We are very excited to introduce a new feature of our blog. I’ve been thinking of ways to spice things up here. I thought of my days in the classroom and how every week I featured one of my students. And then I thought, why not do the same thing on the blog?
So…for our very first Featured Friend, we chose Christine, aka ate* Chris!! We have known her for many years. I still remember being excited when she and kuya Dave (her husband) would visit church (in SF) when they were living in LA. As a kid, it was always a treat for me to see them. And through the years they have been wonderful friends, allies and people Fran and I admire. We have spent countless evenings in their cozy, artsy home by the beach talking about everything! We love playing with their three kids and watching them grow. It’s an honor to be their second-born’s godparents.
Ate Chris is the CEO of their household and is one busy mama! She is creative, wise, spunky and easy to talk to. Besides being a great wife and mom, she’s a pretty awesome photographer and graphic artist. So, we present to you ate Chris!
Where is your hometown? City by the Bay.
Do you still live there today? Yes. Living elsewhere made me appreciate my hometown so much more, fog and all!
What is one favorite memory growing up?
Even though my parents were overprotective, I had the best time in high school. I was never allowed to go to any school functions (such as proms, picnics, dances, school shows) and even youth camps, but they allowed me to participate in school clubs, youth group meetings and choir. It was then when my faith was challenged and my relationship with Christ grew. It was then when friendships were formed, heartaches were met, cliques were “in” as it is now, talents emerged (I learned how to sew out of necessity). I thoroughly enjoyed those years in spite of the hurdles and aches that came with it. After all, life is much sweeter when sprinkled with adversities.
Name one person, besides family, that has had an impact in your life. Why?
There are so many. But one that stands out right now is my BSF teaching leader, JoAnn Hedges. She not only teaches from the podium but from her heart. She’s encouraged me in person, challenged me to grow, to speak in love and in truth. All these, she exemplifies. I’m sure she’s not perfect. But I haven’t seen that side of her.
What is one ritual you must have each day?
Reading & cuddle/tickle time with my children. I can’t tickle my eldest but we have a great time cuddling & talking.
If you could save only one possession, what would it be?
Besides my Bible, laptop, pen & paper, floss, toothbrush & wipes…my camera. It helps me make time stand still, even for a brief moment.
What do people say you are good at? Getting people together/organizing events. Now if I can only organize my life =)
What inspires you?
My children. If I could just have a pint of Tomato’s talent & brain, a quart of Kiwi’s tenacity & strength, and a bottle of Mango’s energy & wit, who knows where I’d be =)
Who would play you in a movie? Elizabeth Swann with William Turner =) but I wouldn’t be cast for it. I’m not very ladylike. I’d probably cast better as one of those high-kick flying martial art leading ladies “hi-yahhhh!” like Michelle Yeoh or Zhang Ziyi. That would get me in good shape…
We know you love a good quote. Give us one or more that describes you.
You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once. ~Polish Proverb (so true…)
It’s not only children who grow. Parents do, too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard (yep!)
Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. ~Life’s Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (I shouldn’t complain…just prioritize)
Ate Chris, thanks for giving us a small glimpse into your life/mind/heart!
Family and Friends – watch out, YOU might be next!!
*For the non-Taglaog speaking reader: “Ate” is a term of Philippine kinship used for an older sister. Though individuals may not be related the use of this term is widely used. This is because Filipinos consider others outside of their families as relatives also.
A view of the Bay Bridge from Embarcadero 
