Lola Med turned 92 today and I thought it was a good opportunity to have her see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren abroad. We set up a video chat via Skype and I asked all the cousins to get a Skype account and have their webcams ready.
There were three schedules set. The first batch would be the west coast Rodrigos. I set-up the session in my dad's office computer. The first group was scheduled at 11:00am Manila time. Marijo and her children, Kevin, Kenneth and Jorell were first to chat with Lola. Jenny and Joy couldn't make it but they sent their greetings through Marijo. Janet, Arlo and Carlos arrived in Marijo's house and took their turn in greeting Lola. Minotte, Ricky and their kids, Maui, Nico, Magu, Selena and Monica called a few minutes after the session with Marijo. Lola kept mentioning that Monica looked like a little Minotte. After the first group, Lola had lunch with her friends.
The second session was with Rammy from Vancouver. We established a connection at about 3:00pm Manila time. Only Rammy was available because it was 1:00am in Vancouver and he had just arrived from work. Chinggay and Paco were sleeping already.
We had a Mass in the terrace at 7:00pm and then dinner was served. I set-up my laptop in the terrace for this group so all the cousins in Manila could join. The last batch from the east coast got online at about 8:30pm Manila time. Mikko, Sylvia, Chiara and Gabby went first. There was initially a problem with the audio but it was eventually fixed (naka-mute pala). Mayoy and Lia were together and they called in next but they refused to turn on their webcam because it was early in the morning and they were not prepped up for the camera. Ur went to Mikko's house and he got on board next to greet Lola. Teng and Jashz were next and we enjoyed watching Tico eating all by his lonesome. We switched back to Mikko because Miguel had arrived. Lola wasn't able to have a video chat with Miguel but she already talked to him over the phone early in the day. Kat and Xavier were picked up by Ur but they weren't able to make it on time.
We missed Kit, Ched, Callie and Katie.
I forgot to do one important thing all throughout this video chat. I forgot to take Lola's picture as she was talking to everyone. I also failed to grab screenshots of each cousin so, I just posted my screenshot hehe!!
Thanks to all! Lola Med was so happy to see and hear all of you. She especially enjoyed the happy birthday songs from her apo sa tuhods.
Let's try this again soon. Maybe Christmas or New Year? Sana by that time Yahoo Messenger for Mac will have a voice option. Skype does not have a video option for the conference mode. I had to put a caller "on hold" when Lola was speaking to someone. In YM, puede sabay-sabay.
- kofranks
