Rafa's Christening

We celebrated the Christening of my second Grandson, Rafaelo Miguel (Rafa) last Sunday, December 13, 2009. It was a big celebration of our family welcoming our grandson to the Christian World. He was christened at the Santuario de San Antonio Church in Forbes Park, Makati. Friends, relatives, classmates and officemates of Babes and Ponchie came to greet Rafa for his special day. He was exactly 4 months and 20 days. The baptismal rite was held at the Baptistry located at the right wing of the church at 4:30 pm.

After the ceremony, everyone proceeded to the reception. It was held at the Gerry's Grill in Market! Market! in Global City. Many guests who did not attend the baptismal rite came at the restaurant. Before the sumptuous buffet dinner began, there was a short program honoring and welcoming our baby boy, Rafa by the families from both sides and some close friends. Aui and Ags, my lovely daughters acted as emcees to the program. A short prayer was read by a nine year old smart boy, Stephen, a nephew of Babylin. Everyone loved the party as they enjoyed the food and drinks. This is also a time when friends and relatives meet occasionally when schedules and time are always occupied. I would say that this gathering is some sort of reunion for everyone.

Rafa is a bouncing baby boy who has grown so big than we had expected. At almost three months, he weighed twice as much when he was delivered from the hospital. Well, maybe we focused too much attention on Gabe's condition before by comparing my first grandson who was a preterm baby. Gabe was contracted with a bacterial infection of Sepsis and stayed sometime in an incubator at the hospital. He was a frail baby boy and to Rafa's condition it was different, he grew normally at the same time his hunger for milk is too much that he exceeded much to our expectations. On the other hand, Gabe had a hard time finishing his milk most of the time. Rafa is a robust baby growing remarkably. He is a handsome baby boy who smiles and baby talks at you whenever you get his attention. Edith and I love him so much that we always visit him whenever we can. Sometimes he stays with us in our home for a few days and that is a big blessing for us and my daughters as we enjoy him to be closer with us. I hope God will bless my grandson and will keep him to be a good boy. Everyday I will pray for Rafa's well being and to grow in the love of God and fellowmen.

All the photos here were copied with permission from Babylin's album in Facebook.