A 20-Year Throwback to Friendship & Laughter

J.F.R. Perseveranda 11/24/2025 03:29:00 PM

Happy Birthday again, Missy!

Flashback to January 18, 2005 when I hung out with you and met Maricruz. I had not posted these photos since they were taken before we all joined Facebook (me in 2007).

Great meeting you Maricruz!

Tess and the kids had flown to the Philippines in early December so thanks you two for letting me hang out.

I'm pretty sure we finished at least a couple bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon. Peace my friend!

November is the month of Thanksgiving

Missy, thank you for being part of my story, for the good energy you’ve always shared, and your friendship. You deserve a birthday filled with love, peace, blessings, and the kind of laughter that echoes like it did back in 2005.

I would have posted our Seattle vacation pix, but I still have to scan phtos prior to December 2000 (when I got my first digital camera). Stay tuned; I'll be scanning those.

Happy Birthday, Missy.
Here’s to more years of connection, friendship, and moments worth remembering.

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By: J.F.R. Perseveranda

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Posted by: J.F.R. Perseveranda

Founder, Social Media Manager & Content Creator at Pinoybuilt.com. Photographer at JFPerseveranda.com. Former IT Product Manager at Pacific Gas & Electric. I'm a 1.5 generation immigrant—Filipino-born, U.S.-raised—sharing stories that bridge cultures. Share yours at PINOYBUILT.com. I’m still learning about our roots, and I invite you to learn with me. I was born in Makati City and raised in Marikina, known for world-class shoes and strong community ties. I went to Marist School; my sister went to St. Scholastica’s. We spent weekends in Malate—those memories of old Manila still shape who I am. At 9, we moved to Chicago, where I saw snow for the first time. At 12, we relocated to Vallejo, CA. Since then, I’ve lived in Davis,Glendale (SoCal), back to Chicago in my 20s, San Francisco & Fremont. I visit SoCal often for family. Chicago will always be special—but go Golden State Warriors! At UC Davis, I was a member of Mga Kapatid, where I had the chance to participate in Pilipino Culture Night and perform traditional dances like Bangko. Now, as a father of three, I’m doing my best to pass on our Filipino heritage. Let’s build something Filipino together. Mabuhay. Salamat.