Iloilo Mom's Journal

An Appeal for HELP!

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 02:35:00 +0000

My country was devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda last November 8, 2013. It pummeled the Visayas area in central Philippines. See map for affected areas.

I live in Iloilo City. It's on Panay Island, northwest area of the map. Though the city suffered minor damage, the north area of the island was severely affected. People lost their sources of livelihood, homes and even loved ones.

See Also: NO SPOTLIGHT ON ILOILO, BUT TRAGEDY AS STAGERRING

PLEASE HELP the northern towns of ILOILO province. Particularly the towns of Estancia, Balasan, Carles, San Dionisio, Sara, Concepcion, Batad, Barotac Viejo and Ajuy. Most of these coastal towns lay in utter destruction. To help Iloilo directly, you can make cash deposit donations to:

Name of Bank: Land Bank of the Philippines (Iloilo Iznart Branch)
Account Name: Province of Iloilo
Account Number: 0032 - 1537 - 98
Swift Code: TLBPPHMMXXX

With Governor Art Defensor at the helm of the Iloilo Provincial Government, rest assured that your donations will be duly acknowledged, accounted for and most importantly will be used for relief goods for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Please email your bank receipts to art_defensor@yahoo.com and CC: voncpucl@yahoo.com. Or you may fax it to (033) 3371739 or (033) 3368151, so that your donations can be duly acknowledged.

Many organizations are also arranging teams to help survivors get access to food, clean water, clothing and temporary shelter. You can also make online donations to:

THE PHILIPPINE RED CROSS - Donations will help mobilize teams on the ground with rescue and relief efforts
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Donations will help create shelter-repair kits for families rebuilding their homes.

I appeal to your kind heart and compassion to help our affected brothers and sisters survive the next few weeks. Thank you for your generosity!

Captured Moments of August 2013 - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:44:00 +0000

This is a continuation of my previous blog post. You can go back to Part 1. Just click HERE.

16. Cooking.. happy bday spaghetti for the kids

17. Exercise.. if ever i will get on it :-p

18. Someone i spoke to.. roomie. crazy funny guy. luv.

19. Lost.. in her own world.

20. Stairs.. in a mall. midday. sans lunch crowd.

21. Slow.. one for da road.

22. Room.. training. workplace. free coffee.

23. Yellow.. baked goodies. comfort food.

24. In the Background.. Subject: wifi zone sign in a carinderia.
But the background is more enticing!

25. Culture.. Local coconut wine. In native handicraft.

26. Entrance.. Home sweet home

27. 10 minutes from home.. gothic Molo church.
joann's famous fishballs!

28. Corridor.. ramp. grade school building.

29. Lucky.. not! or maybe in the next draw.

30. Clutter.. sorting laundry. tedious task. mad yellow shirt.

31. Danger.. broken sidewalk. ankle twister.

Whew! Finally done. It took me some time to figure out how to transfer photos from my phone to the laptop. Instagram on Google Chrome was a lot of help! Just let me know if you need tips.

I took a break from Photo A Day last September. But will be back October. I'll be focusing more on Iloilo: The Everyday Mundane. And Insane. Watch our for it! ;-)

Live. Light. Low.

Captured Moments of August 2013 - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 07:31:00 +0000

I went through the whole nine yards just to put out this album. And I say: Touchdown! I actually did it! Hahaha! Forgive the football lingo. I am not an authority of that sport. I don't even understand the game. My only hint of interest is finding out who will perform during the Super Bowl Halftime. (Bruno Mars for this season. Yay!)

Going back: What am I talking about? It's about Photo A Day. It was started in January 2012 by Chantelle of FatMumSlim.au Every month she creates a unique list of daily prompts and people all over the world take a daily photo, using the list as inspiration. And you can share where ever you please, Facebook and Instagram being popular choices.
What is the point of this exercise? F-U-N. The stop-and-smell-the-roses kind of fun. Anything is almost possible. If you put your mind - especially your heart - into it.
Is it life changing? NO, if you want it in the earth-shattering way. YES, if you believe that little smiles can change the color of your world.
Any rewards for this exercise? Yes. The likes from friends and strangers around the world. Even if some are probably on autobot. Appreciation always feels good. Especially when one has to exert extra effort for creativity! Hahaha.

So scroll down. Make usioso. Now na! :-D

1. Something beginning with N.. NIFTY. 3D. Preschool art.

2. Incomplete.. medicus iloilo

3. Skyline.. memorial park. 15 years today. still miss u pop..

4. Fresh.. my salon loyalty card

5. Early.. bud catches the dew. 6am.

6. This means a lot to me.. and their dad too. :-)

7. Sign.. two way or detour? which is which?

8. Peekaboo.. peep toes. nail art. my 10 yr old.

9. 2 o'clock.. watching tv. late lunch. holiday.

10. Beverage.. after dinner tea. and banoffee tart.

11. I love doing this! Cooking. On sundays. Not everyday. Family lunch.

12. Macro.. pink reading lamp. first attempt. macro androigraphy

13. Fast.. and easy. less mess too!

14. Trash.. segregate.

15. The best.. workplace :-)

Continued on my next blog post. Just click HERE.

I had fun doing photo-a-day. So will you. If you can spare 5 happy minutes a day, you're all set! Enjoy!!!

Have A Great Day!

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 10:03:00 +0000

Accidental hiring. That's what happened to me five months ago. I got called for initial interview, passed the exams, hurdled the final screening and found myself with a job. In a business processes outsourcing company otherwise known as a call center. The reasons that I accepted this particular offer was:

it was for a pioneer account
the training manager promised that it is a difficult account
tedium can generate a craving for extreme challenges
I rather like their office building

The starting pay was industry standard; just enough to keep you going. But since it was not really my main motivation, I will not elaborate. Lol. But I love the company. How it takes care of its people and at the same time, satisfying the stringent demands of the client. I was happy to build another career. If I can survive my own personal challenges.

Challenge #1: Leaving the kids at night when I go to work. Though the older kids were reluctantly understanding, it was Kiki who broke my heart with her silent tears. She even placed a picture of me under her pillow. So that she will not miss me that much, she said. Awwww... Pop was supportive enough to wait up and lock the gate when I leave at 10:30pm. Hehe.
Challenge #2: Sleeping during daytime. Man, this was really hard! I need to be asleep by 1pm at the latest so I can wake up refreshed 7 hours later. I've resorted to a lot of rituals: no coffee after 6am, herbal tea, non-narcotic sleep aids, warm baths, melatonin capsules, eye masks, etc. Sleep was particularly elusive in the heat of the summer afternoons!
Challenge #3: Five meals a day. Yes, night shift does that to you. Breakfast is at 9pm, Lunch at 1am, Merienda at 5am, Dinner at 8am, Midnite Snack at 12pm if you're still awake. And everything goes straight to one's hips.
Challenge #4: Diverse personalities. It's been quite sometime since I met a lot of new peeps in one go. Colorful characters, young-at-hearts, tenured agents, and fresh graduates. Mon Dieu, some of my wavemates were half my age! Hahaha. But our shared passion bonded us as a team. We were invincible! char. haha
Challenge #5: Actual work. The account itself was very technical. Product training was 3 long nose-bleeding months. I swear the first time I took in a call, I froze. Then I was shaking. Like wintry chill kind of shake. When the call ended, I was drenched in cold sweat yet I was parched. Everything was just short of terrifying! First time indeed.

Eventually work cloaked me like a second skin. Where metrics run parallel with resolutions. (call center jargon. I know right?) My call stats were not too bad. And I practically overcame my own challenges. Brought it down to manageable levels. Hooorray for me!

But just when I was getting the hang of it, health issues cropped up! To make the short story shorter, my body cannot handle the graveyard shift lifestyle. It woke up the latent talents of my advancing age. Hence hypertension, high cholesterol and beyond borderline blood sugar made their presence known. The physician said this is mainly because of the time of work. He further explained that our body is programmed to rest at night. He said stuff about melatonin, circadian rhythm, etc. Bottom line was: I was not that young anymore. Get regular sleep at night. Or suffer the consequences! Huhuhu.

I made the tough decision of leaving a job I was getting fond of. I know I disappointed my trainor. Gosh, I also let my team down! But my kids are still young. I have to take care of my health for them... All in all, I had no regrets of working in a call center. I have learned a lot from the company, my colleagues and a few things about myself too. I only wish that industry standard pay is a little higher; to compensate the stress and anxiety an agent has to go through at work..

Nevertheless, to all call center agents: my profound respect! Thank you for continuing as strong pillars of our country's economy!

*** I wrote this last June 25. Right after I processed my company clearance. Saved it in draft. And totally forgot about it! Senior moment. Sorry for the late publish :-D

wave1. ft grad. photo by starr :-)

To Capture A Moment

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Yes Virginia. There is more to our trigger happy lives
than the jumpshots and selfies posted across the social media universe.

First time I came across FMSPhotoaday, I was fascinated! Kudos to Chantelle for her wonderful creation. It brought a semblance of order to photo-taking fun and creativity.

My first try in joining the challenge was November 2012. I was good for 4 days straight. Then my schedule unraveled and I totally missed out on the noble mission. There were sporadic hits in between but inconsistency was trying to occupy my time so.. This is my nth attempt to make photoaday a daily ritual. I even upped the ante by posting it in this blog to document my progress. So wish me safe journey fellow explorers!

Or better yet, join the fun HERE! Then follow me on Instagram. Of course I'll follow you back! :-)

aug1. Something beginning with N - NIFTY.
3D preschool art by kiki

Aimez La Vie!

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:57:00 +0000

It's been quite a while. More or less 10 months to date. Since I last posted in this blog. I don't have any solid excuse. Except for lack of inspiration.

Yes, it does happen to the best of us. (Us being haphazard hobby writers posing as struggling wanna-be bloggers. Me being the perfect example! ) Grief numbed my senses. Losing people I love threw me off tangent. And my creativity was tinted in overcast gray.

So time passed. It healed the pain of loss. Coupled with reflection and discernment, color slowly seeped back into my life again. For every crisis or challenge, I now see it as a blessing. When something ends, I hope for new beginnings. And when I see sunrise, I thank the Lord for another day. Aimez la vie. C'est le seul que vous avez! Choz.

Wala lang. Birthday ko bwas. I felt the need to make a statement. Hahaha! Mwah!

Family. Love.

Who Run The World?

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Sun, 13 May 2012 07:05:00 +0000

MOMS !!!

No wonder they were quiet! At best, busy was the word. With Nana as the artist, Kiki was the delivery girl and RG as the kiss-o-gram guy. Hahaha! But in truth, I was teary-eyed..

It is the simplest of expressions that conveys the enormity of our children's love. Agree? And yes, we run their world. With sleepless nights and endless love.

So buckle up moms! It is our day. Go hug your kids, and your mom too! Happy Mother's Day y'all! :-)

Dance Is Their DNA

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Two weekends ago, Nana had her ballet performance on stage. As in auditorium type of stage. It was her first major recital since she became a regular student under the Sol Fernandez School of Dance. She'd gone some way since the First Position blog in June. And she still has loooong way to go. But with baby steps and passion, we hope to get there soon. Of course, I was a proud mommy! Much as I dislike stage-mothers, I'm getting to be one. And shameless about it too! Isn't that what motherhood is all about? Hahaha! So scroll, click and be entertained. Kudos to all the teachers, dancers and staff of SFSD. Much love and pride to you all :-)

This year's programme was in three parts.
Part One was Variaciones - Sylphides, Markitenka, My Favorite Things and La Bayadere.
Part Two was Dance is My DNA - Vivaldi, Tahu, I am Believer, G Swag,
Angels, Two for the Road, The Man I Love, Nice Kids in Town, DNA, Waseda.
Part Three was The Elves and the Milliner.

Les Sylphides Chopiniana

Favorite Things!

La Bayadere

La Bayadere - Jar Dance

La Bayadere - Grand Pas De Deux

Seasons of Antonio Lucio Vivalde

Vivalde Finale

Tahum of Pinikpikan-Kalayo

Angels - adult jazz

Dance is My DNA - adult hiphop

Grey Fortune Tellers

Grey Nuns

Grey Minstrels

Bell Epoch Hat

Marabou Hat

Garden Of Butterflies

Flowerhead Hat

Upside Down Octupus Hat

Curtain call

Sir Sol with Grey Assassins Alex, Nana & Sofia

SFSD Cast of Dancers. Bravo!

Excerpts from La Bayadere Acts 1&2.

Nana appears in the 5:40 time of the video :)

Resurrected!

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:51:00 +0000

To bring back to life. Yes, from total inactivity for a month and a half, this blog wakes up again. And what better time to be renewed than after Easter? (The New Testament teaches that the resurrection of Jesus, which Easter celebrates, is the foundation of the Christian faith. In case you forgot. :p ) To do justice to this blog's new lease on life, I'm gonna fill you in with what I have been up to. Be warned, it's going to take all of 2 minutes so enjoy the ride before you X that tab!

Twas my birthday last March. Of course, Facebook was not remiss in reminding my friends that I've turned another year older. I tried my best to individually thank well-wishing friends and it was no mean feat I tell you! On a personal note, it was a very low-key occasion. Just happy to reach the ripe ole age of 40-something. And I came into this conclusion: As one ages, the size of one's cake becomes inversely proportional to one's girth! Haha. But I did get to blow that candle. ;-)

March was a busy time for the my school kids. Final exams, moving up ceremonies, recitals and graduations. Strong parental involvement was required so it kept me rather occupied. Though thoughts of my blog did flit in and out of my consciousness, it never saw the light of day. Or the flickering light from my laptop monitor, if you must. Because what little free time I have, I devoted to leveling up my FB games! Haha. Hey, a mom's gotta have some downtime too! :p

Philam Life also kept me busy. I went through their rigorous training, 3 exams, seminars and forums - the whole lot. Hurdled it too. Proud to say that I'm now a licensed advisor. And I can help you in planning for your financial future! Just email me at iloilo.mom@gmail.com for more details. “At Philam Life, we don’t just wish for prosperity — we empower Filipinos to achieve it.” - President/CEO Rex Mendoza

So with renewed vigor, Iloilo Mom gets her online groove again. With a new white-beach-azure-skies-frozen-margarita background to boot! Nothing like a change of scenery to keep the ball rolling eh? Here's to Boracay and my official start of summer!

Mom Always Be True!

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Image courtesy of darrenjsylvester's photostream

This coming Monday, while most will gear up for the school or work week ahead, an old friend of mine would rather delete it from the calendar. And I will readily help her too. You see, she is being summoned to a den of hungry wolves - a pack of publicity seeking creatures hiding under the guise of questing for justice. She is suppose to shed light on matters that can affect our integrity as a nation. Quite a herculean task for a lady huh?

Let me backpedal a little. I do not have any concern about the beleaguered person of which this circus is about nor do I have any fondness for the monkey king behind this circus. I am just an ordinary citizen who gets entertained by the so-called news on all media outlets. But when my friend was ordered to the box, it became personal! And to find out that black propaganda was being circulated against her, I was aghast and devastated! How can some people spit out terrible lies and just go about as if they haven't already destroyed other people's lives?! So vile.

My friend is just a regular gal. Like you and me, she is a loving wife and working mom. She is dedicated to her job but still finds time for longtime high school friends like me. Now, her professional integrity is being compromised because she was just doing her job. Most probably the wolves will push her against the wall - them who already cast the first stones. Not content with their main prey, these wolves drag innocent bystanders into their fray, mindless of the havoc they have caused in their wake! Such evilness.

Of which prayer has immense power over it. Yes, I am humbly asking you to say a short prayer for my friend: Dear Lord, grant Belle the strength to withstand the pressure of being cross-examined. Protect her from the lies of detractors and merciless media exposure. And guide her to do what is right and true. In your most precious name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you very much. That really meant a lot... Now, walk tall with God, my dearest friend!

12 Days of New Year

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Dust from the new year fireworks has barely settled. Christmas decors have just been taken down. I have yet to write my resolutions. And the first month of the year is almost half done!

Ang Mga Kagilagilalas Na Pakikipagsapalaran Ng Iskolar Ng Bayan.
Do I have to fill all 365 pages?!?

2011 seemed like a blur. I'm still trying to recall the high points. And also taking note of the low points (they definitely outnumber the former!) as I try to map out my life for 2012. Even bought a limited edition planner from my dearest alma mater to aid my cause. (It's so thick that I was kinda overwhelmed by the sheer thought of writing down my goals for the year. Said goals fitted nicely in one page with size 20 font. So I think this little black book is gonna be more of a journal. And most likely a ledger of my ~~meager~~ modest finances.) To sum it up, I'm thankful to be alive and well. And I'm glad 2011 is over! Haha!

So the year started with cleaning out closets, boxing old toys, throwing out pieces of paper stuck in dashboards and desks, removing expired food from the ref and such. Like a cleansing ritual to invite blessings into our life. And it worked too! With His grace, I'm on the brink of starting a dream of a job. My daughter Nana got better grades for 3rd grading. My mobile carrier gave me a nice Android phone. And just this morning, my credit card bill got a negative total statement balance! First time ever. I was blown away. Life is good. For which I am only but a mere servant doing His bidding.

I thank Him the moment my eyes open to a new day,

and before my eyes close to sleep at night I pray,
for love and health, and showing me His way.

Snippets of my 2011.

Lights of Happiness - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:30:00 +0000

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

The last of the series. The end of our Quest for the Lights of Happiness. All in the 21 days of a Filipino Christmas. (That's officially from Dec 16-Jan 6! Just in case you got stuck in your own Himalayas.)

The former Lizares Mansion now Angelicum School never fails to amaze.
Note the fire lantern floating just above. Wonderful!

Obviously it rated high on the Happiness Meter.
Observe closely the words etched near the center window.
It's not Merry Christmas as I first thought but "Will you marry me?"
We just witnessed a marriage proposal! Sweet!!

Plaza Molo was all-lighted up with a hundred star lanterns dangling from the trees!

The Iloilo Provincial Capitol was a sight to behold!
The already impressive structure upped its notch with a very organized assembly of lights.

Across the capitol, Atrium Mall was consistent with its message of PEACE,

Surprise, surprise! A carnival of rides sprung at the back of SM City Iloilo's parking lot.
From the deafening screams, I'd say people enjoyed the rides to the max!

Just one of the carnival rides that can test the strength of your guts.
A possible 5+ on the Happiness Meter!

Kiki has to content herself in the shooting skills booth.
Scored 3 out of 4! Not bad for a first timer. ;-)

And of course, the Belen. A creche or tableau depicting the birth of Christ.
Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol.

The Lights of Happiness can be found in the neighborhood plaza, in our own homes, on the streets of our barangay, in schools and offices, government buildings, the malls and even carnivals. It can be in the stage lights during our kids' Christmas presentation. It is also in the flash of digicams, mobile phones, tablets or DSLRs that capture our happy holiday moments with family, friends and old classmates. It was in the skies as fireworks to welcome the New Year. Most of all, it will always be in the eyes of our beloved ones saying I'm happy to be with you this Christmas.

Kiki: "My favorite color is red. But I don't like this soppy flat shoes. Can you get me red high-cut sneakers instead? Puhleezz?" Read: Converse Chuck Taylors. Even if a size bigger. Of course I'm a sucker mom. I had to get it. Even if it meant giving up the sky-high platforms I was eyeing as a Xmas present to myself! Haha. But it is rather cute, don't you agree? All in the spirit of Christmas. ;-)

Therefore I conclude that happiness is all around us only if we let ourselves see it with our hearts... Happy 3 Kings everyone!

Lights of Happiness - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

" How often has the Christmas tree

Afforded me the greatest glee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me. "

So goes the traditional German carol. A Christmas tree is a decorated evergreen coniferous tree. Since Iloilo is glued to a tropical country where there is a dearth of real evergreens, we have to make do with the artificial ones. Yes, the kind you buy in a store downtown or the mall. The one we place inside our homes and painstakingly decorate it with all the trinkets and love we can find. Well, all the money you can spare if you'd like it to look professionally done.

Outside of the house, Filipino ingenuity runs amok. You can see it along the streets of Iloilo, especially if the village (read: barangay!) is holding a contest. From colored ice-candy to soda cans; broken cds to silver painted slippers; imagination is the only limit! As I traverse the tricky holiday traffic, I only get to be aware of the "streetmas trees" when my juvenile passengers suddenly squeal with delight and ~~command~~ beg me to slow down so they can stare at the twinkling edifice of monstrous artistry. Some were worth a smile, few elicited a frown but most leave me perplexed. Still, it warms the heart that the Christmas tree has not lost its symbol of giving and sharing.

Gaily decorated mall Christmas trees.
4 star in the Happiness Meter

Christmas circus diorama at another mall.
Just 3 star. Kids got bored after 10 minutes.

Christmas tree @ home. Underneath were presents
with the kids' names on it. 5 star of course!

Official Christmas family portrait.
Hope you had a blessed Christmas too!

Lights of Happiness - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:22:00 +0000

It's the cool and crisp evening air.

It's the chaotic traffic of cars and shoppers everywhere.

It's the sound of carols that you often hear.

It's the twinkling lights of Yuletide cheer.

The Christmas season is definitely on us. Right after they kept the candles and took down the Halloween decor. To each his own way of enjoying the holidays. Endless parties. Bonuses. Gift checks. Exchange gifts. White gifts. And all the gifts in between.

But when I asked my 4 year old Kiki what she wants for Christmas, she just said "A Christmas tree!" (Ummm.. our tree here doesn't get the official launching until December 16. Start of simbang gabi. Family tradition ok?) Me: "Why?" Kiki: "Because the lights make me feel happy and happy!" Well, it cannot get anymore simple than this thru the eyes of a child. Since we don't have a tree yet, we start with the lights.

And so begins our Quest for the Christmas Lights of Happiness. In Iloilo.

First stop. Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City.

The Admin building was all lit up. Right across - the Half Moon Drive -
were rides and food stalls that added a festive atmosphere.

3 bright candles lighted up the flagpole rotunda.

It's a romantic stroll under a starry night.

Sit on the park benches and listen to
Xmas carols on the promenade.

Or gaze in awe at the magnificent university church.

This year's set up is still good. Though a little scattered if I may say so. Lesser lights I guess? But nevertheless, the Christmas spirit is very much alive. My kids thoroughly enjoyed it with matching ohhs and ahhhs. Hehe. It would have gotten excellent ratings in the Happiness Meter had I let the kids ride the ferris wheel or mini-coaster. But it was drizzling. Maybe next time kiddos. They gave it a 4-star instead.

Hey, you can also join the rating game.
Just mouse over the stars and cast your vote. Have fun!

HAPPINESS METER

R6YS634KRR2M

Damires On My Mind

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The whirring sound of the pulleys alerted the people of an oncoming rider. Some have their cameras ready. Others hoist their kids up for a better view. Then the rider zips by. A few break into a cheer but most go back to whatever they were doing - either eating, drinking, swimming, singing or strolling. It's a typical weekend at Damires Hills Tierra Verde, a leisure farm resort in the hinterlands of Janiuay, Iloilo.

The brainchild of Drs. Louie and Arlene, it started just as a weekend escape for their family. It was a working farm (and still is) with fruit-bearing trees and rice paddies. They built a resthouse. Then an infinity pool. Soon after, relatives and friends also visited to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.

Damires Hills' first glimpse of me was during the soft opening in August 2010. At that time, only picnic huts were available for day trippers. The 2 overnight cottages were still under construction. It finally opened to the public in October 2010.

As usual, my life got in the way. Though my 3 kids often pop over with their Tita Ann, I was only able to visit Damires again about 3 weeks ago. It was a delightful surprise to see more cottages available. There is also a large function hall with smaller rooms below it. And of course, the zip line. It's the most popular attraction to date being the first of its kind in Iloilo.

I will let the photos speak for itself. I'm sure you will be enticed. Better yet, plan a visit soon. Go! Gooo!

Official brochure of Damires Hills Tierra Verde

The simple but quaint reception area.

The larger huts serve as public dining areas. It can also be closed for private functions.

Take a refreshing dip in the resort's infinity pool.

The overnight cottages can comfortably accommodate 8 persons.
Great for bonding moments with family and/or friends.

The lanai of the overnight cottages are spacious yet cozy.

Main bedroom of the overnight cottages.

Stairway to the second level bedroom. Note the gnarled woodwork. Cool.

Second level bedroom. Rustic and airy.

Toilet and shower area. Loved the hardwood holding up the sink :)

Hammock to rock your worries away. With a touch of Xmas as a table piece.

This was our mini-feast good for 20 people. Damires is Filipino cuisine.
Comfort food for the soul. And it's really good. (Their sisig was tops!)

This bamboo and stick can get you room service!
Hit 'em together and it gives out a low sound that can be heard
all the way to the main hall! Neat huh?

The new function hall can hold 300 persons.

Buffet table laden with delish dishes.

Function hall interiors. It has aircon but the place is soo breezy that you won't need it.

The latest attraction: Zip Line! Adrenaline rush 101.

Zip line gearing up area. Gotta be safe!

The zip line is in 2 stages and L-shaped. So you won't have a long trek back.

Kids can try it too. With an adult. That's my lil daredevil Kiki
with cousin Anika. On her 5th ride but I'm sure not her last!

Rice paddies! RG with his Tita Ann after their coffee plantation tour.

Before leaving Damires, you can also check out the farm produce for sale.
So GO! Experience Iloilo countryside even just for a day. ;)

The latest rates for April 2012

Damires Hills Tierra Verde
Damires, Janiuay, Iloilo, Philippines
Contact numbers: 033.396.8144 / 0939.906.0689 / 0917.632.5901

Banquet reservations: 033.531.6519 / 0917.632.5903

Email: damireshills_philippines@yahoo.com.ph

*This is definitely not a paid advertisement. :-p*

Milestones

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:24:00 +0000

When I typed in today's blog title, I didn't know that there is more to the word than just the usual very important events in one's life. I researched it (Google of course!) and found this charming piece about the Seven Milestones of Life. According to this article, I'm somewhere in my 4th milestone but the actual numbers of significant points in my life exceed it. Here's an excerpt of Ma Vie:

At 20, I got 2 pieces of legal sized papers encasing my 4 years worth of blood, sweat and tears in the institution of higher learning. I heard you need this to get a decent job.
At 30, I got another 2 pieces of paper; one declared I got married and the other one said I gave birth a year after. Also bits of receipts when totaled makes me question the state of my liver.
At 40, I already accumulated some papers. Birth certificates, bills from credit cards, boarding passes, etc. But most outstanding at this point was that paper which said retired. It came with a small pile of notes that you can keep in a bank. But that was long gone before I can put my name on it. Lameness on my part.

Now as I write, I pondered: Should life's milestones be attached to a paper? Can that paper bear witness to what we have done with our life? And since we are moving to the paperless age (to save the trees!) will digital images do justice in preserving our life story? (Ugh, I just remembered fiddling with the digital cam and successfully deleted my son's entire Christmas number with his first solo singing part! All with just one wrong touch of a measly button! Grrr.)

Though it will be years yet, I'm looking forward to being 50. Like Madonna's 50-is-the-new-30 kind of 50. Able, blooming, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, fit, hale and hearty 50. I wonder what kind of papers will mark that golden year. And the following years too... As no one is really ready to get the inevitable final paper, we will best leave it alone. Agree?

She doesn't look a day over 60!

Actually, this blog is inspired by Nanay Amelia. Older sister of my father-in-law, she turned an amazing 90! She didn't want any ruckus of a party. So she got a surprise party instead. As inscribed in a board paper of an invitation. Elegant and in the pink of health, Nanay Amelia still plays a mean game of mahjong in between puffs of her tabako. If she decides to bottle her secret to living long and well, I'd gladly buy it too! Haha. How about you? Which of life's paper are you holding now?

Live! Long! Lasting!

Pepo & Nelz provided great music at Nanay Amelia's party.

Post a comment if you need their details :-)

Striding Down A Different Path

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:06:00 +0000

While walking along the usual path of life, a rock made me stumble and almost fall. Letting out a string of expletives (that's !@#$%^&* when written) I kicked the offending piece of the earth's crust out of the way. It flipped under a shrub, and glinted! Strange. And curious. Of course, we know that That C (Curiosity! in case you didn't get it) has killed lots of cats before. But it didn't stop me from reaching for the mysterious glinting rock. And once my fingertips touched its jagged smoothness, it just have to roll away. Curiouser.

Proverbial Rock Under a Shrub

So I parted the shrub, encountered a loose brick which actually triggered a catch-lock that opened the secret entrance in a hidden wall and when opened, revealed an old trodden path which has become less traveled due to the construction of a new circumferential road. Whew! Are you still with me at this point? Good. Where is the mystery rock. Still under the shrub. I have yet to pick it up. But since it opened a new door, would you a) pick up the rock and leave? b) venture a few meters down the path and leave? c) take an extended stroll and see where it brings you? The crossroads of life mini-series. And yes, this is getting too philosophical even for my own understanding.

Proverbial Rock Up Close

Actually, I just wanted to apologize for the hiatus. I was busy setting up new blogs and changing careers. Never thought it would get me writing about life in an oblique manner. Many thanks for keeping this blog alive! Stay tuned for the next rockin' episode. :)

Live. Life. Lock on!

Ramblings

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:34:00 +0000

I'm trying to do something. Until I figure out what it is, I will be suspended in time.

I tweeted that to a friend just a few hours ago. It is an apt description of my post meridiem today. I already did a hill of laundry. Sent off Kiki to her class. Fixed the room. Then my schedule just cleared! Well, at least for the next three hours. Like the ray of warm afternoon sun after two days of torrential rains and gusty winds. It's nice and balmy outside. The birds are chirping. I'm losing money in the online casino.

Actually, I have a Friday deadline to beat but since I have 2 more days, why hurry indeed? So I hauled my butt out of the house for a breath of fresh air. It is a great day to procrastinate and smell the gumamela! Even if just in your front yard.

Taken without my gafas on. Clear man gale. Haha!

Sometimes we have to take a second look
to appreciate beauty just around us. :-)

Sheesh! With all that communing with nature, I missed the live telecast of Glee 3 at 4 pm! I hope it's way better than the lackluster season premiere last week.

And I figured it out at 8:30 pm: You can actually do something by doing nothing!

Live. Like. Leaves!

A Different Beat

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:12:00 +0000

After a lifetime of waiting, my daughter Kiki finally got to perform at the CAP Building Auditorium. And was she ecstatic! Like a reaching for the stars thing. Being the youngest, Kiki usually trails after her older siblings since she learned how to walk. Always trying to squeeze in everything that they do. Wanting to be BIG so she can catch up with them too. And her lifelong ambition to date was to go onstage at CAP Auditorium like her Nana & RG did before.

My older kids all went to Iloilo Montessori International School (IMIS) for their kindergarten classes. (It's a really good school which deserves a blog post so watch out for it. :) They usually have a musical pageant every September, December and March. Kiki became conscious about it when she was 2. She became fascinated with the song and dance numbers when she turned 3. And at 4, she ~~insisted~~ demanded that she be enrolled at IMIS so she can do a show at CAP Auditorium too. Well, who wants to stand in the way of right to education? Not us. We're just her parents. Hehe. So, here are a few shots of Kiki's stardom:

Show Programme

Stage Background

In all seriousness.

Give yer all!

Hey, I have to say that Kiki was really professional in her stage debut. No stage fright, no slip ups, clean performance. She said "Momma, I did not forget to smile!" How sweet... Praises to Ms Mae, Ms Ligaya and Ms Nikka for the patience to teach and inspiring the kids to perform!

Live. La Vida. Loca!

Make Your Mom & Pop Proud

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:19:00 +0000

Ok. I try to avoid stage mom moments but there are just events that I have to preen like a proud peacock. Or pea-hen if you're gender sensitive. Like school report cards. I just have to share it lest I burst with joy!

RG likes Math a lot. Awesome!

Nana is in 2nd grade. Neat huh?

Now if you're presented with such a delightful sight, I'm sure you will show it off too! (Short of putting up a tarp streamer outside your house.) The best part was they DIDN'T have a tutor! I just reminded the kids to do homework before playing. A less stressful life. Great isn't it?! Haha! Ok, enough said.

Whatever grades they have, we will always love our kids. Without conditions. It is just heartwarming to know that as parents, I guess we're also doing something right. :)

Live. Lofty. L'Ecole c'est cool!

Trial and Hairror

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:23:00 +0000

Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges,

but eventually you find a hair stylist you like. ~Author Unknown

This holds true to date in my entire career as a mom. The trip to the hair cutters were always nerve-wracking. Especially when the kids were younger. All three rendered their own versions of caterwauling on the first haircut. Whoever said that kids must have their first haircut right after the first birthday should be heavily fined. (Behind bars or burned at stake is too mean! :) Succeeding trips ranged from bribery, coercion to the downright threat of being grounded for 2 days! Grounded from tv and video games that is.

Even now, my grade school kids still produce a decent amount of feet-dragging when it comes to haircutting. My idea of short is usually a couple of inches off from their own description of the hairstyle. So it was a pleasant surprise - no, make that a big shock when they volunteered to take the dreaded excursion!

ME: Is it my birthday?!? KIDS: No. Is is Christmas already?! Nope, just September. Did you all break the old vase on top of the hands-off shelf?!? Nah, still there. So what gives? said my perplexed self. You'll see, was the cryptic reply. And they dragged me to this new place in The Mall.

JEM Junior. Salon for Boys and Girls.
L/GF, SM City Iloilo

Kiki watching Barney while having
a complicated layered bob cut.

Upon entering the salon, you're greeted by a mish-mash of popular toon characters decor and stuff. There are 3 kiddie-car seats for the toddlers and 5 regular barber's chair for older kids. The neat part is the small flat-screen monitors in front of the mirror. Toddlers can watch their favorite animated dvd while the older kids can play video games on PS2. Cool eh? And get this: they have a nail and body spa too! Kikay-nness to the nth degree.

They have an array of services to offer. But I only remember the haircut prices. It's 130 pesos for a regular haircut and 50 pesos for bangs only. For baby's first haircut, they offer a package of haircut +certificate +photo +1st hair snippet for 200 pesos; 295 if you want it framed. Not a bad deal for a significant milestone in baby's life. Especially as no camera and videocams are allowed inside. (I got my pics through the glass wall from outside. Legit ok? Hahaha!)

RG playing video games after his barber's cut

An amazing store I tell you! And a local-to-Iloilo brand to boot. It's a concept virtually unheard of in Iloilo City yet it fills a real need. Makes haircut episodes less of a trial and more of fun. In the past, I'm sure folks often voiced out a wish for such a kid-friendly place but it was never acted upon. Until now. Kudos to the innovative owners for their courage in treading untested waters. I hope you can also train your reception staff to be more enthusiastic in rendering service. Just a little product knowledge and gentle interaction with the kids is fine. PhD in Child Psychology not necessary. Meanwhile, I still have to find The Elusive Stylist that my hair will really like...

Live. Local. Luxuriate!

First Position

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 07:24:00 +0000

Are you a ballet mom? Do you spend your weekend with a ballet class inserted in your precious schedule? I do. So let's talk.

There are a lot of reasons to send your daughter, or son, to an esteemed school of dance. It could be that their school has a program to offer, or you felt that your offspring should learn basic gracefulness, or that you ultimately believe that your child has the talent – inherited or otherwise – that needs to be explored and nurtured for a possible future in the performing arts. Whatever your reasons are, it starts at an unholy weekend hour of 9:00 am, rain or shine.

Obviously, I'm new to this since we just started last June. But for all my gripes and grouses, I still take my little princess Nana to the dance studio. Even if I have to go through another gasping-for-breath third floor climb. Despite having a headache. Or HO. (Yes, I try to have a life other than being a mom. Lol) My imagined ailments disappear after seeing my little ballerina beaming with joy on her water break. And the sense of accomplishment I see in her after the 45 minute exercise.

On a short term view, I hope that my daughter’s dance lessons will build her discipline and confidence. And develop her ability for teamwork - to think not only for herself but also of the welfare of her fellow dancers. But at 8 years old, my daughter has a looooong way to go.

Should I dare mention that on the long term basis, I hope that she can qualify for an apprenticeship in a New York dance academy? Nah, that's just me dreaming. And never will I impose my aspirations and/or frustrations on my children! Haha.

On the brighter side, there are very good schools of dance for classical ballet here in Iloilo City. They are as follows:

Sol Fernandez School of Dance - Arancillo Bldg. Ledesma cor Fuentes St. Iloilo City
Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio School of Performing Arts - Diversion Road, Iloilo City
Claravall-Gonzales School of Classical Ballet - Jamerlan Bldg. Iznart St. Iloilo City

Each of the above schools has garnered their own awards and recognition in the field of classical ballet. There are also other dance companies in the city. Some school-based; others led by private individuals. The repertoire can range from ballet, jazz, modern, salsa to street-dance and hip-hop.

Whatever your child desires, encourage it as venue of self-expression. Aside from the exercise, it can keep the youngsters away for a few hours from their virtual nanny called Video Games or the Internet. At least we agree on that, right?

Live. Leap. Let go!

Nana doing bar exercises @ SFSD. Cutesies!

Lost in the Cosmos

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:51:00 +0000

How are your kids doing in school? I bet their least favorite subject is Filipino or Sibika. Worry not! My kids struggled through it too. Or should I stick to the truth and ‘fess up that I was the one who barely survived the intricacies of our national language? The mere mention of those grade school requisites gives me an instant headache! More so when my kids have a project or theme paper due!

Don’t get me wrong. I love my country and everything that it stands for. But I am first and foremost, an Ilonggo. I live an hour’s airplane ride away from Imperial Manila which is the seat of the Tagalog dialect otherwise known as the Filipino language. Between Tagalog and Ilonggo, the disparity is immense and I generally get lost in translation. Even my college years in Diliman has not really impinged Tagalog in my consciousness. I was with Ilonggo friends most of the time and resorted to Taglish if needs must.

Going back to Filipino schoolwork, it was really a pain in the you-know-where. I had to literally devour the English-Filipino dictionary for a measly one page speech. Make that on one Grade 2 pad paper page. It took me nearly an hour to translate what my daughter wanted to say about “Ang Paborito Kong Pagkain”! Hahaha. So I tried my best to avoid repeating similar exercises.

Till I stumbled upon Google Translate. Upon typing the words, it can detect the language being used and translate it to English, or from Afrikaan to Yiddish! Of course, Filipino is somewhere between. Neat huh? That’s why I love the Internet. Somehow it makes life simple and complicated.

Simple because I can help with the next Filipino assignment with improved confidence. Complicated because the Sibika teacher required pictures that show ‘Katangian ng Filipino na Nakatulong sa Pag-unlad ng Ating Bansa’ (Characteristics of Filipino which Helped the Development of Our Country). From newspaper or magazine clippings only. No downloads from the Internet. Not even scanned images printed on photo paper! Great...

Live. Learn. Laugh it off!

Super Delayed Reaction

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Okay, it took me more than a year to get down on this. Real life got in the way of my blogging aspirations. Though on the edge of the recesses of my muddled mind, I am aware that I have signed up for this. It still remains on my to-do list but got shoved down the priority ladder more often than not!

The point is I am RE-starting my blog today. I still hope it will grow to fifty or more entries by the end of 2011. I still pray that it will be relevant to at least 20 people in this earth. And I do wish they will let me know it too.

Live. Laugh. Let's get it on!

Summer by Nana. Pastel Crayons. May 2011.

New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (IloiloMom) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:54:00 +0000

A year has passed. It is best described as being caught in a limbo. I was too young to retire but kinda too old to start another job. I tried working in a call center but the unholy hours stressed me out! I lasted less than two months. I did seriously think about putting up a business. I've already bought equipment and initial inventory but never did get round to actually starting it. Maybe tomorrow I will.

Meanwhile I became a fulltime mom to my special 11 yr old boy and precocious girls, aged 7 and 2. It was a great experience of bonding with my kids and reacquainting myself with me. So while washing clothes - I thought: why not blog about it? Not the usual motherhood or parenting stuff. I am sure there are gazillions such sites leaving their carbon footprints in cyberspace. But none have Iloilo City as their setting. Or so I hope. It will be more like ramblings of a she-person, trying to get through another day in the suburbia Iloilo. With a mom's point of view. As much as possible. If we get lucky. Lol.

My point is I am starting a blog today. I hope it will grow to fifty or more entries by the end of 2010. I pray that it will be relevant to at least 20 people in this earth. And I wish they will let me know it too.

Live. Love. Lay off the calories!