Viajera Filipina

02/09/2024

17/08/2024

Facebook reminded me that it’s been 7 years since we had this girls’ trip to celebrate out 40th. 3 more years to our 50th! Need more trips with friends in my life ✈️👯‍♀️
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New York City, August 2017 - Angel, Tes and I have been friends since 1st Grade at St. James School of Quezon City (o hail hail hail to thee). Angel lives in Virginia while Tes is usually Manila based.

We met up in New York City to celebrate our 40th birthdays together. We had the privilege of having the talented Lyzander Dilag take some (ok, a lot) of great photos at some of the city’s iconic spots.

It was way too short a time for all the catching up that we wanted to do. New York City didn’t disappoint in providing amazing restaurants, sights and experiences that added new memories to our friendship vault.

Having lifelong friends is a particularly heartwarming thing. To have grown up together and see each other go through life is a special blessing and honor.

30/07/2024

July 2024 has been incredibly transformative for me. I am learning new things about myself – values, needs and wants that need nurturing and attention so I can truly be my best, most authentic self.
It’s not always easy. I feel I am moving further and further away from the Tessa that I thought I would be. I need to grieve and let go of that. But I can sense that I am walking towards the Tessa that I am meant to be. I need to acknowledge how brave I am to do that.

16/07/2024

23/06/2024

Welcome to Stevie’s Main Character era (Byeon Woo-seok feels😊).
This dude patiently played Second Lead (the Villain, if you ask Fifi 😂) since he first showed up at our doorstep and decided that we were to be his new family. He arrived on the second anniversary of Mimzy’s passing. He was immediately comfortable in the house, as if he’s always lived there. He would often be found hanging out by Mimzy’s ashes or playing with her stuff. While spirited and fiercely independent, he’s been a gentle companion to Barnaby especially in the last few months.
He is now the (Hans) Solo Cat, but Vader/Palpatine coded 😂.

02/06/2024

A favorite photo from 2016.
This little lady caught my eye as she stood under the arch of the the Storeroom Tower or Tower 14 in the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall of China. She looked out intently at the wonder infront of her, taking it all in. She had the daintiest dress on, as if she stopped by on her way to a tea party. So precious.

01/01/2024

Welcoming 2024 with open arms

14/09/2023

Captain Coco’s Adventures circa 2021 | Planet Point Ruston, Tacoma Galaxy

08/09/2023

Celebrating and commemorating my current professional incarnation 😊 Happy !

18/06/2023

Back in February, I went home to Manila to celebrate Papa Benjie Mendoza's 80th birthday. He asked me to come back in May when Micki and Awie would bring Baby Miguel for his baptism. He wanted updated family photos with the new addition.

I said it was unlikely that I'd travel back so soon after. Well, his little cardiac episode had me flying home and staying for a month-long family leave. I told him that he didn't have to be so dramatic about his request for a photo shoot, with a pacemaker placement to boot.

Papa is the rock of Pamilya Mendoza. He continues to recover well from his complete heart block. His flower garden now has vegetables. He has been caring for the ever growing band of kittens that find their way to our house. He's been more mindful of hitting his daily steps goal. In his downtime, he continues to send recipes, jokes and news tidbits to our family chat group. Ever the artist, he does this own creative editing of his apo MIguel's photos which he proudly shares in his barkada chat.

For some reason, my Papa is always 45 years old in my mind. I am that age now and about to overtake him in a few weeks. As I get to know more of the man who happens to be my father, I extend more grace and understanding as well as deeper love and respect.

Happy Fathers Day, Papa! We love you!