Epcot is one of the four theme parks inside Disney World. EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow. However, it also stands for EVERY PARENT COMES OUT TIRED! This theme park is also huge and you need to do a lot of walking. We were there in April of 2011, Sky was just 4 years old then.

This is the Disney World theme park that features technological advances that has happened and will happen in the future. It also features a small representation of different countries such as Mexico, China, France and Canada. Unlike the other theme parks, there are only a handful of must-do rides. If you’re into photography or simply a photo  enthusiast, EPCOT is the place to take photos and revel in the culture and popular landmarks each country in the World Showcase.

We were at EPCOT first thing in the morning, left at around 3PM to take a nap in our hotel, and then went back at 7:00PM for dinner and the fireworks display: Illuminations.

The first thing we did here is  line-up for a photo-op with Mickey and the rest of the gang. The line for the Epcot Character Spot can be REALLY LONG especially in the afternoon. We didn’t have to wait at all for a picture with Mickey.

The most popular ride in EPCOT is Soarin’ the ride. We were there early, but already had to wait an hour for our turn to ride it. Taking photos while on the ride isn’t allowed. It’s a 4D ride, where you’re strapped on in a really high swinglike seats. And you fly virtually above Los Angeles, Malibu and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. You feel the wind on your face and feels like you’re really up in the air.

Another must do attraction if you’re visiting EPCOT with kids is going on The Seas with Nemo & Friend’s Ride. You ride inside a “clamobile” and it takes you for another adventure where Marlin and Dory looks for Nemo, this time in real life animation. This ride is really a big hit for the kids, and a great way for the parents to RELAX.

After having a quick lunch in China (inside the World Showcase), we went around and just enjoyed the sights. TIP: If you are like me, and start to feel really weak from days subsisting on meat, burgers, fries and bread. The food court in China and Japan have WHITE RICE as part of their meals. The rice in our tummies did it’s magic and we strolled around happily.

We stopped by Norway and didn’t see any line for the Maelstrom ride, so on we went. We thought it was going to be a boring ride. But we were all pleasantly surprised; it was a stormy and breathtaking ride for the whole family aboard a small viking ship.

Before we went back to the hotel for our afternoon nap, we took the Test Track Ride. We rode on a test car, and tested out skidding on slippery roads, on bumpy roads and lastly a VERY FAST SPIN around the Test Track. After the ride, Sky said, “Mommy, WE WILL NEVER RIDE THIS AGAIN.” He was still unsure back then, but I’m pretty confident if we went back on that ride today, we will be doing it over and over and over again.

After, we rested we came back just in time for dinner in Japan. Hello! We needed the RICE! And just in time to enjoy Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Fireworks show. I wasn’t able to capture it, but here’s one that I found online captured in January 2011 by rafaelsmag.

We’ll come back perhaps after 5-8 years when Sky is bigger and we can really walk around the whole day. That nap was important for us to help us last longer for the coming days. Our day at EPCOT was only the second day of our Orlando adventure, and we had 7 days to go.

Note: You can download a map of EPCOT here. TEST TRACK is under renovation right now and will be open just in time for Fall of 2012.

Last year we spent 10 days in Orlando, Florida; we went around the 4 theme parks of Disney World in 5 days, and 1 day over at Universal Studio’s Island of Adventure. I haven’t had the chance to blog about each of the theme parks inside Walt Disney World. So, as a one year anniversary; will be writing a 6-part series on Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood, Universal Studio’s Island of Adventure and tips on how a parent can keep their sanity and come out alive after a long vacation in Orlando’s famed Disney World.

After a night’s rest from our flight, we decided to spend our first day in Magic Kingdom. Before we decided on which theme park to go when, we had a strategy planned out on which attraction we MUST see and experience – since it is impossible to do all the attractions in one park in one day.

We downloaded the map of Disney World Magic Kingdom here, and broke down our romp around Magic Kingdom on a per area basis. We also took note of the showtime schedules for that day in some of the attractions and parades in Magic Kingdom. Schedules change on a weekly basis and you can get Theme park schedule of programs by the entrance or at the lobby of your Disney Resort.

FANTASY LAND

1. IT’S A SMALL WORLD

The first thing we lined up for was the Small World ride. We had 5 small kids in with us, so this was the first ride that we went on to for the day. It was the first ride of the day and the line for it was already long. But this ride really stoked the kids on what’s in store for the rest of the day.

2. PETER PAN FLIGHT

Located near It’s a Small World ride, was the next kiddie ride where you rode on small pirate ships and take you inside a 3D version of Neverland. Bringing Peter Pan and Captain Hook’s adventure come to life!

 3. MICKEY’S 3D PHILHARMAGIC

A 20-minute show where Donald tries to steal the sorcerer’s hat and jump right in front of you with the help of 3D glasses of course. Get ready to be immersed into the show.

4. THE MANY ADVENTURE’S OF WINNIE THE POOH

Fun and Bumpy Ride on a two-seater and follow Winnie the Pooh around for his Honey adventure.

We had our lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe inside Frontierland. We didn’t go on any attractions there, because Sky and his cousins didn’t make the height requirements yet.

LIBERTY SQUARE

1. HAUNTED MANSION

Sky was stoked with this ride. It was pretty creepy in a fun way to go inside a ride inside a haunted mansion. And at some point there – try not to look at who’s beside you!

ADVENTURELAND

1. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

This one had one of the longest wait time inside Magic Kingdom. But it was totally worth it! This ride is highly recommended! And is not for the faint-hearted. At one point, they dropped you in a waterfall that as Sky said, “Made my heart go up to my ear.”

TOMORROWLAND

1. BUZZ LIGHTYEAR’S SPACE RANGER SPIN

This is one ride where you get to ride, see and SHOOT all at the same time. Sky had a grand time trying to shoot at everything right in front of him! He wanted to help Buzz Lightyear battle out with Zurg!

 2. MONSTER’S INC. LAUGH FLOOR

This show ran every 20-30 minutes. As with other show attractions, they’ll let you know how long is the wait time before the show. Monster’s Inc. laugh floor is a digital interactive show, where Mike Wazowski show up on stage and POKE FUN ON SOME OF THE AUDIENCE MEMBERS! You’ll never know who he’ll point out to! Just remember to LAUGH AT YOURSELF if you are one of the lucky ones.

Since we stayed inside a Disney Resort, we went back in one of the evenings during our stay to watch the Electrical Parade, right before ending the night with Wishes the Nighttime Spectacular show. This is my second time to see it, my first time was in 1993. Tinkerbell still flew to Cinderella’s castle. But the castle itself TRANSFORMED itself from one thing to another, using the whole castle as a screen! Like most who saw it, we were all IN AWE. Nobody was talking and soaking the dazzle right before our eyes. The fireworks that accompanied it, was one of the most beautiful firework display that I’ve ever seen! The kind of firework show that can actually make you cry from happiness.

The must see attractions recommended here is great for families with young kid’s who are 8 years old and below. There are other worth rides such as the Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad if you have taller and older kids with you.

Last Saturday afternoon, Sky and I trudged off to a Liter of Light’s San Juan office for the Bright Light volunteer event. I didn’t expect anything, just that we were supposed to bring some bottles and light up some lanterns come evening. I knew that kids were going to be there and that’s about it.

I didn’t expect that 100 kids were going to be paired with 100 volunteers for an afternoon of happy bonding!

We were pointed to go to the basketball court and the place was packed. After registering, I was given a tag with my name with a number 98 written at the back. A few moments later Sky and I were seated along with a young girl, named Joan. She was quiet at first, and she had the most beautiful eyes. She was so sweet.

U! Happy Events and A Liter of Light made that Saturday REALLY special for these kids of San Juan. They started off with a mind game, where they were given a category and list down as many animals, artistas and cartoon character that they know.

It was the perfect game to get the kids warmed up for more activities with other kids and their “Ate” and “Kuya” volunteers. Next up was a ball game, where our group won. That was when Joan and Sky started to warm up to each other too.

Then there was a dance number by a group of girls who lived in the area. Then a mini-workshop conducted by Planet Zips: Poi Philippines, each of the kids were given a chance to try out “zipping.” It was a totally different experience for them and the smile on Joan’s face was priceless after she had her chance.

Sky didn’t try it out, because he was still a bit too shy at that time.

We had merienda shortly after the Poi workshop, and that was when Joan started to bloom. And that was the time Sky and her started to play together. Joan was held Sky’s hand and led him in front of the stage to watch the magic show, where all the kids were in awe.

And before we went out to light the lanterns, Planet Zips performed for the kids. Had to carry both kids in each arm right after snapping a picture.

Had a bit of difficulty getting both Joan and Sky to line up, because they were too busy playing and running around.

U! Happy Events and a Liter of Light capped off the night by releasing some Lanterns up in the velvety dark sky. Sky and I went home sweaty, hungry and tired, but it was worth it.

I was also so glad to finally meet the very young and passionate Liter of Light team. A Liter of light is PURE Non-government organization that has implemented installation of solar bottle lights, not only in The Philippines, but AROUND THE WORLD.

Until the next Liter of Light event!

Of course not, I never wished or dreamt to be a single mom. Like most women who wants to be a mom, they would also want to be a wife and to have a partner to be with them until the end of their days.

This afternoon, I received another slew of hate texts from you-know-who. All the while, when Sky and I were having a grand time at a volunteering event. I saw the first two text messages, and deleted the rest without reading them – because I don’t want to ruin OUR DAY.

The busyness of the afternoon and early evening made me soon forget about his texts. As I was driving home though, I started feeling that anger well up inside me again.

And I made a mental note that I will blog about it, and channel the anger somewhere else AWAY where my son and I will not get affected.

Because even if Sky is just 5 years old, he KNOWS when something is up with me.

So, let me tell you why I left my husband that fateful day of July 31, 2010.

********************

I had a fever on the morning of July 10th of 2010. Sky was coming down with a fever himself too. I went down in the kitchen and saw some hot water and coffee – and started to fix myself some, since I wasn’t feeling good. And when you’re sick, you can’t think that straight that much.

“You know, you should drink Calamansi instead of that…” I hear him say.

“So, why don’t you make me some?!!!”

Something ticked that day, and I just went bezerk. I literally went crazy.

It was years and years of anger bottled up inside that I started screaming like a banshee and at one point, I even tried to kill him.

My anger was filled to the brim that day, and even after sleeping it off that night.

I knew that something is very, very wrong.

I have always been free-spirited and fun loving.

But in a span of two to three years, I DIDN’T KNOW WHO I WAS ANYMORE.

********************

He knew me as talkative and loud and he even relied on me at times when he doesn’t feel like talking to strangers, because talking and being a warm person was one of my traits that my husband said that he was attracted to.

I am warm.

I am talkative.

I am easy going.

Then, I don’t know what happened but he started to criticize me for being ME.

Yes, I like saying things just to make conversation because there are times that I don’t like the awkwardness of silence sometimes – and I say LAME THINGS SOMETIMES.

After going out with friends, HE would always have something to say on what I said during our chat times with friends. It became ALL THE TIME, that eventually I SHUT MYSELF UP and became quiet.

Because I was scared that anything I say will be criticized again.

A part of myself died when I started to become QUIET.

********************

We got married in Batanes, WITHOUT ANY FAMILY. It was a natural thing for my parents and my sisters to get hurt right? My sister and my parents were angry at US AT THAT TIME for getting married without them.

I am the youngest girl in our family.

I was always the maid of honor in both of my sisters wedding. I made sure both their weddings went smoothly. And I know that they just wanted to do the same for me.

That’s why they were angry.

And my husband never got over that anger, and never tried to get to know them and my family never had a chance to get to know his awesome side. Yes, he has an awesome side that I would want to show off, but never had the chance to, since he dislikes being with me and the family where I CAME FROM.

I grew up in an imperfect family. We like to shout and scream and hang out A LOT despite our differences. We cannot change the family that we were born in, right? My parents may not be as refined as some other folks there, but I KNOW THAT THEY RAISED US THE BEST WAY THEY KNOW HOW.

And I am so glad that they are my folks and my siblings are MY SIBLINGS.

When a holiday or a birthday comes up, I pray that it will NOT BE HIS DAY OFF. You know why? Because I am not allowed to go to my Papa’s birthday or go visit them on New Year when its his day off.

When its his day off, it doesn’t matter if it was my own mother’s birthday. I am not allowed to celebrate it with them because we have to stay home together, because it’s his day off.

It’s not like we’re going to ride a plane, it’s just an hour or two drive within Metro Manila.

********************

It has come to a point that every time I woke up in the morning, I sincerely prayed that I WON’T DO ANYTHING THAT HE DISLIKED. Otherwise, I he won’t speak or acknowledge me for three days or up to a couple of weeks. He would talk to Ate Ging and pretend that I DON’T EXIST when I do something that HE SIMPLE DOESN’T LIKE.

I was walking on eggshells most of the time.

I don’t entirely blame him with our marriage breaking apart.

I wished that I was more in tuned with his needs when he came home from a tiring flight.

I wish that I didn’t let his emotions control me, instead of clamming up in the corner just to be a good wife.

I wish I didn’t retort or explode whenever I get the silent treatment or whenever he says something not nice about my parents and siblings.

NO, I didn’t wish to BE A SINGLE MOTHER. I just became one, even when we were still together.

How many parties and reunions have I attended with my husband? ONE.

The other times, I was always alone – even on times that it was his day off and he let me go with Sky, times which is as rare as a four leaf clover.

I never go to show off my husband around, simply because he doesn’t want to. Only ONE of my friends had a chance to know him well.

********************

There were two choices I had to make that day, stay with him and stay miserable. Or leave, and try to find happiness without him?

It is hard to fully function as a mother of the house, if the father wants to BE BOTH THE PILLAR and THE LIGHT of the family.

Last week, after his slew of angry and hate texts. I still asked him: “CAN WE TALK and RECONCILE?”

From which I get: WHY SHOULD I RECONCILE WITH A B*TCH LIKE YOU?

And you know what’s funny? I still pray that one day he would STILL CHOOSE TO BE PART OF SKY’s LIFE, even if he hates my guts.

As for me, I hope that this is my last post written in anger and sadness to him. I look forward to that day, when I don’t have to cry every time I write about him.

When I was still without a child, I used to have big dreams on how I was going to raise my unborn child. I always wanted to have a little boy and was going to name him “Hunter.” Because I like anything that sounds fierce at that time. I also told myself that my future child was going to be raised the most natural possible way.

And when I saw kid’s who had meltdowns in public places, I used to say to myself; “my child is never going to be like that.” Or “What kind of parent is that mother? She can’t even control her own child?”

I even told my older sister at one point, that my future baby will never ever eat fast food. I will only feed him organic and healthy meals every single day. To top it of, I will never ever use TV as a babysitter.

Because I will be a supermom.

And I was also an idiotic and arrogant bitch that didn’t have a single idea on how motherhood was going to be.

Did I mention that I also told my sister that I will always LOOK GOOD and made up every single time even if I became a mom? That I will do what I can to make sure that I looked neat and clean even if I just gave birth. I scolded my ate for not combing her hair, not applying a bit of lip gloss whenever we went out of the house. And even had the audacity to tell her to stop wearing baggy clothes and wearing her hair up in a ponytail all the time.

She would just smile and shrug my own smugness off.

When I do see mom’s who cannot control their kids temper. I would scoff and laugh in my mind on how seemingly stupid they seem because they let their kids scream and whine like the kid was THE BOSS.

Nope, that will NEVER happen to me. EVER. EVER.

Here’s my mouth <——insert foot here.

Then fast forward a couple of months after giving birth, it’s 11 in the morning and busy preparing lunch and folding some clothes. And as if on cue, Sky wakes up from his morning nap and without any hesitation I breastfeed him right in the middle of the kitchen and I place him on his baby hammock, while I go back to doing my chores.

My hair up in a ponytail. Drool on the left side of my shirt and some dried up what-nots on my shorts.

My scent was a mix of drool, milk, sweat, and some dried up vomit.

And I barely have time for a bath.

This was more or less how I also was whenever I was out and about with Sky. Except for a tube of lipgloss that was my only connection to my life before being a mom.

It was my lifesaver.

Sky is 5 years old now and there are times he can just have a major, major meltdown in the middle of the mall. And admittedly, there are times that I don’t even know how to handle it.

I have tried talking calmly, timeouts and spanking over the years. However, a magic formula for handling kids do not exist. Sometimes, I also get stressed and I handle a meltdown in a horrible way. And there are times that I do pat myself on the back for averting a crisis even after an explosion.

How about food? He loves the McDonald’s longganisa breakfast meal – and I make it a point for us to have that unhealthy breakfast at least once a week. Simply because he likes it. And when popping vinegar-laden longganisa in his mouth with garlic rice – WITH A HAPPY GRIN on his face.

You just give in.

Right now, I choose my battles with Sky. So, when I hear someone tell me that “you shouldn’t let him have that much ice cream.”

I just smile back and go on with what works for US.

And now when I hear a baby or child whine or cry, I know that he or she must be hungry or just plain tired. I am pretty sure the mom is doing everything that she can think of to calm them.

However, when I see or hear a girl judge the mother in a similar situation. I tell myself, “Another stupid girl, try being in her shoes before judging her parenting skills will you?”

I guess, I am still a B*itch after all.

I have been hearing much about how awesome the waterpark was at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Cebu. The place was massive by Philippine standards. And I liked how security was strict for every vehicle that went inside the hotel grounds. The lobby was quite big that I had to ask twice on where and how to purchase day tickets for their waterpark.

We were ushered at the 2nd table on the left of the lobby, and I paid PhP 1,700.00 for me and Php 1,100.00 for Sky to use the waterpark facility throughout the day. It also includes a buffet lunch at the Familia restaurant or  we can spend PhP1,000 each for food and drinks ala carte. We also get an additional 20% discount if we choose to have our dinner at any of their restaurants there.

We were there on a Friday, so I think we had a better price than the one pictured above. The number of people were doable and we had lots of personal space on our own. We went straight to deposit our things in a keyless locker that is free to use for day users. And were give two towels, but had to give them an Identification card as a deposit. You can have your towels changed anytime, just as long as you surrender them at the end of your stay.

Sky wore a rash guard and was slathered with lots of SPF. I like the sun and all, but I didn’t want Sky to get burned and ache all over after such a fun day.

We hit the kiddie area that is called the Captain’s Hook pool. Sliding down 100 hundred million times was the first order of the day.

This part of Imperial Palace Waterpark was a HEAVEN for Sky. When he got used to how to go around the area. I had a chance to relax a bit on a lounge chair while I watched him play and make friends in the pool playground.

By lunchtime, Sky was ravenous. We dried ourselves a bit and went to Familia restaurant for FOOD. He requested for his favorite pesto spaghetti cooked at the pasta station – and even asked for seconds.

Because I like taste testing, I don’t spoon everything in my plate even if it’s a buffet. Had sample sized portions of what I fancied, so I have space for dessert! But, I had three plates of this sampler plates though!

After Sky gorged himself with marshmallows dripping in dark chocolate from the chocolate fountain, we each grabbed an inflatable pool in the flowing river area and just CHILLED. Stories of dolphins and pirates echoed in the river pool as we floated on and on. Up until they switched on the waves in one of the entry and exit points in flowing river pool!

The next time Sky and I go back to Cebu, we will definitely spend two days just enjoying this place. It is one of the kid friendly resorts here in The Philippines that anyone can be comfortable in. I hope next time Sky will be big enough to go parasailing with me!

Visit Imperial Palace Hotels website here and their Facebook page to help keep yourself updated with their promos and packages.

Greenhills is one of the shopping havens in the metro. It’s the best place where you can get clothes and shoes at a good price. You just need a lot of time on your hands and a lot a freedom going around from one store or stall to another. Especially on weekends where Greenhills is teeming with people.

It is a feat shopping here with a child in tow. So, whenever I do find myself in Greenhills, I always “deposit” Sky at the Kid’s Workshop Activity Center on the 2nd floor of Shoppesville mall inside the Greenhills center. It’s a small and unassuming area with the usual slides and playground fare. But, what I like about this play area than the other ones in bigger malls? They have a scheduled activity of story telling and project making.

From what I remember, you pay 385 pesos for unlimited play and an additional 50 pesos for every art activity that your kids do. It is quite expensive, if you do the math. But the peace of mind that I get while happily roaming the corners of Greenhills is priceless. Sky is big enough to handle himself, so I just make sure that he has a bottle of water and socks when we get there. A pair of socks is a must, if your child is not wearing one you can buy a pair from their counter for 20-50 pesos. I am not entirely sure on the exact price, so I am placing in a price range for your info.

This is a very creative play area and I like how the attendants are very attentive to each of the kids. Aside from the storytelling that I mentioned, the attendants also have interactive games with all the other kids on a scheduled basis. So the children there don’t just play all day long, they learn something too!

Kid’s Workshop also has an Easter Festival from March 31, 2012 to April 8, 2012 (except April 5 & 6), where your kids can join in the egg hunt, decorating a bunny and even hip-hop dancing! Read on their poster below for the schedule of activities for their EASTER FESTIVAL!

 For more information and questions please visit Kid’s Workshop Shoppesville, Greenhills Facebook page here. Or call them up at Tel. No. (02) 72-30932… Have a blessed holy week!

A week after Sky’s school was out, we jumped on a Cebu Pacific ride last Thursday for Cebu. The flight was delayed for an hour, and instead of being at our chosen hotel by 3:00PM, were were able to only check-in by 4:30PM.

When we go to Cebu back in the day, we usually stay at the Marco Polo hotel, which is located in Cebu city and far from the sun and the sea. I have bee looking around the internet for a good hotel in Mactan, that has a beachfront and one that would not cost me an arm and a leg.

I combed through Tripadvisor and Expedia, and finally decided on Be Resorts, which I promptly booked through Expedia. Checking in was fast and efficient, and I liked how the lobby didn’t have airconditioning. There was certainly a miami beach vibe going on in the restaurant and lobby area – that leads all the way up outside to the beach.

We were given a deluxe room at the 2nd floor, and liked how big the room was. I liked how the room was designed, but the finishing is not very detailed. And the bedsheet was so-so, not the usual 200-300 thread count that one would find in a 4 or 5 star hotel. The shower in the bathroom also sufficed, however I noticed that they didn’t replace the toiletries during our whole 2-night stay.

They have a wonderful view of the sea from their own beach. There were numerous lounging areas that you can just chill in, which was the first thing we did when we got our things settled in our room. They also had an infinity pool, kid’s pool and a jacuzzi by the beach. The activity center was the only airconditioned area in the hotel aside from our room. It had a kid’s play care area, foosball machine, a billiard table and Wii sports that you can use. Only the kid’s play care area was free for use. Computer use and use of the other activity equipment had hourly and day charges.

If you happen to bring your own laptop like I did, wi-fi is free in the activity and lobby area. However it was not free in our room, and used my iPhone as a hotspot in the evenings when Sky’s asleep.

Be Resorts Mactan caters more to couple getaways or for friends who just want to hang out and chill by the pool or by the sea. The beach unfortunately was not as kid friendly, since it’s more pebbly than sandy. It was kind of difficult for Sky and me to make sandcastles.

The staff of Be Resorts were very friendly and accommodating. And they didn’t hover around you so much, they gave us just the right personal space that we needed and was of service when needed.

Be Resorts Mactan is a 20 minute taxi ride from the Mactan-Cebu International airport, and our metered taxi ride costs 220 pesos. It is a bit farther down the beach area as compared to the other hotels on the same vicinity.

If you’d like to know more about Be Resorts Mactan, visit  their website at www.BeResorts.com or the Be Resorts Facebook page here.

I have been religiously doing what I can to reduce the use of plastic by using a reusable bag everywhere I go. As well as bringing a water or drinking bottle with me, also one way of reducing garbage from using plastic cups and bottles you get every time.

This coming March 31, 2012, Earth Hour will be CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE. People from all over the world is encouraged to shut off their lights this coming Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. Being an earth hour advocate since 2009, this is one simple event that we will celebrate by switching off the lights at home that Saturday.

I do hope that we also all go BEYOND THE HOUR, by doing some simple things such as:

• Turning down plastic bags in department and supermarket and USING OUR OWN REUSABLE BAGS.
• Bringing a WATER BOTTLE or BEVERAGE FLASKS for water, coffee or tea.
• Switching off an appliance and PLUGGING IT OFF the outlet when not in use.
• TURNING OFF THE WATER TAP when shampooing and soaping in the shower.
• Showering with COLD WATER!
• AVOID BUYING TOO MUCH food and things that may just go to waste.
• USING LUNCH BOXES instead of placing food in plastic bags.
• Using PARABEN and SULFATE-FREE Personal care products.
• When washing dishes, turn off the faucet while soaping the dishes and keep the water running low and not in full blast.

Please visit www.facebook.com/WWF.Philippines and www.wwf.org.ph/earthhour/ for more details.

There will also be “SWITCH-OFF CEREMONIES and FESTIVITIES” in Ayala Triangle (Makati City) at 6:30PM, Plaza Independencia (Cebu City) at 5:30PM and SM Davao (Davao) at 6:30PM.

Do all little boys like grossing their mother’s out?

Well, Sky has been grossing me out since he was 3 years old. But, when he hit 5 years old last February – grossing me out became a daily fare.

Aside from grossing me out, he also shows his love a bit too rough too.

Wiping his ginormous booger on me.

Farting straight on my face.

Asking Telling me to smell his fart.

Cops a feel on my butt and non-existent boobs.

Lovingly wrestles and tackles me every chance he gets.

Starts to lap a glass of water, pretending to be a dog.

Sky’s list of antics is endless! I know it’s his way of showing his lambing or endearment. However, there are times that I do get hurt. Especially when he pretends to be a superhero rocket and “flies” straight at me with a closed fist.

BOOM.

Or he jumps right on my back, when he sees me crouched a bit too low for my own good.

BAM.

There are a lot of times that I get infuriated with his antics. Other than me feeling the pain from his loving swags, I also get scared to death of him getting himself hurt too. Last night, he rammed his own head straight on the dining table – when he started “rocketing” around the dining and kitchen area.

After his moving-up program last Saturday, I realized that there will be more shenanigans and what-nots coming from my little guy. That even if he does give me mini-heart attacks EVERY SINGLE DAY, I should be thankful because he’d rather pretend to be a superhero, jumping from one couch to another – rather than a zombie playing video games or watching TV all day long.

Sky sat through the whole moving-up program with tons of patience and fervor. He gets all happy and excited when he knows that I will get to see him go up on stage for his school programs. What made Saturday more special was seeing his grandparents and his cousin be there for him on HIS SPECIAL DAY.

Instead of fighting his rough antics, I embraced it and gave him the rough love that he also loves. Be his attentive audience when he pretends to be a rockstar or when he has a new fighting form skill that he came up with.

And enjoy his ANTICS while it still lasts.