My Original Sistah

My original SISTAH is Ate Luz… She is the lifelong Ate I have… Even we were 8 years apart, I treated her as my first “best friend” in my toddler and teen years… She was my Ate, filling my summer childhood memories of her being there for us (me and willy). We were the regular tambay in their big “nipa” house… enjoying many summers playing and bonding with her, reading comics, playing text (mini-cards), taguan (hide and seek) or just being there watching her doing her household chores. She never grew tired of our kakulitan, she being already a teen-ager and us being just 7-9 yr old “alaga.”

Haha… if i will ever ask Willy to write with me here about Ate Luz, we might probably fill this blog with lots of memories….

Anyways, I promised my Ate Luz that we’ll have a spa-night together… since it will be a wedding of her son this weekend, I also feel this is a long-overdue bonding moment.

SO last night, she did facial spa and i did foot spa… she made the spa assitants laughed with her wacky remarks (it was her first time to have facial treatment)… we had a great time… Soon i will treat her to foot spa also.

Jolo at 14th, 14 about Jolo

My first son have way passed the kid-teen barrier… I was not worried last year on his 13th because nothing seemed much change… but then suddenly I thought i was prepared for this, him going through much adolescent changes, but I am not, between last year and now… the “transformation” seems abrupt too (or its just my imagination)… but then again, it amaze me how he handles and enjoys his changes….

This blog is intended to “freeze” this moment in this jolo’s stage. Eventually in the future, I will read this and smile… I just wish he will grow up more to be a fine gentleman. For now, these is Jolo at this stage…
1. He amazes me with his musical instincts, he can play guitar and piano without training or even a songbook/musical note.
2. He is now a choreographer to his dance group and being considered as fine leader.
3. He is now an avid book reader (ouch on my pocket)… but he have already read many great series, and is now seeking for my old classic serious books like “The Shack” and “Sophies World” (to think he got hooked to books only a year before in their school book fair)
4. He is still in rubic cubes, puzzles and magic. Mind you his rubic cube is now that pentagon shape, with 24 pcs per color.
5. Shoes and caps are his favorite collection now.
6. He is a food-picker, with only few favorites, nothing much change on this area, so I have to put him on correct diet.
7. Weights- he is now conscious about his body… well he is getting taller but not yet too lean.
8. Religion – he got so excited with the youth religious service he attended and begging to join again.
9. He is a fine artist, I suppose, he can draw and create characters. (he even “sells” his works in drafting -uhuh)
10. He can learn so many things easily by observing and watching, like pen spinning and that difficult dance steps, and that electric guitar piece.
11. He is a little “obsessed” with his hair… had to spend more time in the morning fixing it.
12. He is fun to be with, he shares funny stuff and laughs in small stuff.
13. He is not sporty… but as he claim, he is “artisty”
14. He is my fine, good, loving, funny, curious, compassionate boy who I believe will turn up to be a fine gentleman.

Lean at 10, 10 about Lean

It was Lean’s Bday last March 10, and he just turned 10… We went Splash Island in Sta Rosa Laguna and had a fun-filled water-activities with cousins and family.

SO much about the fun-blog about this (I havent saved the pics yet), I just want to talk about this amazing kid Lean who happened to be our 2nd precious kid. 10 things about Lean:

1. Lean is a bubbly, funny, cute, chubby boy.
2. Lean likes food. He likes any food, and likes to explore new food (like his mom)!
3. Lean is an early-riser, even on week-ends.
4. Lean is a “heavy” sleeper, meaning, he can “drown” or “smother” you with his legs and arms while sleeping.
5. Lean likes Lego (and look-alike Lego) and has a plenty of it. He can build even while watching TV.
6. Lean dreams of being a chef, a robotic engineer, or an inventor.
7. Lean is a Big Brother to Aliya, he reads her stories and teaches her iPad games techniques, and arts.
8. Lean has a plentiful of drawings of castles and kingdom. He is fascinated on stories about knights and dragons.
9. Lean loves world history book, he has a thick book about that, and reads it when he’s bored with techi games
10.Lean is so gentle and obedient, one you can rely upon when you need a hug, a massage or even just a reassuring smile, with pat on a leg/shoulder, when mom needs one.

The Sequel… Toy Story 3 and Shrek 4

I have just watched this weekend the sequel of two great cartoon (digital)  movies in cable channels.

Actually I never thought (until last night) that there was already a 4th Shrek… as always, I liked it . The moral of the story is about appreciating what you are and what you have, i hope it will never got to the point that one will never know how important they are, until they lose them (like Shrek).  I will always remember the “cake” scene and will be watchful about how I will treat the people or how to react on a situation….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just finished watching the Toy Story 4… the last part is so touching… It’s  about reminding the importance of friendship and loyalty. And about not forgetting to always to seize the childhood and playful moments.  We can all “go back” to that moment of childhood and realize that we can be happy always….

emote moment lang even in the midst of children’s movies… :>

Today…. The Only Day…

Today….

I will treasure this day, for it is all I have.
I know that its rushing hours cannot be accumulated or stored,
like precious grain, for future use.

Aliya, Sept 7 2011, having fun dressing up princess…

Today, while I plan for and do everyday “livelihood” chores, I should not also forget to seize every moment with delight and pleasure… no matter how toxic and busy life is, there is always simple things lurking around (unnoticed) that can make us smile and feel warm… like a kid’s smile, her bouncing around, or kid’s effort to offer you slippers (and foot massage), their singing while playing in shower. Those are the moments that cannot be stored in a box, nor completely captured in a photo. Life is now. Appreciation should not be delayed! Maybe, this imight be really the only day I have….

Today Series 4/22

Best Day Ever!

Last night, I caught Aliya suddenly stood up from her sleepy state and danced and sing when he heard the song featuring at “Nick tune” at Nicolodean…. Her full smile and delight shining on her face (gone was her sleepy state!). I was delighted too… so I sat her with me and watched some more in You Tube and do sing-along over and over… (at 11 in the evening!)
“Best Day Ever” lyrics is soooo nice, funny and insightful! If you just can imagine if people waking up every morning with the same positive attitude and delight! hahaha!
Until sleeping time, Aliya is singing the song, but she keep on saying “Best Friend Ever” and I kept on correcting her, but can’t win!… Anyway her version is so cute too…
I woke up this morning with that song playing in my head…
What a good felling, i’ll tell you…
Best day ever!
I stamp this day as my “best-day-ever” day!

Mr. Sun came out and he smiled at me.
Said it’s gonna be a good one just wait and see!
Jumped out of bed and I ran outside feeling so extra exstatified!

It’s the Best day ever! (Best day ever)
It’s the Best day ever! (Best day ever)

I’m so busy got nothing to do, spent the last two hours just tying my shoe.
Every flower every grain of sand, is reaching out to shake my hand.

It’s the Best day ever! (Best day ever)
It’s the Best day ever! (Best day ever)

Sometimes the little things start closing in on me,
when I’m feeling down I wanna lose that frown
I stick my head out the window and look around.
Those clouds don’t scare me they can’t disguise,
this magic that’s happening right before my eyes.

Soon Mr. Moon will be shining bright so the best day ever will last all night.
Yes the Best day ever’s gonna last all night now.

It’s the Best day ever! (Best day ever)
It’s the Best day ever (Best day ever)
(Best day…)

Ilocandia Tour Postponed by Typhoon Mina

We were so excited for this tour… but Mina got in the way

The flight was postponed, and any attempt to go by land would be impossible because of flooded areas. in towns going there. But good thing we didn’t push our a way (even on the next flight on Sunday), because Ilocos was too flooded too. Haay, it was a mess back there at the airport (angry pips because of inefficient, arrogant Cebu Pacific staff – well I don’t want to dwell on that, it doesn’t worth a blog from me), we ended our business there at around 12 noon na.

We were so hungry that we decided to turn our “bad trip” to “food trip” so we headed to Vikings for a hearthy lunch! “eat-all-you-can- drink-all-you can” treat! wheeew! (so sorry for the indulgence in this time of calamity…)

TSP: Fun Session and Nighttime Stories with Aliya

Every night, Aliya will always have her books before sleeping. It’s what she call “istoyi-taym” She gets not just one book but several books for her to “read,” well, she just actually telling stories “bulol-bulol” from the pictures. When its time, she asks me to read for her. And that’s our finest moment! And mind you, it’s not “solemn” reading good for a sleepy child, but she likes it to be complete with all sounds and actions and mimic of voices. That’s why at the end of it (4 stories at the minimum), mommy was exhausted, and Aliya was “alive” again.

Come to think of it, i been doing it since Jolo was a kid, then with Lean, and now Aliya. It’s seems that while my kids can “graduate” from this ritual, their Mom cannot!

Well, I know, when I’ll look back at it, it’s our finest moment!

Pic Note: Lessons Learned

TSP: Hijaked Mama’s Attic and Found Old Toys

Aliya and I made a quest in my Mama’s attic, and looked for old toys… there are lots of them up there and my little princess just can’t contain herself, no matter how dusty and torn and old these toys are! I saw the delight in her face for every good find! It was my pleasure to introduce her to my old (few) dolls. But our great find was the old circus toy set still in a box, with only just few pieces missing. We took them down and played with it together with Kuya Lean… Ahhh… a great way to enjoy Sunday!

Do “First Time” More Often – Part 2

That was August 9, 2010 when I have finished my first list of “Do First Time More Often” and now its almost another year, and I have to update my list Part 2… I have to rake my memories, but I know there are more than enough to fill my next 101 “Firsts”. Pardon me if I start where I left-off last year….

1. Luge ride and Skyride (down the winding hill) – got a little scared, at Singapore!
2. Segway ride (I thought I can’t do it too)
3. The “Mummy” roller coaster ride at USS! weeee! really cant get enough of roller coasters
4. The CineBlast Log Ride at Sentosa Imbiah Lookout
5. Dinner at Kopitiam for 4 consecutive days, ohh Jolo, cant get enough of Tempura
6. Moment with the Merlion….
7. Quiet moment at the coach below the Singapore Flyer (while Jolo and Papi were sleeping – nice place to take a nap)
8. Walking round the Marina Bay (de-tour because of Olympic rehearsals)- that was about 2-3 kilometers! kakapagod.
9. Singapore night scene at the top of the Sky Park at Marina Bay Sands. Spectacular!
10. The China town and the Temple @ Singapore
11. Siloso beach at Sentosa island
12. Mass at Singapore Church (St Vincent de Paul)
13. Seen college friends at the airport- the only couple from college days (first time since about 15+ years)
14. New business line for Star City – Pillows! New designs, nice prospects.
15. Tried 2-day bazaar at the World Trade Center (WTC).
16. First to create business page in facebook “Pillow Me”
17. The SJS Reunion-Batch 87… many friends and classmate whom I last seen since HS graduation! Great time!
18. The Charity Marathon as celebration of my 40th birthday, 2 orphanages & 2 street-gift-giving
19. First time at Hospicio de San Jose with my auditors! Hello Liezl, Edward, Hannah, etc.
20. First time at Philippine Children’s Mission with family and auditors! They sang for us!
21. The “us” moment (with Papi) at Puerto Princesa. First time without the kids in tow.
22. Dinner at Kalui, a popular resto in Puerto Princesa
23. The unforgettable Underground River
24. The spectacular Snake Island and its beach. 1-km stretch walking with Papi.
25. Goofy photo-taking at the beach!
26. Special guest at new “Karaoke Republic” of sister Flor (seen Boots Anson Roa)
27. Experience “Karenderia Buffet” with Papi
28. The spa party experience with friends!
29. The new room, I mean, Office for Auditors!
30. A great family getaway at Amana Waterpark resorts at SJDM Bulacan (March)
31. Special guest at Summit RIdge, Seri ASia spa at Tagaytay.
32. New office for SVS… Major business decision for SVS (lots of first-time decisions here)
33. The 1st ever organized “cousinhood” adventure at Sagada, mountain province
34. Spelunking… the first time I heard the word was in February… and in April I’d already done it. It’s trekking inside the underground cave! (Sumaguing Cave)
35. Seen hanging coffins of Sagada
36. Mountain trekking at Echo Valley
37. Sunrise watching at Kilterpan Valley! Just WOW!
38. Two-hours trekking at rice terraces to see a waterfall
39. Cold swimming and underwater picture-taking at the Bomod-ok Falls
40. Night walking with Papi at the quiet small town of Sagada.
41. Surprise birthday party for DAD! 82nd! Motiff in Blue and Green!
42. Special guest at the new restaurant of sister Flor, “Mesa”
43. Beach time with Kahiwat family Phi-phi resort, Bataan (June)
44. Making sand-castle with Aliya and Lean
45. Paradise experience at Club Paradise with Papi!
46. First ever “swimming” in the beach without my feet touching the sand underneath the water. First ever in life-vest.
47. Stargazing by the beach with Papi…
48. Mountain trekking and meeting the bats! Lots of bats!
49. Snorkeling all day-long… yey! afraid to try in Puerto Princesa… now I succeed at Coron.
50. Swimming at Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon
51. ALiya’s 3rd Birthday… first-time family bonding at MOA.
52. Joined bazaar at Robinsons
53. Divi moments with Mama and Jolo – shopping galore
54. Teambuilding for my Audit Team! (more firsts here)
More to come…. I just have to retrieve from my memory…

Catching Up with my Reading

I ve been catching up with my reading marathon… it has to be 101 in1001 days, right? I have read somewhere that a kid read1000 books in 365 days, well she had done that while traveling, in between places, perhaps.  Me, I manage to do reading actually while in LRT, car, and in the loo :> other than that, the time and places are too hectic…

Well, what I have been reading or in the process* of reading:

1. Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton
2. Airframe by Michael Crichton (anything written by this author interests me)
3. Time Traveller’s Wife* (i lost the book! I probably left it in a van… :<)
4. Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom (thanks Kuya for sending me the book)
5. You have the Power to Create Love by Bo Sanchez (a reading companion while in Coron Palawan)
6. Duh! by Francis Kong (authographed)
7. Why Dont You Grow Up (Dad)? by Francis Kong (authographed too)
8. The Lightning Thief*(Percy Jackson Series) – I am catching up with Jolo, he’s now in 3rd book
9. The Sphere* by Michael Cricthon
10. The Only Real Things Matter by Francis Kong

Not bad, that’s almost 10% of my target. And that’s aside from business and “people” books I ve been reading while waiting my turn during training, and re-read of Harry Potter 7, to refresh me before and after the movie… :>

TSP: Missing Our Old Habit: Hilot-Paa for Jolo

He is now 13! He is now taller than me… he is so awkwardly odd and handsome… he talks slangishly weird… he laughs like his father… he is now into piano, guitar, rubix cubes and skateboard… he is into Harry Potter books doing marathon reading… he worries about his pimples…he just had his hair “relaxed”… he shuns me from his room…. he “forbids” me to look at his cellphone… but last night, he asked me to “hilot-paa”*; awesome !

*hilot-paa used to be our bedtime ritual since he was two, for him to sleep (plus his tini-smelly pillow)… massaging, (tickling actually) his foot one at a time till he gets asleep…. until we “agreed” (or rather “fought”) to halt it by his 10th birthday. it was getting difficult for me to reach his foot, and for him to do some body contortion…

Last night, I willingly (and longingly) obliged! It doesn’t matter now even I have a long queue of things to do with my tax clients, it doesn’t matter even if it will mean I will fall asleep too, it doesn’t matter even if we do major body contortion! i love it, I missed it! We both missed it!

Happy birthday! Love you, Jolo… anytime, anak…

Oh, by the way, he is still playing with his Lego… :>

TSP#8: Park Moment with Kids

Just a simple pleasure of watching them play in the park…
My Aliya is so brusko and lacks femininity climbing the slide stairs and down… My Lean is so bubbly inspite of his “size” (he reaaly needs an exercise like this)…. We rode the see-saw (the four of us) and was afraid we might break it…

What a great day!

TSP #6: Soft Drizzle of Rain

Awesome! soft, soft, tiny drizzle of rain…
… reminds me to slow down, appreciate nature, and how it touches us….
… life is great….

TSP: Found Flat Shoes under my Desk

… Just in time when my feet were aching for having worn a high-heeled uncomfortable sandals…
… it was a relief to find old flat shoes underneath my table

… glad and I wore way back home…
… forget about glamourosity!…

Project K 4… definitely not the last… (Matungao Bulacan)

TSP: Harry Potter movie marathon with my son

Jolo grew up with Harry Potter… so am I. Love the movies… and very much the books… Magic!

TSP # 3: Playing Clay with my 2-year-old daughter

Moments like this… This is what we live for, right… All the works and tasks that we do are geared towards having a good life and having fun! SO why not live that moment once in while, sitting momentarily with a child playing dough and clay and making stuff! I did… and had great fun!

TSP: Awesome to Read about this Awesome Blog

Having Found this “Awesome” Article at RD Just at the Same Time I Was Thinking of Updating My Blog about “Simple Pleasures”

“In Search of Awesome,” an article in Reader’s Digest that made me smile. The “awesome” sayings are really witty and nice and simple. These are actually “ignorable” acts, things, circumstances in everyday life, but really awesome when you realize the awesome feelings it gives you. This can be found in Neil Pasricha’s blog “1000 Awesome Things” (now a book)…. See it and I’m 100% sure you’ll find something that will make you smile (then count that as your own “Awesome” moment)

I been thinking about updating my blog (this blogsite) for quite sometime, I’ve been “inactive” since September when we ventured to our new business. I’ve droped few entries and pics every now and then (mostly about my Project K), but not about more serious thoughts. I noticed also that I neglected my “regular” entries like the “Pic Note”, “Tips and Insights” and “Today’s Simple Pleasures”…. Anyway, as I was thinking reviving these projects, I came across this article of “Awesome.” It’s almost the same thing about my “Today’s Simple Pleasures” which I started last year – not yet aware of the other blogsite ha… – (so nobody can “sue” me for plagiarism )…
Anyways, I will again pursue this… basically for myself… because I want to be grateful about everyday’s blessings and simple acts or things that make us realize that “everyday” is a miracle… and a magic… and most definitely a “choice”!
Well, good luck sa akin….