Posts Tagged ‘bonding

14
Mar
09

SATURDAY FUN

I had a LOOOOOOOOONG Saturday with Ity (a.k.a my lovely wife Tina) & our son Gabby but it was again a whole lot of FUN… and LUCK!

The first of our agenda was to eat at Pepper Lunch in Shangri-la mall. Since my comment card to those awesome sizzling meals that we had before was chosen as one of those lucky ones last month, I received a text message early last week that I am entitled to a FREE Pepper Rice Meal on my next visit.

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Traffic was heavy on a late Saturday morning but nevertheless, we made it in whole piece to the mall & immediately hit the basement for another Do-It-Yourself dining experience. Before entering the fastfood, Ity already picked what she’ll order from the poster outside while I spotted the top man of PL himself, no less than Jeroen Van Straten. He doesn’t know me but he commented to my first post about PL. I just knew him from reading other blogs & ofcourse googling his wife’s chuvaness blog.

I was asked by the staff at the cashier to sign their list of lucky diners as I claimed my Beef Pepper Rice meal. After which, I ordered Ity’s preference. It was so sweet I only paid for Ity’s meal and I had mine FREE!
Honesty begets LUCK!

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Ity had COMBO CUT STEAK & HAMBURGER
(Php 280 if A La Carte, & PhP 355 with rice & drink)…
Look at how it’s served hot & fresh!
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A bit of mixing and “cooking” and voila, deliciously tender meal!
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The staff gave Gabby a balloon & a giveaway mobile accessory…
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My son had to pose with my lovely wife before eating…
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A couple of weeks ago I ate CHICKEN PEPPER RICE & liked it. But I just wanted to try other meal every new visit.
This was my PL plate : BEEF PEPPER RICE
(available at PhP 198 A La Carte, & PhP 235 if with coke).
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Here’s how it looked like after mixing & “cooking” it with the yummy honey brown sauce…
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Completely GONE AFTER THREE MINUTES !
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We agreed that we’ll definitely have future visits to Pepper Lunch soon.
Can’t wait.

PEPPER LUNCH Shangri-la Mall
Garden Court level, Mandaluyong.
(63-2) 631 6410

PEPPER LUNCH Rockwell
Power Plant Mall,
Rockwell Center, Makati City
(63-2) 895 6185

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

Next thing we did was to walk to Megatrade Hall in Megamall to attend the 2nd day of the Nurse Expo as my colleagues in Allgen the Intelligent Review participated in the talks to attendees and had a booth complete with raffles & giveaways for valued nurses.

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This was the booth Allgen had where nurses trooped to inquire about how we make them NCLEX-RN & IELTS passers.
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Allgen people showed videos proving that we’re not only NCLEX-RN and IELTS review center but we do out-reach programs within our community such as medical mission and feeding programs enough to attest that we highly believe and support the potentials of Filipino nurses.
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ALLGEN THE INTELLIGENT REVIEW
5/F TM Kalaw Center Building,
667 TM Kalaw Avenue, Manila
(63-2) 567-2749
+63918-4688222

http://www.allgen.net

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

Then we strolled along Megamall, did some window shopping and few hours after, we decided to eat again. This time after sizzling japanese food for lunch, we had Hawaiian barbeque and rice (again!) for merienda. We had it at OHANA…

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I had HAWAIIAN CHICKEN and PORK BBQ COMBO (PhP 149),
MANGO and BANANA SMOOTHIES (PhP 65)
Exta HAWAIIAN RICE (PhP 22)
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Taste was not bad, but I just thought that Hawaiian BBQ was not that different from the usual grilled meat that we’ve been eating here. Never been to that part of US yet so I cannot distinguish authenticity =)

OHANA HAWAIIAN BBQ
2/F Bldg A, SM Megamall,
Mandaluyong

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Then right next to OHANA Hawaaian BBQ is KIDDY’S ART TOWN. It was already past 6PM but my son has still the energy and enthusiasm to do art works in this little kiosk for children.

First step: Select the design that the kiddy artist would like to color…
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Gabby chose the sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea :
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!
We were provided with a small tray with RUBBER COLORED PAINTS in squeezable tubes, some pieces of cotton buds, tissues & small sticks that were used to wipe colors beyond the outline. The chosen design was put in an aluminum plate.
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Look how SPONGEBOB acquired his colors from his artists….
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All we had to pay for the entire art work activity was the design that cost PhP 180, inclusive of everything. Kiddy’s art town even provides apron to little painters…
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And since the COLORED PAINTS used were RUBBER, a minute of heating in an ordinary microwave will complete the entire process…
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Presenting the final art work…
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We ended the day by sipping a dose of caffeine at Starbucks Coffee in the Atrium of Megamall. BTW, I was also given a stub 2 weeks ago at Starbucks Trinoma which automatically came out of the cashier register as I turned to be that day’s lucky coffee drinker entitled to have a free tall cup of any blend next visit after I did customer’s survey on-line. So my iced caramel macchiato yesterday was availed for FREE.
SOME GOOD THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE!!!

Having fun activities with family need not to be expensive; more importantly is to enjoy making memories.
Till our next family bonding! Thanks!

28
Feb
09

ONE PROUD DADDY

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God is really BEST! We were only praying this morning for Gabby not to forget his lines as he go up on stage to deliver his 2-stanza-poem entitled, “For My Country” but He made it possible for my son to win 3rd place out of 51 Nursery students, of two sections, mostly 3 1/2 to 4 years of age, in 2009 Twinkle Toes Academy’s Declamation contest held at the auditorium of Stella Maris College, Quezon City.

Not that the venue was far from our place, in fact it’s only 5-minute-drive, perhaps we were only excited for Gabby’s first scholastic/extra-curricular activity so we woke up at four in the morning to prepare for the 7:30AM call time as stated in the school’s memo to parents, that Twinkle Toes Academy teachers intended to promptly start the contest at eight. True enough we were the earliest birds at the venue, we got there an hour before their call time; at least we never rushed for we’re not late and got ample time to smile for the cam…

Gabby & my lovely wife, Tina…
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Gabby looked even more contest-ready when he wore his Barong complete with buri hat and met his classmates who were also geared up for the competition. I was telling my parents who sat with us at the auditorium that I don’t remember having such activity as early as preschool. Kids now really take one-step ahead in all aspects compared to our generation who were mostly brought up timid & shy, unaware of public speaking & who mostly lacked self confidence during those wonder years…

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That’s MY BOY!!!
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GABBY with his classmates/co-contestants…
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the new cast of Going bulilit, err Sesame Street…Batibot???!!! we wish!
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BACKTRACK last December, just before they had their Holiday break, teachers distributed randomly, the different poems to each kids for them to memorize. That’s when Gabby started reciting his piece even during showers.

FOR MY COUNTRY
I surely love my country,
the land in which I live.
And to my own dear homeland,
my trust & faith, I give.

But just to love my country
is not all that I should do.
I must be strong & noble,
courteous, brave & true.
Being a Filipino,
that’s all I should do.

Here’s the video of his award-winning piece, “FOR MY COUNTRY”…

After the 51 nursery pupils declamed with some went up the stage with not only costumes but backdrops & props, there was a 20-minute break before the program host gave the floor to the 71 preparatory kids’ declamation contest. And about an hour before noon time, we just found ourselves walking Gabby to the stage to accept his 2-feet trophy. It was really an amazing experience. Imagine, an achiever at an early age. We can’t help but be proud of him. He’s the champion for us.

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This one’s for the books, err blog!!!
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And Gabby’s equally proud Lola & Lolo (my parents!)…
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Then my parents gave their apo a VICTORIOUS lunch treat at Super Bowl of China in Gateway Mall…
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We munched on DIMSUM PLATTER…
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BEEF with BROCOLLI, YANG CHOW FRIED RICE…
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CRISPY LEMON CHICKEN…
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and a bucket of TAHO for Gabby…
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YOUR MOM & I ARE REALLY PROUD OF YOU, SON!
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27
Feb
09

SANTINO!

This one’s a revelation. I admit to watching teleseryes (TV series) of ABS-CBN with Tina & Gabby on primetime and for the first time will confess that I found myself with crocodile tears on an episode of May Bukas Pa. Call me jologs or even sentimental fool, but I really think that the simple story of the child Santino communicating with “BRO” seems like effective means of reminding adults like me, moreso the kids watching that keeping a personal relationship with the Lord is a priority of our existence and only He is always present with us amidst trials and triumphs.

This is the main plot of the series sourced from abs-cbn.com :
When he was just a baby, Santino (Zaijan Jaranilla) was abandoned by his mother in a monastery. Santino was raised by the caring priests Father Anthony (Jaime Fabregas), Father Jose (Dominic Ochoa), and Father Ringo (Lito Pimentel). As a young boy, Santino will find a friend in a mysterious person named “Bro” who will help him change the lives of the people in their town. May Bukas Pa is a story that is set to open the eyes of viewers that there will always be hope amidst trials and difficulties. Miracles don’t just fall from heaven but comes to those who keep their faith.

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For a little cynical-judgmental-sometimes sarcastic-sinner like me, crying over a movie or a TV series is so unusual & rare except if it’s really something that moved me. Tonight’s episode of May Bukas Pa was really a tear-jerker, particularly the scene when Santino is being fetched by 2 social workers from the priests who adopted & raised him. The priests agreed on the turnover of custody for there was no legal adoption between them & Santino’s unknown parents. I’m no avid fan of Dominic Ochoa & Lito Pimentel (who are playing priests & fatherly to Santino) but these 2 actors were really effective in that scene. I myself was surprised with how I reacted with that episode. Perhaps I imagined myself in the same situation. I am a dad to my 4-year-old son Gabby & I guess it’s difficult for parents seeing their child being taken away. It’s a dysphoric moment even if it’ll be for the child’s betterment. As Shakespeare put it, “Parting is such a sweet sorrow.” It’s just so heart-breaking.

14
Feb
09

LOBO : UP, UP & AWAY!

It’s not often that we see an elephant, a coca-cola bottle, and a red mug of cappuccino FLY high in the sky…img_3952But we certainly did when we attended the 14th HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA at Clark field, Pampanga.  It’s an annual festivities of EVERYTHING that FLIES!   Made me want to hum, “Up, up & away on my beautiful balloon…” lol. :D

logoMy entire family had an overnight stay at one of the villas of Fontana Leisure Park a day prior to the fiesta and made sure that we’re at the venue before those colorful hot air balloons take their flights.   We all got up from bed at around 3:00AM, reached the venue from our villa in Fontana at around 5AM, then saw the preparation of the participating countries in this one big balloon fiesta!  We trooped to the site on its 3rd day (the fiesta started 12 February 2009)  at dusk and saw how those lovely balloons in their flat linens forms until they were graciously inflated. We had our breakfast of rice & spicy barbecue on location few minutes before the 1st flying object was seen on air.  I, for one, did not contain my excitement to experience such for the first time.  It was really a FUN experience! An unforgettable way to celebrate the day of hearts with my whole family…

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This is my son Gabby who was also in awe when we had that extraordinary, really amazing weekend…

The event started with a national anthem and an aerobatic performance with the national colors descent from heavens…

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Then one by one, we gladly witnessed those colorful balloons flew to the skies.  It was an awesome sight!

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Isn’t it obvious that this balloon became my favorite; such a burst of colors in the air!

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And there was also that flying cereals : Kellogs!

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Of course, my wife Tina & our little valentine GABBY are still lovelier than those balloons…

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A red cappuccino mug-balloon that came from New Zealand caught our interest  for 2 reasons :  we’ve been to Auckland back in 2005 for 7 week-vacation and has been missing it now, and Tina and I are both coffee-addicts! 

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Even a yellow phone booth managed to fly up in the air…

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Goofing about a yellow flying phone booth…

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There were also mascots to entertain kids and the kids at heart…

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Celebrating HEARTS’ DAY IN STYLE!

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Despite the fact that we barely slept for this event and the long travel that we took  just to be there;  it was all worth it!  :)   We enjoyed every minute we spent watching those balloons fly!  It was all pure FUN! :)    

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Till our next bonding moment…:)

23
Nov
08

A DAY IN SERENDRA & BONIFACIO HIGH STREET

We love Ayala Malls.  Since the day Tina and I started dating about eight years ago, Glorietta has been our favorite.  Tina admittedly, was never frequent goer to malls in Makati before she met me.  Then came Gabby who also made Glorietta, Greenbelt and TriNoma his play and stroll places.  He has been enjoying Timezone arcades and Starbucks frappuccinos in those malls since he learned to walk.  I realized that I accidentally made my family mall-rats like me.  Going to a mall has been an outlet for me to recharged and relax after a week-long work or during times of hassles.  What I like most about these Ayala malls beside being family-oriented environment is that they are eco-friendly too. Having trees and gardens in between their posh establishments made them unique at least here in Manila.  I have been to most of them including the one in Alabang and in Cebu but never to Bonifacio High Street and Serendra until a day before Tina turned 32. 

       

We had our lunch first at our favorite Dad’s, Saisaki, Kamayan’s Ultimate buffet in Glorietta.  Take a look at my first plate, it’ll make you salivate…

   I started heavily with assorted seafood kebab in pesto sauce, ham and lengua from Dad’s and tamago rolls and some yakisoba from Saisaki.. then ebi tempura and plate after plates, we heartily satisfied our gastronomic cravings.

        

Then we went window-shopping at Rustan’s, took a peak at the good-buys for the holidays, ofcourse we took pictures too for we are photo-addicts. 

        

And we decided to finally go to Bonifacio High Street and Serendra to see and experience the current ”it” place that people talk about.  It was like Botany mall in Auckland, New Zealand where we used to stroll and enjoy for few weeks 3 years ago when we were there for a vacation.  Boni High Street and Serendra are not only made of food shops and boutiques but an expensive community in the middle of Taguig where few years back was just a vast land of cogon grass. Though most shops are of high-end, it’s a great place to have a morning or an afternoon stroll, where one can walk a dog, window-shop, or spend a good dinner.  

      

       

          

          

          

    

       

If my familiarity with some things serves me right, I think this emerald sculptured fountain in Serendra across Boni High Street is without a doubt one of Orlina’s glass masterpieces.

   

        

Then our mall-hopping won’t be complete without a cup of coffee and frappuccino from Starbucks. We had it at 3rd floor of Fullybooked before ending our day with a smile.

19
Jan
08

REUNIONS

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A lot of gatherings happened with just the beginning of the year. Reunions keep our ties intact. And these made my first three weeks of 2008 unforgettable.  My dad-in-law came home from Missouri for the holidays last month, and my wife Ity, my son Gabby and my sis & bro-in-law spent time with him in Subic & Tagaytay. The day he left for the US was the first week of vacation of another relatives. My Tita Glo, Tito George & cousin Ann went home from L.A. to spent their break here and to celebrate with all of us, my Lola Tentay’s 88th birthday. It was only last night when I saw again my relatives on my paternal side almost complete at the dinner for my lola’s party. Just like any other birthday celebrations, it was a thanksgiving for the life she has been living, and for all the blessings our whole clan is receiving. All of my relatives were so happy to see my son Gabby so big & so healthy.

I also had reunions with my former students. The top 6 of Nursing Licensure Examination 2007 June who was my student for 2 semesters in Medical-Surgical Nursing visited me last week during my class. Aynne came to school with her classmate, Jeff who is also RN now.  Both of them asked me to sign recommendation letters as they complete requirements for their applications in various hospitals. Aynne also submitted a letter of reference to the school’s admin, stating she attributes her success with my humble contribution.  Five of her batchmates from other section (4211) also came for a visit to ask me if I can serve as their character reference as they hunt for jobs in local hospitals.  One of my reviewee in USGC-Ubelt Review Center (tel # 741-1584) also took efforts in seeing me during work just to thank me for she just passed NCLEX. Another surprise reunion for me happened only last Thursday, when two of my Batch 2006 students, RL and Susan also visited me just to show their gratefulness, for both of them are already NCLEX and IELTS passers. Those meetings keep me sane and serve as proofs that I am still doing something right somehow, in encouraging my nursing students to do more and exert efforts in their studies for the rewards will be great someday.

As I blog this, I and my wife & son are set to meet our friend Rob this afternoon (with another friend of 15 years LG) who always comes home for vacation every 3 months for a break from his paramedic work in mid east.

Whether simple or planned, it is an understatement to state that reunions enrich our lives with memories. With that, I’m rich in experience again this early time of the year.

Till my next gathering …




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