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discovering paradise

We head back home tomorrow. Quite bitin; gives you more reason to come back soon, just like what Lea said.

I have a lot of stories to tell. Maybe I can do 3 or 4 parts for this family adventure. I have to. Mia has to have something to go back to. She discovered paradise. Adel and I felt it was heaven on earth primarily because our prinsesa was the happiest. To say that Mia loves the sea and sand is an understatement!

I'm sure she will be babbling stories of her own to her Ate, Mama and Papa. This trip is definitely worth it!



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a first for our young family

Last February, I purchased plane tickets for a vacation that has not been planned. I rang Adel and just told him that I am about to buy tickets. Maybe I sounded too dominant that he could not even say no at that moment. He just said, "Buy also for yaya and the helper."

And so, we are off to our first ever plane ride with Mia tomorrow. That's if the weather will allow us to. Keeping my fingers crossed, really. It would be devastating for Mia if we don't push thru. She actually knows we're off to the beach.

I just realized (again! because I keep on forgetting) that it's no easy job to pack for children. Especially for one who still wears diapers and drinks 7-8 bottles of milk in a day, on top of regular meals. No one in this family is a light packer. Add to that, I am the only competent one. So imagine packing for Mia, Adel and myself.

For a 3-day vacation, we have two humongous trolley bags already! And those have been edited! There will be another two hand-carried bags for the little donya's stuff.

Help us pray for good weather and a safe and happy vacation.


again, there was a photo with this entry, but could not upload .

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

parties

Mia celebrated both her 1st and 2nd birthdays at McDonald's. Inasmuch as our yard can accommodate our entire guest list (which has never been below 100 people), we know it is such a logistical nightmare to host a party at home. We have been hosting a few small ones, but a major one would drive me crazy.

I also think that children get more thrilled attending parties at venues other than homes. In fact, of the so many kiddie parties we've gone to, most (if not all) were at restaurants or clubhouses.

The first, and by far the last, major party we hosted at home was for a triple celebration: Mia's baptism, my birthday and house warming. We hired a caterer who took care of the food, tables and chairs. We had 4 other guys who made sure that the yard was clean, and that a simple sound system, tents and parking slots were all in order. Two helpers were also running around attending to all the other things. And believe me when I say that even with a caterer, your house stuff will still be used.

Majorly partying at home also says that it starts when the sun rises until whenever. I can never drive guests away! In the first place, we invited them over. Honestly, once all your relatives and friends are there celebrating with you, you forget that there are after-party stuff to attend to.

After both Mia's McDonald's parties, Adel and I became fans of such. This is not to say that we only prefer the said fast-food chain, we are in fact contemplating on where to have the 3rd birthday. And yes, it's definitely not going to be at home.

Last weekend, we partied at McDonald's Greenbelt with the rest of the family.

I just have to say that I am already such an expert when it comes to winning their party games. I did not join any that night, but I was able to exactly predict what the adults were going to play. I know I will be up for more, having a 2-year old. Let's get it on then :D.


Note: this entry originally had photos, for some reason ethy can't be uploaded. I am still figuring out how this iPad blogging app works.

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go! go! my little cheerleader!

One of those nights during the recent week when I brought home work, my little prinsesa provided me entertainment to give me a break.

She was actually mimicking that episode of Special Agent Oso where he was helping a kid cheer for an older sister. They were doing the cheer of the real cheerleaders.

Mia's such a sunshine .


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new toys, old habits

I should say that the recent weekend was well spent . Adel and I finished a lot of work even from home, while Mia gave us entertainment every now and then. And then there was our brief trip to the mall to get us some new toys!


I was all around looking for the right case for my new indulgence, while father and daughter were hoarding kiddie happiness .

That was it for us. We just really needed to get them new toys! Off we were for dinner somewhere nearer home. Less than half an hour later, we found ourselves at an "old habit" - Milky Way.

Milky Way was our former 15th station prior to getting our house. It was where we met up when we wanted to lash-out about work, eat away stress, plan for our parties and get-aways, or when we just wanted to laugh together.

Last Friday, we were welcomed by the same waiter who painstakingly served us every weekend some pre-Mia years ago, and this...



...which Mia baptized as Mr. Sun.

It looked the same. No frills, just chairs and tables on clean tiles. The A/C unit was noticeably new as it was really cold. I remember in the past we had to make sure that we were seated near where the A/Cs were facing and requested for a standby fan. Our favorite dishes were still as satisfying as ever.


this barbecue, I remember, we would order with the guys' 2nd bucket of beer


boneless bangus! we had this with rice, or with tofu or as beer chow. nothing was left on the sizzling plate all the time!


i almost missed this inihaw na pusit. perfectly grilled with tomatoes and onions.

Adel and I devoured everything! Not a surprise, I know ! We proudly told our 2-year old that it was her mom and dad's Saturday night staple some 5 (or 6?) years ago. As if she understood; she just kept on running around the place.

Attention TTF, Mr. Sun says hi!.


Milky Way is located at Philamlife Ave. Las Piñas City


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saving the Philippine seas

When I decided to start a blog, I told myself that it should be worth it.  I wanted it to be deserving of the time and effort I give to write (and pay home internet for), as well as others’ time to read it.  Aside from humoring my family and friends, I want relevance.  This is my chance.

I learned about Blog Action Day through ANNAlysis, a.k.a Raisa.  She’s the most passionate environmental advocate I know.  But I won’t elaborate on that here because I don’t think I’ll do her justice.  Go to her site and you will know feel it.

In the announcement, they asked all those who will help out should register.  Busy and sick me was not able to do that, but I don’t think that should stop me from writing this.

I am not a diver.  Neither have I plunged in the open sea for such a long time now.  Nonetheless, my childhood summer memories are mostly on sea and sand.  I was told I even refused to eat and nap.  I would rather build my sand castle or watch tiny fish swim very near the shore.  I did not fear the sun!  I’d like my daughter to experience that too.

Mia has been watching Dora and Mariana recently. I think everyone knows who Dora the Explorer is.  Mariana, on the other hand, is the mermaid princess that Dora helped to save the Mermaid Kingdom that was in danger of being extinct because of garbage in the ocean.  Mia is always into the story when she sees it.  No wonder, when we passed by a long stretch of river that was not exactly clean, she said “Eow yuck river, Mom!  It’s color black!”  Now, I have heard a lot of people say that, but hearing it from a 2-year old gives it more meaning.

I do wish for bright, blue seas for my daughter to enjoy.  The family has a beach house in the province.  Mia has not been there yet.  I hope the beach will still be the same when she finally goes to visit.

The sand does not come close to what Boracay has, but the water has always been clean and clear.

Mia has assumed that all bodies of water should have fish in it. And that water with fish swimming in it should not be black.  I know this because she would ask me where the fish are when she sees a river, pond, or even an aquarium.  More than cute, that's just sensible, isn’t it?

We’re off to the beach in a couple of weeks.  Keeping my fingers crossed for a friendly weather.  Mia deserves to enjoy the sea J.

the dentist and her playhouse

I did not want Mia to make a big fuss about going to a dentist.  I wanted her to see it like we were just going to the mall.  So when I got a dental appointment for her, I announced it as plainly as I can: Mia, we’re going to the dentist tomorrow.  She gave me a blank stare.

She is aware of what a dentist does.  She’s seen Elmo go to a dentist J, on TV of course.  She was not scared of the idea, she just knew that she was going to be held in place for quite a while – that, she hated.  Even when she is given vaccine shots, she never really cries because of the syringe.  It was always because she was restrained.

We arrived at Dra. Georgia Roa-Remulla’s clinic in Alabang where familiar faces met us.  Mia’s godmothers Malu, Bel and Lea and their own babies were also consulting on the same day.  Inside the clinic, Mia went crazy seeing this:

I went nuts!  I LOOOOOVVVVEEE PLAYHOUSES!  I swear if we have one at home, I can happily do work and play with Mia in it.  We can even nap inside.  I used to build make-shift playhouses with blankets, pillows and tents when I was younger.  Then I would arrange my little kitchen toys inside and pretend to cook for my brother and his robots.  Oooooh…those good old days J.

I was so happy for Mia, I allowed her to climb a staircase all by herself.  Yes, the playhouse actually had stairs to get to its 2^nd floor.

It also had a kitchen where Mia asked Ten-ten, her Ninang Bel’s daughter, to cook with her.

Aside from the awesome playhouse, the clinic had all these other toys and books that children can use to forget teeth check-up enjoy.  I know this is secondary in choosing your child’s dentist, but it sure does help a lot.

When Dra. Remulla took a look at Mia’s teeth, my baby wasn’t as difficult to manage as I expected her to be.  I was ready for wails and kicks, instead I only got a few no’s and short whimpers.  She even obliged giving EEEE’s and AAAA’s.  Good girl!

The sunny ambience of this dental clinic only comes 2^nd to the naturally friendly voice and calm approach of this Columbia-educated Pediatric Dentist, making both children and parents really at ease.  Not to mention really clean and sanitized facilities and equipment (sorry I failed to take photos of the other facilities, I went nuts nga sa playhouse).

This lovely dentist also gives time to explain to us parents the condition of our child’s teeth and shares oral hygiene for children (with visuals pa ha).  Mia was obviously happy as she was babbling non-stop and forcing me to look at her teeth right after the treatment (just cleaning and fluoride application, thank goodness!).

Two days after that dental appointment, Mia asked me what was done to her teeth.  I told her they were cleaned and given vitamins.  I asked her if she wanted to go there again.  Her response was a huge smile and - “Next week!”  Hahaha!  Because Mia did not really have any problems, we’re due back 3 months from now. J

Thank you Ms. Georgia! J

better late than never: Mother's Day at Mercato Centrale

This one’s really late, but hey, here goes anyway ☺.

It was a rainy Mother’s day.  We were on our way to Bonifacio Global City curious at what Mercato Centrale has to offer on a mommy holiday and Pacman’s fight.

Mia enjoyed her own seat in the van.  She told all of us “Buckle your seatbelts!”  So we did.

I went gaga going around the two air-conditioned tents that is the famous Mercato Centrale.  There was also an open area outside the tents where most of the grilled and ‘buffet’ items are sold.  By ‘buffet’ items, I mean food usually included in a buffet spread showcased on chafing dishes.  

best view from inside the van

I made sure I saw the stalls of the food I looked forward to, like the Pan de Bagnet, Frozen Ravioli, that Krispy Kreme burger and Rainbow cake.  I also had to check out the isaw.  Yeah, I’m a street food junkie!  My dad deprived me of those when I was younger.

Pan de Bagnet - crunchy pork, crispy greens and perfectly flavored dressing

Spinach Ravioli - sauteed in butter, the filling needed a bit more flavor even with the tomato sauce
it came with a rose for mothers

Krispy Kreme burger topped with egg, bacon and cheese - so rich and yummy!

street food i like - isaw (chicken innards)

Mia obliged riding her buggy since she saw Sugar was happily slouched on her own ☺.  It was pouring outside and people were walking briskly from stall to stall, getting food to eat as Pacman will soon come out on TV.  We had to make sure the babies were safe.

As a reward for staying put for almost an hour, she got this beautiful flower cookie on a stick.  Actually, two of that.

We finally settled down on a table with a good view of the fight.  As we were digging through roast beef, cebu lechon, paella and all those food, Manny Pacquiao’s production-number-of-an-entrance was shown.  

Chami and our 6 bite size tacos for P60

a Moroccan dish - curried rice and fish fillet

Paella Valenciana - looked really good, but not exactly when eaten

Paella Negra - also forgettable

Roast Beef for P180 - tender beef slices went well with the perfectly mashed potatoes

Salpicao - seasoned well but nothing new

There were three or four televisions showing the fight, live.  People were so excited.  It was my first time to watch a Pacquiao fight in public.  It was fascinating how we Filipinos looked so anxious as to how the fight will turn out.  Of course we all know how it victoriously ended.  

almost everyone patiently stood up to watch the Pacquiao-Mosely fight

I, on the other hand, was more enthralled at the sight of Mrs. Pacman’s earrings!  Jaw-dropping indeed!

i did not see her necklace until i checked yahoo news - I am speechless

I have to admit that I had very high expectations of Mercato Centrale.  Blame media for that.  This is not to say that it was not worth the trip, I just expected more.  I wanted to be surprised, being a self-proclaimed foodie that I am.  

grilled ribs and some others

grilled seafood

thick crust pizza with filling

choose from these to make your very own pastry tower

themed cookie lollipops

pistachio and pecan nuts - mama and papa's favorite munchies

Needless to say, the pudding, Rainbow cake and Muncheez I took home pleased sweet tooth me.

yummy Pudding torched when you buy it had the perfect smooth, silky texture

Rainbow cake - colorful for the eyes, flavorful for the buds

delish bars of cornflakes, which can easily be made at home 

It was a very pleasant Mother’s day celebration for the family.  The rain did not wash away the good vibes we woke-up with, save for my horrible migraine episode that started on our way to Alabang.  What a party pooper I was!  While everyone shopped for a pair (or two) of shoes at Payless Shoe Source, I was in a corner, my head buried in my hands, suffering from that headache that really ruins me every time.  It was so painful! What was more painful was the fact that I did not get my own shoe indulgence!  Grrrrrr!  And we had to skip coffee ☹.  

I overheard Mama say how pleased she was with the family day out.  She was delighted with the pair of slip-ons she chose and she already knew what to wear with it.  Chami was obviously tickled pink with two new pairs she got to choose on her own.  A-jel and Papa did not patiently wait for the girls to leave empty-handed; they got Dexters.

Sans the migraine attack, it was a Happy Mother’s Day ☺.

Mercato Cenrale is at 34^th St. and 8^th Avenue Bonifacio Global City (across MC Home Depot).  Open on Saturdays and Sundays, 700am-200pm.
Midnight Mercato at the same venue, Fridays and Saturdays from 1000pm-300am.
I’ve visited Payless Shoe Source at Festival Mall Alabang, SM Megamall and Paseo de Sta. Rosa.