I first met Lolo Ben when Mama decided that we’ll settle in Bohol back in the 90’s
We arrived at the pier to Talibon and Lolo was just outside the boat
He was having a bottle of San Miguel Beer just before we sailed
When everything finally settled, I learned he was the town’s Vice Mayor
And that he’d max out his term as Vice Mayor for 9 years
Before becoming Mayor for another 9 years
He was one of those people who knew what they needed to do
To celebrate his 90th birthday, we drove all the way from Tagbilaran
Mama, who’s always hands on with all thing Lolo, planned a simple gathering
We stayed for a couple of nights so I had time to roam around
I used to run beneath these trees and look for birds nests. I think I caught one back then.
In honor of my late Lola, Rosario.
The house looks the same as when we left more than 2 decades ago.
The church where I used to serve as an altar boy back then.
It would be cool to shoot people here, don’t you think?
Mama and I also drove to my elementary school where I spent grade 4 and 5.
My old classroom on the right.
Mama, Aileen and my sister made banderitas.
That’s the house from across the street where we used to play patintero when it was a full moon.
This is our balcony. We slept here too.
We had a lomboy and santol tree back there. Apparently they were already cut.
147 San Miguel, Bohol, Philippines
They had kittens much like the ones I have back in Cebu.
That’s Mama underneath her graduation picture and a TV I’d like to steal on the right.
My one and only niece, Yari, joined in too.
We had all sorts of food.
3 of 6 siblings came to celebrate.
I just took pictures but I only ate lechon, lumpia and beefsteak.
Lolo’s really happy!
Nothing was left after everybody left.
Half of Lolos kids with their partners.
There for me.
Happy Birthday Lolo!
Presenting the great grand kids.
And the grand kids at heart. Those are my sisters. Am I pretty or what?
This is Inday.
All the ladies.
Here’s Yanyan’s family!
And more pictorials. Hahaha.
Uncle Ric led the prayer before we attacked the foods.
My cousin K.
I guess I’m going to look like Lolo if I reach 90.
It was time!
It rained a bit, you know? Like maybe it was Lola making her presence felt.
Mama finishing her bown of Fruit Salad.
I took pictures in the morning just before we left.
Yari had so much fun walking around the mud.
We didn’t took baths because we wanted to reach Tagbilaran by lunch but we needed to have pictures with Lolo Ben. Happy Birthday Lolo Ben!!!
