Christmas Stay Ins

With the economic recession underway, Ronnel and I made a conscious decision to cut back on expenses. Plus, we also have to prepare for the big arrival of the newest member of the family on May. So, we decided not to take out-of-town trips, cut back on gifts and “pamasko” to our friends and relatives (Thankfully, they understand the situation and are happy with the Christmas cards we sent them.) Instead, we had get-togethers in our home and invited friends to celebrate the season. Yep, it’s time to tighten our belts.

Tightening our belts doesn’t mean we have to skimp on what’s important this season – remembering the real reason why we celebrate – the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And we do this best by celebrating the gift of life, love and friendship.

So here are some of our pics spending Christmas day with friends we’ve come to love and cherish here in NZ…

Here's the Couples for Christ Music Ministry Get Together:


Here's our Christmas Eve celebration. (side story: It's been a tradition for the Rodriguez and Baloyo family to spend Christmas together ever since we were in Malaysia. We now bring this tradition to New Zealand....)



And Christmas Eve Celebration Part 2 Cum Household Meeting/Band Jamming Session



And lastly, our post Christmas Picnic by the beach (nope, it's not a nudist beach, much to Ronnel's dismay)




Watch out for our New Year's Special!