Family Reunion

My 34-days of vacation in the Philippines are nearing completion. These days are the most relaxed, stress-free, fun and peaceful times of my life in the last 16 years! That’s how vacation should be. What a gift! I’m very grateful.

I am dedicating my next several blogs on the highlights of this memorable vacation covering the following topics: family, friends, places I visited, food I ate, things I did, etc. Let’s start with myFamily.

Reuniting with my blood relatives after many years brought floods of tears to my eyes. But those tears are a product of joy that aided an enormous release of emotional strain. It was as if the pains of the years gone by were washed away. 

Seeing my siblings, hugging and kissing them, hearing their voices, meeting their children and grandchildren revived the special feeling of belongingness. 

There is a sense of pride and assurance knowing that I have a huge tribe, a thriving clan that is doing a tremendous job of proliferating our family’s existence, keeping our family traditions and continuing with zealousness our family’s faith.

This is my wife’s Family. Gilbert Olivares, wife Eva and sons: Gelmark, Kelvin and Gilbert Jr. (not in picture)

​​I felt my heart jumped several times when I beheld my nieces and nephews and grandchildren bearing a resemblance either of our late father and mother or a beautiful combination of both. The prominent cheekbones is a facial feature our genes carry with dominance. Our love for music is passed on with passion. The love of God and His ministries through the church is practiced with faithfulness.
My Father: Igmedio Valenzuela 

My Mother Basilisa Emperio

I found this precious picture of Mother and I, ca 1985 taken when I was to leave for the Sultanate of Oman.I inherited those high cheekbones from both of my parents. They are now both citizens of heaven where I am bound to…..one day, in God’s time.

“Dancing with my Sister”Babbeth, my personal assistant, driver, cook, stylist, adviser while vacationing. Thank you Ate Babbeth!

This is my family. I belong here and I’m proud!