Introducing 2 Churches We Attended in California

The first one we attended was the Alta Vista Church of Christ located at Alta Vista, South San Francisco, CA., an autonomous Christian church dominated by Filipino members. It is very close to the Marriot Hotel@San Francisco Airport where we were billeted during our 1st few days there. This is where some popular Filipino ministers served like Bro. Conrado Montefalcon and Bro. Diego Romulo. Current minister is Bro. John, an American, but all elders and deacons are Filipino (1st 2 Photos).

The second church of Christ we attended was the First Christian Church of Oceanside (Disciples of Christ), an American congregation. It is located at 204 Freeman St, Oceanside, CA, just 10-minute drive from our host's house at Mainsail Road.

Actually, a Filipino brother-in-Christ recommended the National City First Christian Church near San Diego, but we were told it's 30-minute away from where we were then. And our internet search revealed that FCCO (DOC) was closer.

Both were Church of Christ rooted from Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement known for slogans, Where the Bible speaks, we speak; In doctrine unity, in opinion liberty, in all things love, and No king but Christ, no creed but the Bible, no name but Christian. (JSF Blogs)

Falla Couple Arrived Home Safely

13 November 2003, Friday the 13th, who's afraid of it? They say it's a jinx, but to us Josh and Rose Falla, one thing great happened - we're back home in Nueva Ecija after a 3-week sojourn to California and Nevada.

Our aircraft (PR 105) from San Francisco (with brief refueling stop in Guam) touch the ground at exactly 5 AM. Son Dr. Ian fetched us with his new car issued by his Korean feed company. Upon the advise of daughter Danna, we had to take our breakfast at NLEX Shell Bocaue Chowking where grandson Kyle met us to join the breakfast and of course, to get his much-awaited pasalubong.

We finally arrived home in San Jose City (Nueva Ecija) at 11 AM and take our rest. Then, we're back to our normal routine. (Josh and Rose Blog)

A Taste of Seaworld : A Photo Gallery

Let those pictures taken at SEAWORLD speak for themselves. Enjoy viewing!(Photos by Robert and Danna).

From Stockton To Manila : A Pre-Departure Travelogue

California, USA, 9 November 2009 - From San Diego county, our young friend Rudy drove us for around 6 hours (over 400 miles) to their house in Stockton. It was a fine trip as American freeways are so smooth, and practically there's no traffic hussle. Just 3 brief stops to quench our thirst, and presto, we're home again.

In a couple of days, we shall be back to our motherland, the Philippines. We stayed at the 6-room house of Rudy and JB Dela Cruz, who will also send us off to San Francisco Airport by Wednesday.


By now, we have realized and personally observed American culture which we've just been hearing through stories from compatriots living here - everybody busy, a systematic society, everything seems mechanized or automatic, relationships generally impersonal, different value system (like open-public expression of emotions such as kissing, hugging, et. al, divorce is no big deal but a normal practice, and what have you). Of course, western culture has its pros and cons depending on ones' perspective. To me, it seems confusing so far, but I realize that there is always a reason why people behave as such.


Regardless of the foregoing, we really enjoy our 3-week stint in this part of the globe, and here's thanking once more our hosts namely, the Logans, the Tolosas, the Corraleses, the Grahams, the Dela Cruzes, Robert and our daughter Dang. Certainly, this is another lifetime experience for keeps. (Josh and Rose Blog)

Another Gold for Kyle Falla-Taruc in the AAAP Games

Angelicum College, Quezon City, 5 November 2009 –

This blogger's grandson, the Taekwondo kiddie champ Kyle Daniel F. Taruc of the Ateneo Team, collected another Gold medal today, as he won in the Taekwondo game over opponents from San Beda and Immaculate Concepcion College in an inter-school game under the AAAP, the athletic association of selected schools in Metro Manila. As usual, Kyle was coached by Sir Jobet of the Ateneo grade school team.

Kyle has just won a national medal (also Gold) under the Milo Little Olympics held in Cebu City last October 25. As reported earlier, Kyle is playing for 2 teams – Meycauayan Team for off-school games and for the Ateneo Team for inter-school competitions. He is coached by Sir Moben (Meycauayan Team) and Sir Jobet (Ateneo Team). (JSF Blogs)