Mikayla Turns 2: A Happy Celebration!

Our youngest we named Mikayla Ysabelle Garabot also known by many as "Kayla," is fascinated with a lot of things.
Kayla when watching TV at home always sing and dance and this came with her improvised microphone. At times, you couldn't figure out some lyrics she's saying but some were getting clear as she was able to pronounce it.
And when it comes to food not unlike other growing kids she's not so picky. Kayla enjoyed almost anything.
But when we think of celebrating her special day, we believe that one of the closest thing in her heart is a party with one of her enjoyed and most visited fast food chain...Jollibee!

We came up with a very small number of visitors comprises of our family from my side and my wife's side and closed friends that has been a part of our heart and Kayla's too.

Kayla's 2nd birthday was very special for one, the party venue was a dream come true for her.
The whole family was thrilled to see how she was so delighted upon seeing a life-sized favorite stuffed toy that she used to play at home, now come alive...Jollibee!

It's like they were best of friends, no need for introduction they're very first meeting was a bold sign that they've established a raporrt for a very long time.

It wasn't our first time celebrating party with Jollibee.
Exactly, 7 years ago...Kayla's sibling Althea also had fun there.

Secondly, the cake and cupcakes for give aways were baked by my wife Mary Anne.
The same photos were posted on our social media sites @letstalkaboutsweets on Instagram and Facebook accounts.
My wife came up with a theme that was very close to Kayla's favorite cartoon character "Minnie Mouse!"

And lastly, Kayla celebrated it with family and closed friends.

And of course, a party wouldn't be complete without parlor games. And because most of our visitors were adults I, my wife and the rest of small group guests played to complete the fun!

Again we wanted to thank people who came in, with the effort you have showed 

us we want you to know that it was highly appreciated. We are looking forward for more occasions that all of you can join us and celebrations of your families that we can join as well.

We just wish you good health Kayla as always and may all your dreams come true.

Again, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU KAYLA...WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

God Bless You!

Special thanks to Ms. Jemima Abanes

for all the photos taken

NOTE: Kayla's birthday celebration was held last 30th of April, at Jollibee, Navotas City branch

from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

It was an advance celebration...her birthday was May 3rd.

Little Miss Ecosaver 2017!

Althea with her trophy as
2nd Place winner Little Ms. Ecosaver 2017,
March 3, 2017 (Friday)
Navotas Elementary School 1, Navotas City. 

It was always every girls dream to join a beauty contest and won the title.
And many of them like my daughter is really following this trail.

I must say, that joining a pageant similar to the recent one was not her first time.
Prior to the Ecosaver contest she joined and luckily won the title of "Mini-Me, a look-alike," pageant in the same school way back 2015.

Althea also got to ramp like a real model year 2014 when she was chosen to model a summer outfit of one popular kid brand in Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong.

You might began to wonder how come Althea chooses this kind of path?
Althea's influences actually began when she recognizes "Barbie."
She watches every film about it, and began imitating and dreaming to become a successful one like her idol.
Like "Barbie," Althea can sing and can dance. But I and her mom believed that this was really a God-given talent for her that was enhanced as year goes by.


THE STORY BEHIND HER PARTICIPATION

Aside from her teacher's idea that they want Althea to represent their section's level...the remaining many more percentage of encouragement was really coming from us plus more to Althea herself.

We talked about it many times at home that if ever we will join that means our "TIME," and our "MONEY," will be put to it.

But since, we have seen how willing Althea was at the time...we let her participate.
And we also think as parents that pageant will give her the very opportunity to open her knowledge more on it, for experience purposes.

But really, it was her very hard working Mom (my wife Meanne), who's been with her all-the time.
And that is not just "figuratively," speaking but meant "literally."

From material research for her costume, scouting where to find it, traveling here and there, looking for a tailoring shop, personally designing her dress, accessorizing it, everything from hair down to the shoes Althea will be wearing for the pageant.

My wife even stayed late many nights sometimes until 5 in the morning fixing and preparing anything and everything Althea's needs before the pageant approaches.
So, I really salute and admire my wife for all her hard work.

While on the other side, Althea practiced her song piece over and over again.
But even at the time you see her really tired...Althea don't give up, she was really determined to finish polishing everything up to the last drop of her energy.
One good trait that I really admire about her.

As the day of the pageant unfolds, Althea surprisingly received two minor awards...
"Miss Ecosaver Photogenic," AND "Best in Modeling!"

We were all very HAPPY about it...that she was able to rose from other contenders.
And even with those awards presented to her...we felt that Althea at the time was a winner.

After that we do not expect anything more...for we know that her standing at "SLAM JUNK," was really far from the rest of the candidates.
The student or candidate who will sell the highest junk will have more edge on winning the contest.

But come the announcement of the major awards Althea's name were called as "3rd Place!"

We were all happy at the time, but wait there's more after a few more minutes a special announcement was made again.
But this time, telling everyone especially candidates that there was a mistake in the announcement of runners-up.

With Althea in her so called "mistakenly," 3rd Place winner

Eventually Althea hold the title of "2nd Place for Little Ms Ecosaver 2017," and that for all of us was a real blessing from God.

Althea with other candidates winners of major awards, Little Mr. and Ms. Ecosaver 2017

We would like to thank her beloved teacher Mam Dueñas for supporting Althea and of course her classmates as well. Along with her former teacher Mam Dianne.

Althea with Mam Dueñas and Mam Dianne

With Althea's Grade 2 Diamond Classmates in their wackier posing 

More of them with Althea

We concluded that joining wasn't easy,
we told Althea not to join anymore. And that give her other classmates a chance to also showcase their talents.
But let's see, because when she's happy...the set rules and earlier agreements will be forgotten.

Again, Congratulations Althea!

To God Be The Glory.

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The pagent took place March 3, 2017 Friday, at Navotas Elementary School 1, Navotas City. Philippines.

SPORTS DESK: A WHOLE NEW WORLD!

With my SPORTS DESK Family, March 6, 2017

When I thought everything was ready and that our line-up for the day will be too strong to change...something came up, there was an extended breaking news the scheduled 7pm Sports Desk airing got pre-empted. The program resorted to taping "Joe Devance," our guest for tonight.

It's not the idea that I don't bother at all, but this has prevented me from doing my additional video requirements for UAAP right away.
Taping means, the program has extended and recently I was asked to be inside the studio to time as in literally count the total video that will be use for the PBA support.
Well, it has like 2minutes the most and I am speaking for the entire program that videos should not exceed to that.

Earlier, I am facing a close to airing time-coding for the video supports needed for our UAAP that night.
OMG, I need to complete everything at least 15 minutes before the program begins. Because, I need that remaining minutes to preview everything that was in the rundown.
And that means, aside from looking if the support video are all correct, its a must to check if all courtesy was proper, (or else my attention will be called and that certain "penalty," will be given).
And that made me realized that my job as an Associate Producer is not "EASY!"


NEW SCHED  

Almost a month ago, I have an entirely different working schedule...as in I was scheduled to work 8:00 in the morning 'til 5:00 in the afternoon. When suddenly, an announcement was made certain changes that started in the 13th of February...I will come to work at 2:00 in the afternoon and will end my journey an hour before the next day.
As in literally it was a "MAJOR," change. I remember, I was adjusting with the new schedule for 3 "LONG," weeks.
I believe it has to do with the so-called "SEPANX," or "Separation Anxiety," they're calling.

Honestly speaking, I somehow missed my former work schedule, the program I was handling, and the people I am closely working with.
But since this is my faith, I have to go with the flow.


CHALLENGES

Since another genre of news was given to me...I must admit I've been to many challenges and up to now still on that stage.

But just a trivia, before (I just couldn't recall the exact year), I also handled the program for 3 months.
I guess its an advantage to at least have a little idea about the program. But really, now I see that what I have known from the past may not be enough because really there are so much things to learn.

The endorsements given to me by the previous AP was very overwhelming.
From websites we normally get the most help from video and photo supports to lists of scheduled plays daily.

During the first week I had a hard time dealing with PBA's script that was normally ready for editing 10-15minutes before the airing of the show. And that the feeding of the materials also came in also that time. And this took me days to accept the fact that it was really like that.

My 2nd week, finally knowing how to set NBA highlights from their website, game schedules same goes to PBA and UAAP as well.

On the third week, learning how to deal with getting or using PBA connect on Twitter for players game highlights too.

And closer to my 1st month, just learned about volleyball jargons like "LIBERO," "MIDDLE," and "ASSIST."
To some it may appear so funny..."How come I do not know all of this?" but that's the fact I cannot hide and I don't mind at all.
The most important thing is "YOU ARE ALWAYS READY TO LEARN AND ACCEPT CHANGES."
Because that thing is really inevitable.

Celebrating Valentines at Mcdonalds!

We never knew that one of the best and fastest growing fast food chain in the Philippines..."Mcdonalds," is making a great effort to celebrate Valentines with kids and their families.

We registered for our daughter Althea to attend a 10:00 am program they named..."Ronald's Ooh-La-Love Party," themed for this month celebration of love all-over-the world!

Mary, host of Mcdonalds began by asking every kid's present in the event to look for a heart-shaped cut into two that was hidden underneath's every table, wall etc....

Althea found her perfect match with Inigo Burgos a kid whom we believed has the same age like her.

There are more game surprises came after. One that is very similar to a race where kids of two groups: boys and girls would try to make a quick turn on a small square chair (steps away from them) while they were obliged as part of the game to put a "happy meal," box on it. The first group who finish the route...wins.
Luckily, the girl group won the game...but the very tricky and humorous "Mary," (the host of the game), told everyone that it was just a rehearsal.
Fortunately, when it was repeated, the opposite team first won the race!

Since it was a Valentine celebration, two groups again were asked to put all together a heart-shaped puzzle. This was fun for the kids for they were not only thought to play the game but create a strategy while they were all under time and pressure.
But it seems that "BOYS," was really lucky...they ruled the game again!

But of course, the fun never stops with just kids only playing the game. Some parents and guardians were invited to play with their kids. Asked whether what talent they can do: SINGING or DANCING?
Some left participants were asked to spell out "MCDONALDS," name using their body.
Most were shy at first but loosen up on the latter part of the game.

Mcdonalds also gave each kids a symbolical heart-shaped pillow that they can offer along with a "Valentine Greeting Card," to their parents and guardians. A very special way to show how kids say...HAPPY HEART'S DAY to their loved ones.

But the happiest part was "Gremace," showing a special number to everyone.
Gremace dances like as if there was no bones that will break and that the floor was just dedicated for him.
Of course, the best part was the photo-opp session that was given enough time.

Thank you again Mcdonalds for continuously making every kids happy.
It has been a very helpful way on giving kids a happy memory that they will bring and always look back when they became adult like us.

See you again on our next adventure!




The event took place at Mcdonalds, Navotas City Branch.
February 18, 2017, 10:00am to 12:00nn

SECURITY BANK...WRONG PIN CASE

I've been hearing about scenarios some of my co-workers encountered with their ATM withdrawals, the very famous was they were being "debited," (no money came out from their ATM's, yet there were told that a certain amount of money were deducted on their account).
Some were shocked, because their ATM's were "eaten by the machine."

But mine was another experience really bothering.
Last night I tried making a withdrawal inside one popular mall in Mandaluyong and apparently, I was told by the machine that I "entered a wrong pin."

Never had any previous scenario before. And really...I do not know how to deal with it.

First thing that entered my mind was to report about the case and also inquired on how to resolve it.
So, it happened. I spoke to the operator and was told about a procedure that I will do to fix it.

I was in the mall making a call using my mobile phone. I don't know, are they existing pay phones inside? But I am in a hurry and worried. So, I dropped the idea of locating one.

Instructions were given, but since I am really uncomfortable with the setting, much of the information that I need to do were not understood. But there's one important detail that was pressed on my mind, I have to fix it using a personal computer.
I began thinking twice doing this. Why? Because I think that renting a computer was a waste of money.
Instead, I began resolving it by calling a co-worker for the instructions and tried accomplishing it using my mobile phone.
Well, I tried harder as in. But it seemed that things I need to click was not there.
Apparently because, our mobile phones has different settings compare to personal computers.

After a long process, I gave up. It was really tiring. I just told my wife to cook for our dinner, supposedly, I was tasked to buy, but because I can't withdraw and only has a hundred plus money on my wallet, I dropped the idea.

And then came another day, at the office later this morning I called for an operator assistance and we were able to unlocked it. I was actually instructed to check after but unfortunately, it was a failure.

So, I called them again and asked for the nearest branch, found one and went there.
The process almost lasted an hour. A 15 to 20 minutes were spent waiting for my number to be called and the remaining time which was I believe too long were allotted waiting for an email response to fix the problem.

I was just lucky to have assisted by a very friendly bank assistant (Maria Zarina Gumba.."Yna," for short), It wasn't actually done but I took the liberty of vacating the bank.

At the time, I was still working and just left the office to personally visit and fixed the problem.
Yna and I exchanged numbers, and we agreed to update me for the progress.
After a while, I was told it was fixed.
The very first thing I did was to visit the nearest ATM Machine in the building...but again on the machine monitor reflected that I again "entered a wrong pin."

I was so dissapointed. I called Yna again and told her about it.
And I end up, going back again to the bank and there what I did was to do an over the counter withdrawal of the only remaining money on my account.

The sad part was, I need to visit the bank again on Monday to make another "over the counter," transaction. And to make the matters worst...drop by again on Friday for securing a new pin, standard operating procedure was 5 working days. This was because, the request was coming from their main office.
And again, I was left with a choice to follow and wait.

I also realized at the end that bank transactions cannot be done by just making a call or by just visiting their website...one that we always have to consider is still a face to face interaction in resolving this.

Hopefully, everything went well after I performed all those mentioned tasks.

-----------

PROGRESS

A week after, finally I was able to change my pin.
I was then assisted by a bank employee named..."Yna."
I am now excited to go to the ATM machine and withdraw directly!