where the new house now sits used to be my grandparents’ ancestral home.  Those who know my aunt and uncle are aware that they are an amazing team.  Both smart and artistic, they did an amazing job in renovating and landscaping their place.  I was blown away with how they turned this once sleepy beach-side property into a tropical paradise.

Here are a few of my favorite pics.

Our family multiplied!

My beautiful mom rocking 70 with my loving dad!

All of us together.  The kids cooperated somehow.

On that same day, we also celebrated mom’s birthday in one of the best resorts in Panglao,  Bohol:  The Bohol Shores.

It was a small celebration with our direct relatives.

Love these people.  Can you see the resemblance?

The pillars of our family.

And of course, a Filipino party is not complete without lechon (roasted pig).

The night ended well.  Save for a few hiccups, everything went as planned.  My brother and sister takes all the credit.  They both planned and organized it while I was communicating and approving from afar.

To cap off the night, here’s one wacky pose by the pool.