I2C update # 9 . . .

We are now in another phase of this immigration thing . . . Since I have submitted my IELTS result last December 23 it was a very loooooooooooonnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg wait for the next step. Finally, last February 15, we have received the medical request from the Canadian embassy. Too bad that I was down with a bad cough as well as the two kids that's why we were not able to undergo the medical exam right away. I consulted our company doctor first if my cough would affect the result of the x-ray. She told me that it wouldn't have any negative impact on the x-ray since it's just a normal cough.

Last Saturday, February 20, the whole family went to Nationwide Clinic in Makati to have our medical exam. We were accompanied by my mother in law so that she can help us with the two kids while hubby and I are undergoing our respective medical exams. We were in the clinic before 9am and there were quite a number of people already.

We immediately went to get our forms and it was a lot! Specially for me that I have to fill up the forms for the two kids as well. The medical exam was the usual thing except that they have different parameters. They are looking into the more serious illnesses like AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis and tuberculosis. We were asked to wait for the result of the laboratory tests before we were cleared to leave the clinic.

We had our sighs of relief when our numbers were called and told us that we can go home already. We were indeed lucky! Some of the applicants were asked for repeat urinalysis while others were asked for additional tests like ECG. Good thing that we are really into healthy living except for the occasional coffees and some food tripping . . . he he he . . .

We are now into the next waiting game. This time for the passport request from the embassy for the visa stamping. I hope this will come before end of March so that we can avail of the promo from Cathay Pacific since it is really a good deal. 'Til my next I2C update . . .

The Big "C"

My father-in-law was diagnosed with liver cancer last January, just a week after his birthday. It came as a shock to everybody because there were no earlier symptoms seen. FIL had his first check-up in Binan Doctors and it was the diagnosis. He further underwent several tests in Asian Hospital and they confirmed the diagnosis as well. 2 weeks ago he had an MRI in Medical City and that's were they've seen the severity of the cancer. Other organs were infected by the cancer cells as well. The doctors informed the family that he has 6 months to live. Huh??? How could it be? It's so fast! Everybody is hoping and praying that FIL can still be cured and recover from his illness. More than medical intervention the family is hoping for a divine intervention so that we can spend more time with him especially the two kids - his source of strength at this point.

The family can attest that my two kids really makes wonder. Normally, my FIL would just stay in bed because he's too weak already. But when he knows that we'll be visiting, he would regain his strength so that he can see and play with the kids. With this, we make it a point to visit him on weekends and on other times at least once on a weekday.

To all, please include my FIL as well as the whole family in your prayers. That they may find hope and strength amidst this difficult time in their lives.

Endoscopy . . .

As scheduled, we were in Asian hospital last Wednesday, February 11. Hubby was requested to be there as early as 5am since the endoscopy is scheduled at 6am. We came in a little late since we slept so late that morning. We went to the admissions office to facilitate the processing of the documents prior to the operation. In no time, we were on the 2nd floor already where the operation will take place.

Hubby was endorsed to the nurses and he was asked to prepare himself already. I on the otherhand was instructed to wait in the lounge area. I just gave hubby a pat on the back to assure him that everything will be ok. The next hours was so looooooooooong! I don't know what to expect. I tried to sleep on the sofa but I can't. I flip from left to right hoping to get a comfortable position but to no avail.

I was expecting that it'll be over by 7am since the actual procedure is about 10 to 15 minutes only according to the doctor. Another 30 minutes have passed and hubby is still inside. My mind was preoccupied with a lot of "what if's ". I was worried if something went wrong during the procedure or hubby did not respond well to the anesthesia or the doctor found something wrong and has to do another tests . . . oh, well I'm just simply worried and a lot of baseless thoughts are coming through my mind during that time. Another 30 minutes have passed and it's 8am already. I went to the cubicle wherein there was an attendant and I asked the condition of hubby. She told me to wait for another 15 minutes and hubby will be out. I assume hubby is ok so I just have to wait for the test result.

I transferred in the lounge area in the other wing since hubby will be coming out from that side. In about 20 minutes, hubby was already out. He showed me the test result and everything is ok. Nothing serious. The diagnosis is gastritis. As per my research, it's the inflammation of the stomach lining and it's very much treatable. The doctor prescribed some medicines and instructed hubby to have a low fat high fiber diet. Caffeine and alcohol is a no no! ! ! So no more coffee in the morning and no more softdrinks during snack time. Alcohol won't be an issue since hubby is not a drinker. We also have to check if he can continue to be "on diet" since it can be another cause for his condition.

Hmmmm? This is in contrary to his initial illness last year wherein he has to be on diet. Well, I guess hubby should just eat in small amounts and just increase the frequency of his meals. He really has to check his diet and eat healthy foods instead of avoiding mealtimes.

Dad, be careful and stay healthy. We need to be healthy for the kids. I want to grow old with you as we watch Kaila and JM have their families of their own. Perhaps we can have more kids in the near future. :) Lets grow old together taking care of each other and maintain the friendship & companionship that we have right now. I don't see myself growing old with somebody else. I love you so much and I'm looking forward to the next 50 years or more of togetherness with you.

Heartburn . . .

strikes back! Exactly a week ago, hubby suffered another heartburn attack. It was almost the same time when he had it last November. It was between 2am to 3am. But it was more serious as compared to the first attack. Hubby ran out downstairs from our bedroom catching up his breath. Sensing that there was something wrong I followed him and saw him pouring cold water on himself. He was sort of panicking at that time. He went upstairs to wake up his grandma. He then went to the bathroom and opened the shower. He kept on pounding his chest. All of us were nervous since we don't know what might happen next. We kept on giving him cold drinking water. He pours the cold water on himself from time to time. He was chilling already at that time. I asked our yaya to get him new clothes so that he can dress up. While dressing up, Lola Norma and our yaya went to our neighbor to ask help. We need somebody to drive us to the hospital.

In time, we were on our way to Calamba Medical Center already. We went straight to the emergency room and his vital signs were taken. His BP was quite high at 150/80. He had his ECG as well. We waited for the resident doctor to interpret the result of the ECG. Of course the doctor asked us again what happened and we recalled the series of events. The diagnosis of the doctor was GERD . Same diagnosis as before. But the doctor found some abnormality on his heart. According to her, the size of his heart is quite big but nothing serious. It may not be serious for her but for us patients knowing that there's something different or abnormal is something to be worried about already. She prescribed some medications and asked us to consult a gastroenterologist for further tests on hubby's condition. We were then discharged from the ER.

Upon arriving home, Lola Norma was waiting for us. We told her that hubby is ok already and she can go back to sleep. Hubby and I then talked and I told him that we should go to a specialist already since this is the second attack in a matter of 3 months. Plus, his BP was high and there might be something wrong with his heart. We decided that both of us we'll be on leave for the day so that we can go to Asian Hospital later that day for another check-up. We went upstairs to have some more sleep before we go for another round of check-up.

I'm not sure if it was past 8am or 9am when we were awaken. We had our breakfast first and started to prepare so that we can leave before lunch. The kids were so happy to see both of us. They asked if we'll be going to the office. I told them daddy is sick that's why we're home. Kaila was asking if she'll go to school or not. Hubby agreed to let Kaila stay home.

On our way to Asian Hospital, hubby had another attack. This time he was driving the car by himself. I told him to park in the nearest gasoline station so that he could rest for a while. I bought a mineral water so that he could relax himself. In about 15 minutes or so we were driving again. After a while he was having another attack. We had to park on the next gasoline station again in SLEX. Another 15 minutes or so passed. It took us almost an hour to travel all the way to Asian Hospital. Normally, this is just 20 minutes away from us without traffic.

We went straight to the ER so that he'll be immediately attended by the nurses. His condition and vital signs were again checked and later brought to a private room. He also underwent another ECG and this time the result was normal as well as his BP. The diagnosis was almost the same and he was referred to a gastroenterologist. But he was given a medication through an IV so we stayed for a while until he feels better already. We then went to Dr. Novenario who is the accredited gastroenterologist of Maxicare.

As expected, there were a lot of people for consultation. I just stayed in the lounge area while hubby was inside in the waiting area of the doctor's clinic. It was more than an hour or so before hubby came out. He was scheduled for an endoscopy on Wednesday so that his condition will be evaluated more thoroughly. We went from office to office to finish all the documentations needed for his test on Wednesday. We were finished by around 5pm. We went to Festival Mall afterwards and ate in Old Spaghetti House.

It was another tiring and stressful day. But I thank God since hubby is safe and nothing is serious with his condition.

My Valentine Treats . . .

Hubby never fails to give me white roses on Valentine's day. It is usually delivered to our office that's why my officemates were expecting it last Friday. When they reminded it to me, a part of me was somehow expecting it too. But come 4pm and there were no flowers. hu hu hu . . .

Hubby and I will be meeting in Paseo to have our dinner there. I came in first and bought him a Havainas flip flops as my Valentine gift. I spent the rest of my time in National bookstore where I left my gift in the package counter. He texted me that there was a heavy traffic. It was almost 7pm when he came. He was pulling me towards the exit at the back but my gift was in package counter in front. I asked him to go the other way and as we are nearing the exit I handed to him the number tag for him to get the package himself. I immediately went out and looked at him while he was going out. He was so happy and surprised for my gift. It is seldom that I surprise him with a gift. he he he . . . It is usually him that surprises me with gifts . . .

We went out afterwards and we're on the lookout for a venue for our dinner date. We passed by Poquito Mas and we are not satisfied with the buffet selection so we looked for other restos in the area. We ended up in Fastuarant which specializes in Italian cuisine. They also have their buffet which consists of pastas, chicken in different sauces, fish fillets, mussels, pizza and a lot more. Their buffet is only P299 which is inclusive of one round of ice tea, soup and a dessert. Another good find for us! We enjoyed our dinner and I almost forgot about the flowers already. :)

Hubby asked me if I wanted to have coffee in Starbucks. I declined since I'm so full already. We just went around for a stroll and watched the live concert in the activity area in Paseo. We were about to call it a night at 10pm. While on our way home already, hubby asked me if I wanted to go to Tagaytay. Of course I said yes.

It was hubby's first time to drive all the way up to Tagaytay by himself. Unfortunately, I didn't bring our camera so we have no proof that we actually went to Tagaytay. We just went to Starbucks and hang out for a while. We didn't have our jackets that's why both of us were freezing in the cold winds of Tagaytay. We ended up our night at exactly 12 midnight.

When we arrived home, hubby took a while before he was able to get inside the house. When he came in he was with the bouquet of flowers already! This time he personally handed to me the flowers plus chocolates this time. My Valentine's day is finally complete. :)

My bouquet of white roses . . .

My bouquet with chocolates this time . . .

Frolics '09 at San Beda . . .

Last Sunday, January 25, the whole family attended the Frolics in San Beda. This is the yearly students' fair and the celebration of the feast of Sto. Niño. Hubby has been religiously attending this activity with or without us. At least he gets to see some of his friends at least once a year. Since the kids are with us, I did not join the procession. We just stayed in the chapel hoping the kids will sleep even for a while. But they didn't so we just had some photo opps while waiting for the daddy. ha ha ha . . . Here are some of our pictures :

12 years ago . . .

hubby and I officially became a couple. I was on my fourth year in college while he was a new grad. We were friends already when we started to became close until we realized that we can be more than friends. After 12 years, we are now husband and wife and we'll be celebrating our 5th year anniversary next month. We are now blessed with 2 beautiful kids. I can say that as each year passes both of us matures and our love grows deeper and deeper. I'm looking forward of spending the rest of my life with him as both of us grow older and watch our kids grow and have their own kids as well.

Last Friday, we had an advance celebration. We ate out in Poquito Mas and had more bonding moments in Starbucks. Here are some of our pictures :

Hubby and I while waiting for my splatino crab . . .

Hubby preferred to have the buffet . . .

My splatino crab . . .

Waiting for our mocha frappe . . .

To daddy, happy anniversary and I want you to know that I love you more and more each day.

A Terrifying Monday . . .

I was on emergency leave yesterday. Hubby had a severe attack of chest pains early Monday morning so I rushed him to the hospital together with my mom and dad.

The night before, he was already complaining that it's too hot in our room to think that the aircon was already on. He said that he's not feeling well so we slept early that night. About 3am yesterday he was already awake. I asked him if he's feeling better already. He said no. He went downstairs to drink cold water. After a while he went back to our room. He was still not feeling better and the pain is getting worse. I asked him if he wants to be brought to the hospital already and he said no. He was tapping my head and caressing my forehead and tells me that he loves me as if he was saying good bye and I'm already nervous at this point. After a while, he went downstairs again and this time I followed him. He went straight outside the house to get some fresh air while he was punching his chest heavily. I was already calling my mom at this point and I was already crying while telling her what's happening. I told her we have to bring Philip to the hospital already.

When Philip felt better we went upstairs to dress up and prepare ourselves since we are bound to the hospital already. Feeling a little better after that severe attack he told me he doesn't want to go to the hospital anymore. He said he's ok but I insisted that we still go. Anyway, my mom and dad are already on their way to our house. When they arrived, we immediately headed to the hospital. We went straight to the ER of Calamba Medical Center.

We informed the nurse of what happened. He got hubby's BP and it was normal at 130/70. His temperature was normal as well. Then, the nurse performed an ECG to ensure the condition of hubby's heart. After a while, the resident doctor came and told us that his heart is ok. What happened was a case of GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In short, it's related to his diet again. Hubby is already observing a healthy diet since he's prone to have a high cholesterol level but his current diet might trigger another disease as GER. Anyway, the doctor prescribed a medicine to be taken once a day for the next two weeks. She also reminded Philip of the foods not to be taken. Whew, what's left for him to eat? I can't think of anything right now except water. He was eating fruits and pasta but this can trigger GER. Hay, need to do some more researching. Anyway, we were home as early as 6am but we decided to stay home for the day so that we could rest.

It was a stressful day but I'm so thankful that it was nothing serious and hubby is still with us. Daddy, Kaila, JM and I loves you so much! Hugs and kisses to you . . . mwahh . . . :)

Friday night out . . .

Hubby has been craving for seafoods lately. Last Friday, he called me up and asked me if I'll be going home early. I told him if he'll treat me out then I can go home early. :) He said he saw an ad in the newspaper for the buffet in Crustasia. He wants crabs, crabs, crabs . . . So, we decided to meet in ATC after office since we're off by 4pm every Friday. We were in ATC past 5pm. We went to see the menu in Crustasia and the buffet was not available in ATC yet. We went around for a while to see if there were other buffets with crabs. But we still ended up in Crustasia. We ordered their "by the bucket" and we asked them to cook it as Singaporean Chili Crab style. We just ordered Yang Chow fried rice and we were so full after. Hubby's cravings was very much satisfied. He wants to go back there to have more crabs . . .

San Beda is in . . .

in the 2008 NCAA championship! Hubby was bugging me to call ticketnet for the tickets in the championship this Wednesday and Friday. As of this time, tickets are not yet out. Hopefully, SBC will win game 1 so that I'll watch game 2 and no more game 3. Go San Beda!

JM is sick . . .

due to bad cough and colds. He started to have fever as well yesterday. I asked hubby not to report to work today since I was already on leave last Monday and I need to submit something urgent today. I hope he gets better because I really hate it when the kids are sick and I cannot take a leave due to my workload. This is the time again when I would wish to be a SAHM. I'm just so thankful that hubby can afford to be on leave these days since he is still floating while the construction of their new office is still on-going. He is transferring to the new Calamba Cash Hub of BDO by next month.

Get well soon, JM!

For the first time . . .

we left the kids at home just to watch a movie. Last Friday, we were home by 11am from the school program of Kaila. It was still a long day ahead. We were suppose to go somewhere else but it's quite late already so we just stayed home. The kids were asleep by 1pm because they woke up earlier than their usual routine. So hubby and I took a quick lunch so that we can leave before anyone of the two kids is awakened.

Hubby and I decided just to watch the movie of KC and Richard here in SM Sta. Rosa instead of going to Alabang. We were just in time for the 3pm showing. Over-all hubby and I enjoyed watching the movie. Let's forget all the technicalities and other stuffs. We enjoyed the scenery very much and hope we could go in Santorini in the future. :) I think the setting has a lot to do with the movie. It could have been a plain and simple love-hate relationship movie when it was entirely shoot here in the Philippines. The place is so romantic that you would reminisce "those" times when you were still bf-gf. It's not that I'm saying that we are not romantic anymore but the romance during that stage is different. The "kilig" factor is there. ha ha ha . . .

After the movie, we decided to go again in Poquito Mas and have the Mexican buffet for the second time. This time, we were not that satisfied with the food selection. There were less selection as compared to the first time that we went to try the buffet. Anyway, we filled ourselves to the limit and still get our money's worth. We went around for a while in Paseo and I showed hubby where baby cakes is. This is where KC had her coffee in the first part of the film. We were home by around 9pm I guess.

Change of plans . . .

We won't be going to 168 in Divisoria this weekend but instead we'll be going out tonight here in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. We'll try the Mexican buffet of Poquito Mas. Hubby is in LTO right now to renew his driver's license. We might need it sooner since we don't know exactly when my parents are leaving. Hubby is also bugging me to take the driving lessons already. I wasn't able to avail my company sponsored driving lesson last year. So now I have to pay for it already. Hope we enjoy the food later. Got to go back to some more work since it's going to be a long weekend.

Friday once again . . .

It feels really good when Friday is here! This time it's better cause it's going to be a long weekend for us. Hubby doesn't have work today. Yesterday was their last day for the classroom training and the next month will be their OJT. He's not yet sure if he's just going back on his same post in Carmona since he's requesting to have his OJT where there will be a check clearing operation. Their cash hub in Carmona doesn't have it. I was trying to take a leave today but due to some important submissions ( again and again ) I'm already here at work. I left home with a heavy heart seeing the kids and their dad asleep. I envy them so much! (: Anyway, it's an extended weekend as I mentioned earlier.

MDP . . .

Hubby is in it again! He's one of the candidates in the Management Development Program of BDO. Of course if he passes this one definitely he gets promoted again. I know he truly deserves the break and I'm sure he'll pass this with flying colors. It was already day 1 yesterday and this training will last until September 30 including the revalida already.

Just a side story. Hubby was entititled to check-in in Malayan Plaza since he's considered a provincial employee. He declined and informed his boss that he prefers to go home everyday. He received several calls convincing him to stay in Malayan Plaza but no convincing can change his decision. He wants to be with us everyday and he's more comfortable with that although he needs to exert more effort everyday to be there on time. This is how a dedicated family man my husband is. Everybody admires him for that. And I'm so thankful he was not convinced to stay in Malayan Plaza. :)

Back Track . . . Part 3

May 25 - Philip's birthday weekend

Philip and I decided to go out this Sunday to celebrate his birthday. Philip has been requesting me for us to go to Trinoma for the longest time so I agreed even though it's quite too far already. Since it's his birthday celebration I have to give in to his request. We planned to leave early but as always we left our house at way past 10am already. We arrived in Trinoma almost noon just in time for lunch. We were not craving for anything special so we just bought Chickenjoy for the kids and Reyes BBQ chicken for us. After lunch, we just strolled around to see the stores in the mall. After a while, we went to Starbucks and have our Mocha Frappes. The kids had their first sip of Starbucks coffee as well. After this we strolled around again and went to Time Zone ( not sure if the play area was Time Zone ). The kids rode the carousel and played their favourite games inside. Of course they enjoyed it a lot. After this a little more strolling then we went to Toys R Us. The kids played again inside and each one of them bought toys for themselves. After this, we decided to take a rest in one of the lounge area then Philip and Kaila went to get some snacks in Taco Bell. JM had his milk and he fell asleep. After our snacks, we just strolled for more and went home around 6pm.

May 26 - Philip's 33rd Birthday

Hubby's birthday was a Monday so both of us were on vacation leave to spend the day with the kids. Since we were tired from our malling the day before, we decided that we'll just eat out for lunch together with my mom and dad. I have prepared nothing special for hubby. I have not bought any gift for him yet. Me and the kids just woke him up with a kiss and greetings. We actually woke up late than the usual since we were tired from the previous day's activities. Hubby and I had a light breakfast together since we know that we'll be eating out for lunch. My mom and dad arrived in our house past 11 am. Everybody was ready by the time they arrived. Hubby and I decided to eat just within the area and Paseo de Sta. Rosa was the nearest place to dine in. Since we are with my mom, dad and Philip's lola, we chose Rose and Grace. We ordered chopsuey, lechon kawali, fresh lumpia, tuna belly and I can't remember the other stuffs that we ordered. I was not able to take pictures of us. While eating, my dad suggested that we go to Tagaytay afterwards. Of course we said yes so that the kids can go to residence inn to see the zoo. On our way to Tagaytay, it started to rain. The rain was getting heavier and heavier. It was like a typhoon already. By the time we were in Tagaytay there was zero visibility because of the fog. We can't see the Taal Volcano as well. Since the rain has not stopped, we decided not to proceed with the plan and just go back to our place. On our way back, we went to Rowena's and bought some mini buco pies and ube pies and other pastries. We just went back to Paseo de Sta. Rosa and strolled around. I was able to buy Kaila her Havaianas to be used in school. This was included in their grooming kit list. JM doesn't have his size but I promised to buy him when there's a size available already. The outlet in Paseo has a lower price of around P150 to P200 compared to mall prices. The kids rode again the carousel and they really enjoy riding the carousel now. After a while, we went home and my parents stayed in time for meryenda. The celebration was simple but hubby and I really prefer to spend our time with the kids. Looking forward to more bonding times with them.

Back Track . . . Part 2

May 17 - Kaila's assessment and enrollment

As previously posted, we were supposed to enrol Kaila in the summer class but this didn't push through. The ten sessions that was referred to over the phone were the non-academic courses. The academic courses would last for a month as well so Philip and I decided not to push through because Kaila will have a little time to rest in between the summer class and the opening of the regular class in June. Kaila was assessed through a test but Kaila was not answering at all to think that we even had a review and a rehearsal prior to that. I know Kaila knows all the answers but she wouldn't say a word to teacher Liza. Anyway, understandable as what teacher Liza said. Most of the kids are really like that but come the 2nd or 3rd week or regular school everybody would be playing around. The funny thing is teacher Liza was also talking to JM and my little boy was answering. They kept on talking to the two kids until the topic became singing and dancing. I tried to play the "papaya song" from my celfone and both kids danced. Kaila danced and JM followed. The people were so happy to see the two kids perform. Nagmukhang audition tuloy sa talent search ang assessment ni Kaila.

Since Kaila didn't answer during the assessment she'll be enrolled under Junior Casa. According to teacher Liza, they have an acceleration program. So if they can see that the child is ready and will be able to cope up with the higher level, they can accelerate the child.

While daddy and the kids are chatting with teacher Liza, I was already paying the tuition fees, books and uniform. Did a few queries on some things and issues. The mom was so excited at this point since Kaila is officially a school girl come June. After this, we treated the kids to a nearby Jollibee and had their favourite snacks. We went home afterwards.


May 23 - Friday Night Out

It was a busy week for me. I even stayed up late in the office to think it was Friday already. Philip and his officemates were out in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. Instead of them having a summer outing they agreed to use their subsidy to just eat out. Since they were just nearby, I told hubby that we could meet in time for dinner. I'll treat him to Poquito Mas so he'll get a taste of my favourite sisig. I was in Paseo de Sta. Rosa past 7pm. I went strolling around trying to look for a gift to hubby. I went to National bookstore first to buy a birthday card. I went from store to store but I don't know what to buy. I went to Poquito Mas around 8pm so that I can order our dinner just in time for hubby's arrival. I ordered my favourite sisig and the spicy shrimp pasta. Since Philip was on a diet already (he was diagnosed to be diabetic last month), I didn't order that much. I'm not even sure if he'll rice since he's not eating dinner anymore except for oatmeal and fruits. Philip arrived a little past 8pm just in time after our order was served. He ate a little and told me to finish everything. Huh? The sisig and the shrimp pasta is good for 2 to 3 persons and he wants me to finish it! Anyway, since both are my favourites I tried to eat as much as I can but still I can't finish everything. While eating he told me that we'll stay since his staff will still have their drinking session. I asked him if it's alright to join them. He said yes so we stayed until midnight and enjoyed the band that night. Every Friday is party time in Paseo de Sta. Rosa and it was my first time to experience it. Hubby and I enjoyed the night and we're thinking that we should do it regularly- going out just the two of us. ( I still have to work out on this since I would feel guilty if we go out without the kids ).

Back Track . . . Part 1

I need to do some backtracking on the events that happened last month. Here are the major events that took place:

May 4 - My Dad's 64th birthday
We spent the afternoon in my parent's house in Canlubang. It was just another simple family get together. It was a sumptuous lunch and a pm snack with the whole family. Of course the kids enjoyed the cake blowing.

May 10 - Ford Family Day in Island Cove

We were supposed to leave at around 7am in the morning but my parents got caught up in a traffic jam on their way to our house. They arrived past 8am already so we left at around 8:30am. We were with my mom, my dad, my youngest sister, my nephew, our yaya and the two kids. We arrived in Island Cove at around 10am already. We ate first the morning snack before doing any activity. After that we went to the animal island wildlife sanctuary. The kids enjoyed watching the animals especially the crocodile. Kaila even touched the baby croc. It was already noon so the weather was very hot. We didn't go the the butterfly farm and other areas. We went back to our table to had our lunch. After lunch, we changed to our swimming attires and off we went to the swimming pool area. I knew that Kaila wouldn't swim but when she saw the swimming pool she was sort of enticed to swim. JM was the first one to swim. When it was Kaila's turn, of course she cried. She don't want to swim because the water was cold. Anyway, Kaila and I went back to our cottage and changed her clothes already. I left her with my dad since my mom was out with my nephew as well. I went back to the pool and joined JM and hubby. We went swimming for about two hours I guess. Funny thing is JM was able to sleep in the pool for about 30 minutes. After our swim, we went back to our place to dress up. On our way to our table, Kaila and Wacks was with my mom in the play area. Both of them didn't swim. We fixed ourselves and had our pm snacks. We still have a lot of food stubs for Potato corner and cotton candies but the line was too long so we didn't claim it na lang. On our way to the parking area, we saw the sports center where the bowling alleys are so the kids and their dad went inside. The two were so excited because they thought they can play bowling as what they usually do in Timezone. It was almost 5pm when we left Island Cove. Thanks to the Daang Hari road because travel time is really cut short by around 30 to 45 minutes. We were home before 7pm.

Here are some of our pictures :

Frolics at San Beda 2008 . . .

Last Sunday, January 27, we went to San Beda for the yearly celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño. Hubby would religiously attend this celebration eversince he was a Bedan. No absence since then! He would really attend with or without me.

We were there past 3pm already. We went to the booth of the San Beda merchandise to buy some stuffs. While there, we met one of his college buddies and his wife. After this, we went to the chapel before the procession started. We stayed for a while and it's a nice feeling to be back where we got married four years ago.

The procession started past 4pm already. It was a long walk this time. The route of the procession was different from the previous years ( cannot specifically identify the route as I'm not an expert with the streets in that area ). According to hubby, it was the longest procession ever. The procession took about an hour and a half. After the procession, we ate snack and headed back home since we need to rest as it'll be a working day the next day.