Mother Fonker - To fonk is human. To mother, divine.

Another birthday...

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:01:00 +0000

I can't believe my teen is now 15!

I saw my old post about Isiah's birthday in 2008 and wow... time does speed by. I also miss the gang in my blog that time. Hello everyone, wherever you are... Sorry I haven't been updating...

Well, Isiah's 15 and things are still quite smooth sailing.

No honors this year, but that's alright.
He is much more passionate about his music more than ever before. I admire that he his regularly sets aside time to study and practice music on his own.
He is not as relationship-crazy or girl-crazy the past months, I wonder why.
He is totally into new-age yikies like meditation and chakras.
Seems like he is generally enjoying his school and friends.

I do bare my fangs for him mostly over his chore of washing the plates, but that's about it. Yeah, boring.

But for this kind of boring, I am totally grateful. Yay.

Happy birthday son. Thank you for honoring my life with your presence. Love always,

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You Know They've Grown Again When....

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:30:00 +0000

On a Friday, one son has a 3-day camp in school, and the other one booked himself to go over to the cousins. The past years, when one son sleeps over, at least one son remains. Now they're both gone.

This is even if you, the parent, have plans with your sister to go to a family-friendly venue, like the National Museum. And you didn't win over the mental arm wrestling that the remaining son just has to accompany you. It is still, after all, a family mini-adventure.

Meh.

Dalaga na talaga si Katya.

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The Eternal War between Parents and Teens?

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 10:08:00 +0000

What is this hang-up of parents about handling teens?

Why should they always be at war? Why should there be divisiveness?

It's something I don't get, why parents and teens should always take a swing at each other.

I think so far, at the homefront, me and my teen are getting along fine. The war between parents and teens can be skipped, my opinion.

I can't really say it's about starting the relationship right from the very beginning. My teen has suffered the brunt of all my angry years when he was small. If there's any child who has the perfectly reasonable excuse to harbor some long-time anger at a parent, it's him.

But I have paid my dues, and I have assured him of my apologies and I have made up from all my wrong-doings.

So far, now, we are okay. Of course, there are times that I do my usual sermon, but nothing that bad that usually burdens the toxic teen-parent relationship.

How do I do it?

By just letting him be. And by clarifying I don't do it because I want him happy always and don't want him to get cross at me, but I do it because I respect him and his decisions.

Maybe most wars between teens and parents are from those that do not recognize the autonomy of the teen. I dunno. I don't want to find out what it is. I'm good where we are right now.

Sometimes I feel guilty and wonder if I'm spoiling him... but then, he is doing well in school and has a stable group of okay friends and continuously studies his passion, music. Maybe it's just the right thing to do.

Of course, I keep a watchful eye. There are some things he does that I don't agree with but still don't say anything if I estimate it's not major. Sometimes he gets surprised that i disagree with a decision, because I just let it be.

Eh... teens are thinking people. The most you can do is watch out, guide to prevent bad things from thinking, assure that you're there in the background for easy back-up when things go awry, and guide how to get out if there's trouble. Be there before, during and after in the periphery. It's mostly about them building their confidence, strengthening the bones of their wings while you are in the background. They fly a bit, come back, fly a bit, come back. And they tend to fly more when they know you are there to fly back to.

Hope my goodluck keeps up. *cross fingers*

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Kindling our Kid's Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:42:00 +0000

I'm a little concerned over my sons' lack of "I wanna be a sumpting when I grow up."

I just realized it when I was bugging Ice (my teen's new nick. kewl, eh.) what course he was going to take in college. He is now a high school junior and some universities are accepting applications from 3rd year students.

He is now thinking of ... surprise.... social science. Both his parents are social science double majors. Where do you suppose he got this interest? From the teacher, of course.

And so I've also been bugging the little one what he wanted to be when grew up. I have always thought there was only 1 career that I would REALLY mind if any of them wanted to (i won't say it)... the others are alright. but then leon wanted a noble career. noble and life-risking as well. he wanted to be a fireman in his hey day. I hosed down his dream by telling him all about the reality of the fireman's career in the PH. bad mommy award. (whutt? i want him alive you know.) Now he is more somber and has chosen to not choose at all.

Recently though we had a adopted a cute little bugger cat that likes to chew everyone out literally, except him.

So earlier today Leon announced he wanted to be a.. janan! veterinarian.

Kewl. Bites, etc. fine. Fires no.

Now how to sustain that interest....

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Happy Father's Day, Mang Napo

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:33:00 +0000

Yesterday was just so full of love, with people remembering their dads.

Cousins, aunts, uncles and nieces remembered my dad. I felt, even though he has been gone for some years now, he has touched their lives with his happy ways. I was particularly touched when I realized a niece of mine, who was a little kid when Mang Napo was around, was also very fond of him.

Funny how he taught me a lesson yesterday even if he's been gone for so long. Some people chase a lifetime of accomplishments to be remembered by. When really, you don't need to be anything other than be happy. And people will remember you anyways.

I really feel grateful I had him as my dad.

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A Long Overdue Post about Plurk

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 10:45:00 +0000

At first, I wasn't sold about microblogging. I felt it was invasive. I felt I didn't want to be updated of the first microblog posts that I kept seeing. These are ONLY : "Good morning." "I just ate (write in food here)." and "I'm going to sleep now." Fun.

Then I read an article about this being the next marketing thing (this was in 2008). It also pointed out that marketers should get used to the discipline of saying what you want in 140 characters or less. So then and there, I decided I wanted that skill of concise communication. I signed up for Twitter.

A few hours later, one of my bestfriends IM'ed me - "Hey, do you have Plurk yet?" No, but I just signed up for Twitter today. "Try Plurk. It's much better."

So I signed up. (I want to post a pic of 1st post but it's too deep down the timeline.)

I rarely tweeted after. It just wasn't my type.

For Plurk however, I have always marveled at how its layout enabled you to have friends. And these people grew on you in the day to day plurks. The horizontal timelines made it easier to backtrack what people said. Even if you haven't been in in a while, it's easy to see what people have been up to. The vertical responses in the threads, on the other hand, allowed you to catch up to the conversations.

And then the friends grew. There were batches of close groups in my Plurk life. I have kept most of them, I have been lucky. But then, I see that it is the usual case for most Plurkers (yay!). I am also still friends with the first people who were given to me randomly when I first signed up.

The last batch of friends I got in Plurk are ones who live nearby. We have fun online at Plurk. We have laughed together at the fun posts, disagreed a lot about serious issues (and did lots of ninja hides in the process). Yes, we're still friends regardless. We have changed our profile names a lot for a timely event. During Chinese New Year we had outrageous Chinese characters as profile names. We named ourselves annoying fruits (in honor of annoying orange), election candidates, Filipino superheroes, there are more but I forgot.

And Huzzah, we've also had lots of incredible fun offline. We've drank a lot (even went out of our way for a certain beer brand), ate and ate and ate a lot together, met up for yoghurt lots of times, watched performances, went on a craft shopping day, watched movies, SOS-ed for car tows, celebrated birthdays and we will have more fun together, I am sure.

So Plurk, belated happy birthday. You asked for a blog post and this is my little gift for you. Thank you so much for existing.

:-)
kat

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Birthday is Assessment Time

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:57:00 +0000

For me,the time to assess my life is new year and my birthday.

Conveniently, both are exactly 6 months apart.

By now, my main objectives in life are more laid back and zeroed in to the more valuable versus overcoming the toxic career path.

At 34, I have worked hard for things that are important to me. I have worked, thought, strategized hard. I have bled, cried blood and sometimes did not sleep in areas that are highly valuable to me but do not compensate for cash or accolades.

That is why, at 34, my greatest achievement really, is being told by totally unrelated young people that they wished I was their mom.

According to my objectives in life, and what is important to me, yes, that is my greatest achievement in 34 years.

Yes, I'm not the greatest mom since I suck at housekeeping. But then, they wanted a mom, not a housekeeper, so I guess I qualify. :-)

As for my sons, their assessment of me is very important to me, but these are things they won't really seriously appreciate until I've gone away, so let's give them a few more decades to think if they like me as their mom.

I'm no hypocrite, though. I want cash these days. hehe.

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Look Who's Blogging Now...

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:47:00 +0000

Can a 10 year old handle blogging? Yes, I promised to monitor all his cyber foot prints, so don't worry.

I have found that blogging is good training for children.
- It makes my kid conscious of writing correctly. Especially in these jejemon times, that is a big help.
- He will learn good manners and how to treat people correctly in the net.
- He will also learn to be cautious about the boundaries of the net world.
- Most importantly, he gets lots of practice of how to organize information in his head. It's his inherent skill, fixing data neatly in his brain, but this is a great exercise.
- Plus we have another thing we can sit down together for, to think, organize, laugh, and just... hang.

I wish my teen would be interested in blogging because of the many benefits I mentioned above. However, he is not interested.

But you know how siblings go. what one has or does, will definitely pique the interest of the others.

I hope it'll be a long term thing, this blogging of his. I hope he'll learn to love writing.

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Product Review: CDO No Pork No Beans

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Tue, 11 May 2010 16:50:00 +0000

I wanted to try making chili con carne minus the hassle of puffing up the white beans overnight. So I thought of using the beans in the pork and beans in cans. I was just planning to wash it thoroughly and cook it.

To me all pork and beans brands are the same (plus we don't eat those) so I just got the first can I got hold of. When I opened it, lo and behold!, the can had mostly sauce in it, and when I washed the sauce off, the can contained about a TABLESPOON of beans. About a centimeter high worth of measly beans.

I kid you not.

I'm accustomed to pork and beans without pork, but pork and beans WITHOUT PORK AND WITHOUT BEANS is robbery.

CDO shoulda just come out with a can and labelled it "sweet, rusty red sauce".

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Elections Day musings :-)

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sun, 09 May 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Manny Villar kept quiet these past few days.

People don't get why I'm voting for him.

If there was the no. 1 reason that I'm voting for him, it's his ability to manifest his desires into reality. He has been too distracted with all the cheapy cheapy potshots he has somehow forgotten his formulaic mindset and spirit that made him a winner through his entire life.

In Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich, Hill mentioned that self-made millionaires are often misunderstood and thought of as ruthless. In truth, they consistently practice character traits that make them a winner. I think there were 13 traits, and comparing the 3 presidentiables I believe in the most: Villar, Gibo and Gordon, I had to eliminate Gordon because of 1 trait he does not apply much: Humility.

So that leaves Gibo and Villar.

Character and integrity-wise, I believe in both. But Gibo has strings connected to the current corrupt admin (If Gibo himself believes he can be upright despite that, goodluck to him). Manny's strings with people's goodwill are optional because he has prepared what he needed and does not need donations.

Another difference between the two: Manny is very much a regular citizen like you and me. And even if he can afford better, he's still the same. I believe Gibo is simple and kind-hearted as well, but even if you shuffle things around, Manny has lived a life that Gibo has not. And this life view spells a lot of difference on how each man would think.

My only problem with Manny is that he takes a lot of effort to defend. And I have my background in conversion and marketing and some PR as well, but I found it difficult in my little universe.

He had the resources and there are a lot he could have done differently.
Lesson: the most expensive PR agencies are not infallible. You can pay them millions but they can still make mistakes. You pay them to make your campaign easier, not to pull you down. tsk. Next time, combine the critiques of the ones who think a lot for the sake of thinking (they will comment on your ads as is where is), with the opinions of your target audience, with the brains of the PR agencies who think excellently to convert. Don't rely on them alone, they make mistakes and their mistakes are costly for your campaign.

At the end of the day (today literally, or tomorrow) what matters most to me is that the current bruha has a replacement. If the lazy candidate wins, I will accept it (huhu). I know his laziness is shit for the country, but to be optimistic, at least the cunningly corrupt president is on her own way out. If Gibo wins, I am hopeful. If Gordon wins, I'll be glad. If Manny wins, I'll be both hopeful and glad.

Hope everyone is safe tomorrow and the coming days.
Universe, please bless my country.

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2010 Senatorial Candidates - Who are you picking?

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I still don't have a complete list of Senators that I am going to vote for. Can anyone please help me out?

I have been wishing for this kind of list, the complete roster of 2010 senatorial candidates according to party, so I just manually did one to share with all of you.

If you know that any of these senatorial candidates below have these 3 traits, please share :
1) TALENT
2) EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENT and
3) HEART with INTEGRITY, please share.
I am looking for all 3, not just 2 traits, or 1.

I am voting for Manny Villar and Bayani Fernando, two geniuses who have all 3 traits. They are movers and shakers in their own field. If you are scandalized that I think Manny and BF have all 3 traits, then be scandalized. I still do not understand where you get trusting your next 6 years on a probably-honest, surely-unremarkable candidate. But then, I can be scandalized as well as you. Buti kung ayos na ang bansa natin, we can settle for someone who's just honest. But there is a lot of work to be done and you need a hyper duper talented MACRO MANAGER to creatively find money AND effectively direct a gazillion agencies to fix things up.

I may be voting for Manny but that doesn't mean I'm voting for the NP slate. I need to do my homework more.

I know elections are really near, but I will be researching these senatorial candidates little by little in the next weeks, and I will post if I find anything noteworthy.

NP - MANNY VILLAR - LOREN
Defensor Santiago, Miriam Palma - MIRIAM 13
Marcos, Ferdinand, Jr. Romualdez - BONGBONG 32
Maza, Liza Largoza - LIZA MAZA NG GABRIELA 33
Mitra, Ramon Blanco - MON-MON 34
Ocampo, Saturnino Cunanan - SATUR 37
Ople, Susan Vasquez - TOOTS 38
Cayetano, Pilar Juliana - PIA 10
Querubin, Ariel Oliva - MARINES 47
Remulla, Gilbert Cesar Catibayan - GILBERT 49
Tamano, Adel Abbas - ADEL 54
Pimentel, Gwendolyn De La Llana - GWEN 44

LP-NOYNOY ~~MAR~~ ~~BINAY~~ MAR
Acosta, Jr. Nereus Olaivar - NERIC 1
Biazon, Rozzano Rufino Bunoan - RUFFY 7
Drilon, Franklin Magtunao - FRANK 14
Guingona, Teofisto III De Lara - TG 19
Hontiveros-Baraquel, Ana Theresia Hontiveros - RISA H. 20
Lacson, Alexander Ledesma - PINOY 23
Lao, Yasmin Busran - YAS 26
Recto, Ralph Gonzalez - RALPH 48
Roco, Sonia Malasarte - SON 51

KBL-ACOSTA SONZA
Albani, Shariff Ibrahim Hussien - SHARIFF 2
Espinosa, Nanette Meliton - ATE NANETTE 16
Lood, Alma Abella - ALMA 29
Maambong, Regalado Estrella - DODONG 31
Papin, Imelda Arcilla - IMELDA PAPIN 42
Villanueva, Hector Labao - KA HECTOR 60

BP - EDDIE VILLANUEVA- YASAY
Alonto, Zafrullah Marohombsar NOLDY 3
Inocencio, Ma. Katherine L. Reyes KATA 22
Nikabulin, Adz Ganih COUNT HABIS 35
Ocampo, Ramoncito Poblete MONCHING 36
Tinsay, Alexander Britanico ALEX TINSAY 58
Virgines, Israel Nicolas DR. ISRAEL 61

PMP - ERAP - BINAY
Bautista, J.V. Larion J.V. BAUTISTA 4
De Venecia, Jose III Perez JOEY 12
Enrile, Juan Ponce - JPE 15
Estrada, Jinggoy Ejercito JINGGOY 17
Lozada, Jose Apolinario Jr Leconia JUN 30
Tatad, Francisco Sarmiento KIT 57

ASSORTED
Bautista, Martin Donato - DR. BALIKBAYAN 5
Lim, Danilo Dela Puz - GENERAL DANNY 28
Osmena, Emilio Mario Renner - PROMDI 39
Osmeña, Sergio III De La Rama - SERGE 40
Palparan, Jovito Jr Salvaña - JOVI 41
Princesa, Reynaldo Relucio - PRINCE 46
Sotto, Vicente III Castelo - TITO 53
Caunan, Henry Buenaventura - HENRY 9

LKS-KAMPI GIBO EDU
Bello, Silvestre III Hernando - BEBOT 6
Bong Revilla, Ramon, Jr. Bautista - KAP 8
Guico, Ramon, Jr. Naval - GETS KO 18
Lambino, Raul Loyola - RAUL 24
Langit, Rey Magat - REY LANGIT 25
Lapid, Manuel Mercado - LITO 27

AKP- JC- CHIPECO
David, Rizalito Yap - LITO 11
Imbong, Jo Aurea Marcos - ATE JO 21
Paredes, Zosimo Jesus II Mendoza - JESS 43
Riñoza-Plazo, Maria Gracia De Veas - GRACE 50
Tamayo, Reginald Balisi - REGIE 55
Sison, Adrian Ordonez - ADRIAN 52
Tarrazona, Hector Mirasol - TARZAN 56
Valdehuesa, Manuel Jr Echem - MANNY 59

Why do we need a Senate anyway?

Can we just have a senate who won't make new laws unless absolutely necessary because there isn't any that would address the 21st century?

Can they just go back to old laws and amend everything for an abundant and progressive 21st century?

Wish wish wish...

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Links to Randomly Selected Senatorial Candidate Profiles

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sat, 08 May 2010 23:59:00 +0000

I will be compiling links to profiles of randomly selected 2010 Senatorial Candidates. No order, no preference, will just post what I continuously find...

I hope this list grows and you can choose your senators easily...

The more popular candidates, I will post the more personal things I find about them.

Gwen Pimentel - child advocate, legislative expert. Interesting... will think about it.

Yasmin Lao - gender and peace advocate. I would like Muslim representation, and I prefer a woman. will think about it.

Miriam Santiago. Tough yet comedic, I still can't resist this lady despite her shortcomings... yup, I'm voting for her.

Bong Bong Marcos. I always kid that I am alloting one whim vote from the 12, and that Bong-bong is my whim vote. I am voting for him on the sole basis of good looks, secondary na lang ang brains and achievement, LOL. I like his tweets.

Ariel Querubin. Marines, military hero. Main criticism: cannot follow the chain of command.

Alex Lacson. "Patriotism chicken soup" writer. My 2 cents: If you can inspire people with your thoughts, stay there. Sincere, heartful mush does not necessarily translate to excellent legislation.

Alma Lood. ehmm... Ehmmm... I can't find anything except, married to Mr. Lood. Right.

JV Bautista. Dude's okay, but I'm not too warm about voting... Need to learn more.

Kata Inocencio. Media broadcaster, child advocate.

Bebot Bello Am interested. I would like to learn more about him based on the link. Superhero ad dumbs him down though. Does not really give pull the heartstrings to show how fine a man he is, and his excellent qualifications for legislation. He is a priority in my short list.

Thanks to all the sources, as well. You know who you are... Sent you link love... Please link back if you like :-)

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Discussing Voting for a President with Young Boys

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:45:00 +0000

I don’t remember what triggered this discussion, but earlier today I was talking to my sons about voting for a president.

“I really wonder why millions of people even want yellow to be president… Heck, he isn’t a doer. He’s lazy and can’t even do well what it is he’s supposed to be doing. (Making/ amending laws and arguing over social justice, bla bla bla)”

I searched in my head for something they can relate to, and this is what came out:

“What if your teacher said…

"Class, divide yourselves into groups. You will have to do a project that is 50% of your grade. You know that this is a VERY important project.

"After having your group, you have to pick a leader. Since it is very important for you to get that high grade, you know you have to choose well.

"Do you choose the group member who just likes sitting in the group, looks at everyone and doesn’t do anything to finish that project?

"Or do you choose the group member who you know is very smart in that subject, who also likes to help finish the project, talks to your classmates and have them do their parts, asks the teacher if some things are not clear, and also easy to talk to?”

If you were in that group, which classmate would you choose for leader?

Ah, you may say, you’re making it too simplistic. It’s not the same.

Precisely, if your candidate doesn’t even qualify to lead in this simplistic story, whyda hell ju even want for him to lead the country?

If I were in that story, I’m choosing Manny Villar.

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Real Boys : Book by William Pollack

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:18:00 +0000

I am currently reading "Real Boys" by William Pollack. It's an old book, published in 1998, but the issues are as real as today, as it was years ago.

I am just at chapter 5, but the book validates my gut feel all along. To treat boys as carefully and thoughtfully as you would girls. Recognize the differences between them though. Girls are talky2 and more affectionate, while boys are more energetic and action-oriented.

Boys can never have too much love. They have fallen into the Boy Code trap for so long, they have been left lonely and afraid, behind the mask of toughness.

Boys need moms, they need dads. Single moms can raise a son as well, as long as the mom clarifies to herself what is her stand on masculinity.

So far, I have learned that you as a parent, should trust your instincts on the best way how to raise boys. You know your son and yourself best. You can teach the values you would want your son to have.

Can't agree more. I look forward to finishing it. In fact, I carry the book everywhere in the house, so that I can easily reach for it when I have the spare time.

It's a good read. Do pick up a copy if you see one.

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Nakakasuya ang Puro Maliit na Detalye ang Tinitingnan sa Kandidato

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:33:00 +0000

Magsalita ka naman ng maganda tungkol sa kandidato mo, at tigilan mo na ang pagsasalita laban sa hindi mo iboboto, e wala ka namang pakialam sa taong yon.

Nasusuya na ako sa pulos maliliit na detalye na lang lagi ang tinitingnan kay Manny Villar. Kesho hindi mahirap, bla bla bla... Tingnan nyo na lang kung ang isang kandidato ay may inherent qualities at experience maging isang NAPAKAgaling na Macro Manager.

Maayos ba nyang makukumpas ang iba-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno? Pano kikita ng pera ang Pilipinas, paano gagastusin, pano titipirin. Paano magbibigay ng serbisyo? trabaho, edukasyon, kalusugan. Paano hahawakan ang military, ang kalikasan, etc. etc. Kung hindi si Villar ang kandidato mo, okay naman yun. Bawal ba na magkakaiba tayo ng iboboto? Paliwanag mo nga bakit dapat pare-pareho tayo ng isip. Tss.

Working class ang mga Villar na yan. Gumigising ng madaling araw para kumuha ng paninda. Magtitinda, papasok sa skwela. Ano ba problema dun? Ganun din naman sa pamilya nyo. Ang magulang mo, gigising ng maaga para kumita. Kung iisa ang magulang na may silbi, tutulong ang mga kapatid. Kung nanay mo lang ang nagtatrabaho para sa gastusin sa bahay, at panganay ka, hindi ka ba tutulong sa nanay mo? Walo pa ang kapatid mo. Hindi ka ba magmamadali galing skwela para tumulong sa nanay mo?

Kung sino man kandidato mo, ipagsigawan mo kung san sha magaling. LAHAT ng kagalingan, isigaw mo. Yun ang ipagkalat mo. Kung magaling ang kandidato mo sa maraming bagay, mabuti.

Kung wala naman shang galing kahit saan, e good luck sayo, bakit mo iboboto yan.

Basta yun ang tingnan nyo - paano magtatrabaho at mamumuno kapag nahalal. Tsaka yung pagnenega, tigilan na. Hindi ka naman nakakabago ng isip ng kausap pag puro pangit ang sinasabi mo. Kung gusto mong makaimpluwensha ng tao, magsabi ng maganda.

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Stimulate the Happy Hormones in your Child Through Sports

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:30:00 +0000

10-year old is taking taekwondo classes this summer. He's waited for about a year and now he's all happy and sunshiney taking his basic course. I enrolled him at the Diliman Preparatory School Summer Enrichment Taekwondo Program. The kids there have been winning competitions through the years, so I'm sure the coach is very capable.

Yesterday, I noticed that most kids were all smiley in class. This is regardless all the hard work in the lessons. Students have to run, stretch, concentrate on the movements, shout/ scream, kick, assist, jump, etc. There was also no age consideration in the tasks. Whatever the tiny yellow belt pre-schooler did, was the same task for the yellow belt teen.

And I thought, well, all this hard work brings about Endorphins, the natural happy drug in your body that is both a pain-reliever and a mood enhancer.

But then... this is also what I noticed in Boy Scouts (I think I've written about this somewhere). During Scouts Awarding Ceremonies, Boy Scouts and parents are all smiley and comfy in each other. I noticed that in Academic Awarding Ceremonies, there are some teens and parents who have a strained interaction. They like to scowl at each other. It makes me really thankful the teen and I don't.

However, as I pondered more about this, my eyes drifted to a late mom and student. The student was rushing to wear the taekwondo uniform. Mom tenderly lifted the kimono over the son's head and put it on. She fixed the belt and straightened the kimono. She nodded and gave her son a smile, a signal for the child to run and join the class.

Then my eyes wandered to the 50 parents and caregivers sitting patiently, waiting for their kids.

Ah, so endorphins can be one factor, but when parents make time for your activities, any kid would be all smiley regardless the hard work.

So parents, sports for your child can be an excellent idea. It's cliche but true.

Exercise makes kids happier. You may not be there each and every time like the other parents who can afford the time (like work at homeys like me). But you can participate by taking your child to class, or take a half-day off once or twice at the office so you can wait at the sidelines sometime.

Kids can feel you may not be able get away from the office, but you did. And that can stimulate their happy hormones as well.

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Mother Knows You Only Too Well, But...

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Let me guess. When you were a kid, you can name at least one mom (either yours or someone you know) who has said "I know you too well, I'm your mother." I'm guessing some of you moms also say that or are proud of yourselves for that.

My mom likes to say that for any of us sibs. It can get quite annoying if said in an unpleasant context.

Well, here's a newsflash - The inverse also holds true. Your child also knows you all too well. And this knowledge can be used in goodwill or otherwise.

- -

A few weeks back, 10 yr old wanted to attend a birthday party on a Sunday. And Sunday is Grandma day. "hmmm..." I told 10 yr old. "If your gran finds out you're attending a birthday party she'll say you are a (hidden comment #1). She'll also say, why did you (hidden comment #2). Do you think you are (hidden comment #3)?"

So that Sunday, we did visit grandma. Early afternoon, 10yr old told gran we were leaving early because he wanted to attend a party. Grandma's reply: "(hidden comment #1). (hidden comment #2). (hidden comment #3)." So we went home early. Even if we left with snide comments in the air, Leon wasn't glum as he usually would react. He was laughing... because everything I quoted was actually said!

- -

Recently, I finally consented for the boys to have a PSP thingy (a reward for their good grades, said the giver). The other day, I asked the boys to please put some cute games in so that I will borrow that thing sometimes. My teen put in something I really liked. A game similar to O2 Jam, where you're supposed to hit the keys simultaneously with the musical notes.

I couldn't help but smile, he knows me only too well...

- -

Yes, we do know our children only too well. But don't forget that our kids have brains and know you only too well back. Let us give our children leeway, because they're accommodating us as well.

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Saving Up for Something You Want - Bonggang Bonggang Bongga Mode

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:18:00 +0000

One of the things I keep getting off feelings for regarding this elections is - why are people seething with anger at this rich presidentiable Manny Villar? Poor mentality much?

As parents, we always tell our kids, if you want something, save up for it. So our kids have their own piggy banks and we get surprised at what they can buy or do with their money. You'll suddenly see a new gadget, or they have money to start a small income generating project this summer.

We do that too. We save up for our kids' school tuition fees, we save up for a car down payment, we save up for a home renovation, etc. etc.

For president, I really prefer somebody who asks "How much will I need for a campaign if I want to run for president?" Computes it's a billion or two, checks his capacity to earn, and ACTUALLY SAVES UP for this amount?

Implications behind Manny Villar Saving Up and Spending his Own Money:

Who is he beholden to when he wins, de-cryers of corruption? Nobody.

Unlike the usual leader who asks money around or receives support money from both legitimate and shady sponsors, who are those people beholden to? Businesses, crime lords, other governments, the list goes on and on. It is a big source of our government's cancer, this symbiosis of padrino support and paying back your padrino later through favors, regardless of hell and shit.

I heard that Manny Villar accepts pledges of support, but not their cash. In the end, HE CAN accept or refuse "suggestions" from these supporters. It can cut the vicious cycle of corruption, people (at least in his immediate executive circle, which is a BIG deal). Wake up.

The other popular candidate keeps on hammering he is anti-corruption. In his heart, in his individual place in the universe, maybe I can believe that. But does he have the reality to stand up to an incorrigibly corrupt network and resources system? I doubt it much too much too much.

Disclaimer: I'm not related to this candidate, and I don't have relatives running under him either. Some people around me may like this guy, but I have my own opinion and prefer this guy regardless.

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Earth Hour is Not Just About Lights Out

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:10:00 +0000

We've had fun for the last 2 Earth Hours in 2008 and 2009. We go home to my mom's and we all chill at lights out. We played games in 2008 and had music jamming in 2009.

my teen with cousin playing chess

This year, we wouldn't be able to do Earth Hour together due to some stuff we have to attend to near our home on Sunday. So I decided to just have Earth Hour lights-out here.

I know the nitpickers whine on about Earth Hour not making a dent on changing the planet. For me, it is more a reminder-event to love Mama Earth. And this is an especially nice occasion to teach our children to love her.

Niece with the poster outside our house

- -

Early today I reminded Leon about some things on Earth Hour. I hope you'll also share some of the points with your kids.

Please also tell your kids that Earth Hour is not just about saving electricity but also about:

- Remembering to conserve water. But no, skipping taking a bath does NOT count.
- Loving animals. Your pets plus others' pets plus animals as a whole.
- Loving plants
- Loving the soil and everything on it.
- Being conscious of trash, and using stuff only as needed.
- Keeping the house clean. Same as with your community.

I've said this before, but I believe it is only Mama Earth who can fully heal herself. However, if our generation and our kids' and their kids' etc etc love Mama Earth, then we can do little things to help and she can heal herself fully.

And now my favoritestestest Earth Hour 2008 photo:

Ghosty at Earth Hour? Nah, that's my mom. (lmao)

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When Your Teen is Sad

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:18:00 +0000

My teen-ager was visibly emotional yesterday. Turns out his favorite teacher was leaving. People in his class were all abuzz online, sad at this turn of events.

It is easy for us adults to rationalize something like this. It is easy to tell them life will go on. However, for teen-agers, especially ones like my son who have built a personal relationship with a teacher, they can be heart broken.

Me, I have always been a klutz at comforting and other forms of legitimate mush. All I can offer is not say anything at all (some Filipino parents can go as far "Don't be so melodramatic!"), and not invalidate his feelings with the "life must go on" crap. It is true, but it's still crap for the griever.

When our kids were little, all we had to do was plant a kiss on the booboo, and they will be all-smiley again. When they grew a little, a soothing pat seemed to do it. But now, things are different. They are learning to face their emotions now all by themselves. They will fix themselves up whatever you do in the background, whether you do something or none at all.

Our kids need to experience their own sadnesses. There is no point for us parents to shield them from everything. It is tough to learn that life continually changes. Most of the time, a phase in your life that is quite happy is really just a phase. You move on to the next phase, and you make your own happiness again. And so on and so forth.

It takes some effort to bite one's tongue and not react immediately to our teens'reactions. Sometimes they are totally just whining for the heck of it. But sometimes, there is a totally legitimate reason and we should just, as they tell us every now and then, "back off". They will come around, surely.

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Ways to Occupy (/Torture) Kids This Summer#1

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:42:00 +0000

Summer is here in the PH islands and kids everywhere are buckling up for the final exams. Summer means it's time for us moms to rack our brains on how to let them while away some of their time productively. Not to mention to also rack our brains on what to feed them while their here at home for the next 2 months.

After my previous broken heart over kids' lack of literary motivation, I have decided to add some stuff to do here at home over the summer.

- Take up reading to my child again.
- Give their dang gadgets some legitimate productive use with audio books.
- Let my kid read to me.

Read to the big kid again

10 year old has always enjoyed my reading to him. A few weeks back, even if he is quite a grown little man already, he brought down his copy of Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" and asked me to read it to him for old time's sake. I can only happily oblige. I guess there are some stuff from your parents that you never outgrow. In my house, it's me reading to them.

So, because of my concern about their lack or literary ehem motivation, this summer I pledge to read to 10 yr old again. BUT! I'm taking it a little too nerdy to the next level. I have decided to read to him all those nice and bad-ass English short stories written by the luminary Filipino writers in the early 20th century. Those are pretty great, really. And I think he'll be able to get those.

Audio Books

Got this inspiration from a Plurk pal, who uses audio books to occupy himself during long drives. There are lots of free e-books over at the Gutenbergproject.org. I will have to ask (but its actually, ehmm, require) them to complete listening to 1 audio book over several days. Ooh yes, I will ask questions. Sinister idea: why not OD them on audio books UNTIL they beg for the old school hard copy books? hehe... I will think about that.

Let 'em Do the Read- Aloud!

This time around, I should be the one to listen to them read aloud. Maybe short poems. I got this pretty cool book from Binondo "100 Tula na Nakakatuwa" (100 Amusing Poems ) by Julio F. Silverio. Those have mostly fun poems that I think even the most de-motivated reader will get a laugh out of.

Speaking of, I found a gold mine of classic literature books reprints at Merriam Webster in Binondo. Most of the reprints go for below P100 and there are A LOT of titles. So another assignment of mine is to get some and conveniently leave them cluttered around the house, in places where you can't help but reach for a book and read. (Such as the john).

Good thing that over at our other house, grandma's house, where we always go to congregate, my sister prepares for summer by buying the newest bestsellers for kids (last year, it was 39 Clues and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series for them) so at least the newer books are covered as well.

It really sucks to have a nerd mom. *Sinister laugh fades off into background...*

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Heart Broken Mom

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Few weeks ago, 14 yr old was bugging me about a school project. Instead of the boring book report,they were supposed to act out in front of the class a book character. It was a pretty cool assignment. You can't act out if you don't do your book report first. So it's both a book report AND theatrical assignment.

"Who should I do, mom?"

Hmmm.. How about Holden Caulfield?

(Uncomprehending scowl)

Holden Caulfield? From Catcher in the Rye?

(Uncomprehending scowl)

As in THE Holden Caulfield from Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger?

(Bored, and gave me the "I went on to the next universe" look)

"Mom, I want to do someone that my teacher knows."

Heller, if your teacher is a real lit teacher, she'd know Holden Caulfield!

"No, she won't."

Arg! I haven't heard about the project after that.

Tuesday was presentation day. Monday night, these high school students were all aflurry over this project as evidenced by the voluminous IM messages, SMS tone alerts and voice calls hovering in the background. Plus I caught a glimpse from afar of a looong thread in Facebook where the classmates posted who they were to do.

By the simple chit chats I overheard, I realized that the only characters these high school teens mostly knew can be categorized to 2 groups:
Fairy tales homies and dudes in books turned into movies.

As I am/ was a lit-junkie, all I can say is:

HU-WAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Sniff, sniff...

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Weirdo Dialogue

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:03:00 +0000

This happened last week but didn't get to write it down. These fancy dialogues are a treat for me, so I might as well write these down for posterity. I'm sure we'll all have a laugh or two (or more) someday about these.

Last week, 10 yr old asked for money.
"Mom, cam i have money?"
"Look in my wallet. It's in the white bag"

As I have trained them to never get anything from my wallet, when they ask for money they get me the entire purse or wallet, and I'm the one who fishes the cash.

For someone who didn't like talking much until he was well past 4 yrs old, now this kid can't shut up.

As he looked through my purse, 10 yr old babbled in an automated voice :

"Searching.... searching... Searching complete." He walks towards me. More weirdness "Results found: One." And he hands me my wallet.

I swear, we're all talky-talky-communicative in the family, but I don't know where he gets the idea to go about like this.

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You Know They've Grown Again When...

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:52:00 +0000

I've never done this to my kids, but some parents tell their kids "If you're bad, I will go away."

I knew my 10 year old has grown again when I told him before my night out, "If you're going to be so difficult, I will stay in and cancel." Watch me watch you the whole night.

Yeah, that pretty much got him behaved. I was able to go out. ;-)

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Diliman Preparatory School QC Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (kat or leon) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:03:00 +0000

Summary: This is a School Review, based on our family's experience.

If you are looking for an excellent school in Quezon City for your elementary or high school children, Diliman Preparatory School along Commonwealth offers up-to-date competitive curriculum in Mathematics, Sciences and Reading. They also have excellent extra-curriculum activities that will help give your children a holistic education.

Last week, at my son's academic achievement awarding ceremony (he got the no.1 honor in class again, yay! Good job, son!), the CEO of the school talked to the parents about the achievements of the school for the year, and the changes for next year.

To be quick about it, this year, Diliman Preparatory School:
- started with the Singaporean Math curriculum
- used the very new Learning by Design Reading program (it's a research-based and assessment-based reading curriculum)
- I noticed they introduced Robotics this year
- There are more changes I approve of but I won't list them down.
- Many physical changes that make the school better as well

And for next year:
Diliman Preparatory School will have a more active sciences thrust.
- They'll have their own Planetarium (!!! I like.)
- Marine Biology, Astronomy and Climate Change for their subjects
- have a Robotics Club and Debate Club

and I didn't know they received a "School of the Year" award, I just didn't get the details.

The tangible results are fine and I'm happy about it. But if there is anything I appreciate the most from this school, it's the philosophies of school officials (I've heard it from different individuals from the staff on different occassions) about "raising" and honing the kids.

For one, they want the students to be critical-thinkers and problem solvers. Excellent, just like what I want my kids to be as well. It's consistent with the goals of what I'm doing here at home. Once, one of the speakers-staff also gave a speech for the kids about being entrepreneurial. It might sound scandalous for the other parents, but for me, I totally approve.

Another, they involve the kids not just by letting them sit in the class and listen to teacher discussions, but there are a lot of more-than-fluff activities for the children that help them learn stuff you don't usually in school. For example, they also learn about cosplay, they have halloween, etc. These are stuff we offer at home, but some kids do not experience this with their parents, so it's nice that everybody gets exposed somehow.

And, now that I think about it, I noticed that the homeroom teachers of my boys noticeably monitor them. They know details and share it during conferences, and I truly appreciate that.

I remember when one of my sons used to be high-strung and hyperactive in 3rd grade. If you were a teacher, you wouldn't like him. hehe. I went to his school to watch him for a program and went up to his classroom. The kids were waiting for their turn to perform and were in their costumes. I watched my son from outside, he didn't know I was there. The teacher doesn't know me, either. It was my mother-in-law who always went to his school then. My son was spinning round the room like a mini-hurricane in his costume. I remember how his teacher called to him, and when he approached, I thought he was going to be reprimanded. Instead, she tenderly straightened out his costume, even if he was being extra naughty more than the class mates.

My post has been ultra-long, but I can't help it. I have a lot of good things to share about this school.

If you are looking at schools that will help your child grow, please look up Diliman Preparatory School along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. If you want to inquire about viewing or applications, the trunkline is Tel. 931-0731.

PS. I forgot to mention, in Diliman Preparatory School, parents are always welcome to watch help out in any activity. I always gate crash to watch activities, even if parents are not invited (heehee). Some of the parents do too. Of course, we let the kids do their thing but I like that parents are welcome.

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