Playing Catch-Up (Procession, Exploring Berkeley, Lakes, Promotions and Birthdays)

I've been in such a whirlwind of a past two weeks that I have not been able to blog for a long time.  So to save the time to write things up, I'll let the pictures describe the type of things that have been going on... A lot, of fun. :)

Downtown Sacramento Catholic Procession: more info here  (June 9, 2012)

Me and my family attended the "Religious Freedom" Sacramento Downtown Procession. Loved the crowd that came out. Me and my family, in support of our Catholic faith, are against the government's insidious "HHS mandate".  This peaceful downtown procession was a sign of our firm opposition.

The crowd peacefully processing on in downtown.

 Walking in the sun's brightness. 

 Peep the shirt. Pro-Life and proud. 

Even Jesus (in the Blessed Sacrament) processed with us. Surely He protected us. 

A peaceful procession is an amazing experience: we usually attend the Walk for Life SF every year.  For me, this one definitely hit home in the heart of downtown Sacramento. I love the streets of downtown and this was a different way to be out in it.

Exploring Berkeley:  (June 14, 2012)

This is the definition of an adventure. So my mom works in Berkeley for now (so she commutes back and forth every day, ~2 hours one way! She's a superwoman) and today I decided to tag along with her; she pretty much works down the street from UC Berkeley so I figured that I'd spend the day around campus and to a couple of special coffee shops ... But today was so much more than that.  And to think, when I woke up that morning I almost didn't want to go to Berkeley because it was far from home, but then I went to bed that night with memories I didn't think could ever happen without any planning ... but isn't it awesome how life turns out like that? Adventure, I tell you, it was an amazing adventure.

I visited the FIRST Peet's Coffee and Tea store ever established, on Walnut and Vine St. in Berkeley. This is actually the original sign they first used when the first store opened up in the 60's - they don't call it Peet's Coffee, Tea, & Spices anymore. 

 It actually was remodeled so it doesn't look like any different Peet's Coffee store, but still... pretty cool. 

 At Peet's, I even met a famous Filipino Author and Activist, Evangeline Canonizado Buell. She was so sweet and humble. Very nice to meet her! 

 This is Evelyn. She was the one who took the pictures of me at Peet's! I told her I was visiting Berkeley and didn't really know of any places around here, and she was so kind - she gave me a tour of the Gourmet Ghetto on Shattuck Street.  It was because of her I found the Cheese Board restaurant. 

 At the Cheese Board, they served amazing pizza and wine. It was my first tasting of Grenache red wine. Delicious. 

 And even more, live music! 

Kristina, Pachia, and Me.  Live band playing in the back. 

 One of the best parts of the day was seeing an old friend I used to go to school with at the Cheese Board. Her name's Pachia and she transferred to UC Berkeley this year, and kindly introduced me to her Berkeley friend and colleague Kristina. They're so nice and kind; it was an absolute pleasure having an amazing lunch and spending the afternoon with them. :)

And I definitely could not leave Berkeley without checking out the UC Berkeley campus. Beautiful. 

Rancho Seco Recreational Lake/ Father's Day: (June 17, 2012)

For Father's Day, I went with family to chill at Rancho Seco Lake... it's a mad-made lake next to a power plant - sounds kinda of weird to be next to a power plant but it was nice lol.  Perfect day to go swimming in a lake. 

 And this is how I chill. 

 Jojo. 

Patrick's back in town too! 

My Little Sister's 6th Grade Promotion/Graduation:  (June 20, 2012)

My little sister Meg is moving on up to middle school now. Proud of her. 

 C/O 2012! 

 Her walking the stage. 

 Shaking hands with the Principal. 

Me, Megan, Dad, Patrick, Mom. 

 Family shot! 

Mariann, Matt, Mel, Me, Megan, Patrick, Jessica, Alyssa.

 Friends who came. Glad they came. 

Joshua, Jojo, Jessica, Megan, Mel, Patrick.

 Family dinner time. 

Desiree, Haydee, Celesta, Heli, Mike, Tita Celly, Tita Connie, Vincent, Jacob. 

Mom, Regina, Jacob, Hyong, Ian. 

Tito Paring, Dad, and Mom. Moded shot lol. 

After the dinner, me, my cousin Jojo, and my little brother Patrick went to Surf Xtreme in Elk Grove. It's an AMAZING indoor surfing experience. I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a great time surfing - it's the only indoor surfing center in Norcal! I've been thrice already! 

Matt, Mariann, and Me

On this same day, it was also a good friend of mines 18th Birthday. Happy Birthday Mariann! :) 

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Loved every minute of these past two weeks. Blog you guys next time.