Jakie and the Beadstalk

Paps, it's been a week since you were buried, nineteen days since we went to the hospital. There's a big void left in our hearts when you earned your wings. I still cry at night, or at every moment I think of you.  Maybe Ate and LA too.  Mama is devastated. I know she is strong and she's trying to get her smile back, but she can't help it, not only because you're gone, but because half of her existence is gone. You're half of each other, right? Everyday is going to feel incomplete because you are not physically with us, but I am also happy for you. I know you're gliding ang sliding up there, with your Nanay and Tatay, Lola Caria, and bestfriend Lola Eyay, (haha) and other relatives and former neighbors.  I know you are playing mahjong all the time and you've probably taken all your opponents' chips.  And if you get bored, you are having the time of your afterlife playing golf there, without any handicap at all -cause yo...

Photo credit: www.glitters20.com

You don't belong in the hospital. Please be better and come home soon.

The last time I played at the Manila Children's Playground was when I was around 12 years old- literally decades ago.   When I started working in Manila, I noticed that the playground has been rehabilitated, and colorful dinosaurs started inhabiting the area.  It used to be that the most prominent thing there was the giant shoe house, but not anymore. So one time, I brought my kid there to play.  Manila Children's Playground is located in Kalaw, Ermita, Manila.  If you ride the LRT-1 line, get off at UN Avenue Station, cross the street to Kalaw. From Kalaw Taft, there's a Wendy's at the corner. Go past the Wendy's, turn right and that's where the entrance is.  You won't get lost! Entrance fee is P10.00 for a whole day of play. You can bring food too, and have a picnic there since there are tables and chairs with umbrellas. The Giant Hippo is still standing tall!!!