A newborn unites a family

Welcome to Earth baby Zephrine!

Nyla, though she is my sister, yet I consider her one of the greatest women that I know. She is an inspiration to many, an exemplary sister. In her younger years she has developed discipline and the organizational skill of setting goals and achieving them. In one of her journals, I have seen a record of her life's major goals. Her list includes seminary and institute graduate, obtaining a degree, serve  a full-time mission, temple marriage and motherhood.She has accomplished all of them! What a remarkable woman! 

On July 16, 2016 her and Michaels' first baby was born. They named her Zephrine Person Burgos. Their beautiful baby girl weighs 6 lbs and is 20 inches long. These newly called parents are filled with gratitude and joy for having this precious baby from heaven. 

Nyla after delivering baby Zephrine

Welcome to this world baby girl!

Michael was in tears seeing his daughter for the very first time. There's just no words enough to describe his feeling for this what he considered one of the greatest blessings and accomplishments of his married life. Him and Nyla prayed hard and worked hard for this. Indeed, the Lord grants the righteous desires of our hearts.

-Irene

A visit to the Temple

Nyla is getting really close to having her baby. They decided to visit the temple and take some pictures before baby Zephrine comes.

 It has been and is still one of our family's traditions... is visit the temple. The temple is the house of the Lord on the earth. Papa and Mommy has instilled in our hearts the blessings that we can enjoy if we go to this place and remain faithful to the covenants we made here with the Lord. 

Through their example they inspire us to have the temple always in our sight for it will strengthen our home and family. 

-Irene

Happy Father's Day to our Papa!

Happy Father's Day to our one and only Father! You have a special place in our hearts. And we would like to recognize some of the great learnings, memories we have had with you and lessons you instilled in our minds. First, thank you for loving Mom faithfully. You always tell her that she is the love of your life. We feel secured as children because of your integrity to Mom. 

You have worked hard for a long time abroad to give us a good life. Thank you for providing us the basic necessities of life to the best of your faith. You always tell us that as girls, we should know and do the household chores because we are the future homemakers of our future family. Funny memory: you would cover the table with a soft blanket after lunch when nobody of us is moving to clean the table. I think that that is cute about you!

Whenever I hear the words "chastity", "purity" and "cleanliness", I would recall the times when you exerted all energy to teach us the Law of Chastity because you believe that if we will obey it, we will be blessed and happy. You always remind us to be modest in our clothing, words and value virtue even now that we are adults already. Indeed, we have peace in our hearts. We want you to know that we admire you so much! Your love for each one of us is pure! You always find the time to talk to us and serve us in anyway you can including helping us in our chores. You are a very hardworking individual. Whenever you come home from abroad, you always find the time to serve your family and others. You are so dedicated in your faith and belief that Heavenly Father answers the prayers of the honest hearts. Thank you for sharing your feelings and testimony of the gospel. You are a source of strength to us. Thank you for being who you are. 

We will never forget the stargazing moments on our rooftop, your bedtime stories of "ik-ik and paniki", your dance moves, dates with the girls and the list continuous... Thank you for making us smile and laugh. 

I will never get tired coloring your gray hairs. You make us smile knowing how you take good care of yourself in terms of dress and grooming. You are so cute! you make sure you apply anti-aging moisturizer on your face. You are very meticulous about ironing your clothes perfectly. You always want to be presentable and looking good. :) :) :) :) :) Those smiling faces are your daughters!s cheering on you! We love your humble personality. And we continue to pray that you be granted many more years to spend with us specially your grandchildren as you are always counting how many you have and will have. Thank you for being a good example and influence to us. We have so many things to say about you but to summarize it, YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT FATHER and WE LOVE YOU GREATLY!

-Irene

Our Beloved Second Nanay

Our second mother, Nanay Suting. We love her so much and thank her for her genuine love for the family. We are so blessed to have her since Ate Iroal was the child of the family. Recently, she had the procedure YAG laser capsulotomy in both eyes. She is doing well and happy.

-Irene

Yay for Driver License!

SHOUT OUT TO OUR AMAZING MOMMY!!! Congratulations for passing the behind the wheels driving test (roadtest)!!! Through faith and determination you did it!!! Now, you are free as the wind blows :) :) :) We love you! You are such a good example to us! 

-Irene

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

We'd like to give honor to our beloved mother as it is Mother's Day! Our most cherished memories of Mommy were her dedication and love for the gospel. We know where we should be every Sunday. We will never forget her enthusiasm in scripture study. We remember, waking up early in the morning for this. She has a deep love of the Book of Mormon. We can name one of her favorite prophets... Nephi. Nephi's faithfulness and obedience to the Lord is an inspiration to her. We are grateful that we know that Mom has a testimony of the gospel for she makes it known unto us...always. For us, this is a source of hope and strength. She is a strong willed woman. She lost her Dad when she was 7 years old. It was a hard life for them since they lost the breadwinner of the family. But Mom, did not stop. She at least finished an Associate Degree, of course through the love and sacrifices of Grandmother Amparo, her mother. We learned from Mother to be of help and service to others. We have witnessed how mom puts her trust in God during times of adversity. We never heard her complain or question Him. Her understanding of the purpose of life has sustained her through tough times. She is such a source of comfort to us. When we were little, she introduced to us this phrase: A goal not written is only a wish. She taught us the importance of making goals while young specially spiritual goals. We will never forget all the trainings we received from her...from waking up early to fulfilling our household chores at a very young age. We appreciate them all! Mom has introduced to us the love of music. We at a young age, have memorized a lot of primary songs. We enjoy singing together as a family! Mom loves to write. We remember her posting our family goals and schedules on the wall of our house. We are grateful for the good influence she is unto us. She is very thoughtful and sweet. Her words of wisdom are life to us! Mommy loves life and learning! She is very flexible, resourceful, independent and outgoing! Having her in our life is truly a blessing! She is truly an exemplar! We thank her for all her hard work and sacrifices so we could grow as responsible and good children, sisters, wives and mothers!

 

-Irene

The Preggies

Congratulations for both having baby girls!!! 

-Irene

The Princess

The remaining princess of the family, an elect lady. She has worked hard to earn her Bachelors Degree in Education on April 2001. She then served a mission in Baguio, Philippines. Today, she is a dedicated MAPEH Techvoc High School Teacher and Part-time PE College Professor. 

My Star is Rising

May the light of my womanhood

Shine bright and crystal clear

through all time

As the torch light is pass to me

I'll hold it high, hold it high

This is the time

oh yes! these are the golden years

and I will meet the test somehow

oh I can see I'm coming to an open door

I feel it now, my star is rising

and I feel a gentle surge as new horizon

come into view

I see before me many roads to take

what should i say, what should i do

my star is rising

May the light of my womanhood

shine bright with purity from now on

Though the world tries to conquer me

I'll travel on, travel on

For I am reaching upward to my destiny

and I can see the golden sky

I know I'm making mem'ries for eternity

The world is mine, my star is rising

It's rising today....

my star is rising...

-Irene

My Forever!

"Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord" -1 Corinthians 11:11

Marriage for Eternity

1. Like Rebekah, I shall forsake the rest

To marry in the covenant and meet the Lord’s request.

I’ll nurture valiant children and teach them of the plan.

That my children’s children’s children may be blessed,

May be blessed as only the righteous can.

Marriage for eternity

Blesses my posterity

As each branch of our tree turned upward unto thee,

Growing upward, forever in Thee

2. Like Isaac, I’ll follow and prepare

To marry in the covenant, eternal blessings share.

I’ll teach to all my children the power of the plan,

That their children’s children’s children may be blessed,

Will be blessed as only the righteous can.

Marriage for eternity Blesses my posterity

As each branch of out tree turned upward unto thee

Growing upward, forever, in Thee

Marriage for eternity

Blesses my posterity

As each branch of our tree turned upward unto thee,

Growing upward, forever in Thee.

Growing upward, forever in Thee.

“A good marriage requires time. It requires effort. You have to work at it. You have to cultivate it. You have to forgive and forget. You have to be absolutely loyal one to another.”

-Irene

Bernie and Val's Marriage for Eternity

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and woman is essential to His eternal plan."- Family: Proclamation to the world. Va

lerie was 28 years old. 

“Family life is the best method for achieving happiness in this world, and it is a clear pattern given to us from the Lord about what is to be in the next world.” Spencer W. Kimball

-Irene

We are each other's first!

Many years ago, Valerie obtained her Bachelors Degree in Nursing on April 2008. Then she served a full time mission for our church in Bacolod, Philippines. After her mission, she met Bernie Dulam. They eventually fell in love with each other and decided to get married. 

"I've fallen for you...

Finally my heart gave in.."

-Irene

Hoooorrrayyy for Dennis!

Ivory's Husband Dennis Santiago obtained his Degree in BS Entrepreneurial Management on April 2014. "Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams."

Ben Carson

Irene

Michael and Nyla's Marriage for Eternity

Nyla( at age 27) and Michael tied the knot and started their eternal journey together on January 8, 2015.

“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.” -Joseph Smith Jr.

“The key to strengthening our families is having the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes. The goal of our families is to be on the strait and narrow path.” Robert D. Hales

-Irene

I like you!

When Nyla came back to the Philippines, she was able to find a job in a company called Prolook Sports as a Factory Liaison. A year later, she met Michael Burgos, got to know each other, went on fun dates and then eventually got engaged. This picture was actually their engagement photo. Year 2014. Nyla was 26 years old.

-Irene

Congratulations Minnie!

"To every thing there is a time for every worthy purpose under the heavens."

Nyla graduated from College in Brigham Young University in Hawaii (BS Hospitality and Tourism Management) after serving a mission in Cebu, Philippines. She has worked so hard with optimism to accomplish these goals of hers. 

-Irene

Time spent with family is worth every second.

From left to right: (Back): Kevron (25 y.o.), Nephi, Iroal (31 y.o.), Valerie (22 y.o.), Dennis (30 y.o.); (Front) Irene (27 y.o.), Mommy, Baby Emma (weeks old), Veyron (2 y.o.),Papa, Baby Dwayne (4 mos old), Daniela (4 y.o.), Ivory (29 y.o.)

I have a family here on Earth

They are so good to me

I want to share my life with them

Through all eternity...

The gents. Dennis, Papa Raul holding Dwayne, Kevron, Nephi holding Veyron.

Alma 48:11
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

I Walk by Faith 

1. I will prepare to make and keep sacred covenants,

Seek promised blessings of the priesthood thru obedience,

Live my life to claim the blessing sweet of exaltation,

My testimony growing each new day.

2. I walk by faith, a daughter of heav’nly parents.

Divine am I in nature by inheritance.

The Spirit whispers of my mission, my individual worth,

So I seek for precious knowledge, for learning, and for growth.

I understand the meaning of accountability;

Ev’ry choice for good or ill is my responsibility.

I want to build the kingdom and good works is the key.

By doing what I know is right I show integrity.

3. I walk by faith, a daughter of heav’nly parents.

Divine am I in nature by inheritance.

And someday when God has proven me

I’ll see Him face to face.

But just for here and now I walk by faith.

Yes, just for here and now I walk by faith.

Papa Raul and Mommy Trudee are now grandparents of four. "Grandparents are delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories, and LOVE."

-Irene

Sisters are joined heart to heart

Ivory holding her second baby named Dwayne Isaiah. Irene holding her second baby, Emma Joy. March 2009.

-Irene

A Reunion

The sisters Nyla and Irene had the chance to see each other in Hawaii before Irene went to the Philippines to see their family. Year 2009.

                                                    "I smile because you are my sister"

Veyron (second grandchild, first grandson in the family) at 2 years old met Auntie Nyla for the very first time.

"when God made Aunts, He gave me the best!"

Kids first reunion without Papa and Mommy

“Eternal families are made up of individuals. ‘Do your part to build a happy home" (For the Strength of the Youth)

-Irene

Irene and Kevron's Marriage for Eternity

A year after Ivory's wedding, Irene got married in the spring of April 13, 2006 at the LDS Bountiful, Utah Temple to Kevron Rees. She was 24 years old. They met each other while serving as full-time missionaries on Leyte, Philippines..

"my heart is entwined around yours...." -Joseph smith to Emma

-Irene

Happy Wedding Day of Ivy and Dennis

Ivory Jane, 25 years old (second child). From Left to right: Nyla, Valerie, Nephi, Ivory, Irene, Iroal.' I think I'm funny because my family, my siblings were funny."

-Irene

Sisters are the best kind of friends!

Valerie, Irene and Nyla doing Ivory's hair on her wedding day, May 2005.

-Irene

To the Moon and Back

Ivory Jane with her fiance Dennis Santiago. This was their engagement picture. They met at work in the LDS Church Office in Quezon City.

-Irene