kids | beyond toxicity

Posts Tagged ‘kids

Feb

A VISIT TO ORPHANAGES IN PENANG

03 February 2013, Sunday. As we left Tina in our apartment in Butterworth for she needed to prepare and do a lot of things for the new week, Gabby and I hopped on the Rapid Penang Bus to Penang Sentral; took the almost weekly routinary 15-minute- ferry ride from jetty to reach Georgetown and took another ride to get into Straits Quay -the meeting place of bloggers who volunteered to the program called, Time To Give Back, to visit 3 orphanages in Pulau Pinang organized by Responsible Blogging Malaysia 2013.

I was the happiest Daddy in the world when my son volunteered to tag along. I regarded the opportunity as a very special one as it doesn’t happen on a daily basis, that we get to reach out in our own little way to children who badly needed aid. Gabby’s eagerness to participate was remarkably surprising as he traded his time in watching cartoons and kiddie movies for this activity. Tina and I couldn’t be grateful enough for the chance, as charity was defined to our son not only by our words but by his own experience.

That shopping bag on the first photo above was filled with his own used clothes and a few toys that he personally chose and prepared with his mom.

Gladly, we reached Straits Quay, a premier seafront shopping, dining and residential complex in the island, about half an hour prior to 12noon – the call time for this event. We hurriedly grabbed some bites in one of its restaurants before we met the other volunteers.

Thank you, Chatime Malaysia for being one of the sponsors! Your iced teas and milk teas truly quenched our thirst last Sunday! The kids enjoyed the drinks, the volunteers too!

Subway sandwiches, you’re really are a favorite! Even long before this activity, Subway’s a family favorite! Thank you for feeding all of us! May your generosity be followed by other food establishments!

We departed Straits Quay and arrived safely in Ramakrishna Ashram. A fine weather greeted all of us!

Apparently, this humble post aims to inspire and encourage its readers (yes, you!) to extend their helping hands by either donating generously, participate-in-a-sponsor-a-child-program, contribute in the children’s new school building fund. Details and information are all in their website via http://theramakrishnapg.org/

“To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children,
to leave the world a better place,
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived,
this is to have succeeded.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This orphanage and the other two that I will be featuring next, also received one unit of tablet from another sponsor, Ninetology Malaysia.

One of the orphanage’s posts in their bulletin board is a heartfelt gratitude :

I personally endorsed Gabby’s donation to the “uncle” who’s one of the people-in-charge of the kids in Ramakrishna Ashram.

Although we only spent a little over an hour and left with everyone and headed to the next orphanage, moments were very meaningful. No words were needed to explain everything to Gabby. We were all reminded by the experience to appreciate and value more whatever he have.

*Contact details of The Ramakrishna Ashrama (Orphanage) :

37, Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang | Tel: +604-2270869 | Fax: +604-2278921

E-mail: ramkorp@hotmail.com | Website: http://theramakrishnapg.org/

*This blog post is part of the series that includes :

Again, thank you to the sponsors of this worthwhile activity :

NINETOLOGY
CHATIME MALAYSIA
LANGKAWI CORAL
ALEXTAN ARTWORKS
CROWDPOT.COM
SUBWAY SANDWICHES (LEITH STREET, iAVENUE, SUNTECH)

*Special thanks goes out to the people behind www.responsibleblogging.my for allowing us to participate in this worthwhile endeavor.

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Nov

THE NIGHT WHEN EVERYONE’S YOUNG

By docgelo 2 Comments

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and MALAYSIA
Tags: children, dances, doc gelo, docgelo, education, expat blog, expat blogger, expatriate blog, family, family blog, filipino family, kids, music, penang malaysia, performances, school, songs

About a couple of weeks ago, Gabby came home with an award…

What can we say but we’re so proud of him as always! Apparently, the certificate came in early prior to their Awards and Graduation Night. The recognition of the achievers and contest winners in their school were cited during the same night when little kids also graduated from their levels. Parents, teachers and children in Gabby’s school here in Butterworth, Penang gathered once more just like last year at the pool side at the 5th level of the apartment building where Gabby’s school principal resides.

And similar to most gatherings, it started with a simple and casual dining! Yum yum yum!

In between awarding ceremony and raffle draws, there was the cute graduation of the little kiddos!

Twas an evening of performances too! All songs and dances were performed by Gabby’s schoolmates themselves. Gabby was involved in two dances, one of them was an interpretative dance and the other one’s pop but both were religiously inspired.

Photo-ops with the Filipina who works in Gabby’s school…Salamat, Ate Josephine!

And Asian smiles from the Malaysian school owners and colleagues from Pakistan whose children are Gabby’s schoolmates…

Congratulations, anak! You did a great job! We’re always proud of you! We love you!

________________________

Jun

A DAY AT THE MUSEUM

By docgelo 6 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: amateur photography, art, art pieces, children, congkak, culture, d' ark, d' ark school, d'ark private school, doc gelo, docgelo, dslr, education, expat, expat life, family, family blog, family life in penang, fastfood, food blog, foodie, fort cornwallis, francis light, fun, george town, george town penang, georgetown penang, heritage, history, http://docgelo.com/, kids, masterpieces, mcdonald's, mcdonald's happy meal, mcdonald's meals, museum, museums in penang malaysia, must see in penang, must visit in penang, nikon, nikon D7000, ocw, ofw, old town, old town penang malaysia, old town restaurant malaysia, paintings, parenting, penang malaysia, penang museum, penang state museum, personal blog, photography, photos, private school in malaysia, private school in penang, sir francis light, sungka, tourist spots in penang

9th June 2012, Saturday. If you must know, Gabby already joined an educational trip back home when he’s still in his pre-school years, so this one’s his second but his very first in Penang. Despite the fact that I have already been to the itineraries before, Tina and I made sure that we attend to our son’s because it’s one way of spending quality time with him. It wasn’t only Gabby and his schoolmates, a few parents and teachers who enjoyed their field trip; Tina, my mom and I also had fun! Oh, yes, the entire family was there! It was an absolute breather from our routinary work-home-work-home-life during weekdays and there’s no brighter day than seeing our child happy. Moments like this are non-negotiable.

Everyday, there’s a ton of things to be grateful for. The weather’s fine and we received little acts of generosity from people who have a ready hand even without asking. We didn’t need to call a cab to transport us from our place to Gabby’s school as both his school’s Principal and his service van driver offered to pick us up. The day was too perfect to start by breakfast in one of our favorite food places, Old Town. After filling in our tummies, we took few steps towards Gabby’s school and hopped on the tourist bus.

There were two itineraries for this field trip : The Penang State Museum and Fort Cornwallis. I have been to these places before but not with Tina and Gabby. Going back to places rich in heritage, history and cultures with family and schoolmates is definitely a learning experience. And as for Gabby and the other kids, they were given a task to complete before lunch; answers to the questions on the ”quiz” provided can be all found inside the museum. Hats off to Principal Jasmine for doing such! Going through the display in the museum became twice the fun!

A lot of things in this two-level museum can easily fascinate anyone. Although it’s filled with things that Malays, Chinese and Indians of Malaysia’s history used in ages, present generation including our kids can relate to them. Case in point, those luggages and trishaws for traveling, and children realized without saying that their tablets, smart phones and other gadgets would have not been brought to market if these things of the past had not been used.

TYPE ko ito, what about you?

It also houses a modest but beautiful collection of art pieces…

In the Peranakan or Straits Chinese chamber, one of the highlights is an intricately designed Wedding Bed…

And an authentic photo of a Peranakan couple taken on the day they tied the knot…

The Penang State Museum also has interactive sections that Gabby and Tina tried…While watching them play congkak or what we call back home as sungka, it made me wonder how many children nowadays still know how to play or at least, care to learn these games amidst online games and applications available now?

Photo-ops is a must in a field trip…

The group proceeded to Fort Cornwallis, in Esplanade, Penang; it’s the largest standing fort in the entire Malaysia.

If you’re Filipino or someone who has gone to Manila, this would make you feel like it’s Fort Santiago, although I would proudly state that the forts in the Philippines are far better built and preserved.

History and Wikipedia stated that Sir Francis Light initially took possession of Penang Island from Kedah and built the original fort. At present, his monument stands proud near the gates of Fort Cornwallis. The fort is one of the favorite tourist spots in George Town, it’s also used as a venue for cultural shows, and a park where most prenuptial photos here have been taken…

On a much lighter note, Fort Cornwallis became my family’s venue for kulitan (*insert english translation here*…google it if you please)…

When the clock turned into lunch time, we all had to go back to the tourist bus and head back to the mainland to wolf down one of those kiddies’ favorites, McDonald’s…

Because of work (for Tina and me) and school (for Gabby) during weekdays, we only get to spend more quality hours together as a family every weekends, so activities like this that promote family bonding, learning and fun are always welcome! It’s always a priceless treat!

How was your weekend, everyone?

Feb

OUR HONG KONG DISNEYLAND TRIP 2012 : SPECTACULAR BURST OF COLORS

By docgelo 46 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, HONG KONG, ILOVEPHOTOS and TRAVEL
Tags: acrobatic acts, acrobats, amusement park, andy's toys, angelo nino m. santos md, angelo nino santos, angelo nino santos md, beyond toxicity, buzz light year, children, disney, disney characters, disneyland blog, disneyland parade, disneyland park, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family bonding, fast pass at hong kong disneyland, floats, goofy, gymnastics, hong kong, Hong Kong Disneyland, hong kong disneyland blog, hong kong trip, jungle book, kids, lantau island, lilo and stitch, main street, mascots, mickey and minnie mouse, mickey mouse, midwest look, parade, parades, photography, pluto, simba, stitch, the magic of pixie dust, theme park, tinker bell, tinkerbell, toy story, toys, TRAVEL, travel photography, traveling, travelling, USA, vacation, woody

He's the major reason to watch the Flights of Fantasy Parade at Hong Kong Disneyland!

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND IS UPON US!

You may think I have lost my sanity but granting that I am still single and hypothetically speaking, one could marry a theme park, without a doubt, I would definitely wed and give my forever commitment to Hong Kong Disnyeland, bar none! haha! I could not see any reason why anyone would not dare LOVE Hong Kong Disneyland; everything a kid and kids-at-hearts could ask for is present there–day and night! It’ll be a never ending happiness! Life would be more colorful and whimsical! But then again, I LOVE TINA and GABBY SO MUCH and TOGETHER, WE ALL LOVE HONG KONG DISNEYLAND!

Out of the 5 Disneyland Park locations around the globe, I am grateful to have experienced 3 of them already–Hong Kong, California & Tokyo (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) making only that in Florida and Paris still on my bucket list.

Every Disneyland Park has uniquely beautiful charm but that in Hong Kong remains close to our hearts. Reasons are beyond words, let our photos on this blog entry convince you why. So are you ready for some 80+ photos to view and some raves to read?

Don’t ever think I am overwhelming you…

I believe there’s NOTHING TOO MUCH in HONG KONG DISNEYLAND’S MAGICAL EXTRAVAGANCE!

Ready? Here we go!

After our memorable long trip from our present place in Butterworth, Penang to Kuala Lumpur to our arrival in Hong Kong Disney’s Hollywood Hotel and our fantastic Dim Sum Lunch at Crystal Lotus Restaurant in Disneyland Hotel, we excitingly trooped to Disneyland Park via the resort’s shuttle bus.

Tina and Gabby at the entrance of the park. Happy much!

Because we already have our 2-day theme park tickets (and fast passes to 3 rides), passing through the turnstiles at the gate was fuss-free.

Gabby to me : “Daddy, jump shot!”

And because he’s on the healthy-chubby side, Gabby wasn’t able to jump high, but nevertheless his smiling eyes said it all! hehe!

After a brief photo-op at the entrance of the park, our group was led to the Main Street, U.S.A., the first of the five lands inside the park where Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad, Animation Academy and the City Hall are located and where Main Street vehicles are parked. Food places like the Market House Bakery, Main Street Market and the restaurants, Corner Cafe (that offers premium American menu; it’s where we had our dinner on our first night which I will post soon!), and Plaza Inn (that provides Cantonese cuisine hosted by Maxim’s) plus a number of novelty and souvenir shops are housed.

Walking through Main Street, U.S.A. again instantly brought back blissful memories! It was surreal!!! I smiled when I remember my first visit to that same park when my parents brought me and my siblings there. I also recalled our trip about 5 years ago when I got a chance to bring my own family–Tina and Gabby to the Happiest Place on Earth. “Time flies so fast,” I silently uttered. Then I looked at my wrist watch and it’s almost few minutes before 3:30PM, the FLIGHTS OF FANTASY PARADE is about to start!

MAIN STREET, U.S.A.

With a very fine and cool weather (Thank God, we didn’t have a downpour!), the welcoming atmosphere was very apt for fantastic parade-watching! People of all ages already found their own areas to watch the parade at one end of Main Steet, U.S.A. just in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Everyone was organized and was patiently waiting for the floats of our favorite Disney characters to pass by.

While everyone was anticipating the magical parade to begin, we were ushered to our reserved exclusive viewing area for the Flights of Fantasy Parade…

Notice the rope and pole that secured our reserved exclusive viewing spot? We absolutely felt more than VIPs with such treatment! You too can enjoy the experience of DISNEY’S PRESTIGE TOUR that includes :

Direct Entrance to All Attractions (including RC Racer, Toy Soldier Parachute Drop and Slinky Dog Spin at the park’s newest attraction, Toy Story Land which I will post soon!)
Reserved Seating for Theater Shows
Exclusive “Toy Story Land” Themed Pin Box Set
Exclusive Viewing Area for Flights of Fantasy Parade
All for 3 consecutive hours for up to 6 guests (HK$3,888)

or you may opt to avail of DISNEY’S SUPREME TOUR that includes :

Direct Entrance to All Attractions (in Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Adventureland only),
Reserved Seating for Theater Shows
Exclusive Viewing Area for Flights of Fantasy Parade
All for 3 consecutive hours for up to 6 guests (HK$ 3,200)

It’s a wonderful experience to meet the warm and friendly, Disneyland’s Tour Hosts!

Our group’s exclusive Disneyland’s Tour Hosts were Janice (far left on the photo) and Danny (the only guy on the photo).

THANK YOU SO MUCH, HONG KONG DISNEYLAND!

Sleeping Beauty Castle, Hong Kong Disneyland, 17 February 2012

*Because Tina, Gabby and I were so amazed with the Flights of Fantasy Parade, we watched it twice on 2 consecutive days in 2 different spots. Thus, some photos here were taken on Friday, February 17, 2012 at the VIP area at the MAIN STREET, U.S.A., and some were snapped the following day just in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle

FLIGHTS OF FANTASY PARADE

Expectators know that the parade’s about to start when the Grand Marshall’s car rolls on the street…

Dumbo and Timothy Mouse in “Dreams Take Flight”

Who would be more fitting to open the Flights of Fantasy Parade but the cute elephant with ears that make him fly, Dumbo!

Dumbo’s even cuter when he flips his ears and blinks his eyes!

Then came the Disneyland Marching Band, oops, let me rephrase that –the Disneyland Marching and Dancing Band!

They surely have the tunes, the moves and the smiles!

A quick glance at Wiki : “The Flights of Fantasy Parade premiered on January 18, 2011 as part of the Celebration in the Air, celebrating the 5th anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland. The parade celebrates the dreams of Disney characters and includes Disney characters such as Mickey, and friends, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Baloo & King Louie, Tantor, Simba, Tinkerbell, Stitch and Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The parade includes seven floats which include Mickey’s Magical Airship, Caught Up in Daydreams, Romance Takes Wing, Jumpin’ Jungle Jam, The Magic of Pixie Dust, Hangin’ Ten and Ridin’ High, and To infinity and Beyond. This parade replaced the former Disney Parade which had been running since the park opened in 2005.”

Don’t you just love those wind instruments?

“Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A. Wonderful feeling, Wonderful day!”

…Alright, I’m still having a hangover of the parade!

The colorful flags and ribbons thrown and swirled into the air by dancers in virbant costumes were followed by the float of Mickey Mouse and his friends!

Mickey’s Magical Airship

Mickey’s giant airship called, Flights of Friendship has his friends on board –Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Chip n’ Dale.

Chasing rainbows with Minnie Mouse!

Witness Mickey Mouse dance on air! Click photo to enlarge.

Seeing Mickey Mouse up close never fails to bring out the child in us!

Mickey Mouse is an epitome of every child’s fantasy!

You're the mouse, Mickey! You're the mouse!

We so love his float!

Chip or Dale?!

Let’s salute Donald and Goofy!

If you must know, Flights of Fantasy Parade is exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland. And one thing unique with it is its being interactive. I didn’t see that awesome parade-perfomer-audience interaction in parades in Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea when I went there in 2010 nor in Anaheim, California back in 2000; perhaps things have changed now for the better. In Hong Kong Disneyland, dancers, performers and cast members encourage the kids to participate in the fun of the parade! Even some from our group joined the limbo rock! It’s just that our very own Gabby was so shy to actively involved himself in the street fun! Perhaps on our next visit.

The float of Mickey’s Magical Airship was followed by the float inspired by The Adventure of Winnie the Pooh.

Caught Up In Daydreams

Eeyore and Tigger were ever present with their friend, Winnie.

An eye-candy for me were those prostheses used by Tigger-dancers for jumping and hopping!

Those cast members must love their job of hopping and jumping with those cool-leg prostheses! I want a pair, haha!

There are specified areas in the park where a certain unit or float would take its full stop to fully entertain the audience.

And in Winnie the Pooh’s Caught Up In Daydream colorful float, four bungee-jumping performers rise and somersault in the air and do their tricks!

She may not be one of the Disney’s Princesses but she’s definitely Winnie the Pooh’s hunny!

Romance Takes Wing

After that playful Winnie the Pooh float, comes the Disney Princess unit called, Romance Takes Wing.

Regal, elegant and lovely. These words seems an understatement to describe the cast members dancing in the street, ushering the Disney Princess float.

A crowned swan airboat nestled on a bed of roses takes the Disney Princesses : Cinderella, Snow White, Belle (from Beauty and the Beast), and Princess Aurora (from Sleeping Beauty).

The sweet smiles and fine movements of these Disney Princesses makes the afternoon even more enchanting! They smile and wave and move perfectly like those in the cartoons. I wonder what happens if anyone of them needs to sneeze. *just kidding!*

Jumpin’ Jungle Jam

Vivid and bright Safari-inspired costumes of cast members with their impressive moves can immediately put anyone into that “Lion King” mood!

Precision in dancing coupled with widest smiles must be pure talent!

Baloo & King Louie from Disney’s The Jungle Book, Rafiki and Timon and of course, Simba -all from The Lion King and Tantor from Tarzan bring life into the Jumpin’ Jungle Jam float!

Hail to the Lion King!

After that African-designed float comes various fairies and Tinker Bell!

The Magic of Pixie Dust

It’s Tink!

Tinker Bell is on board a cotton float, ushered by four fairies driving bug cars and two flower girls following the unit.

I love that feather-dart detail at the back of Tink’s The Magic of Pixie Dust float!

I like this photo; looks like Stitch is chasing Tink!

Even the Hawaiian themed animated characters, Lilo and Stitch participates in Flights of Fantasy Parade with their windsurfing float!

Hangin’ Ten and Ridin’ High

Hangin’ Ten and Ridin’ High proudly features Stitch windsurfing in the air and beneath his image are two daredevil acrobats that swing a rattan-looking airboat up in the air! Amazing!

It’s fun to watch them rock that airboat! While leading the Haiwaian street dancers are no less than Lilo and Stitch!

Beautiful Oriental lady-dancers dressed in pink grass skirts smile and say, Aloha!

I like to have those sneakers in various hues, one for each day of the week. But then again, without Hawaiian shirts and shorts and a beach or a parade like this, one may appear histrionic! hehe!

While my mom was viewing these photos at home, she became so particular with the picture below, so she called and asked me, “Is this boy, Gabby?”

Our articulate son, told his grandma, “Lola, I’m not that boy; look at his shoes, I’m not wearing those shoes and jacket in Disneyland.”

And then, there’s the handsome cowboy, Woody…

To Infinity And Beyond

Admittedly, Toy Story is a personal favorite! Tina and Gabby love it too! If I could have a collection of huge toys, it would have to be Buzz and Woody!

The newest attraction in Hong Kong Disneyland is Toy Story Land which will be included in my next post. It is expected to see Woody and Jessie and Buzz Lightyear leading the float representing Toy Story Land and their memorable fun and touching movies, of course.

Hi there, Buzz! ....To Infinity And Beyond!!!

Green Paratroopers, Rex and Hamm adorn the eye-catching float of Toy Story!

Wonderful parade, isn’t it?

Flights of Fantasy Parade is more than enough reason for people to visit Hong Kong Disneyland. It’s such a visual feast; a burst of colors that everyone will surely enjoy!

You may have viewed the photos of the parade on this humble site but being there and experiencing the parade itself as it happens before your eyes is totally a different overwhelming experience! Indeed, fantasy comes alive in the Flights of Fantasy Parade! Whenever you find time to go to Hong Kong Disneyland, the parade is always a spectacular you should not missed!

Stay tuned on this blog for more fascinating features about Hong Kong Disneyland! The magic continues soon! *wink*

DocGelo, Tina and Gabby are extremely grateful to Hong Kong Disneyland! Thank You So Much! Until our next visit!

Watch out for more posts about Hong Kong Disneyland! –there’ll be more of Family bonding.Food.Fun soon!

———————————

About Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers immersive, unique Disney experiences for all families, generations and ages to enjoy. Hong Kong is one of only five locations in the world that is home to a Disney themed park and the many Disney characters that are beloved the world over, such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. Since the Grand Opening in September 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland has received more than 31 million Guests from around the globe. Through the unique product offering and the world-class service provided by the 5,000 strong Cast at the theme park and the two hotels, the Resort has received outstanding Guest satisfaction ratings and a range of awards from the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

If you want to know more about Hong Kong Disneyland and want to enjoy a unique magical experience, click on to http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com for more information.

For the latest news and photos from Hong Kong Disneyland, please visit our media website at: www.hongkongdisneyland.com/news.

This Blog Series Includes :

Dec

CHRISTMAS BREAK 2011 DAY 8 : BISPERAS NG PASKO SA ULINGAN

By docgelo 42 Comments

Our Christmas Break 2011 Blog Series includes :

En Route To Pinas
Day 2 : Ulingan, Tondo

————————–

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I was once lost but now am found. Was blind, but now I see.“

“T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear; the hour I first believed”

Even Santa Claus found time to visit the children of Ulingan.

“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.”

“The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.”

Thank you generous donors, co-volunteers and supporters of Project Pearls!

Bigay ng BreadTalk

“Yeah, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.”

“When we’ve been here ten thousand years. Bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise. Than when we’ve first begun.”

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.”

Pagpalain Nawa Tayo Ng Maykapal.

*Thank you so much PROJECT PEARLS (through the amazing photojournalist-blogger, Mr. Sidney Snoeck of the award winning blog, MY SARISARI STORE , the generous soul behind PROJECT PEARLS, Ms. Melissa Villa, and the rest of my co-volunteers) for sharing with me one of my most unforgettable experience in ULINGAN. Your unselfish efforts to help the children and their families living in Ulingan is awe-inspiring.

*For those of you who would like to contribute, donate, share, volunteer and help, kindly contact and coordinate with PROJECT PEARLS. Thank you and God bless!

*Amazing Grace, the song used in this post was written by John Newton.

Dec

CHRISTMAS BREAK 2011 DAY 2 : ULINGAN, TONDO

By docgelo 51 Comments

Categories: Attitude and HEADLINES
Tags: charity, children, corned beef, corned beef meal, doctor, education, family, generosity, helping others, jollibee, kids, luneta park, manila, med mission, medical mission, medicine, metro manila, Philippines, poor, poorest of the poor, poverty, poverty in philippines, project pearls, rizal, rizal park, slums, third world country, tondo, ulingan, underprivilege

18 December, 2011. Sunday. 2nd day of our days off from work in Penang. *Arrival and Day 1 to follow.

Prelude : People who have been chronically exposed to coal dust of about 15 to 2o years are at risk to develop COALWORKERS’ PNEUMOCONIOSIS also known as “black lung disease” which is a progressive and incurable disease. Imagine the plight of those babies, children and their families living in Ulingan.

—————————-

I tried to win the battle against the alarm of my mobile by curling up in bed a bit longer but my sleepy brain was telling me that I needed to wake up at 4:15AM with the thought that I shouldn’t be late to my appointment on a very early Sunday morning. Resistance as they say, is futile. So after my quick but necessary morning rituals, I kissed my wife and our 7-year old son goodbye while they’re still dreaming and immediately hopped on a tricycle from my relatives’ place in Pasig City and rode a jeepney to LRT 2 Santolan Station. From there, I took the train for less than half an hour to Avenida, Recto Manila. One more jeepney ride and I found myself at the corner of Kalaw Avenue.

Because I left the house with an empty stomach, I felt the urgency to fill it in. I surrendered to one of my favorite Jollibee breakfast meals -fried rice, egg, corned beef and coffee. Solb!

En route to our meeting place, I walked through Rizal Park (formerly known as Luneta Park back in my childhood). It’s good to be back here after some time.

Glad to see you again, fellow MD –JPR.

To say that Rizal’s iconic is an understatement. The sight of his monument was so apt to further fire my willingness that day to participate in a medical mission of PROJECT PEARLS in Ulingan, Tondo, Manila. I had a chance to become a manggagamot again just like JPR in joining this worthwhile activity. Thanks to SIDNEY SNOECK (a Belgian photojournalist whose heart is in the Philippines and thanks to his facebook account and his famous and award-winning blog, MY SARISARI STORE) that I got to know MELISSA VILLA (the soul behind the charitable organization) and PROJECT PEARLS.

I had arranged the schedule with him few days before my family and I left for Pinas. Sidney and I met up in front of Manila Hotel at around 7AM and together we went to Ulingan in Tondo, Manila.

In my 35 years of existence, I have heard so much poverty in my country commonly personified by people of Smokey Mountain who thrive in rubbish. But it was only last Sunday when I saw and experienced the gospel truth behind issues I’ve read and heard. The sight was terribly haunting.

Sidney : “Doc, I’m sorry I failed to ask you to wear proper footwear. Your shoes will get muddy and dirty.”

Me : “Don’t worry, it’s already muddy even before we got here.”

I should’ve been prepared to wear rubber boots (the ones worn by fishermen, wet market vendors, and the like) however, I had no hesitation to soak my shoes just to reach (out to) Ulingan.

Unbelievably, a community exists in this part of Manila.

“ULINGAN is a small slum community in Tondo, Manila that sits on a dumpsite and surrounded by charcoal factories that emit toxic smoke; there is no electricity, no access to toilets or sanitation. Children and families have no choice but to live with soot, garbage, mosquitoes, flies all day and all night. The common meal is “pagpag” (leftover food from fast-food restaurants scavenged from garbage sites). “Pagpag” means to shake away the dirt and maggots in the food.” -sourced from the website of PROJECT PEARLS.

These are their homes– the abodes where they face life’s challenges, the houses where they build their dreams…

Sidney noticed the potted greens -proof that people of Ulingan still find time to make their surrounding a little pleasant despite and inspite of their condition.

This is their usual food, “pagpag” which is sold at PhP 15 per pack…

This is their common past time…

And this is how they make a living…

Sidney told me that children who work for their families in Ulingan remove the nails from the pieces of wood they collect from else where, then other workers would burn them under an "earth" where smoke is emitted day and night. It takes 2 days before charcoal is ready.

Before a sack of charcoal can be sold to about PhP 320 each….

the end consumer might be clueless that young and small hands were behind those uling...

Imagine breathing the smoke and living with the tons of rubbish day and night. Think of babies born by mothers within Ulingan with only midwife to assist and manage them. Life is unbearable but people here are probably the most resilient to tolerate such difficulties.

The main purpose of my trip to Ulingan began immediately after I was brought to the Project Pearls Learning Center.

Despite my heart was breaking at the sight of everything and everyone in Ulingan, inspite of the fact that my respiratory tract wasn’t getting along well with the polluted atmosphere in that community (I have not puffed a cigarette stick in my entire life but believe me, the feeling was probably worse than chronic smoking. I only spent half day in Ulingan but it also took me another six hours to breathe with less discomfort), I was silently jumping for joy upon seeing these…

Thank you to those who donated medicines for us to prescribe and dispense that day. May God bless us all!

*photo courtesy of ace photojournalist, Sidney Snoeck. Thank you, Sid! Mabuhay ka!

Assessing his frontal mass, apparently an infected wound with a complaint of pain and swelling in his mouth. Because we didn't have sterile instruments, I gave a referral note for surgical consult and management at a nearest hospital.

Do you remember the song, Paraiso sung and recorded by the group, Smokey Mountain and if I’m not mistaken, composed by Ryan Cayabyab? The lyrics came to my mind when I was in Ulingan…

“Return to a land called paraiso,
A place where a dying river ends.
No birds there fly over paraiso,
No space allows them to endure.
The smoke that screens the air,
The grass that’s never there.And if i could see a single bird, what a joy.
I try to write some words and create
A simple song to be heard
By the rest of the world.“

Their eagerness and enthusiasm to read and learn despite and inspite of everything are inspiring! Hope is alive in their hearts!

His eyes tell so much tales…

but his hands and feet certainly melted my heart…

As a father to our 7-year-old son, I feel so much for these kids. They’ve been exposed to unimaginable severities in life and were robbed of their childhood. Look at their eyes and peek into their souls…

It was a day that I will not forget for as long as I live. Sidney was repeatedly thanking me before we left Ulingan but I told him the pleasure’s mine. Had it not for him and the organization he’s in, I will not be reminded to make the most of what we have, and MUST THINK BEFORE WE COMPLAIN because we are more blessed than people of Ulingan who certainly know how to SMILE AMIDST ADVERSITIES.

Thank you to all my fellow volunteers…

Thank you, Project Pearls, Ms. Melissa Villa and Mr. Sidney Snoeck for giving me a chance to experience this worthwhile endeavor.

Find me in a sea of unsung heroes. It's an honor to be with them! *photo courtesy of the awe-inspiring photojournalist and award-winning blogger, Sidney Snoeck.

Another wonderful shot by Sidney–this time with Lola Felissa, a 99 year old woman from Ulingan. It’s just amazing she’s still up and about, can still walk and stand straight as if she’s not in her late geriatric years!

One more year and Lola Felissa from Ulingan will be a centenarian! I have not even lived half of the years she enjoyed in life! Mabuhay ka, Lola Felissa! *photo by Sidney Snoeck.

Thank you for these priceless smiles that bid us goodbye…

You can make these children’s lives a little better through your donations and/or by supporting the activities of PROJECT PEARLS; contact the organization via their website at ProjectPearls.Org

——————

*This is the first of the series of our Christmas vacation in the Philippines; DAY 1 to follow soon. May our CHRISTmas and holiday celerbations be happy and meaningful. Let us always count our blessings! God bless us!

Sep

ABOUT LAST WEEKEND

By docgelo 28 Comments

Categories: Attitude, HEADLINES, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: books, butterworth, children, doc gelo, docgelo, edcuation beyond books, education, family, ferry, floating library, george town penang, georgetown, kids, library, Life, living a life, logos hope, penang, teaching

This was how God greeted us last Saturday noon when we viewed Him from our porch…

It was a sunshiny day too perfect to go to the Island. It was a long weekend, by the way, because last Friday, 16th September, 2011 was Malaysia’s 54th Merdeka or Independence Day! However, Tina and I were actually lazy to go out last Saturday and had psyched ourselves to spend it at home, rest, eat and do Grey’s Anatomy marathon (We loved Season 7 Episode 18 – the Musical episode of that Medical drama).

The plan to be a bum at home didn’t push through. I was too weak to resist Gabby’s wish to accompany him to the Island. OK, fine, I also shared the same thoughts with my kid. So while Tina had her much deserved-rest at home, Gabby and I hopped on the bus, went to the jetty in Penang Sentral and headed to the Island…

Enroute to Georgetown aboard the ferry…

Round trip Ferry rides from Butterworth to Georgetown jetty cost RM 1.20 per adult (PhP 16.8) and RM 0.60 sen (cents or PhP 8.40) per kid. And you only pay once at Butterworth (so if you’re coming from the Penang airport or anywhere in Georgetown, crossing to Butterworth is always free).

Another very short bus ride took us here at Sweetenham Pier..

Gabby and I had the chance to board a 12,000 ton vessel and the boy was as excited as his dad.

No we didn’t go on a cruise! How we wish, but you certainly know we won’t board a cruise ship without our muse (Tina of course!).

We went to Logos Hope, the world famous floating library that took its maiden voyage to Malaysia this year; docked in Penang since last week of August and will leave for other parts of Malaysia prior to Singapore on 25th September.

“A community of 400 UNPAID VOLUNTEERS from over 45 nationalities lives and works together on board Logos Hope. With over 5,000 book titles bringing knowledge, help and hope to the world…” Absolutely it’s a unique and inspiring experience!

Has Logos Hope visited your country already? Check it out…

Apparently, it already docked in the Philippine shores too but it took us to become expats in Penang before we get to experience it.

The little kid was so happy on board the floating library…

There’s a book for everyone, even if you’re looking for the most delicious ones…

Since this largest floating book fair travels through so many countries, book titles are priced in units and there are a charts provided that convert the unit prices into local currency…

Titles are so varied and mostly affordable.

Logos Hope has different sections, prior to the main book fair, there’s a “Welcome LifeBoat Theater”. There’s that “Journey of Life” that will surely melt your heart by merely looking at the illustrations on the wall; they tell story even without trying…

Those walls will make you reflect in a blink…It cuts through me.

Then there’s everyone’s favorite part of Logos Hope, the International Cafe where you can have ice cream or coffee or both, depends on how you were inspired by those books, haha!

Volunteers of different colors and hair-dos try to make kids’ visit to Logos Hope more fun and memorable; they even hand away colorful sculpted balloons…

Imagine the passion and dedication these unpaid volunteers have as they serve Logos Hope; truly inspiring…

I know I still have a lot of grains to swallow, but as a young father and a medical educator, I say it’s so easy for any fool to teach anyone to earn a livinlifeg but it takes a ton of passion and skills and dedication to teach anyone how to live a life.

I’m glad I accompanied my son to Logos Hope last Saturday. We both learned beyond books.

Dec

KIDS WILL BE KIDS

By docgelo 16 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: children, doc gelo, docgelo, faculty room, family, family life, fatherhood, kids, malaysia, parenthood, penang

Five months have been my longest physical absence from my family. Apparently, I missed Gabby a lot since I left him and her mom for work here in Penang last 29th July. So when the two of them arrived here last Saturday, every second has been truly momentous.

I was so excited to see him again, so thrilled to check how he has grown with only her mom on his side. I remember seeing him first on video-call via skype with only one front tooth then but now, he has 2 already. He remains to be my boy wonder. I should give all the credits and praises to her lovely mom, Tina. *thanks, honey!*

On their 3rd day here in Penang, I brought Gabby to work because Tina has to attend to her appointment in a medical institution here.

It’s very flattering to hear comments from my fellows here that Gabby’s good looking and seems to be a nice boy. *ehem, blame it on genetics!*

And since the medical university-college where I am working (with 23 other brilliant Filipino MD-lecturers) has yet to put up a Day Care Center soon for all employees’ children as part of our benefits, I took Gabby first at our faculty room. He lorded my work station and played with another kid, the son of my colleague.

Look how kulit they were so early on a Monday morning at my work desk…

I had to relocate to a vacant table of a colleague who’s currently in Manila just for my place to accomodate these 2 kids.
My laptop, daily morning papers and whatnot needed to be transfered too.

I have to take extra care of him everytime we ride Rapid Penang bus.
I have to prepare his food, snacks and drinks.
I have to accompany him to the toilet whenever needed.

I had to convinced him to doze off in the afternoon even on a couch beside our photocopying machine.

And because Tina was requested to report back to her appointment on Thursday, I’ll take Gabby again with me to work on that day.
I’m not complaining.
I so missed this thing called fatherhood.

————————————————————-

Jun

BAHAGHARI

By docgelo 25 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: children, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, family life, fascination, fatherhood, happiness, intuitive, kids, parenthood, pinas, Pinoy, pinoy blog, pinoy blogger, preschool, rainbow, simple life, simple things

Gabby never fails to amuse me.

Just after he saw a rainbow painted on gray skies the other afternoon, he asked me,

“Daddy, is that a rainbow?”

I said, “Yes, why?”

Then he replied back, “First time kong makakita ng rainbow eh, bakit po sa cartoons dark ang colors nila?”

I’m amazed how kids of his age are so intuitive and easily fascinated with simple things.

Don’t you wish to be forever child-like, to have lots of time to breathe, be worry-free, and do nothing but enjoy simple pleasures in life?

“I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.” ~Albert Einstein

Apr

TATAY-DOC SPEAKS

By docgelo 9 Comments

Categories: Attitude and FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: children, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, family life, family values, fatherhood, kids, pamilya, parenthood, parents, parents on becoming better parents, Pinoy, pinoy family, singles on being parents

“A man’s worth is measured by how he parents his children. What he gives them, what he keeps away from them, the lessons he teaches and the lessons he allows them to learn on their own.” ~Lisa Rogers

I am a young parent. My son is turning 6 this October; and a month prior to his birthday this year, I’ll be celebrating my 34th. I know it’s not our ages or the number of children we have that defines a parent. It’s the maturity that lies in accepting the responsibility of becoming one and how he handles and goes through life with his kids.

In both troubled and happy times, I draw strength from the Lord, not for myself but for my son. He and his mom are my utmost priorities.

THEY HAVE REDEFINED MY LIFE.

THEY’RE MY LIFE NOW.

I’d like to see my child grow as a whole-rounded individual who always keeps an open mind to understand that life isn’t purely fun and play but also filled with trials and tears. I know it’s too early for Gabby to absorb all these but is there any rule or specific date for parents to inform kids about these things ?

I and his mom always try to explain to him in simplest possible ways, those little facts of life. Like when we usually see beggars on streets; kids sleeping on gutters, some people who are ill, particularly of his age, we frequently tell him that he’s luckier more blessed because he’s healthy and free from any sickness; he has a home to shelter him, and so fortunate to be well-fed; with no early obligations except to enjoy schooling and his childhood.

Perhaps, it is clear to my son, that we may not have everything now, but at least we’re living life happily together with so much love and faith in God.

With the way things are, my wife and I are so grateful to the Lord for having Gabby. Not only because he is smart and excels in his studies and extra-curricular activities but he simply brings joy despite the hassles and challenges of our daily living.

I am aware that I have to continuously grow as a person for me to become a better parent; and every single day is such a wonderful learning experience!

——————————–<@

for parents out there : how would you rate yourself as a parent and your life with your kid/s?

for singles who plan to become parents : how do you see yourselves as parents someday?

Mar

JUST HAPPY

By docgelo 22 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: arts, children, children's art, daddy, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, fatherhood, illustrations, kid's art, kids, parenthood

While everyone is all praises honoring the winners of the 2010 Academy Awards, I’d like to share with you what I got from our 5-year-old son, Gabby last weekend; as what I consider my very own Oscars trophy for the moment…

Too cute for words, eh?

Isn’t it more than enough to make any parent smile and be happy?

Enjoy the new week, everyone!

Feb

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

By docgelo 21 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, family and living, family life, kids, kindergarten, parenthood, parenting, Pinoy, pinoy family, pinoy kids, preschool, preschoolers, school, schooling

His mom went to her morning shift in the Operating Room today with her Nursing students and will be out by 2PM. I was left to accompany our son, Gabby to his preschool to attend to a brief parent-teacher-meeting and claim his report card. And to my surprise, their teacher’s aide greeted us at the school’s gate, “Congratulations po, Top 2 si Gabby!”

Wow! Even it was so anticlimactic, certainly I cannot complain. It was ecstatic to hear those words so early in the morning!

Gabby and I sat in his room with other parents and kids. We shortly waited for our turn and when it came, the teacher prepared and handed me this…

Sweet! It was only last November when Gabby made it to SIXTH PLACE ON SECOND QUARTER out of 30 Kindergarten students in his class and now he sky rocketed to SECOND HONORS! I cannot help but to have PPS (read: Proud Parent Syndrome) again.

I heard from his teacher while talking to other parents that the basic problem of the previous members of the honors list (excluding Gabby) was failure to follow exam directions. It really pays to follow rules. When it’s asked to encircle, you never underline.

Inspite of difficult and advanced preschool curriculum, Tina and I are proud that Gabby is picking up something from his 4-hour-a-day-schooling. I will make a post of what kids of his generation study in school soon.

The teacher commented that Gabby was the only one in the class who knew one particular VERB (remember your action words?) and its SYNONYM.

Teacher : “Daddy, si Gabby lang po ang may alam ng synonym ng HUNGRY! What’s your answer Gabby?”

My son : “STARVING!”

Daddy Gelo : (note to self : You’re son’s really a foodie at a young age!)

Feb

MONDAY : WE HAD BREAKFAST AT 3PM

By docgelo 23 Comments

Truth is, we went to Legazpi Village in Makati just across Greenbelt 5 to try a colleague’s suggestion –for us to subject Gabby to a VTR in a talent/modelling agency for TVC (read : TV commercials). Oops, let me clear that out : Gabby only had his photos taken and did a VTR; no casting calls yet, people! Of course we’ll let you know if he’ll be doing something beyond ordinary. (Well, you know for Tina and I, he’ll always be our GREATEST KID!) We just took a chance; brought him in and we’re glad that our little boy liked it! He told us he was asked in the VTR room to smile, turn right, then left, turn the camera and smile, state his name, school and age and smile again. If there would be no calls for a go-see or whatnot, then there’s no harm, just plain fun!

After few more steps from the agency, Tina, Gabby and I with one of our friends found ourselves seated comfortably here…

Who says you cannot eat breakfast in the afternoon? In Mr. Jones, some of our favorite morning starters are served all day! (Wala lang yatang tuyo, tinapa, danggit at itlog na pula’t kamatis, hehehe)

It was our first time to try Mr. Jones, a considerably newer food place an upscale diner at Greenbelt 5 that’s related to Museum Cafe (also in Greenbelt), Chelsea Market Cafe (in Serendra) and Momo Cafe (Eastwood Mall and Robinson’s Place). According to the wait staff, Mr. Jones serves breakfast-all-day beginning 11AM.

So at around 3PM, I was enjoying one of the most delicious TAPA in town…

U.S. BEEF RIBCAP “TAPA & GARLIC OVERLOAD” , Php 295+. Servings in Mr. Jones are HUGE! Sharing is inevitable! Take my word on it : it’s one of the yummiest breakfast plate I had The beef tapa were sliced as thin as bacon strips, so flavorful that it can still stimulate your palate sans vinegar and achara(pickled papaya)! But the achara and a little-sweet vinegar also add up to the experience! That tapa and garlic overload rests on a bed of garlic rice… Ahhhhhh… ang SARAP!

The eggs can be cooked the way-you-want. I asked the smiley waitress what’s best, and she recommended scrambled. Actually, I don’t mind whether it’s sunny-side-up or scrambled. But it seemed like the staff really knows their stuffs.

Surely, it deserves a second try on our future visits! It’s that good!

For our commercial model-to-be cute kid, he enjoyed sipping heavenly milkshakes from a tall glass and a canister…

CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE, PhP 175+ This tasted like blended chocolate ice cream and we liked it! Gabby loved it. What we liked about it? They serve you even the extra-blended shake in a canister if the glass is already full. It felt like you had 2 for the price of 1.

Tina and our friend shared a huge plate of….

MAC N CHEESE, PhP 350+. We noticed the use of 3 different pasta : rigatoni, penne and macaroni all fused into one dish; creamy and cheesy with bacon bits and mushroom. It was OK but would not sky-rocket you to outer space.

Just look at the evidence that Mr. Jones’ Tapa and Garlic overload is really a must-try :

Whether Gabby will soon nail a bit player part in a TVC or NOT, we’re considering going back to Mr. Jones whenever possible if only for that tapa and to try their other breakfast-all-day menu!

————–

What are your favorite breakfast meals ?

Dec

SANTA’S GIFTS

By docgelo 14 Comments

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and HEADLINES
Tags: children, children's toys, christmas, christmas gifts, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, family blog, family life, games, jaw bones, jawbones, kiddie toys, kids, pasko, pasko sa pinas, santa claus, toys, toys for children, toys R us

Our 5-year-old son, Gabby is like any kid of his age who’s fond of toys! So it isn’t surprising that despite the lack of chimney and a fireplace, Santa Claus still managed to give him an addition to his collection this year. Other than a bar of Toblerone and few pieces of colorful jelly ace found in his socks, Gabby also got 100-piece Jaw Bones wrapped in a box personally chosen from a ton of toys at Toys R Us Santa’s factory by you-know-who. *wink*

Now, I am jealous of children these days for simple reason of having toys that are so cool and fascinating. I don’t remember playing with these during my wonder years. For kids of the 70s and 80s, can you imagine having PSP or a Gameboy instead of Game and Watch during our growing years? Although I did have my share of lego, G.I. Joe action figures, R.C., some matchbox cars, and few board games before, there were not much of things that would enhance logic and creativity more.

I cannot contest that books, other than clothes are best gifts for children but you know how kids will be kids and they would always want to spend more time on things that are colorful and would tickle their fancy.

Perhaps, Santa found lego and mega blocks more pricey and opted for a different version that wasn’t so cheap either but just as hip and edgy!

Tina and I are glad that Gabby likes his new toy and as expected, he asked me, even his visiting uncle Mac to spend more playing time with him. I am not complaining; in fact, I like it

With a booklet guide to the patterns and having less help from us, our son tried building these works of art…

A BUGGY & A CHILD…

A DOGGIE & A TRICYCLE….

A DRAG RACER & A BI-PLANE…

There are 6 more structures to create with these awesome Jaw Bones!

What are your favorite toys during your growing up years?

Excuse me as Gabby and I have to continue our bonding time with his new source of fun.

Dec

LEARNING BEYOND BOOKS

By docgelo 17 Comments

08 December, 2009, Tuesday – After we had a hearty late lunch in a classic Chinese restaurant, EMERALD GARDEN in Manila, we explored a place that is exclusively dedicated to fun and learning.

My wife, Tina and I usually maximized our days off from work by spending extra quality time with our preschooler son, Gabby. And whenever we go out, we always make sure that Gabby will enjoy. Just a couple of weeks ago, we went to PHILIPPINE SCIENCE CENTRUM in Riverbanks, Marikina City and seven days back we had another special trip to MUSEO PAMBATA in Roxas Blvd., Manila.

This interactive children’s museum allows visitors, both kids and young-at-hearts to touch exhibits, play and experienced everything hands-on. It’s a place that encourages a total-senses-child learning. I believe in that too –I always tell my nursing students and reviewees that ‘learning is easy when all senses are utilized’.

Since Museo Pambata was only established in 1994 when Tina and I were already college students, we had no chance to be there during our wonder years. Nevertheless, it isn’t too late to become a kid again; not that we’re having 2nd childhood already, heck no! we’re too young to have dementia and all, LOL But with Museo Pambata, the kids in us were unleashed once more!

Illustration above via MUSEO PAMBATA.

Who says learning can’t be fun?

The museum is divided into several sections : PAMILIHANG-BAYAN / Market Place, PAGLAKI KO / Career Options, KATAWAN KO / Body Works, TUKLAS!/Science Through Discovery, MAYNILA NOON / Old Manila, KALIKASAN/Environment, and many more.

I personally found the MARKET PLACE as most amusing. Kids can assume to tend a store or pretend shopping in wet and dry sections or perhaps in a shoe or drug stores.

In PAGLAKI KO / Career Options, Museo Pambata gives children a bird’s eye view of work opportunities when they grow old. Gabby enjoyed becoming a community worker for a while…

Money matters! Even kids should learn that hard-earned money should be valued at all cost.

There’s a small section near the Market Place where kids get to feel how it is to be in rural areas of the country…

While the Market Place seemed the most amusing, KATAWAN KO /Body Works section’s the most interesting for us. Just like in the old Science Centrum years ago, there’s a similar version of those anatomical parts in humongous scales! It’s hard to resist not to go through the exhibit’s main entrance – a wide-mouth! One will pass through it down to esophagus, stomach, and intestines and out to you-know-where!

In TUKLAS / Science Through Discovery, there are similar pieces that we’ve seen already in PHILIPPINE SCIENCE CENTRUM but Museo Pambata’s versions are more well-maintained; thus, more inviting for visitors.

What’s a museum without retelling a history ? On the first floor of the museum are 2 fascinating exhibits — KALIKASAN / Environment on the left side, and on the right, MAYNILA NOON / Old Manila.

Have you seen a small scale of Binondo Church or Basilica Minor de San Lorenzo Ruiz? FYI, It’s a nice replica where visitors can go inside and take pictures of the church. This section of Old Maynila also brings back museum goers to the era of Galleon Trade and the days when Meralco Tranvia de Manila was still one of the modes of transportation in Manila. Sayang, authorities could have kept this tram until now for people to appreciate and still serve its purpose like the tram in San Francisco. Oh,well, at least we have the LRTs now.

Who says learning history is always boring ?

I cannot imagine Pinoy History without Dr. Jose Rizal, Katipunan and the evolution of flags…

The old Pinoy house, furnitures and all also caught our interest…

Some important aspects of Mother Nature is replicated at the section called KALIKASAN /Environment…

Do you agree with me that every Pinoy kids should be brought to this fun place ? I wish parents are reading this post.

Have you been to Museo Pambata ? How was your experience ?

MUSEO PAMBATA, Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila (It’s beside US Embassy in Manila and at the end corner of Kalaw Ave. and Roxas Blvd.) Entrance fee is PhP 100 for kids and adults, walk-in. Teachers with valid ID are free; Manila residents are given discount. Museum is closed every Mondays. Museum hours : 8AM-5PM (Aug-March) and 9AM-5PM (April-July).

Aug

MACHO GUWAPITO

By docgelo 12 Comments

Categories: EVENTS and FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: children, culture, doc gelo, docgelo, family, filipiniana, kids, linggo ng wika, parade, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, stage, twinkle toes academy

The month of August in the Philippines is never complete without celebrating Quezon City and Quezon province day on the 21st and Linggo ng Wika in honor of one of our presidents, the late Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and the Filipino language. And most schools nationwide do have annual activities to propagate the use of our own language. (Isn’t it ironic that I’m posting about these festivities when in fact I’m blogging using the universal language? lol) The preschool of my son, Gabby is no exception.

Last year, Gabby looked like a Katipunero when he wore this…

img2479hh3 img2491xw5

This year, he was in his fighting form again for the parade and a performance on stage wearing this…

Their school opted to finish their quarterly exams first before having the event so it was delayed for a week and was scheduled this morning. My wife and I made sure that we attend this year’s together since she wasn’t able to fix her work schedule last year. My dad was ever present since his apo had started joining such extracurriculars.

The parade that was escorted by a mini band of drums started at around 8AM; it was a short walk from their preschool to the next street where the baranggay hall covered court is.

Look how parents prepared their kids for this…

I don’t have a sister, I grew up with 3 brothers. I am happy having a son now but of course my wife and I would like to have cute little chubby girl/s of our own soon someday Aren’t they too cute for their Filipiniana costumes?

My wife and I and Gabby’s lolo were all there to watch our son’s sing-and-dance performance on stage with his schoolmates. They danced in pairs to the tune of Ang Pipit.

They also sang the song Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika in chorus… Some of the groups of grade school students recited nationalistic poems in Filipino but the performance that was applauded the most was a dance number from older grade schoolers to the tune of Rico J. Puno’s Macho Guwapito….

Gabby could have been perfect for that song, don’t you think ?

Good job, Gabby!

After that morning activity, we trooped to Tomas Morato to munch on something that I’ll post next…

Jul

MAINIT ANG ULO KO!

By docgelo 25 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: bladder training, childhood, children, doc gelo, docgelo, family, family and living, family life, kids, Life, parenthood, parents, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, preschool kids, toilet training

source

Our four-year-and-9-month-old son, Gabby who’s in kindergarten, went home from school yesterday in wet uniform. He voluntarily voided in his shorts because he feared his teacher might scold him. My wife called me at work during my lunch break just to inform me of what happened. For you, this might be petty but for parents like us, it’s not a big issue either but we won’t allow a chance to pass without correcting what needs to be corrected.

As I reached home early evening, our son narrated to us that he felt the urgency to urinate during the time that they were asked to copy writings from the board on their noteboook. Gabby told us, “Sabi ni teacher, pag madalas umihi, may lalabas na dugo sa ihi, kaya di na ako nagsabi ng, teacher may I pee?…”

I wasted no time in writing his teacher a letter regarding the matter….

Maam,

May we request your consideration and assistance whenever our son, ________(Gabby) feels the urgency to void; kindly allow him to do so.

As medical professionals and educators too, we certainly know that controlling micturition may result to possible infection and / or urinary incontinence. As parents, we’d like to inform you that Gabby is still adjusting on the fact that we just weaned him from wearing of diapers a couple of weeks ago as his age calls for bladder training.

We are bringing this to your attention because our son went home yesterday complaining that he voluntarily voided at his uniform because he feared you might scold him. According to him, you’re telling your preschool class that frequent urination will result to hematuria (blood in the urine) and this is far from being factual.

We’ll appreciate your concern with immediate response and action regarding this matter.

Thank You.

Dr. & Mrs. Santos

As our household help brought our kid to his school this morning, I was told that one of Gabby’s girl classmates also peed in her skirt because of the same scenario.

To say that I and my wife (who’s a nurse-educator) are also strict with our college nursing students is an understatement. We value time, money spent on education and efforts so we’re not power-tripping on them but inculcating discipline in every sense of the word. We may be rigid on rules, but we’re always honest and true to our students and we’re so democratic that we allow them to respond to the “call of nature”. We’re very unlikely Gabby’s teacher. We hope she will consider the consequences of her acts.

If this will be repeated, she’ll get what she deserves!

Sa lahat naman ng pagsasabihan ng tungkol sa maling medikal na aspeto ng pag-ihi, anak ko pa, anak ng pating naman ‘o!

Mar

ROCK A BYE BABY

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: children, daddy, family, fatherhood, kids, Life, nursery, parenthood, parents, preschool, youth

My son Gabby came home this morning from Twinkle Toes Academy with a memo. No, it’s not about misdemeanor, he’s so young & too good for any deliquent acts; it was only a simple notice informing parents of the date of their graduation from Nursery, its venue : Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. It also has a reply slip to fill-out with message(s) of parents for their child that will appear on the graduates’ yearbook. Yes, you read it right : Nowadays, as early as preschool, pupils get to keep memories of their wonder years. I’m expecting the video of the event will be recorded & sold on DVDs. These facts remind me of our youth when we didn’t have any mobile phones & digicams & ofocurse the world wide web then.

It’s fun to be a kid and to always be child-like. But it’s happier to raise one…

I strongly agree with the lyrics of the song that my generation grew up with…

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be…

Don’t you?

Because I was googling something on the web, I asked Tina to do the “fill-in-the-blank”-chore for me, or for us. She aptly wrote : “Daddy & Mommy are very happy and proud to have you as a son. May you grow as a smart, prudent, responsible & God-fearing child. You bring us so much joy & love with your sweet smile & hugs”. There’s also a blank space on the reply slip to write about our son’s ambition. So we asked Gabby what he’d like to be someday. 2 words were uttered : CHEF & GOLFER.
Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be… I said, “Good choices, son”.

Here are his graduation photos…The face of the next Wolfgang Puck & Tiger Woods, lol….

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And see how this four-year-old graduating Nursery student grew fast from this photo (taken at his 1st bday party)…

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David Cook sang these words but it’s true, “You’ll always be my baby!”
We’ll always love you, Gabby!

Mar

AFTER THE WIN

By docgelo 3 Comments

The morning after Gabby’s win from his declamation contest, Tina, Gabby & I went Eastwood City, Serendra & Bonifacio High Street just to have another weekend of family bonding.

We went to Something Fishy in Eastwood to avail of their buffet breakfast. It wasn’t our first time to dine there but after today, I’m not sure if it’ll be our last.

I & Tina are very picky on food taste & service. Both of us are very particular on courtesy and smiles from waiters & resto staff. It makes dining a better experience if all of the crew is as pleasant as the food they serve. The service crew & staff of Something Fishy Grill & Bar did not offer a smile or welcoming gestures except for their security guard who also serves as their door man. IMO, the food on the buffet table of Something fishy was not that impressive. It’s just too plain for me & ordinary or something like “you-only-get-your-money’s-worth” kind of thing. It’s perhaps one of the cheapest eat-all-you-want-breakfast at PhP 114 per pax, exclusive of drinks, inclusive of charges, offered from 12MN till 10AM. We gave it a second shot after our rush buffet breakfast there a couple of weeks ago thinking that there might be changes on the menu list or at least a little improvement. We were disappointed because we were wishful thinkers hoping there would be new addition to their buffet menu list, but there was none. There was NO corn cereals, bacon, ham, fresh fruits, fish fillet, longanisa, tocino, pan de sal & other Pinoy breakfast favorites. Although I admit there are many food choices offered at their breakfast buffet, the taste is just mediocre for me. The fried eggs contained NO salt at all or at least there should have been a salt & pepper at the tables, the daing na bangus was less salty as well, the beef tapa was too oily, the palabok (or was it pancit malabon) was too bland. The price is ofcourse affordable but it should not discount the taste or the food quality. I believe there is always room for improvement & I just wish this establishment will consider doing this.

Moving on from a not-so-impressive dining experience, we walked around Eastwood City & made Gabby pose for some photos before goint to Serendra…

Then at around 7:30AM we were in Boni High Street already. Since most of the shops there open at 11AM, we took a stroll, read the Sunday broadsheets (FYI, I read Manila Bulletin, PDI, Phil. Star every Sunday AM), did some people-watching, just enjoyed the morning….

Tina took this photo while I was scanning the papers & Gabby was busy with his gameboy…

care for some green telephones? these tubes conduct sounds from end to end…

The fountain that looks like something from outer space. I so like it. Neat and edgy !

Bonifacio High Street also has these unusual but creative & playful stuffs, something for kids and the kids at heart…

Wish we have puppy(ies) to walk here. We both wanted a PUG, but aren’t sure if we can maintain it.

EYESOLOVETHISBANNER!!!

If God wills it one day, Tina & I with our kid(s) will have our own place in Tagaytay or wherever, definitely we’ll find a space for this trellis…

We found a store that sells toys, mostly collectible items & I just love these YODA icon and bubble heads…

These are sold in this store…

Our bonding is not complete without getting a dose of caffeine from wherelse but Starbucks Coffee…

We allowed Gabby to stroll alone, even tested him of what he’ll do when we leave him. We left him walking ahead of us in Serendra & we hid from him. When he found out that we’re out of sight, he quickly ran back towards where we were. What a reflex from a 4-year-old kid. Tina & I were glad to see he did not cry nor panic given the situation.

This is one of Ramon Orlina’s glass sculpture masterpieces which serves as a fountain & Serendra’s public attraction…

We tried CUPCAKES by Sonja in Serendra for the first time & liked it !!! The place, though small, is attractive with retro interiors in pastel colors. The cupcakes are good as they look. But again there were no smiles or kind gestures from the staff. I feel sorry for them because they’re not as pleasant as their work place & work gears…

Tina had the PEPPERMINT PATTY cupcake, PhP 68 (the one with pink whip, the base was tasty but the cream whip was too sweet), Gabby had the VANILLA SUNSHINE cupcake, PhP 55 (the one with a powder blue whip), & I had the PISTACHIO BERRIES & CREAM, PhP 85 (the one with white whip & green cupcake with thin slices of strawberries in between); we all agreed it’s the BEST among the 3, so yummy, flavorful & not to sweet… I did not expect cupcakes can be this yummy!

The fridge of Cupcakes by Sonja is so hip in its light blue color…

They bake their cupcakes just before store’s opening and flavor it with these sweet treats…

And just before going home, we went to a public toilet in Serendra right across where Cupcakes is located & Tina can’t resist but to document how Ayala management keeps everything at its best. Even restrooms are posh, similar to toilets of premium hotels, fully airconditioned, clean, well-maintained with supplies of tissues & liquid soap with sensors, even had a landscaping of some greens at the center…

All in all, we ended the 2nd month of the year grateful to the Lord for everything & we’re happy & hopeful to start the month of March. =)

Feb

ONE PROUD DADDY

By docgelo 6 Comments

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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…

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…

That’s MY BOY!!!

GABBY with his classmates/co-contestants…

the new cast of Going bulilit, err Sesame Street…Batibot???!!! we wish!

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.

This one’s for the books, err blog!!!

And Gabby’s equally proud Lola & Lolo (my parents!)…

Then my parents gave their apo a VICTORIOUS lunch treat at Super Bowl of China in Gateway Mall…

We munched on DIMSUM PLATTER…

BEEF with BROCOLLI, YANG CHOW FRIED RICE…

CRISPY LEMON CHICKEN…

and a bucket of TAHO for Gabby…

YOUR MOM & I ARE REALLY PROUD OF YOU, SON!

Feb

TGI FRIDAY’S KIDDIE LEAGUE

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and WISH LIST
Tags: children, food, foodie, freebies, kids, mall, manila, quezon city, restaurant, seafood, social network, T.G.I. Friday's, TGIF, trinoma

We revisited TGI Fridays at Trinoma last Sunday, Feb15 for quick lunch before hitting the grocery in Landmark. It was our 4th time to eat in TGIF, Trinoma; also had previous visits in their Glorietta3 branch. The one in Trinoma is more spacious and has more modern interiors, their tables don’t have the usual red & white striped mantles seen in other branches.

I so like the walls!
… wish I had these walls in my room when I was a kid… Look at those snow ski boards made in Spain, a skateboard & a blue bike, traffic sign boards among other interesting things. How cool is that?!

Tina ordered Tortilla crusted fish and requested for honey mustard dip…

while I decided to eat sizzling chicken and shrimp in mozzarella cheese that was served with 2 scoops of creamy mashed potatoes… sinfully delicious!

Our visit became more special when we enlisted Gabby in TGI Friday’s Trinoma Kiddie League after we were invited by the staff. As a member of TGIF kiddie league, Gabby will get the following perks as stated on their temporary membership card:

1. Free Kiddie Meal & drink every visit for 1 year (wow!!!)
2. Free Birthday Package good for 30 kids with PhP 1,000 accumulated receipts within 1 month after card
issuance (the bday package for 30 kids is only offered as delivery within Quezon City; good enough!).
3. to attend a KICK-OFF PARTY with other members as an official launching of the league; ID will be issued.
4. Restrictions : Only valid at TGIF Trinoma, Non-transferrable, must be presented upon dine-in.

As I fill out the form for my son, I found out that almost all members of the Kiddie League are studying in reputable schools which I think will give Gabby MORE oppotunitieS to interact with cultured kids, get social exposures and be engaged with fun-filled activities which are all essentials in growing up.

Wish they also have FREEBIES for parents, hehehe =)

T.G.I. Friday’s Trinoma Kiddie League Membership : PhP 500.
For querries, please contact TGIF Trinoma General Manager @ 0917-5092601.

T.G.I. Friday’s Trinoma Bistro Americano Corp.,
Space 4009 Level M4, Trinoma, North Avenue corner EDSA,
Pag-asa, Quezon City.
Tel # 943-2163.

Feb

LOBO : UP, UP & AWAY!

By docgelo 3 Comments

Categories: EVENTS, HEADLINES and TRAVEL
Tags: aerobatics, air crafts, air show, aircrafts, Asian Air Safari, balloon, balloons, bonding, Capt Joy Roa, Captain Joy Roa, Clark field, date, EVENTS, family, fiesta, fun, hearts' day, hot air balloon, Hot air Balloon Fiesta, Joy Roa, kids, kite flying, kites, Life, Pampanga, paraglide, paragliding, Philippines, Pinoy, tourism, tourist destination, tourist spot, vacation place, valentine, valentine's day

It’s not often that we see an elephant, a coca-cola bottle, and a red mug of cappuccino FLY high in the sky…But 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.

My 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…

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…

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

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

And there was also that flying cereals : Kellogs!

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

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!

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

Goofing about a yellow flying phone booth…

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

Celebrating HEARTS’ DAY IN STYLE!

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!

mommy-018

Till our next bonding moment…:)

Feb

BLUE WHALE !

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: birthday, birthdays, blue whale, blue whale grill, family, family bonding, Filipinos, foodie, foods, frontera verde, fun, fun ranch, kiddie, kids, Life, manila, Ortigas Ave, party, Pasig, pasig city, Philippines, Pinoy, restaurants, Tiendesitas

Nope, this is neither the biggest marine mammal nor something about the ocean but a restaurant and a party place at Fun Ranch, in Frontera Verde, Ortigas Ave, Pasig City. Fun Ranch is a place where everything is for kids and kids-at-heart. We’ve been to Fun Ranch before but haven’t explored its entirety. One of the restaurants within Fun Ranch is Blue Whale Grill. Beside Blue Whale is Ark Avilon where we enjoyed having close encounter with zoo animals before.

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My son Gabby and my niece KC…

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We experienced dining at Blue Whale last Sunday, February 08 when we attended a family friend/colleague’s son’s 1st birthday party. Kevin, the celebrator, was in a BEE costume since it’s his 1st BEE-DAY (B-day, get it?!) His parents and family members wore the same hues – black and yellow.
Balloons and giveaways were also of the same shade. And it was cute!

The party was awesome. It featured kiddie games, acrobatic and magic acts, face-painting, carts of bottomless iced teas, cotton candy and different flavors of ice cream that served as “appetizers” to the main entrees. Just before lunch time, we were asked to queue in the buffet; one on the 1st level of Blue Whale & another at its second floor. Party yummies included ebi tempura, calamares, chicken teriyaki, burger steak and ofcourse, spaghetti.

We chose to bring our plates outside the restaurant and tried dining at floating huts (again!) this time not on bamboo stilts but on plastic drums in a man-made mini-lake complete with water lilies. And on its other side were bumper boats to ride & enjoy. How cool was that?!

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BLUE WHALE @ FUN RANCH
Frontera Verde, Ortigas Ave, Pasig City
(63-2) 706-3029

http://funranch.com.ph

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