Nite Out

It gets so hard going out with a toddler honestly speaking, especially if it is a very strong and determined little boy.  I don't feel guilty leaving him with the nanny nowadays because it seems much safer that way--- because he displays much satisfaction being in familiar places with familiar people and familiar playthings, he is obviously not ready for the 'world outside' yet. 

The few times we go out as a family (sans nanny) posed much strain on my hubby, making the recreation not so enjoyable for him, or even for our toddler Olin who is often held back from doing what he wants... which includes running around, picking up objects from the floor, or sticking anything into electrical outlets.  Once he is stopped from exploring, he starts with the ultimate hissy fit which he has mastered by stiffly laying on the floor and wailing to the heavens. There is no consolation once he begins this.

Don't get me wrong-- he is a darling little boy, much more charming that his big sis when she was his age, and needs no prompts to express his affection when he should.  However, this clearly inborn passion manifests some other way when Olin does not get what he wants.  I am not for spoiling children, let alone my own children, and so my decision comes easy to let him be, although not necessarily just about anywhere.

I see daily improvements, though, because when I squint my eyes at him after he has pummeled his sister's back once again, he stops and waits for me to change expressions. That means I don't need to spank him, no matter how stubborn he seems to be.  He is just as smart and understanding as his big sis! And so, once I realize that he is actually growing up before my eyes, I curl my lips upward--- and he is back slapping his big sis' back with thundering laughter.

Memories of Her Reign

2008 Reyna Emperatriz of Laoag

It's almost time for the annual Santacruzan, when a lucky young lady is crowned Reyna Elena and paraded down the city streets.  This photo shows the 2008 Reyna Elena of Laoag City with her Rey Constantino (Karl, the son of our dear friend Dra. Remy) in their elaborate garments, truly fit for royalty.  They are stepping out of the St. William Cathedral, the last pair in a march of no less than 60 participants.  




Although she was only 6 at that time, my daughter Rocio was chosen by our barangay captain Engr. Joel Mateo to represent our community in the city-wide fund-raising race for the coveted Reyna Elena and Rey Constantino titles.  She placed second in the overall tally, making her Laoag City's Reyna Emperatriz 2008. In the barangay level,

however, she is the reigning Reyna Elena. 

For a whole year, Rocio has to house the Holy Cross of the barangay and hold monthly rosary sessions to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 2009, she will turn over her crown as the barangay's Reyna Elena to the next young lass selected by the council.  She will then be the barangay Reyna Emperatriz--- meaning the wife of the Emperador, who is the grown up Rey Constantino.

The procession from the church ended at our house where our family as well as Rey Constantino's prepared a simple party as a thank-you to the participants of the procession.  The royal court consisted mostly of the Sangguniang Kabataan. The youth in this photo, however, are my very supportive cousins who love and cherish Rocio so much.

Gian Carlo Valdez, my godson

Christenings are part of our religious lives, where we accept the duties of being role models and supporters of a child as he or she grows up. It symbolizes our friendships or bonds with other families, making them part of our own through the sacrament of baptism. 

The last time I was honored by being invited to be a godmother was a few months ago at the St. Joseph parish here in Laoag City. It was the Christening of Gian Carlo, the fifth child of my Manong Pablo Valdez whose father served as my "yayo" while growing up in Manila. My very close friends in high school and college would remember my "yayo" as Manong Tetet, and would understand why I treat Manong Pablo as my own brother.

I don't mean to be smug by saying I do not accept all invitations to be a 'ninang'. I only accept those that I feel I am worthy of--- meaning those kids whom I may positively influence through example or through whatever help I could extend to their parents in relation to my godchild's upbringing. Those whom I barely know or have ill feelings against, I really cannot accommodate. But those whom I realize have been tied to my life from the very beginning, I embrace warmly. I hold these children close to my heart whatever the tides may bring.  Here is Carlo with this sisters (L to R) Ansherina, Pelagie, and my daughter Rocio. 

DIRRRTEH ICE CREAM

I know I shouldn't condone this, but I find myself running to the ice cream cart ahead of my daughter on super humid afternoons! 

Right now, the sugar cone sells at Php10 apiece, while the ordinary cone would cost half that. Traditional dirty ice cream flavors are ube, cheese, and... God knows what that white thing is supposed to be. They call it dirty because it doesn't go through the same sanitary process as most commercial ice creams, although I am proof that it won't kill you. 

I can't promise though that it won't affect anything else!

BAGUIO IN BLOOM

Panagbenga 2009 was just as wonderful as my whole family imagined--- here are a few pics to remember it by.

What I enjoyed most was the Session in Bloom, a gathering of business establishments from the posh Camp John Hay restos to the simple fishball stand. There were musicians, a butterfly garden, vendors of all sorts of goods. Although closing Session Road posed increased traffic during the fiesta, I did not hear any complaints from the local or visiting folk.

The Street Dance competition which was judged at the Athletic Bowl was a mere downhill trek from our quaint lodging, Inn Rocio. I don't recommend joining this celebration if you have members below 10 or above 70 years old, as well as those who are pregnant or with equally sensitive conditions.  In fact, if you are planning to enjoy the Panagbenga, you should avoid the Street Dance and Float Parade dates all together! It is unbelievably crowded, and anything can happen in that situation.

Burnham Park's skating rink has had a face lift, now featuring a covered amusement park as shown in this photo. We saw rides (bump cars, inflated playgrounds, trains, a carousel, and the drop-coin types) as well as games in this area. It has, however, a strict no-food-and-drink policy, and they enforce this by inspecting all bags at the entrance where food items can also be deposited until you exit the theme park.  We did see a section inside the vicinity where simple snack food was being sold. The skating rink, ironically, becomes a mere background to everything instead of being the main feature. I have mixed emotions about this plot turning into what it is right now, versus what it used to be when I was growing up. I seem to like it much more as nature's highlight--- what a park ought to be--- a place outside where children can play while getting exercise.  I have no doubt though that my kids would swear they could live in the new Burnham Park Skating Rink until they turn 18. 

In sum, I would not think twice about bringing my family to Baguio on Panagbenga... just not on the dates of the huge parades.