Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...
Christmas is just around the corner. There are some people who don't look forward for the holidays especially when someone passed away recently. It would bring back painful memories. My mom told me ever since her mom passed away when she was young she hated Christmas holiday. It had reminded her memories she had spent with her mom when she was young. She said, her mom loved Christmas. She would prepare the table with all sort of Filipino dishes. She would decorate her home up for the holiday. She said, when we're young she had no choice to celebrate Christmas because she didn't want to spoil her feelings to her own children. Now, we are older she careless to celebrate Christmas. She doesn't get excited during this moment in time. I remember there was one year I lived with her. My son wanted the spirit of Christmas. I had to buy him a small fake plastic tree to place on a small table. My son complained to his Nana. She had no spirit of Christmas. He c...