One Step At A Time

As a working mom, I often feel guilty of being away from my kids during daytime so I usually find myself rushing home every night hoping to spend some time with them before they fall asleep. I am a regular commuter and that means more travel time for me. It sucks, I know right? Maybe this time you could imagine me running and snaking my way out of the crowded MRT station to catch a jeepney. I am in a constant hurry. I find it uncomfortable if not dangerous but I have no choice and I don't want to complain. 

Until something life-changing happened to me last June 20.

I slipped, bounced 3-4 steps down (or maybe more) and fell hard on the stairs at the MRT Taft Station. I accidentally stepped on a young lady's umbrella when she dropped it and you know what happened next. My bottom was in great pain and swollen and I was there crying not attempting any single movement to avoid any more injury. The young lady who appeared to be a student didn't leave my side until someone more authoritative was in sight. I called my husband right away, my brother next. The security guards and paramedics of the station attended to me but they seem not prepared enough to such incidents. Neither a stretcher nor a wheelchair came although I am sure that the latter won't be a good choice in my case. A few more minutes of discomfort, pain and more tears from me while partly-lying-partly-sitting on the busy stairs of the station until someone from Red Cross came to my aid. She was at least equipped with first aid kit which I doubt I needed that time. All I wanted was to be brought to the nearest hospital so I could undergo an xray to know the status of my pelvic area. I was scared of the thought of not being able to walk again. I was beyond scared actually. I have a cousin who was in a bus accident and it took her 3 painful months before she was able to walk because her hip bones were dislocated. Maybe I was a little paranoid but what the heck, I was in pain and my bottom is swollen so anything could happen, right? While all these were happening, I was silently praying to God to take care of me. And He did, undoubtedly. Thank you, oh Lord!

The Red Cross ambulance arrived after some time and brought me to San Juan De Dios Hospital for more medical attention. The doctor inspected my legs, thighs, back and hips for any injury and fortunately, nothing else hurts. The hubby and my brother with her fiance arrived shortly before I was brought to the laboratory for the xray. A few minutes passed and the result came clean and clear, oh I was crying in joy!

And then there's the lessons to be learned, of course! I just didn't think it would come in a painful way.

I am always like this. Always in a hurry. It is actually stressful but I always want to be two steps ahead of everything. Now I realized I should take time to breathe and enjoy every steps I make. I should learn how to manage my busy schedule without compromising my safety. I should start to learn to let go of unnecessary stress and live a healthy life. Simply put, I should take one step at a time and enjoy this journey called life. :)

P.S.

Thank you to the Red Cross team who brought me to the hospital. I forgot to ask for your names. And please please always donate even a little amount to those Red Cross can that you see at every MRT Station. Your penny really matters to those in need.

A quick trip to Baguio: Day 1

I was two months pregnant with the Little Girl the last time we were in Baguio. Ate couldn't remember much except for the horse and boat rides. And she was delighted to be back and enjoyed the city one more time with her little sister this time. I didn't have much of an itinerary since I wanted to savor each hour instead of rushing everybody just so I could complete my list. Chill chill lang ang peg namin that weekend. 

After settling in our rented place, I was grateful to have eaten a heavy breakfast at Lola's house because we started the day with a calorie-burning-heart-pumping-hike up Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. 

Even the kids were energized enough to reach the top without complaining a lot. We heard a little protest and whine along the way but hey, they're children after all. Who wouldn't get tired of 252 steps? :)

We said our prayers, took our selfies and then we head down with a cup of strawberry taho, manga with bagoong and a happy heart knowing that God will always be with us to keep us safe. :)

Although I have heard a lot of must-visit restaurants in Baguio, we decided to eat wherever we are the moment the hunger strikes. So we ended up eating lunch somewhere in Mines View Park. 

The Little Girl was able to take a nap while I was eating my lunch that's why she wasn't so happy with me taking her just-woken-up picture. Sorry, sweetie!

The Ate on the other hand was so full of energy to make faces and runaround. Oh, kids these days! 

We headed to Wright Park once the Little Girl regained her energy and full consciousness. Ate's been looking forward to this moment. She couldn't contain her happiness when I announced that we'll finally be riding horses. :)

A smile to conceal my nervousness. :p

Our day didn't end up with horses, we went to PMA to buy some souvenirs and for sure, Ate won't allow me to end the day without a visit to Burnham Park.

Tune in for more chikka. I have to cut this short because I'm mobile blogging. 

A quick trip to Baguio: Faes Transient House

The hubby hates long-planned activities, instead he prefers spur-of-the-moment happenings. Our weekend trip to the Summer Capital of the Philippines is a good example of this.

R: Book ka ng Hotel sa Baguio para sa sabado.

Me: speechless

R: Alis tayo bukas ng gabi tapos kina Lola muna tayo dumerecho.

Me: speechless pa rin

R: Sige na, ayusin mo na yung tutuluyan natin sa Baguio.

Me: Ah eh...ok!

Hehe. That was our conversation one day before the trip.

I immediately called my Lola to inform her of our plans and searched and searched for a hotel that can cater our needs only to find out that almost all the hotels are already fully-booked that weekend. The scorching heat of summer in Manila pushed almost everybody to hike up Baguio. I ended up looking for a transient house and I found one along Naguillian Road which is an advantage to us since we'll be coming from La Union. And we're all set!

It was a four storey building and we were roomed in on the third floor. There's a coffee table conveniently located outside each room if you wanted to enjoy the cold breeze in Baguio or chill after a tiring day out before the hitting the sack.

There's a fully equipped and functioning small kitchen if you prefer cooking for the family. The kids felt at home right away!

There are three spacious bedrooms to accommodate 10 persons. 

Who wouldn't have a good night sleep with a warm bed after a full day? We were sound asleep in no time. :) 

The bathrooms were clean, practical and functional. That's what matters, right? We didn't need a bath tub or anything else, a working loo and a heater are enough. :)

Faes Transient House

#2 Himalaya St., Shangrila Village, Baguio City

(The village is found at the back of Cooyeesan Hotel and Puregold)

Contact Number: 09285209144

Note: All photos were taken using an iPhone.

Gadgets No More!!!

My kids used to love arts and outdoor activities, especially Ate. She would often surprise me with cards with "I love you" and hearts all over the paper. She would color, scribble, write and draw nonstop until all her books are filled with her cute little doodles. They love playing hide and seek while both of them hide and well, no one left to seek. :p They love running around our small garage. And they always fight whose turn it is for the bicycle. Silly kids!

But there came the day that we thought gadgets are cool and awesome. Everyone seems to be enjoying it. Almost all of my friends' kids own one. And they look smart with it. So we gave in and introduced iPad to the kids. 

And now I regret it. Silly me!

The cards are now gone. Her crayons are intact and unbroken. The art materials are neat and complete. The bicycle is hidden somewhere. My kids are idle.

It was good at first. The Little Girl learned songs from YouTube. Ate enjoyed watching PlayDoh tutorials and had fun playing kid-friendly games. They learned how to share since there's only one iPad for both of them. And the best part of it, we had some time off with the kids which meant more quality time for me and the hubby. We started to enjoy our coffee and mealtime without the Little Girl climbing our lap. I got to enjoy me-time in the shower longer than the usual. I had some moment of peace. It helped us one way or another. Or so I thought.

I must admit that I enjoyed those days that they are glued to whatever was playing on the iPad. But during those times, I noticed unwanted changes with my sweet little darlings. They became stubborn, easily irritated, smart-mouthed and lazy. Oftentimes, I find myself under my 5-year old daughter's command. She would often throw tantrums that are beyond my imagination. My Little Girl seems to love her Ate so much that she imitates everything. That made me decide to stop giving them any gadgets including our mobile phones. I also limited the TV time. I honestly feel guilty about all these. I should have known better especially when it was written everywhere that gadgets won't do any good to our kids. 

We are on our first week but I hope and pray that everything will be alright for my kids. We're having a hard time with Ate but I am sure with our love and proper guidance, she'll understand us sooner. 

How do you manage your kids mommies? 

Memory Lapses

Note: The incident happened the day before we took off to Mindoro for the much needed vacay a.k.a. Holy Week. I wrote this the following week. And because I have a very bad memory, I forgot that this has been sitting in my draft folder. :p

My memory failed me last week and caused me taxi fares yesterday. Masakit talaga sa loob ko kasi I wasted 400 para sa wala. I had a major memory lapse Tuesday evening, you know. I left the office forgetting to log-out, I only remembered it when I got home. Not only that, I also gave doubtful informations to BDO's customer service when my ATM card has been retained while I was attempting to withdraw from their branch in Shangri-La mall. I was telling the lady wrong account's branch. Kaya pala she kept on asking me questions. Siguro iniisip nya I stole the card. I was not able to know why my card was captured. I perfectly understand it though, in fact I am glad to know that my money is perfectly safe with BDO. They won't divulge any information regarding my account because I was giving them wrong account details. Naging hassle lang talaga sakin, wrong timing lang 'ika nga. Angela was having high fever that time and I was supposed to buy her meds pero waley, kinain yung ATM card ko! I was cursing on my way home.

I knew I got the branch wrong when I went to the "wrong branch" yesterday. Para akong kinain ng lupa when I realized my mistake. It turns out, the account I was insisting is already closed. Ewan ko ba sa memory ko! 

They gave me the correct number to call and was relieved to know that my new ATM card is ready for pick-up.

And from this day forward, I'll be updating my records of everything including my passwords and PIN. :)

Can you relate to this "horror" stories mare?

Summer Activities

For the past couple of years, our family haven't had any major summer activities even for the kids. We were happy being homebound with a few visits to the mall every now and then. We were okay staying at home, playing with the kids, watching our favorite local channels, liking every FB posts of our friends' bikini body and drinking a can of beer during some sleepless nights. I can't even remember the last time we went swimming. Oh well, we have gone to the beach whenever we're at the hubby's hometown because it's basically a walk away from the in-laws' place but it doesn't equate to "summer" for me. The kids don't seem to mind but I know I am somehow depriving them the fun. So this year, I promised my kids a fun-filled summer.

McDonald's Kiddie Crew

Just like last year, Angela had a mini vacation in Bicol with my side of family. Since my mother has some things to do too, I asked her to look for an activity that will make Ate busy while she's out. And then I found out about McDonalds Kiddie Crew Workshop.

The McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop is a 5-day summer program specially designed for kids ages 6-12 years old. During each workshop day, Kiddie Crew members will get to experience on-floor training like greeting customers and assisting the crew at the drive-thru and front counters; showcase their skills through creative art workshops; and learn the importance if hard work, discipline and teamwork, through values formative lessons.
At the end of the workshop, a series of graduation are held in major cities all over the country to recognize the achievements of all Kiddie Crew members and their families by treating them to a day filled with exciting booths, games and a ton of prizes.  -- taken at https://mcdonalds.com.ph

Registration fee was Php 595 but it was worth it. It includes shirt, cap, bag, artwork materials and meals for the whole workshop. Angela had a lot of fun! I may not be there to witness everything but I heard her scream with excitement everytime I called her up. 

Boracay

As early as March, I booked our first-to-be family outing to Boracay on the last week of May. And yes, I am beyond excited! It is going to be Little Girl's first plane ride and my first with Air Asia. I haven't booked our hotel yet but after some thorough research and inquiries, I have my eye on LSM Square Hotel in Station 1. I am just waiting for their confirmation and hopefully could tick it off my list soon. I am planning to give you guys a heads up on some hotels I have called and checked if you have future plans of visiting Boracay, too. Let me just gathered my notes and I'll write about it. Or is it too late for this? Well, maybe some of you have not been to the beach yet just like us. ;)

To book online, visit:

http://www.airasia.com

If you also want to check the hotel, visit:

http://lsmsquarehotelboracay.com

And since summer ain't over yet, I'm still searching for other summer activities near out place. Voice/dance workshops for Ate perhaps? 

P.S.

If you know a cheaper and better hotel, let me know please. Thanks thanks! :)

I am pissed, Globe! I am pissed.

To say that I am an avid subscriber of Globe is an understatement. I am so loyal to this network that even if I worked for their competitor for 3 years in my early days as an Engineer, it never occurred to me to let go of my Globe sim. Never. I even convinced my mom and other relatives to switched from Smart to Globe because I deliberately talked to them about my wonderful relationship with this network. I loved you, Globe with all my heart until yesterday. You hurt me, BIGTIME! I was disappointed, BIGTIME!

I really felt down and low when you abruptly disconnected our postpaid lines. Without any advance notice. Without unpaid bills. Oh no, you didn't just cut our lines. You totally removed our communications to the outside world. No outgoing transactions, no incoming ones, no f*cking signal!! WTF, Globe?! I was loyal to you all these years, why this?

I calmly called your customer hotline in the first few hours, after I've done more than enough of phone resetting, just to add more anxiety to my existing dilemma. I've learned that you disconnected our postpaid lines due to security reasons. Again, SECURITY REASONS. What am I now, a threat to you or to this country? Did you have any single idea what went through my mind after hearing those words from your agent? To add more inconvenience, I was told to go to your new office in BGC and look for Mr. Uychutin, which I've gathered is somewhat a big boss to your Security Department. The postpaid accounts are under my husband name. Globe, my husband and I are amongst those ordinary subscribers of yours who work hard to be able to meet their monthly dues. We are no VIP, nor security threat to you or to this country.

Still, my husband went to your office in BGC despite his work to clear the issue and hopefully restore our postpaid lines. He wasn't able to talk to Mr. Uychutin as said to be noted on our trouble ticket or whatever you may call it. Two gentlemen from Security Department was sent from their office in Pioneer to BGC instead. Actually, they were sent when my husband refused to go to their Pioneer office since that's where the Security Department is. Ang hassle naman kasi, di ba? In the first place, why would you ask us to go to BGC and look for Mr. Uychutin when you knew that he is not there? My husband asked these people if this case is normal or if they have encountered the same issue before, the answer was NO. They didn't even know why the postpaid lines were disengaged. Even the Business Center people were confused why this has happened. Kung kayo na-confuse, paano pa kaya kami?

My good husband waited for a few hours and decided to pay our bills (due date is still on the 3rd week of the month) as advised by the two gentlemen. They told my husband that they will reconnect our lines as soon as they receive the clearance or some sort from the Security Office (which the two gentlemen promised to issue since they found no problem with our accounts). Then that was it. No exact date as to when we will get back our goddamn signal.

The waiting game isn't over as I type this rant. But more than this predicament at hand, I was just wondering what would be the case if this happened to someone, let's say in Visayas or Mindanao area? Isn't it such an inconvenience to say the least? Come on, Globe! You have a lot of issues waiting to be resolved. Do something naman.

I will be a BETTER daughter

Last Sunday night, while the Little Girl curls beside me because of her high fever, I had a bad moment with my mom. Entirely my fault. I was supposed to put "I am BAD" as the title of this post but decided to stay positive. Hence, I will be BETTER, sounded more appropriate.

As I have (always) mentioned in my previous posts, I am not totally cool. Way back when I was younger, my mom shed a lot of tears because of hard-headed me. I know I have given her enough reasons to give up on me but she didn't. Because she loves me. And I can't thank her enough.

We had a lot of arguments even before. Because my mom is always emotional and sensitive, during our fights I tend to become louder. Just because I wanted her to hear me out, I would deliberately put on a higher tone and in an annoying kind of way. All through these fights, I would endlessly point out her weaknesses without even noticing mine. I would always tell her that all I want is to see her happy yet I am the only reason of her crying. All these occurred to me last Sunday. I felt ashamed of myself. I am hurting the only person I know who will stick with me no matter what. I am unintentionally hurting the woman whose love for me is unconditional. Oh Lord, forgive me! I prayed and prayed that night that mom won't give up yet because this time, I really really wanted to make it up to her. 

As this realization sinked in to me, I want to be BETTER. I'd like to be the best daughter, but I'll start with being a better one. I want my mom to feel proud of herself for raising me up. I know our differences are inevitable, but those aren't enough reasons for me to hurt my mom some more. I have a lot to fix. A lot. But I know I'm doing good already because I am learning to accept my mistakes. 

I am quite certain that I can only be a better mother once I became a better daughter. 

Mama, I know you haven't forgiven me yet. Don't. At least not yet. I want to deserve it this time. Let me be a better daughter. I promise you I will.

I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Sibling Love

A few days ago, I have mentioned how Ate seems to feel a little jealous of her baby sister. But I knew it was all normal. Because their love for each other is enormous that I don't have to worry. And then I was able to capture this,

Oh, so sweet!

I've posted this photo in my FB account and I have gathered tons of "like". Surely, they look adorable. I can't help but stare at this photo and feel grateful. Thank you, Lord for the love!

I'm looking forward to more wonderful years with these two!

Love love love for 2014!

Welcome, 2014!!

Despite being exhausted for the past few days because I have no househelp, I still want to stay positive in welcoming 2014.

But before anything else, I would like to thank my mom endlessly for being here with us to celebrate the holidays and to help us look after the kids. Mom, I haven't said this to you for quite some time now, thank you from the bottom of my heart and I super duper love you. I couldn't pull this off if it weren't for you. :)

So, as I was saying, I wanted to be more positive this 2014. To start with, let's look back to the year that has been and the learnings I gained.

1. It's hard to design a house (that's what the hubby does, we are in construction business) and it's even harder if it's your own. But it is full of fun. From choosing colors down to floor tiles. And be prepared financially because even if you set a certain budget, you will surely go overboard especially if you are like us, compulsive shopper.

2. Stay calm when kids get sick. We've been in and out of the hospitals this year and panicking is not good. I know it's easier said than done but believe me, it never helps. Plus, it helps to be familiar with the symptoms. It could somehow ease the mind to know that you are in control of the situation. Been there, done that.

3. Marriage will always be tested. It won't always be happy memories. It is going to be tough but make sure to always communicate so it won't get big. Listen to what he has to say and likewise. And it sure doesn't hurt to accept one's fault.

4. Laughter is and will always be the best medicine. Problems? Laugh it off. Always remember that we have a bigger God up there.

5. Save and be prepared. This is something that I should have done ages ago. Save more and spend less, that's my mantra this year.

6. Life isn't always fair. There would be good times and there will be tough times. But what really matter is how you handle things. At some point, you might feel like giving up, that's normal. But make sure to stand up and stand firm. The sun shines after the storm. Don't worry. 

With all these with me, I'm pretty sure 2014 will be better. 

Let's do this! :)

Thank you, Lord!

Image Source

2013: The Year That Has Been

GOODBYE 2013!

Generally speaking, the past year has been very good to me and my family. We moved in to our very first abode early this year. We bought another car this year, too. We made new friends with our awesome neighbors. Angela had adjusted pretty well with her new school. Our construction business flourished this year as well. Although we have let go of bad some clients, we also have welcomed new ones. I have successfully maintained this blog even if for some time I have been MIA. This humble space will be turning a year in old in a few days. Woohooo!! No no no, I am not yet a certified blogger. I must say that I have not yet fully committed myself in blogging since most of the time, I lack in words. Alam nyo yun, whenever I start to type down all my kwentos, suddenly my mind would go blank. All the freakin' time! But still, I will try harder this year. I'll try. Because I really wanted to make sense in this blogging world.


While trials and petty issues are inevitable, we have conquered all and survived! The two kids have been in and out of the hospitals but both are so healthy now. Our relationship as husband and wife have been tested over and over this year (nothing serious guys, just petty issues, alam nyo na yan mga mare =)) and we're learning to keep our love alive. And I'm happy to say that we have learned a lot from all those hardships and difficulties. That's what matters, right?

But still, there's so much to thank for than to complain. There's a lot to be grateful about than to whine. That's part of my learning in the past year, to look at the beautiful things rather than be grumpy about the what-not. Thank you Lord for the wonderful 2013, from the bottom of my heart. =)

2013, It's a WRAP!

WELCOME 2014!!! =)

Let's do this mga mare. Let's be fiercer and tougher than our problems. Let's be happier and more positive this year. Let's keep the faith!