Over the years, the third generation cousins of the Mondonedo clan have been having regular get togethers particularly when Uncle Papit and Auntie Amy are in town. These occasions were always filled with laughter, reminiscing about shared memories of our childhood. One thing we realized is that our lives are unique because of special persons who have nurtured us and who have been part of our lives. Though some of us never fully realize it, one of the greatest blessings we have are the people in our lives -- our family and friends. We all have that special role of being bearers of our parents and grandparents. We are vessels that hold the images and sounds and touch of something of our ancestors in our lives. Sometimes a sound, a smell or a faded old picture can actually bring back memories of these special people and shared experiences. I have been thinking of making a family tree for the Mondonedo clan. I am not sure anyone has attempted to do this. We also felt the need to plan for a major family reunion of all the descendants of our grandparents, Mariano and Maria Mondonedo. In the Mondonedo cousins get togethers and out of town trips -- we all realized our generation was not getting any younger, and the family members in the generation before us -- our parents, uncles , aunts and relatives who could help us work on the family tree -- are slowly diminishing. Just a several days ago, our beloved Auntie Loweng celebrated her 83rd birthday. And we also felt a need for our children and their children to know and value their roots. We can preserve our family traditions and history by making gifts of our memories -- sharing with other family members bits and pieces of what we know and what we remember. Making the family tree and planning the family reunion is an enormous task that will need the help and cooperation of every member of the family. I have decided to put up this blogspot for this very purpose. Through this blogspot, we hope to update everyone on all the developments regarding our two projects. We will also need family coordinators for different areas in the Philippines as well as abroad. I will also ask you to fill up the personal information sheet for each member of your family and send it back to me through this blogspot. Please feel free to give suggestions and comments.