My 2015 Review

2015 all happened so fast and today will be a few days away from 2016. The holidays are fast approaching; so before we get hooked up with our merry-makings this holiday season, I would like to share with you my highlights for the year 2015.

JANUARY

• Our little boy turned 3! We had a simple celebration. We just had a simple get together and went to Manila Ocean Park, which he enjoyed so much.


FEBRUARY

• We moved into our new home. Yay!

MARCH

• Kiel learned swimming on his own.
• It was also my first attempt to bake Blueberry Cheesecake for my husband’s birthday.

APRIL

• Kiel enrolled in a summer class in preparation for Nursery.
• It was also my first time to make a cake made of fondant. I made it for my father who celebrated his 60th birthday.
• Hubby had to go to a business trip. It was the longest two weeks of our lives.
• Oh, and by the way, the new Star Wars movie trailer was also released on April.

MAY

• Our huge family made it to Boracay! We got ourselves soaked in the sun and sand for four days! What an adventure! Adding to fun was knowing that someone close to our hearts got engaged! Yay!
• May is also my birth month. And this year was my first birthday as a stay-at-home-mom. Another first, huh?
• Also, during this month, a good friend of ours got married. My son was the coin bearer (which was his first), and my husband as a secondary sponsor.


JUNE

• Kiel started schooling as a Nursery. He wouldn’t allow us to leave him alone in his classroom so he cried right after the door closed. It was a tough first day school experience but Kiel was able to make it. Now he loves going to school.
• In this month, we arranged a surprise birthday party for my mother who just turned 60! The plan really went well and she enjoyed her party with close family and friends.
• I also get to be a first-time Maiden of Honor for a very good friend who got married. Oh, how I love weddings!

JULY

• I was introduced to the world of Web Design and my life has never been the same since then!

AUGUST

• We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. We couldn’t believe we’re together that long!
• Also, this was Kiel’s first outdoors school activity. We walked and soaked our feet and legs in the mud and had so much fun doing so.

SEPTEMBER

• The birth of Momma Manila! Hurray!
• This month also marks Kiel’s first cinema experience. We watched Hotel Transylvania 2 with my mom, brother, sister-in-law, and Kiel’s cousins.

OCTOBER

• I made sure to exercise my right to vote on 2016 so I went to the Commission on Elections office to transfer my voting precinct to our residence’s barangay.
• Kiel also had his field trip at Enchanted Kingdom during this month.

NOVEMBER

• It was Kiel’s first time in Tagaytay. We were there with his cousins to celebrate my niece’s birthday. I also baked and created a fondant cake and used pop rice to make the topper. Another first for me too!


DECEMBER

• We attended another wedding.
• I successfully made Apple Pies!
• I personally met some of my classmates at Web Internship Program.
This pretty much sums up my 2015. I surely had a blast and I am looking forward to another challenging year.

Savings 101

Not so long time ago, Kiel got very curious after seeing his Ate Kassie’s piggy coin bank. He wants to hold and play with it all the time because he enjoys the sound it makes when he shakes it. Eventually, his Momsie (my mom) got him his own piggy coin bank in a different color. Since then we have been constantly giving Kiel our spare changes (in 5’s and 10’s) so he can put it in his coin bank. At times he will get excited and sometimes, not at all, and it’s okay. We just wanted him to learn the habit of saving that could benefit him in the future. Eventually it got full and Kiel received his second piggy from his Mamita (MIL).

Last week, we opened the two coin banks because they are getting full already. And to our surprise, the coins amounted to almost Php 5,000! We got excited as we stacked up the coins and put them inside individual plastic bags. In the coming days, we’re going to go to the bank to open an account for Kiel. It may not be much but we know it’s a good start to teach our son the value of saving that will surely benefit him in the future. And as parents, we’ll try our best to explain to him why we have to do it. Oh, and by the way, I already bought Kiel two new coin banks to get him started saving again.

Color My World

Since a few months ago, coloring books for adults have become a trend. I see them all over the Internet and in social media being posted by friends and colleagues. They say coloring has lots of benefits. I said to myself that it is something I may need to experience personally before I can say my take on it.

Last week, my husband handed me a brown paper bag from a known bookstore. Much to my surprise, inside it was the exact adult coloring book I told him I was planning to buy months back. I got excited and thrilled! Who wouldn’t? I got a present without any occasion and it was something I really, really wanted. Surprisingly I got a little frustrated too. You know why? Because I know I don’t have the time to work on it yet because of lots of commitments and activities.

Guess what. After a super stressful weekend, this week has been very good to me so far. So I unwrapped the book and sharpened my coloring pencils and decided to give coloring a try.

Here are my observations:

1.     It lessens anxiety.

I say it’s true, at least for me. I mentioned I had a rough weekend and got a lot of things going on in my mind and it’s starting to drive me C-R-A-Z-Y! When I started coloring last Wednesday, it eased my mind. I became less bothered of the things I was worrying about. And it felt good.

2.     It is relaxing.

My hand got tired easily from holding the coloring pencils for so long because I am no longer used to holding pens, pencils, and crayons anymore. And since I have a bad back, sitting for a long period of time is not good for me as well. But even with those effects, I’ve never felt more relaxed. Coloring may be physically exhausting for adults, but it is emotionally and mentally relaxing.

3.     It lets you be you.

You’re the one in control and you can put any color or style you like. There’s no right or wrong. You can freely express yourself.

4.     It is fun!

I really enjoyed it. I felt like a kid again, but better (in staying within the lines). Now I’m just anxious to get to the bookstore again to buy more coloring pencils because 24 colors will not be enough for me anymore.

Based on what I’ve experience, I say this activity is highly recommended to all especially for those who are too stressed and want to keep their minds off things or for those who simply want to do something out of their routine that is both fun and relaxing.

"I'm sorry, Mommy."

Apologizing may be one of the hardest things we want and need to teach our children. I believe all parents want their children to learn how to apologize for the wrong things they did – intentional or not. We have been instilling this value to Kiel since he was very little.  At times he will, though most of the time not voluntarily. I still have to tell him to do it and that is that only time he will say sorry. I sometimes feel frustrated, because I feel that I failed, as a mother, to teach him proper manners (yeah, I’m that hard on myself).

Yesterday, Kiel was very ‘makulit’ (hyperactive) during mass and he kept shouting even after we told him not to. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t expect Kiel or toddlers in general to behave in churches. They really don’t. But yesterday was extraordinary as he just kept on ignoring us and continued to yell and do some crazy things that I will not bore you with.

Fast forward. On our way home, I thought that his ‘act’ deserves a timeout and a trip to his little corner. But when we got inside the house, he said he was hungry so I gave him a snack first. I was still disappointed at him but we had to forego his corner time because we had to leave the house. We were in a hurry because the car that we booked via ÜBER was already waiting downstairs.

Inside the car, there were still occasional shouting and attention-seeking tactics. I was trying very hard to keep my cool and that was why I was giving him the ‘cold treatment’. Some few minutes passed and he kept quiet. Then suddenly he turned to me and said: “I’m sorry, Mommy.” That was music to my ears! I calmly asked him what he was sorry for. I wanted to know if he really meant it or he just felt the need to say sorry because I was already upset. He said that he was sorry for not listening to me and for lifting my shirt up during mass (yes, you read it right!). He knew what he was sorry for and he felt the need to apologize. All on his own! I was so happy! I gave him a big hug and told him not to do it again.

On that moment, I was very proud. Not for myself, but for the little man Kiel has become.  In the future, he may or may not constantly apologize if he does something wrong. Who knows, right? But frankly I’m okay with that. I know that I just need to be there for him to guide him so that, in time, he will completely understand the sense of it. I’m very positive that we’re off to a great start!

In the Eyes of my Son

On the first weekend of October, I accompanied my son, Kiel, to his school’s educational trip. My husband was not able to go and so was Kiel’s yaya (baby-sitter).  I did a lot of planning (in my mind) about how we were going to survive the day with just the two of us. Normally, I wouldn’t mind spending alone time with Kiel outside the house. In fact, I love our alone time.  Easy peasy, I must say. After more than 3 years of training, I can say I know how to handle him being so playful and mischievous. But that time was different. We had to get up very early (call time was 5:00-5:30 AM) and our first 2 stops in the itinerary were museums! Just imagining my kid inside a place where there are lots of fragile things to break sent shiver down my spine! Seriously! What I was looking forward to, though, was our last stop, Enchanted Kingdom. We’ve never been there with Kiel. I knew he would have lots of fun there.

This picture says it all!

Anyway, I thought I didn’t have any other choice after all so I just needed to breathe in and breathe out and hope for the best. I never, ever knew that I would learn something from this trip. It may not be from the places we’ve been, but how my son sees me when we’re together.

In the eyes of my son:

1. I am Superwoman.

He sees me as Superwoman, someone who can do ALL things. Why I said that? Here’s the story:

We passed by the skill games area where huge stuffed toys were displayed. He asked me how we could get a toy and I told him we had to play and win. So that’s what he asked me to do.  Unfortunately, we lost. He was very disappointed. And I, thinking it was just a waste of money, convinced him that we just go to the playground. He was still sad but he obliged. As we were walking away from that area, we saw his classmate, holding a very large stuffed toy, and said they won it. He got even more frustrated and asked me to play again. I told him I’m not good at it but was eventually sold out by his words: “You can do it, Mommy!” His classmate’s mom told me that we’d have high chances of winning if we play on the game where you have to throw balls and break 2 plates. We looked and found that area. With Kiel cheering for me, I gathered enough strength as I throw those balls with all my might thinking: “Let me win this. I just want to make my son happy.” I will never forget the look on my son’s face when I told him we won! He was so happy and excited while choosing a toy. What I got? A very tight hug, a kiss and a sweet “Thank you.” and Kiel’s word of encouragement “I told you, you’d win.”

He named his toy "Asa"

2. I am fearless.

I don’t really have that BIG fear when it comes to heights and amusement rides but I get that funny feeling in my tummy every time I ride the ferris wheel and I become slightly dizzy with rides. With Kiel riding the Wheel of Fate (twice), Flying Fiesta (twice), and 5 other rides, I dismissed the thought of fear so it didn’t get in the way and ruin the day. It made me realized that “Fear is not an option.” 

Look how happy he was! I, on the other hand won't let go of him.

Another shot at the Wheel of Fate (ferris wheel)

Flying Fiesta ride where all he did was shout, "This is so fun!"

3. I am a Beauty Queen.

Before going to Enchanted Kingdom, we spent the entire morning in UPLB. We went to UPLB’s Botanical Garden to have lunch. I’m honestly tired of chasing and preventing Kiel from breaking things from the 2 museums we’ve been to. My patience is growing very thin when Kiel ran away from me again! I was ready to have “The Talk” but I changed my mind instantly after discovering what he’s up to. He ran so he could pick up a flower for both of us. He handed one over to me saying: “Flowers for you, Mommy.” My heart melted right away. I felt a little guilty for being so uptight with him when he only wanted to do something nice for me. Though Kiel constantly associates me with the character of Gloria in Madagascar (Yes, the Hippo!), I felt like a beauty queen, at least in my son’s eyes. 

4. I am a kid just like him.

He wanted me to chase him, run around with him, play with him and make silly faces with him. He wants me to laugh with him while he watches videos in his iPad. In his eyes, I’m a kid, just like him. 

Riding the carousel

He said he's a magnet :)

5. I am a gladiatrix.

It was around 5PM in Enchanted Kingdom. We have been walking, playing and trying out the rides for the past 5 hours so I decided it was time to have snacks at one of EK’s cafeteria (near the Space Shuttle ride) before we head back to our designated bus. We were both exhausted and Kiel was very sleepy. He was closing his eyes while munching his fries. That sleepy! He told me he was very tired because he was constantly screaming, “This is fun!” while trying out the rides. I carried him and he instantly fell asleep. I walked from there, carrying a dead weight until we reach the parking area where the buses are standing by. 

So knocked up he slept the entire trip going back to the city.

The day was indeed very exhausting but I can say it was worth it! My son had so much fun and we brought back great bonding moments that we’ll treasure for a long time.  Moreover, the trip gave me insights on how my son sees me. I myself would not see those personas in me, but you know kids – there’s so much truth in their eyes so I might as well believe in how my son Kiel sees me.

Pinoy Party Etiquette

Who doesn't love going to parties? At my age, most of the parties that we have been invited to are weddings and kiddie parties. I have compiled my very own party etiquette (as a guest) based on observations and experiences:

1. Respond to RSVP.
• Some Pinoys are still accustomed to just showing up (or not showing up) at parties without confirming with the party hosts/organizers. We must understand that organizers do it for one reason: TO PREPARE! Invitations, most of the time, include RSVP information. It is polite to return an RSVP. In this way, the hosts can prepare how much food to order, how many souvenirs or loot bags to prepare and how many chairs and tables to reserve. The list goes on and on. 
• In this digital world, we do not really have to show up to let the host know if we are coming or not. They are usually a call, SMS or email away. Do it!
2. Dress appropriately.
• Invitations usually indicate the proper attire for the party. Follow them accordingly. Do not wear jeans when you are asked to wear formal. For themed parties, you are highly encouraged to dress accordingly. This is not normally compulsory unless stated otherwise.
3. Bring the right number of guests.
• We Pinoys are family-oriented. We love our family so much that we usually want to bring everyone in the party we are invited to. Basic rule is to ask how many seats are assigned to you if not indicated yet. Party hosts may or may not be ready for some extra expenses. Let us not put them in a difficult situation by having them pay beyond their allocated budget.
4. Be on time.
• Churches are usually strict about time in wedding ceremonies. Most of them will start even if the entourage is still incomplete. If you are part of the entourage, your efforts may go down to waste if you do not get to walk down the aisle just because you do not make it on time.
• Parties, especially those held in restaurants, fast food joints and activity areas only have a limited time. Usually, these places will only allot 2 hours per party. The party will start on time if the guests will arrive on time. If the program starts late because a lot of guests arrive late, some parts of the program may be cut off to make up for the lost time.
• Sadly, ‘Filipino Time’ is oftentimes associated with being late. Let us change this notion by being on time, EVERY TIME!
5. Bring a gift.
• This is an unspoken rule though not compulsory. The hosts invited you (and your family) because they want to share their special occasion with you. It is highly advisable to bring something for the celebrant(s).
6. Don’t “Eat and Run.”
• “Eat and Run” in Filipino practice is when you immediately leave an event after eating. Thus, the term. 
• I have been to parties that usually start off with the number of guests so huge that you do not have a seat anymore. A little later, guests start to disappear after eating and before you know it, the party area is almost empty!
• Unless you have an emergency, or you have given your notice in advance, you are encouraged to finish the whole program.
7. Participate.
• In kiddie parties, should you bring a gadget for your child, keep it away for a while and encourage (but not force) your kid to participate in games. It will help him develop his social skills.
• Pinoys have the tendency to be shy (and sometimes, for the wrong reasons). So if you are asked by the hosts to participate in games, join! You are not likely to lose anything. You will surely have fun. And if your child is with you, he gets to see you having fun too. That is a good thing, right?








• If it is time for the “Happy Birthday” song, sing! People do not care whether you are in or out of tune. It is a celebration after all, not a competition.
8. Thank your host(s).

There you have it. That is my list. For me, getting invited to a party is a privilege. People remembered you and will spend money on you. In return, do your fair share. It may be the other way around sometime where you get to be the party host too. I am pretty sure you would appreciate the same courtesy you do on parties you attend to.

Voters Registration

After dropping off Kiel from school, I went to the post office to claim a package I bought at Lazada. Surprisingly, it was a quick and smooth transaction. I was impressed! Anyway, I wanted to kill some time and still have 2 hours to spend before picking up Kiel from school. So there, I went to the C.O.M.E.L.E.C. (Commission on Elections) Office to ask for requirements on how I can apply for the reactivation of my name from the roster of active voters. In the past elections, I was not able to exercise my right to vote. It’s not that I don’t want to, but because I was working back then and unfortunately have work even on holidays. Well, enough about that. So there I went to the office. Posters are all over the place so read first before you ask (LOL!).

Here’s the COMELEC Registration Procedure:

photo credits: www.pehpot.com

Step 1: Interview

You’ll be asked for one valid ID (and supporting document if needed). Proper form will be given for you to fill-up. Complete list of valid IDs here.

Note: Proof of billing is required for some IDs. I saw this poster right outside the room:

photo credits: www.pehpot.com

Complete registration requirements here.

Step 2: Filling up of Forms

Forms are FREE and must be accomplished in three (3) copies.

You may download the forms at the COMELEC website too. I’ve copied the link here.

Step 3: Recording

Your forms will be checked and proper precinct will be assigned.

Step 4: Biometrics

On this step your photo will be captured as well as your signature and fingerprints.

Step 5. Releasing

Acknowledgment receipt will be given to you. It's a piece of paper originally from your application and will be handed to you at the last step.

If you’re already a registered voter, please make sure that you also have your biometrics registered. If not (or unsure), check with the nearest COMELEC office. You may also use the "Precinct Finder" from the COMELEC's website to verify your biometrics status. Click here. 

For Filipinos working abroad, please check this link on how you can register:

I encourage every Filipino citizen to register and vote. It is both our right and our duty to our country. And please let’s vote wisely. Let’s do a lot of research and know our candidates religiously. I personally regret not voting for the past elections so for the coming elections in 2016, I'll surely do!

Voter Registration is until October 31, 2015. 

For more information about voter registration, you may visit COMELEC’s FAQs.

Online Resource:

http://www.comelec.gov.ph

Walk in the Mud

Since my son started going to school, I always look forward to their forthcoming activities. Seeing him engage and do different things out of the ordinary makes my heart skip a beat.

A few weeks ago, written on Kiel's reminders notebook was the list of activities for the month of August. Browsing through the reminders, I notice a "scouting" event and as I understand, this event encourages students to participate in outdoor activities and socialization. And for older students, there's also overnight camping in the school premises, bonfire included! So when I learned about this upcoming event, I got curious on what they have in store for the little kids. 

The Event.

We were advised to come in early, bring extra change of clothes, slippers, extra snacks, and some toiletries. Registration started at 6:30 am and we made it! Hahaha! The school prepared a half-day program for kids from Nursery to Grade 3. Kiel’s excited because I told him they will play outside the whole time. Too bad, parents were only allowed to go inside the school premises at 10 am so I didn’t get to see him play though I’m pretty much sure he did used his knees for playing as there’s evident dirt on his jogging pants. 

I don’t have the slightest idea why he’s holding a flag when I finally saw him.  They were already finished with their group games and we’re now being prepped for the much-awaited “Mud Walk.” Time to put on their slippers and roll up their jogging pants but Kiel preferred to wear his shorts.

Teacher Clare with Kiel holidng their group's flag.

The Mud Walk.

Kiel was asked to line in first because his holding their group’s flag. Parents were encouraged to walk with their child so I geared up and rolled up my leggings pants.

How ecstatic Kiel was when I told him it was time to walk in the mud! When we reached the camp base where they prepared the mud walk, I happily removed my sandals, and Kiel, his slippers.

Time to walk in mud!

Kiel can't hide his excitement as we wait for our turn.

So slippery. Just glad I did not fall on the mud.

Time to wash off our feet!

Kiel enjoyed this activity so much that he asked me to do it again. After that, we washed our feet, Kiel ate his lunch and we headed home.

So what did we gain from this kind of activity? Aside from the idea that it’s really fun, at first I  just thought that my son needs some dirt every now and then. Contemplating on it now, activities like this teaches kids to tolerate healthy competition, that there will be winners and losers in a game and it’s okay. It’s also a way to bond with your kid while he’s at school. And last, it’s great reminder for us that parents and children can still have fun and learn in so many unconventional ways!

Do you have exciting activities you would like to share? I would love to hear them!