I Was There, Too

Photo taken on December 24, 2004, during my family's annual Christmas get-together at our comfortable home in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines: This is my fiancée, Charlotte A. Belialba; and that was me at the other end of the telephone line, taking part in the festivity.

Technology, as many people would say, has both its evils and goodness; but during the very moment this picture was taken, technology was showing its most useful wonder—it allowed me to be there—albeit only in voice and spirit—among my loved ones on a very special day.