Thanks to my friends, Rhia, Arlene and Nani for sending me this video on Facebook. It’s probably all over the internet……it definitely has to be in Heart2Heart.
You don’t have to be a Journey fan to appreciate this… The video is almost ten minutes long, but do take time out to watch until the end which is the best part of the video.
“Don’t Stop Believing”
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Last year, Lolo Atomic ( Dad’s Uncle ) was telling me how sad he was that his daughter, Sabina, was leaving for New York.
We were able to meet Sabina during our visit to New York. It was so nice to meet her. Of course immediately you can tell she is a model. I am very sure that Lolo Atomic is very proud of Sabina, After all, she took after her mother who is also a model.
Sabina just graduated from highschool and now wants to have fun and do some modelling in New York before going to College in Columbia University in New York.
More power to you Sabina!! May you continue to represent our country and show them that all Filipinas are as beautiful as you! 🙂 You make us proud!
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Of course Dad’s birthday is not complete without celebrating mass. Thanks to Tito Stephen and Tita Reggie for giving the gift of prayer for Dad. They arranged a private mass for the family with Fr. Erno. What a beautiful building in a nice location… it is right beside Little Italy.
I remember s beautiful line that Fr. Erno said during his sermon. “The HEART is the source of all good things. True LOVE comes from the HEART and that keeps us together.”
Thank you to Fr. Erno for bringing prayer and bringing God closer to the Filipino people in New York. 
Fr. Erno is trying to raise funds to maintain the chapel and will be having a fund raising concert in Manila by no other than Tito Jo Mari Chan. Tito Jo Mari is always so busy doing concerts all over the world and most of them for charity. Thanks Tito Jo Mari for sharing your talent and for always helping other people. I hope that friends of Heart2Heart will help support Fr. Erno.
website: Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz
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This is dedicated to the BEST Mom, my Mom, and to her friends who are moms of my friends, who are the BEST Moms too!
Heart2Heart pays tribute to these group of Moms who we admire so much. Among our group we always attempt to follow our moms tradition because we think it is a great idea, but we never seem to get to do it. So you can imagine how dedicated they all are to be able to keep up their get togethers. Eds and I cannot believe how they do it but we do hope to be like them when we are a bit older.:-)
Thanks to Tita Brenda for helping me out with this! If not for you, this would not have all been documented.
Try to guess the theme in each photo 🙂
HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY!
L’ EMBRACE
by Brenda Tanjutco
It was after high school that two “hijas de familia” suddenly found themselves together in a finishing school in a foreign city that is, Madrid, Spain.Menchu R. Tantoco and Evelyn Genuino were caught in a frenzy of Ola!, Comprendes? Te Digo! Sombra y Sol y Que Barbaridad! It was then that Evelyn became privy to her classmate’s love story with a happy ending. Menchu received daily letters from her beau Eduardo Lopez Jr. with whom she tied the wedding knots at eighteen as soon as she landed in terra firma in Manila. Evelyn’s finishing school stint finished before the term ended. She contracted hepatitis and she discovered how thoughtful and caring was Menchu because she would slide a cookie under the door of the room where she lay confined during her free time.
The fun of being together and discovering the pleasantness of each other’s personality locked them in a friendship that spans decades and has progressed into a wider circle of friends they asked to join them.Evelyn asked her sister-inlaw Mila Serrano Genuino, and Amy Sy who was her bank office mate. Brenda Leuterio Tanjutco joined them after meeting each other in Assumption when Eds, eldest child of Mila, Rica, eldest of Menchu and Michele, Brenda’s one of two daughters, were in high school. It was Mila’s soothing persuasion that drew Brenda into the group, a character trait that serves her well in the world of politics she found herself in , when she married Senator Frank Drilon after fifteen years of being a pristine widow. Along the way,Amy became Mrs.Kenneth Yap, a six footer goodlooker.Cecil Joaquin who weaves in and out of L’Embrace as she changes her home address from New York to Manila,and then Hawaii,can be said to be perfectly constant only in so far as the love of her life, Jun Yasay is concerned.
L’Embrace gather every month and on each of their birthdays,to try out the latest restaurant to open,and to exchange updates on life, love and family. No negative vibes are allowed to penetrate their regaling fun together. Foodies, they all are, so only the subject of gourmet food is allowed to rule the day!
Commonality and similarity in taste and choices gave rise to a decision to select a color,style and mode of attire in each meeting. It is exciting and challenging to scrounge from one’s cabinets and trunks for the wear of the day! On Christmas it is red, as in poinsettia.During Valentine, heart shaped prints and bangles.While shawls and pashmina,mantillas and manton de Manila, pina and Tiboli trinkets,denims, caftans and mumus are the accessories and garb we source to meet the attire required by the hostess of the month.
Meanwhile,Cooky Rojas joined us in the year 2000 and Leny Reyes,a few years after. Therefore, Embrace became L’Embrace, an acronym for the first letter of each member’s name:
L is for Leny Veloso Reyes
E for Evelyn Genuino Gamboa
M for Menchu Tantoco Lopez
Mila Serrano Drilon
Br for Brenda Leuterio Tanjutco
A is for Amy Sy Yap and
C E stand for Cooky Reyes Rojas and Cecile Joaquin Yasay
Happily married or happy with their significant others, these are the life time partner of each member:pretty Leny counts lawyer Nelson Santos as closest to her heart, Smart dresser Evelyn’s ace is her good sense of humor in bringing that slow smile on astute businessman Rey Gamboa’s face. Menchu is “pangga,” an ideal wife with her devotion and caressing attentiveness to hacendero and top corporate honcho,Eduardo “Jun” Lopez Jr. Mila is the consummate partner and ally to the legal giant and senator, Frank Drilon, Brenda is the perfect foil with her vivacity, wit and outgoing nature to the quiet character of communications guru, Menandro “Tanny” Tanjutco. Amy with her winsome personality and enviable figure is the apple of the eye of Poch Robles, retired vice president of Johnson & Johnson.Lovely and demure Cooky counts as her significant other,business man and entrepreneur Oscar Santos and Cecile Yasay matches intelligence,smart and prodigious work ethics with her internationally recognized legal luminary partner,Perfecto “Jun” Yasay.
L’Embrace has lasted for almost three decades of togetherness.It is because mutual understanding and respect, mirthful and joie de’ vivere, supportive and nurturing nature,collective courage and fortitude against all odds,strong and deeply entrenched spiritual valuesand active advocacy and commitment to assist and share in civic and social work for the economically challenged communities and institutions are engrained and firmly established in their character and mindset. It is an awesome feeling to be amongst L’Embrace! It is as if, the angels plucked us to be together to do our part in making this world a better place to live and love in…..!
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This is for all the mothers out there who make great sacrifices for their children…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOLO!!! Truly love is all you need……and WE ALL LOVE YOU!
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Thanks Krie for making the video!
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IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK!
Walking Tour of Historic Intramuros
Almost four years running now, its the most popular tour in the selection and a definite must for beginners in Philippine History. Take a leisurely afternoon walk around a selection of Intramuros’ most stunning structures and take in a humorous analysis of Philippine art, culture, and society from Pre-Hispanic Manila until the present. Ironically irreverent yet informative.
Itinerary:
Fort Santiago (Deluxe Tour Only)
San Agustin Church and Museum
Father Blancos Garden
Casa Manila
Heart2Heart admires people that promote our very own country! Heart2Heart loves Carlos Celdran for contributing to the betterment of our society…. as he takes thousands of people all around Manila telling its history. The great thing about it is that not only do foreigners enjoy it, but because of the popularity of his tours, even Filipinos themselves are taking the tours. I don’t think we would ever have gone to these places if not for Carlos. He makes the tours so interesting that everyone enjoys listening.
He started the tour by telling us to sing the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang.” I thought he was joking, but we really did sing the whole anthem! I am so glad the kids were with us, Everyone learned so much. We were very impressed with San Agustin church. It was a first time for most of us and we would just hear about it through our friend, Father Galende, who runs the church. Beautiful!!! It was like we were in Europe! The museum is very well done and well maintained. Great work Father! 
What a beautiful church!! No one wonder there is a wedding every hour on the hour! 
Our next stop was right across the street from the church…… A beautiful old house which you hardly see anymore in Manila.
I wish there were many more people like Carlos…And the last thing he said to end the tour which was so meaningful and true was “If you want to change the look of Manila, you have to change the way you look at Manila!”
A MAN WHO IS TRYING TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT MANILA – ONE STEP AT A TIME.
TELEPHONE: (02)4844945 TEXT/CELL:(0920)9092021 OR EMAIL: CELDRANTOURS@HOTMAIL.COM
Information taken from Carlos’ website:
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK!
Intramuros Regular Walking Tour
San Agustin, Casa Manila (2 hours)
Note: Tour has slightly mature content. Recommended for ages eight (8) above
Php600.00 adultsPhp250.00 students*
Additional fees:
Php50.00 – Casa Manila fee Php25.00 for students
Php80.00 –San Agustin museum fee Php50.00for students
Philippine schools only*
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All Tours Begin and end at San Agustin Church.
Calles Gen Luna and RealManila 1002 Philippines(632) 5274060
And Have Lunch or Dinner at La Cocina De Tita Moningafter the tour.
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK! Deluxe Tour
Includes San Agustin Museum, Fort Santiago, and Casa Manila (3 hours)
Note: Tour has slightly mature content. Recommended for ages eight (8) years above
Php700.00Php250.00 students*
Additional fees:Php50.00 – Fort Santiago feePhp25.00 for students
Php80.00 – San Agustin Museum feePhp50.00 for students
Php50.00 – Casa Manila feePhp25.00 for students
Philippine schools only*
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All tours begin at Fort Santiago and end at Casa Manila
Santa Clara Street Intramuros(632) 5271572
Casa ManilaCalle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna Street)Intramuros(632) 5274084
And Have Lunch or Dinner at La Cocina De Tita Moning after the tour.
THE NORTH BANK!
Walking Tour of Escolta and Quiapo and the North Side of the Pasig River
Rizal Avenue and the Escolta was Manila’s premier shopping district until the 1970’s when the rise of Makati Commercial Center and the construction of the LRT somewhat diminished their distinction. Now revitalized through efforts by the local government, the area has been cleaned up and rehabilitated as a pedestrian promenade. Most of its mid-20th century historic charm remains and its still the cheapest place in Manila to buy shoes, hardware, appliances, clothes, sex gadgets, jewelery, pearls, beauty queen tiaras, voodoo potions, flowers, handicrafts, videos, and electronics.
Itinerary:
Calvo Building and Escolta Museum Escolta StreetPlaza Santa Cruz Rizal AvenueEvangelista Street Market Quiapo Church Villalobos Street
Note: Recommended for all ages.Php500.00 adults Php250.00 students*
Additional fees:Php50.00 – Escolta Museum feePhilippine schools only*
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All tours meet at the Polland Hopia Cafe in frontof the Pasig River Ferry ESCOLTA stop on Escolta St.Santa Cruz
LIVING LA VIDA IMELDA!
Architectural tour of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex as seen through the life and aspirations of Imelda Romualdez Marcos
It’s a tour all about the Philippines in the 1970’s and the tumultous era of Martial Law, bell-bottom jeans, and Miss Universe. Its a little bit disco, a little bit New Society, and completely Imeldific. So come take a trippy trip through National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsins finest buildings as we analyze one of the most controversial periods in Philippine history as seen through the life and ambitions of the lady who defined it, Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
Itinerary:
The Cultural Center of the Philppines and Grounds
Note: Tour has slightly adult content. Recommended for ages 15 above.
Php650.00 adultsPhp350.00 students
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All tours begin at the CCP Little Theatre Lobby.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines Roxas Boulevard corner P. Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Malate (632) 832 1125
ALL THE WAY DOWN TO CHINATOWN!
Historical Tour of Binondo and San Nicolas
Rediscover Chinatown! Let’s take an afternoon stroll and rediscover the charms of one of Manila’s oldest districts. We’ll ride a horse drawn coach and check out much of its remaining 19th century architecture. The tour will be capped by a visit to a Buddhist temple and a traditional chinese pastry shop. This is essentially a free tour. Donations of any amount will be accepted.
Itinerary:
Plaza Calderon dela Barca (Plaza Ruiz)Binondo Church Old San Nicolas Streets (Jaboneros, Sevilla, Madrid)The Kipuja Street Temple Ongpin Street
Walking and Calesa Ride through Binondo and San Nicolas
Note: Recommended for all ages.
Php250.00 for the one hour calesa (carriage) rideplus a donation of any amount.
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.Php600.00Php250.00 students
All tours begin and end at Binondo Church. Binondo Church Quentin Paredes Street at Plaza Calderon de la Barca Binondo (632) 2424850
ROCK OUT!
Rediscover the Rock(The Overnight tour to the Island of Corregidor)
COST:Php 4,400.00 per person.
Child without bed: Php 3,300.00
Single occupancy for one room Php5,400.00And be sure to bring a little snack or drink to the sunset potluck cocktail too.
Contact: Kristine Castro 5268888 loc. 9502 or anyone from the Reservations Department of Sun Cruises for more information and current rates.
DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) TOUR:EVANGELISTA QUE LINDA!
Afternoon tea and window shopping throughthe flea markets of Evangelista Street in Bangkal, Makati
Places to visit:
Fat Michaels Restaurant Evangelista Street Apolinario Street Hison Street
Call/text Jude Mancuyas at Fat Michael’s Place for directions and to obtain a map of the neighborhood.Tel: 8431953 or 8442638Cell: 0917 4078528
Window shopping through the flea markets of one of Manila’s emerging neighborhoods of cool: Bangkal, Makati
ANYTIME EXCEPT SUNDAYS
Fat Michael’s is located at 1354 Gen Lacuna St. Bangkal Makati. (turn right at Makati Apartelle from southbound lane of South Super Hiway before the Magallanes Interchange).Call Fat Michael’s Place Tel.8442638 or 8431953 for directions to their restaurant and for the free map. Ask for Jude Mancuyas. I highly recommend their food. Simple slow fare. Not a greasy spoon at all.
OTHER TOUR COSTS:
PRIVATE STUDENT TOUR RATE:
Php250.00 per person(Minimum group of 25 pax)*Philippine schools only*
Note:Public school students and teachers go free for all regular tours.Please call to reserve though. The free slots are limited per tour.
ALL TOURS ARE IN ENGLISH*
Please note that itineraries may change at last minutes notice due to weather or accessibility. Please ALWAYS confirm your attendence.No email or text to confirm. No reservations.
website: http://celdrantours
SPCP ( St. Paul College Pasig ) Batch ’87 sponsored a mass last Feb. 16 at 6 pm at Santuario de San Jose for our batchmate and beloved friend, Chelo.
Chelo was my classmate in gradeschool and then we were together again in Ateneo for college as batchmates.
I remember that Chelo was one of my classmates who I looked up to- I always wanted to sit beside her because she was smart, she drew well and had nice handwriting which i tried to copy. 🙂 I would always go to her for advice. Chelo’s last email to me which I kept because it meant so much to me:
At 08:50 PM 8/13/2007 -0700, Consuelo Zamora wrote:
Dearest Rica,
I can’t tell you how much your restaurant reviews and family pictures have helped me. Being sick is tough but it’s also so BORING. It’s good to see what’s happening out there and you’ve become my tour guide for when I can actually go. Thank you so much! 🙂 Chelo
PS: I live near Apartment 1B and I went to have Eggs Benedict (my favorite) and it was really good!
*************************
Chelo will always have a special place in my 
and in the s of many.
As Father so beautifully said, God’s gift to us is our life, and later on – at a time and day that we do not know, we will all have to give back our life to Him as our gift to Him. We are happy Chelo is with Him in a better place.
website of Chelo: http://caringbridge.org/visit/ chelozamora
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Congratulations to our friend, Toby Tiangco for being one of the TOYM awardees for 2007. Tobs, Just make sure you do not forget us if one day you become President!
BEFORE PHOTO of a flooded street
AFTER Babanse
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