Memories.

The most memorable experiences of my life happened in the "Christmas house," as my close friends fondly call it. Why? Take a look at its color and you'll know why. It is on the long stretch of Scout Rallos Street adjacent to the famous Timog Avenue. I spent 90% of my present lifetime there! Looking back, I think that I made special memories in all the corners of that place. There were so many hiding places that I could recall where I would run to whenever my Lola chases me with a broomstick to whack my buttock because of a mischief I have done.

All my birthday parties were held there! I remember I had one every year. Come to think of it, I do not remember now who initiated them when I was still young. Who prepared the food, et cetera. Of course when I was already of age, I already had a hand in the preparations and the choice of food and the events that would take place on every party I had. But whatever we had for the party, I always remember that all the parties I had during my birthdays at the "Christmas house" was always a blast! Filled with so much fun memories, others hilarious even!

Everything happened there, everything! Nights of sneaking in, mornings of sneaking out! Ha! ha! Bringing in booze to my room with my friends, taking a puff or two of cigarettes! Studying until the wee hours of morning. Partying until the wee hours of morning! There! Talking to the phone for hours until everything hurts so bad - the ears, the shoulders, the buttocks - or until you get caught! "Friends" coming over every now and then. Receiving them in the lanai and even sometimes chatting with them at the gate!

All the important events of my life was witnessed by the "Christmas house." From childhood to motherhood! Only the "Christmas house" bears witness to all the secrets, tears and laughter I went through all these years. All my failures, aches and pains. All my triumphs, successes and glories. All these will forever be held captive by the "Christmas house." All of them it will keep, until it stands to its last days.

It is indeed to let go of a place which has been "home" for you all your life. No matter how "dysfunctional" I have perceived my family to be, the "Christmas house" still held the special title of being our "home" for so long. During my youth, I was always intrigued at how a family would look together in a dining table, yes, I never had that but I had a place to come home to no matter what. No matter what happened to my life, I would always go back to the "Christmas house" because that is where my "dysfunctional" family is....and that is "home!" Daddy Remy, thank you for letting us have this, we will be eternally grateful for everything!

It is a good thing that all of the memories are all locked in my heart. Photographs and video clips would fade and rot but in my mind and my heart, the place will never fade. Even if the "Christmas house" will soon cease to exist, I will always have the memories with me. And I shall never forget...