Hot Air Balloons Plus More

Dubbed as "a weekend of everything that flies," the 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta was indeed more than just hot air balloons.

There were kites in all shapes and sizes ...

... a propeller plane doing air stunts ...

... a number of paramotors, which wowed the crowd with their colorful canopies ...

... and jet planes which dazzled the crowd with their air maneuvers.

Still, the soaring hot air balloons were the most anticipated.

The activities lasted until evening with the "night glow" as the highlight, with the balloons glowing against the darkness.

 

Personally though, this sight on the ground - of my girls bonding with their cousins and an uncle - is the most beholden one of all.

 

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Happy Mother's Day!

Yesterday's Mother's Day celebration was a simple but special one. My girls greeted me as soon as the clock struck midnight.

There were no handmade cards this year. Times have indeed changed. But I am nonetheless appreciative of their efforts. They gave me chocolates after breakfast. Much better than roses, I thought. And the hubby cooked Wagyu steak for lunch.

Life is good and I am so grateful.

Precious Moments

Ooops, been quiet for quite some time. As they say, life got a little busy and took over. The past couple of weeks were filled with work and mommy duties. Allow me to recap  the noteworthy events and activities which transpired.

While most families spent the holidays out of the metro, we stayed home during the Lenten Holidays, except for an overnight trip to Talisay in Batangas last Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. HB's side of the family gathered together and celebrated the graduation of a nephew and 3 nieces, including our own Trish who graduated from high school. It was a joy to see the cousins bond together.

That overnight trip was capped with a 45-minute boat ride to Taal Island and a simple but wonderful lunch hosted by our very kind and generous family friends from Talisay. I truly appreciated the fresh breeze, the serenity and the simplicity of nature. The trip was quite a nice breather from the grueling hustle and bustle of the city life. 

The rest of the holidays were quietly spent at home. I caught up on some much needed zzzzzzs. Plans to tinker around the house and organize were shelved as my body needed to recharge. I figured that I could live with the happy chaos that continuously rules our home.

Easter blessed me with an  iPad 2 - to the delight of all my girls. I swear that I barely held my newest gadget for they went gaga over Instagram and Temple Run. I, on the other hand, love Flipbook. (While I have downloaded a number of other Apps, I have yet to utilize the iPad for blogging. Right now, I am still typing away on my old and badly battered netbook.)

Another Easter Blessing that came our family's way was our youngest daughter's "special award" in school. She received a certificate for "being the Outstanding Member of the Story Telling Club," for spontaneously weaving a story about an elephant chef out of some pictures that were provided during one club activity.

The past week also saw the same kid start her summer classes at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet. Luckily, in spite of a busy work day and in between meetings, I managed to drive her and pick her up on the first day of her ballet class. 

Indeed, memories were made. The days flew by like a whirlwind and I am aware that it will continue to do so. Again, as they say, life goes on and more precious moments are to be made and there would be more to be thankful for.

Graduation Day

Today, we are the proud parents of a high school graduate. I find myself at a loss for words for my heart is filled with so much joy in this momentous event in our eldest daughter's life. Four years flew by so quickly, it seems. For now she is a young lady torn between staying with all that is familiar and yet eager to face this newest chapter in her life called college. 

Happy Graduation Day, Moochie ... and Congratulations! You remain as our pride and joy with who you are and what you hope to become. Mommy loves you so much!

Our M/V Logos Hope Experience

The M/V Logos Hope, touted as the world's largest floating book fair, is currently docked in Pier 15 at the Manila South Harbor.

Yesterday's family bonding activity was centered on our love for books. We caught the book fair on its last few days of berth here in Manila. Our two youngest girls got in for free while the rest of us paid the requisite 20 bucks entrance fee. Once inside, we were ushered into a briefing area where we sat and viewed an informative short video about the MV Logos Hope's journey and mission of "bringing knowledge, help and hope."

Right across the briefing area, a display wall of photographs and timeline could be found.

Inside, the books were arranged by category. The books may be purchased and were tagged in "units." One unit is equivalent to one Peso.

Pardon me for the lack of photos on the ship's layout and the exhibit of books. There was quite a number of people, I had to take out my fan on one hand and my other hand had to hold onto my youngest daughter for fear of losing her in the crowd.  She was so giddy with the selection of children's books. We spent about an hour poring over the various titles. It was just too bad that the ship's airconditioning system was not enough  due to the sheer volume of people inside. Nevertheless, I was impressed at the number of people who were flocked to the ship. The crowd was a mixture of book enthusiasts and the curious.

Unfortunately too, the hubby, who is asthmatic and allergic to dust, sneezed about a dozen times and had watery eyes from the musty smell of the books. But that didn't stop us from filling our basket with our finds. He volunteered to fall in line at the cashier to distance himself from the dust.

After paying for our books, the girls sat down for a "magic show" by one of the ship's crew. 

Right before exiting the ship, we saw this wall of Post-Its filled with messages of hope ...

... and a world map which chronicled the MV Logos Hope's destinations.

It was well dark by the time we got out of the ship. While the older girls pestered their dad about dinner, the littlest one just had to ask: "Mom, are they coming back next year?" I need not ask if she had a good time.

The MV Logos Hope will be docked in Manila until the 13th of March. It will then proceed to Subic from March 15 to April 8, 2012. Entrance fee is PhP 20 but children aged 12 and below may enter for free, provided that they are accompanied by an adult. The ship is open to the public from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The fair is closed on Mondays. (source)


And oh, by the way, we went home with these:

Letter To God

Dear God,

Twelve years ago today, You blessed us with a pretty tiny baby. As a symbol of our steadfast faith in You, we named her Zoe Ysabel which mean "gift" and "from God." Her first year of life was a very difficult time for us but we held strong  and with Your guidance, You led us to the right doctors and You provided us with the means to have her heart operated when she was seven months old. To this day, she is living proof that You work wonders for us all. 

She was, still is, and will continue to be my "brave little one" and the lullaby which I used to sing to her comes back to mind. Even after those trying times, I continue to carry these words for her in my heart.

Always keep a little pray'r in your pocket,

and you're sure to see the light

Soon there'll be joy and happiness

And your little world will be bright.

Have faith little one

Til your hopes and your wishes come true

You must try to be brave little one

Someone's waiting to love you.

May You keep her in Your protective arms at all times as she continues to grow up. May You also continue to make our mornings cheerful and bright with our daughter's daily smile as this serves as our reminder of Your unfailing love. Please grant her heart's desires and make her birthday as special as she is to us.

                                                                                                       

Love,

Kathy

Ever Grateful

As my natal day comes to a close in a couple of hours, I am overwhelmed with the abundance of simple joys. For the most part of the day, I spent my birthday quietly here at home with those whom I love most. I was showered with much love today and I am very thankful.

My day started with an early surprise from my two younger girls. They excitedly gave me a banner right before they left for school. They crafted this themselves with a little help from our yaya and I was told that they worked on this for about a week. They worked silently the whole time and kept it a secret. My littlest kid must have agonized for days as she was forbidden to spill the beans. Here is their work of art:

by Zoe and Fiona

.

As for my eldest daughter, she came back from her retreat this afternoon. I was happy to welcome her back in my arms. Her homecoming couldn't be timed more perfectly. A few minutes ago, it was her turn to surprise me with a  Tumblr post which really moved me and left me speechless.

I am so loved!

I need not receive material things to make my day special. Simply being surrounded by my husband and my girls is momentous enough for me. I am quite content with the gift of family togetherness, good health, a fulfilling job and well wishes from my close friends, relatives and colleagues. I am humbled and overwhelmed. They affirm that I am truly blessed. And for these, I am ever grateful.

happy birthday to me!

We Got Gold!

Allow me to brag the latest feat of my daughter, Trish. We just came home from the Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association's Taekwondo where she got the gold medal for the Junior Novice Flyweight division.

This makes me one proud momma!

This is her first (and final) year at her school's varsity team and her first time to compete in a sparring tournament. It was indeed very fortunate that she brought home the gold after all the hard work and training. Many thanks to her coaches who taught her well. Many thanks too to her teammates who showed support by boosting her ego when she needed it most. Their team's camaraderie is exceptional as they all boosted each other on and off the mat. All in all, their team hauled off 10 gold medals and a number of silvers and bronzes as well. It is no wonder then that they are the overall champions for the Juniors division for the sixth straight year! 

the Miriam College High School Taekwondo Varsity Team 
and their coaches in their proudest moments

Hats off to these young ladies who all fought fiercely with their hearts! Congratulations Trish! You have made us proud once more. Mommy loves you :*

Sweet Sixteen

This Monday's inspiration is my eldest daughter who turns sixteen today. 

My first born. As they say, huge expectations are set with being one. With this, she has brought out the worst and the best in me as we battled amidst her teenage angst. I have made adjustments and concessions, as well as stood my ground with my "non-negotiables", all in the name of raising a teenage daughter. 

Through all this, I am hugely proud of how much she has matured and gained self-confidence. She is now one of my best friends, my style consultant as we share shoes, clothes and bags. We find that we are so alike and yet so different, but there is much respect between us. 

In her young adult life, I can proudly claim that she has accomplished much - with her studies and extra-curricular activities. In a few months time, she'll be graduating from her high school, but that's another story. With the grace of God, I must have done something right by her after all. 

Happy Birthday Moochie! May you continue to shine and be an inspiration - for me, your dad, your sisters and to all those around you. The world is out there for you to explore. And while things may not always be handed to you on a silver platter, know that we always strive to give you the best that we can. Know too that we always have supported you and your endeavors and will continue to do so. Never forget that we love you most.

Fiona's 8

We didn't throw a birthday bash for our littlest kid's 8th birthday but that didn't mean we didn't celebrate her birthday. In fact, Fiona's birthday celebration took all 8 days of fun-filled activities. Let me recap:

Day 1 - December 23. A day before her natal day, she bought a toy on her wish list - a Play-Doh Ice Cream Maker. She used aguinaldo money that she got from her ninongs, ninangs, titos and titas from HB's office. That happy silly smile just could not be erased from her face.

Day 2 - December 24. We prepared merienda for HB's side of the family. We all sang "Happy Birthday" and she blew out a candle (yes, that's a tea light candle because I forgot to buy a real birthday candle - my bad! Thank God our wee kid didn't mind.) 

Day 3 - December 25. Christmas Day with my side of the family. To celebrate and to share our wonderful blessings, I treated my brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews and niece to Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It was Fiona's first time and this was such a priceless moment.

Day 4 - December 26. Well, we chilled on this day and stayed at home. We watched a video about a parent's love.

photo credit

Day 5 - December 27. What's the holidays without a trip to see the original C.O.D. Christmas Show which is now in Greenhills? Ever since the mechanical puppet show was revived in Greenhills a few years back, I have never failed to bring my girls to see the show. This was a tradition I grew up with and I happily continue the tradition with my own kids now.

Day 6 - December 27. A trip to the mall and our littlest kid hauled 2 pairs which were on sale at the Payless Shoe Source. I guess she'll grow up to be a shoe-lover kind of gal.

Day 7 - December 29. HB surprised us with tickets to the Zoobic Safari. Albeit a bit tiring, the experience was one of a kind and indeed enjoyable and memorable.

Day 8 - December 30. Before we headed home, we capped off our Subic trip with a meal at the Meat Plus. Each one of us had a wonderful time but our littlest kid seemed to be the happiest of us all! 

Eight wonderful days to celebrate Fiona's eighth birthday. Lucky eight = lucky kid!