L-R: Tito Dodo and Tita Daisy
L-R: Tata, Achi Ging, and Shoti
At long last, the Catacutan Family is complete again. The mom in the picture is my dad’s younger sister, so that makes those goofy ones down there my cousins. And my closest cousins at that. I grew up with Alain (or “Tata”) and Archie (or “Shoti”) that’s why it makes me a sad when I think about them permanently living in Suffolk, Virginia now. And it’s not just a 1-month or a 2-week thing anymore. We’ve always been there for each other, and they’ve always been so nice to me and my brothers. I even considered Tata as my “cousin in shining armor” when we were younger because he was always there to help me when I need it. I didn’t have a boyfriend in high school and in college so it was either my cousins or my brothers who would be there for me (But on some levels, I was closer to my cousins than my brothers. I could never talk to my brothers about my problems or my then-nonexistent lovelife, hehe). When Tata left in 2004, Shoti filled his shoes.
I guess the one big remembrance I have from Tata is the Toshiba laptop he gave me, and Shoti his car. We named the car “Betsy” after Archie Andrews’ jalopy. You know, the one in the comics. Shoti’s real name is Archie, thus the name. Get it? Lol.
It took more than 10 years before my uncle’s papers were approved. Before that, it was just my aunt and my cousins who were spending Christmas in the States, while they’re dad was far away, sometimes just hanging out with us. So you can just imagine how thrilled I was when Tata sent me photos of their recent Christmas together with this caption:
Everytime you want something complete and you think you will have it, it will come true.. if you’re patient and willing to fight for it. Being complete is what I want to be. So for my family and me, this Christmas is as good as it could do for me.
They’ve waited for a long time, and today they’re all together again. I couldn’t be happier for them!
I’ve got cousins in the US on my father’s side of the family that I haven’t met yet. Pretty soon they’d be hitting puberty and I’d still be one of the three cousins in the Philippines (that would be my brothers and me *rolls eyes*) who they only know by name. I don’t have plans of migrating to a whole other country (despite what my aunts in the US are pushing me to do) but I would really love it if I could come and see my cousins there someday and get to know each one of them. :)
What about you? Do you have relatives abroad? When was the last time you’ve seen them?
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Hi Joni, I chanced upon your blog since I used one of your Wordpress themes . I didn’t know that the theme’s creator was a Filipina like me. Congratulations, you are doing very well in your job, that is creating Wordpress themes. I like your themes very much, hopefully I’d be able to donate to your Paypal account one of these days but be forewarned, I’m not that moneyed so di ko pa kayang magdonate ng malaki hehehe..
About your cousins migrating to this other side of the world, I am happy for them, finally they are all together as a family. Me, I still have to count about three years more before I can petition for my Mama. I hope you can come over here too and visit your dear cousins and other relatives.
Thanks for sharing your Wordpress themes with us all…
Happy New Year !!!
Chari: Hi, Chari! Thanks for using the theme. Don’t worry about the paypal donate thing. hehe.
I really wish I could come and visit them someday! Now if only the US embassy is not as strict, tsss. Happy new year! :)
Glad to hear that your fam was reunited. Its always a blessing having the fam together!
I do have fam abroad, mainly my father’s side, but sad we don’t keep in touch. Was never close with them. They always wanted money from my dad BC he’s in the states and they think he’s a millionaire.
Wow ate, that’s really good that they’re finally together now! :]] I’m happy for them, and i wish them more happiness and luck to come!!!!
(that’s a very nice family picture btw hehehe)
And awwww, same here.. i have so many cousins everywhere. I have lots (my dad’s side) that I don’t even know of that lives in CALI -we’re in Michigan.. and my dad isn’t that close to them so yeahh..
but the rest of the family is either in Philippines or in Singapore or Japan. (yeahh.. we’re everywhere) most of them are in the philippines though. only a couple in other places which are my cousins who have graduated from college working abroad (doctor & engineering) or are happily married :]] hehehe
and last time i’ve been to Philippines was like.. 2 years ago! :[[ *july ‘05* i miss it already!!!!
Cyn: Lol. Yeah. That’s why we never ask for anything from our relatives in the US (unless it’s them who wants to give). Hehe. Happy new year!
Char: Aw. 2 years na? Manila has changed a lot since then. When will you be coming home? Are you ever coming home? hehe.
Happy new year to you and your family! :)
It’s great that you care so much for your relatives. I have family in the Philippines.
They’re alright but some are drug-addicted moochers that I never want to see.
Exene: Aw, I’m sorry to hear (i mean, read) about your drug addict relatives.
My parents are both in states :) hoping they’ll be back by this year :) That is so cool! Congrats on the reunion :) Have a blessed 2008!
happy new year Joni! have a blessed 2008!
Most of my relatives from the father’s side of the family is here in the Philippines. Three of my mom’s siblings are in North America (two in Vancouver and one in California). I got to meet and hang out with all of my cousins from both sides at least once. :-)