A Beautiful Tribute

A few days ago I watched the movie Tangled (yes, yes, I know, I am so behind in watching movies!), and I was so overwhelmingly touched with the part wherein the King and Queen would light a floating candle every year on the evening of their daughter's birthday. The daughter, who in the story is Rapunzel, was kidnapped by a witch (of course.. as the story goes) and the parents never gave up hope that someday their daughter would find her way home. Touching diba? I cried my eyes out!

Then it hit me, what a wonderful way to honor someone's memory! And I thought of my Giovanni. I have been thinking of how best to "celebrate" his birthday once it comes next year (and his rebirth into heaven as well, since it's only a few days apart), and this is a wonderful way! We can even hang pictures or short letters to the lanterns as they "float" up to heaven. :)

I love and miss you so so so much my baby!!!! Just looking at your pictures makes me cry so much. It hurts me so much you are not with me now. Until we see each other again. Love, Mama.

PS- if it proves difficult to make these lanterns, colorful balloons are also another wonderful idea. Just like how we released balloons during his funeral.

Of signs and wonders.

I've always been the type of person who believed in signs (not the hocus pocus kinds), miracles and that everything happens for a reason. I believe that if we put God at the center of our lives, and if we allow Him to take control, He will. God has a plan for each and every one of us and for each and every life as long as we surrender to Him. I have been clinging on to this belief more so even now ever since my Giovanni had passed. After all, what better image to have than to have that of Giovanni so happy and at peace in heaven with Jesus. This thought comforts me. There is nothing better than knowing I've got the best "baby-sitter"... Jesus.

But of course, being humans and here on earth, there are times when the pain comes and I do believe that it will never go away. There will always be an ache in my heart that will only be complete when my time comes and I see my Giovanni again. These past few weeks since he has passed, there are some good days and some days that I just cry. It's a good outlet as long as I am able to pull myself together and "move on" afterwards. I do not see anything wrong with crying and missing my baby so much.

Last Sunday was a trying day for me. Everything just seemed "wrong". I felt down and out and just all around depressed. I missed my Giovanni but I also know that he would not have wanted me (and our family) to be this way... as I was heading to the priest for communion I decided to just surrender everything to God. I told him, "Lord, ikaw na bahala... only you can take away this pain and grief, only you can fully console us."

I prayed to My Giovanni. I prayed for a sign to reassure me that he is okay, happy w Jesus... So that we can be happy too even if we miss him so very much.

Yesterday I took the kids for trick or treat in makati and afterwards I went to visit Giovanni's crypt and there I got my answer. There was the sign. Right in his vase. Yellow flowers.

I love you Giovanni. Always and forever. 

Reflections on Giovanni's 40th Day

It was Giovanni's 4oth day last weekend. Time flies so fast but the heart never forgets.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss my baby Giovanni. Some days are better, I get busy with work and the other 2 kids and I get by pretty well. And then there are just other days when I can't help but think about my Giovanni all the time. Remembering all the memories and just wishing that he would could be here with me.

If there is one thing that I've learned to embrace in this unexpected events is that no one can really determine how long or short our time on earth is. I believe that a miracle could have happened that night. Giovanni could have survived and he would be here with us... but that particular miracle that we were praying for did not happen. Giovanni did not wake up and he left us on earth. God wanted this beautiful baby back. I suffer here on earth but I cling to the fact that Giovanni is in the loving arms of Mama Mary and Jesus. My baby could not get a better "baby sitter" than that!

Next year is the year of Faith. How apt. I cry "why?" and "Lord give me strength and stronger faith in you" at the same time. Why do these things happen? Why to me? Why Giovanni? So many questions I will never know the answer to while here on earth. I can just trust in God and have Faith. Lord, give grant me the grace to have an enormous amount of faith in you. Faith in your plans for my family. Faith in your will. Faith to be able to say, "The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

New Beginnings.

It's been 18 days since my sweet baby boy passed. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember details of what happened in the hospital or different fond memories with him. And when I do, I get this anxious feeling inside my stomach, as if I'm riding a roller coaster and my insides are turned to mush. A tugging feeling pulls at my heart and there is nothing I can do about it.

Since Giovanni passed, I would pray to him and even at times make tampo since he did not visit me in my dreams or make paramdam. But then on Sept. 14 on the feast of our Lady of sorrows, I had a dream about him. I was carrying him in my arms and he was smiling up at me. It felt so real. After that, I have not dreamed about him again. I think it was Mama Mary who told him to visit me. It was an assurance that Giovanni was now with her and Jesus and that he was indeed in the best place that he could be in. Giovanni got the better end of the deal in this life since he is now where all of us pray and hope to be. This is my only consolation... that God, Jesus and Mary (along with all our relatives who have gone ahead of us) have got their hands full with this beautiful, loving, sweet, kind and affectionate baby boy that was once mine. Dear Giovanni, my baby Saint Giovanni, always pray and watch over us, especially your Kuya and Ate. We love you so much my dearest.

Faith amidst darkness.

Santi and I have been reading the book about the private writings of Mother Teresa. I've only read a few pages (just started) and am amazed to find out that for the most part of her ministry she was in total darkness. Not physical darkness, but spiritually.  Mother Teresa would often be in anguish that she could not "hear" the Lord speak to her. It was a true test of faith. She did not disappoint. She was truly a living saint.

Sometimes I find myself questioning God.. why? I think this is normal. I do not know the answer, and I do not know when I will find or if I will find out the answer. All I can do is keep my faith and draw strength from people like Mother Teresa who have shown unimaginable courage and strength. I pray everyday that I (and my family and all those deeply affected by our loss) be given this great grace. I am not saying I have it now, but everyday is a chance to work towards it.

New beginnings.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to continue to stay in the home where we had countless memories with our little one. Every little place I remember, and it's not that I am trying to forget, but I just want moving on to be a bit easier. The memories will forever be in my heart and mind. But to be able to somewhat go in the right direction to move on, I believe that moving to a new place is healthier for the whole family. We have been in our new place for 3 days now and it was the right decision to make. Giovanni is still here with us, in our hearts, and we are also able to create a new beginning for our family.

Who knows what the future will be like? Does anyone? All I know is it will be a bright one since Giovanni will be watching over us and guiding us until we see each other again.

Happy Birthday, Kuya Santino.

The birthday boy!

Today, our panganay or Kuya Santino turns 4. Happy, happy birthday Kuya. :) We call him our train man since he has had this obsession with anything trains since he was 2 years old! I think it's safe to say that it is now more than just a "fad" and is now an obsession? ha ha. Oh Kuya, you make me so happy.

To be honest, I have bittersweet feelings about today. I am so happy that Kuya is growing up to be such a smart, handsome and energetic little boy. Time flies so fast. But I also am sad that our family will never be complete again for all important days and milestones such as today because Giovanni has passed. I know he is there in spirit and his memory will forever be alive with us, but it's still not the same. I want to be able to be there fully for my other two children... I do not want to deprive them of the mommy that they know and love.... even with Giovanni's passing.

Oh Giovanni, I miss and love you so much. I know that Daddy, Kuya and Ate also miss you so so much. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Please pray and watch over us always.

My 2 boys: Santino and Giovanni, November 2011

To our darling Santino, we are so so proud of you anak. Continue to take care of all of us here and bring laughter to our boring days. Be assured that baby Giovanni is watching over you and is giving you a big hug and kiss from heaven.

Goodbye, Giovanni.

Yesterday we buried my sweet, sweet baby boy. Our little bunso, Giovanni.
I love you so much Giovanni!!!!!!

Eulogy for Giovanni Paolo+

September 1, 2012

Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I never in my wildest imagination ever thought I would find myself in this situation. I feel like I’m watching a sad movie and I’m the main character. I feel like this is all a dream and I will suddenly wake up and find Giovanni sitting beside me on our bed, waiting for me to give him his bottle of milk.

Whenever I look at you, pictures or at things that you used Giovanni, my tummy feels like it’s tied in knots and there is a very heavy feeling tugging at my heart. I guess that is what heartache feels like.  My heart aches Giovanni, that I can no longer hold you in my arms and kiss your chubby feet or stubby hands. My heart aches, Giovanni, that I wont be able to see your dimpled smile or hear your cute cute laugh. My heart aches Giovanni, that I will not ever see you again reach out to me and say “Mama” when you want to be carried. My heart aches Giovanni, that I will not see your big eyes staring so lovingly at me again. My heart aches Giovanni and there’s nothing I can do about it.

I love you so much Giovanni. I always tell people that you are my sweetest baby. From the moment you popped out of my womb and I saw you for the first time, I could already see your kind and gentle soul. You never gave me a hard time in all your 1 year and 9 days of life. At just 5 months you would already sleep through the night giving me the much needed rest that I needed. You would not cry or complain unless you were really hungry or were in dire need of a diaper change. You didn’t mind when your Kuya and Ate would pinch your chubby cheeks and say “you’re so cuuuuute!” or when Kuya and Ate would be so rough especially when giving you a big bear hug. You didn’t mind when I dressed you up in a monkey costume made of wool for Halloween, or when I would tie your then long hair into a high ponytail making you look like a Japanese baby samurai. I love you Giovanni.

You came unexpectedly into our lives (just 1 year & 3 months after Ate) and left, just as unexpectedly. But for the whole 1 year and 9 days with us, you filled those days with lots and lots of love.  I am grateful that we got to have that special spur of the moment family vacation in Boracay (which was a trip of many firsts for you) and especially that we got to celebrate your 1^st birthday with all our family and friends. It was a simple celebration, but the people that mattered most were all accounted for. It was as if you already knew you would be gone soon and so you gave us numerous memories filled with special moments with you. I love you Giovanni.

Seeing all the people here and everyone that visited over the past few days, not to mention the countless emails, calls, texts, tweets and FB messages, it just goes to show how much you have touched people in your brief life on earth.  You truly are such a special baby. So special, that God wanted to take you early so you could already be with Him in heaven. I am so very grateful to have been chosen to be your mama. My life is infinitely blessed because I was able to call you mine. I thank God for giving you to me Giovanni, even for just a short time.

I love you so so so much my baby boy. I will never ever forget you. Please watch over us always my little saint. I still don’t know how I will cope without you, but I know you will help me get through everyday. See you in my dreams for now Giovanni, until we meet again. I love you. 

Love always and forever, Mama.

I love you my baby. Until we see each other again.

Kids Day Out: Fun kiddie friendly places to bring your kids

Last week my son Santino had his first ever field trip. It was a wonderful bonding experience for him and I, and a great chance for me to interact with fellow parents and to see him interact with his teachers and classmates. This also got me thinking about fun and kiddie friendly places one can bring kids.

As a parent of 3 young kids, I know that one cannot just bring hyper kids just anywhere. Each outing should be well planned and kid-friendly. So, this has inspired me to compile a list of places to bring your kids where they will be sure to enjoy. Great ideas for the long weekends where you can make it an overnight trip or a day-trip on Sundays! I also know that price and expenses are a factor (especially for those with more than 2 kids and yayas tagging along), so will also include my own little pros and cons and whether it's worth spending on.

*Remember, all comments are strictly my own and not official whatsoever.  :)

1. Mind Museum (Fort Bonifacio)
PROs:
+ Lots of things to see, ride, touch. Their playground is very interactive.
+ Kids (especially gradeschool aged ones) will learn something.
+ Brand new so everything is well maintained and clean.
+ You can finish the whole place in half a day, just enough time to grab a bite with the family after or hang out in the Serendra.
CONs:
- Hefty entrance fee (P600 for adults, P450 for kids)

2. Philippine Aerospace Museum (Beside NAIA 3 and Resorts World)
PROs:
+ Cheap entrance fee (P50)
+ Actual planes and helicopters so kids will be in awe seeing it all up close.
+ Kids can ride in the cockpits
CONs:
- Small museum, you can finish it in 2 hours.
- Non airconditioned
- Dusty (unless you are a scheduled big group then I think they clean it, haha)
- Everything is Old (I guess ergo the museum, right?)

3. Fun Ranch (Beside Tiendesitas, Pasig)
PROs:
+ Lots of things to do and ride for the kids.
+ Many places to eat and so kids won't be bored while waiting since they can play.
+ No entrance fee, accessible to public
+ Free parking
CONs:
- All rides have a fee (P50 per ride)

4. Manila Ocean Park (Roxas Blvd, Manila)
PROs:
+ Lots of things to see and do, kids will enjoy
+ A lot of places to eat
+ Small tiangee area for a little shopping, toys for kids
+ Great view of ocean
+ Hotel H2O for those coming from out of town and looking for a place to stay (think Disney hotel in Disneyland)
CONs:
- Pricey entrance (but then you can get bundles for a certain number of attractions)
- During weekends there may be long lines and lots of people

5.  Luneta Park (Manila)
PROs:
+ Free!!
+ Great for outdoor activities: think picnic, sportsfest, kite flying, and anything else you can do outdoors!
+ You can visit nearby monuments 
CONs:
- Rain (If it does) and Heat 

6. Enchanted Kingdom (Sta. Rosa, Laguna)
PROs:
+ Fun for the whole family
+ Lots of rides, attractions and shows
+ Open until late at night with shows to watch
CONs:
- Price
- Far location: you will need a car or a private rented vehicle (think Gas and toll)
 - Could have long lines if there are a lot of people

7. Avilon Zoo (Montalban, Rizal)
 PROs:
+ Huge facility with a lot of animals
+ Some parts you can interact with animals and take photos
CONs:
- Far (think transpo, gas)

8. Nuvali Water Park (Sta. Rosa)
PROs:
+ Boat rides, shopping, bike riding
+ Lots of good places to eat
+ Out of town but not too far
CONs:
- Not much to do aside from the boat ride
- Need private car, toll and gas

 

9. Zoobic (Subic, Pampanga)
PROs:
+ Big facility, lots of things to do
+ Can spend the whole day there with the family
+ Lots of shows, attractions, animals
+ Reasonably priced for the place
CONs:
- Far, out of town trip (gas, toll)
- You might have to consider staying overnight somewhere so not so tiring for kids

10. Ocean Adventure (Subic, Pampanga)
PROs:
+ Big facility, lots of things to do
+ Can spend the whole day there with the family
+ Lots of shows, attractions, animals
+ Reasonably priced for the place

CONs:
- Far, out of town trip (gas, toll)
- You might have to consider staying overnight somewhere so not so tiring for kids

11. Active Fun (Fort Bonifacio)
PROs:
+ Affordable
+ Huge play area for kids to run and do whatever they like
+ Parents can stay at food area while waiting
+ Air conditioned
+ Accessible
+ Can make an outing out of it and head on to Serendra for some snacks or for kids to play some more in the park
CONs:
-  Kids are naturally drawn to toy store there and so you might end up buying them something, haha!

12. Gymboree
PROs:
+ Safe in terms of everything being padded
+ Good for even infants
+ Enroll kids in classes or just free play
+ Free trial sessions
+ Easily accessible
CONs:
- Pricey

13. Open park in the Fort
PROs:
+ Well maintained
+ Lots of areas to play
+ Free and open space
CONs:
- Could have a lot of kids there, may be a bit rough
- Hot (if during afternoons)

Well, these are just some of the places you can consider going to... but I am sure if you ask around from family and friends, you will discover new places and fun things to do. Share them here! Would love to discover these places too. Have a fun-filled family weekend! :)

Positive Parenting

Since the article is already out (and has been for quite a while now) just wanted to re-post the article I did for SP Online about Positive Parenting. :) You can also find the official post in their website here.

Positive Parenting: 10 Phrases that will Make your Child Listen  

Your child will be more attentive and will be more likely to follow if you use positive words instead.

Ever catch yourself always beginning sentences with “Don’t…” or “Stop…” when talking to your kids? It’s a very common thing for moms to be saying these same lines over and over again with little or no effect at all. So before frustration and exasperation set in, think about trying a different approach. When dealing with determined kids, an effective way of getting your message across is using positive reinforcement.

Here are 10 common “nay” statements that can be turned to “ayes”:

1. Instead of “Don’t do that!”
Try “Mommy would be happy to see you do this instead.”

2. Instead of “Stop crying or else!” or “Don’t be a cry baby.”
Try “I know that you felt bad about what happened, Mommy is here to help you.”

3. Instead of “I’m busy.”
Try “I want to play with you. Mommy just needs to finish something important and then we can play.”

4. Instead of “Hurry up!” or “Move faster!”
Try “Can Mommy help you with what you are doing?”

5. Instead of “Stop that!”
Try “If you continue to do that, you might hurt yourself.”


6. Instead of “You’re so kulit!”
Try “Can you be Mommy’s little helper and do this (a chore) for me?”

7. Instead of “You never learn!”
Try “You are a big boy/girl already. You already know what you should and shouldn’t do.”

8. Instead of “You don’t listen to me!”
Try “Mommy will really be happy if you follow what I say.”

9. Instead of “Why can’t you be more like your other sibling?”
Try “Your brother/sister is doing something really pleasing to Mommy, You should do that as well.”

10. Instead of “Hala! Isusumbong kita kay Daddy.”
Try “Remember what Mommy said about that (fault)? You should know what to do by now.”

Remember, kids don’t respond well to commands, especially if you are asking them to do something other than what they want. The best strategy is to explain why you want your child to do a particular thing. Try using these alternative statements when faced with similar situations and you just might get the response you are looking for.

Make sure that you also devote enough time with your kids, because one of the reasons children often act up is because they are seeking your attention. It is important to have that special “mommy and me” time, as it will surely boost your child’s confidence and self-worth.

Why My Children Make Me Proud

Often times in the busyness of life and everyday things to do-- be it work, preparing meals or doing errands and chores, and just the million and one things that moms (and wives) do to run a household, we tend to get caught up in the "craziness" and tend to focus on the little and seemingly unimportant things that our children do to make us proud. I am guilty at times when I catch myself scolding my kids for this and that, and then realizing.. hey, this is no longer healthy. Sound familiar? I bet it is. You know what I do? I take a moment (even just a few seconds will do) for myself and remind myself that children don't think the way I do, and therefore do not act in ways we expect them to. Breath in. Breath out. Now smile and tell Kuya to "please don't do that." :)

These past few weeks have been quite hectic but precious moments spent with my little ones and how fast they are growing and blooming can't help but make me feel soooo proud!! Our eldest, Santino, who has been part of a number of wedding entourage's in the past has NEVER walked down the aisle. And I mean never with matching bawling and tantrums refusing to wear his coat and tie. And so naturally, when he was asked yet again to be part of a friend's entourage last week, my husband and I found ourselves talking to the couple to actually think of having another bible bearer instead. I guess the soon-to-be newlyweds had much more faith in him than we did coz they insisted. And to cut thr long story short, my husband and I were floored when Santino not only wore his coat and tie (YESS!) but he ALSO walked down the aisle by himself and even posed for pictures!!! Even to this day this thought bring such a smile to my face!  I was over the moon that day.  Just goes to show that you can't really limit a person's capabilities and believe in people because good things will happen when you believe and trust in people you love. :)

Our Bible bearer!!! :)

Super good mood. Posing with Daddy.

The search for the right Pre-school.

Every time summer starts to come to an end and June is just around the corner, I, along with other "last-minute" moms are frantically in search for the right pre-school for our kids. We recently moved to the Pasig area (from Antipolo) and being new to the area, I was anxious to find a pre-school for my very curious, hyper-active and eager to learn 3.9 (in June :)) year old boy. As of today, I have enrolled my son in a pre-school already. I am happy with my choice.. for now.. but just like any mom, I am hoping that the teachers will be able to address the needs and bring out the best in my son.

Just as I know there may still be a few moms out there looking for a school, it's never too late to post the different schools I personally went to and inquired at. I would also like to make a short definition between Traditional and Progressive schools, as this is always the area which parents decide among when it comes to picking the right school for their children. Knowing the different teaching and classroom styles are important in making a choice between schools.

Traditional	Progressive
School is a preparation for life.	School is a part of life.
Learners are passive absorbers of information and authority.	Learners are active participants, problem solvers, and planners.
Teachers are sources of information and authority.	Teachers are facilitators, guides who foster thinking.
Parents are outsiders and uninvolved.	Parents are the primary teachers, goal setters, and planners, and serve as resources.
Community is separate from school, except for funding.	Community is an extension of the classroom.
Decision-making is centrally based and administratively delivered.	Decision-making is shared by all constituent groups.
Program is determined by external criteria, particularly test results.	Program is determined by mission, philosophy, and goals for graduates.
Learning is linear, with factual accumulation and skill mastery.	Learning is spiral, with depth and breadth as goals.
Knowledge is absorbed through lectures, worksheets, and texts.	Knowledge is constructed through play, direct experience, and social interaction.
Instruction is linear and largely based on correct answers.	Instruction is related to central questions and inquiry, often generated by the children.
Disciplines, particularly language and math, are separated.	Disciplines are integrated as children make connections.
Skills are taught discretely and are viewed as goals.	Skills are related to content and are viewed as tools.
Assessment is norm-referenced, external, and graded.	Assessment is benchmarked, has many forms, and is progress-oriented.
Success is competitively based, derived from recall and memory, and specific to a time/place.	Success is determined through application over time, through collaboration.
Products are the end point.	Products are subsumed by process considerations.
Intelligence is a measure of linguistic and logical/mathematical abilities.	Intelligence is recognized as varied, includes the arts, and is measured in real-life problem-solving.
School is a task to be endured.	School is a challenging and fun part of life.

Source: http://www.wingraschool.org/who/progressive.htm

Ok, with that in mind, I was in the search for a progressive school since I knew that my boy needed this type of education in order to really bring out his talents and basically bring him out of his shell since he does have moments when he is very shy and introverted. Some of the schools I was able to visit in the Pasig Area:

Aheadstart Developmental Center

www.aheadstartpreschool.com

Britesparks International School

www.britesparksschool.com

LEAP School

www.leapschoolforyoungchildren.com

Kids Academy

www.kidsacademy.com.ph

Creative Beginners

www.creativebeginners.com

There are also an increasing number of parents out there who have turned to homeschooling, bit just because of how expensive education has become, and if I only had the drive and discipline to do this (am not one to pretend I can do this), I would definitely pursue it.

I found my school for my son, I hope you also find yours! Good luck! :)

Mompreneur :)

Can I just share?! I am a certified Mompreneur! haha... or at least in Smart Parenting magazine online.
Thanks to my friend, and fellow mom-blogger Tina for the feature.

My online shop that sells Ikea stuff was featured :) Read more about it here.
Am soo kilig!! :)

Thankful at 30.

I turned 30 on Feb 25, and I can't help but feel very much blessed and grateful for everything that I have. I decided to take this time to reflect about all the things I am so fortunate to have.

A few things I am thankful for on my 30th year:

Boracay honeymoon

1. My Husband, Santi. I am not the easiest person to love and get along with, but he does a pretty darn good job at it. I love how he gets me and complements me in areas where I need improvement. How he always looks out for our family's well-being.

2. My kids, Santino, Ysabella and Giovanni. They are my life's greatest treasures. My life is complete now that I have them in my life. My ultimate desire was fulfilled when I became a mom to these three little munchkins. :-)

My bundles of joy!

3. Good health for me and my family. As one grows older, this becomes so important. We need to be healthy in order to be able to live our lives to the fullest.

4. Wonderful and Loving parents. I am blessed to have the most understanding, generous and prayerful parents on the planet. I am who I am because of them. Marrying Santi, I was blessed twice over with in-laws who share the same values and passions as we do and who are there for us and support us unconditionally. No difficult in-laws here!

our HH (some not in picture)

5. Our Household in Community. Santi and I are fortunate enough to have a wonderful support group of fellow young couples in CFC-FFL who journey with us and give very practical and helpful advice when it comes to family, marriage, relationships and everything in between!

6. Girlfriends. When you want to spend some QT with women you can share anything with, there's nothing like spending it with real friends who get you. I am fortunate enough to have those from all parts of my life- high school, college, in community, work and in extended family.

7. Family Catechesis and Liturgical Bible Study. This was truly God-sent to Santi and I. One night we just happen to have found ourselves in this small Sunday group learning the word of God and how alive it is in our lives. Santi developed it even more into Family Catechesis and we have been blessed to see families learning the work of God and being transformed through it. Check it out here- www.liturgicalbiblestudy.com

8. Our Yayas. They are practically like our children's older sisters or second parents when it comes to care and concern. We are fortunate enough to have great, honest and loving help in our home.

9. My work. I am blessed to be part of a company that is not only fun and interesting, but is a challenge to work in and puts family first.

10. This blog. It started out as a hobby and a passion for writing. Now, I have quite a number of blog entries that tell a story or special event in my life. I am grateful for this outlet, to be able to also express my thoughts and for others to (hopefully) pick up something good.

11. Our own home. We recently moved out of the motherhouse (or my parents backyard - haha) and delved into the independent life. I am loving it. It's a lot of work but it's all worth it. This was the best decision (and most natural I think :)) we could have ever made. We are making our own path as a family.

12. Milk tea. This just makes me happy. Add on extra sago and coffee jelly and I am over the moon.
13. Shopping in Divisoria. Simple joys and great finds that are great for the wallet!

14. Nightly walks with my husband. Santi and I recently started this habit of going on evening walks around our village. It's great exercise and a wonderful time for us to catch up and talk about anything and everything. A must-have in every relationship.

Meet Gordon

15. Cooking. I have recently discovered my love (and talent) for cooking! Will share those in my next blogs... but it's pretty exciting for me making meal plans and discovering new recipes and being able to actually do it!! :)

16. Gordon, our dog. The newest addition to our brood.



PHEW that's a long list! But then again, it's always great to take the time to look at what you've got and how fortunate and blessed you are to have it. ;-)

Change is Good.

After almost 30 years (just a few days short of) of living in Alpadi- the home I grew up in... I finally left. It is one of the saddest and happiest moments in my life. After spending 29 years as a daughter, 4 as a married woman and 3 as mother (now of 3 wonderful kids) in that HOAM or as my dad called it- Heaven On top of A Mountain, my husband and I felt that it had been about time to spread our wings and go on our own. It was indeed our own little piece of heaven, and I cannot help but feel a slight pinch or tug at my heart when I think and remember all the fond and wonderful memories I had growing up. Every major milestone and every important event in my life has been tied at one point or another to that place. But then as the famous saying goes, "The only thing constant in life is change" and I do believe that our decision to move out was a good change.

It's been a week already since we moved (to a much more centrally located area) and it has been the best decision we had ever made. I feel flattered when some friends (who have already come over) comment that when they come in our home it feels as if we have been living here for years.. and I like that. It validates the feeling of peace and contentment that I feel every morning when I wake up and every evening before I go to sleep.

It's just a few days before my 30th birthday. Others would want to get some lavish gift or go on an extravagant vacation, but I am very much happy to be spending my birthday with  my family. My family is my greatest treasure, and with our "big move" life just got even better. Although I will admit that it is quite an effort on my part, but one that I do and fulfill gladly. I've recently had a lot of "firsts" this past week- first time doing fresh market shopping (at a REAL palengke haha), first time doing real meal planning and the cooking! and just being the best wife, mother and homemaker I can be. I never realized how fulfilling it would be to have your kids and husband gobble up the food you make (it must be good! haha) or my son saying to me the first thing when he wakes up- "mommy, I love your banana bread" after I had just, for the first time, made it from scratch. My heart is full!! This I think is the best "gift" I could get for my 30th birthday. Everything else would just be the icing on top!

There is always room to grow when you make positive changes in your life. As my husband says, all it takes is a leap of faith. Make the effort and God will take care of the rest... and so far, God has not only lived up, but exceeded his part of the "deal"... What [positive] changes do you want to make but are hesitant to do?

I've got someTEA on my mind...

Excuse the corny heading. The fact of the matter is I am a milk tea addict. I am absolutely loving the fact that tea drinks have become quite the rage now... the only problem is, there are so many out there that it's getting quite confusing which one to buy. So for serious milk tea lovers like myself, I am continually in search of the best one out there.

My love affair with milk tea began 5-6 years ago in 7-11. Sago, pudding or whatever "pearls or sinkers" were not yet uso at that time. It was just honest to goodness milk tea. I have no idea what the brand it, but believe me it's GOOD. And for the price, if I remember correctly around P30+ for a huge bottle, it's quite the steal. Not to mention that packaging looks pretty authentic. ha ha! Have any of you tried this before?

So that went on for quite a while until the whole Zagu craze... I remember the super loooong lines at every zagu store, it was just crazy! But I was never a total fan of it since I found it too sweet and not very authentic. Until QUICKLY came along. I absolutely love their Taro-Taro... it comes with sago already and just for P55!! I was devastated when the number of outlets drastically decreased, but still grateful that there are still a few centrally located stalls to this date.

Then there was such a sudden boom in the whole milk tea business and all these stalls and small stores selling milk and bubble tea started popping up that it was already so hard to keep track on what was what! I must say, I have not tried all the milk tea places out there, but from what I have tried, I have to say that the Wintermelon is my favorite flavor. It's got that perfect taste of green tea (but not the yucky mapait kind) and sweetness (since you can control and dictate that now) of syrup, with those yummy jelly pearls.

By far the best one for me, and I'm not saying this because it's popular, but it's just really good, is the Serenitea winter melon flavor. Get the one with just 75% sweetness and sinkers like pearl and the coffee jelly ones are my favorite. The Hokkaido flavored one is also just as good.

Next up on my list is Happy Lemon. I've heard the "craze" over this.. sorry but this just doesn't make me happy. Salt and cheese with milk tea drink? seems like a recipe for bathroom disaster if you ask me. Anyhoo, I tried it and it wasn't anything great. But whatever floats your boat :) Maybe I should give it another try, but for now, no thanks. ha ha.

Lastly, I tried this small stall that also sold winter melon tea. Obviously a knock off from Serenitea since they even called the added jelly stuff "sinkers" and also had the percentage of sweetness you could pick from. ha ha. This one is Tea-rrific! -- that's the name of the stall. I got the winter melon one. For half the price (P55) of the Serenitea, it was good enough. A good enough sub when you don't have a Serenitea nearby or you are on a budget but just want to get the milk tea fix :)

Great. Ok now I'm craving for milk tea.

Proud Mama

I recently switched back to being a mac user and I am so happy I made the switch. Aside from better functionality and not having to worry about viruses, my kids and I have been utilizing the photobooth application a lot. My kids loooove taking pictures and seeing themselves in the screen. Here are some fun photobooth moments:

Me, Giovanni, Belly & Santino 

Gordon with Me and Ate

Looking back at photos of my kids I can't help but reminisce at be baffled at how they are growing up so fast! Feels like just yesterday that I gave birth! ha ha :) I am especially in awe when my eldest, Santino starts to have long conversations (that make sense) and when he reasons things out with me. It makes me laugh and smile when I hear his reasonings. Just to share excerpts...

At 1130pm. Kids wide awake.
Belly:"meow. Meow." 
Santino:"ha ha ha! You're crazy!" 
Me:"why is she crazy?" 
Santino:"Because she doesn't want to sleep!" 
#ANORAW

And another one...

Santino: "Mom, it's no longer mooning day."
Me: " WHAT did you say?"
Santino: "The moon is down and the sun is up. I can see Mr. Sun already."
Me: "Ahhhh..."

And this one liner that he told his dad one day while driving home from school...

Santino: "Daddy, is the one who fixes cars a CARpenter?" 

Makes sense, right? :) My Kuya is growing up so fast!!!
And my only girl naman, she gets super kikay by the day!! As in she picks her own clothes and shoes whenever we head out and whenever she sees something pretty, she says "nice." ha ha. One time I caught her putting on lipstick! And she also frequents wearing my shoes around the house. I guess all little girls are like this. Just recently I cam home from a spa day and had a mani-pedi done. She, of course, said "nice" while pointing to my finger nails. I asked her if she wanted nail polish too, to which she replied YES.. OF COURSE. Naturally, she posed with her new hot pink nails...

You just gotta love her!! :)
My youngest, thankfully is still very much concerned with just breastfeeding, eating cerelac and sleeping. But he is getting bigger by the day and is showing signs of a strong personality as well. I am just so thankful for all my kids and am so grateful to be here and see them grow up to be exceptional human beings. :) Thanks for taking the time to read and allowing me, yet again, to be one proud mama.

All about babies

Hi Everyone, just want to introduce to you our newest addition, our 4th "baby"... Meet Gordon. :)

Gordon the Dog

He's been with us for a few almost 2 weeks already and we love him to pieces. We had decided to get a dog after our "incident" and decided on a small, perky, smart and super kid-friendly dog. He needed to be the breed that had enough stamina to keep up with 3 young kids!! And I must say he was the right choice. My kids love him so much and he's quite the character! The first few days we would put him outside our sala (outer kitchen) in a doggie cage and he would just cry the whoooole night. Kaka-awa! Then recently I bought him his own bed and he took to it immediately the first night. He now sleeps in our sale (outside our bedroom) and is super happy and content... as you can see, he loves posing for the camera. ha ha. Santino, my eldest, was the one who named him. Of course it is after one of his favorite trains, Gordon...

Gordon the Train

Hay. Si Kuya talaga... hindi mawawala ang trains. He literally misses his trains whenever we go out for the day and can't wait to come home and play with them. I think he watches too many youtube videos on Thomas trains because when he plays by himself he speaks in a narrative as if he is telling a story... for example one time I bought him talking to himself... "'Oh no! There are missing coaches,' said Gordon. Sir Toppom hat was cross."... imagine that with feelings talaga and change in tone when he shifts from the dialogue to the narrator. ha ha ha ha. I have such smart kids. Proud mommy right here. Pagbigayan niyo na. :)

Speaking of babies, I've heard great things about the SM Grand Baby fair in the Megatrade hall happening this weekend. I am seriously thinking about going... But then the mother of 3 inside me is saying I will just end up buying so much stuff I don't need anymore.... ha ha ha. But for first-time mothers, I would definitely recommend going here. Especially if you still have a lot of "essentials" that you have yet to get, it could be a chance to get a good deal on a lot of stuff. 

I remember (sometimes a bit vaguely due to all the anesthesia, haha) my first time being a mom (with Santino), I was buying all kinds of stuff especially whenever there was a sale. ha ha. I guess that's just the natural thing for mothers to do. nowadays, 3 kids later, it's more on how I can re-use or reinvent stuff from the first child up until the last one. ha ha. I guess in a way kawawa din young mga buns because they get hand me downs... but of course I make sure naman that all the second (or third) hand stuff is still in good condition. :)

My latest obsession nowadays is dressing up my 2 boys in identical outfits. hehehe!! It's just too cute!! Here's a photo of my kids during the Christmas season.. dressed my boys in matching tops and Belly in the matching hue. It's so addicting. 

When I was growing up my mom used to dress me and my sister in identical outfits ALL THE TIME.. and I absolutely hated it. I vowed not to do that to my children, but now I can't help myself!! It's just too cute. I can now relate to my mom.. or worse.. I am becoming my mom!! LOL. I'd post a pic of past matching outfits bet me and my sis but thankfully (or not) I can't find any. No evidence! ha ha.