Aloha Hawaii

''Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain - it is my pain. When there is joy - it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it is being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. This is Hawaiian - this is Aloha!

The kahuna David Bray interprets this code as "Come forward, be in unity and harmony with your real self, God, and mankind. Be honest, truthful, patient, kind to all life forms, and humble." He also stated that to the Hawaiian of old, Aloha meant "God in us."''

 --- THE DEEPER MEANING OF ALOHA by Curby Rule (www.huna.org)

Early this year, My husband & I won a trip to Hawaii. Whether it was random luck, serendipity, blessing or extra costs (especially for Michael), this trip has made me a better person than I expected. Before I go to the details,  let me tell the readers how did I won. It all began when I was reading an article in www.bild.de, about a photo contest--The Descendants, whose main character was portrayed by George Clooney. Seeing some family pictures from other readers I decided to upload a clan picture which I always have in my memory. This was the day my grandfather told the family, he was going to die.

My Lolo despite his age & wisdom
never fails to make us laugh once in a while.

My Lolo (Tagalog for Grandfather) was a epitome of a wise, righteous and loving grandpa. He & his wife, Lola Geline would send birthday cards every year to each grandchild wishing & blessing with them good health, and best wishes and of course a small treat. He would always have a sound advise to those who needs his highly-sought opinions. He wanted that the family wouldn't be caught off-guard with his passing, so he decided to tell everyone. At the end of the conversation, everyone was shocked,  cried and of course prayed(which is part of the family's tradition) not for healing but for courage, longer time & acceptance  and then picture-taking took place. Although I was not there, (I just had Kathrin) I was very well informed afterwards. This picture is engraved in my heart & memory. 

The caption I wrote was my Family was so large, not everyone could fit in the picture. This picture enabled me to rekindle the values that my Lolo kept on imparting all of us all those years. Family will always be your family amidst trials. Just like the story of The Descendants.

Click link to see the article from the newspaper.

When we were on Oahu, my Lolo's first cousin Tata (Uncle) Eddie & his family welcomed their doors to us and we really felt ''very much at home''. We never felt strangers/tourists on Oahu at all. We are part of their family. I exchanged emails with Nana Aurora (wife of Tata Eddie) that we are coming and I would like to make a courtesy visit. Honestly my expectations were below average, since I don't want to bother them, knowing they have their lives to manage. I've been living in Germany for 6 years now, and I've learn to be on my own. 

Tata Eddie, Tita Au, Eric, Aimee & Alma and the rest of the family have proven me wrong at being on my own. Not only that I won a trip to Hawaii because of the family, I have also won a family on Oahu. It was a WIN-WIN thing for me. And I will always be grateful for the time they made to see us. I was thanking Aimee & Alma, my aunts (they prefer that we are cousins) for thanking time letting us experience Honolulu in a short period of time, Aimee replied 'we are family'. I wished I have that solid support groups like that near me. Nevertheless, despite the distance, I know I have families, not only here in Germany & in the Philippines, but also on Hawaii.

Despite not so good health conditions, Tata Eddie picked us up from our hotel and showed us around Honolulu. Pali Lookout, Punchbowl and then the following days with Aimee & son, Rider, Alma, husband, Charles & son Caleb, Jessica & her son Jessiah & Tita Au at Pearl Harbor Memorial, Luau and a special dinner at their residential house.

Can you spot the Alimasa/Alimaza similarity?

With Tata Eddie at Punchbowl, Honolulu

At Pali Lookout with Tata Eddie, and Tita Au

Caleb, Ryeder & Kathrin (she can't seem to figure out
how to make a 'shaka' sign

Celebrating Luau with the relatives.

With my Aunts. Aimee & Alma

Missing you guys.

Group picture after Dinner.

Lovely Sunday with my extended family on Hawaii.

Mahalo to my Alimaza* Family in Honolulu. Truly the deeper meaning of Aloha left a mark in my heart.

*Alimasa and Alimaza are technically the same & belongs to one family. Mine is Alimasa.