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This morning began like any other Christmas morning—Kendrick and Charlotte were the first to wake up. They weren’t expecting anything under the tree since they had already opened their presents earlier this week. Still, they couldn’t resist checking, just in case. To their surprise, a few carefully wrapped gifts were waiting for them.
As they excitedly looked closer, they noticed the presents were labeled with their names and Karen’s. “Are these from Dad?” they wondered aloud. Royce had to work today but wouldn’t be gone long, so Karen wasn’t sure either. But what made these gifts truly special were the handwritten letters attached to each one, written as if they were from Arfie herself.
The first letter was for Charlotte:
Next was Kendrick’s letter:
Finally, Karen opened her own letter:
As Karen read her letter, she couldn’t hold back her tears. Memories of Arfie came flooding back, along with the deep love they all shared. She remembered how, shortly after Arfie’s passing, Kendrick had come across a song called “If I Would Have Known” by Kyle Hume. The lyrics resonated deeply with their grief and love for Arfie:
"If I would have known That you wouldn’t be here anymore I would have made the moments last a little longer…"
The letters were a poignant reminder of the enduring bond we shared with Arfie and the love that continues to surround us, even in her absence.
As we reflected on the letters, the spirit of Christmas seemed to grow stronger. Karen was reminded of the true reason for the season—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s because of Him that we can hold onto the hope of being reunited with our loved ones someday, including our fur family.
While the pain of loss doesn’t fade with time, the knowledge of Heavenly Father’s plan brings peace. This Christmas morning, as the kids embraced the warmth of their gifts and letters, Karen found herself grateful for the memories, for the love that endures, and for the promise of eternal togetherness.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours. May the season remind us all of the love we share, both here and beyond.
Today marked a bittersweet milestone for our family as it was the last Sunday we attended Church in the Bocaue Ward for this year. While this remains our home ward, we’ll be out and about during the upcoming Sundays. It also happened to be the last Sunday before Christmas, a time filled with reflection and emotion. Adding to the poignancy of the day, it has been exactly a week since our beloved fur baby, Arfie, passed away. Her absence is deeply felt, yet her memory continues to bring warmth to our hearts.
A Meaningful Morning at Church
The day began with a solemn yet uplifting sacrament meeting. Mommy Carol, Karen’s mom, delivered an inspiring message as one of the speakers. Her words resonated deeply, reminding us of the strength and faith we can find during challenging times. The Bishop’s announcement that there would be no classes after the sacrament allowed everyone to head home early, giving families more time to prepare for the upcoming holiday celebrations.
One of the highlights of the morning was seeing our favorite twins, Karl John and Keail James Manalansang, whose playful energy and kind smiles always brighten our day. We’ve known them since they were kids and are so proud of what they’ve become—serving full-time missions, earning their degrees, and continuing to inspire those around them. Their cheerful presence brought smiles to everyone’s faces, making the atmosphere lighter and more joyful despite the emotional undertones of the day.
Remembering Arfie
After Church, we went to Mommy Carol’s home and took a moment to visit Arfie’s grave. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit remains vividly alive in our hearts. We felt her love and loyalty as if she were still by our side. Knowing she is in a better place now brings us some comfort, though we miss her terribly.
Family Traditions: The Giant Lantern Festival
Later in the afternoon, we embarked on a road trip to Robinson’s Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga, to uphold our family’s cherished annual tradition of watching the Giant Lantern Festival. Known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines," the festival showcases enormous, intricately designed lanterns that light up the night in vibrant colors and patterns, symbolizing hope and unity during the holiday season. This dazzling display of lights and colors never fails to fill us with awe and wonder. It’s a beautiful reminder of the joy and hope that the Christmas season brings.
Reflecting on the Day
As the day came to an end, we felt a mixture of emotions—gratitude for the memories made, sorrow for the loss of our dear Arfie, and excitement for the season of love and giving that lies ahead. It reminded us to hold on to the cherished moments, find strength in faith, and look forward to creating more memories filled with love and hope. Today was a testament to the importance of family, faith, and traditions in navigating life’s ups and downs.
Here’s to embracing every moment, cherishing the memories of those we’ve loved and lost, and celebrating the beauty of togetherness.
As we close out another year, we
reflect on the special moments and exciting milestones that made 2024
unforgettable. Here's a look back at our family's journey throughout the year:
January:
We kicked off the year with a magical experience at Disney on Ice,
creating memories that will last a lifetime. The joy and wonder of the
performance brought out the child in all of us!
February:
Our hearts were filled with music as we attended The Tabernacle Choir World
Tour at the University of Sto. Tomas andMall of Asia Arena. The
powerful performance was a reminder of the beauty and spirit that music brings
to our lives.
March:
We were blessed to attend the Urdaneta Temple Open House, where Kendrick
and Charlotte volunteered as instrumentalists, and Karen had the honor of
serving as a Filipino Sign Language Interpreter. Charlotte made history as the
youngest volunteer, an achievement we’re incredibly proud of! We also welcomed
Karen’s brother and sister-in-law from Canada, who joined us for the temple
visit and a trip to Baguio.
June: This month was filled with accomplishments. Kendrick graduated from elementary school, marking the beginning of his high school journey. Kendrick and Charlotte also received the Honor A Award during their school banquet for maintaining an above 94% average score. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication!
July:
Kendrick's passion for cubing took him to the Valenzuela Cubing Open 2024
and the South Luzon Championship 2024, where he showcased his skills and
dedication.
August:
Royce had a special birthday month, fulfilling a dream to visit Mount Mayon. We
embarked on a road trip from Bulacan to Albay, taking in the breathtaking views
and celebrating together.
September:
Karen’s birthday month was extra special, as she checked off another item on
her bucket list with a road trip to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was a
beautiful experience, and we enjoyed every moment exploring this historic
destination.
November:
The Cruising De la Cruzes embarked on our first Southeast Asian trip to Singapore
to attend the BYU Management Society Asia Annual Conference. Karen had
the privilege of conducting a marketing review and sharing the BYU Management Society Asia Region's
2025 plans with the local chapters from BYU, BYU MS Chapters in Cambodia,
Singapore, Philippines, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Kendrick also
participated in the Cool Down Singapore 2024 cubing competition, meeting
and competing with speedcubing sensation Yiheng Wang, the world record holder.
Meanwhile, Charlotte earned 3rd place in the School of Tomorrow
Philippines' Junior Student Convention Manila Leg in the solo string
(bowed) category!
December:
Sadly, we said goodbye to our beloved fur baby, Arfie, who crossed the
rainbow bridge at the age of 11. She brought so much joy to our family, and her presence will always be cherished in our hearts.
As we look forward to 2025, we are
filled with gratitude for all the blessings and adventures this year has
brought. From new accomplishments to family travels, this year was truly one to
remember.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
to all! May the coming year bring more love, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Warning: Some photos may be sensitive and disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
On December 15, 2024, our beloved Arfie Cornelio De la Cruz—a full-fledged member of our family, complete with her own full name—joined her Creator unexpectedly. As we write this, our family is still grieving, struggling to put into words the depth of our sorrow. This post is our way of creating an everlasting memory of our first furbaby, a cherished companion who gave us so much love and joy.
A Lifetime of Love
Arfie came into our lives when our kids were just toddlers, a gift from one of Royce’s aunts. The kids chose her name after watching a video that left a lasting impression on them. To our surprise and delight, Arfie turned out to have soft white fur, making her even more special. It was love at first sight.
Over the years, Arfie grew up alongside our children, becoming their protector, playmate, and loyal friend. Her bark was unmistakable, known not just to us but to our neighbors and even the delivery drivers from Lazada, Shopee, GrabFood, and FoodPanda. She barked at garbage trucks before they even reached our street, doing her part to keep our home safe.
Arfie was our constant companion, crying when we left the house and wagging her tail in pure joy when we returned. She loved being cuddled and would nudge us to pet her, offering her body to be scratched and stroked. She brought warmth and light into our home, becoming a source of comfort and happiness for 11 wonderful years.
The Beginning of Goodbye
On December 11, we noticed something was wrong. After a routine trip to pick up Karen’s mom from the airport, Arfie suddenly had difficulty breathing. She couldn’t get up and seemed to be in pain. We reached out to our family vet, who advised us to monitor her condition overnight.
That night, Karen dreamt of Arfie. In the dream, Karen found a door, and Arfie was there, waiting for her—healthy, strong, and radiant. The dream brought both comfort and uncertainty. Was this a sign that Arfie would recover? Or was she preparing to cross to the other side?
The next day, Arfie showed small signs of improvement. She sat with our cats, Toby and Snowflake, who seemed unusually attentive, as if they sensed something was wrong. Even a neighborhood puspin came to visit her. Arfie ate and drank a little, but her energy was fading.
On Thursday, we heard her bark again—a sound we hadn’t heard in days. It filled our hearts with hope and gratitude. But by Saturday, as we returned from our temple visit, we knew her time was near. Arfie’s condition worsened, and we prepared ourselves to say goodbye.
A Final Act of Love
In her final moments, Arfie showed the same love and kindness she had always given us. We comforted her, assuring her it was okay to let go. Kendrick had the thoughtful idea to create a paw print keepsake with polymer clay, while Charlotte captured the moment with a photo and video—a bittersweet way to hold onto a piece of her forever.
Until the very end, she kept fighting. We all knew she was struggling, but she didn’t give up. Karen looked her straight in the eyes and whispered, “It’s okay, no need to fight anymore. We will take care of you until your last breath. We love you, Arfie. We will miss you. Rest now.”
We took turns checking on her, ensuring she was comfortable and loved. Each of us had the chance to say goodbye, whispering our love and gratitude.
December 15, 2024
Morning came, and Arfie’s condition deteriorated further. Still, she fought with all her strength. We reached out to our family vet, who confirmed that Arfie’s time was near. We asked if there was anything more we could do—feed her, hydrate her—but the vet gently told us we had done everything possible. It was time to let her go and give her the peaceful passing she deserved.
In those final moments, we found meaning in something Kendrick had been preparing for church. He was assigned to give a talk about The Greatest Gift, focusing on the blessings of love and service. He reflected on how even simple, heartfelt gifts show our care and how Heavenly Father’s greatest gift was His Son, Jesus Christ, who offers us eternal life.
Kendrick wanted to stay home with Arfie until her last breath, but we reminded him that Arfie would want him to fulfill his duty. By honoring his commitment, he wasn’t just glorifying God but also showing love for one of His greatest creations—our beloved Arfie. We promised Kendrick we would only stay at church for sacrament meeting so we could return home immediately.
Before leaving, we said our final goodbyes to Arfie, praying for her peace. In Karen's heart, she asked Heavenly Father to grant her a painless passing, if it was His will.
When we returned home, our prayers were answered. Arfie had fought the good fight and passed away peacefully. Though our hearts were heavy with grief, we found comfort in knowing she was no longer in pain.
A Final Resting Place
We drove to Karen's ancestral home to lay Arfie to rest. It was a fitting place for her, surrounded by the memories of our family and the love she had given us. As we said our last goodbye, we felt an overwhelming mix of sorrow and gratitude.
Run Free, Arfie
Our home feels empty without Arfie. The silence is deafening, and the void she left is impossible to fill. But we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, free from pain and suffering. We believe this goodbye is only temporary. Arfie is eternally part of our family, and we hold onto the promise of being reunited in the glorious morning of our Savior’s coming.
Looking Ahead
Many have asked if we plan to adopt another pet, and the answer is yes. Karen received a blessing at Church to appreciate the beauty of God’s creations, including the unconditional love of animals like Arfie. While no one can replace her, we are open to welcoming a new fur baby into our lives to love and cherish just as we did with Arfie.
This doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten Arfie. We know Arfie would want us to move on too. She will always be in our hearts. We need to move forward, but Arfie remains a part of us. We will miss her deeply and hold onto the love she gave us, even as she took pieces of our hearts with her.
To our sweet Arfie: Thank you for 11 years of unconditional love, loyalty, and joy. You were more than a pet; you were family. We love you and miss you dearly. Run free, our guardian angel. Until we meet again.
Side note: This photo, taken by Kendrick, was captured when we thought Arfie was recuperating. It shows one of her signature looks when there were passersby—though this time, there were none. Maybe, just maybe, someone was quietly asking her to cross to the other side.
PS: There were so many things we wish we could have done and so many moments we couldn’t capture, but one thing is certain—Arfie lived the best 11 years of her life with us. We wouldn’t have had it any other way. Run free, Arfie, and chase rainbows!
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
In a heartwarming display of youthful devotion and familial harmony, the Urdaneta Philippines Temple Open House and Dedication witnessed touching moments that captivated the hearts of attendees. Among the highlights were the enchanting performances by the De la Cruz siblings, Charlotte and Kendrick, from Bulacan.
The first video, shared on March 22, 2024, at 4:44 PM, opens with a captivating scene featuring 10-year-old Charlotte and her 12-year-old brother, Kendrick, alongside their mother Karen. Together, they graced the event with their musical talents and genuine spirit. In the spotlight, the brother-and-sister duo delivered a moving rendition of the cherished hymn "I Love to See The Temple." Adding an extra layer of inclusivity, Karen masterfully accompanied their performance with sign language, ensuring that every guest could share in the experience of their beautiful tribute.
As we reflect on these moments, it becomes evident that the youth are not just the future of the Church but also its vibrant present. Their unwavering commitment to their faith and willingness to contribute in meaningful ways serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
Moreover, the anticipation for the third operating temple in the Philippines, with more to follow, fills the hearts of believers with excitement and gratitude. The growth of temples in the region signifies the flourishing of the Church and the strengthening of its members' connections to their spiritual heritage.
In conclusion, the Urdaneta Philippines Temple Open House and Dedication provided a poignant reminder of the power of unity, music, and youthful enthusiasm in fostering a sense of belonging and reverence. As we look forward to the continued expansion of temples and the unwavering dedication of individuals like Charlotte and Kendrick Dela Cruz, let us cherish these moments of spiritual upliftment and renewal.
Royce and I couldn't be prouder of our kids' accomplishments in music. Over time, we've been asked numerous times about how we encouraged Kendrick and Charlotte to pursue their musical interests. We hope that by sharing our experiences, we can offer some guidance to parents who are hoping their children will fall in love with music too.
Just wrapped up a music video shoot with the fam at the crack of dawn 🌅 Shoutout to Photogracia for capturing this beautiful moment! #FamilyPhoto #EarlyBirdGetsTheWorm
1. How did your kids become interested in playing music?
Neither Kendrick nor Charlotte were pushed into music; rather, they discovered their passion for it on their own. We always encouraged exploration of various interests, and music happened to be something they gravitated towards. Kendrick's fascination with the Ward Pianist at Church sparked his interest, and Charlotte found inspiration after watching Meiying play the violin in the Karate Kid movie.
2. When did they start playing music?
Kendrick and Charlotte began their musical journey four years ago. It was a natural progression from their initial interest to actively learning and practicing instruments.
3. What instruments do they play?
Kendrick plays the piano, and Charlotte plays the violin. Each instrument allows them to express themselves uniquely and explore different musical genres.
4. Did you ever consider enrolling them in music lessons?
Yes, we hired music teachers, whom we adore. Although Karen had a brief background in music, playing the piano and the violin as well, she always wanted to play the drums (but that's a story for another time).
5. How do they balance music practice with school and other activities?
Balancing music practice with school and other activities can be challenging, but Kendrick and Charlotte have developed a routine that works for them. They dedicate specific times each day to practice while also ensuring they have time for schoolwork and extracurriculars. Homeschooling offers them flexibility in balancing academics and their passion. They practice one hour a day.
6. Have they performed in any concerts or recitals?
While they haven't performed in concerts, both Kendrick and Charlotte have had opportunities to shine in recitals. These experiences have not only boosted their confidence but also allowed them to share their passion for music with others. Sometimes, they were even invited to perform in other music schools' recitals, further showcasing their talent.
7. Do you think their interest in music will continue in the future?
While it's difficult to predict the future, we believe that Kendrick and Charlotte's love for music will endure. It has become a significant part of their lives, providing them with joy, creativity, and a means of self-expression. In fact, they're so serious about their passion that they're planning to pursue music in college.
8. What advice do you have for parents whose children are interested in learning music?
Encourage exploration and provide support without pressure. Let your children lead the way in choosing their instruments and learning pace. Create a nurturing environment where they can freely express themselves through music. Follow your children's lead; it doesn't have to be music—it can be anything. Once they've found their passion, support them all the way.
As I sit down to write this blog post on a Maundy Thursday, my mind is filled with the tender mercies of the Lord. In a week that was supposed to mark the beginning of summer according to PAG-ASA, we found ourselves amidst unexpected rain showers and thunderstorms. But amidst the unpredictable weather, our family experienced a series of heartwarming events and encounters that reminded us of the beauty of life's surprises.
March 21 marked the start of another road trip adventure for us, this time to Urdaneta, Pangasinan. We picked up Mom first at her house before heading out. However, our journey hit a snag when we got lost due to the wrong pin on Google Maps. Thankfully, the kids' teachers had checked in before us at RedDoorz @ Goldland Spring Resort Urdaneta City, so they were able to provide us with the correct location for the hotel. With their help, we eventually found our way to our destination. There, we had the pleasure of meeting the kids' teachers in person for the first time. It was a special moment, considering our four years of online interactions. Afterward, we celebrated with a dinner at Burger King, albeit after a slight detour caused by misleading directions.
The following day, March 22, held great significance for Kendrick and Charlotte as they volunteered as instrumentalists at the Urdaneta Philippines Temple Open House. Their performance was a proud moment for us, made even more special by the presence of our Bocaue Ward Valenzuela Philippines Stake Family, who traveled from Bulacan to support them. Charlotte's recognition as the youngest volunteer added to the pride we felt, and we eagerly await the release of her interview by the History Committee.
Our journey continued to Baguio on March 23, where we indulged in the sights and delights of Burnham Park and Mines View Park the following day. The day was filled with laughter, shared meals, and cherished memories, thanks to the company of Kuya Troy, Ate Del, and Mommy Carol. It's worth noting that we checked in at this Airbnb during our stay.
As we headed back home on March 25, exhausted but content, we reflected on the significance of the past week. Despite the unexpected twists and turns, it was a week filled with love, friendship, and renewed faith. Our 14th anniversary, commemorating the day we first met, served as a poignant reminder of the blessings we've received and the friendships we've forged along the way.
In addition to the profound moments we shared, our trip to Baguio also provided us with tangible reminders of our journey. We couldn't resist the allure of Baguio's unique produce, so we made sure to stock up on broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and other goodies that can only be found in the City of Pines. As we savored these locally sourced delights, we found ourselves not only nourished by their flavors but also by the memories they invoked, encapsulating the essence of our time spent exploring new places and creating cherished memories together.
In closing, I am reminded of the words of Psalm 30:5: "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Indeed, amidst life's storms, there is always the promise of brighter days ahead. Here's to embracing the unexpected, cherishing the moments, and finding joy in the journey.
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