Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort

Captured photos during our visit at Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort last 1Q of 2019. Enjoy :)

Check details of our trip here :D

December 2016 WrapUp

Still, a super late post here :(


December, my favorite of all the month. Attended year-end party of hubby’s company. It was a family treat since the company also invited the family members so it's kind of family day for us. Good to see again a friend, it's been awhile Kring. Happy to know you’re doing well -- Learning to braid :) -- My company’s year-end party with reggae theme. Good food, good music!

Went home to province to celebrate Christmas with family. Cooking with style, the youth from our neighborhood is hosting a party and they are cooking for the children’s snacks -- And some kids these days are too techie, see this toddler taking a selfie and these tweens getting to know smart watches.

The reason for the this season and the season to bond with cousins. That’s why I love December.

Went back to Cebu to celebrate New Year’s Day at our new home. #Grateful for 2016.

And that's a wrap for 2016.

November 2016 WrapUp

Another super late post here…:( 

While still at province, these cousins make the most of their bonding time by having an early blowing of the birthday cake candle celebration. One of these kiddos turn a year older this month. Since we cannot stay longer to until her birthday, we decided to celebrate early :) Back at work, I received these goodies from a workmate who came home from business trip bringing sweets with autumn theme wrappers reminding us of autumn. No autumn here in this side of the world through. The son has colds and dry coughs and doesn’t go away even with a double dose of Vit. Cs and water. His Pedia (Dr. Lopez) already advised this mucolytic to soften those sticky thick mucus.

We were invited at the SM City Cebu Princess Academy event at SM City Cebu. Thanks again Naomi for the invite.  At the Princess Academy, little girls were taught to greet friends, to sit, to stand and to walk properly, with confidence like a princess. During their tea party, they were also taught to use the utensils and table manners.

Making Hello Kitty Cake Pops but was a flop :( This is the chopstick from Akita Restaurant, I’m so craving for their Miso Ramen but because of their November sale, crowd is huge that their waiting time takes longer too. Still, we waited for the ramen and while waiting, had stare on this chopstick with cute package. Also joined SunLife’s Financial Advisor Training and played its version of monopoly. I find it educational, entertaining and fun.

I won a JBL T300A Headphone from Lazada Affiliate Raffle! Weeeh! Super Thank You Lazada for the opportunity :) Simple celebration for the kid’s yaya. Thankful for the her help watching and taking good care of my kids while me and husband are at work. Yes, Christmas tree was up :)

October 2016 WrapUp

I know, I know...This is way too late! Nevertheless, I will still post it :)

It was a busy month for me at work. Despite, I never let McDonald’s Grand Halloween Family Fun invitation pass. Thankful for McDonald’s Philippines and Mommy Bloggers Philippines, my kids get to enjoy activities in store for the kids, received happy meal treats and even witness Ronald McDonalds and friends dance. Surely a grand event. Thanks again McDonalds Philippines.

Went to mall and got stuck at book section. Sometimes they are fond of books... with pictures. The son needs to memorize any nursery rhymes and I chose Jack Be Nimble.

Excited to be home again even this young man. Airline flights are delayed lately so we opt to go home by boat though voyage takes long like 8hrs or more. At province, seldom that these kiddos get to bond with MommyLa :) And this pretty little baby is just to admirable.

We were able to stroll Centrio Ayala and found Dino Play. Too bad we don’t have enough time to play inside but displays outside is also worth to play with :)

November and December 2016 WrapUp coming up :)

DOH's Animal Bite and Treatment Center for Dog Bites & Licks

Jiggy love dogs. He even feel excited just seeing them on pictures. 
So imagine his reaction when he sees a real one, a puppy at my parent-in-law's house. He is so amused on it even on the barking and the wagging tail. Not scared at all.

December 2013, we were home for the holidays and stayed in my parent-in-law's house. We were home for more than a week and I think we were still stranger to the puppy's view. I decided to let the kiddos observe the puppy at a distance only and not to touch him as we don't know how he will treat us, yet. But you know how 2 years old kids react, they just don't feel scared at all. It started with simple touch, then there's the petting on the puppy's head (with nieces and sis-in-law's company). Oh boy! he even wants to hold and carry it. 
But on new year's eve, because of the urge to hold and cuddle the puppy, he uncontrollably hold and squeeze the tail that he was bitten by it. It was not a deep bite but there are scratches and because we want to be assured, we made a short trip to the ER of Polymedic Medical Plaza.
Sure enough, he was given his first shot of anti-rabies. 

Day7, here in Cebu, he had the 2nd shot.

Day14, his third shot.

4th shot was given as an option for us considering puppy remains ok after 10 days.

That was 2 years ago!

Last week, Jiggy has another encounter with dogs. I think I haven't shared it yet that we already move to our new home (which needs a separate post). And in this new place, stray dogs are everywhere. They sort of good dogs by the way. We even feed them.There's this one particular dog that has been Jiggy's favorite (or vice versa), He pets it and wherever my kid goes, so does this particular dog. Last week, according to our neighbors, Jiggy's wound, fresh wounds, was licked by the dog who is always with him when he is playing outside. 
Such comfort! but a dangerous comfort it is!

That night, hubby brought our son to the Mendoro Medical Center's ER. He was only given a tetanus shot since rabies vaccination is not available. Besides rabies vaccination in a private hospital is so costly. Maybe because it is available in big vials (1 vial is around Php7k good for 4-5 shots)
Another dilemna was that the dog lick is not covered by our medical insurance. A big what duh?!
Good thing, medical practitioners at Mendero Medical Center, advised us to go an Animal Bite and Treatment Center. This is DOH sponsored center and thankfully it is available near in our place at Eversley Childs Sanitarium & General Hospital. 

The Animal Bite and Treatment Center is open during Mondays and Thursdays.

Group shots and individual shots are available. Don't hesitate to ask as personnel are approachable and accommodating. Jiggy was only given booster shots because of previous vaccines he received 2 years ago.

Well! Some Philippine's Government Services is not bad at all.

For this kid, he'll still love the dogs. He said he'll stay away from the dogs and not to touch them...for awhile :)

Our next problem? To get these stray dogs vaccinated too?
Or better yet get him a puppy of his own?

Birthday on a Gaudete Sunday

It was my sister's birthday yesterday. Her birthday this year falls on the 3rd Sunday of Advent. She's my younger sister but more mature than me psychologically and emotionally. Able to handle difficulty and still manage to smile despite every challenges -- one of the bravest and courageous mom I've ever meet. Words can't express the gratitude I always feel for having her as my sister. I may not be the best sister for her as she is for me. So I am praying to God for more Grace and Mercy and blessings and hoping for all the best of everything life has to offer. I love her much :)

Here she is as she expresses her happiness for the God's gift of life and everything in between:

=================================

Dec 13, 2015 is Gaudete Sunday.

“Gaudete” latin for  Rejoice. And the pink/rose candle is lit. And it’s my birthday.

After hearing the mass, the song “Rejoice in the Lord Always” is on a repeat-play mode (in my mind).

Joy is one of the things you make, not search. You need to give joy in order for joy to come back and find you. Joy happens when you create it for others.

And for the last 365 days, I, we, have a lot of reasons to rejoice and be joyful.

Though we are still in the roller coaster ride since the fire incident 2 years ago, we have many reasons to rejoice.

• Our 28-weeker preemie is now starting with her physical therapy to catch up with her delays, yes, she is diagnosed with Global Development Delay (GDD) and we rejoice because she’s catching up.
• Another check mark on our “Debt List” – yes we have a list and we rejoice because we are able to get by in spite of the challenges and we rejoice because of the special people we owe and their generosity.
• We rejoice because we have a very supportive family and friends, near and far, they never cease to give words of encouragement.

Answered and unanswered prayers, we rejoice because in spite of our shortcomings God always answer our prayers in different ways.

Indeed, we rejoice in the Lord always.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.

=================================

Grab Bag, a must have!

My kid's school conducted a Disaster Preparedness Training for all students. One of the activities is the preparation of "grab bag" and putting it in the most accessible location of the house so that when a disaster or emergency situation occurs, kids can immediately grab his/her bag before moving away to safer area.

Grab bag is basically a kit  that contains essential things needed in order for a person to survive during disaster or emergency situation. These essential things may vary since each person has different needs for him/her to survive. Since this is only for survival for a short period of time while waiting for help, this grab bag should be concise (based on individuals perspective) and at same time light enough for the individual to carry. Some call it Preppers Bag or Bug Out Bag. Also, lots of related post are already available to those who want to learn more.

My favorites are:
Happy Preppers
The Prepper Journal

I am thankful for the school that they offer this exercise and let the kids understand the dynamics of disaster and the concept of self-protection or survival.

Below is the school's suggested list of essential things of a Kid's Grab Bag:

Bag
- Durable enough to carry the contents

Food
- Easy to open and ready to eat is a must. Should be enough for 72 hours.

Water
- Enough to satisfy thirst for 72 hours too. Better bring an extra for

Clothing
- Lightweight clothing enough to keep you warm

Flashlight with extra batteries
- For temporary light especially at night

First Aid Kit / Medicines
- Immediate temporary recovery on an injury

Insect Protection
- Protection from insect bites

Safety Vest / Floating Device
- A must have for places prone to flood

Scissors
- or a knife

Match / Lighter
- In the case of the need of fire

Mirror / Whistle
- A form of communication to let rescuers know your location

Important Documents

Personally, I hope that there no calamities or disaster that may force us to use the Grab Bag. Of all the bag, this Grab Bag is the least bag that I (we) would use. However, there is nothing wrong with being prepared, there are events that mankind have no control of thus the least we can do is to be prepared in any way and pray and offer our trust to God.

Contentment from a 9-yr old

We attended a birthday party of a friend's daughter.
The host invited all the children to gather. First game was "Guess the Riddle" wherein the host gives the riddle and the first child to give the correct answer receives a prize. The first riddle was given, Honey raised her hand and gave the answer. Her answer is correct. She collected her reward and return to our seat. I told her to go back to the game area as the game is not yet done. She just stared at me. Then comes the second riddle. I saw her smile, I know she knows the answer. I told her to raise her hand and answer again. She didn't listen. Then the third riddle, she still knows it.
"Ate, answer the riddle so you can get another reward", I told her.
"But I already have a reward Ma!, ang uban nasad!", she snapped.
("But I already have a reward Ma!, give others the chance!")

Now, its my turn to stare her. 
Silent. 
Thinking.
Was I teaching my kid to become selfish?
Was my action reflects discontentment?

I understand her simple happiness with the reward she received and for her its already a treat, already enough.

Then I remembered Moses' instruction on getting enough manna needed for the day yet the people didn't listen, thus the manna was spoiled. 

If only adults think the way like the children...
If only adults learn to be contented in small things...
if only adults listens...

...then life would have been simpler, more comfortable and fulfilled.

Jiggy turns 4

And so I did Honey's interview early this year. 
This time, its Jiggy's turn.

How old are you?
I'm 4 years old.

What is your favorite color? Why?
Color blue because its the color of my car. (He's referring to his toy car)

What is the color you dislike the most?
Orange. I don't like carrots.

What are your favorite food? drinks?
Spaghetti and water. 

How about my cupcakes. You don't like my carrot cupcakes? (Offering to him one of my newly baked cupcakes.
Yes, I like. Can I ask one please.

What are you afraid of? Why?
Water sa lawom (deep length water) because I don't know how to swim.

What is your favorite thing to do?
I want to play. Watch movie --- Cars, Lightning McQueen Cars!

What would like to be when you grow up?
I want to play. I want to play with my cars, my lego and mega blocks.

This strong-willed little boy doesn't like carrots but loves to eat my carrot cupcake. 
And he surely needs to learn how to swim so he could fully enjoy pool time.
Still addicted to cars, mega blocks and lego stuffs and does not share it with his friends.
Moreover, can be too occupied if he can get hold of IPad (because of Racing Car game) or Papa's phone (because of Minecraft) --- by the way, they are allowed to play during weekends.
Likes to play outdoors too, he can now ride his bike without the help of the training wheels.
Loves to read books . His favorite story is "The Parable of the Two Sons" and loves to read it again and again. 
He talks too much as if he has a lot of stories to tell thus his speech slightly improved wherein he can now communicate clearly to us, not complete sentence though.
Still so malambing (affectionate) and loves to cuddle and be cuddled.

Happy birthday our dear Jiggy :)
May you grow to be God-fearing person.
We love you so much :)

Simple Tips to Lessen Manic Mornings

Its been 8 weeks since school starts and we still have those stressful mornings, there is always that rush and that constant nagging. Thankfully though, not as super stressful as our first 2 weeks. 
Here's why:
Disclaimer --- this works for us. It may or may not work for other families :)

Kiddos must have 8-9hrs of sleep or more

Having them enough sleep prevents them from being cranky or irritable the following day.

Start the day from the night before

I mean prepare everything at night time. That means, kiddos must do their homework before they go to sleep while for us parents, that means: 

- checking their parent-teachers communications notebook and ensure everything has been read and signed; 

- checking if school uniforms are ready for tomorrow  

- ensuring meal plans for the following day is already been decided.

Ask help

For the first 2-weeks, me, feeling wonder-mom, thought of doing everything from preparing the meals for breakfast, snacks and lunch, giving bathe to my 3 year-old-son, eating with kids, preparing their packed snacks and lunch, dressing up the preschooler, etc., is easy. Well... I thought wrong,  I'm a not-so wonder-mom and so I asked help. Good thing the husband loves to cook, whew!

Nothing wrong to nag

From time to time there's the nagging thingy and the momentum is back at high speed again. Been nagged by my mom at times too as I took my bath, or slow to eat and I'd say it worked. So I guess there's nothing wrong with it (big big grin here)

Mornings maybe tough but seeing their faces when done ahead of carpool's arrival is sure #happiness. (We even had time to take photos...hehehe :D)

Jollibee "I Love You Sabado" is back!

Remember the Jollibee's I love you Sabado jingle?
The lyrics goes something like...“Isang tulog na lang, Jollibee na naman! Ang araw lulubog, bukas mabubusog… Sa Chickenjoy manok at Yumburger bilog! I love you Sabado, pati na rin Linggo! Hintay ka lang Jollibee, nand’yan na ako! Panlasang Pilipino, at home sa Jollibee!”

Been a fan to this jingle :)
Years back, this jingle was always been played in TV or Radio AD, no wonder it inspired Filipino families to look forward to weekends as a chance to bond together after a busy weekdays. We can't afford to have "Saturdays at Jollibee" but we can afford to spend those precious weekends with our kiddos. Who wouldn't love weekends --- no classes, no work, time when you have those "palanay mode" (chillin) moments  --- so as much as possible, we make sure to spend our Saturdays and Sundays together.

Did you know that Jollibee re-launched this adored jingle? Yes, they did! Though there has been revisions, it was polished to suit to today's younger generation and last July 4, 2015 selected Jollibee stores nationwide kick-off the revised "I love You Sabado" jingle. Aside from games in store for the kids and customers, kids had a chance to witness as Jollibee’s brand ambassadors and mascots dance and sing with the new jingle.

Thanks to Cebu Blogging Community, my kids were able to witness the launching of "I Love You Sabado" Campaign at Parkmall Mandaue. They were able to have an up close and personal with Darlene Vibares and all the mascots, more so enjoy their Jollibee treats.

Hearing again the I Love You Sabado jingle brings back my childhood memories and I'm glad my kids get to experience it too. Jollibee in a way is been part of the family, for promoting family bonding, for making weekends exciting.

Sa Jollibee, Bida talaga ang saya!

Here's the revised I Love You Sabado jingle. Enjoy!

I Love You Sabado!
Isang tulog na lang! Isama ang buong pamilya at tikman ang sarap ng Sabado sa Jollibee! :) Check out our newest video! #ILoveYouSabadoWe're also on Instagram & Twitter: @jollibee
Posted by Jollibee on Friday, 3 July 2015

#CebuBloggingCommunity #iBlogforCBC

I am my papa's daughter

I remember him bringing home that big burger treat from his company' event. He could have eaten it while at the hotel right after being served, instead brought it home to be shared by 6 siblings, he prefer his offsprings enjoy that treat.

Yet even bringing his breakfast to his work seems like a heavy chore. We even argue on whose turn to bring.

I remember him fresh from bath after a day's work but decided to go back to the plant for an extended work since a workmate came informing that their supervisor requested him to fix the broken bottling line. He chose to work since it an additional compensation and can help the family.

Yet even his simple errand for us takes a lot of whining and complains.

I remember him cleaning my wounds. He cleaned those wounds (I got from playing with friends) very well, so well that it healed within a week. But the pain I got from him cleaning my wounds remain, mad instead of being grateful.

Yet even looking for that liniment oil he requested (he'll use to rubbed on his back to ease those backpain) takes longer to do.

I remember going home late that I had to request my classmate K to accompany me in going home and to avoid being reprimanded. We went to her house for a fiesta celebration and for fear of not being permitted to go, I did not ask permission from papa Pepe. I was so scolded, he even told me to beat me and my classmates.

I didn't see his concern, instead I saw him being a spoiler to our fun.

I never been a good daughter, yet even at my worst and crappy self, nothing beats the love my papa give for me, for us. 

He never gets tired working 7 days a week just to send six kids to school. 

Never gets tired consoling us when we get hurt. 

Never gets tired reprimanding us for our faults and despite all that, still accepts us 

(they don't have choices, eh!... :) ). 

Helps us get up when we stumbled, disciplines us to become good person.

I hurt him, he doesn't show it. 

I gave him a grumpy face, he give me his big wide grin.

I am his daughter and he's my Papa.

Happy Father's Day Pa! We love you through and through!

PS:

If this is the love we received from our Papa, Tatay, Daddy, how much more the love our Almighty Father give to of all, his children. 

Amazing Grace isn't it?

Happy Father's Month!

Back to School

Summer is over in this side of the world.
And once again its back to school for us and yep, we are on our second week.

Our young girl is now into her intermediate years (she's now a fourth grader) while the little boy is officially a preschooler. Still trying to complete back-to-school checklist. Still on adjustment stage from financial to physical and emotional aspect, two students means twice the expense of tuition fees, books, uniforms, car pool, school materials, twice the study session, twice the activities and twice the fun and twice the craziness!...the list goes on!
Another big change this school year is that our fourth grader will now have a full day schedule while the preschooler is on an early morning schedule. Waking up earlier than the usual is also new for us since we were used to afternoon classes. This means new bedtime and work schedule adjustment which makes me appreciate our work's flexi-time scheme, fitting for working parents :)
Last week was madness, waking up so early to prepare for our breakfast and kid's snacks and then there's constant nagging to our slow-eater and picky-eater plus them taking a bath and dressing for school uniform seems takes longer. Oh well, its first week, right?
School is back! 

How about you? How was your first week of school?

Work Appreciation Day

Public school teachers can bring their kids to school and the school doesn't mind.
Government officers can also bring their kids to their office and not a big deal at all.
But for private companies (based on experience), bringing kids at work is a big NO, because kids, as they thought, can make employees out of focus at work and could hinder productivity. This reason could be justifiable, but what if yaya is not available? thus, a common dilemma of working moms and if no other option would resort to taking a day-off since... yeah, right! kids are not allowed at work! 

Every morning, we had those cute bickering with our 3yr-old explaining why mama or papa needs to work and why we can't bring him with us at work.  I don't mind having those small talks and arguments, I find it cute. At times its a struggle, at some times he easily gives in (especially if there's a buy-off like "mama needs to work so we can buy your milk or pay your school tuition or buy your cars! or firetruck! or helicopters!")

Fortunately, one sunny Thursday afternoon of May, my kids were allowed to see me at my workplace. Isn't that amazing? Yes for me and I'm thankful that the organization had this type of activity.

For whole afternoon (my half-day), my kids were able:
- to enter the company premise (accompanied by me);
- gladly received by Jollibee (thru short program at the cafeteria) and see Jollibee dance;
- enjoyed the given food treats;
- visited our different laboratories;
- get to hold and operate a printer;
- had hands-on training;
- played and socialized with my teammates and their kids; at my workplace.

I'm glad we had this activity. I could see the delight in my kiddos faces.
We're making memories right! and I do hope they would still remember this someday.

Oh now I remember getting into my Papa's workplace too! Long ago! Remembering those big machines (he's a plant mechanic) and how proud I am to know that the operation will not resume unless it is fixed / repaired by him. Surely seeing your parents work has a big influence.

This Makes My Day

Short conversation with my Jiggy while watching Smurfs movie on TV;

Me: So Baby, where do fishes live?
Him: Water!
Me: Sea...water, that's right? And the cats? Where do cats live?
Him: Downstairs! (He's referring to the kittens of our neighbor downstairs)
Me: Land, Yes, they live on land, downstairs. And the shark, whale sharks with big mouth? Where do they live?
Him: Sea!
Me: Yey! And the birds?
Him: Sky!
Me: Yes, they fly and fly up in the sky. How about smurfs? Where do they live?
Him: TV (pointing the television)
Me: speechless...

Oh how I just love kid's spontaneous and genuine answers :D

How about you mommy? What makes your day, today?

Linking with

Wednesday's Around the Word

and

Little Things Thursday

Mother's Day in Bantayan Island

What we did last Mother's Day?

So happy, DaddyLo and MommyLa came to visit us last May 9-10, 2015.

They chose daytrip voyage from CDO (they don't like to travel at night nor take the plane) They safely arrived CEB at 7:30PM, accompanied by my youngest brother and my niece. The more the merrier :D Weeeh!
We had our dinner at Parkmall and stroll for a while before heading home, we need to rest and gather lots of energy since we were set to go to Bantayan Island for the weekend. We just love the place, we were here last year, and so we were bringing our family to experience its beauty too.

At Bantayan, we stayed at Budyong Beach Resort, Sta Fe. We were able to reserved a front beach house good for 4 person plus children ahead of time. Be sure to call beforehand as summer season is always fully-booked. The resort is priced at 1700php. Extra beds are at 500php per person.

Things to do in Bantayan:

Sit and Relax
3hrs trip by bus & 1hr trip by ferry is surely tiring, right! 
So sit, relax and appreciate the view

Feel the Water
Sta. Fe has a long beach line and with fine white sands you can enjoy long walks holding hands with your loved ones. However the water is so tempting and from the trip, its more refreshing to take a dip and float and just get wet. Take note though that 10 meters or more into the water is still knee-waist deep (which my son likes so much) so no laps for us (as if I know how to swim).

Ride on a Motorbike or Bicycles
Motorbikes and bicycles are available for rent at 300php and 150php respectively. There's not much vehicles in the place so it is safe to explore and visit churches and other towns like Bantayan, main and biggest town of the island and Madridejos, known for its tasty lambay (deep sea crabs). 

Eat Meals of Fresh Seafoods
Meals of fresh fishes is already a treat when in Bantayan. You can buy fresh fishes in the market of Sta. Fe or at Bantayan and let the resort cook for you (with charges). Be it grilled, tinola or escabeche, it surely is delectable to the tummy's content. There are also fresh crabs, squids and shells, you may forget your diet for awhile.

Attend a Mass Service
There is a mass service on Sundays at 6:30AM. My parents was able to attend and overwhelmed by how the people welcomed the visitors. Locals are friendly :D

And most of all, have Fun :D

They also love the place (and the food :D) that they want to come back again, this time bringing the whole family. 
Woohoo! I'm already excited! I'm sure its gonna be fun. Looking forward for it.