Photos from our first day

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We made it to Aringay after a journey that will be chronicled later. It was 5 am so we ate breakfast and met the family at the house. It was moving to see Lolo Den and my mom, Juana meeting for the first time. We realized he is 31 years older than her at 86 years of age. After food and a tour of the garden, we walked around the corner and began meeting relatives. Holly was our first guide. Then we had to drive to Santa Rita East (a mile or so) to visit Tessa. There are others we met, but I didn't manage to get photos of everyone yet. Now it's time for a little relaxing and posting. More to come.
Rosario

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Photos

Brother and Sister
Juana and Inocencio meet for the first time.

Breaking the Ice
Video of this conversation later

Photos
A group of photos of Mangaoang women

Around the Corner
From the house we walk down to the river.

Family
Have to stop and meet relatives on the way. Jose, Holly, Francesca, Juana, Charisma, Teresita and Rachel

By the River
Behind are some of the mahogany trees that Jr planted

Shop
Another house around the way has a corner store run by Sheila

Family
Holly Lou, Juana and Den

Corner Store
Charisma is off to school.

Sign
can't have the Mangaoang corner store without a sign

Transportation
This got us from Santa Rita West to Sta Rita East where Toti's house is. Driven by Annie Rose's husband Ernan Ugay.

Van
Side view of our ride. Jr is a friend of the senator who has a bumper sticker here. Teresita is head of the Barangay association

Nerissa's sister
unfortunately Nerissa is in Hong Kong for work

Ice Cream
Annie Rose's son Denver

Comments

[Michelle]

wonderful photos
It must be so amazing to meet family and see your family name displayed and its normal. I am totally living vicariously through your journal and pics. This is awesome! So glad you got to see your brother while he is still here. I experienced this myself and it fills your heart to find family and know that you are not alone in your motherland.

[Vonetta Mangaoang]

thank you
love all the info. so glad you guys are there :-))

[Lolo Francisco]

Adventure
Tell Juana, et al, to go watch a cockfight. That will be a blast. Tito will host them there

[Jeri]

wow
This is such a WOW event. I am so happy for the three of you (but why isn't it four?). I know Juana has wanted to make this trip for years. I hope its all you hoped for and then some. Family is everything. A little more about who is who in future posts please. Have a great time and be safe. Love you!

[bob]

nice
its nice to see meeting your father side roots. Even an hardcore guy like me, you touched by your story. Im also an Ilokano, from La Union, workin' here in the U.A.E. and Im also a tattoo collector like you. thanx for sharing you story.