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| Thursday, 27-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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Morning with Jake
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After my grueling task of poring over the contents of the antique chest yesterday, itâ??s now time to take a breather by doing an easier task, that of snapping another subject â?? Jake. Allow me to let you in on how his morning today went.
As most toddlers tend to do, Jake, at 10.5 months old, spends most of the day alternately sleeping, eating, watching Sesame Street or playing.
When he watches Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Ernie and Bert and the rest of the gang of Sesame Street, itâ??s like he is being transported to a different world. His attention, thankfully, is one that shows genuine interest to the caper of the showâ??s characters. I hope heâ??s learning from it though.
When he is all engrossed watching, he looks like thisâ?¦
I also mentioned about him spending his time playing. By playing, I mean doing other activities apart from enjoying his toys. Today, I was lucky to snap a picture of him looking at a grasshopperâ?¦
And just before lunch, Jerry chanced upon an empty crate with lid and decided to put Jake inside, together with his stuffed frog and turtle. Aw, he seems to enjoy being there, lookâ?¦
JAKE IN THE BOX! Hahahaâ?¦
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| Wednesday, 26-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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The Antique Chest
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Itâ??s been around for the longest time. It probably existed long before my parents were even born. It has stood the test of time judging from the beaten look on its surface. I couldnâ??t help but wonder where it came from, where it has been, who previously owned it or what it was used forâ?¦ what it used to contain. I could only imagine old linens, personal journals, or small treasures, perhaps?
Five years ago, I bought this antique baul (chest) at a flea market and it now sits in my living room. Occasionally, it gets pushed out of the way when the helper is dusting or when Jake needs more space for using his walker. But most of the time, it just sits on its spot, silently stares me in the face when I am watching my favorite shows on cable or when Iâ??m in front of the computer. Even if I do other things, it sits there seemingly begging me to at least touch it. And what do I do? I abuse it by using it as a foot rest or as a catch-all of things that could have been put somewhere else.
Yesterday Iâ??ve gotten the drive to continue with my de-cluttering. I took a good look at my antique baul and then took a deep breath. Iâ??m finally doing this, I kept telling myself so as not to lose interest. Then I emptied it.
I sorted its contents - design books, travel albums, travel books, scrap books of the kidsâ?? school certificates and report cards, and magazines. Oh yes, there were lots of magazines â?? parenting, home, gadget reviews, food, fashion, health and even gossip magazines all dating from as far back as year 2000 to 2003. These were finally relegated to the trash bins. Yey! I chose to keep the good ones though not for future reading but as a source of pictures to be cut-out for school projects. Itâ??s probably the first time Iâ??ve looked into its contents that I wasnâ??t surprised to see lizard eggs. Ugh! Anyway, the travel albums, scrap books and all the rest, were put back in the chest, neatly piled in two rows.
It took me the whole morning to get done. I was pretty amused poring over old articles and features. One was about the latest cellphone for 2002, the bulky monochromatic Nokia 5510. I think they donâ??t even make that model anymore. Funny, the camphone was then unheard of. What a piece of history. Then thereâ??s the fashion trend from years back saying that the in thing to wear was peasant or baby-doll blouses. Ew? Then I read about the love story of Rico & Claudine. Really tacky but it was all over the spread I couldnâ??t help noticing. Heheâ?¦ Well, we know now who died and how it all ended, donâ??t we? Haayâ?¦
Sorting the baul was akin to the mind remembering the past. We choose to keep the good and the ones that matter. After the major cleanup, the antique chest probably looks the same on the outside with its distressed and beaten surface, but I feel good now that itâ??s empty of all the obsolete crap. It was actually therapeutic, not to mention amusing. So I guess Iâ??m doing this regularly from now onâ?¦
â?¦every five years, that is. 
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| Monday, 24-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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A Good Day
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Last Saturday, Jerry flew to Manila to attend the Gulf Distributorsâ?? Meeting at the Holiday Inn Clark, Pampanga. While he wowed his counterparts from all over with his no-nonsense presentation (aw, he didnâ??t have to but he thanked me for teaching him a few tricks on powerpoint), I was back home enjoying my time with the kids. Thankfully, Matt and Kyle have recovered from last Fridayâ??s bout with vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and mild fever. I felt it was okay for us sans Jerry to join my in-laws for my sis-in-lawâ??s birthday dinner at Mayi (City Sports Club).
Since we were informed in advance of the formal restoâ??s dress code, we were all decent in polo shirts, long pants and shoes. Even young Jake conformedâ?¦
Matt & Kyle looked good while Jake looked, er, funny...
Earlier today, after bringing the kids to school, attending the 7am mass and saying my rosary and novena, I drove to the airport for Jerryâ??s arrival. Since the last time I went, there were already a few changes to the airport premises particularly the arrival area. Enough reason for me to miss the new entry point, to overshoot and to drive for a few hundred meters more.
On my way back, I saw from my side mirror a familiar blue Altis speeding behind and towards my rear. My suspicion was correct. It turned out to be Edâ??s (pls refer to Oct 21 entry in the archives) and he was like a mad driver trying to overtake me from the right lane. Heck, no wonder he gets into car mishaps every few weeksâ?¦ Crazyâ?¦
Let me not deviate and go back to the changes in the airport. I was pleasantly surprised that they now allow waiting cars to park inside the arrival area - a very good improvement indeed. Well, there goes the revenue of pay parking areas (in the airport's periphery) that charge exorbitant fees for 10-15 minutes of parking time.
So there I was enjoying the free parking as I waited for Jerry to come out. I stayed inside the car, opened my door, looked up to the clear blue sky and turned up the summer (reggae) music I was listening toâ?¦ Ah forget about that crazy driver earlier, Jerry's back and I just knew it was going to be another good day.
looking up from my free parking space...
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| Saturday, 22-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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Got the Cards!
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| Quote: | General averages for the 3rd grading period
Matt (Grade 5) = 95
Kyle (Grade 2) = 97 |
Got the kids' report cards from school today and we're all happy at the results! Weee! 
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| Wednesday, 19-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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Good Mood Food
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When Jerry is out to attend a special function, I don't wait up for him to arrive. On these occasions, he usually comes home a little past midnight. Thatâ??s quite reasonable. However, a few days ago, he went over the edge by coming home really late. I was beside myself the whole morning and thought that somebody seriously needed a scolding. Hmp! 
Part of me wanted to blow the situation up by relenting to my bratty tantrums and a good part of me wanted to just make him accede to my special wishes for the day. Thankfully, the latter prevailed. One of these â??demandsâ?? was a good lunch in a restaurant of my choice. It didnâ??t take me long to arrive at a decision. Shortly, we were off to La Gondola at the Waterfront Hotel for my favorite salmon and scallop with risotto. The perfect ambiance, impeccable service and heavenly food distracted me in a positive way.
Yeah, I am very easy to appease.
 
now you see it, now you don't...
@-->---
a mural of Venice with the Rialto bridge makes for a good copy of eating al fresco in Venice
As an aside, I would choose La Gondola of Waterfront at all times if Iâ??m craving for some authentic and reasonably priced Italian or fusion food. La Buona, La Tegola, Roma Mia, and other Italian resto wannabe donâ??t even come close. Not even Tinderbox, which the A diners frequent, is comparable. They are either more expensive or they lack the ambiance or service my favorite resto indulges me.
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| Sunday, 16-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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Celebrating the Sinulog
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the mask vendors the night before
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the nearest we could get
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matt & kyle choosing a P5 tattoo (each)
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We would have wanted to join the religious procession yesterday or to watch the grand parade. However, being a Sunday, 10-month old Jake's nanny was on day off. The next best thing for us to do was to go as near as possible to the parade route in the attempt to catch a glimpse of any of the many contingents.
It was too early when we got to the cordoned off parade route so all we were able to do was to get ourselves tattooed! How worldly, don't you think? Pagan whatever. The tattoos were stickers made to look like henna or the real thing. It was just for kicks. Heehee!
After hearing the Sunday mass, we were invited for lunch at Georg Cafe by my sis-in-law. So part of the afternoon was spent there. By 3PM, we were on our way to the mall to check on the sale which Tee'licious participated in. Business was good, I should say. 
This year's Sinulog was on its 25th anniversary so one Japanese company saw it fit to donate and cap the occasion with P2 million worth of fireworks display that lasted for about an hour.
Next year, when Jake is able to walk, it would be a great experience for the family to really take part in the religious festivities.
PIT SENYOR! 
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| Saturday, 15-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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The Feast of the (Mischievous) Santo Nino
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image from www.malapascua.de
**Miraculous Wood **
It is told that one day, long before the coming of the Spaniards, a native went out into the sea to fish. He did not catch anything for the better part of the day until finally, he felt a weight at the end of his line. He brought it in only to discover that it was nothing but a piece of wood. This occurred several times until, tired and angry, he decided to keep the stubborn piece of wood in his boat. And voila! Like magic, all the fish swum towards his boat and he went home with a bountiful catch.
The natives of Cebu soon discovered that this piece of wood had other magical powers. They could use it as a scarecrow to keep animals away from their dying crops. In times of drought, they only had to immerse it in the sea and the rains would come. Apparently, this same piece of wood was fashioned into the image of the Santo Niño.
**Home Sweet Home?**
The legend continues that long after the Spanish conquest, the King of Spain decided that the image of the Santo Niño be brought to Spain as a proof of its conquest of the islands.
The image was placed in a locked box that was in turn placed in a locked metal casket and shipped to Spain, heavily guarded. Imagine the consternation of the King when the boxes were opened in his presence and revealed nothing!
The image had mysteriously disappeared and guess what! It reappeared miraculously the following day on the altar of San Agustin Church in Cebu!
The story goes on to say that another attempt was made to ship the image to Spain-this time in a third box locked inside two other boxes. Again the image was nowhere to be found when the boxes were opened in Spain. It had seemingly returned to the San Agustin Church by its own accord.
There were further attempts but each time, the image kept disappearing and reappearing in Cebu.
**Mischievous Niño? **
One version of the story says that the image was brought to Manila but it kept coming back to Cebu. Another version says it was brought to Vatican but not even the Pope himself could keep the Child from returning to his home in Cebu.
Still, another version relates that the exasperated priests amputated one of the Santo Niño's legs to prevent him from going back to Cebu. Some people point to the uneven stance of the Santo Niño as proof of this amputation.
@-->-->--
The tales above were swiped from different internet sites (the original source is unknown) about the Senor Santo Nino. Folklore or not, the icon is for real and it clearly stands for the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines.
My very own mischievous ninos (boys) with their Pa.
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| Wednesday, 12-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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In Full Swing
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Sinulog dancers in the mall/supermarket
Jerry and I were at the supermarket this afternoon and as soon as we were ready to wheel our cart to the parking lot, we heard the sound of drums doing the familiar Sinulog beat. Moments later, a group of dancers dressed in native costumes of bright orange and green began dancing the Sinulog (2 steps forward - 1 step back). It was timely that I had my digicam with me so I took a shot at the group like the other tourists who unashamedly clicked away. Heh, I felt very much like a paparazzi.
The malls dotting the city have showcased this annual fiesta not only by having a weeklong grand sale but also by hiring dancers (like the group we saw), having concerts, street dancing, bazaars and face painting, etc. The streets (parade route) are now bedecked with colorful flaglets and the pavements have fresh coats of paint. The local dailies are filled with ads and promos building up excitement toward this event.
Yes, the preparation for the Sinulog (grand parade on the 16th) is in full swing.
Note to self: Be reminded that the Sinulog is very much a religious festivity as it is a mardi gras. It's also a time of prayer to & veneration of the Child Jesus known as the Senor Santo Nino.
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| Monday, 10-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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Conspiracy Theory
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11-year old Matt, 10-month old Jake and 8-year old Kyle, all huddled together...
Even if I have most of the weekdays all to myself since I became a stay-at-home-mom, I still look forward to weekends to go out with Jerry and the kids. Yeah we do get to spend family time with their cousins, but I wanted more time with them especially on weekends. However, lately, it ends up that the two elder boys, Matt & Kyle, have plans of their own.
Last Saturday, we had lunch at the old Abuhan Restaurant where Jerry met with their sales group. Amazing how much food the kids could already consume! Matt had more than two big cups of rice and Kyle had about 2 to go with the restoâ??s famous pochero (delish but sinfully cholesterol-laden!). When you see them eating heartily like that, you either get amused and end up eating as much or get distracted from your diet and still end up eating as much! Hahaha!
Anyway, after that really filling lunch (Ugh! I resent the extra poundage I gained!), I was hoping to go shopping with my kids in tow. Kyle said his friend Jericho was waiting for him at home. They agreed to play PS2 at his friendâ??s place. Then I turned to Matt who said heâ??d just stay home and play the computer or watch NBA, because he didnâ??t want to be seen out with zits on his face.
Whatâ??s up with that? Now I have to make an appointment with my kids or wait for their zits to dry before I could take them out? Since when did going to the mall become a bore to my boys who would usually end up coming home with either a new PC or PS1 CD, or a new set of clothes? I donâ??t seem to recall when they stopped getting all giddy at the thought of going through shelves of legos and model cars. Was this a well-thought out plan to conspire against me? Ack!
Without really saying it, the look on Jerryâ??s face seemed to tell me to let go a bit since the kids are growing up. Sighâ?¦. Iâ??m glad I still have 10-monh old Jake to keep me company for the next 8 years!
(Sunday morning, Matt & Kyle woke me up with hugs and kisses and words of apology for making me feel â??rejectedâ??. Allâ??s well!)
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| Saturday, 8-Jan-2005 00:00 |
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Busy City
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banderitas (flaglets) up close
Cebu City is gearing up for the annual Feast of the Sto. Nino which is usually celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January. The novena masses at the Basilica del Sto. Nino have started last January 6 and will end on the 14th with a grand parade (Sinulog) on the 16th.
Tourists, both local and foreign, are sure to flock once again to the city to participate in the religious festivities together with millions of devotees, or to watch the mardi gras. It's going to be a really busy week.
Good for the spirit as well as for business. 
the banderitas add more color to the city
The road leading to the capitol is jammed with vehicles, another sign that transients are starting to arrive for the Sinulog.
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...ganda! enjoyed looking at the pics and reading the "entries" and comments, di na ako nakagawa ng aking homework 
