She spoke wistfully - her voice tremulous, her eyes slightly teary, betraying the state of nerves behind her tentative smile - of the time around 30 years ago when she immigrated to the United States in search of a better life. She was, and still is the family’s breadwinner…

What begins as a typical Pinoy story continues quite extraordinarily. I wonder what she is thinking now that she recounts these memories before an exclusive audience of about 30 people. These people have come to taste the different vintages of wine that she, her husband and her husband’s friend have produced. They are the owners and winemakers of Corte Riva Vineyards in St. Helena, Napa Valley, California.

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I’ve been wanting to do this for some time now, it’s been in my peripheral vision for the past few weeks. But everyone knows the story of my Megalife and how the triplets have taken me hostage and how I can only do stuff when they say I can. (Not much different from my immediate past corporate life, except that I’ve replaced obedient professionals with whiny three-year olds.) More…