The Life and Adventures of Our Family

Chaotic Weekends!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:29:00 +0000

Well, the chaos is more on being disorganized these past couple of weeks. This is because of the "new business" we have. The Subic rental property is in its early stages and the marketing plan is still being worked on. Even with the unit being so-so, we decided to market it and have people rent it out.

But that being beside the point, the whole point of the chaos lies in being in a lot of places these past few weeks. I am personally living in three locations- I go home to Olongapo from Las Pinas on weekends. Las Pinas is where I am most days of the weeks because of my work in Taguig. On weekends I go to Olongapo in Kessing Street where we have a house cum office cum warehouse cum staff house. But over the weekend, we tried staying in Subic to do some work on the unit and see where we can improve on.

We also had friends come over last weekend on the ground floor unit and the other members stay on the second floor unit. So much so that even in Olongapo, I am moving around. We spent the first night on the lower unit and the second night on the upper unit. All the time lugging our stuff.

Then on Sunday, we have to go back to Las Pinas for a school reunion and for Lisette and the kids to buy some staff for out scheduled trip next week.

We have been in this chaotic setup for the past 2 years and it is creating us a lot of stress as we need to travel more. We are losing stuff along the way. Not knowing if we have missing stuff in Olongapo or in Las Pinas. The third house is already contributing to this. I left the air pump in there so we used the airbed as a mat instead.

This chaotic setup is not by design. But I am not complaining about it. The more important thing is to enjoy life even in the midst of all this. Mixing life, business and pleasure is something that has become natural for us. We take time to have fun in the midst of the chaotic setup we have.

A nice lunch followed by a long trip. A long trip with a side trip to shops where we can get ideas on how to furnish our rental units. A side trip followed by a short business trip to pick up some inventory. And while waiting for this, we had fun eating Mount Pinatubo (one of creamline's ice cream concoction) in record time. We quipped that maybe next time, we'll try eating Mount Olympus or Mount Everest.

I think this is a gift of being 'free'. Free to follow what comes naturally fun or functional. I am not into spontaneity. In fact I abhor it. For me, things are planned and well thought of. But sometimes in the middle of trying to make a living and trying to love life and whatever comes with it, you have to learn to go along with what is best at the time.

Everything turns out to be enjoyable in the end.

Oh, I forgot to bring the keys to the car, the rental units and the office in Las Pinas and we were in NLEX when I remembered it that I left it in Papa's house. This happens in a very chaotic situation such as what we are experiencing now. But we still manage to enjoy it in between. Perhaps that is the only thing keeping us sane.

The Mt Everest, Mt Olympus or Mt Apo ice cream concoction is non existent at the moment. I think it is worth suggesting.

Mommy's Birthday: March 20, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:04:00 +0000

Mommy turns 40 on this day! We were suppose to go to Baguio but there was a relative who passed away so the plan did not materialize. Instead, we had the usual dinner at the house. It was attended by us and family members and her angels in Luming's curtains.

In the afternoon of her special day, we spent the day sleeping. Hehe...what a way to celebrate! We had late lunch and we went to Remy field to have a picnic until it was time to go home for dinner.

Since we were 'bitin' by this celebration, we decided to have an 'extended' celebration and declared Monday as a no-class day for Vinz. We went to the beach the following day and checked in at RK hotel for an overnight stay. Like any celebration, it is not complete without food. So instead of a one time big meal, we did it one meal at a time. We had lunch at Meat Shop. This is not exactly fine dining but on the more expensive side of dining that we got used to.

Then Dinner was spent in the hotel. Just to make them feel that we are patronizing what they have. I decided on something Korean and I was having runny nose by my third serving because of the spicy Korean dishes. It was not exactly the best tasting food in town, but it was an experience. The kids capped the dinner with a nice slurpee from the nearby 7-11 convenience store.

Since Lsette has taken a vow of service and charity, we invited two semi-orphaned kids (their parents were busy with work and business) to celebrate with us the following day. Kyle and Endro were brought by Lisette to the hotel the following day so they can take a dip in the hotel pool.

So Mommy Lisette is really some sort of s superwoman. In between the celebration she still managed to sneak some work typing some documents, delivering some products to customers after hearing mass at 6am. Mommy is such a supermom that she can do all that and still enjoy the company of her loved ones- including her extended family.

Mama seems to have figured out something that I haven't she seems more relaxed and more happy with everything that is going on with her life. Her business, her church service, her time with Nic and her extended family happily intertwines with her daily routine. There are stories that brings laughter every so often.

Our weekend was capped with one lazy afternoon mini picnic at Remy Field. We just rolled out our picnic mat had some snacks and just enjoyed the afternoon breeze. "I can get used to this.", I kept repeating. And as I was lying on the ground, Lisette had her laptop on my stomach typing the reading for the following day's mass. She can really be sneaky at times!

Life seems to take on a new meaning when you lead a more purposeful life. And i think my Mommy has found her purpose.

Despite not having any grand plan for the weekend, we managed to celebrate. It was one special and wonderful weekend. Happy Birthday Mommy, I wish you all the best!

Valentine's Day 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:35:00 +0000

It's the LOVE month again. For the past few years we have been going out as a family, all four of us. Tradition as Lisette or Vinz would say. Although Vinz is after the meal part. He would ask us where we'll be having our 'special' dinner.

We had dinner in Tagaytay I think for the last two years or there was maybe one in Subic. I can't recall correctly. But for this year, we just want to relax. A private pool perhaps. But is wouldn't be as relaxing as a jacuzzi with just the warm water and an indoor environment. So the best thing to go? Victoria court. I learned some hand signals in the process. This will definitely help me the next time. hehe...

We figure it would be crowded in the metro during this time of the year so we headed for the Pampanga branch and we were assigned the X-Men theme room. Well, as usual, the internet picture looks good. But the real place is not as good. The kids didn't like the ambiance as the room looks weird for them. WE tried another room but the operator said there was none available. I figured that they just don't want to fix the other unoccupied rooms. O well, we're just victims of high pitch marketing I guess.

So what else can we do in such a venue, just watch TV, sit around and enjoy the warm water in the jacuzzi.

I guess the kids are not so much into this kind of place. Motels in the Philippines have such bad reputation. I was actually bothered by it. I just found out about it when Nic decided the roam the area just to check the surrounding. Oh well, she's too young to know about it and it was better that way as she can just enjoy it.

I'd say it was not one of the better celebrations we've had in the past. A nice cozy dinner would have been better but, since we're all there, it was ok. We'll do a better planning next time.

Ocean Adventure: 24 Jan 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Lisette decided to organize a trip to Ocean Adventure in SBMA. Considering that the place is about 30 minutes from where we are staying, we have not really been there since it was fully constructed a few years ago. Since Olongapo residents are entitled to a 50% off, well this good reason to visit it. We would have wanted a more elaborate plan including a one night stay in Camayan beach but decided against it. We reasoned the we need more time for that so we plan to make that happen in the near future.

So off we went to this far away place 20 kms from where we are. We were there by 9:45am in time for the 10:15 am show. But i guess the tourists have a better plan than we do. They went ahead of us. And as we entered we were given a fair warning by one of the park attendant, "Sir, there are many visitors today so please be a bit more patient." O well, what else can we do.

The first show, was a the sea lion show. It was in a small and cramped stadium designed for the 20 minute show. I could have filled this blog with negative comments but hey, we went there for fun.

The show was followed by some number invlving a dance number and some acrobatics. The sun's heat was bearing down on us in this particular show and my mind was composing a complaint once again until the trampoline acrobats entered the show. They were great. They made wild use of the trampoline and the guys appeared to be having so much fun bouncing on it. These guys can really be entertaining.

In between shows, i tried to explore my artistic side by taking random photos. I was imagining a I have a Nikon D90 with me and tried several interesting shots. Knowing well that I am just holding a 5mp Canon A610, i did do some good shots. At least for my own standards.

In the eco show, we were introduced to some 'ordinary' animals- a rat, reticulated python, a bat, and eagle and even an askal. The animals were not really all that special. They were made special by how the show was organized. Even the aeta can crack a joke every now and then. It was interesting.

The hilight of the day was suppose to be the Dolphin and False Killer whale show. We were able to make the bystands of the show. Enough to take a peek on what's going on but not fortunate enough to be in the amphitheater and get some good view and perhaps some good shot. O well, we were burdend by the lunch we decided to take and by the time we realized it, it was too late. Rather than wait for the 4:30pm show, we just find some open spaces and manage a peek into the show. Lisette and Nic availed of a photo op and was given the chance to touch a dolphin.

In the end, it was a nice day and it was an experience.

2009 Christmas and New Year Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Times does fly. It's now 2010 and the next thing you know, it's Christmas once again. Here are some pics from 2009. We spent our first Christmas party with our company, Tenstreams Business Ventures Inc. We celebrate it at Ann Raquel's resort in Olongapo city.

New Year was spent in Las Pinas. Well the usual 'eating' place pa rin, which is the front of the house. Nothing really new except perhaps for the food and the people getting older each passing year. The night was capped with the gift giving from the kids- Ann, Nic and Kuya Vinz.

What's interesting to not about the way we celebrate is that the season will not be complete without any imperfection on the food we prepare. This year, the macaroni salad is still as bland as ever. Courtesy of me of course.

This was followed by a reunion of the Lingad family in Pampanga. It was a nice start for a new year with the Lingad side having a reunion. It was held in a private resort and we had the place to ourselves. There were games, food, swimming and the usual photo ops.

Disney On Ice Manila, Dec 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:56:00 +0000

We took 8 kids to the Disney show in Manila last December 26, 2009. Overall it was fun. The only scary moment was when Lisette and Nic was tying the shoe lace of one of the kids and they motioned to me asking me where Yanna is. That nearly drove me nuts. Turned out she was just picking her nose a few paces ahead of them. Whew!

Went to Clark for an ice cream after that.

Not much photos of Vinz and Nic.

Reminds me of the time when my Aunt took us to watch, no, to EXPERIENCE, a show. It was called HOPE HOLIDAY ON ICE. The show was a lot of first for me. It was a first live show for me and I really wondered how fast they can move on ice. And how the hell did they get ice in Araneta?!

It was the first time I saw white people. And I think I fell in love with one or two of them. They have their hair pulled back and they have the whitest skin and the pointiest of noses i've ever seen. I was actually thinking they were angels.

As for the kids who were with us. I'm sure they will remember this day. They kept jumping and yelling and stumping their feet when they see their favorite character. It must be overwhelming for them to see them 'live'. They may be mascots but it was as real as it gets for them.

On the way back, we figured it would be safest for us to be in a less crowded place. So we chose Creamline ice cream house in Clark Field Pampanga. It was a nice cap for the day.

Chilling Out

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:50:00 +0000

Photos from Starbucks in Subic.

'd sleeping pose

Kuya sneaking a sip of coffee. you'll regret this day!

Mommy and Nic enjoying a PC game.

All four of us

House Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:27:00 +0000

We went out last night for some coffee. Nic was not really happy about something. I think she was having a fight with Yanna. She was crying when we went home and she kept asking me to get a house and move out here.

I'd say its kids thought. But somehow, this had an impact on me. Lisette and I have been planning on staying in Olongapo and I feel that we need to have our own space. It may not be easy but we need it. Im getting tired of 'temporary' living.

Not that we don't have our own space. It's more like being on your own. I do not like living on other people's achievement. I don't know why but all these years I have been waiting for the time to finally have our own space. I thought the place we're staying in Kessing will be fine. But there are just some things that doesn't fit.

Anyway, since the kids were passionate about it, they did their own presentations expressing what they want in the "new" house. Here it is:

House Plans!! O_o

Nic’s plan for the house

It may appear childish but the thing about it is that it is a dream they own. That's the most important thing. We still do not have a fix on what house we'll be having but there are options we are looking at.

Medals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:01:00 +0000

The kids got some medals from Kumon lately. Its a form of recognition for a significant achievement. Nic got a bronze medal for Math and Kuya got a Gold for reading. Nic's bronze represents being ahead for one year level and Kuya's gold represents about three year levels ahead.

It's nice to see them getting recognized for their achievement even outside school. They've been into Kumon for more than 5 years and it is a system that is learner based as opposed to the traditional school's 'lesson plan-based' learning system. The learner progresses at his or her own pace with Kumon. The traditional system on the other hand proceeds based on a quarterly basis based on the teachers lesson plan.

There are also medals for Tea Kwon Do for Nic and her loyalty award from Kumon.

More than the medal itself, this represents an achievement even at their very young age. It may seem insignificant with the passing of time but it represents a significant building block for them for their future.

As a parent the future is something we all feat and look forward to at the same time. We fear what will become of my children but at the same time keenly awaiting their adulthood to witness their life beyond my years. Lisette oftentimes look forward to Vinz getting married so she can enjoy her 'apo'. Weird but funny and exciting in a sense.

Nic getting married is another issue for me, THE DAD. That will require scrutiny.

So Kuya, Nic, when you get to read this, don't say you've not been warned. Hehehe....

Looking back, the only medal I got from being a child was that of landing in the TOP 10 of the class. I still remember it- it was a yellow ribbon with the name of the school and my rank. My name was not even on it. It was handed to me unceremoniously. On the last day of my fourth grade class. We were all gathered and the honorees were called up one by one. No cameras, no parents. Just a teached and her class awarding the best in the class.

It was a proud moment for me. It's just too bad the bragging rights were not as grand. I knew that I am not 'bobo' and it was enough for me. After all, i did not bother reviewing for any final exams and still managed to pass (this IS MY bragging right) and make it to the TOP 10. I think i was the 7th. Falling from 5th from previous quarters. Any longer and I might have missed being there. Harhar.....

Anyway, I'm proud of my kids. Achievements big or small matters. And I'm glad their not 'bobo' hehe.... Just don't make them crack jokes.

Memories from An Old Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000

I was sorting through some office files. In my old desk I saw an old photo frame with Kuya and Nic in it. They look so cute!

I still remember that photo was taken in the Konica Studio in Pangasinan. As to when, I am not so sure. Maybe 2004 or 2005, Kuya maybe was just 9 and Nic 6. They've grown so fast. Imagine that! In so short a time, Kuya now is in HS and Nic is in Grade 4.

Old pics help us relive our past and somehow, it is so full of good memories. And sometimes that recall extends beyond that.

I remember when they were born. Until they've grown big enough we just had them sleep on our chest. We'd take turn having them close to our chest every night. Never mind the inconvenience that it may bring us so long as we can feel them and respond to their cry.

It reminds me again of the project the I have been planning but haven't exerted enough effort to make it happen. A scanner, a computer and some serious storage device is what I need to make it happen. And probably a help from someone to have the old photos stored digitally.

This reminds me of a lot of things. Kinda puts life in perspective. You appreciate the gift of having a child.

More importantly, it reminds me that I have a responsibility and that it fuels me to do some more to make life a bit more comfortable for all of us.

Putting Life In Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:17:00 +0000

Events and time out from the daily grind sometimes allows you to temporarily step back and think about important things.

I kinda enjoyed our recent trip to La Luz for our anniversary.

I kept thinking of where we are now as a family. We have stuff, business, a home here and there but there seem to be something missing. I can't just put a finger on it. Hindi ko maisip pa. Parang may kulang.

I know that I need to have more time to do important stuff.

What I'm thinking has got something to do with rationalizing my life. Trying to put a sense as to why I'm doing what I'm doing. I have been listless lately. Not that I have not felt this before but it's just more intense now.

A passing though of having spent 20 years studying and 20 years trying to make it through life has been a constant thought in my head these days. Ganun na pala katagal. Wow!

Kelan kaya matutupad ang long trips we've been planning? 1 week in Palawan, several days in Benguet, 1 week in HK and other places. Kelan ko kaya magagawa na mag gym and get back my old body? Kelan ko kaya gagawin yung mag fulltime business and create more free time?

Ha ma, what do you think? Sagutin mo nga ito for me.

Happy 14th wedding Anniversary, Ma!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Here's a message for you:

14th Year Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:52:00 +0000

After dropping Vinz to school on a cold Tuesday morning, Lisette and I started the day with breakfast at Delifrance. Omelets, coffee and some bread, yummy. Then off we went to San Juan Batangasfor some R&R. Basically, we'll just a day off from the stress of day to day living and enjoy some quiet moments.

Our place of choice is La Luz beach resort. We have been there twice before and we think the place will be perfect for our purpose. The resort's ambiance is for those who love some quiet moment. Located at the edge of the Laiya beach, the place has a small cove and offers some view with very little else to do. The beach at the front is ideal for snorkeling- for beginners at least.

The main agenda for the day: do some snorkeling, have a massage, take pictures and relax. Not that tough to follow.

The beach does not offer much, mostly water activities and some basic services. It's not intended for those who wants videoke to spice up their drinking session. That's what we like about the place.

Of course, the day will not be complete without some gift exchange. The gift giving part is not something I look forward too. But it's a ritual and it somehow keeps events like this more interesting.

I got Lisette a new Nokia 5800 phone and as for me, I got Clinique1 Yehey, my favorite perfume!

We did some snorkeling a long the beach not far from the shoreline. It was a surprising find to see fishes of different color even in areas not too far off the water. It has been quite sometime since we last had something like this.

In the afternoon we had massage. It was great and I almost fell asleep and Lisette was ready to call it a day. It was great and we are looking forward to more of the same sessions in the coming days.

Well, after that, all good things must come to an end. We left the place at 4:30pm with plans to go back with the kids. Maybe for an overnight stay so we can enjoy the serenity of the place even more. Doing nothing is something we should all look forward to.

We capped the day hearing mass at the Lipa Cathedral. It was a fitting moment to end the day.

It was a moment to be thankful for all the blessings and offer our future plans to Jesus and our Holy Mother Mary.

Overall, it was a nice treat. My mind and body is screaming for some more but we have to go back and mid our businesses for the following day. Bummer!

Well, i'm already a believer of Tim Ferris mini retirements! We have yet to complete the day and plans for the next vacation is in the offing. One month of stay in a new environment will be very ideal. But the current situation, this will have to sit a while. We need to design our lies first to afford us this luxury. This will happen soon!

After everything's been said and done, life's a beach!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:47:00 +0000

On our way to the grocery, Vinz picked up a P500 bill. Not knowing what to do with it, I told Vinz to just take it and donate it to church.

Not quite contented with the decision, Vinz wanted to return the money where he found it. Since there was no way of telling who it belongs to, I just stuck with the earlier decision to just have it donated to the church.

It was a feeling of both being lucky to have found such a thing and proud that my kids wouldn't want to touch the money that does not belong to them. As a parent this small thing makes you proud and it is a joy to know that you are raising them to be good people. This is very important for any parent.

Looking back, I may have decided to forward it to the lost and found section of the store. Or I may have decided some other way. But in the end, having decided not to use it for personal gain is the best decision I made at that point.

I learned today that Nic reminded Lisette to take it to the church with her for donation.

Kids do remember things and it is important to show them the right way.

I may have to change a lot of my ways to be a good example to them.

Pics In King's Royale Pampanga

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:51:00 +0000

Spent a night in King's Royale in Pampanga. It's one of those nights where we find the need to stay someplace. Just to have a change of surroundings.

Photo Op

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Lisette had this idea of having all of us in aphoto shoot wearing the Kerygma Shirt. So we went to ATC last Nov 30. The photo shoot would have been made more exciting with a more skilled photographer. But i guess we'll have to do with who's taking it so long as the pictures turn up nice. And it did!

On the way to the mall, I lady pointed to my shirt and said, "I was there." Well, so were we.

Somewhere along the way though as we were waiting for the prints, there was this minor hitch in printing and we waited longer than we would have to. I figured I can just get the CD and get the 8R prints later. But the printing operator seems to be upset at what's happening. And I guess I was bothered by here reaction and had to make her realize that she has customers to serve and being nasty is not the best way to do it. Anyway, I was upset that I had to allow myself to be affected by it.

Anyway, the pictures were great and here's some of them. The kids are growing up so fast. VInz is almost as tall as me. Nic's also getting taller. Pretty soon they'll be leading their own lives and we'll just have a wonderful time remembering the past.

Kerygma Conference 2009- Dream Big, Win Big

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Last Nov 28-29, 2009 we attended the Kerygma conference at the Araneta Coliseum. I would honestly say that i've gotten used to this kind of seminars. The thing I enjoyed and appreciated the most was the worship part. Day 1 was concluded by Jon Escoto, it was good. The following day, the morning's silence was broken by a powerful worship lead by Fr ____ . He's black priest and brought the house down with his worship. The song choices are not very familiar to me but it is not tough to follow and the beat really moves you.

I like the way he moves the crowd and engages the choir. Everybody was into praise. I love it.

Overall, i like the theme- I HAVE A BIG GOD. It is really an awesome theme. We really do have a BIG GOD. If only I can always look through life in that perspective.....

Overall, i was not really moved by the event. The sequence of their presentation was not as clear to me and I am trying to figure out where we were in the sequence. OR maybe I've just gotten so mich of this stuff, it no longer has an impact on me. I would say it was average at best. The materials though are good.

I hope the others were touched by it and really made a difference in their lives. They were engaging people to dream big and make it in life. This is a noble way to do things.

Will I attend next year's conference- YES. I may not be happy with this year's event, but I am a fan. I love what they do and what they represent.

About This Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:16:00 +0000

This blog is about our family- what we are doing, what we enjoy doing. Hopefully this will serve as a memory of our past lives and look back at it and appreciate our blessings and the good life the Lord has provided us.