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.

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!

Singapore Day 1 at Sentosa Island

We conquered Singapore on our first day-August 5! No time spared, after quick lunch, we went to Sentosa Island via train… Great place, it is “all-in-one” place! Since we will have the Universal Studio on the following day, whole day, we explored the rest of the Sentosa Island… What we did there? A lot!


see and almost touched the huge version of Merlion

up the hill (of course with stairs and escalator) to ride the Sky Tower, the 360-degree revolving viewing ride! So we have a whole glimpse of the City.


the kids are not yet warming up, so we see the Cine-Blast featuring the Log Adventure, a 3D simulated ride! Great… can always be remembered!


we should not miss the Luge ride (a cart down the winding hill), operated only by a little push and pull of the hand lever! wheee!


then the sky-ride up again the hill, a four-seater open cable ride… everybody’s getting sick of height? si Papi lang… Wheeh!

we rode the bus to the tip of the island going to Fort Siloso, Lean’s pick from the brochure. this is their one of the war history museum! memorable!
we rode the tram and explore the tunnels and played on the ground!

we rode bus back to the island center…. then we took the queue at Segway ride… I thought I couldn’t do it, but it was easy pala, Lean loved it.

so while resting, we took the tram to explore the stretch of Siloso Beach!

tired? who isn’t? We took the trains back to the city — Vivo City, Dhoby Ghaut interchange, then Bras Basah!
By the way, in between all those, Papi and Jolo are making fun of me , catching me on video in my moods…. hindi sila nagtagumpay!
ohh, we ate at Kopitiam foodcourt, near our hotel, Bayview Hotel….
Patikim pa lang yan… Tomorrow will be USS!!!it

Today’s Simple Pleasure: FUN-Bob

In my moments of tiredness, my son Lean sung a nice song, called “FUN”
He was so cute and I was so warmed and felt revived!
Haha… we even “argue” the “N” part….
Ohh Lean, love you so much…. (you too, spongebob)

(speaking)
Spongebob: It’s not about winning, it’s about fun!
Plankton: What’s that?
Spongebob: Fun is when you…fun is…it’ like…
it’s kinda… sorta like a…
What is fun?? HERE…Let me spell it for you!

Spongebob: (singing)
F is for Friends who do stuff together.
U is for You and me.
N is for Anywhere and anytime at all.

Sea Creatures:
Down here in the deep blue sea!

Plankton:
Wait…I don’t understand …I feel all tingly inside…
Should we stop?

Spongebob:
No! That’s how you’re supposed to feel!

Plankton:
Well I like it! Lets do it again!

Spongebob:
Okay!

Spongebob & Plankton: (singing)
F is for Frolic through all the flowers.
U is for Ukelele.
N is for Nose picking, chewing gum, and sand licking.
Here with my best buddy.

(Laughing part)

see also compilation of Simple Pleasures in Six Words in my page (here)….

101 Minus 15th – Bonding Moments with Ma & Dad

#23 of my 101 - Relaxed Moments and Adventures with Parents (Abroad or Province) – This time it’s Subic!

I have planned for this trip for multiple purposes. It was originally because the announced store opening of Puregold Duty Free Subic was March 15. I booked right away for the house of my dear former Boss Manny from SGV as early as February and I happened to secure the place. Great! It is also the birthday getaway of Jolo and Lean. And I really have to squeeze this gimick in my tight schedule because of my commitment (to myself) of at least 2 adventures every month. Plus, it can also be a treat to Mama and Dad! So, off we go!

I invited my parents to come with us for some meaningful bonding moments. With only us in the big house (of 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and one big play room), we watched there the Pacman boxing with Clottey and just relaxed! Or so I thought, because relaxing is not suitable if you have 3 kids in tow. So we went for a great fun at Tree Top Adventure! I think this is a must in Subic! So, we tried the “rides” if that’s what is called of tossing us between trees, sideways and upwards! Jolo and Papi did the “Interactive Tree Fall” and “Surfing” while Jolo and I did the “Superman” (read more here as this is also an accomplishment of one of my 101), later on Lean and I rode the Canopy Ride for 40-minutes cable ride (chair) atop the trees up to 150 feet. See for yourself, see this site. The following day, we went on beach swimming at All Hands Beach (which Aliya enjoyed so much) and sunset watching.

But the highlight of our escapades (at least for me) is our daily breakfast at the garden… Just the family and Mama and Daddy! relaxed talks and lots of laughters! Great, great weekend!

Did I mentioned that the store did not open on that weekend? so I just drop-by to see the set-up (while they watch the sunset….)

see pictures on my multiply site, and the sample below:

Lean’s 8th Bday Planning Memo

Lean’s Bday is less than a month away, and I have to plan even a small, budget-friendly getaway. March 10 is the date! and unfortunately I’ll be away on that particular day for a business conference. So, we’ll “celebrate” it on the Sunday before that and on the weekend after that. We have planned really for a Subic trip on that following weekend… So maybe it’s Beach Time!

So, I need to check further the following resorts:
Coralview, Morong Bataan
All Hands Beach, Subic
Sunset Cove Morong Bataan

Good luck to me!

* picture aged 6

Mt Samat (Shrine of Valor) & Ocean Adventure

A great field trip adventure with son Lean! I really made it a point to be with him on this school excursion. He’ll be eight soon and maybe next year he will no longer ask me to take him to field trips! I will not miss this for the world. I had great adventure myself and few realizations! One, that there is Mount Samat Shrine, and we can actually went there (I used to see this cross from afar — just an inch on my view — while going to Subic); Two, that it is beautiful up there; Three, that I can still enjoy field trips, especially with Papi, and Fourth, that we can get lost in outskirts of Bataan and we can still manage to laugh! I also had few lessons in history and WW2. After getting curious again about the “death march” I googled it to know more about it (so sad…, well just click here if you want to be sad … or just move along with my blog …)

But anyway, next stop is just as fun! Ocean Adventure makes us commune again with our aquatic friends, dolphin, whale, sea lions and some jungle animals. Though not as big and awesome as Sea World in HK, our Ocean Adventure is great enough for kids aged like Lean. Well, I enjoyed too the Dolphin Show!

With this inspiration, I have made a resolution! I will make sure that our 2010 will be filled with adventure trips, excursion and new places!

Malaysian Movie 2007 by Bong Ngii

Here’s our photos during our Malaysian travel in 2007. The motiff and theme and music of the Smilebox production is brought to you by Bong Ngii (no other than Lee Andrew – pen name of Lean)!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

See also other SmileBox creations at Digital Photo Collection at my page.

Goal #5: Lesson Plan for Kids

My goal is to have conscious effort to teach kids about life’s lessons. Teaching them, among others, Religion, Generosity, Finance, History, Art, Right Manners and Having Dreams….. I really made it sure to have moments with my two boys talking and making stories. Time is short and I believe that most of the lessons we’ve learned were gained while we were still kids….
For this goal, I will consider this complete if I have taught them (or at least, talked to them about) 101 things related to above areas in life and many more. So here is the partial list:

1. Recite “Ama Namin” (“Our Father” in Tagalog) – (Lean already knew the English version since he was 3)
2. Story of the Fisherman’s Wife who was never satisfied, a lesson about greed (Lean)
3. Playing fair and square (while we were playing chess) (Lean)
4. About winning/losing without cheating (while playing Snakes and Ladder) (Lean)
5. Reading aloud a book about “Beliefs” (Lean was having fun counting the word “beliefs” I mentioned)
6. About habit formation at around adolescent years (Jolo)
7. Taught Jolo to save money for something he really wants to buy.
8. About being generous (Lean brought a spare Lego for his friend Aaron)
9. Talking about the course they want to take in college (it doesn’t matter even if they change mind every now and then)
10. Doing the best he can in every project he handles (Jolo)
11. About working hard, and about sowing and reaping (as Lean play the “Farmer” online game)
12. Rewards and consequences in attaining goals
13. Helps Jolo form his habit to clean his face every night, among others.
14. Helps Lean form his “4-things to do” habits every night. (Toothbrush, take a pee, clean his feet, pray)
15. Washing dishes every weekend (Jolo)
(see as the list grow at “Lesson Plan for Kids” at “My Life’s List” widget)

For our future curriculum, we will include:
a. Jolo’s lessons in Civics and history (2 facts everyday)
b. Art attack with Lean
c. Generosity-in-Action, when they accompany me in distributing toys for less-fortunate kids this Xmas
d. More practice on Po and Opo
e. Read World History to Lean (his favorite)
f. loving siblings
g. open bank account in their name
h. about being a friend
i. buying and using money (Lean)
more…….
(see as the list grow at “Lesson Plan for Kids” at “My Life’s List” widget)

My Goal: Laugh Some More!

Why should I take life seriously? Laughter is good for the heart! and for enriching my time with kids! My 7-year old delivered some jokes… it gave me good laughs! Samples:
1. Why couldn’t the sailors play cards? … Ans: Because the captain was standing on the deck…
2. What did the jar of mayo say to the refrigerator door? Ans… “Close the door, i’m dressing!”
3. What’s in the middle of the ocean? Ans… letter “e”
4. Why did the ghost join the cheer squad? Ans… to add a little team spirit!
5. Why was the math book sad? Ans… because it had too many problems!

Please bear with me… if it’s corny… I laughed actually on how my Lean delivered them, and how I tried to come up with my answers…

Nyahahaha…

This Week’s Inventory of Blessings

Witnessed history-in-the-making during Cory’s wake and burial
Chance to teach Jolo a part of Filipino history
Was helped by cousin Pentz buy tiles for mother
finally bought the tiles for mother (she’s been requesting a month ago)
busted ref (a reason to buy anew one – been in a plan anyway… )
had a spa treat again from sis Flor
opportunity to sell real estate big time! if only…..
got the ultra-courage to talk to boss about personal stuff (and on his 1st day of coming to office after a long vacation – which usually a bad timing!)
tackled/issued overdue memo and manual
Starbucks with co-managers
new store opening at Tagaytay
date with Papi at Tagaytay stomach ache all day
resigning staff, complaining staff
surprised Jolo with new camera stand, and Lean with 2 choco waffles (his favorite)
Aliya walks around the house, giggles, laughs a lot
with SVS partners, finalized our Mission, Vision, Core Values.. (finally after 8 years…)
eating a lot lately…

Picture Moment #15 – Way to go….

One of my life’s goals is to travel, travel, travel… and that is, with my family. It’s quite pricey and takes big chunk on our savings, but the joy and memories it bring are immeasurable, unquantifiable and lasting. Once we get old, these will be the moment we will remember and cherish most (because I guess we’ll have vague memory of our routinary working days! – and who would want to think about that?)
First picture shown was that of Papi in 2004 at the Peak, Hong Kong. We came back there in 2006, when Lean was already up for travel and the Disneyland had recently opened. Probably in 2011 when Aliya is about the travelling age, we will go back to Hong Kong.
Second picture was that of Jolo in 2007 in KL Tower, overlooking the Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpar. We just loved peaks and heights!
Life is short, and there are soooo many places to go!

Thursday to Unwind

started early and no need to rush to office, i will be fetched by a company service
bubble-bath time with aliya in the morning
to Dau, had lunch with Store Manager and HR Manager
got bank penalty because of a forgotten 775 check… i’ve been very careful na nga e….
got help from ever-reliable aann for internet banking and iya for bank matters
to Clark, and bought b1t1 chocolates.
to Baliwag, and had a nice talk with store managers
still have doubts if my action re my staff misbehavior (then resignation) was right? he spent 14 years in the company
discussed immediate audit plans with assts, we seldom talk that way in the office
my side tummy is aching…
got home early
bubble-bath time with aliya (again) and lean!
lean is semi bald! he look older
still working on my lists and new set of smilebox photos

Picture Gallery #14: Bora…Once Again!




Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My favorite pictures now in SmileBox... Been very excited doing this scrapbook... Napupuyat ako!

“Give them Net to Fish….”

boracay fisherman

An old saying goes something like… “don’t give them fish to eat, but give them net to fish….” that’s the theme of my generosity today…
i sponsored the tax seminar of my cousin
at the same time making a colleague happy with her CPE credits for free
i was with my friend Flor, who never fail to inspire me and awe me…
by the way, Flor treated us to a very relaxing spa massage galore! thanks sis!
been educated with tax matters again…
prospect for new clients & new business (franchise & gas station)…
going to China for a bonding trip with friends and hubby (this month)
good laughs watching “Ice Age 3″ with papi, jolo and lean
Lean with his drawing (vision) of his 8th birthday next year (he will be in “knight” costume and i will be soooo slim…)
been struggling with my speelling today…
kuya will be coming to town on christmas! (nice chat with you tonight, kuya )
giving hope in best way I can…

Picture Moment#11: My Pinggz!

see how Lean grows through the years. He is so cute and sweet. and until now he remains as sweet as ever! He is a very thoughtful boy. I love him to bits that sometimes I treat him still like a toddler (and he still acts one sometimes)….
Love You Lean!

cute lean @ 2

cute lean @ 3

1st day @ school, 4

lean at HK Disneyland @4

lean @ malaysia, 5

lean @ bora, 6

Catch up!

Thursday again, and i think I haven’t done much what I have targeted to do last Monday…. there are setbacks and there disappointments… have to catch up to mark this week as “great”
petty row with papi i said sorry and I think it “melted” his heart…
keeps on my nighttime routine of playing with lean, our project now is the “chuckie community”
invited to a bangkok trip with hubby&wife friends, and HK trip with SVS staff!
aliya is taking her first few steps alone! ;;)
able to have few policies approved. I was able to finish also some of those pending on my table
jolo’s doing his art and movie things again.
havent started yet with the renovation
jenjen is missing! m worried!

Picture Gallery #8: Daytime Boracay

another series of boracay pictures!
look at the beach, so pristine, so pure, so inviting….
this is nature, this is blessing, this is just so gratifying!
Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful earth!

Pic Moment # 7: Jolo & Lean, Circa 2004

jolo & lean 2004

lean & jolo 2004

lean & jolo 2004

here are 2 of my favorite pictures of jolo and lean, i think this was taken way back 2004…. they are a cute couple…. so loving, sweet and innocent!

I Should Do This More Often

entries for june 28 (sunday)
Spent time with mama, daddy, cousins, tita and sis-in-laws. we went to Indang to visit ate Aleli. I must do bonding with my family more often!
good time with daddy watching video of…. (secret…)
nice time watching US video of Kuya Lito and family! I miss you Kuya!)
nice place – tagaytay – im planning to be back for a “date”
rocking chair for daddy! (father’s day gift!)
silent mode with papi short-tempered mommy (sungit!)
sorry aliya, for getting too tired getting you to sleep (i was cradling/dancing you for 3 hours!)
sorry lean, for waiting (and fell asleep) for our board game!
sorry jolo, ikaw nasungitan ko!

entries for June 27 (saturday)
I was taken to office by papi
pares moment with Ann and Soc (going home to bulacan)
nice time talking to mama, daddy and kuya willy that night
laugh time with papi and jolo (Tv show: Howie do it)