HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I received a couple of gifts last Friday for Mother's Day.


This one is from Anton. They made macaroons in class. Anton pulled out the card agad before he gave it to me.

And when I got home the guard in our condo gave me this big bunch from my sister and her hubby from the US.

And what will my hubs give me? No flowers this time unlike last Valentine's when I got the surprise of my life when he gave me red roses for the first time ever. But we are flying here this afternoon with Neal's family and I can't wait to share this beautiful place with Anton.

To all the moms I hope you all have a blast today.

WATCH THOSE SCANNERS

We mommies really have to be on our toes all the time. I did my grocery shopping this morning at Shopwise Makati. As usual I would just let the cashier scan all my purchases while I was busy putting my other purchases on her shelf. When I got to my car and looked at the receipt I noticed that the rice I bought registered 4 kilos when I just bought 2 kilos.

I immediately went to their Customer Service and they verified with the cashier that the item was indeed scanned and not manually typed. They said that the bar code, when folded does get a wrong reading. The girl said it rarely happens it's just because of the folded bar code. Hmmm still sounds fishy to me. If the bar code is folded it should read error instead of doubling the purchase I made. Oh well what can I do but blog about it here.

ANG BILIS

I'm not talking about how fast Pacman knocked out Hatton last Sunday but how fast the DVDs are now available in Seaside Macapagal where we had dinner last night. And from what I saw they were selling like hotcakes. Na tempt din ako pero I'll just watch it again sa You Tube.

CANYON COVE BEACH CLUB

Canyon Cove is one of the best beaches in Batangas. The beach is pretty clean and I appreciate the hotel service (though still needs some improvement) and atmosphere. I do not like to rough it up when I have a makulit toddler in tow so it is perfect for family outings. Of course this is not Boracay but I thought their beach is better than Punta Fuego's in the sense that their shoreline was much longer.

The caterer for their restaurant is Makati Skyline and the food is not so bad. The only thing I want them to do is to have an al fresco dining area. We are in the beach right so it figures that we are always wet. But you have to dine inside the restaurant which do not of course tolerate wet clothing. Oh and when we were there the first time and it was Saturday lunch time they did not offer the ala carte menu. Everyone had to order the buffet inside the resto which was not very good or the grill outside. That made me inis and I saw a lot of guests who did not appreciate this too but had no choice but to eat the buffet.


But over all this is still a very good place. A great escape without having to pay for airfare. You can check their websites here and here.

Our room

Wonderful view from our balcony

BEACH BUMS

Anton has asthma :( We just found out last month and it's so sad. He is so likot and so active and it's not really bagay. I still decided to bring him to his homeopathic pediatrician. I almost went to a pulmo just so Anton's cough and wheezing will go away asap but I waited patiently for the natural medicines to work. We also went to the beach a couple of times already and it seemed to help Anton get better faster. We are definitely going to be beach bums this summer. We want to get away at least every other week. We love going to Canyon Cove in Nasugbu. I feel like we're in Cebu it's a really great place! We dont have much pics yet cos I was tamad to take pics but we're going back soon and I'll be posting pics of our room and the resto.

Tali Beach

Anton's first time at the beach this summer.


Canyon Cove pool


Canyon Cove playground

Canyon Cove beach with Mamu

SUMMER LOOK

Anton was such a good boy at the barber shop today! For the first time ever there was not one cry from him while having his haircut. He even wore his kapote without resistance. This was his 3rd time here at this small barber shop in BF Paranaque and he seems to like it more compared to the ones in the mall. Or maybe he's just getting older. Look he can now even laugh while watching Backyardigans on TV :) This is really a big deal!

MOVING UP

Moving up day at Toddlers Unlimited was last Tuesday, March 24. Anton's class did not exactly have a 'graduation'. That was only for the 5 yr olds. They just had a dance number like the one they had last Christmas. They danced to a song by Hi-5. This time Anton was not in the mood. He was probably sleepy and it was too hot in the Santuario Forbes Social Hall. At first he was dancing a little then he couldn't take it anymore and went off the stage before the song ended. Oh well he was still cute though :)

Before the program. Anton was very clingy. Really not in the mood.

We left the celebration right after Anton danced. It was really too hot. We had lunch at Banana Leaf Rockwell. Anton as usual had his fave beef pho noodles at Pho 24 across BL.

FAMILY DAY

Anton's school had their family day last Sunday at Tagaytay Highlands. It was drizzling a little when we arrived but the sun came out just before we got out of the car. Talk about perfect timing. As expected it was a very exhausting day for me and Neal. But Anton enjoyed his first time in a farm and that's what matters. His favorites are the birds and the snake. He not only touched the python, he squeezed it! Oh and we were wearing green shirts cos we were part of the green team. We were not able to join any of the games since the crowd's clapping and the megaphone were making Anton cranky. But it was a fun day and hope we visit another zoo soon cos Anton loves the animals.

ORGANIC RESTOS

While I was waiting at the dental clinic I read an old article on Wolfgang Puck. I love this guy, his TV show and I hope to eat in one of his restaurants one day. Now I love him even more because he only serves organic vegetables and free range meat in all of his restaurants.

Here's some excerpts from an article in his site.

Chef Wolfgang Puck Takes Eating Well to New Level
Benefiting Farm Animals and Customers

Implements “First-of-its-Kind” Humane Farm Animal Treatment Program Aimed at Worst Abuses and Lauded by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
Shifts Other Food Ingredients to All-Natural and USDA Organic

LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2007) – Wolfgang Puck and the Wolfgang Puck Companies announced today they are taking what they are already known for -- creating the most innovative tastes and style in natural, fresh and organic cooking – to a new level with a comprehensive program that formalizes Puck’s healthful culinary philosophy, ‘Wolfgang’s Eating, Loving and Living’ (WELL)™. The new program will affect the culinary standards and methods in all Wolfgang Puck Companies, including 14 fine dining group restaurants, more than 80 Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express fast-casual restaurants, and 43 catering venues across the nation, where 10 million customers dined in 2006.

Making the announcement, Master Chef Wolfgang Puck said: “Our guests want to know the meals they eat in my restaurants are made with fresh, natural, organic ingredients. They want to know where the produce comes from and how the animals are raised. In short, they want to eat healthy food in good conscience, and they know that we can make healthy taste delicious.”

Puck went on to say, “Our guests are interested in the same environmental issues that have long concerned us -- sustainable farming and fishing, humane treatment of farm animals and reducing the amount of hormones, antibiotics, preservatives and pesticides in the food we eat. Using fresh, seasonal, organic produce and naturally raised animals enhances and sustains the quality of life, and that is what Wolfgang’s Eating, Loving, and Living is all about.”

The Wolfgang Puck Companies’ evolutionary program will include a commitment to sourcing only from purveyors who treat their animals, produce, and the earth in which they grow it well; to better nutrition for children and teaching children about healthy eating; and to providing the public with information on shopping and cooking well.

Raising the Bar on Treating Farm Animals Well
A key initiative of Wolfgang’s all-natural and organic evolution is a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind humane farm animal treatment program created in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and with advice from Farm Sanctuary. This historic nine-point program aims to stop the worst practices associated with factory farming, and positions the Wolfgang Puck Companies as the first food establishments in full compliance with all of the HSUS’ progressive recommendations. In the next few months, Wolfgang Puck Companies and dining venues will:

1. Only use and serve eggs from cage-free hens not confined to battery cages.
2. Only serve all-natural or organic crate-free pork. Crates prevent pigs from turning around.
3. Only serve all-natural or organic crate-free veal. Crates prevent calves from turning or walking.
4. Only serve certified sustainable seafood
5. Eliminate foie gras from its menus. Force feeding swells ducks’ livers up to 10 times their normal size.
6. Only serve all-natural or organic chicken and turkey meat from farms that are compliant with progressive animal welfare standards.
7. Continue to feature and expand certified organic selections on all menus.
8. Continue to offer and expand vegetarian selections on all menus.
9. Send a letter to suppliers regarding methods of poultry slaughter that involve less suffering.

Chef Puck said, “We want a better standard for living creatures. It’s as simple as that.”

Sounds really good. I hope there will be restaurants here in Manila who will do the same. If there will be more demand for organic and healthy food the prices can go down significantly. But let's start with getting organic produce first. So hurry, grab your organics at your nearest organic market now!

ABSENT

Anton was absent from school last Tuesday to Friday. That's 4 days for me taking care of a sick toddler and no alone time whatsoever. Anton was extra fussy and defiant and my patience was really tested. He didn't want his temperature taken (I hope I get my Exergen from my sister soon!), he didn't want to eat, didn't want to take his medicines and just wanted to nurse the whole day. For the first time we didn't go the the pedia. I just used his old homeopathic meds and I think I'm getting better at giving the right meds because Anton recovered fairly fast. He was well by Thursday afternoon but I still didn't send him to school Friday morning so that he can rest some more.

I swear I thought I would go crazy. Well this is the choice I made so I just have to accept it. Good thing everything will be normal again on Monday. Yipee!

FIELD TRIP

Anton's first and also our first time inside Manila Ocean Park. We spent more time at the entrance waiting for Anton's other schoolmates than inside the park itself. But Anton had a blast. That's all Neal and I hope for anyway. Just wish there were more aquariums and bigger fish.

A FIRST

After Anton's class yesterday he went back inside his classroom and closed the door on me. Then after school when I gave him the car keys to open the car he ran away with the keys and went back to school. I had to chase him pa.

Glad to know that Anton is loving school at sulit ang bayad namin. Now am I ready that my son is slowly getting to be independent? Hell yes! Up to now he still wants to hold my hand when I go to the other side of the room. I'm sure I'll miss this someday ... but for now I need a little bit of space sometimes. Just a few more years ...

GETTING IN THE GROOVE

It's my 4th day as a full time mom and I'm starting to get in the groove. A big part of it is I found a darling cleaning lady who can come in 2x or 3x a week. Anton also started school already so his mood is so much better compared to the past weeks. And unlike before I don't have to stress myself thinking how I can take a leave from work just to drive Anton to his class or therapy sessions. Anton's schedule is quite full so me being his driver is a great idea.

Right now Anton is watching DVD as I type this. He still cannot stay more than 1 meter away from me cos he wants his dede even if he just had his snack. Oh well that's really how it is diba? I hope I can keep myself sane but so far so good. Definitely the best decision I made.

A DIVERSION

I have been such a mommy since Anton's yaya left. I did nothing but housework and babysit. I've also been going to work to make sure I finish my unfinished business, fix all the stuff in my desk and to compose my farewell emails to my contacts haha. But Neal gave me a diversion from all that. Just before Christmas he bought me a Twilight DVD. I haven't read the books but I wanted to watch the movie. Neal watched it first and he wondered what the fuss was all about. He said the story isn't nice and the girl in it wasn't even pretty. The first time I watched it was 4 days ago and I've already watched in thrice. The first time I wasn't even able to finish it cos Anton woke from his nap. The next time I watched it I made sure Anton is really fast sleep so that I can concentrate for a couple of hours. The story is really predictable and cheesy. Reminds me of Sweet Dreams books I used to read back in high school. But its such a guilty pleasure. The story is just fascinating and the actors really did a good job. And don't get me started on how hot Edward Cullen is. This actor will be the next sexiest guy I bet. Then I see his interviews on youtube with that messy hair. I had to do a double take to make sure it was the same guy. I may be the last one to watch this movie but I have also been bitten. Now all I have to do is watch this movie some more to get it out of my system.

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES

I can't believe it was only Nov. 21 that I wrote my last post. It feels like a lifetime for me. Since then my yaya quit her job, I am now an all-around yaya, maid and milk supplier (for Anton only hehe) of my 2 boys, I opened an online store and I've resigned from my job of 5 years.

Things are just crazy but right now I'm thanking my yaya for giving me the chance to quit my job which I've been thinking of for some time, be more hands-on in raising Anton, make my family be closer to each other and give me a chance to do something else.

I've never been without a helper since Anton was born. But now I've decided to take care of my household myself. Neal wants me to get another helper though so that I can be more flexible. Maybe in the future. Right now I'm just enjoying my crazy busy life with my two boys. I never thought life can be so good.

EXERGEN

You really learn a lot in school. I was talking to Teacher Gabby when one of Anton's teachers borrowed a thermometer. And I was like can I see that Teacher Gabby? I'm really excited that Exergen is out in the market. Anton really hates the thermometer so every time he has fever I am clueless. This is the most accurate and non-invasive thermometer there is so I asked my sisters abroad to buy this for me. I hope they send it soon I can't wait.

MY SIT-IN

I was able to visit Toddlers Unlimited this week. Last Tuesday I sat in Anton's entire class and talked with his teachers. There were times he will go to me and sit on my lap. Teacher Maica told me that he will usually just sit on the mat with his other classmates.

Here's their art time. I expected worse. Anton just got a little bit of paint on his shirt.

This is romp time. Anton loves loves this part of the class. But the teachers really have to be on their toes. Last week Anton had a forehead bump with one of the boys in his class and the Aussie boy cried and his forehead got really red. Anton naman deadma lang. This time Anton fell on his classmate and landed on the poor girl's face. Nothing serious but the little girl really cried out loud. I warned them, Anton is pretty rough.

These are photos from yesterday's class. Yaya took all of these cos I was busy making chika with the other mommies as you can see.

I love going to Anton's school. If only I can every time ...

LAST SATURDAY

... Neal and I went to the Richwell toy sale at 9am. I had my 2nd haircut with Chiyo at 10:45am. We picked up Anton at home and changed outfits to go to Zuri's 3rd birthday.

Here I am with my old friends. No pic of Anton in this pirate party. He was so likot.

Then we went to Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street. We love going here because it's lots of fun to read to Anton and play with the toys and it's all free.

Here's father and son in the gardens of Bonifacio High Street ... before Anton got all dirty with mud hehe.

After that we still went to Powerplant Mall for Power Station, window shopping and have dinner.

Thank God Anton did not get sick. We had to stay out of the house the whole afternoon cos we had our ceiling fixed and it was so dusty. The ending? Ang sarap ng tulog namin.

READY FOR SCHOOL

I am confident that Anton is really ready for school. He is now able to sit and play for about 20 minutes straight and he loves playing with the other kids in the playground. But I was not counting on naman of being overconfident that I missed his trial session last Tues and today being his first official and paid-for class.

We are closing a project in the office and I just couldn't miss it. Next week I'll make bawi. Hopefully they will still let me sit in the class pa.

Here are a few pics of Anton last Tues for his trial class. Thanks to yaya for these precious photos and video.

He was the first in class.

I guess this is their free play time.

Singing Mr. Sun.

They made jello :) Anton took home a cup and ate it the next day.

Snack time. Anton here checking out the feast hehe.

Ang bait o kinakain ang baon nyang grapes.

Pero hindi napigilan. Nang-agaw ng crackers ng classmate.

Romp time

Last but not least, walang pic nitong watermelon activity so here's a vid :)

EXCITED

I never thought shopping for a lunchbox can be so stressful. Neal and I scoured Market Market and Megamall to no avail. We really wanted a tin luncbox cos its just cuter :) But the only available ones were Batman, Superman and Disney characters. We wanted either Spongebob or Disney Cars.

Thank God for ebay. When I saw this Anton just has to have it. This just arrived this morning and I can't wait to show it to Neal and Anton :)