Christmas Family Reunion 2007

The Buenaventura – Marcelino clan again reunite

A gathering that has become a tradition of sorts through the years happens every evening of Christmas day when my family meets up with my first cousins’ (the Velasco family) and other relatives from my mother’s side of the family.

It started way back at least during the early 90’s. I remember our family hosting one of these reunions at my parents’ home in Administration St. where a lot of our relatives really came together.

Eating time!

Cousin Arsenio and wife Gigi sweetly share dinner on one plate

The event is really quite simple. People come and catch up with one another's lives, have a nice pot luck dinner followed by a much anticipated talent and raffle prize packed program.

Baby Faith gives her Tita Emy a kiss

People anxiously await the next raffle prize

The prizes aren’t really expensive and the money raffled off isn’t in the millions but everyone still feels the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”. The talent portion lets the kids show off their stuff. It’s a great way to shed off their shyness and build self confidence early on. And when the prize money is large enough even the “shy” adults join the fray!

Raffles galore!


People look at their numbers

“Show me the money!” Arsen displays the cash prize

I think Eric won this time

The Mendoza family racks up some cool prizes

The kids show off their dancing skills

Faith dances a solo performance

My niece Patricia calls out another winning number

Moms do the world famous “Papaya” dance

What makes everyone come back to such a simple event?

The camaraderie, the joy, the competition, the winnings, the gifts, the smiles and the fun of doing it all over again!

The clan’s message to the world: Merry Christmas!

Till next year. God bless.