GanFamily.Org

Maria Jacinta Therese

2018-06-12T17:44:00.000+08:00

On XX XXXXX 2018, Pia gave birth to Maria Jacinta Therese.

She weighed 7.4 pounds and measured 49 centimeters.

It was the first ceasarian delivery for Pia. Nevertheless, Mike was allowed inside the operating room before Sinta was delivered via cesarian section.

Mike and Pia were happy to find out that letting the baby latch on to the mother is now required in hospitals.

Jose's Birthday Bike

2015-07-15T10:23:00.000+08:00

On the morning of Jose's third birthday, Mike and Pia surprised Jose with a bike.

They then took the children for a morning bike ride.

Jose enjoys the speed.

Ready Steady Go

2015-04-28T10:23:00.000+08:00

Mike and Pia learned about Ready Steady Go even before the Australian sports program for children came to the Philippines.

They knew this was something Jose would love to do, so when the program was finally offered at home, they enrolled Jose.

Four Plus One

2015-01-13T15:54:00.000+08:00

From the paternal side, Tala and Jose gained another cousin this year.

Welcome Gabe!

Two Plus Two

2014-11-02T17:34:00.000+08:00

From the paternal side, Tala and Jose have two cousins. Their ages are close to each other so they play easily together.

Mike and Pia would try their best to capture images of the four during play together.

But its not easy.

A lot of fun moments just happen too quickly. And besides, seeing those moments through pictures or screens is not the same as seeing them as they happen.

Still, while the four don't see each other often, when they do...

things get silly-funny very quickly.

Ninongs and Ninangs

2014-01-15T12:38:00.000+08:00

Even before Tala and Jose were born, Mike and Pia already had a plan on how to choose the godparents of their children.

1. First, Mike and Pia would choose all their siblings as the godparents for their first born. They made no assumption that they would have more than one child, even though they hoped for more than one.

2. If or when they are blessed with another child, they would choose the wives or husbands of all their siblings as godparents for their second child.

3. If a sibling (godparent to their first born) is unmarried, they would choose their sibling's fiancee or girlfriend/boyfriend as a godparent. In the absence of a significant other, Mike and Pia would choose from their close family friends.

4. The subsequent child or children of Mike and Pia may have more ninongs and ninangs (but never less) than their older child or children.

Thus for Tala, her godparents are five:

1. Mike's younger brother and sister

2. Pia's older sister and younger brother and sister.

For Jose, his godparents are eight:

1. Husband and wife of Mike's younger sister and brother, respectively.

2. Fiancee (now wife) of Pia's younger brother.

3. Three of Mike oldest school friends and two of Pia's co-shepherds.

UPDATE (2015):

Tala asked why Jose had more Ninongs.

Depending on their ages, we will have to explain to Tala and Jose both the Catholic rules on godparents and the cultural peculiarities of certain Filipino communities.

First, how many? Catholic canon says "One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex."

Second, why so many? Tatay says "It's a matter of culture and security. We intend that there will always be someone to fulfil the duties of godparents to our children, regardless of future eventualities."

Third, why more? Tatay says "We're waiting for your ninangs to get married."

Inflatable Pool Fun

2013-06-08T01:30:00.000+08:00

A big enough space in an enclosed compound has its advantages. One of which is enough space and privacy for some instant water fun on a hot day.

The kids couldn't wait.

Tala, Julian and Jose playing in Ninong Vin's inflatable pool.

Leaving a Home

2013-05-22T08:39:00.000+08:00

The rented Vinzon house had been the family's home since 2010. Sadly, because of cracks in the walls and posts caused by the displacement of the ground underneath, Mike and Pia decided that it was time to leave.

Cracks that started small but widened in such a short span of time.

The move proved to be difficult since they discovered that, in only a few years, they had accumulated so many things.

They finally decided to relocate to Mike's hometown and rent a relative's house.

Birth Day Songs

2012-07-31T20:44:00.000+08:00

On the day Tala Marie Isabel was born, while Mike and Pia were on the way to the hospital, the music playing on the car radio was Lisa Stansfield's "This is the Real Thing".

It was the one song that played completely from start to finish during their hurried trip to the hospital. When it came to the chorus, Pia couldn't help but giggle. On hindsight, Mike felt it appropriate. The song fits Tala's personality.

Then came the day Jose Andres Miguel was born. Mike and Pia were again on the same route going to the hospital. This time one song again played completely from start to finish. It was "Lupang Hinirang", the Philippines' national anthem.

Mike couldn't help but laugh a little. If Tala is the family's star, Jose will probably be its hero.

Jose Andres Miguel

2012-07-16T20:36:00.000+08:00

On XX XXXXX 2012, Pia gave birth to Jose Andres Miguel.

He weighed 6 pounds and measured 58.8 centimeters.

Mike was again right beside Pia in the delivery room. Mike took the video this time because there was no one available to take the video.

After the preliminaries, the doctors attempted to have the little baby boy latch unto Pia.

Three Names Again

2012-07-15T06:30:00.000+08:00

When Pia and Mike found out they were having a baby boy, they knew it would be a challenge in giving him a name.

Choosing their daughter's name had set up naming precedents they wanted to follow. Just like their daughter's name, Mike and Pia wanted their baby boy's name to be composed of three names.

The first name they agreed upon was "Jose", a variant for "Joseph". They wanted to name their son after St. Joseph, just as their daughter was named after St. Mary. (Tala's second name is "Marie", a variant of "Mary".)

The first name was an easy choice but the next two names weren't. In fact, Mike and Pia were stuck for several months.

During the long drawn impasse, Pia suggested "Miguel", a variant of "Michael". It was effectively naming their baby boy after Mike. "Jose Miguel" or "Jose 'something' Miguel" sounded right for their little boy. However, Mike felt his children should have a name all their own and not "borrow" his name.

Then Mike realized that two of Jose's godfathers were named Jose/Joseph. That was it. Mike finally decided it was alright to name his boy "Miguel". (Pia afterwards reminded him that her name is also closely related to "Mary" and their daughter's second name, "Marie".) They felt they were on the right track.

Two names down, one more to go, but choosing another name was getting more difficult. Mike and Pia wanted one of the names to be Filipino in origin. This proved difficult for a boy's name. Strictly following this naming convention gave them options like "Datu" or "Kris". ("Datu" is a Filipino title for chiefs, monarchs or leaders; "Kris" on the other hand is a bladed weapon). Unfortunately, it all sounded off.

Mike and Pia finally had the idea of Andres for the last name. Andres, a Spanish variant of "Andrew", meant "brave or "manly". Like the name "Miguel", this felt right for their little boy.

Still Mike had some doubts about the combination of the names. He thought "Jose Rizal na, Andres Bonifacio pa." The doubt persisted until the morning their baby boy was born. But that is another story.

Thus, it was on the day their baby boy was born that Mike and Pia knew his name would be "Jose Andres Miguel". For them, the name meant their little boy was his father's son and he would be a brave hero of the family.

Click here to continue...

Celebrating a Boy

2012-06-01T19:30:00.000+08:00

Mike and Pia thought it would be a good idea to celebrate the coming birth of their baby boy by requesting the ninongs (godfathers) to organize a little something for their inaanak (godson). After all, with the first child of Mike and Pia, the ninangs (godmothers) hosted a tea party for their then unborn inaanak (goddaughter).

Despite their busy schedule, the ninongs were game about it.

So last 1 June 2012, it was the ninongs' turn to host a "baby shower".

It was a perfect welcoming party for their baby boy. Fun games, good food and even better company.

Our Christmas Three

2011-12-23T07:43:00.000+08:00

Beginning this year, the family's Christmas celebration comes into full swing after the Christmas three is out.

Yes, Three. The Christmas Three.

First, the family parol is brought out and placed somewhere near the main front door of the home. It heralds the coming of the birth of Jesus. After all, Christmas is first and foremost about Jesus.

Placed on October 18

Second, the family Christmas tree is set up and placed in the living room. For the family, it marks the place where gifts are to be placed. It is a reminder that Christmas is about giving.

Up by Nov 1, finished by Nov 30

Finally, the family belen is assembled. The belen is a reminder not just of the birth of Jesus but of those who were with Him on the eve of his birth. Mike and Pia believes those who acknowledge the birth of the Savior are blessed.

Done by Nov 30

Merry Christmas!

Starting A Tradition

2011-11-29T08:54:00.000+08:00

Mike and Pia planned to celebrate Christmas this year by starting their family's Christmas tradition. Tradition however is easier to establish with tangible symbols. So they chose three things that would help them to pass on the Christmas spirit to their children.

They already have two of the three ready: a Christmas tree and a parol. Now they needed the last and most important of all.

The Belen.

Since Mike still hasn't "found" the Belen for their little family, Mike and Pia had to make do with some borrowed Belen figurines, at least for this year.

A "belen" is another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol.
Its a creche or tableau representing the Nativity scene.
Derived from the Spanish name for the town of Bethlehem, Belén,
it depicts the infant Jesus Christ in the manger,
surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock,
the Magi and some stable animals and angels.

A Birthday Visit

2011-11-18T01:14:00.000+08:00

It was the birthday of Mike's mother so the family went off to visit her.

Tala with Lola Nita

Mike wishes they could visit more often.

One... Two -Tree!

2011-11-01T08:46:00.000+08:00

Pia couldn't wait for the Christmas tree to be assembled. So even though it was All Soul's Day, Mike and Pia started to put up their new Christmas tree.

Unfortunately, the tree was to remain bare for a couple of weeks. It didn't even have Christmas tree lights.

With their busy schedule, it took almost a month before their first tree was decently decorated.

This was the "final product".

The family's first Christmas tree

The Family "Parol"

2011-10-18T19:03:00.001+08:00

With their baby daughter, Mike and Pia went out to buy their first family "parol" on the evening of 21 September 2011. They chose a small colorful Christmas lantern that seemed just right for their small family.

Pia had been constantly reminding Mike about getting a "parol". Now that they had one, it actually made Pia giddy.

Christmas has always been special for Pia. Last year however, with a two-month old baby daughter, they were unable to fully celebrate Christmas. This year will be different.

The "parol" is a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration.
It is usually a five point star-shaped Christmas lantern
that symbolizes the star of Bethlehem during the time of Jesus' birth.

A few days after Tala's birthday, Mike finally put up the small family "parol" to welcome the Christmas season.

Divisoria Trip 2011

2011-09-10T06:57:00.000+08:00

Divisoria has always been known for selling things at a lower price compared to the usual stores around Metro Manila- if you know how to haggle. So with their daughter's first birthday fast approaching, Mike and Pia planned a trip to Divisoria to buy things for the birthday celebration and the house.

Last September, they finally went. As expected the trip was exhausting but fruitful.

Mike and Pia were able to buy most of what they set out to purchase. They were even able to buy their very first family Christmas tree.

After the trip, Mike and Pia decided to make the trip an annual thing.

Moon Garden Again

2011-08-20T12:56:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, Mike and Pia went back to Tagaytay to visit Angels Hills for the 19th Singles Encounter Weekend retreat. It was their first SE Weekend after a long time. Instead of staying in Angels Hills however, they stayed overnight at the Moon Garden bed and breakfast.

Tagaytay will always be special for Mike and Pia.

They met there during the 11th SE Weekend retreat. They were married in a church near Tagaytay and had their wedding reception in Moon Garden.

It was fun to go back and be reminded of all these things.

Who would have thought that after five years from their retreat, Mike and Pia would be back in Tagaytay, married and with a baby daughter?

Visiting the Park

2011-08-05T11:13:00.003+08:00

It was a cool and windy Saturday, so Mike and Pia decided to bring Tala to the park. It was a spur of the moment decision.

Mike and Pia had long ago planned on taking Tala to the park, but for one reason or another, they always postponed their visit.

Sometimes its the unplanned trips that end up to be the most enjoyable.

House Help Blues

2011-07-16T09:06:00.001+08:00

One of the trials of family life is finding the right help for the home. It has been a learning experience for both Mike and Pia.

Going through many different "kasambahay" allowed them to more or less come up with an evolving set of rules:

1. Teresing Rule 1
Two week trial period to determine if the applicant is acceptable. If the applicant was referred by an "agent" and a referral fee is paid, the referral fee shall not be paid, or if paid, it should be refunded unless the kasambahay is immediately replaced by the "agent".

2. Teresing Rule 2
Six months training period to train and monitor the helper. If the helper leaves without justifiable reasons, all costs are deducted from last monthly salary of the helper.

3. Lourdes Rule 1
Never advance payment of first salary regardless of who recommends a helper.

4. Jessica Rule 1
They have strong hands, require them to be gentle in opening locks.

5. Ging Rule 1
Always require the submission of both picture and bio-data before entering your home and never after. Any sign of lying must be investigated immediately.

6.
Make it a rule not to allow helpers or yayas to take pictures with their camera phones of your children.

7. Lourdes Rule 2
If there is any sign of mental instability (like indecently exposing oneself, regularly crying at night, talking to oneself in the shower, and blank looks), immediately investigate and question the other household members.

8. Jane Rule 1
If you leave them alone at home, they might go out without locking the door to buy soft drinks. Test them first by coming back unexpectedly.

9. Jane Rule 2
Explicit no smoking rule is required.

Learning to Walk

2011-07-03T11:27:00.000+08:00

Before she was four months old, Tala learned how to turn over on her own from lying on her back. On her sixth month, she mastered sitting up and began her first attempts to crawl.

Not long after, she started to stand up. On her seventh month, we discovered that she can easily stand up from a sitting position. Now she wants to walk.

Or drive, whichever comes first.

Personal Journal Entry:

Learning to Walk

Cirque du Soleil

2011-06-30T14:59:00.093+08:00

As birthday presents for Mike and Pia, Gem gave them two tickets for Cirque de Soleil's Varekai show. It was the first time for both Mike and Pia to watch a circus.

As luck would have it, their already good seats were upgraded to the front, just six rows away from the stage. Those seats were probably not sold or its reservations were cancelled.

Varekai tickets

Pia enjoyed the show so much that her neck got a bit stiff from keeping her eyes glued to the show. Mike enjoyed it as well since he was able to ignore the man seated behind them (who found it necessary to give a running commentary on what was obviously happening during the show).

At one point during the show, both Mike and Pia wished that someday they would be able to bring their baby daughter to watch another Cirque de Soleil show.

Mike and Pia are grateful to Gem for such a cool gift!

Surprise Birthday Party

2011-06-05T15:02:00.008+08:00

Pia wanted to surprise Mike on his birthday. Unknown to Mike, Pia was planning for weeks to have a small birthday party at their home. She invited their common friends.

But Mike wasn't "cooperating" with the plan.

The plan was for Mike and Pia to have lunch at Pito and Mita near their home. Then after lunch they would go back home, and their friends would surprise Mike.

But having eaten too much at Pito and Mita, Mike's stomach decided it needed to go back home early. Pia tried to delay their return as much as possible, to which the perspiring Mike didn't take too kindly.

On the hurried drive home from the restaurant, Pia was both trying hard not to laugh and not to get worried at the same time (since all their friends haven't arrived yet.)

Fortunately, the surprise party was a success. And as far as Mike is concerned, this would probably be one of the funniest surprise birthday party ever.

the Marriage Course

2011-05-21T16:50:00.018+08:00

Sometime last May 2011, Mark C. invited Mike and Pia to attend a marriage course for couples. It was a seven-Saturday, half-day seminar course sponsored and conducted by a christian community.

It was a logistical feat to attend since they have a baby daughter to think about.

Fortunately, Mike's parents and Pia's family (Pia's parents and siblings) would take turns in babysitting Tala while Mike and Pia attended the Saturday seminars.

Although there were Saturdays schedules they could not attend, they were able to get the most out of it