I Got "Tagged" on Australia Day

You know how bloggers and video bloggers get tagged. You tell your readers 5 , ten or more things about you... personal things that they obviously they don't know about you. The tagging goes round and round.

In my case, I was a "victim" of a surprised birthday party. It was a pleasant surprise for it was my 50th birthday (one) party, orchestrated by my wife Irene (two) and daughter Rea (three). Like tagging, surprise parties gets around and the older you get the more probable that you'll be the lucky recepient of one.

I knew something was up. Just my 3rd eye or sixth sense (four), nothing seems normal in the last couple of weeks. But I think I played along and wished deep in my heart that someone would organise a surprise party for me, hey I am getting old.

The only thing is, and this an issue I have with my mom; I was born too close to New Year (five) (I won't mention the exact date for fear of identity theft!). Anybody who was born close to Christmas or New Year knows that your loved ones and relatives and friends try to just give you one gift for both occassions. When I was young, it pisses me off to no end, as a kid you wanted more toys to play with or more money to spend (six). That is why a birthday surprise party on the 26th is a bit too late; or so I thought!

To my amazement (seven, I still get amazed!), turning 50 does not insulate you from excitement and delight (eight, still feels those too). I was so happy (nine, these simple things still make me happy, I am still alive!)and felt so blessed (ten, who wouldn't felt blessed!).

A big thank you to my honey, Irene; daughter, Rea; son-in-law, Charles and the rest of the Utan, Baylon, Mendoza, Mucio, Villena and Apacionado clans!

Happy Birthday Honey!

Honey's flowers from work.

Well, it happens to us every year, another birthday.

But this year, Honey received the best ever gift of her life... so it's not another birthday for her, or for us.

A few days ago Jaylen had his test, and today, Professor Glenn Marshall, Director of Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH); called to say that all indications from the tests are fine and there's nothing to worry about.

Mr December 2007: Leukaemia Foundation's "Nude Nuts" Calendar. See note below. (Photo by Charles).

So now it is official, Jaylen is cured! Obviously there is a chance for a relapse but we don't want to think that far ahead. We just want to savour this time and take things as it comes. There is no point worrying and fretting, and living nervously of what might lie ahead: it might or might not happen. For now, we will enjoy this triumph - full stop!

So a big "Thank You" to God and all our friends and relatives who prayed, gave support and wish us and Jay well. It worked! Thanks also to the staff at (especially at C2/C3 West, and Prof Marshall and his staff) at Sydney Children's Hospital.

Going back to Honey's birthday, a good friend of ours, Helene O moved to Queensland but managed to give Honey a surprise the other day. She knew that Honey would attend a training today; her birthday, so Helene arranged for another co-worker, Neola to decked Honey's desk with birthday banners and decorations yesterday: just to "remind" her of her advancing years. Thanks ladies for the effort and the flowers.

Tonight we just celebrated at home with a simple dinner and champagne, with three small kids and just the four of us adults, restaurants and sit down dinners does not work! But all the same, we are so happy just to have a get-together, knowing that we are all healthy and well.

The boys' present to Honey: they are sleeping over! That's why I am blogging...

Note: Just in case you did not bought one of these fund raising calendars, you can still make a donation to either the Sydney Children's Hospital or the Leukaemia Foundation.

The caption is a bit small, it reads: "Hi, my name is Jaylen, and I am five years old. When I was very sick, my hair was falling out and I didn't like it. But then my daddy, all my uncles and both my grandpas' hair fell out too. And they told me if I kept smiling, all of our hair will grow back. I think it's working for everybody except for my grandpas."

We will keep on smiling!

Make A Wish... Gold Coast Vacation

Jay checking out the limo.

The boys on their first limo ride to the airport.

Well, it finally happened, the Utan family had their first holiday in more than two years courtesy of the Starlight Foundation's Wishgranting program. Luckily for the family, the "wish" granted was for the whole family, a six-day all expenses paid trip to the Gold Coast. That means all free entries to the Dreamworld, White Water World, Wet n' Wild, Sea World, and Warner Brothers' Movie World.

The boys at the airport waiting for their Jet Star flight.

There are so many highlights and so many wonderful pictures. So I would post a couple of them here in the next couple of days or weeks!

Aiyee: Photographer & Future Director

That's my future pro photographer or videographer!

These pictures were taken at Jay's 2007 Christmas Carols.

Kallen checking out the Christmas tree and eyeing the Christmas ball.

Aiyee and Jay has this penchant for taking pictures and at times holding and pointing their mum's digicam. Thank God for the digital cameras, all you need is a fresh re-charged digital camera. No films to develop, let alone batteries to buy. Most cameras have rechargeables lithium-ion batteries.

Jay with Dane, while waiting for their turn to perform.

I am considering buying Aiyee and Jay their own digital cameras. They've managed to "destroy" my old Olympus and their mum's Canon. Good thing the Olympus was still on extended warranty. While I managed to fix the Canon one.

Walking down from the stage, just after a good performance.

They are going to Queensland tomorrow for a six-day holiday at the Gold Coast. Maybe this is the best time to buy these boys their own digicam. We'll see...

Update 14 January: I did bought the kids a Samsung S630 A$97.00 digi cam special (JB HiFi)for them to share. So I will post their pictures here when they get back from holidays.

No One as Sung by Alicia Keys

I just want you close

Where you can stay forever

You can be sure

That it will only get better

You and me together

Through the days and nights

I dont worry cause

Everythings gonna be alright

People keep talking

They can say what they like

But all I know is everything's gonna be alright

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

You you

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down

And my heart is hurting

You will always be around

This I know for certain

You and me together

Through the days and nights

I dont worry cause

Everythings gonna be alright

People keep talking

They can say what they like

But all I know is everything's gonna be alright

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

You you

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

I know some people search the world

To find something like what we have

I know people will try

Try to divideSomething so real

So till the end of time

Im telling you that

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

Oh oh oh....

[No One lyrics found on http://www.completealbumlyrics.com/ ] Click for video here.