Day 181: Dismayed and yet...hopeful...

(photo courtesy of REUTERS)

Today marked an important day in the country's history...President-elect Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, nicknamed Noynoy/P-Noy was sworn in as the Republic of the Philippines'  15th president. 

During the recently concluded national and local elections, I was quite vocal about my personal choice for the country's top post and P-Noy it definitely was NOT. I didn't think he had the qualities I was looking for as the country's leader nor did he have the necessary qualifications and experience to run a troubled nation such as ours. I still stand by these beliefs but I also have to acknowledge and accept that the greater majority of Filipinos have spoken and made their choice.

As I was watching the live coverage of the Inaugural Ceremonies, I cringed at how a dignified event turned out to be more of a Wowowee episode. Even the President's Inaugural Address left much to be desired. Sure, it was done in Filipino but a close scrutiny of the content would reveal that it was nothing but a well-dressed can of empty promises, nothing concrete nor measurable. 

More focus was given on non-essential things like "wang-wang"...as President, P-Noy should know that there are certain security protocols that cannot be compromised, the highest position in the land need to be protected (for all citizens sake). C'mon! There are more important and pressing problems that need attention...focus!!!

I watched and as I continued to do so I got more and more dismayed and frustrated...with what I've seen and heard, I'm expecting the new Aquino government to fail but I have to remain hopeful and prayerful that it doesn't...for all our sakes.

Day 180: Parent-Teacher Partnership

Start of the school year means another Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) year. Every year since my Jarred started attending school, I make sure that I take an active role as the school's partner in his education and development. After all, it is every parent's desire that their child receive the best Christian education and formation that will enable them to secure a bright future. Parents need to proactively support the school through its teachers by closely monitoring both academic and non-academic activities. We have a responsibility to make sure that our children are receiving the right and timely information. The school needs our feedback and assistance when it comes to our children's performance and vice-versa. It is a two-way street and the PTA becomes the vehicle to have a smooth-sailing school year.

Day 179: Dear Mom

I was up early, raring to start the day by preparing the family's breakfast and my son's lunch pack for school. Being used to multitasking, it wasn't unusual that I had a lot going on in front of me: fried rice being sauteed on the pan, toast for sandwiches heating in the toaster oven, water for coffee boiling in the heater and juice to be made. I was happily juggling all of these tasks when the image of Mom suddenly crossed my mind...and I remembered with poignancy how Mom used to do the same for us when we were younger. Well, maybe not on a day-to-day basis since she was working full time as a pediatrician then but I can distinctly remember that she made the effort to do things for us when she had the time. 

I've been a hands-on Mom for the past 7 years and I realized that many of the tasks I do were the stuff I saw Mommy did for us then. In fact, it was even more difficult for her because she had to juggle a very demanding career of taking care of young children's lives and health while overseeing the welfare of her family. As a pedia, Mom was the best! Many of her patients (most of whom are all grown up now) and parents can attest to the loving care that she gave as a doctor.

Looking back, my siblings and I always had that resentment about Mom's job mainly because it ate most of her time and there were several instances in the past when outings and family activities had to be postponed or canceled due to some medical emergency at the hospital. It is only now that I realize how important Mom's job was...to most of her patients it meant the matter of life and death.

When Mom finally had more time to spend with us, we were older and had developed our own personalities and quirks already. Unconsciously, we turned her away and didn't give her a chance to get to know us. We failed to acknowledge all her sacrifices and difficulties in balancing family life...that was all she wanted. Rejected by her family, Mom tried to seek acceptance elsewhere which led to the bad habits she has now formed. Somehow, we had a hand in that.

I hope it's not too late to let her know how important she is in my life and how grateful I am that she is my mother. I love you Mom...everything about you...the good and the bad, the sacrifices and the headaches...the understanding and misunderstanding. I thank God that He made me resemble you in many different ways...I love that I have your face, hands, fingers and even nails. I share your taste buds, mannerisms and stubborn streak. I will keep in my heart all of the memories I shared with you especially those times when you were here to assist me in childbirth. I pray to God that He will give us the opportunity to spend more time together so that the rest of my family can experience the purity of your heart. I love you, Mom and I miss you so much!

Day 178: Beautiful Eyes

What a lovely sight

So much innocence

And beauty in those eyes.

Twinkling like stars

Bursting with joy

With each smile.

Day 177: On the side

What is it with this table top condiment that makes it such an irresistible food sidekick?

A few dashes of Knorr seasoning on hot rice surely perks up this otherwise boring carbohydrate staple. I find that it also works wonders on steaks and grilled dishes.

I guess it's the "umami" effect of monosodium glutamate that does the trick. Well, the presence of this chemical is also the reason why I don't keep stock of this food item at home despite the magic it weaves on food.

For me, it's enough that I get to taste a few dashes here and there whenever I come across it at restaurants or other households.

Day 176: Japorms

All grown up....(sniff, sniff)


Before I know it, he'll be the one putting his arm around my shoulder already...


Time sure flies so fast these days...


Just take your time growing up, son...Mommy will surely have a hard time letting you go.

Day 175: Kuya as teacher

Left on his own to take care of younger sister Cailie, Kuya Jarred passes the time going through his Incredible Hulk activity book with her, explaining the different characters and tasks to do as he flipped the book pages.

Many of Cailie's developmental and learning milestones were reached early because she had Kuya Jarred to look up to all the time. This is the reason why we're very strict with our son when it comes to behavior and discipline, we always tell him that he's the role model of his younger siblings and he has to make sure he's always in his best behavior.

Day 174: Lovely CeeJae

Despite the obvious lack of crowning gloriousness, my bunsoy, CeeJae still manage to exude overall girly sweetness. Her twinkling eyes speak of both innocence and mystique and her intoxicating smile is definitely contagious. 

Cathleen Janelle can carry herself well and shows so much confidence in her every stride. So even if it might take a while for her gorgeous locks to show, I'm sure she can manage to maintain all girlishness with that lovely face and disposition.

Day 173: Creamy Goodness

The love for ice cream is something my children inherited from their Dad. No matter the flavor, be it branded or the pinoy sorbetes type, the kids always look forward to have this yummy treat.

I do have a sweet tooth myself but my preference lie with cakes, pastries and chocolates. Of course, I wouldn't refuse a cone of ice cream if offered one (wink!!!).

Talking about ice cream kinda brings me back to my childhood days when my parents would bring my siblings and I to the Magnolia Ice Cream House along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City (I believe it's now known as the Nestle Creamery). We spent many bonding moments there over bowls of creamy concoctions and glasses of sundaes.

Well, I can't give my kids the exact same cool experience but I can assure them that their childhood will be filled with wonderful family moments together over cones of their favorite "flavor of the road" (streetside sorbetes).

Day 172: School Boy

Barely a week since classes started, my young school boy is slowly getting used to his new class schedule and lesson pace. Jarred has made new friends with his classmates who were transferees from other schools.

He is beginning to like the idea of staying in school for the whole day and even taking his lunch there. Many of the changes this school year will definitely teach him to be more independent and self-reliant. As a parent, I want nothing more than to see all of my children growing up to be well-adjusted, highly-independent and loving Christians. Although, the thought of them not needing me anymore does send tears to my eyes at times. Sometimes, I wish I could just slow down the hands of time and let them remain my babies for a tad longer...sigh! The next best thing now is to just make most of each day that we are given to be with them and be thankful to God for these children who are such awesome blessings from above.