Here we go again, summer is official here in the Philippines.
And you know what I mean when I say this.
Here, now...its literally hot!
Most of us are actually hiding from direct sunray. Simply because, we never wanted to get sunburns.
We simply stays at home, in our air-conditioned room or in front of an electric fan watching TV or simply sleeping. This is because were actually avoiding movement that would generate sweat...
it makes us feel uneasy and uncomfortable.
We often visit our fridge for anything cold or just simply to get water.
We even preferred drinking cold beverages and
having desserts like that of Halo-halo and Ice cream.
Most of us, also taking a bath one in the morning, also in the afternoon and at the time we go to bed.
We also starts to wear sleeveless shirts, sandos and shorts.
And if the hot is unbearable, and staying at home is really a boring idea...
we resort to a mall visit with friends and family...or if we have enough budget we
commonly invite everyone and plan for an outdoor activity like that of swimming in the pool or travel to see beaches.
Well, some of the things I made mentioned are some of the common things, one might think.
But there are actually many ways to enjoy the scorching hot weather here in the Philippines.
Do you have anything in mind now?
Think of anything and tell me.
Have a memorable summer everyone!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Althea on reaping the fruit of her labor
Late afternoon, my wife sent me a text message telling me that Althea was proclaimed Top 1 (first Honor), in their class.
But we feel much of the blessing coming our way when Althea was announced "Overall Top 1, for grade one in her School.
I and my wife were very thrilled about it. We both dream for it.
But of course, we were reminding Althea that if ever it wasn't for her, just accept it.
And adding that, there will be next time and that when she again double her effort...reward will follow.
Exactly a year ago, when Althea was still studying for Kinder she was rate second best.
Althea was sad about it. I remember she told us..."Mama, Papa, 2nd Honor lang ako."
Well, we never really knew that it has an impact on her. Because were thinking that she's still young and will never take it seriously.
Althea, even doubled her effort this year when she entered elementary.
We fear at first that she wouldn't be able to adopt with her new school, great numbers of classmates, from air-conditioned room to electric fan ventilated room, classes begins in the morning, more hours in school and a lot more.
But surprisingly, she has too many friends, and her teacher loves her because she was once described as very active in their classroom.
Even at home, she always study. Sometimes it breaks my heart to see her having a hard time understanding some of her new lessons. She even cried once in a while. But she always impressed us with how fast she learns everything.
At times, we limit her from joining school activities. Primarily because, she's giving her hundred and one percent most of the time. And after that, she became sick, sometimes suffered from coughs, flu and even asthma.
We value her health because the logic is very simple...if the child is healthy then everything will follow.
At home, even when playing she always study. She even role played how to become a teacher aside from the usual "beauty queen," thing she does.
We might not have the luxury in life but Althea and our youngest "Baby Kayla," are our treasures from heaven.
Again, congratulations Althea...this is just the beginning!
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
I LOVE TO SEE YOU AGAIN...BAGUIO!
A lot of people are saying that traveling is one of the most exciting thing to do.
Here, you'll be seeing another place which you've never been too.
Or sometimes going back to the place where you love to travel over and over again.
For some, traveling is quite hard to do.
But for some who has the luxury of the world, they don't care about the miles and expenses.
Traveling is one way of putting one's self away from the usual.
And a lot of us will agree that its a perfect way to relax and unwind.
This is where you specifically stop, forget about your usual routine and commit to something
you're very happy and willing to do.
Days, ago I and my family were given the opportunity to travel to Philippines' Summer Capital...Baguio!
But just wanted to clear that our recent visit was not our first time.
In fact, my wife now used to go there yearly, when we were boyfriend and girlfriend.
But our last was 7 years ago.
It became even more exciting, because we have two kids now...an addition to our happiness.
We've been too many places now, compared to what we have visited before.
We were able to visit Baguio Cathedral, which was just (steps away) from our booked hotel.
And there's one which surprised me...a glance with "Bell Church."
I never entered the church, I was so busy taking pictures.
There's also something that interests me, houses that was like built in the mountain.
Well, I looked at it as a view similar to "Santorini, Greece."
Not exactly the same. We might probably achieved it, if we think of painting all the houses built there in white.
The next phase of our travel, brought us to La Trinidad, Benguet.
And when we speak of the place, most of us who's familiar about it will just think of...STRAWBERRY FARM!
I believe, we came there at a very perfect timing.
What makes it more exciting was to see the place very foggy.
It actually gave me and my family a more feel of the place.
I was so thrilled to see fresh "STRAWBERRIES," not only that fresh veggies as well like that of lettuce, brocolli, and cauliflowers to name a few.
Best part here, was I was a victim of a 'sales talk,' by one of the orange vendor.
Up to now, I can't believe that...I purchased 3 pieces of oranges for P150.
My daughter enjoyed an iced-cream made of strawberry, which was sold to us like a blizzard.
There was actually so much to explore in the place, but since the clan would have wanted to visit more place...we just stayed for less than 30-minutes.
Then our next journey was a visit to Tam-awan Village.
Actually, I'm not too excited dropping by at the place, for we've been there before and there's nothing much to see.
But I was wrong, for it gave me and my family another beautiful memories.
For one, the photo opportunity we had with the natives, and their story about what makes them stayed at the place.
I've learned that, they only come at Tam-awan, every Saturday, and that there are students and the donations they're getting was the one that they use to support their studies.
And of course, seeing a guy like me in "bahag," also adds interest on me.
But according to them, the one that they were wearing was just normal in their place.
I never knew also that I will be visiting "Lourdes Grotto."
Its kinda intriguing to experience climbing the stairs...imagine how many steps are you going to make before reaching the top.
But we didn't do that. Not because I cannot do it, but because we were with Elders and that climbing the stairs will really give them so much hardships.
Here, I was able to buy a "symbolic colored candle."
They're actually 9. And each of these has a special meaning like that of "WHITE," which pertains to being "SPIRITUAL."
We divided the candles. I gave my wife some and to my daughter as well.
They say faith can move mountains. In salitang tagalog..."wala namang mawawala kung ikaw ay maniniwala at mananalig."
The next tour, lead us to what everyone' s called..."Old heritage house."
Well, from the facade of the the building, you would see that it is really true.
My wife's uncle told us not to go inside. But knowing me, will I let the chance not to see what's inside? Nope.
After our satisfying lunch, we went to the Philippine Military Academy, (PMI).
Actually, there's so much to see inside. Looking at it is like having a perception in mind that it was a "virgin forest."
But, since again, we're running late...we left it after a few minutes of stay.
I know, there's so much to see in the place...but since we will still visiting the "Mines View Park,"
we left at once.
At Mines View Park, I have seen that there was so much change in the place.
Bold changed was the arc outside and the passages way that separates visitor's who are just coming in...and people that was done with their tour.
But, I must say that the place needs more upgrading.
And I hope that, once it was done...the place for taking picture will be a lot more spacious than before.
Last leg tour, was a quick visit at the "The Mansion."
I haven't really enjoyed it for we just entered the gate and have our picture taken far from the facade of the mansion...very very quickly.
And then we all call it a day. Tired but happy.
The next morning, our third day...we dropped by at the very famous landmark of Baguio..."Burnham Park!"
Was so happy to see a live "Sun Flower," with a a flying bee, busy getting nectar from it.
I never ride a boat. I just let my daughter do it for us.
It was her first time, you'll see it in her eyes that she's too excited to try the ride.
The beautiful part of my visit there aside from buying pasalubong's was taking picture of simply irresistible, colorful "FLOWERS," of Baguio.
Before leaving, I and my wife granted Althea's wish to ride a bike.
But the whole family went also on a bigger bike.
Again, I'd like to say that really traveling is one activity that everyone will enjoy and will love to do over and over again.
But make sure to bring cameras (like what the clan did)...to record happy memories.
Visit Baguio and visit Philippines...it was fun here!
Here, you'll be seeing another place which you've never been too.
Or sometimes going back to the place where you love to travel over and over again.
For some, traveling is quite hard to do.
But for some who has the luxury of the world, they don't care about the miles and expenses.
Traveling is one way of putting one's self away from the usual.
And a lot of us will agree that its a perfect way to relax and unwind.
This is where you specifically stop, forget about your usual routine and commit to something
you're very happy and willing to do.
Days, ago I and my family were given the opportunity to travel to Philippines' Summer Capital...Baguio!
But just wanted to clear that our recent visit was not our first time.
In fact, my wife now used to go there yearly, when we were boyfriend and girlfriend.
But our last was 7 years ago.
It became even more exciting, because we have two kids now...an addition to our happiness.
We've been too many places now, compared to what we have visited before.
We were able to visit Baguio Cathedral, which was just (steps away) from our booked hotel.
And there's one which surprised me...a glance with "Bell Church."
I never entered the church, I was so busy taking pictures.
There's also something that interests me, houses that was like built in the mountain.
Well, I looked at it as a view similar to "Santorini, Greece."
Not exactly the same. We might probably achieved it, if we think of painting all the houses built there in white.
The next phase of our travel, brought us to La Trinidad, Benguet.
And when we speak of the place, most of us who's familiar about it will just think of...STRAWBERRY FARM!
I believe, we came there at a very perfect timing.
What makes it more exciting was to see the place very foggy.
It actually gave me and my family a more feel of the place.
I was so thrilled to see fresh "STRAWBERRIES," not only that fresh veggies as well like that of lettuce, brocolli, and cauliflowers to name a few.
Best part here, was I was a victim of a 'sales talk,' by one of the orange vendor.
Up to now, I can't believe that...I purchased 3 pieces of oranges for P150.
My daughter enjoyed an iced-cream made of strawberry, which was sold to us like a blizzard.
There was actually so much to explore in the place, but since the clan would have wanted to visit more place...we just stayed for less than 30-minutes.
Then our next journey was a visit to Tam-awan Village.
Actually, I'm not too excited dropping by at the place, for we've been there before and there's nothing much to see.
But I was wrong, for it gave me and my family another beautiful memories.
For one, the photo opportunity we had with the natives, and their story about what makes them stayed at the place.
I've learned that, they only come at Tam-awan, every Saturday, and that there are students and the donations they're getting was the one that they use to support their studies.
And of course, seeing a guy like me in "bahag," also adds interest on me.
But according to them, the one that they were wearing was just normal in their place.
I never knew also that I will be visiting "Lourdes Grotto."
Its kinda intriguing to experience climbing the stairs...imagine how many steps are you going to make before reaching the top.
But we didn't do that. Not because I cannot do it, but because we were with Elders and that climbing the stairs will really give them so much hardships.
Here, I was able to buy a "symbolic colored candle."
They're actually 9. And each of these has a special meaning like that of "WHITE," which pertains to being "SPIRITUAL."
We divided the candles. I gave my wife some and to my daughter as well.
They say faith can move mountains. In salitang tagalog..."wala namang mawawala kung ikaw ay maniniwala at mananalig."
The next tour, lead us to what everyone' s called..."Old heritage house."
Well, from the facade of the the building, you would see that it is really true.
My wife's uncle told us not to go inside. But knowing me, will I let the chance not to see what's inside? Nope.
After our satisfying lunch, we went to the Philippine Military Academy, (PMI).
Actually, there's so much to see inside. Looking at it is like having a perception in mind that it was a "virgin forest."
But, since again, we're running late...we left it after a few minutes of stay.
I know, there's so much to see in the place...but since we will still visiting the "Mines View Park,"
we left at once.
At Mines View Park, I have seen that there was so much change in the place.
Bold changed was the arc outside and the passages way that separates visitor's who are just coming in...and people that was done with their tour.
But, I must say that the place needs more upgrading.
And I hope that, once it was done...the place for taking picture will be a lot more spacious than before.
Last leg tour, was a quick visit at the "The Mansion."
I haven't really enjoyed it for we just entered the gate and have our picture taken far from the facade of the mansion...very very quickly.
And then we all call it a day. Tired but happy.
The next morning, our third day...we dropped by at the very famous landmark of Baguio..."Burnham Park!"
Was so happy to see a live "Sun Flower," with a a flying bee, busy getting nectar from it.
I never ride a boat. I just let my daughter do it for us.
It was her first time, you'll see it in her eyes that she's too excited to try the ride.
 |
Before leaving, I and my wife granted Althea's wish to ride a bike.
But the whole family went also on a bigger bike.
Again, I'd like to say that really traveling is one activity that everyone will enjoy and will love to do over and over again.
But make sure to bring cameras (like what the clan did)...to record happy memories.
Visit Baguio and visit Philippines...it was fun here!
Monday, December 21, 2015
Pia Wurtzbach is Miss Universe 2015
I and the whole family just tuned in around 930 in the morning and what surprises us was that below the TV monitor crawling that Miss Philippines made it to the final 10.
Indeed, that announcement was an honor for all of us. But of course, let's all be honest with it, we want to bring home the crown.
And I believe that's every countries dream when they joined Miss Universe.
But as the program progresses, another good news came in Pia Wurtzbach, became a part of Final 5 and all the way to Final 3.
The Miss Universe 2015 pageant, obviously changed the way how the final question and answer done. Because at this time, it was the host holding and reading the candidates the question. Far from previous pageants where the contestants picked a judge, the judge asked question and they will answer.
The final question was a hard and somehow an easy one..."Why should you be the next Miss Universe?"
This was now thrown to three remaining candidates Ms. USA, Ms. Colombia and Ms. Philippines.
Then, came the announcement of the title.
I actually prepared my lists and typed something on Twitter just before the announcement was made.
Of course, Ms. Philippines was my Miss Universe and 1st was Ms. USA, and Ms. Colombia.
But it was totally reshuffled...2nd Runner up was Ms. USA and 1st was Philippines and the title was given to Miss. Colombia.
But, it seems that people are really holding back on something. Because on TV you'll see that most of them was suppressing their feelings.
And, after a few minutes, came another shocking announcement...Miss. Universe 2015 is Miss Philippines..." Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach!"
At home we were all rejoicing. Because it was such a beautiful gift this Christmas especially to all of us who waits for the crown to be finally vested upon our country's representative.
The host apologizes on National TV for his mistake and that immediately showed on the viewers the envelope Pia Wurtzbach's name was printed.
The story of success of Wurtzbach is truly an inspirational one, because it took 4 long decades to win the title back again.
After our very first success beauty pageant story with Gloria Diaz and years after Margie Moran comes a triumph story of Pia Wurtzbach.
Again, congratulations for bringing the honor back in our country. We're so PROUD of YOU!
Then, came the announcement of the title.
I actually prepared my lists and typed something on Twitter just before the announcement was made.
Of course, Ms. Philippines was my Miss Universe and 1st was Ms. USA, and Ms. Colombia.
But it was totally reshuffled...2nd Runner up was Ms. USA and 1st was Philippines and the title was given to Miss. Colombia.
But, it seems that people are really holding back on something. Because on TV you'll see that most of them was suppressing their feelings.
And, after a few minutes, came another shocking announcement...Miss. Universe 2015 is Miss Philippines..." Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach!"
At home we were all rejoicing. Because it was such a beautiful gift this Christmas especially to all of us who waits for the crown to be finally vested upon our country's representative.
The host apologizes on National TV for his mistake and that immediately showed on the viewers the envelope Pia Wurtzbach's name was printed.
The story of success of Wurtzbach is truly an inspirational one, because it took 4 long decades to win the title back again.
After our very first success beauty pageant story with Gloria Diaz and years after Margie Moran comes a triumph story of Pia Wurtzbach.
Again, congratulations for bringing the honor back in our country. We're so PROUD of YOU!
Friday, November 27, 2015
Christmas is in the air
When I was a kid, What I'm looking forward is the coming of Christmas.
Of course, like any other kids out there, I'm excited to wear my "Pamasko," thus I am referring here
to a new clothes I will wear when the especial occasion unfolds.
And, the gifts I will get from all my Godmother (Ninang) and Godfather (Ninong), whom I have never seen for the entire year.
Plus, there was an abundance of my favorite different Filipino dishes cooked by my Mom that I am again, super excited to savor.
That exact emotion is what I actually want my kids to experience.
I'm having a quite busy schedule brought about by work. But I am trying my very best not to omit especial occasions like Christmas.
Like now, days from now month of November will end.
I wanted to put up a Christmas decorations so that my Kids will see it and eventually developed a habit out of it...every year.
Actually my Eldest Althea, who's now 6 is one of the many kids I know excited about Christmas.
Last year, I remember, She was the one pushing me and her Mom to bring out our Christmas Tree and decorate it.
She's happy to see the end result, where the Tree is lighted with Christmas lights.
And especially now, when you go out...Christmas decorations are everywhere and selected streets, most Malls were lighted with Christmas lights.
And, "Tiange," or items that can be purchased are now becoming so rampant. The season actually dictates that even midnight, you can do your shopping.
Also observed now, are some rice cakes, (bibingka), puto-bumbong, puto-sulo't etc...are now being sold near or outside every churches in the City.
And what adds more excitement to the holiday season is the giving of corporate companies, "Employees 13th month pay!"
But above all the observations that we see as the most celebrated occasion of the year unfolds, we must not forget the true meaning of it...the child was born, his name is Jesus.
May we all have a happy celebration of Christmas!
Of course, like any other kids out there, I'm excited to wear my "Pamasko," thus I am referring here
to a new clothes I will wear when the especial occasion unfolds.
And, the gifts I will get from all my Godmother (Ninang) and Godfather (Ninong), whom I have never seen for the entire year.
Plus, there was an abundance of my favorite different Filipino dishes cooked by my Mom that I am again, super excited to savor.
That exact emotion is what I actually want my kids to experience.
I'm having a quite busy schedule brought about by work. But I am trying my very best not to omit especial occasions like Christmas.
Like now, days from now month of November will end.
I wanted to put up a Christmas decorations so that my Kids will see it and eventually developed a habit out of it...every year.
Actually my Eldest Althea, who's now 6 is one of the many kids I know excited about Christmas.
Last year, I remember, She was the one pushing me and her Mom to bring out our Christmas Tree and decorate it.
She's happy to see the end result, where the Tree is lighted with Christmas lights.
And especially now, when you go out...Christmas decorations are everywhere and selected streets, most Malls were lighted with Christmas lights.
And, "Tiange," or items that can be purchased are now becoming so rampant. The season actually dictates that even midnight, you can do your shopping.
Also observed now, are some rice cakes, (bibingka), puto-bumbong, puto-sulo't etc...are now being sold near or outside every churches in the City.
And what adds more excitement to the holiday season is the giving of corporate companies, "Employees 13th month pay!"
But above all the observations that we see as the most celebrated occasion of the year unfolds, we must not forget the true meaning of it...the child was born, his name is Jesus.
May we all have a happy celebration of Christmas!
Friday, November 20, 2015
An APEC to REMEMBER
December last year, when we heard about Philippines' hosting APEC.
And, I believe from that moment, our government started planning everything.
After a few months of waiting and long preparations...comes, APEC week November 16 to 20.
Classes were suspended and some major roads especially that of very near the Philippine International Convention Center, PICC were temporarily closed for the public.
No wonder, that we have to do this because there were 21 leaders from different countries who made visit and participated in this much awaited event.
Billions of pesos were spent, and security from different venues were strictly imposed.
Yes it was indeed a success for all of us.
For one, we were able to prove to them that we know how to handle event and that all APEC leaders are all safe visiting Philippines and from their departure as well. At least, in such away we were able to prove that as far as "SECURITY," is concern we are ready and that our country can ensure that. And this is more than one good Filipino traits that we can be proud of aside from being "hospitable."
Secondly, its a good gesture to invest a good relationship with participating countries to strengthen ties and promote camaraderie.
Well, there are so many issues in connection after the event took place.
Like, many of our fellow Filipinos suffered from too much exercise due too long time spent from walking.
At one point, if some roads were closed, we are looking for alternative transportation provided by the government to the mass.
Thus, we are also affected of last minute changes as to routes that are surprisingly closed and even a mass transit has to temporarily stopped like that of MRT because APEC delegates are passing through EDSA.
And that most employees especially that of private ones, should consider allotting extra-time going to work for them not be late.
But now that APEC is over, everything will now surely back to normal.
Let us just wait for the many benefits this meeting brought to the country.
And, I believe from that moment, our government started planning everything.
After a few months of waiting and long preparations...comes, APEC week November 16 to 20.
Classes were suspended and some major roads especially that of very near the Philippine International Convention Center, PICC were temporarily closed for the public.
No wonder, that we have to do this because there were 21 leaders from different countries who made visit and participated in this much awaited event.
Billions of pesos were spent, and security from different venues were strictly imposed.
Yes it was indeed a success for all of us.
For one, we were able to prove to them that we know how to handle event and that all APEC leaders are all safe visiting Philippines and from their departure as well. At least, in such away we were able to prove that as far as "SECURITY," is concern we are ready and that our country can ensure that. And this is more than one good Filipino traits that we can be proud of aside from being "hospitable."
Secondly, its a good gesture to invest a good relationship with participating countries to strengthen ties and promote camaraderie.
Well, there are so many issues in connection after the event took place.
Like, many of our fellow Filipinos suffered from too much exercise due too long time spent from walking.
At one point, if some roads were closed, we are looking for alternative transportation provided by the government to the mass.
Thus, we are also affected of last minute changes as to routes that are surprisingly closed and even a mass transit has to temporarily stopped like that of MRT because APEC delegates are passing through EDSA.
And that most employees especially that of private ones, should consider allotting extra-time going to work for them not be late.
But now that APEC is over, everything will now surely back to normal.
Let us just wait for the many benefits this meeting brought to the country.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Happy Christening Mikayla!
About six months ago, I and my wife were very lucky to have given the chance to have a child again.
Lucky because, the gap was almost 7 years.
Just this Saturday, November 7, 2015, together with our families, relatives, and close friends..."Mikayla Ysabelle," was baptized.
We planned for a small gathering of about 50 people.
While some were not around because of their schedules...some of them made it.
As parents, were very very happy with the success of the event.
AND, we wanted to thank all of our visitors who celebrated with us.
AND, most of all we would like to thank the Lord God for using several people as instruments
just to make it possible.
The next big thing is the celebration of my eldest 7th birthday.
And I'm sure that it's going to be a one happy gathering as well!
Lucky because, the gap was almost 7 years.
Just this Saturday, November 7, 2015, together with our families, relatives, and close friends..."Mikayla Ysabelle," was baptized.
We planned for a small gathering of about 50 people.
While some were not around because of their schedules...some of them made it.
As parents, were very very happy with the success of the event.
AND, we wanted to thank all of our visitors who celebrated with us.
AND, most of all we would like to thank the Lord God for using several people as instruments
just to make it possible.
The next big thing is the celebration of my eldest 7th birthday.
And I'm sure that it's going to be a one happy gathering as well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)