Pokemon Day

My son adores Pokemon. He enjoys watching it on TV, he enjoys playing its computer game version, and the last time a book fair was held in his school, he also ordered a Pokemon activity book.

Upon being invited by my high school friends Madel and Jhet-jhet for their son’s Pokemon-themed seventh birthday, I committed right away to be at the event together with my son, Vladimir. True enough, he enjoyed the party big time!

The party was pretty impressive. One can truly feel the parents’ love for their child, Nathan. It is well-organized and everything inside the party can really make each guest enjoy.

At the entrance of the event’s venue, a photobooth and a nice backdrop greeted me and Vladimir. When we got in the activity area, a magician was already seizing the center stage. The performance was followed by a puppet show of a 39-year old ventriloquist. The children’s laughter was music to my ears and my son’s attentiveness to the show touched my heart because I know he was having fun. As for me, I headed to the buffet table to enjoy the palatable food served.  Yum!

Magic Show

Salon for Kids

New Buddies

Nathan’s birthday celebration was also an opportunity for our semi-high school reunion. I was glad to see my former schoolmates and it felt funny that all of us are now wearing older faces, now with our respective children and some with their current partners.

Soulmeytz Reunion

The birthday bash had an unexpected post-party activity – the balloon popping game! While the waiters were dismantling the place, the remaining children ran around the hall and popped every balloon within their reach. It became an opportunity for the children to play among themselves and interact freely. We, the parents, got contented to chit chat on the side while we observed the kids enjoy.

Balloon Popping Game

I saw on Nathan’s face that he was overwhelmed by all the fun stuff happening before his eyes. What a lucky kid to have Madel and Jhet-jhet as his parents... and of course Tita Rebbie and Tito Boy as his ever supportive grandparents.

France and I decided to bring our kids to arcade in SM North. My godchild Levi and his brother Jared became Vladimir’s instant buddies during our bonding moment. 

Jared hit a jackpot on a fishing game and Vladimir was able to win a Pikachu stuff toy at a clamping play station. I played once just to test if yellow is indeed my lucky color this year. And the color betting game proved the Chinese astrology right – I won 75 tickets in my one and only bet. Haha!

At World Of Fun’s redemption booth, we exchanged our tickets for spin tops and candies.

Pikachu & Pokeball Loot Bag

We ended our Pokemon Day with a brief early dinner at McDonalds and a joy ride with France’s dad on our way home. 

A Day in a Life of a Stage Mother

Before preparing myself to work this morning, I checked my Facebook to relax a bit. I know that I’m going to have a busy day ahead so I needed an early breather.

My son’s first Battle Of The Brains experience popped onto my Facebook’s memory timeline and for that, my entry today is about a day in a life of a backstage mama.

The Timeline Photo of Battle of the Brains 2015

Last week, I filed for a vacation leave at work to accompany my son to Our Lady of Lourdes College in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon, the host school for this year’s “battle.” My little boy was an alternate-contestant, and his team bagged 7^th place out of over 40 plus participants. Not bad.

It was a pleasant break away from my daily grind at the office because through this school activity, I was able to chit chat with my child’s teachers. I was also able to compare parenting notes with Gary, father of one of his classmates. I noticed that the grandmother of their Top 1 classmate was rather strict and competitive, so I avoided talking with her. I might not be able to contain her arrogance for I am equally airhead too. Haha!

The best part of the day was seeing my high school close friend there, France. She also accompanied my godson Levi, who’s also up for the contest.

We had the entire day for catching up! I mentioned to her that we’re already full blown adults for both of our issues have skyrocketed into a higher level. No more highschoolish problems. Both of us are facing more serious matters at hand. We agreed to see each other again soon at the Pokemon birthday bash of our common friend’s seventh birthday.

We parted ways when the Battle for grade one started. While she waited at the astrodome’s gates, I roamed around to take pictures of the venue.

Registration Area

Anxious stage parents are waiting outside the contest area

Our Lady of Lourdes College - Battle of the Brains 2016 host school

The following day, which was a Friday, Vladimir felt lazy to go to school. He asked me to text his teacher if he could have his rest day that day. I asked him what was there for him to rest about since he was only an alternate. He said he got tired of walking and playing. I weighed his request and texted his trainer. I thought, Fridays anyway are just play days for them. Upon his teacher’s reply that it’s okay for Vladimir to take a rest, my son yelled in triumph. Oh dear, he already knows to find excuses not to go to school. For some reason, I can’t get mad at my son. I’m rather proud actually that he’s showing signs of being practical.

Last night, I asked my son his preferred lunch. He reminded me, mom, we have no classes tomorrow. Right. The reminder was on his assignment notebook. He’s quite quick when it comes to holidays and class suspensions.

Hey son, sometimes I’m clueless with what I am supposed to do with you. Still I love you to the moon and back.

Pageants Galore

I am currently helping some colleagues at the City Social Welfare and Development Office in organizing the Women’s Month Celebration this coming March. One of its highlights will be the first ever beauty pageant for the horizontally challenged ladies, the “Binibining Bigatin 2016.” I was told that I’ll be one of the judges at the pre-pageant.

Perhaps they got the idea to invite me to sit with the panel when I mentioned that I have experienced judging for local pageants before. There were times when I had to bring my little boy because I got nobody to look after him at home. I opt to look at my situation as something positive because at least, I could expose my son to a “learning activity.”

Behave, baby.

I was browsing through the old photographs in my laptop files so that I could already discard the not-so-important-ones and at the same time, save some memory space. I chanced upon some photographs when I judged the pre-pageant of Binibining Malinta.

Opening Number

Swimsuit Competition

Intermission Number
(while the ladies are dressing up at the backstage)

Formal Wear Competition

I reckon, I told Vladimir that the reason why I brought him with me is because he shall be my official photographer. Since I will be judging the candidates, of course I can’t take pictures of the event. He excitedly agreed so I necklaced unto him my digicam before sending him off. I pointed him the specific spot where he could take pictures and I told him that he shouldn’t go anywhere farther than that. Good thing, my son is quite good in following instructions. I was glancing at his direction from time to time to make sure he was doing alright.

Vladimir's Photographed Candidate

I was a little horrified when he mentioned that the girls were “sexy.” I acknowledged his comment and tried to change the topic to make it appear that it’s no biggie. It occurred to me then that it’s about time that young children should be taught sexuality without hinting any malice so that it would be inculcated in them that all human beings really come in different forms and sizes. Regardless of the physical attribute, it’s still the character that matters.

One of my co-judges initiated a conversation with me and asked if I was the title holder in 2005 from UP Diliman. Upon saying yes, he added that he was one of our judges when I joined the same pageant. Wow. It was already 10 years ago but he can still remember me. I must have made that kind of impact. (Haha! Sorry for the bloated ego. I’m just making fun of myself.)

Stay lovely everyone!

Seventh Heaven At Sky Ranch

For the sake of Vladimir’s happiness for his seventh birthday, I agreed to his biological father’s invitation that we go out together last February 12. It was a pleasant family day which I am sure, my children will cherish forever in their lives.

Sky Ranch in San Fernando, Pampanga is a very ideal and convenient getaway for families. It is located adjacent to the mall, which means that almost everything that one would need for family enjoyment is all around.

Upon arriving there, we opted to make ourselves fully charged first by dining at Cabalen. We strolled around a bit to check the establishments there. After which, we proceeded to the Sky Ranch.

"piggy eater not a picky eater"

We chose the safe and boring rides because both my son and I are scared of heights. The ticket price ranges from Php50 to Php100.

Vladimir and his dad tried the Sky Cycle and Bumper Boat together.

Father & Son

Then the four of us tried the Express Train and the Carousel. The bright smile of my children, especially the amused look of my daughter, melted the mother’s heart in me.

"The Three Little Pigs"

Before leaving Pampanga, we went back to the mall for our last-minute stroll.

My son, who’s always hungry, asked us to buy him french fries. As I usually do, I asked him to do the purchase by himself so that he would become independent.

I also bought Krispy Krème doughnuts so that we’ll have something to munch when we get home.

I thanked my ex for the pleasant experience. It was an important episode in our son’s life so I had it documented for his future school use.

When In Pampanga

Last weekend, we headed to Pampanga for our family reunion slash the 19^th birthday celebration of my cousin, Ralph Aaron.

Backdrop showing the photoshopped images of my late grandparents

We were supposed to be there early on the 13^th but I couldn’t make it then because I can’t absent from work. It was my first time to handle my classes in Valenzuela Polytechnic College and I needed to meet my students right away so that I could plan well my lessons for the remaining semester.

After work, I rushed home to prepare for the out of town trip. Since my mother was already weary, we just opted to take a cab to Pampanga. We offered to pay the driver double the amount of his meter. Man, the road trip was not nice because we got lost. The meter hit over a thousand bucks. Since we promised to pay double, we paid Php 2000 plus. The memory of the “joy ride” is disgusting and at the same time amusing – disgusting because we were billed exorbitantly and we’re at fault; and amusing because we felt like we’re in an Amazing Race reality show.

Until we reached our destination – the welcoming abode of Uncle Pete and his family.

Since we arrived late, I just tried to catch up with whatever was there left to enjoy. Of course, I greeted the birthday boy and handed him the cake I bought at Ricci’s (an Italian pastry shop at Valenzuela Town Center).  I enjoyed the viands I rarely experience in Manila. I also had a can of beer and some cigarette while my cousins were sound trippin’.  Chill.

Catching Up Session

The kids? Well, they have a different, energetic world. They played all the time. They also camped together at the terrace.

The Campers

The following day was the bigger day for me. We went to the market to buy stuff for my son’s birthday and my mom and I cooked the whole morning.

View from the backyard

We had boodle fight for our lunch; the kids went swimming; I had my mini Valentine’s Day concert (not caring at all if I’m hitting the right note); and my favorite part of the day... of course, the celebration of my son’s seventh birthday.

Children having fun at the pool

Meet the Birthday "Sponsor" - Tito Peter

It was a very long day but I can’t complain. I left Pampanga with a smile painted on my face.

Hurrah For V-Day!

My kind of V-Day is not Valentine's Day. It's Vladimir's Day.

When I was in college, I told some friends that in the future, I just want to have children and I don’t want to have a husband. Reason being is having internalized too well the studies I took about domestic violence and gender bias that are still rampant in most corners of our society. Looking back, I realized that what I wished for is finally here. I have cute kids and I am single.

What’s paradoxical about my situation is that my son’s birthday fell on Valentine’s Day, February 14, which means that I don’t have to feel envious of sweet couples around because I’ll be busy of making his birthday helluva fun and momentous.

Last night, my son handed me a wrinkled valentine’s card. He was crying because he thought the paper-cut heart is not presentable enough to me for it was crumpled in his school bag. Nonetheless, he gathered his innocent courage to show it to me.

As a mother, I was really touched by the gesture because the message reads, “Dear mommy thanks for taking care of me and teaching me. I love you - Love Vladimir.” I appeased him by saying that the artwork was nice and it’s the thought that counts. I’m even planning to display his artwork somewhere in the house.

We plan to go out of town this weekend to celebrate his seventh birthday. I’ll do my best to make it a fun-filled birthday for him, worthier perhaps of the commercialized representation of couples’ day.

************************* 

By the way, did you know that there are four types of love? In one of my students’ reports in our Philippine Literature class, this issue was tackled. 

Source: http://www.twl4parents.com/the-four-loves/

As was shared in the class, according to Clive Staples Lewis, a British novelist and Christian apologist, the four types of love are (1) "Storge" or empathy bond, (2) "Philia" or friend bond, (3) "Eros" or erotic bond, and (4) "Agape" or unconditional 'God' love.

What’s your kind of love on the 14th?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Not So Pressured Cooker

One fine Sunday while we were having our lunch at The Racks in SM North, I heard my aunt tell her son Christian that he should already learn how to drive. She said that my cousin should try to acquire a new skill every year. That thought lingered in my mind for quite some time and I told myself that I would also want to apply that piece of advice in my life. The sad part is, I don’t have the budget to pursue the things I want to do. If I want to upgrade my skills, this would entail some cost.

A couple of weeks passed when suddenly, an idea popped out of my head. I thought, instead of me enrolling in classes to learn something new, why not enhance the skills I have at present? Why not look around and check if there are valuable lessons that I could muster without spending a penny?

SO. In the mean time, I will forget about baking, photography, photoshop, script writing and video editing. I have set my heart that I will concentrate in COOKING this year.

I am blessed because I have a mother who cooks really well. She is my personal mentor. I no longer need to spend time in cooking classes because I can simply ask her for the procedures. And my ultimate taste tester is my super polite housemate, Diether. He never complains if the food tastes bad. He just doesn’t eat. Hahaha!

My Easy-To-Prepare Salad

My weekends are productive because I get to cook something new for the household. Well, not really that “new” because the viands are ordinary. It’s just that I’m a kitchen newbie so trying out what I find unfamiliar already means something to me.

Last week, I cooked “pinakbet.” Today, I cooked “bicol express.” They’re among my recent gastronomic discoveries.

For me, another recipe learned and practiced is an achievement. It’s an upgrade of my previous self who’s not kitchen savvy. So I’m a better me, every week. 

Social Welfare Office At Work

At this point, I have my rejuvenated enthusiasm towards work especially now that I am often called by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to aid them in their endeavours. 

Here’s a glimpse of my collaboration with my aforementioned esteemed office.

THE VISION-MISSION STATEMENTS OF CSWDO

Creating the Vision and Mission statements of an organization is not a simple thing. It should be coherent with the governing culture imposed by the umbrella unit; it should be brainstormed accordingly by the decision makers within the group; and of course, the statements must be duly approved.

I sought assistance from my college friend, Prof. Neil Kenneth Jamandre of UP Diliman, to help us through. He conducted a workshop on creating vision-mission statements for CSWDO’s subunits last September 16, 2015 at 2A Conference Room of The City Hall, City Government Center.

The workshop was attended by 10 CSWDO managers. They were Ms. Mary June Sy and Mr. Jayvie Roman of Bahay-Pag-asa; Ms. Virginia de Asis and Ms. Ma. Kristina C. Ramos of CSWDO; Ms. Melinda V. Aquino, Mr. Renato Singson, and Ma. Lourdes M. Gardoce of Bahay Kalinga; Ms. Maricel T. Batara, Ms. Elenita R. Hernandez, and Ms. Emelie Ubina of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Office.

GAD PRESENTATION FOR VISITORS FROM DAO, PROVINCE OF CAPIZ

It’s common among local government officials to conduct study tours to other cities in order for them to emulate good governance practices. 

When the municipality of Dao, Capiz tapped CSWDO to get educated on the city’s best practices on the implementation of projects related with gender and development (GAD), yours truly was tapped to help them with their presentation.

We initially conducted a meeting to discuss the contents of the presentation. We outlined the flow of the discussion. Through the aid of my colleagues – Mr. Rod de Guzman, Mr. Jerry Rubiano, Mr. Jay Exiomo and Mr. Raf Delfino – who contributed stock photos, PowerPoint guide, and nice infographics, yours truly was able to finish the presentation right on time.

In a chit-chat with Mayor Joselito Escutin of Dao, he gave me a brochure of their locality which was titled, “Feel at Home in Dao.” I had goose bumps upon seeing that their locale was able to preserve the Spanish pueblo set-up for their buildings. He said that NCCA actually went to him to preserve this cultural and historical site.

Mayor Joselito Escutin learns about GAD's major infrastructure project

CT SCAN VOUCHER

“This is where your taxes go.”

CSWDO is always busy prepping for services for the indigent constituents. Together with our office’s resident artist, Mr. Allan Tampandong, we were able to complete this CT Scan voucher to be cascaded to qualified beneficiaries soon.

This month of March, exciting activities are lined up for the celebration of Women’s Month. I’m not going to divulge anything yet. I can only assure you that it’s going to be really fun!

In Valenzuela City, CSWDO works!

Kung Hei Fat Choi

The Chinese New Year celebration is fast approaching and I’m thinking of getting myself immersed better in their culture this year.

As an avid fanatic of horoscopes and fortune telling, I’m quite intrigued of what’s in store for me this year. If the stars will say that I’ll have good luck, I’ll cling to that prediction. But if it’s otherwise, I’ll opt to believe in positive karma – a Hindu belief. Hahaha! I think it is part of human nature to always want things that are favourable to oneself. This is my idiosyncrasy.

In the past few years, the Chinese culture permeated my monotonous life without me anticipating it big time. I found myself befriending people of Chinese descent which made me more fascinated with their culture.

I am most pleased with one of our most esteemed department heads, the very down to earth Arch. Edison Ching Padilla. Together with her cute little daughter in Chinese traditional costume, they roamed around the city hall one Chinese New Year to give palatable goodies.

My dear friend, the beautiful Ms. Clariz Tanganco, also shared lots of interesting stories about Chinese culture and tradition. She’s always ready to strike a pose every time we need a model for our projects. At first, it was difficult for me to pronounce her surname. She explained to me that her last name is actually a combination of three Chinese surnames – Tan, Gan, and Co – hence, Tanganco.

In-house Model

Last Year of the Horse, our family also dined at Heritage hotel where the kids had several selfies at the lobby.

My personal favourite among all these nostalgic moments is the first cosplay experience of my son. (Cosplay is not Chinese-inspired. It’s Japanese. But since the school activity coincided with the Chinese New Year celebration, I just inserted it here. No pun intended on the sad history between the two territories.) His school staged a cosplay competition at SM Valenzuela, where Vladimir represented my favourite anime character, Kenshin Himura. After the show I took a photo of him in front of a Chinese icon.

To all my dear Chinese friends and my blog visitors, KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!