Poor Mom's Blog

2013-04-15T01:42:00.000-07:00

Because pregnant women are known for their crazy cravings, here's the list of foods i craved for and maybe currently dreaming about (list will be updated from time to time, mahaba-haba ito):

spaghetti with lotsa cheese
hershey's chocolate
pancit canton from Jade Garden
siopao
McDo fries
taba ng talangka/aligue with mainit na rice
rice
mongolian bowl
Jonas Pares
singkamas dipped in vinegar-salt-pepper
semi-hinog na mangga

one + one = four

2013-04-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

And that's it. After several attempts and disappointments (see post here) and praying hard for it (see prayer intentions here) I finally got the most coveted two pink lines.

I don't know what we've done to deserve such great news. Is it because I gave up on Coke and other carbonated drinks last November 2012? Is it because Jaims finally decided to give up on his yosi last January 2013? Or is it because I knew a number of people praying for us, too? God really listens.

Paper Projects

2013-02-04T01:28:00.000-08:00

Unorthodox day-offs are really helpful in the sense that you still give that same level of energy you give at work, in a project that should have been done a long time ago. I got a blue Instax Mini 7s for Christmas from the husband. Though I haven’t consume my first pack of Rainbow film, I got a number to of pseudo-polaroid pics waiting to be displayed from my sister. I also have several photo booth souvenirs but I am not impressed on how they’re just randomly stuck on my wall. Last Christmas, my sister turned them into Christmas ornaments. This time I decided to have my very own Instax project. I got the rope and clips ready early this year but had to put it off because my weeekends were reserved for J and little Sofia. This Monday day-off is THE official project day.

I woke up early and helped Sofi get ready for school. I started cooking up my plan when I got back.

What you need:

rope (thin, but not as thin as a thread)
adorable clips (got mine from National Bookstore, P_____ for 6 pieces)
Instax photos, photo booth souvenirs
4 pieces nails (as much as you need)
hammer (couldn’t find one so I used a wrench)
soft material to function as cover or child-proofing device for nails. ( In this case, I used a pencil topper.)

The rope I originally bought was too thick and heavy so I decided to replace it with J’s fishing line. I hammered four nails, 3 ft x 1 ft in distance. I tighten and knotted the rope to ensure that the line can carry the weight of the photos and clips. Hung the pictures using the Ice Cream clips in random order. Secure nails with pencil toppers or child-proofing device to make sure no one gets hurt by the nails accidentally.

Final output is a gallery of family pictures. Memories that shouldn’t be kept in a box.

Memory Wall

back to regular programming

2012-09-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

Been a walking zombie for the past 4 weeks. Forcing yourself to study all the lessons you’ve had in MA classes for the past 7 years is not easy as it seems. Though we have slides to review, trying to recall what the instructor’s point was with his bullets is still hard. I must admit taking the Compre is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I’m not even sure if I’ll pass those tests I’ve taken but I’m still hoping. I want to apologize to those people and things I have neglected in the 4 weeks that I have been reviewing. To Sofi who have to bear all my init ng ulo and lack of time. To Dudi, who have to do the motherly stuff like storytelling, washing the dishes, tending Sofi. To my staff, who have to do the decision making on their own. To my friends, who have to wait til I’m compre-free. To my body, who had to sleep a little. To my brain, who almost had an internal hemorrhage, who had an info-overload moment.

This sounds like a thank you message written inside a thesis paper. I wish I’m on that stage, but I know I still have to wait and I’m willing to do it. For now, I’m back to regular programming.

Thank you Unilever

2012-08-10T00:19:00.000-07:00

Despite the weather being crazy for the past two weeks, some good news came to my inbox:

Hi! I just stumbled upon this old post. I am ___________ from Surf. Do email me your address. On behalf of Surf fabcon, we'd like to thank you for your support through a giftpack! :) Looking forward to your response. Thanks!

Exactly a week after, my daughter woke me up from my afternoon siesta for a special surprise. The Unilever messenger guy is at our gate with my gift pack. Weee! I just signed some delivery documents - delivery receipt and trip ticket -- and the package was all mine :)

Four colorful bottles of Surf Fabric Conditioner made photo-op possible. And to add to the giddiness, a sudden burst of rainbow scent filled the air when I opened the pack. Scents included are:

1. Aromatherapy Purifying

2. Aromatherapy Relaxing
3. Aromatherapy Energizing
4. 5 in 1 Freshness Spring Breeze

Can't wait to try them out on my next laundry day. What do you think should I try first?

#childhoodmemories

2012-08-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

TWITTER: I used to do this when I was a kid.

Champorado + powder milk = imagination.

Kunwari volcano :) #rainyweatherfood #childhoodmemories

I previously made a post on White King Champorado mix, and how Sofi enjoyed it. Last Saturday, we passed by the champorado mix stall again, and Sofi said she wanted one. The cold weather bug must have gotten into her. This afternoon since classes were suspended (again!) we included in our itinerary cooking Champorado. This time we added Bear Brand Powder milk. Yep! suddenly the memory of my childhood days came back. I remember waiting for mama's champorado on a rainy weather. Sometimes it's evaporated milk but the powdered milk activates my creative imagination more. I pretend it's a volcano. I dig a hole in my bowl then dump two spoonfuls of powdered milk. I hate it when the powder gets eaten by the chocolate porridge. It means daydreaming should stop and eating time should begin. So I eat it as fast as I can so I can ask for another bowl of Champorado and start making a new volcano. Ahh! childhood memories.

At first Sofi didn't like seeing the powder milk. She mixed the champorado as soon as she got her bowl. At my second bowl,

Sofi : Mommy, can I taste your milk?

Mommy: why don't you try eating the powdered milk with Champorado. -- She obliged, then she smiled. --

Mommy: Do you want to trade bowls?

Sofi : YES!

Champorado

2012-07-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

Is this my favorite?

Because Sofi is such a picky eater, anything new to her should answer YES to the above question. I remember giving her champorado when she was small but I don't remember her asking for more. She'd eat a few spoonfuls, and then that's it. Yesterday, we happen to chance upon a free taste champorado in SM Hypermarket. She insisted that we go and get one. At first I told her to wait while I get some stuff but she was really nagging me to get her. When I finally got one (it was hot!) she was asking me to go back and get the product already. I was surprised because she hasn't even tasted it yet she was already telling me to buy it. Wen she finished her champorado, I went back to the stand and got her request plus another cup of free taste. She was even telling me to cook it as soon as we get home. Of course I did not. She had it for merienda though. Product: White King Champ-O-Rado Content: 2 packs of 113g uncooked champorado Verdict: of course, it's not Nanay's champorado but if you want instant champorado without buying malagkit, then this will do.

hiling

2012-05-03T00:12:00.000-07:00

Lord, kakasimula pa lang po ng panibagong school year, at sasabihin ko po sa inyo na marami akong hiling. Kung tutuusin dapat nung bakasyon ko pa 'to sinabi sa inyo pero may mga bagay po akong mas piniling unahin. Hindi ko na rin po nagawang banggitin sa inyo kahapon na unang araw ng pasukan kasi po hindi kinaya ng aking katawan ang init ng panahon at apat na meetings.

Lumipas na rin po ang ikalawang araw ko sa posisyon, salamat at buhay po ako matapos ang buong araw na meeting. Ilang araw ko na rin pong sinisilip ang kalendaryo ng Mayo at Hunyo, wala pong bakanteng kahon, ibig sabihin hindi pa ito ang huling araw na may ganitong pagpupulong. Bago ko pa man malimutan ang punto ng aking liham ay ipapaalala ko sa inyo ang mga hiling ko.

bukas po aalis na ang kapatid ko, sa Sabado naman po aalis na si Kuya at ang mga anak nya. Maiiwan na naman po si Sofia na mag-isa sa bahay, walang kalaro at aaasang pag-uwi ko may enerhiya pa akong natitira upang makipaglaro sa kanya. Lord, alam kong alam mo na ang kasunod nito pero sasabihin ko na rin po. Sana po magkaroon na ng kapatid si Sofia. Alam ko pong mas marami pa pong ina na naghihintay na magkaroon ng kani-kanilang prinsipe at prinsesa. Kung tutuusin marami rin po akong kaibigan na naghihintay ng sarili nilang mga anak. Kaya po kasama ng panalangin ko, hinihiling ko rin po na magka-anak si Madel, Weng, Ann at Karen. Si Ghe rin po humihiling din ng isa pa, pwede rin po bang isama nyo rin sya sa listahan nyo?
Lord, unang taon ko sa posisyon. Nangangapa po ako, hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang maaari kong ma-i-contribute sa departamento at sa komunidad ko, pero susubukan ko po ang lahat ng makakaya ko. Gabayan nyo po ako na magawa ko ang mga trabaho ko at maging kapakipakinabang na myembro ng komunidad. Isinasama ko na rin po sa mga panalangin ko na maalala ako ng mga boss ko na gabayan ako sa misyon na ito.
sana po umayos na rin po ang pakiramdam ko. marami po akong mga sakit-sakit na nararamdaman pero isinasantabi ko lang, sana mahanapan ko ng panahon na ikonsulta sa doktor. Kung may gamot rin po sa katamaran sana po maibigay nyo rin po sa akin.
Lord, hinihiling ko rin po na sana matupad na ang pangarap ko na magkaroon ng sariling bahay. Isang bahay kung saan ako, si Jaime at Sofia ang nakatira. Ang magawa namin ang mga bagay na ginagawa ng mga normal na pamilya.
At sana po, mahanap ko na ang tunay na bagay na magpapaligaya sa akin. Alam ko po na malabo po itong huling kahilingan ko, ngunit sa akin rin po ay malabo pa ang mga ito. Siguro po unang hakbang pa lang na malaman ko kung ano ang gusto ko, pangalawa na ang magawa ko sila pagkatapos kong malaman kung anu-ano ito.

Pasensya na po sa abala. Alam kong napakarami nito pero hindi naman po ako nagmamadali, kahit isa-isa po. O kung nais nyo po na isang bagsakan lang, sino po ako para tumanggi. basta po maghihintay ako. Lord, salamat po.

Swimming Lessons

2012-04-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

For a family who loves to go to the beach, it's funny that none of us knew how to swim. That's why I decided to enroll Sofi in Bert Lozada's Swim School. I was planning to enroll her in Xavier but opted for the one in D' Ace Plaza in Kapitolyo. Based on the description, she will fall under the Snapper 1 level, but her ID card says S2 (snapper 2?)

SNAPPER 1 (Age: 4 years old and above)
For children who are afraid of the water or little or no swimming experience.
SNAPPER 2 (Age: 4 to 6 years old)
For children ready to work without the parent or caregiver and are developing 10m Survival Swim and 10m Dog Paddle.

It costs P5,000 (+ 250 for the ID, etc) for 10 sessions. Now, we're on Day 3, I noticed that Sofi can "float" longer in the water while Teacher Tina assists her. She still holds on to Teacher but she doesn't clasp as much as it was on Day 1. She cried during Day 1, didn't cry a bit in Day 2 then cried again today. I just hope she becomes more confident in the next days.

Heated Pools

2012-04-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

summer's as cold as September weather. Blame it on the low pressure area roaming near the Philippine area of responsibility. The crazy weather didn't stop us though from going through the long overdue swimming party we have planned. We opted for Laguna's Pansol-like pools so we can enjoy night swimming, and with the continuous drizzles, heated pools are the best choice.

We were able to find one in Perpetual Help Subd. Purok 5, Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna. The place is called Bramasole (which we learned later on was owned by a certain Konsehal Jeff). It has two heated pools. One is a kiddie pool and the other one is a 5ft deep pool. Facilities include refrigerator, 3 bedrooms (only two have aircon), 3 restrooms (only two have shower), parking space and mess hall. For 18 hours we were able to rent it for P6,500.

To learn more about the place, visit: http://www.lagunaresorts.com.ph/index.php/resorts/31

Parents' Day

2012-03-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

Kids spell love T-I-M-E. ~John Crudele

I don't know who Crudele is. It's a random quote about parenting, and it hits spot on. With Jaims and I both in the work force, time is a luxury we don't have. Sofi's school activity gave us an opportunity to spend time with her even in a short while. Nevermind if we have to sway our hips, dance in search of an empty newspaper or run dress in sarong to pretend we're heading to the market.

The whole activity lasted for 3 hours topped by the kids' heart warming performance of Nikki Gil's " Glowing Inside. Here's a video of Sofia's presentation.

How to Get/Renew your passport

2012-02-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

My passport expired last 2010. I had it before I got married because we were planning to have our honeymoon overseas then. It didn't push thru but I had my first stamp months before it was about to expire when I had a Singapore trip.

I had this day reserved for passport processing. My husband and I are getting ours renewed while Sofi will have her first ever passport. 12 days back, I reserved online for an appointment. While there's an option to call, I see convenience in online reservations. To get started, go to:

http://www.passport.com.ph/

This leads to DFA's Passport Appointment System. It's a very straightforward website, giving you info on "What to Expect", "Setting an Appointment", "Documentary Requirements", fees, cancelling a scheduled appointment and how to get there. It was my first time to see this appointment system, and I assure you -- it's easy, peasy!

When you're ready to set an appointment, you can do individual application or family application. Since we're all going, I used the latter application form. It's just a series of fields that you have to answer for DFA data. After which, you're ready to set your chosen date and time. Since my morning is booked with Sofi's school activity I opted for the 3PM appointment. Bad choice but no choice!

Documents should be photocopied and IDs should be checked as not all IDs are accepted. Most of all NSO issued documents should be ready by the time you get to DFA. If you are still getting your NSO documents choose a date at least a 5 working days after. IMPORTANT: photocopy or print the application form twice. Dad had to step out of the processing area to have our forms photocopied. No worries because they will still accommodate you, it's just that it would be an extra hassle on your part having to go back to the sunny part.

Getting there: Here's the map going to DFA Aseana from passport.com

The Application Form will tell you to be there 30 minutes before your appointment. When we got there, a lot of people were outside as they all wanted to be accommodated. We entered the middle gate and once you are able to get thru a validation table is waiting for you to check on your application form. Once stamped, they will direct you to the benches where all the applicants are waiting for their turn to enter the air-conditioned area. The guards will ask you about your sched. They were accommodating at the moment those who have a 2:30 schedule. The 3PM applicants were sent at the back, to form a new queue. Dad insisted that we stay with the 2:30 applicants. Why? Because by the time you get at the front of the queue, it's already 3PM. In fact when you get inside (Step 1) the air-conditioned room, a series of benches are also provided to serve as a waiting queue. Waiting is quite tedious, but you don't have much of a choice. If you're there, make sure you have taken heavy meal, drank lots of water and have gone to the rest room. You can go out but there's no assurance that the one in front of you or at your back will save a spot for you. Make sure you go with someone then, for emergencies. It took us an hour to finally get to the window. The girl was nice enough to ask for the requirements one at a time. She just had to ask Dadi to photocopy the application form. When you're done, you will proceed to 2nd floor of that same building and line up at the cashier. Each passport costs 950 pesos. The 3rd step is to get a number and wait for the screen to flash your number. Once your number is called the attending agent will ask you to check the data she encodes and will take your picture. They're nice enough to ask you if you want the photo re-taken. After which, you'll be asked to digitally sign the data.

Next step, if you intend to have the passport delivered to you place, you need to pay an extra P200.00. Otherwise, you're out of that place.

What have I learned during the process...AND THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER!!!

Photocopy all documents. It won't hurt to have extra copies at the end of the day.
Schedule a morning appointment. The heat and number of people all wanting to be accommodated is NO JOKE.
Schedule as a family. Family application means cutting the number of times going back there.
Apply your kid (minor) a passport. Having Sofi with us was a life-saver. From Step 1 to 3, things were a bit faster because of Sofi's presence. While waiting for Step 1 we had to wait in the "hot" queue, guards would constantly check on us if we want to stay on the side because it's a lot cooler there but they never really insist on looking at our forms to check our sched. I was scared that the guard in Step 1 will check our paper before entering because she was doing it to those who were going inside but when it was our turn, I asked Sofi to go first, and Jaims was the last one. When the lady guard saw Sofi she said, "Ang cute! Hello baby!" and didn't care whether the next person coming in is a goon or not :D When we got to the window, we didn't have much trouble with it anyway, so do with paying at the Cashier. The real life-saver was getting to Step 3. I mentioned that you have to wait for your number to be flashed on the screen. When I say wait, it meant REALLY wait. While Jaims was paying I attempted to ask for a number and the "number guy" pointed me on the side when he saw Sofi. he asked how old Sofi was, and his partner was about to give me a number but since I don't have the receipt yet I told him i'll get it first. When Dadi came, the guy gave us a number and in less than a minute we were already in front of the lady taking pictures. She asked me why I was late and she said that she has been calling me kanina pa. I was speechless. So we do have a special number :) The lady found Sofi cute and the process became a lot easier. Thank God for minors.
Have the passport delivered. After the grueling experience, I swear it will take a while before you can make me comeback.

Pantas mode ON

2012-01-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

May mga taong ipinanganak na maraming opinyon at may mga taong sadyang walang sariling opinyon. sa dalawang ito, san nga ba ako napapabilang? ayaw ko namang isipin nilang diskunektado ako sa mundong aking ginagalawan, pero hinding hindi ko kayang magpanggap na pantas ako at maalam.

365 Awesome Moment #2

2012-01-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

While most companies (like Daddy’s) started their year today, the big boss was nice enough to give us a time to do little errands or make last minute “family bonding time.” Since daddy had to go to work early today, I promised him last night that I’m going to prepare his brekky this time. He laughed as I had a lot of days to do this but I always end up waking up late. This morning, I managed to wake up Sofi, too. While, I prepare our coffees and Milo, I glanced at them sitting beside each other blankly staring at the wall *Kyooot!* I know they’re both sleepy but are trying to make most of the time left.

Dad bought the salad he was fantasizing a few months back at the grocery after Church. To make his meal complete, I packed him Christmas ham slices and 5 “Pinoy Tasty” slices. I forgot about the cheese but I hoped it’s ok with him. I inserted a short note inside his lunch box

After he left, Sofi and I spent time together. She was getting cranky by 11.30 so I brought her back to the room so she can catch up some sleep. Right now, Sofi and I are having movie time while blogging.

Life is Awesome!

it's back! 365 Awesome Moment

2012-01-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

Since I ended 2011 in a depressed mode, I promise myself that I'd make 2012 the "bestest" year there is. How should I do it? Well, I'd be bringing the 365 Awesome Moment back...and this time I hope to even reach more than last year's total posts. I'm keeping my fingers crossed...and so are my chubby legs :)

Awesome Moment #1
January 1, 2012

Sorry Papa Jesus that we were not able to go to church during your birthday but I have a good news for you...we made it on the first day of the year :)

Since we spent New Year with my hubby's family, we were able to get home at past 2AM already. Naturally our bodies responded by waking up at almost 12 noon. The original plan was to hear a New Year's eve mass but we didn't know that the Church near their place was closed. We can't make it in time for the noon mass either so we said we'll hear mass at a later time. During the afternoon, when we had our late lunch around 5:30, mama insisted that I get the clothes from the sampayan. Since I was in a hurry I rushed folding. We thought mass was at 7 but we learned from the schedule posted outside the Church that the last mass was at 6:30. We were late but at least we made it :)

Happy New Year everyone!

how to wean

2011-12-20T23:10:00.001-08:00

For Sofia, weaning came very late. I was told by many that kids should be weaned out of bottle-feeding as soon as they turn 1. Her pedia said we should try at 2, but luck wasn't on our side. She would throw tantrums at night when she doesn't get her supply. We've resorted to lowering her oz intake, making her milk too diluted and even controlling the number of bottles left in the room. But because she gets to stay in the room all by herself, she ends up putting extra scoop in her (matalino!). When she turned 4 I tried coaxing her that since she's big already she should stop drinking milk from the bottle but she would contest. A few months before Christmas, I told her "o pagChristmas na, no more mimi bottle na ah". I would sometimes hear her telling her lola and tito that she would start drinking milk in the glass when it's Christmas. I gave her time after.

One night, when we went to the mall, I intentionally left the bottles in mama's house. She hasn't drink milk for the past two nights, and maybe tricking her one more night won't hurt. When we came back, she was looking for milk and I told her we don't have milk bottles. Then I remember bringing home a mineral water bottle from the mall. I told her, I'll just make milk in it. She agreed, and she was able to finish the serving. The following night I told her I don't have bottles again, so she agreed that I make it in her school jug. The next milk nights, she agreed to have them in the glass. I did this every night, even leaving a glass with spoon and water so she can make her own when she gets back from school. We're now on our 4th week (we started sometime November) and she seldom drinks milk now. Though, for me it is an achievement I still prefer she continue drinking milk even in glass. Sometimes she would even refuse to eat rice. I would have to deal with that sometime...and thumb-sucking. Bye-bye botes!

Sembreak treat: Coron, Palawan

2011-12-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, the icing on the cake of our wedding day was visiting Coron, Palawan for the first time. Fast forward, Jaims and I revisited the place with our little "made in Coron" last October 31 - November 3.

With eyes closed, we've booked our flight with Air Philippines sometime July. It started with a dare but dad took it seriously and made use of the powers of the Internet, my credit card and prayers (s0 we could pay on time). 2 Adults, and 1 four year old cost P6,000.00. Would have been cheaper if we got Cebu Pac's Piso Fare but there was no promo then. The AirPhil Express plane ride was on time and quick. Landing was abrupt though. We landed in a rather new glass-walled Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan.

Finding a place to stay shouldn't be difficult as we already have SeaDive Resort in our mind. While it's not a five-star place, staying there five years ago was more on the reason of bang for the buck. We were able to live in an air-conditioned room for P500.00 then. Their price now is twice as much but I think it's still worth it. Unfortunately, we neglected the fact that more people are capable of visiting Coron now. Thus, all air-conditioned rooms in SeaDive were already booked.

We were able to book a place a few weeks before our flight. One of the cheapest we were able to find online is Coron Reef Pension House. Each room has its own comfort room, a sink, 2 single beds and air-conditioned room. You have an option to lodge by seaside or just a few steps away from the sea. They have a mini-carinderia just outside your room and they serve unlimited free coffee. Downside though, were the unlimited mosquitoes lurking inside your room. I doubt if Off-Lotion will be effective with the kind of mosquitos they have. Night and dawn view is still spectacular as ever.

The following day, we went Island Hopping with another family. Crossing a rickety bridge, we were escorted to our boat Jeshera Joy (quick search with Google brought me to this contact info). Our first stop was Siete Pecados. This, I think is the normal first stop because it enables non-divers to practice dipping and breathing in a clear, not so-deep water. The place is good for fish feeding so don't forget to bring a bag of bread or tasty. When I say bag, I really mean a bagful of pandesal. While the fishes are small you'll be surprise how much of them will attack your bread once released (0r even abot to be released).

Our boat then transferred us to Kayangan Lake. When one is in Coron town, one of the attractions they can visit is that tall cross at the top of Mount Tapyas but I PASSED on it. But it seems that there is no escaping mountain climbing as we are forced to climb up a mountain before we can see the pretty pretty lake. Nature can be funny at times :) It's quite a climb, and what made it difficult was holding my daughter, making sure she does not skid while I balance myself. Large mosquitoes weren't helpful too. But the sight and feel of Kayangan Lake, takes all the pain away.

I'm not quite happy with Kayangan Lake's water, though. I wish people are a bit more enviro conscious. I think the lake will deteriorate in a few more years because of the trash people leave behind.

Lunch was then served at Banol beach. If I could stay there for the rest of the day, I probably would. The powdery white sand, clear refreshing sea water and picturesque view are enough reasons for Sofi and I to stay there.

The remaining parts of the trip were merely passing through activities as both our family and the other were either too tired or too novice to try Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon.

When our Coron Island Tour ended, we transferred to a more chic Resort the same night -- Dive Link Resort. Review of Dive Link will follow in the next post :)

when depression kicks in...

2011-08-07T04:19:00.001-07:00

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! *sniff*

i'm okay now!

the PRC ID

2011-08-01T02:19:00.000-07:00

last week before going on leave, the boss asked me to fill out the license audit for the department. The name/license type/registration number/reg date/expiration date columns have to be filled up for submission to the company HR. When it came to my column, i had to put an expired "expiration" (pardon for the redundancy) date because my teacher license has yet to arrived. My automatic information retrieval system told me that the DHL lady reminded me that I have to wait for three months before I can finally get approved for the change of name I filed and that I will be the one who should do the follow up on DHL because they do not normally accept change of name deliveries. I took the risk and filled up the form. July 29 is three months after. Since I am on leave today because the little girl got sick, I intended to follow-up on them.

While attending to Sofi's needs, the doorbell buzzed. I checked who's at the gate and was surprised to see a yellow envelope waiting for me. I got surprised, how efficient their service is.

Thank you WWWDHL, now I have my identity back :)

nutritious league of friends

2011-07-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

my jumping bean!

2011-07-30T23:09:00.001-07:00

it feels like a gazillion years since I last posted something. work is REALLY detrimental to blogging :D

Yesterday, Angioletto Preschool culminated the nutrition month with the "We Go, Grow and Glow Together" activity. Kids were assigned a nutritious food from the three food groups and Sofi was asked to be a BEAN. The rule was not too spend too much on the costume so we made one MAGIC BEAN costume out of:

Materials:
1 REALLY big green T-shirt (daddy's Tshirt)
1 roll light green felth cloth (P59.75, SM Department Store)
1 roll chicken wire (P39.75, Ace Hardware)
comforter foam (found in Mama's tambak)
needle and thread

Putting the foam and shirt together was a challenge. I forgot about pattern-making back in HELE days. It took me 1 whole day to finish sewing and I had to ask daddy to put wire on it. It looks like a bean when hung but droops down when Sofi wears it, thus the need for chicken wire.

On the day itself, I found out how competitive parents' could get when it's time to make their kids shine. Haha! The other kids' costume are well thought of. But nothing makes a mom REALLY HAPPY than seeing her kid perform and enjoy the activity. I'm a stage mommy and proud of it!

Today is Sofi's 4th Birthday

2011-07-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy year for Jaims and I but we're hoping we can make Sofi EXTRA today. It's Sofi's fourth :)

will blog after...

PRC DHL

2011-05-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, i blogged about PRC's partner forwarder -- WWWExpress (DHL). Regular IDs are released three weeks after. They said I'll receive it a few days after, and i was surprised to get it last wednesday. That's exactly 25 days after i filed my form. Not bad! I still have to wait for my other ID though, which is 3 months after, because i had it changed from my maiden name to my married name. let's wait how reliable their service is :)

Bag Search!

2011-04-29T03:39:00.000-07:00

Maynila is such a beautiful place, except that I'm too scared to bring valuables. I seldom visit Maynila alone, only on instances that I have to renew my license or if I have to attend a seminar within its vicinity. That's why when I went to PRC - Morayta I decided to bring only the essentials. It's for the same reason why my pics in the previous post was a few clicks aways from being blurred.

Anyway, here's what's inside my ever reliable summer BAG!

(1) brown envelope. It contains all the documents I need for that day.
(2) travel cheat sheet. I'm such a Geographic Idiot (GI), I had to ask Jaims how to get to PRC. I had to write it down. I had to visualize it as I write it down. I didn't open it naman while in transit. I had memorize it by heart.
(3) PRC IDs. Do I need to explain why?
(4) Pencil Case Full of Writing Tools. Have you ever been to Pasig City Municipal Hall? When you transact your business, and you don't have a pen. They'll sell you Panda Pens. They don't provide and will not lend you any, even if you just forget to sign the doc. Crazy noh?! Good thing PRC provides pens near their Windows.
(5) PASTE. To paste your pictures. If you fail to do so, they'll ask you to do it. Some Windows have pastes, some doesn't. It's better to bring one. I remember bringing one before, and someone saw it. She borrowed it, another came, and they passed it on to each other. Hello?! Get your own.
(6) Smaller Bills. Ma'am, may piso ka? Wala ka bang barya? Exact amounts, coins and smaller bills make transaction faster and better. Bring lots o' them.
(7) Receipt. That's the receipt of the Pastillas I brought home for Sofi. But make sure you bring something to munch on, or drink when inside PRC. An early bird ends up hungry.
(8) Handkerchief. I should have brought a towel. With the grueling heat nowadays, a towel seemed fitting.
(9) Adidas Floral Dream Perfume. Trying to smell good despite the heat.
(10) Cellphone. For emergency calls and text messages. For games to keep you busy, instead of cursing slow queues.
(11) Nora Roberts' Birthright. I read the first few pages while aboard an FX but I decided to play Scrabble instead while waiting for my Petition Form. I intend to read that sometime :)

Another reason why I love going to Maynila are ambulant vendors along the road and overpasses. Every time I go to Morayta, I take home cheap loots from these vendors. Your P50 can go a long way here. I have bought pony's, hair clips and combs before. Today, I found this:

Presenting! my cheap find along the strip of Morayta. A 30-peso beaded black bracelet. I luv it!

How about you, what's inside your bag?

License Renewal at PRC

2011-04-29T02:07:00.000-07:00

Since you already know how to go to PRC, you can renew your license already. The complete instruction can be seen at the PRC website. The reason I'm re-posting this is because the PRC website is seasonal (READ: inaccessible most of the time).

Requirements for Manual Procedure

1. Duly accomplished form which you can download from the PRC website.

Application Form for Professional Identification Card.

I'm also including an alternate link just in case PRC fails to load.

Application Form for Renewal of Professional Identification Card.

2. Two (2) pcs. passport size picture: close-up, colored, plain white background, with complete name tag
3. Photo/Xerox copy of recent professional ID card
4. In case of LOST professional ID card which is still current, the applicant shall submit a notarized affidavit of loss
5. In case of DESTROYED professional ID card, the applicant shall surrender the destroyed card.
6. Renewal Fee. Call 314-0009 or 736-2248 to verify how much you need to pay. Mine expired last August 2010, I was told to pay P630.00.

If you intend to have a change of name, fill-up one of these:

Petition for Correction of Entries or Data.

Petition for Change of Registered Name due to Marriage.

Again an alternate link:

Petition for Correction of Entries or Data.

Petition for Change of Registered Name due to Marriage.

and bring the following, on top of the renewal requirements:
1. passport size ID picture. The downloadable form says 1 ½ x 1 ½, but when I asked for another form from the Professional Teacher's Office, the required picture is passport size.
2. NSO issued Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate. You can request online, for P140.00 each. You'll get your copy (if no problem was encountered) in 3 working days.
3. Statutory fee of P225.00
4. Metered Stamp (which you can avail at the Ground Floor of PRC.

Each form has an instruction at the back, but sometimes reality can't really be translated in black and white

Here are my own special steps:

STEP 1: Bring out your PRC ID, when entering the PRC gate. The guards on duty will ask you to do this. If you don't have it with you, make sure you have the documents needed as they won't let you in if you don't have any business inside PRC. If you are a teacher, jump to Step 3. If not, take Step 2.

STEP 2: Forms are available at the Customer Service booth. It's at the left side of the Entrance Gate. Go to Step 8.

STEP 3: If you're a teacher they won't give you, instead they would direct you to 3rd Floor, Annex Building. I printed one of the downloadable forms above, but chickened out when I went to the the Teachers' Office. It looks the same, but theirs has the word Teacher already printed in each form. I used the form for my librarian license renewal instead.

STEP 4: Paste your picture.

STEP 5: After filling out the forms, line up at Window 21 of the Teachers' Office. If you need to change your name/marital status, go to STEP 12 first. Submit your form together with the photocopy of your ID. They will assess how much you need to pay. Beside me was a nun renewing her non-expired license and she's paying P480.00. Mine expired last August 2010 and I need to pay P630.00 + P225.00 (for the change of name).

STEP 6: Proceed to the Cashier Window 2. Just beside Window 21. Not much line, I wonder if those who had their forms assessed felt that the renewal is a rip-off. HAHA!

STEP 7: Go the next Window. I forgot the name but if you're right in front of the cashier, turn 135 degrees to your right and you'll see it. They'll give you the claim stub. Hop to Step 17.

STEP 8: Bring your Accomplished Form at the Main Bldg. It's called Window 30. If you're already in the main building door, turn left, then left again. If you need to change your name/marital status, go to STEP 12 first.

STEP 9: Submit your form, extra picture and the photocopy of your old ID. They will assess how much you need to pay. Since I called the day before, I learned that I need to pay P630.00.

STEP 10: Go to the Cashier. It has two windows. It's located just outside the Main Building Door.

STEP 11: Go back to Window 30, and they'll give you your claim stub. Hop to Step 17.

STEP 12: If you are changing name/marital status, go to the 2nd Floor of the main Building and look for the Legal Department. The 2nd Floor has a guard who would answer your queries just in case. Here's how the Legal Office looks like:

STEP 13: Have your Change of Name forms notarized. You will pay P50.00. When I had my change of name for librarian, it took a while before it was notarized. Yesterday, it took me less than 5 minutes to be notarized.

STEP 14: Go back to the Ground Floor, pass by the Metered Stamp booth and have your petition form metered. It will cost you P21.00.

STEP 15: If you are a teacher go through Steps 5 and 6, then go to the Records Window 9 to verify your records. Then off to Step 16. If you belong to other profession, go through Steps 9 and 10. Then off to Step 16.

STEP 16: Go back to the 2nd Floor, Main Building, and submit your forms to the first door at your right side. That's where you'll get your claim stub. This will take a while.

STEP 17: Treat yourself to McDo.

Online Procedures

NOTICE: The online renewal facility is currently available to maritime professionals only. Since this is the first time the facility is being implemented, it has been decided to make it available initially to a select group of professionals to determine its reliability, stability and performance. As soon as this becomes stable then the same will be made available to the rest of the professions for which announcements will be made accordingly.

-- Professional Regulations Commission

Waiting for our Petitions to be checked and verified.

Since I'm not sure when I can go back, I decided to try DHL's WWWExpress. P80.00 for each ID. Aaaargh!

Treat yourself to McDO after perspiring at PRC

It could have been easier,