A LOW-KEY CELEBRATION / JANUARY 6,2010 =D

I usually celebrate my birthday (every year without fail) with either a lunch or dinner with the family. This year, it was not possible. Mother and Father usually don't like going out at night anymore. They've settled into their routine. They have their own agenda, aside from the telenovelas that they religously follow every night. Lunch, however, was not possible because I was scheduled to fly out to CDO on the 6:45am flight to make it in time for the 9:00 a.m. Plantation Review in Bukidnon. I can only fly back on the second to the last flight back to Manila to at least make it in time for dinner.

That said, my 39th year celebration was pretty much just Hubby Sweet and me. I had barely slept the night before, finalizing back-up data for the Plantation Review. Working in a dimly lit room, I tried my best to be quiet enough so as not to disturb the sleeping Hubby. Around 2:00 a.m., he weirdly woke-up and asked, "Tweet, don't you have to go to the restroom?" "Uh, no" I replied, slightly distracted as I was working with rows and rows of data. He stood up and walked to the bathroom, and I actually thought he may have been sleepwalking.

"Happy Birthday, Tweety" he shouted as he entered the room with a big bunch of roses in tow. He had apparently left them in the bathroom as a surprise, knowing I was going to pull an all-nighter.

He kissed me, gave me a five-second hug, sleepily ambled back to bed and started snoozing in no time at all. Haha! =D

Soon enough, Hubby Sweet was up and about, getting ready to take me to the airport. He was going to take me there, do what he had to do for the day while I did what I had to do for the day, pick me up again late afternoon so we can do whatever for my birthday celebration. That's the plan. Not exactly a plan, but what the heck. Haha!

The plantation folks were a sweet bunch who had a super moist, super yummy homebaked chocolate cake waiting for me prior to the review. Yey! (Wish I had taken a pic!) Soon after lunch, however, I was on the van that would take me from the mountains of Bukidnon back to the CDO airport for my trip back to Manila. Ano ba! Jetsetter ako. Haha! =D

By the time Hubby Sweet picked me up, my lack of sleep was beginning to take its toll--a not-so-gentle reminder that I am, after all, no longer a spring chicken. Haha. I had originally wanted to go see Avatar and do dinner, but I opted for something quieter, more relaxing.

"Sweet," I voiced out as soon as I jumped into the car, "You want to just go to Tonton and have dinner at this hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant that Tatung, Kris, Marc, Apes and I used to eat in but could never find now? I'll call Tatong and ask him where it is. I know it's near Shell on Shaw but I can't seem to find it these days."

Tonton's Thai Massage used to be our weekly ritual. We'd go home to House Better over weekends and pass by Tonton (conveniently a corner away) before going home to House Pioneer. Having Buster J, Barrioca and Banzo changed all that. There's no point in getting a massage if both of us will spend the time worrying about the house being turned inside out by the time we got back. Haha. We haven't been to Tonton in a while, but since we recently got Fe-licious, someone can at least watch over the pups while we go on what would have been our first decent date in ages. A good Thai massage seemed to be in order. Now, Hubby Sweet usually goes for the body massage, but I'm not really fond of Thai body massages because I always think the masseuse will end up breaking my bones with all the pulling and twisting and pushing. The Thai FOOT Massage, however, is another matter entirely. One and a half hours of quiet, relaxing bliss. As the masseuse submerged my feet in warm-almost-hot water, I started to relax and withdraw from the world. Soon after she laid the calming, heated beanbag on my neck (a whiff of what seemed like rice bran gently wafting from inside), I felt the knots in the muscles on my neck ease a bit, and soon, I was off to snoozeland.

On the way to Tonton, I had managed to get in touch with Tatong for directions to the hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant that we used to eat in. Apparently, I was right. I was supposed to turn right at Shell and that would've been the street where the restaurant stood, but I was also super wrong, because I turned at the wrong Shell station. Haha.

"Turn right at the Shell Station after Puregold, Bata. Not on the Shell Station before Honda Shaw!" he advised laughing. We invited him to join us (since he lived nearby), but he was tied up a work. Oh, well. Next time. =D

We finished at Tonton's a little before seven. Perfect, I thought.

We followed Tatong's directions. Truth be told, I've always been excited about getting Hubby Sweet to try this restaurant. It has always been one of the office gang's favorite and was unlike any of the other Chinese restaurants I've eaten in in the metro. I actually thought it had already closed down; good to know that I can't find it only because I keep making the wrong turn.

A quick turn at the Shell Station after Puregold, and there it was on the left side of the street--almost so obscure, we would have missed it if I didn't know it was supposed to be there. Su Zhou. Finally! =D

We got there early enough to find the place empty. "Good!" I thought, actually relieved because parking usually becomes a problem once the place fills up. We ordered what Tatong had recommended. Now, here's the thing about Su Zhou. In all the times I've been there, each bite is usually met with an almost instinctive closing of the eyes and a long "hmmmmmmmnnnnnn". The only other reaction I have seen, truth be told, is an almost instant widening of both eyes, followed by a definitive, "Wow!" Haha! Yup, the food is deceptively simple, but it IS DECISIVELY GOOD (with all exponentials applied). The artwork on the wall seemed particularly apt for the kind of reaction the place elicits from its diners. Happiness! =D

We started dinner with Xia Long Pao. Not your ordinary dumpling. I will not spoil the surprise for those who have not tried it, but may I suggest that if you do decide to go, make sure that you eat it NOT just with your chopsticks, but also with your soup spoon. Just trust. Oh, and be careful in case it is hot. =D

I initially just ordered one serving, remembering inaccurately that there would be more than four pieces per serving. Big mistake! One bite was all it took for the Hubby to ask for an additional order. Haha! (And yes, he did leave one Xiao Long Pao for me from the first serve. Haha...hay...=D)

Next on the list of Must-Orders: Steamed Beef with Garlic! My pic hardly gives justice to the gustatory delight that one gets from this dish. It's simple and complicated at the same time, if that is at all possible. The steamed beef is lightly seasoned, almost bland, really. But when you take it with the mix of garlic, chili and what-have-you spices that it is topped with, well....I will just let Hubby Sweet's spontaneous comment say it for me, "Diyuskupo!" Haha. =D Not that it would be necessary to say it, but it is really best for you to finish off the steamed beef right there while it is hot. I took the leftover home for baon the following day, and it wasn't as good after being zapped in the microwave.

To complete the experience, one must eat the Steamed Beef with Veggie Rice. Forget Yang Chow when you go to Su Zhou. You can eat that in any other Chinese Restaturant. Veggie Rice, on the other hand, is something I only found there, and is something that I look forward to having every single time.

We also got the Mapo Tofu with Chicken (I forgot the real name) as a third dish, but it's really just OK. Good, but it pales in comparison to everything else that we ordered. We're going to skip ordering it on our next trip.


By the time we finished dinner, Hubby Sweet had a new hands-down favorite restaurant! Nanbantei has been dislodged! Haha. =D

As pasalubong for Fe-licious, we also ordered Su Zhou's version of siopao (I forgot what it's called, naku!). I only remember now that it is almost the size of a dessert plate. I suppose it had to be because it contains seven (yes, seven) ingredients! Chicken, mushroom, sausage, beef, etc., etc....di sila naka-decide kung ano ilalagay nila. Haha!

By 8:30 p.m., we were ready to go. Not bad. Early enough, I thought. Time enough to play with Buster J and Banzo before we finally call it a night.

As we drove home, the Hubby's music blared from the car speakers, but I was quiet inside. A surprise birthday bouquet. A surprise birthday cake. A soothing massage. A satisfying dinner. Not a bad way to spend one's 39th birthday. There was only one other thing left to do.

On the short drive home, I whispered a silent prayer of thanks for everything I have so far received, and a silent prayer of hope for everything else that is yet to be.

UNWANTED / SEPTEMBER 6,2009 =D

He was not wanted.

Not at all.

I had put my foot down and have pretty much made up my mind that Buster J will be an only pup for now. I've thrown every single excuse at the Hubby. We can't afford a new pup; we're paying for amortization and saving up for all the renovations of the new place....Buster J seems OK being alone for now.....etc., etc. In truth, I really did not want to get a new pup. I was still heartbroken over Barry.

But, as fate would have it, while I was not paying attention, busy chatting up Baby Cousin Rae (who had come home from LA for Dooders' and MJ's wedding), Ko (my eldest cousin on my mom's side) and Hubby Sweet have already hatched a plan. Ko had a breeder friend who's dame recently gave birth to seven pups. All, but one, have been sold. It was easy enough, he said. They come from a champion line--from both sides--their papers multi-colored with red and green marks. (Red marks, I think refer to Philippine Champions; green marks refer to champions in other countries.)

All, except one had been sold, Ko explained, because no one would take him. He was the runt of the litter. The lone aberration from a long line of champions. Two months old, but so small, he could fit in Hubby Sweet's palm. Ko's breeder friend was giving him away for free. He just needed to dispose him off since he wasn't going to earn anything from him anyway.

"Bigay mo na lang sa'kin!" the Hubby declared excitedly, at which point I turned and looked at him.

"Give you.....what....exactly?" I asked, haltingly.

"Uh....." he grinned sheepishly, unable to continue.

"My friend is giving away a Siberian Husky pup for free," Ko jumped in.

"A Siberian Husky.....?" I asked, eyebrows beginning to rise.

"Tweet," Hubby Sweet said, still grinning sheepishly, "it's free."

"It's also going to grow up to be bigger than our house," I countered.

"But, it's bansot! Ko said, they're giving him away for free kase he's two months old and he can fit in my palm! Di lalaki yun!" Hubby Sweet tried to reassure me.

Ko grinned amused at the entire exchange. It may have finally dawned on him that I really did not want a pup. Free or not.

"I'll give it na lang to Papa. Send it to Marinduque. Para may kalaro si Stu," Hubby Sweet continued, referring to his dad and his beagle in his home province. "Imagine, he will be the first Siberian Husky in Marinduque!"

"Yeah, yeah," I said, "Call him."

"Who?" Hubby Sweet asked, dead give-away that he was merely using his dad as an "out".

"Si Papa! Call him if he wants a Siberian Husky," I insisted.

"Why wouldn't he want a Siberian Husky?! Of course he'd want a Siberian Husky!" he continued, hedging.

Delaying tactic detected by the missus.

"Sweet," I insisted, "Call him. If you're going to hit him with a Siberian Husky, he at least has to know, right?"

He called (I insisted within hearing distance). Put down the phone. Put both his hands up.

"I told you he's OK with it!" he beamed.

To cut a long story short, the Siberian Husky never made it to Marinduque. Hay....

I was hoping Ko would forget all about it though--what with all the wedding-related rush--but the day after the wedding, Hubby Sweet and I woke up to an early morning text: Iniwan ko kay Abie yung puppy mo. Pick him up today if you can. Wah. =(

Ko did not forget. Abie was my uncle who lived next to Ko's place.

"You're bringing that pup home to Marinduque next weekend," I muttered, half-asleep, half-awake.

"Of course naman, Tweet," he beamed, unusually cheerful as he is not really a morning person. "I will take him to Marinduque--as soon as we complete all his shots."

GRRRRRRRRRRR. I knew it! Hay! =(

We picked the pup up that afternoon. Ko had left the pup at Abie's place where Tita Doy, Tito Pete and Rae are temporarily staying. Hubby Sweet knew Mother would want to visit them. It was inevitable, I suppose. Even if I wanted to delay it, it wasn't meant to be.

We entered Abie's home to find the pup sleeping in a cardboard box. He looked more like a rodent than a proper 2-month old Siberian pup. So small, he looked like he could curl up and actually fit inside a tabo. Hubby Sweet picked him up and cuddled him. There was an instant connection between the giant-of-a-man that was my husband and this.....this....runt of the litter that no one wanted. The pup looked around. Dazed. Confused. He was roused from his sleep, so I suppose that can be expected.


That's when I looked into his eyes. One brown. One blue. I have never seen a dog with different-colored eyes.

"Is he blind in one eye?" I asked concerned.

"Sabi ng Ko mo, normal daw yan sa Siberian Husky," Abie explained, before continuing, "May pag-asa naman daw na magpareho yung kulay habang lumalaki."

Oh. I thought, probably not.


Hubby Sweet put him down. He teetered on stilt legs that seemed too thin to carry his bulging tummy. He was bald in a lot of spots.

"Why is his tummy so big?" I asked, "Chaka kalbo-kalbo siya, 'no?"

"Busog," Abie explained, "Pinakain ko. Madami nakain."

Oh. Deep inside, I thought it had to be more than just food inside that bloated tummy of his. "Mukha siyang asong lasenggero. No wonder they gave him away for free," I thought.

Apparently, I was right.

After we brought him home to House Better (where we usually stay during weekends), he pooped and instantly I knew (from experience with Barrioca) that he had worms.

'We have to bring him to the vet," I told Hubby Sweet. "I'm sure he has worms. His poop looks like the way Barry's did when we first brought him home from the petshop."

Hubby Sweet, of course, took the chance to declare that the pup would have to stay in Manila until he is all better. After all, we can't send a sick dog to the province, right? Hay.......!

"What should we call him?" Hubby Sweet asked, obviously trying to diffuse the furrow that was beginning to form on my forehead, right smack between my eyebrows. I had suspected all along that he really wanted to keep the pup for himself, but was hoping that he would actually send him home to the province.

"Bansot!" Mother shouted from the background.

"Banzo," Hubby Sweet and I agreed, "Para medyo kunyari sosyal." Haha.

What was it that someone said about bringing home strays? Don't ever give them a name.

We gave Banzo a name. I suppose that meant--at that very moment--that he was ours for life. Hay....=D

Buster J was initially indifferent to Banzo. He was an oddity to him, I suppose. Banzo was too small to amount to anything important. Too fragile to play with--he was not meant for the kind of alpha-games he used to play with Barry. But Banzo wouldn't let up. He kept bugging Buster J. He'd bite his tail. He'd paw at his ears. He'd bug Buster to death. He refused to be ignored.

I was concerned that Buster would snap and just smack him. Me of little faith. Hubby Sweet was much better at it. He knew Buster was an inherently good dog--that he was going to be patient with this new addition to our lives, at least until he figures out what Banzo was good for.

The Hubby was right. Eventually, Banzo won Buster over, and we saw the birth of another Band of Brothers.


It was not easy having Banzo. With Barry, it took only two trips to get him "right". With Banzo....well, let's just say it's good we got him for free because what we paid for in Vet bills, medicines and electrolytes would rack up to possibly MUCH MORE than what we would have paid for if we had gotten a regular pup. Susko! Doc Dennis, vet and Banzo's best friend, explained it well. His mom may have had worms when she got pregnant and Banzo hit the jackpot and got the mother load. That would explain while all his siblings were normal sized, he was not much bigger than a tennis ball at 2-months old.

He had round worms. When we got rid of the round worms, the hook worms showed up (they apparently travel throughout the different organs). Even when we finally got rid of all kinds of worms, he continued to have loose bowels. Perplexed, Hubby Sweet, and I brought him back for one more visit to Doc Dennis during which we confirmed that while Banzo is now free of worms, he had live protozoas circling his tummy. Ayayayayayayayay!!!!!!!!! We probably spent more time at the vet's clinic over the two months after we got Banzo than during our entire span with Buster J! No, let me correct that. Because of Banzo, I have spent more time at the vet's clinic than during my entire lifetime with any of the dogs I've had since I was a child! Naku. We practically had an entire medicine cabinet filled exclusively with Banzo's pills, syrups and electrolytes. And yes, Hubby Sweet and I walked like zombies over that period as our sleep was constantly being interrupted by Banzo's incessant pooping throughout the night (sometimes as much as four times!). We used to kid each other in the middle of the night. Darn it, having Banzo was like having a baby! Except that instead of rolling up soiled Pampers, we were rolling up bunches of Inquirer and Philippine Star. Hahaha. =D

I laugh now, but I knew I was a goner though the day I got teary-eyed in the car after another trip to the vet. I found myself cuddling and whispering to this palm-sized pup, "Sweetheart, naman, get better na...."

I was not going to lose one more. My heart, at that point, would have been irreparably broken.

Thank God, things did start to turn around for Bunch-Bunch (my nickname for him) on the 3rd month. Thing is, all throughout the time his tummy was acting up, he was healthy otherwise. Magulo. Makulit. Maliksi. Malakas kumain. It was something to be thankful for, Doc Dennis said, no matter how perplexing it may be. Otherwise, with the time it took for us to get rid of everything that was wrong inside him (we had to be careful with the strength of the meds because of his small size), he would have otherwise been dead if he had been made of lesser stuff. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that he had the blood of champions running through his veins.

These days, he wreaks havoc everywhere he goes. He's the most intelligent among all the dogs I've ever had, but experts will tell you that unlike most dogs who will only do as they are told, Siberian Huskies need to understand why they are being told to do things in the first place. Otherwise, good luck. Haha. Hubby Sweet always says, "Si Banzo, mana sa nanay. Matalino pero pasaway." Haha! =D Still, he gets away with a lot of things basically because he is very sweet and very malambing. Also very sipsip kay Mother--which is probably the only reason he is still allowed to visit House Better, despite the fact that he has ripped the leaves and flowers off some of Mother's favorite garden plants. Nakuuuuuuuu! =D

Who knew I'd end up adoring this pup I initially did not want by thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissss much?! *Arms stretched wide open as far as I can reach =D*

Then again, who knew that this palm-sized, not-much-bigger-than-a-tennis ball unwanted pup who was given away without much of a chance.....

could grow up to look like this..............

.....and then, finally, this!

All within the span of barely four months. =D

Banzo is more than a survivor. He is a walking miracle.

And yes, more than just being wanted, these days, he is loved. =)

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P.S. - I had wanted to get Banzo on his own (as I usually do with Buster and did with Barry), but I have to ask Mother to hold Banzo everytime I need to take his picture. He seems to think it's a game everytime I whip out either my cellphone or my camera so he just keeps running around and around and around and around and around......haaaaaaaay......hay! =D