HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today's memorial is quite personal.. He might not be a writer, neither is he a philosophist nor was he a philanthropist.. But he'll always be my hero -- my Dad. And he celebrated his birthday today, he would have been 69.. You might have been taken from us by our Creator but you'll always be here in our hearts.. We miss you so much!

We had a high mass celebrated right next to his burial site and had a small feast to celebrate his life with us and the life he gave us.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAY (DAD).. Love you so much!!!

I might have grown up dreaming of my Prince Charming, married my prince, but you'll always be my KING!

For everyone else, I've still taken a shot of a monument for y'all, here's
the Tobacco Monopoly Monument

It is the only monument of its kind in the country. When the Spaniards discovered that the land and climate of Ilocos is perfect for growing tobacco, they forced the people to plant only tobacco and no other crop. The sakadas were also forced to sell the tobacco leaves only to the Spanish government. This has lead to numerous resistance among the locals. There were also stories of untold abuses done by the authorities. For one hundred long years, 1781 until 1881, the tobacco monopoly existed in Ilocos. A period of dark history in Ilocandia.

It was only in 1881 when King Alfonso XII lifted the tobacco monopoly. The people of Ilocos then erected the Tobacco Monopoly Momunent in 1882 as a thanksgiving to the Crown of Spain for recognizing the stuggles of the Ilocano people against the Monopoly.

The tall yet graceful monument is located right at the center of Laoag City plaza, in front of the Provincial Capitol.

Along with this monument are other shots I also took today:

The Pup With No Name - how cute is she!!!

Did You Want Me? - a male goat

Ooops, Wrong Hole! - two male goats, haha!

I may not beable to comment or reply as often as I want, but know that I read all of them and admire all of the shots so much.. And in place of comment, for now I give --

Hugs and kisses to everyone!!