sushi

Within the short span of time since I’ve migrated in this side of the world, I’ve observed that some immigrants who stayed here for more than 15 years tend to hold themselves with high regard and most often than not, belittle the newbies like me.

The most painful realization is, the people who do this are not strangers but they are somewhat connected to you either by blood relation or via friends. It’s a harsh… sad… reality. No pun intended.

Sigh. I know, I’m blabbering. Shoot me.

On a happier note, my trip to Vancouver, British Columbia was very rewarding because I’ve received one of the greatest birthday gift ever! That is, meeting Kuya Boy and Ate Cel for the first time. Ate Cel’s mother and my father are first cousins. It was my cousin Jaime (a.k.a. Chancee) who introduced me to them. And what do you know… I had a chance to meet Kuya Freddie and AJ too! Awesome!

If I cried myself to sleep during my last year’s birthday (yeah, I cried my heart out), I had a silly grin on my face this year. Thank God!
(Note: “Kuya” is a Filipino word that denotes older brother or it’s also usually used as a sign of respect for older males.
“Ate” is the equivalent term of “Kuya” for females.)

I must say, I was ecstatic when I got to know Kuya Boy and Ate Cel because they are one of the few humblest Filipino-Canadian couple I’ve ever met in this side of the world. I was over the moon because it gave me hope. And most of all, it made me realized that migrating here is not an “awful” decision after all. I guess, I was a bit traumatized on what I’ve been through. Trusting people became an extreme ordeal for me.

Kuya Boy	Ate Cel

My late mom reiterated when I was growing up to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground whatever happens. That’s why, I get so annoyed when I see people fly inside a bubble like there’s no tomorrow and lambast people who are “below” them. It really gets into me and at the same time, it makes me sad.

It’s good to know though, that there are still few people like Kuya Boy and Ate Cel who did not place success into their head. Indeed, finding the chosen few made my heart burst with happiness.

bc2012- 809 — Ate Cel & Kuya Boy’s garden

Kuya Boy and Ate Cel, my heartfelt thanks for your warm hospitality, words of wisdom, and most of all, for wholeheartedly accepting me even though you have just met me . I’m super overwhelmed! See you again soon.

Click here to read related article -> “b.c. link”

We stopped by in Pacific Place, an Asian mall, for lunch as well as to buy a vinegar (“sukang Iloko) from Northern Luzon, Philippines. I ordered sashimi and sushi, my favorite Japanese food, for the main course and halo-halo, a Filipino dessert, for my sweet treat.

While I was waiting for my halo-halo order, I was able to sales talk a Chinese guy in buying a kare-kare, a Filipino dish, in that food stall. At first, he was hesitant because it’s beef, but he can’t seem to resist it because he kept asking me if it’s really good. Eventually, he gave in.

When he saw the halo halo that I bought, he also ordered three cups. Ha! I should have asked for a commission from the owner eh?

Anyhow, my nephew, Rhajz sat four tables away from us because the table that we were currently occupying was too small. I was eyeing the chicken feet he bought and when I was about to join him,when we saw a pretty lady shared the table with him. To give them privacy, I stay put on my sit.

His mom and I kept laughing because Rhajz was blushing tremendously and he can’t seem to eat properly because of the pretty lady. True enough, when he joined our table, the one serving of chicken feet was left untouched. He said he was too shy to eat it in front of the pretty lady.

And the clincher? The pretty lady is pregnant. Ha! Too bad.. so sad.. for Rhajz.

back to road trip finale

Tag: sushi

Boy & Cel

pacific place