Interracial Marriage

Marriage is one big step in a couple's life. However, interracial marriage is a bigger step with more adjustments involve in it. For instance, years ago, it was not accepted by the society especially here in the US that a law barring whites from marrying non-whites existed. However, it has become common nowadays that you see more of the mixed-race union almost everywhere you look.

We also know about the computer age that has vastly become popular. With this comes the birth of online dating. In fact, we're one of those who ventured in such way of meeting someone. After some time of corresponding online with my mate then, he decided to meet me and my family in person by going to my country. After actually spending time with each other, we decided to move forward with our relationship by processing papers for me to be with him. Waiting patiently for almost a year, I finally was able to join him here. With that, we decided to get married. Marrying somebody who comes from a completely different race is a very huge move. There are the different cultures, traditions, and simply, ways of doing things. Not to mention the exchange of dishes! Lucky enough, we both can take each other's foods! lol

In a relationship, some essential things are to compromise and have an open communication. These don't apply only to the interracial marriage but to every marriage for it to work.

Close Family Ties

Filipinos are known to have a very close family ties. This is one of the values influenced during the Spanish regime in the Philippines. This is manifested in most Filipino household, if not all. Usually, it's a full household, including the married children and their own families.

A concrete example of close family ties is my own family. Travels and vacations are always a thing to look forward to. When my mother was still around, her joy is for the family to get together even without a special occassion because the affair itself is special enough. She was the one who organize for a get together. Then we would just hang out together for lunch until supper, everybody just having a good time. About twice or three times a year, she would also organize for all of us to go to our hometown. The travel in itself was an event since we would just rent a jeepney or two so the five-hour drives were always fun, each one has stories or jokes to tell. When we were all together, it's like nobody's an elder because nephews and nieces tease uncles and aunts. In our hometown, it's like a reunion always, more aunts, more uncles, more cousins, more fun. Each meal is always a big meal prepared and shared by everybody. We would go to the river and have a picnic. Even going to the cemetery to visit our loved ones was fun because there's always someone who cracks jokes. Sounds weird? Well, that's my family!

One can always count on his family. If a family member is in trouble, it's an instinct of a Filipino to do the best he can to be able to help even if it's beyond his means.

Pinoy Hospitality

It is one of the common traits of being a Filipino. It is a trait that every Filipino is proud of, wherever he goes. It is making guests feel welcome. Even in the humblest house, one can expect to be treated like they're just at home. I remember my husband observed the same thing when he visited me in the Philippines a couple of years ago. He appreciated so much how he was welcomed by my family. When he had dinner with us at home, my folks were busy cooking and preparing for our guest. My Aunt even set up the table beautifully with an equally beautiful tablecloth reserved for guests. He told his folks here that he was treated like a royalty and even told me that we didn't have to do that since it's just him, he's no actor! Well, I told him that it's what Filipinos are, hospitable. Same goes with my friend when her husband visited her. In households, stuffs such as good or brand new sheets, blankets, towels or even a good set of houseware like china, are stored and kept in cabinets for guests to use. Hospitality in the Philippines goes to the extent of offering their own bedrooms to guests even if it means that they have to sleep in another bedroom or in the living room, for that matter, which is common to Filipinos. Being friendly and making guests feel at home is an honor to a Filipino. Showing up unexpected in a house, you'll find yourself served with snacks, the least because if you're showing up during meals, expect to be invited to join and the family would even cook more or even buy more foods outside, in small stores which are known as "sari-sari" store, meaning a variety. Hospitality is one trait that has been passed down from one generation to another and for more to come.

The City of Golden Friendship

My native hometown, Cagayan de Oro City is known to be the City of Golden Friendship. Its history dates back even before the Spaniards came. It's one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. There's a lot to do in this city, among them is white-water rafting which is becoming famous not only to locals but also to foreigners visiting the city. Among other highlights of the said city is the Eco-Tourism Village where you can find a variety of animals in their natural habitats and also a park with a hotel that's over-looking the city and the Macajalar Bay. For golf enthusiasts, there's a world-class golf and country club which is located minutes from the airport.


I basically grew up in this city. It has low crime rate and "Kagay-anons" (as what the people of Cagayan de Oro is called) are approachable and friendly that's why I am proud of it. Some years ago, Night Cafe was started in town. This is an event every Friday to Saturday evening until dawn. One will find foods mostly barbeque and drinks in stalls spread out on three blocks. You'll also find live band for those who like listening to music. I remember my mother used to love sitting in the park and just listen to the band playing. After a few years, Night Market was added in which everything imaginable is spread out in another three blocks. This is the place where you'll see different kinds of people from all walks in life. What amazes me is seeing people with their whole family eating together and just being together having fun. Most often, you'll also find the city mayor roaming around the vicinity.


Another tourist spot has been inaugurated, the MacArthur Memorial Marker located in the Macabalan Wharf. The said event was also attended by the US Ambassador to the Philippines. This will be one place that I'm sure to visit next time I go home to my beloved hometown that I miss so dearly.

Man's Best Friend

"Man's best friend", a common saying that anybody who hears it can only think of one thing, dogs. They are indeed our best friend. There are a lot of stories or news about dogs saving the lives of their owner. They are good company especially when you're alone at home, you can always count on them to be there for you. To cite a concrete example, our yorkie has been here for more than a decade. Way before I even knew my husband, Chelsea (our dog) has been there with him. Then I arrived here, I can say that without her, I would definitely feel lonesome and more homesick. Of course every dog requires training or house-breaking after they first arrive in your home. They need to be taught how to not pee or do their "thing" inside our house and on the expensive carpet!lol

I remember before when I wasn't here yet, my cousin has a dog and she cared for it so much but not to the extent of how I see dogs being taken cared of here. In short, this is the first time that I really take care of one, preparing her foods and feeding her, walking with her when the weather is nice, and just simply play and baby her. A couple of months ago, I was doing exercise at home and she found me on the floor and I saw in her eyes and gestures that she was worried about what's happening to me because she nudged her nose on me and trying for me to get up. This alone is a gesture that they do care for us as much as we do for them.

Who could it be?

I am currently watching a modeling show on television. All of the remaining would-be models are all pretty and of course sexy! After all that's the most important factor to be a model, right? To be sexy! However, is that really the most essential factor? In every tests that they have undergone, they're also judged by their over-all personality. So having a good personality would really make you stand out among others. Moreover, in every challenge, learning to follow instructions should be starting trait because one's not going anywhere if she don't follow what the judges have instructed. I like watching the show because eventhough I am not into high fashion myself, I still admire all the girls, the photoshoots and all the glamour that goes with it. It's a show that stirs up anxiousness especially when there's few girls left and a lot has been eliminated already. It keeps you wondering who could really stand out and show to the judges as well as to everyone that she is in fact worthy for the coveted title that a lot has wanted to be. It keeps you wondering "Who could it be?".

A well-deserved vacation

Two more nights to go and my husband and I are off to the Sunshine State! I am excited since this will be the 7th state that I have been to, being new to Uncle Sam's country, I have been counting my visits. Since we got married, this is our first time to have a whole week vacation. All this time, my husband has worked so hard to make ends meet. On weekends, which are his rest days, you'll find him working around the house so if he's not holding a tool in his hand, he's on the computer paying bills. Having said that, the only way that he can have a real rest is to get out of the house and go somewhere. We all deserve a vacation sometimes. Like the old saying, "All work and no play makes Jack dull" (I think that's how it goes!) Anyways, the point of the matter is that our body needs to rest sometimes because the last thing that we want is for it to retire on us. Furthermore, coming from the Midwest, a visit to any state in a coastal area, just watching the sun rise or as it set in the horizon, and walking along the beach, feeling the sand in your bare feet, hearing the splashing of the waves as it meet the shore, would really prove so relaxing.