WonderMom

Wishes for Christmas

2012-12-07T09:18:00.000+08:00

Give as much love as you can...
savor the simple joys of life...
make time for family and friends...
Let the true meaning of Christmas empower you with faith, hope and love

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

From my family to yours

--Wondermom A.

Missing vacations and dreaming of the next one

2012-09-30T23:50:00.002+08:00

My life is way too busy for me these days, aside from working as a consultant in an international organization, I am teaching kindermusik in two schools.

My week starts Monday to Saturday, and to make it even more wonderful, I have two School Family Days to attend to, surprising health check-ups to prioritize, and the Christmas season slowly creeping up on me...whew!

Life as a mother/wife/sister/teacher/consultant/singer/blogger gets so exciting sometimes...

Suddenly, I miss the sun, sand, and sunset...simple times yet so precious

Losing my breathe at Twin Lakes, Coron Island, May 2011

Finding the reason for living at Magestic Mayon, Albay Gulf, February 2012

Learning to pamper at Misibis Bay, Cagraray Island, February 2012

Recharging at Bangui, Ilocos Norte, June 2012

Fireworks at the happiest place in the world, May 2012

Whenever I am drowned by the daily grind, I simply look back and remember these happy simple times and I begin to relax...

Dreaming of the next ones right about now...

Another jewel to find, Pangalusian Resort, Palawan

Leap of Faith, Rome

The hills are alive, Batanes

Of Childhood Dreams and Goals, Vancouver Canada

Keep on Dreaming

--wondermom A.

Photoshoot:A great family bonding activity

2012-09-30T23:10:00.001+08:00

One birthday girl insisted the whole family go on a photoshoot.
Not usually our style, but it turned out to be one great family bonding moment.

And indulge we did, on laughter, love and simply life. Take a break, go have a photoshoot!

Capture precious moments!

Find Pic-a-boo Studio at http://www.facebook.com/picaboostudio

-- Wondermom A.

Kindermusik Family Time This Semester, Enrol Now!

2012-06-12T17:53:00.000+08:00

Updated Post: More Fun in Circle of Fun, Quezon City

2012-06-05T22:05:00.000+08:00

I wrote a post about Circle of Fun in 2010. I'm happy to note that this post alone has gotten 3,300+ hits in the internet. I hope that more families go to Quezon City to visit the Circle of Fun.

Since then, new rides and attractions were installed.

Pedal or Paddle?

Clean track for renting pedals

Man-made lake where you can paddle your duck boats

Bigger and better carousel

Wheel of excitement

Water fun

Bump your way around town

A ride to the stars

Exhilirating Wild Wind

Bring your children and experience the fun at Circle of Fun.

It's more fun in Circle of Fun!

--Wondermom A.

======================================
Post from 2010:

I am always on the look out for fun stuff to do for kids on weekends. Recently, my kids and I travelled not far from our home, at Circle of Fun, Elliptical Road in Quezon City. I was surprised that they renovated the the park to include a playground (Circle of Joy), a bike rental (P 100/hr) and a theme park (Circle of Fun) with different rides and activities not only for children but also for adults (e.g. Wild Wind, Bump cars, water zorb, swing carousel, duck rides, animal carousel, Dinousaur, Alien and Egpytian-theme houses).

Parking entrance fee for cars is P15.00. The Circle of Joy is free but the Circle of Fun has an entrance fee of P 20.00 per adult/kid (more than 3 meter in height). Ride fees average from P30.00-50.00 per adult/kid. Not bad for a theme park, although the size and variety of rides is not comparable with Enchanted Kingdom, of course, but nevertheless the joy and happiness that children get from them is the same. My kids loved them.

If you walk further down the biking area, you will be able to go to the Quezon musuem where they have several memorabilia of President Manuel L. Quezon. There is no entrance fee, only a minimal donation for the musuem. The guard said that the remains of President Quezon are still inside the musuem but when I researched it in the internet, it says that since the 1970s, the remains are no longer there.

Anyway, I am glad that the Quezon City government was able to renovate the place, I see a lot of people riding bikes, strolling with their kids, eating ice cream, exercising, and just plain enjoying the green landscape in the center of a busy metropolis. I hope that the new administration of Mayor Bautista would continue and further improve the park so that more and more people would be able to enjoy it.

And now, whenever we pass by Circle, my kids always point to the park, with a happy smile on their faces.

P.S.The downside there is that there is no good quality restaurants near the playground area. The restaurant area of the park is at the front of City Hall, which is already far from the playground area. I hope the administration will further improve the dining facilities inside the park so that it becomes another UP Technohub area : )

My First Day of ABC Music and Me Class

2012-04-17T21:13:00.002+08:00

Thank you children for your energy, attention and active participation!

Welcome to Class!

Step right up! It's time for the Carnival!

Joining the Parade and waving our pretend flags!

Till the next Carnival of Music...

--Teacher Aileen
P.S. Photos courtesy of Mommy Joy Gomez and Mommy Anne Velarde

Enroll with ABC Music and Me for 2-4 years old this Summer

2012-04-07T12:23:00.000+08:00

Musikmovers Learning Studio

2012-02-22T12:07:00.000+08:00

I can almost reach it, this dream I'm dreaming...

One step at a time leads me closer to you...Next stops are Barangay Clearance, Mayor's Permit and BIR : )
I'm consumed by a lot of activities this February that's why I haven't been blogging lately.
I'll come back after my vacation in Misibis.

--Wondermom A. (This summer, it's more cool in Bicol!)

Its more Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-11T15:40:00.000+08:00

I got to have my say on this Tourism Campaign, which is already going viral. Although Im not surprised because truly, its more fun in the Philippines.
Im so happy that I am able to share my passion for chasing sunsets in this campaign.

I love the Philippines!

La Union Sunset

Boracay Sunset

Twin Lagoon, Coron, Palawan

It's definitely more FUN in the Philippines!

--wondermom A.

The Promise of 2012 and The Girl with the Dragon and Leo Tattoos

2012-01-02T14:55:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I promise to go outside my box this year, this year being my Zodiac year.
I will push the limits as I possibly can, combining my Dragon and Leo traits.
This year is about experimenting and trying out things I have not the courage to try before.
This year is about claiming my dreams and putting the pieces of my life and family together.

Here's to a more challenging and equally fruitful new year! Cheers!

---Wondermom A.

Jesus I Believe in You!

2011-12-20T11:43:00.000+08:00

Amidst the tears and sadness over lives lost in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, Philippines...
Jesus I believe in you!
I know there is a higher purpose for everything!
Your will be done.

With all I am

Into Your hand I commit again

With All I am, For You Lord

You hold my world, in the palm of Your hand

And I'm Yours forever

Jesus I believe in You

Jesus I belong to You

You're the reason that I live

The reason that I sing with all I am

I'll walk with You, wherever You go

Through tears and joy, I'll trust in You

And I will live in all of Your ways

Your promises forever

Jesus I believe in You

Jesus I belong to You

You're the reason that I live

The reason that I sing

Jesus I believe in You

Jesus I belong to You

You're the reason that I live

The reason that I sing with all I am

I will worship, I will worship You

Jesus I believe in You

Jesus I belong to You

You're the reason that I live

The reason that I sing

Jesus I believe in You

Jesus I belong to You

You're the reason that I live

The reason that I sing with all I am
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong/with_all_i_am.html ]

--Wondermom A. (grateful)

Me and Edward Cullen

2011-12-08T14:08:00.000+08:00

I am 35.
I should be past girly crushes and idol stuff.
I have a good marriage, a hubby who I love dearest and who loves me too.
I have two kids who give me all the silliness I need in my life.

But can I just have a moment away from motherhood, marriage, and my life to appreciate Edward Cullen?
And how I really appreciate how deep, faithful, even life-ending and forever he can love Bella even if it is only described in pages of a novel and captured beautifully in film?

I am claiming him as my sanity break.
Just looking.
I think I deserve it once in a while. All moms deserve a sanity break in their own way.

Wow!

Now I'm back to regular programming : )

--Wondermom A. (I see in you the beginning of forever)

Gaga over Hunger Games

2011-12-06T14:56:00.000+08:00

I am hooked on Hunger Games trilogy.
I am in Team Peeta.
I can't wait for March 23, 2012.
May the odds be ever in your favor.

--Wondermom A.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2011-12-06T14:11:00.000+08:00

Dear Daddy,

More than the material gifts we gave you on your birthday, we (Lia, Ali and me) give you our time together and we wish you a life filled with love, laugther, good health, financial stability and peace of mind...

Wherever you go, we shall go. Wherever you live, so shall we live.

Thank you for your hard work, patience and drive to succeed because of us. You're the best!

We love you very much.

Mommy A. Lia and Ali

The Climb by Hannah Montana

2011-11-29T11:55:00.000+08:00

This song became popular in 2009, while I was still living under a rock void of music.
I only recently came by it because of HBO and Hannah Montana.

Yes, you can say I'm cheesy and old for the song...
but I love the lyrics and the melody.
I can relate to it at this point in my life and that's all that matters right?

Here it goes..

The Climb

I can almost see it

That dream I am dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head saying

"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it

But these are the moments that

I'm gonna remember most, yeah

Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be a uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing

Keep the faith, baby

It's all about, it's all about the climb

Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

--Wondermom A. (climbing till I reach my destination!)

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-08T16:11:00.001+08:00

Halloween parties are delightful to witness. I saw my children's simple joys of dressing up with their favorite costumes,

parading around and trick or treating around our neighborhood, and having a feast of candies to take home!

Rapunzel goes down her tower...

Ali the Pirate in Neverland

Ninja protects Minnie Mouse from the evil monsters

Parading around Granwood Villas together with stage mother me!

I decorated our front door with bats and pumpkins and prepared 100 lootbags to give away. They were gone in 30 minutes!

To the Bat Cave with JICA Gurds!

For the costumes, I asked my sister to buy a Rapunzel costume in Canada ($40.00), (wig P 299.00) at Toys r us Trinoma. For the pirate costume, I bought it at Disguise Costume Specialist, EDSA. Shield and sword at Shopwise Commonwealth (P100.)

Pirate Costume for Girls 4T size (P499.00) includes dress, boots, headdress and belt

They are the distributor of costumes at all SM branches. Prices are affordable and they have a lot of costumes and sizes to choose from. You can also ask them to make your own costume for P2,500.00 or more.

574 Ground Floor,Argo Building,EDSA corner P.Tuazon Street, Cubao Quezon City
Tel : (02) 439-2625
Email : info@disguisecostumespecialist.com
http://www.disguisecostumespecialist.com/.

Trick or Treat everyone!

--Wondermom Aileen

P.S. Pictures courtesy of sisters and friends (Gail Natal, Anne Velarde, Mima Macahilig, Astrid Villanueva and Candy Mendoza)

Kindermusik: A Good Beginning Never Ends

2011-09-30T15:48:00.000+08:00

Dear Blog,

It has been awhile since my last post. I have been swamped by different activities in my life this month, with several children's birthday parties, bridal shower, PTA meetings, and of course Kindermusik. Did I tell you that I survived Kindermusik Our Time and Imagine That? And everytime the class ends, I get to know myself more. I will project my singing voice. I will be playful. I can do magic. That's my spirit.

The funny thing is that I am not ashamed to admit that yes, I have been a serious person a very long time. Serious has been my middle name since I started working. I am glad my best friend to be "Kindermusik" has shown me the LIGHT.

And right now, I am feeling a little bit stressed and sad that my journey with my co-teachers is about to end. But I realized that hey, Kindermusik is right, a good beginning never ends. The training part of my journey may end soon but my thirst for learning and my passion for teaching children will never end. My friendships with my co-teachers are just beginning. Building relationships with my families have yet to blossom. I have to admit it has been a cathartic journey. But I will not change any of my experiences. This journey has made me realize the importance of life, love and laughter. REALLY, A GOOD BEGINNING NEVER ENDS.

I will keep you posted soon!

Love lots,

--Wondermom A. , thinking and dreaming about practice class, practice class, practice class!

Being Silly in Kindermusik Village Class

2011-09-01T14:21:00.000+08:00

Yes, I survived my Kindermusik Village Class Practicum yesterday.
I'm sincerely grateful to Teacher Jeannie, Teacher Maya, fellow teachers Sig and Rona for bearing with me!
I must have been a sight to behold. Singing like I'm in church with a tamborine to boot! Dancing and wiggling with a serious face while my tamborine bangs them unexpectedly. What a sight!

My Evaluation: I need to be silly : )

I think I've forgotten how to be naturally silly.
Establishing my career in a government and international organization for the last 12 years has turned me into a serious, newscaster bedroom-voice, instruction-focused person.

I can't remember the last time I have been silly, harmless, innocent, inoffensive.
The only time I tend to be goofy and silly is when my children want me to chase them "monster-like ala Sadako" around the house.
I let them peep insde my nose until they cant stop laughing.
I pretend to be "choo-choo train" and bump my butt with their little bodies while we laugh and tumble to the floor.

I can't believe that I didn't remember these times. These are precious moments I should have immortalized in my mind, in my heart.
Which just shows...
I can be silly. Even at 35 : )
I am silly.

I just didn't accept it yet.
I am accepting it now.

I am letting all my silliness go.
I am freeing myself.
I'm taking my cue from my children.

--Wondermom A. (wishing I can be naturally silly and innocent as my children)

I am Firework!

2011-08-17T16:14:00.001+08:00

Enjoy!

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag

Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

[. From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/k/katy-perry-lyrics/firework-lyrics.html .]

--Wondermom A. (letting my firework take its course)

Inspirational Quote of the Day

2011-08-17T15:51:00.000+08:00

Have you found yours?

--Wondermom A. (Singing from the heart!)

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon!

2011-08-15T16:46:00.001+08:00

At the stroke of midnight, I will turn into a Dragon.

I have to plant my 35 trees so that mother earth will smile.
I am happy that Kindermusik in my life is coming into place.
I pray for good health and a cyst-free breast and uterus.
I pray that my children will continue to dream and dream big.
I pray that Luisito will come in due time.
I pray for small miracles and little wonderful things.
I pray for friendships that last, friends that stay despite the distance
I pray that my family will live forever in my heart and in my mind.
I pray for 50 more years of honeymoon.
I pray for love and life.

Maraming Salamat Panginoon!

---Wondermom A. (happy where I am!)

Kindermusik WNCI: Welcoming, Nurturing, Connecting, Inviting

2011-08-02T12:21:00.000+08:00

Learning Module 3 is surviving role plays. I have never been spontaneous. I can be articulate if I want to, but usually I prepare for it or I have been doing it for a long time that answering instant queries was never a problem.

During the role play in the Kindermusik studio, we had to demonstrate WNCI (welcoming, nurturing, connecting, inviting) through Kindermusik philosophies, foundations of learning statements and benefits in our conversations. I felt my mind go blank, my throat constrict and my hands do funny movements at my side. My eloquence left me. I groped for words to answer my classmate "parent" inquiring about Kindermusik "Family Time". I should have, should have...but I didnt. Hehe I have no regrets. The incident just made me realize that I need a lot of work to do. I had to compensate for my limited teaching experience. I had to read a LOT of documents and answer a lot of module discussion questions at the fastest time, I had to learn quickly all the Kindermusik curricula from Village to Family Time, I had to learn all the songs. Ha! Time please be kind.

Goodbye to reading novels for now, goodbye to travelling for now, goodbye to gimmicks for now. HELLO FIGHTING SPIRIT, HELLO SPONTANEITY, HELLO PARENTS! I CAN DO THIS! God will provide!

Ciao for now! got to login in Kindermusik pa1

--Wondermom A. (practice makes perfect)

I Believe: Go Azkals! World Cup Qualifying Game vs. Kuwait

2011-07-29T11:27:00.002+08:00

July is a very busy month for a wondermom like me, as in full of activities that are normally not in my mommy calendar. It felt good to have hours-off to do something that is totally unrelated to motherhood like watch a musical comedy play (Care Divas which I totally loved), participate in a fun run (Takbo para sa Japan), and watch an Azkals football game (Yey for the first time).

I felt my energy coming back, that not even negative people or news around can zap it! I have never felt that "alive" in a long time, that all my senses are in full battle, waiting in anticipation of what is to come, hoping against all odds that the Azkals may hurdle the challenge against Kuwait. The beating of the drums felt like echoes of my heartbeat.

I often feel alive when I play with my children, keeping up with their energy is a totally different feeling. I had to eat a lot after or else I will be pagoda coldwave lotion hehe!

But there at the stadium, waiting with my officemates at the bleachers with no roof,only our rain coats to protect us from the drizzling rain, I didn't feel tired. It felt good to feel the cold rain, it heightened the anticipation even more. The stadium was full-packed, groups of all ages, families bringing their kids, students, barkadas, and like us, urban professionals going to watch after work, and all kinds of football fanatics.

It was my first time to watch a football game in person. I have to admit I am a football fan just recently, and I do not know the football lingo or rules. I dont even know most of the players, I only know my favorite, which is number 10 : ).

Number 10!

The stadium went wild with the first goal of the Azkals, I felt I won the lotto, everybody was jumping up and down.

However, the energy eventually deflating when the Kuwait made 2 goals nearing the end. Even if I am a newbie football fan, I can see that much needs to be improved. The World Cup will be a long journey but so much worth it.

The Philippine Azkals team deserved a standing ovation. I am proud of them for putting the country in the World Cup map, for bringing pride to the country for their spirit, for inspiring so many Filipinos to love football, and for fighting and not giving up, no matter how difficult it was. There is hope. One step at a time.

And you can be sure that by 2018, I will be in the stands with my children, cheering the Azkals, joining them in their journey again, and I bet that many Filipinos will be there!

(pictures from JICA people)

--Wondermom A. (It feels good to be alive!)

Takbo Para sa Japan, UP Diliman Oval

2011-07-25T09:18:00.006+08:00

Takbo para sa Japan is a fund-raising project of the UP Center for International Studies in partnership with the University of Philippines Anime Manga Enthusiasts (UP AME), the University of the Philippines Red Cross Youth (UP RCY), and the University of the Philippines Philippine-Japan Friendship Club (UP Tomo-Kai). It is part of the UPCIS' GAMBARE, NIHON! J Campaign project, a series of events to help the victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in Japan.

TPSJ is the contribution to the UP System's "Earthquake-Tsunami Sympathy Activities" in response to UP President Alfredo Pascual's call to “mobilize its constituents, especially those who have benefited from studies in universities and other institutions of higher learning in Japan, to pool resources to contribute to efforts to help those who deserve assistance."
(Source: http://up-takboparasajapan.weebly.com/)

Isa sa mga sponsors ng activity ang JICA kung saan ako nagtratrabaho. Volunteer agad ako! Kahit man lang sa pagtulong sa JICA secretariat at makabenta ng tshirt para mapunta sa Japanese red cross ay gagawin ko para makatulong ba. Kaya hayun, kahit puyat at konting breakfast, sugod ako sa Takbo para sa Japan sa UP Diliman ng 6am. Kahit mainit sige pa rin!

nagbebenta ng t-shirt, lahat ng proceeds mapupunta sa Japanese Red Cross

Presenting some of the JICA secretariat, picture break muna!

The runners getting ready...

Mag-exercise muna tayo!

Ready get set go!

Mganda naman ang kinalabasan! Sa organizers, congrats! sa mga tumakbo, good job! sa mga JICA girls, ganda natin hahaha...Sa uulitin!

--Wondermom A.

Care Divas 2011: Ang Chikang Itrelz na bonggels!

2011-07-25T09:12:00.004+08:00

I saw "Care Divas" last friday night produced by Divine Lee.

The show is phenomenal.

Care Divas is a disarmingly funny and candid musical drama. It is a story about five Filipino transgender migrant workers who have emigrated to Israel to work as health care providers for the elderly and who in their spare time, perform as drag queens. While desperate to make ends meet in another country, they also struggle to search for freedom and acceptance. Entertaining as it is, the play also demonstrates the generosity of spirit, resilience and humanity of Filipinos.

(Source: www.divinemlee.com)

For me, it is more than a comedy or a drama play. I laughed till my stomache is aching, as in ang tagal ko ng tumawa ng ganoon katindi. Some scenes and songs penetrated through your heart, feeling "nakakarelate". I cant remember my favorite song but I remember one becky care giver "Shay" relating that "para akong alkansya na bubutasan niyo sa dibdib para hugutan ng pera". I felt his pain. The beckys who portrayed the care divas were bonggels! They can sing, act, dance, and be comedic at the same time.

The storyline was so real that I believe the dialogues are taking place among Pinoy OFWs somewhere, sometime... I realized again how OFWs are the real heroes of our time. Ang mga pinoy basta sa pamilya, gagawin kahit ano, para ka nang alipin sa ibang bansa, mataguyod mo lang ang pamilya mo sa Pilipinas...Nakakalungkot noh na dapat pa silang mangibang bansa para masuportahan ang kanilang pamilya.

That's why stories of OFWs are really close to my heart, my father also an OFW for 11 years at Saudi Arabia. I missed him when he went away. I felt my mother's sadness whenever he goes back to Saudi Arabia, my mother taking on the difficult role of a single parent to 4 young children. Despite the lavish childhood that we had, I would turn back time and lengthen the moments we spent with him during our childhood.

Care Divas reiterated the "real heroes" of our generation. It is the OFWs who selflessly care for their families, overcoming all the odds, and coming out of the challenges alive and humor intact.

Watch Care Divas with your girl friends and beckies at PETA theatre if you still can, you won't regret it! Choz!

waiting for the show to start, of course, picturan muna...

After the show, the stars meet and greet their fans and audience...

With Chelsea, fan ba hehehe?

With the phenomenal Ms. Divine Lee! wala ako dito : (
(Photos by becky J-Ann Militar)

-- Wondermom A (nashy mgpapicture at pa-autograph k Ms. Divine Lee)