Philippine Independence Day 2012.

June 12, 2012.  It was unlike other Independence days when we used to wake up early and head for divisoria or the main streets to witness the city parade. This time we went to the mall to evade the unfavorable weather. We wanted to just sit and watch a show or maybe just go around the mall for something interesting and patriotic to commence the historic event. And we got what we came for.

Look here. This is a showcase of paintings. It illustrates the era when Philippines was under the Spanish Regime and the uprising to regain freedom.

The Cry of Balintawak which is also known as Cry for Freedom and later on shown in the form of a cultural dance. 

Students in filipino costumes serenading the audience with wonderful filipino master pieces. 

BEST ATTRACTION OF THE EVENT.

Who would have thought that what looked like a queen size bed covered by a huge filipino flag was actually a bed of "vjandep buns?" http://www.foodamn.com/2011/10/camiguin-vjandep-pastel-buns-with.html

I fell in line, too for free pieces of it.  Could you tell where I am in this photo? I'm in between the guys in green and red shirts. 

Happy 114th Independence day. 

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 

The current school year 2011-2012 has just ended. We've been jubilant seeing son as he graduated and had our share of pride on him being a recipient of special awards.

This is my 2nd time to enjoy summer. Behind me is the kiddie pool right next to the adult pool. I can't help missing our van in family outings like this. Imagine being jampacked in a little car when you are so used to have more room and comfort while on the road. And we had to choose what is necessary to make things easier for all of us.

Anyway, I had fun time with my siblings with each of our families. I'm wishing and looking forward to more summer outings.

This one's a sample of the fun I just had.

JS Prom 2012

Everyone in the family had been anticipating for son's JS Prom last Feb. 25, 2012. It wasn't just because of what every junior and senior high-schoolers look forward to but because most of the family's kids will be going in said event. With very few days left before our young man bids goodbye to his high-school and yours truly just looking back to those days when I had to wake up early to help him prepare for school and the meetings and activities I willingly attend for the love of my child.

A pose with his cousins Nonah and Eman. All three (3) of them are seniors in the same school. If during his junior year he opted to wear contacts, this year he chose to wear his eyeglasses.

Look at Eman's gray contacts!

Little did I knew he had an ex-girlfriend already. To note that they are civil to each other makes me more proud of him.

The lady in red is his girlfriend. Oops! Save some comments. I don't want to compare. lol! :)

It's amazing how time flies. Son and I had been together in his endeavors and I've witnessed how he stands out in every activity he has to attend. Soon he will be in College and mom here keeps hoping whatever we had started would be a good foundation for achieving his goals.

Moving On

It's been a long time since I last came in here to post highlights in my day-to-day musings. Typhoon Sendong has caused so much change in my life. I've never seen so much muddy water in our home until that traumatic event. It has threatened to take our lives and even now have me thinking what my family would have been if all of us were asleep that time.

But then, since I prayed unceasingly the moment we were on top of our van in the garage and beg for God's mercy to save us, I am full of gratefulness that we end up safe.

This was taken shortly after the flood started to subside. Someone has to get inside the house to see what could still be saved. Luckily, my digicam was in a safe place.

We climbed through this railing to get on top of our van. It was the immediate act I could suggest as soon as we got to our front door. Beside our white van is a Daewoo Matiz we purchased ten (10) days before the flash flood. And it was totally submerged in muddy water.

And here we were, barely a week after it all happened. We needed a break!

However traumatic it may have been to all of us, the thoughtfulness of relatives and friends who responded to our needs was very rewarding. It is indeed a fact that in times of our lowest do we realize who will be there in times of our need.

Our refrigerator is sill functional despite it all. But who would want it after all the dirt it has accumulated?
We feel more confident buying a new one, for a change.

It's amazing how this set floated and wasn't washed out of our home. You should have seen how we washed and sun-dried it for days.

I thank God for those special people and most of all, for God's compassion for listening to my prayers.

A Glimpse of the Ukay-Ukay.

For those who wants to stretch their peso buying capacity, the ukay-ukay is the most sought after shopping places. Super low prices amazed me when I’ve been into it with my family. Almost diving into clothings mixed in a sort of wooden box, and some women pulling each items as if aiming to get more before others get it.

The crowd may pose some danger, too. For most times I have been elbow to elbow with someone, or worst bumping into strange looking faces. But duh, that’s part of the whole scenario. Making sure you look after your belongings before someone else takes them from you, was something every ukay shopper must keep in mind.

Looking at the pile of shoes, I am often in great wonder if the time spent in examining and sometimes looking after the other pair is worth all the effort. But then, at the end of the day I should say, it all depends on your wise decision on which items to buy. Not neglecting the fact that there isn’t a comfortable dressing room to fit the item of your choice. 

Piling the comforters after I have completed the laundry and sun-dried it gave me a satisfying feeling. It may not be brand new but I had been a wise-spender.

Imagine, I shelled out one thousand for five sheets!

Spend your money wisely. Happy holidays!  :)

The Flat Tire

On our way home last Sunday, we decided to buy roasted chicken so we can have dinner as soon as we get home. Just before we pulled off to the side of the road, we heard a little explosion coming from our vehicle. Hubby remained calm on the wheel while I let out a little shriek. It was our first time to have it on the road. Luckily, no one was hurt except for a badly torn and flat tire on the passenger seat side.

We attracted a few bystanders and onlookers who came to look at the tire, some asked questions and there was a man who was kind enough to give directions on the nearest shop.   It must have been punctured by a sharp object. They looked for a big nail but didn't find any. Whatever it was must have been so sharp to have ripped a section of the tire.

It's in accidents like this are we able to test how efficient the car care service we are enrolled in. After a short call through a mobile, help came after 15mins.

 Thanks to the mechanics. Big thanks to Car 24! You never fail your customers.

FUN RUN 2011

Last Sunday, 16 October 2011, I woke up as early as 4:30 am. It was much too early and cold for me to go out but had to rush or I may be missing the Fun Run at 5am. An activity sponsored by Milo of Nestle Phils., aimed to donate more running shoes for children in public schools. It was overwhelming to participate in such event in my city.

So many came to participate and it was amusing to witness people of different ages and walks in life willing to be in it. The fact that the organizers provided human barricades and set batches of runners, made it smooth and less chaotic than the past events in the city. The sound of a gun shot, the sight of smiling faces and the thumping of shoes added more excitement as the next batch of runners positions and readied for their turn.

Even cutie pets took part of the cause.

Water stations designated on certain areas provided a thirst quenching relief.

Aside from helping in giving shoes to children,  we also made the street dirty. But as soon as the last set of runners passed, a group of people were quick enough to sweep and discard of the trash.

Finally, we came close to the finish as we reached the Pelaez Sports Complex.

Notice the time in the 5K lane. That's how I fared in the run.  It felt SO GOOD!

I'm one of those who are proud to say,  "I WAS THERE!"