Photohunt # 5 : BOOKS

This week's Photohunt theme (Books) gives me the opportunity to feature some of my kids' book collections. Their love for books amuses me.


Khalil's collections: The Magic Mirror; The Adventure of Tom Sawyer; Hardy Boys (1)The Ghost at Skeleton Rock, (2)Murder at the Mall; Jack Stalwart; Magic Tree House #10 & 27; Room For One More.



Naomi's book picks: Nancy Drew (1) Dress Rehearsal, (2)The Secret of the Wooden Lady; Witch Graphic Novel; Roald Dahl's Matilda; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; How I Survived Middle School; The Princess of Bamarre; Callie For President; Disney Fairies Silvermist and the Lady Bug Curse; Alice the Brave; Witch (100 Bewitching Ways to Survive at School); Witch (100 Bewitching Ways to Make Lots of Friends); Black Beauty; Ann M. Martin's Main Street Welcome to Camden Falls, American Girl Meet Kaya (not in photo).

Visit tnchick.com for other Photohunt entries this week.

Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009 Writing Project

What are the measures of an emerging influential blog?

Being popular or has the potential to become popular is one. Second, the blog should be effective in providing an information to its readership. Third, the writer's opinion is worthy of respect. Fourth, the blog somehow influences (in a positive manner) the way its readers think or act. I think these are enough criteria of an emerging influential blog.

Ms. Janet Toral has come up with part 3 of this writing project that identifies new and emerging blogs, which are making waves this year. She calls it Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009 Writing Project. These are blogs that started anytime from May 1, 2008 to the present.

I'm participating in the contest and here's my list.

Earthlingorgeous is a personal mix of a blog that discusses about autism, motherhood and everything synonymous to women like fashion, shopping, dining, traveling, health, home and more. It's a blog for every woman regardless of age, race and religion.

Shie’s Asylum is a personal online journal of Shie's journey through life and what makes her life interesting. It's a place where her sane and not so sane thoughts really matters.

Mommyjourney is a personal diary of a stay at home mom who wants to share her experiences to other moms. It is a venue for mommies all over to network and learn from each other. It speaks of day to day activities and realities of parenthood.

Tourism Philippines is advocating not just information but an unbiased travel guide to readers. It said there’s already way too much travel information, especially on the Internet. On Tourism Philippines, it provide people with travel guidance; information and opinions designed for decision assistance. It suggests which place is nice to go to, what to do during their stay, and how to spend their precious travel budget.

Barrio Siete is an alternative collective blog by a group of bloggers who talk the talk, and walk the walk of its target audience — the socio-economic group who do not use pretentious and intellectual language that can not be grasped by ordinary human beings. The blog uses the basic Tagalog sometimes Taglish language that can be easily understood by ordinary people.

Dare to Speak Out is a personal and commentary blog penned by Silver. It discusses her different take on a wide range of topics - from the trivial to the political.

Her and History contains telltale stories of a new MOM who will soon be an old mom in the coming years, a TEACHER who grows up wanting to be a doctor but ends up realizing that TEACHING was her calling, a CHILD of God who believes that " a drop of God's wisdom is greater than an ocean of human intelligence", and a foreigner's life in the Land of Smiles. Peek my WORLD and discover HER and His Stories.

Sa Labas ng Mandaluyong is a site maintained by Jan Geronimo, who used to be just a blog reader, but now a blogger extraordinaire . From a quirky personal blog with a name that sounds like a practical but lame joke to a more focused blog on blogging, writing and social media, is how he described his site.

Dear Bloggery is a personal journal of a researcher that blogs about everything under the sun. The author Snow discussed about personal experiences and opinions, current affairs, media and entertainment. Perhaps, Snow is born with a passion in blogging because she also blogs regularly about the latest buzz in the blogosphere through her Bloggery Buzz of the Week.

Goodtimesmanila is a lampoon site, a work of satire featuring bogus news about politics, show business, business and other current events in the Philippines and thereabouts.

I am thankful for Ms. Toral for coming up with this brilliant undertaking. And this writing project will not be possible without the support of sponsors such as Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, and Blog4Reviews.com.


For those who wish to join the contest, please read the following.

1. Any blogger in the world may join. Only one entry per blogger.

2. Blog or website owner profile and e-mail is accessible or visible online.

3. Write a blog post and pick your choice of ten (10) emerging influential blogs.

4. Any blog in the world can be picked.

5. You can update the same post entry up to August 2 (date may be extended). However, please inform us of any changes.

6. Old blogs who move to a new domain are disqualified

7. Blogs who remove their archives just to fit in the cut-off date are disqualified.

8. Include a link to this post to help spread the word and encourage others to participate.

9. To be included in the raffle, links to the following sponsors should also be in the entry. They are Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, and Business Summaries.

10. Post a comment and let us know about your entry. Only one entry per blogger. Cut-off date and time for submission of entries is on July 30. After the said date, submission of comments in this page shall be closed.

11. Only those that are blogs and created from May 2008 to the present shall be listed.

You can nominate your own top 10, too by visiting Ms. Toral's site.

Mommy Moments: Khalil's nth haircut

My son usually sports a semi-bald hairdo when he was younger. We keep it short because he is prone to prickly heat especially during summer. But since he's already nine years old, he chooses his own hairstyle. His Dad usually accompanies him to the Barber Shop.

Other interesting Mommy Moments are found here.

Litratong Pinoy # 4: Alam Mo Ba?

Alam mo ba na bukod sa pagiging makasaysayan ng Corregidor Island sa Bataan, nababalot din ng hiwaga ang ilang bahagi ng pulong ito partikular na ang Malinta Tunnel. Marami ang nagsasabi na may mga kaluluwang patuloy na nanahan sa loob nito.

Kuha ang mga larawang ito sa nang kami ay maimbitahang mamasyal sa Corregidor noong May 2006.

Ang tunnel na ito ay hinukay upang maging proteksyon mula sa pag-atake ng mga sundalong Hapon. Ang Command communications at medical units ng mga Filipino at Amerikanong sundalo noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig ay matatagpuan din dito.

Pero ang orihinal na disenyo nito ay ginawa upang maging tahanan ng malaking bilang ng ammunition, pagkain at iba pang supplies. Nagsilbing ospital din ito na may 1,000 bed capacity.

Sa unang larawan, pansinin ang mga tila puting bilog sa may kisame ng tunnel. Orbs daw ang tawag sa mga ito na pinaniniwalaang kaluluwa ng mga tao na namayapa na at patuloy na naglalakbay.

Ang ikalawang larawan naman ay ang diorama ng mga pigura na singlaki ng tao. Binilugan ito ni Stargazer, isang psychic medium, nang isangguni ko sa kanya ang mga larawan.

Mga pigura daw ito ng dalawang lalaki. Ang isa ay parang sundalo na naka uniporme at naka-luhod patalikod sa camera. Ang isang pigura naman daw ay mukhang pasyente na nakaupo sa ibabang bahagi ng doubledeck. Natakot ba kayo?

Alam mo ba na maraming lahok ngayon sa Litratong Pinoy?

Katrina Halili's opening statement at the Senate hearing of the Katrina-Hayden sex video:

"Artista po ako. Trabaho ko ang maghatid ng tuwa. Pantasya ng telebisyon at pelikula. Pero tulad ng iba may pribado ring buhay din ako gaya ng lahat. Sa pagkakataong ito. dangal ko at dangal ng pamilya ang pinag uusapan dito. Minahal ko si Hayden. bata ako kaya madaling nalagyan ng piring ang aking mga mata para isisping ako lang ang nagmamay ari ng puso niya. pero gaya ng lahat ng relasyong nagsimula sa kasinunagalingan wala itong pinatunguhan.

Wala akong malay na ang bawat yakap at halik ay scripted. Buong-buo kong binigay yung puso at ang kaluluwa ko sa isang lalaking gumagawa pala ng sariling pelikula. Ang tanga ko. Imbes na doktor, direktor pala. Inaamin ko ang pagkakamali ko. Ang pagkakamali ko ay minahal ko siya. At naniwala ako na minahal nya rin ako ng lubusan.

Ako raw ang prinsesa niya sa ikalawa niyang mundo. Bata po ako madali niya ako napaniwala. Ako ang biktima rito. Araw-araw biktima ako habang pinapanood ang nasabing video. Hangad ko po ang hustisya at hukuman kahit alam kong habang buhay ko nang dadalhin ang ginawa sa akin.

Patay na ako pero may video pa rin at may Internet. Dalawa lang kasong sinampa ko sa pambababoy na ginawa sa akin sa pagkatao ko. Gusto ko siyang matanggalan ng lisensiya bilang doktor. Wala siyang karapatan maging doktor. Gusto ko rin siyang makulong at pagdusahan niya ang ginawa niya sa akin.

Pero ano pong iginanti nila. Kasama ni Hayden ang kanyang ina. Sari-saring paninira ang binato nila sa akin at sa mga taong tumutulong sa akin. Inabuso na ako at binaboy ako pa ang may sala. Inabuso na nga ako sa sex video. Inaabuso pa rin ako sa sex video, inaabuso pa ako muli sa publiko.

And issue dito ay pang-aabuso sa kababaihan. Ang pambababoy sa akin at sa iba pang biktima ni Hayden. Sa kultura po natin habang buhay na latay sa pagkatao ko ang ginawa sa akin. May ina din po ako na nasasaktan. Araw-araw na nagdurusa. May anak o kapatid din po kayo na babae. Ayaw din nyo mangyari sa kanila ang sinapit ko.

Sana ipagpatuloy ng Senado at madaliin ang pagsusulong ng mga batas na may layuning itaguyod ang karapatan at proteksyon para sa aming kababaihan dahil iba na ang ginagamit na panggagahasa at pambababoy sa karapatan ng kababaihan. Sa Intenet, sa blogs, DVDs at iba pa.

Nabiktima ako. Isa ako sa maraming babaeng naloko at niloko ni Hayden Kho. Pero may hangganan ang katangahan. At sa araw na ito buong loob na humaharap sa inyo na puno ng respeto sa sarili. Ilalaban ko ang aking karapatan ng mabuhay ng marangal, ng walang takot at malayo sa karanasang inabot ko dahil sa sex video.

Sana po sa publiko itigil na po natin ang pagtangkilik sa mga sex videos at malalaswang panoorin. Kung walang tumatangkilik wala rin din pong gagawa ng mga sex video. Sana po ang pangalang Katrina Halili na lang ang huling sa mga sex videos. Sana po wala ng susunod pa. Salamat po.

Getting ready for school and what Eat Bulaga has taught me

Last week, we went to National Bookstore at SM Fairview to buy some school supplies. We have yet to complete the list so we are planning to go back next week.

We spent an ample amount for the items. I just thought to myself, if we can afford to buy the basic things that we need, what about those children who can't even buy their own meal for the day?

We try to explain to our kids everything that we do for them in a manner that they can easily understand us.

We always tell them that not all children are lucky to go to school. Some children who are dying to study do not have the means to do so. While there are children whose parents are capable of sending them to good schools, are not showing interest in school. That's the sad reality of life.

In their young minds, they already understand that we are doing our responsibility to equip them for the future, to make them competitive in the real world. We only encourage them to give it their best shot by studying their lessons well.

Our kids' future still depends on what road they will choose to travel. We are only here to guide them.

As a mom, I feel for children whose parents could not support them. If only I could do something to alleviate their poverty.

A number of institutions, individuals and even game shows on TV help the less fortunate kids realize their dreams.

One example, is the longest running noontime show Eat Bulaga that awarded 30 poor but deserving kids a gift of a lifetime. The kids are valedictorians and salutatorians of public schools from different areas in the country. They were given free school supplies, shoes, cash, trophies and certificates that guarantee free expenses in High School for the next four years.

The students and their parents were overwhelmed with joy as they received the gifts from EB hosts and co-hosts.

I hope the EB project will serve as an inspiration to other people to do just the same act of kindness to our less fortunate brothers and sisters, especially children.

I love awards!

There's no exciting way to go back to what you love doing (blogging) after a few days of rest when you receive an award from your friends.


(Wave) I'm thankful to fellow mom Gen of Her and History and to my friend Shie of Shie's Asylum for the Interesting Blog Award. And another one, I love Your Blog, also from Shie.

From my site, I'll be passing both awards to the following people/sites: Barrio Siete,
Earthlingorgeous, trust.loyalty.bliss, Sassy's Mom Corner, reyna elena dot com, Life Addict, Inspirational Insights, Twinkie Calls, Tales from the Mom Side, Kizuna, Dare to Speak Out, Dear Bloggery.

I'm also sharing this to all my new found friends in the blogosphere. Please feel free to grab the badge. They are yours, too.

I'm down with intestinal flu (2nd day)

I can't eat a regular meal because I'm nauseated and feel like throwing up. I am lying down the whole time. I've been frequenting the loo for three to four times a day. Had a slight fever. And still experiencing abdominal cramps. I really feel sick. I suspect I'm suffering from intestinal flu based on the symptoms that I mentioned.

What have I missed?

I can't update my blog. I missed photohunt yesterday.

I think Gen of Her and History just gave me an Interesting Blog award. Sorry Gen, it may take a few days before I can grab it from your site.

Grace visited my blog and requested that I follow her. I can't blog hop for now, hope you understand.

Lastly, I can't even write my second entry for Barrio Siete. I hope Inang Reynz will understand. You know how excited I am to be part of your team. I'll be writing a multo story (experience ni Father O)

For those who passed by my site, sorry folks can't visit back for now. Miss your site Shie.

I suppose to write my initial Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009.

I wrote this just to let you know how sick I still feel today.

Signing off for now...hope to be back in a few days.

My post is up at Barrio Siete

http://barriosiete.com/pagka-panalo-ng-mga-kandidato-nakasalalay-sa-pr/

Mommy Moments: Bonding with Lola

My mother with her three grandchildren. Naomi, Mariel (my niece) and Khalil

This was taken during Naomi's Recognition Day. My mother took care of my kids along with their yaya when I was still working. My eldest (Naomi) is my mom's first grandchild, so she was kind of being pampered more by my mother. Then came along two more grandchildren, Mariel and Khalil, who were born eight days apart.
My mother lives with my sister, who now have four kids.
I can't just leave my kids' welfare to a Nanny, I'm just so grateful my Nanay was there to look after my children when I was away.

Litratong Pinoy #3: Lahat ay Payak

Young Indian Mango Plant

Indian Mango Tree

Itinatampok sa Linggong ito ng Litratong Pinoy ang temang `Lahat ay Payak' kaya naman naisipan kong ilahok ang larawan ng puno ng Indian Mango. Ilang buwan pa lang ang edad ng mangga sa unang larawan. Matatagpuan ito sa tarangkahan ng aming bahay. Ang ikalawa naman ay namumunga na. Matatagpuan ang katawan ng matayog na puno sa loob ng aming kusina. Naitanim ito bago pa itayo ang aming bahay.

Nagsimula sa isang payak na halaman, ang puno ng mangga ay lumaki at nagdulot ng pakinabang sa amin. Bukod sa prutas nagbibigay din ang punong ito ng lilim sa katanghaliang tapat.

Maraming pang kalahok ang matatagpuan dito.

English Translation:

This week, Litratong Pinoy highlights the theme All Are Simple this is why I'm posting the pictures of Indian Mango tree. The small Indian Mango plant in the first photo is barely a few months old. It is found at our gate. The second tree is already bearing fruits. The trunk of the tall tree is located inside our kitchen. It was planted long before our house was built.

It started in a simple (or young) plant, the mango tree matures and becomes useful to us. It provides not only green mangoes but shades at high noon.

Other entries are found here.

Why can't I be in so many places at one time?

To travel to many historical landmarks and awe-inspiring destination in my country is one dream I wish to accomplish before I get old. When I was assigned to cover the health beat, there were occasional official travels where reporters are allowed to join the health secretary. I happened to join then Secretary Hilario Ramiro with other scribes in Cagayan De Oro and North Cotabato. Unfortunately, I never got to enjoy the places as we were most of the time following the health chief wherever he goes for interview/photo opportunity.

It's a good thing I found this site Tourism Paradise that provides updated travel information, advice and tips.

And just love this phrase found on their site that reads reliable travel info "about the good, the bad and the indifferent, the hidden places and the tourist traps, where to find value and how to avoid being ripped off."

Too good to be true? Check out their site for further info.

What's more interesting is that the site encourages travelers who loves to write and have strong writing skills to contribute or share their unforgettable experiences of their trip.

Meantime, I wish to clarify that I was not paid by any advertiser to write about the site and of the entry (Barrio Siete) prior to this one. I wrote about them because I believe in what the sites are promoting.

It feels great to be part of Barrio Siete

Heard of the latest place (blogsite) to be?

Reyna Elena of reynaelena dot com , a personal and humor blog, is at the helm of this new 'tambayan' called Barrio Siete.

So what's cooking up at "Barrio Siete"? Quoting Reyna Elena, who also serves as the Barangay Kapitana (Barangay Captain) of the site.

"This is an alternative collective blog by a group of bloggers who talk the talk, and walk the walk of its target audience — the socio-economic group who do not use pretentious and intellectual language that can not be grasped by ordinary human beings. Sa blog na ito, gagamitin namin ang mga salitang ginagamit sa araw-araw, sa kalye, sa iskuwela, sa bahay at sa opisina."

In short, Barrio Siete a typical site where we can be ourselves without compromising our own beliefs and prejudices.

Citing Kapitana's description of “Barrio Siete,” he said "it is the typical barrio where we came from, or a phase in our lives where we have to struggle to achieve our goals in life."

One brewing topic in Barrio Siete at the moment is about actress Katrina Halili and ex-beau Hayden Kho's explicit video.

Kapitana took me in as one of the 'possible' writers. It's an honor to be included in the line up of prolific writers. You may visit the site now.

Brouhaha over Hayden and Katrina's steaming sex video

Filipina actress and reality talent search product Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho, a cosmetic surgeon in a product endorsement photo shoot. (I got the picture here)

Anger for Hayden Kho and pity for Katrina. This was my initial reaction when I saw the latest sex video for the first time last night through a cellphone.

If one is to look at it as plain sex video and you don't know any of the actors in it, you would say it's a clip from a porn movie as the 'act' is done artistically. But since everyone knows and talking about the video involving both actors, I can't help but took pity on Katrina. She's a woman and her rights (as a person) has been violated. Whether Katrina was aware or not when she it was filmed, my heart goes out to her.

Somebody has to pay for the bastard act (of filming and distributing the sex clip). In an interview Lolit Solis claimed that only four people knew or are keeping the copy of the video.

Such a pity. I support women's group Gabriela and even Senator Bong Revilla in condemning Hayden (and other culprits) for this dastardly act.

This is my take on this issue. What's yours?

Photohunt #4: Painted

Human canvass

It's Saturday and its Photohunt day. I don't have any picture in mind that would match this week's theme (painted) except the snapshot of this man whose back is adorned with tattoo.

The tattoed man is actually an inmate at the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. The other man holding a pen-like object was his fellow inmate, who is a known tattoo artist at the same tightly-guarded area. The object is an improvised handmade tattooing tool covered with thick layers of thread.

This picture had been used to support the banner story published by People's Tonight sometime in October 2004. The news feature focused on the susceptibility of inmates to blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B, which is transmitted from having unprotected sex, sharing drug needles, and getting a tattoo or body piercing with dirty needles and tools.

Some authorities interviewed for the story would not admit the incidence rate of hepa B cases (if there are), but confirmed the existence of sharing of drug needles, unprotected sex with different (women) visitors, and unhygienic use of tattooing devices.

Do you find this post interesting? See other 'painted' entries here.

Is your child enrolled at illegal pre-school?

I have written an article about the attributes of a DECS-registered pre-school in 2001. The purpose is to guide parents whose child is about to enter pre-school for the first time in choosing the 'right' school for their kid. It was the same year I enrolled my eldest, who was then 4-years old, in a nearby pre-school in our area.

I thought of updating the figures (exact number of pre-schools in NCR) but have no way of contacting Mr. Eleazardo Kasilag, president of the Federation of Association of Private School Administrators in the NCR, whose the source of this information.

Anyway, here are the attributes of a DECS-registered pre-school

1. Must have the feature of a regular classroom (definitely not just a garage or a rented-room-turned classroom)

2. Must have complete visual kits, poster of Panatang Makabayan, crucifix and picture of the present President of the Republic

3. Must have a library of books written by Filipino authors

4. DECS also requires a school to have an ample ground or field where pupils can play and hold Physical Education Classes and other related activities. The lot size must not be smaller than 350 square meters.

5. Permits (either marked with stamped pad or a dry seal) issued by the DECS should be displayed on areas where it can easily be seen by parents and visitors.

6. The permit must have the corresponding government receipt that indicates the number and location of the school.

7. Children-per-classroom ratio should be one child for every 1.2 square meters. The UNESCO figure is 35 children per classroom.

8. Based on Republic Act 7636 or the Professionalization of Teachers, a qualified pre-school teacher must have passed the board examination for teachers.

Questions parents hesitate to ask

1. Parents should be able to know where the tuition paid every month or every school year would go. The same thing applies for tuition increases.

-- The school administrator must be able to consult the matter first with parents before any ruling on tuition hike is implemented.

2. Refer to attributes. These are the basic things/observation some parents ask from school administrator.

Rationale for proliferation of illegal pre-schools

Failure of parents to ask or voice out their concern about the school their children are enrolling in is just like tolerating the illegal activities of the school.

Where to report bogus pre-schools

DECS has the sole jurisdiction on the monitoring of basic education institutions, including pre-schools.

If parents doubted the school's legality, they may call DECS Division Office in their locality and look for DECS coordinator for private schools.

Preschool kids

It's alway a big picnic everyday at school. But after children have graduated from pre-school, they must be able to read and write their names, distinguish colors, tell time and count from 1 to 100.

Towards the right direction (for pre-school administrators)

"It feels good to be always on the right direction. We can hardly do this if we are on the wrong path. How can we take up values if we are illegal," Kasilag said of unregistered pre-schools.

The full story on this is found on the June 14, 2001 issue of People's Tonight.

Friendship Chain

I would like to thank Chris of Mommy Journey for this friendship tag. :)

~~Begin Copy~~

This is the easy way and the fastest way to :1. Make your Authority Technorati explode. 2. Increase your Google Page Rank. 3. Get more traffic to your blog. 4. Makes more new friends.

Rules :

1. Start copy from “Begin Copy” until “End Copy” to your blog.
2. Put your own blog name and link.
3. Tag your friends as much as you can.

1. Picturing of Life 2. Juliana’s Site 3. Hazel-My Life, My Hope, My Future.4. Jeanne-The Callalily Space5.My Family is my Life 6. The Simple Life of a Baghag 7. On A Wonderful Day Like Today 8. House Everything 9. The Creativity in Me 10. Travel and Photography 11. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 12. You Are My Sunshine 13.Song to Remember 14. Super Blog 15. Philiippine Tv Marathon 16.Simply Blue 17. Breaking the Boundaries 18. Top Five 19. A Simple Life 20. Simple Happy Life 21.Mom's Special Diary 22. The Mommy Journey 23. Mom Writes for a Cause 24. You Are Next!

~~End Copy~~

I would like to gain more friends so I'm passing this cute friendship tag to Shie's Asylum, Utotmopink, JeanSquared, Earthlingorgeous, Trust.Loyalty.Bliss.

LP # 2: Nang Matapos

Mula sa kaliwa: Si Michael, Roselyn at Junior (nasa harapan)

Magandang Araw sa lahat. Pangalawang Huwebes ko na ito ngayon sa Litratong Pinoy.

Ang lahok ko ay tungkol sa pagtatagpo ng tatlong bata at ng kanilang ama matapos ang ilang taon nilang pangungulila sa isa't-isa. Ang tatlong batang ito ay nakadaupang-palad ko ilang araw bago mag-Pasko noong 2006 sa bakuran ng Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) sa Bago Bantay, Quezon City, kung saan sila ay nanatili sa loob ng apat na taon hanggang sa matagpuan silang muli ng kanilang ama.

Ang mga bata ay inabandona ng kanilang ina na parang tambak na labada. Sumunod na umalis ang kanilang ama upang maghanap daw ng trabaho. Pero hindi na ito bumalik.

Nagkita ang mag-aama noong Disyembre 28, 2006. Ito ang pinakamagandang regalo na natanggap ng mga bata sa buong buhay nila.

Makikita sa kanilang mga mukha ang hindi maipaliwanag na saya habang kinukunan ang kanilang larawan.

Ang buong storya nito ay inilabas ng People’s Tonight noong January 3, 2007.

English trans:

Good Day everyone. This is my second Thursday here at Litratong Pinoy.

My entry is about the reunion of three children with their father after several years of being separated with him. I met these kids a few days before Christmas in 2006 at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Bago Bantay, Quezon City. RSCC took custody of the children for four years.

The children were abandoned by their mother like a pile laundry. Their father followed on the pretext that he would be looking for a job. He never returned.

The siblings reunite with their father on Dec. 28, 2006. It was the best, if not the very first, Christmas gift the three children ever received.

Happiness was etched on their young faces while they were being photographed.

The whole story was published by People’s Tonight on Jan. 3, 2007.

Vacation is almost over

My kids worry that they might be late for enrolment as we have yet to visit the school to register. If I may recall, we have already enroled, completed our book requirements and school supplies during the same period last year.

I remember paying only P800 for the textbook because each of them was given a P2,500 discount on textbooks as part of the gift given to students who received the Harvest of Achievers Award. We were then able to save a total of P5,000 on textbooks. 

This year only one of them will avail the P2,500 discount. Still, we are thankful for the discount. 

With barely two weeks before the opening of classes next month, I just hope I would be able to complete the important things they need in school. 

School time also means sleeping and getting up early as both are afraid to come to school late on the first day of class.  And for Mommy, maybe lesser time in front of the computer (sigh).

Mt. Everest Summiteers

Autograph signed by Mountaineers Pastour Emata and Leo Oracion of the First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition.

Fresh from their successful climb to the world's highest mountain in 2006, summiteer Emata and Oracion and other members of the FPMEE team were invited as panelists in a Health Forum at Annabel's Resto in Tomas Morato (July 5, 2006). I had my notebook signed right after the presscon. I requested the two gentlemen to dedicate their messages to my kids. The messages urge my kids to study hard and to start building their own dream.

Autograph signing would not be complete without the photo ops. Me and Oracion

From left: Health beat reporters Cher, Sheila, Emata, Me, Oracion, Jenny

I wonder where these two men are right now?

Photohunt 3: In Memory

Dolores Laureaga Lavadia

1916-2000

This week's photohunt's theme 'In memory' is very timely as my family commemorated the 9th death anniversary of my maternal grandmother Dolores Laureaga Lavadia last March. She was born on Dec. 28, 1916 to a Filipino father and a Hawaiian mother.

I had fondest memories of my grandmother. I wish I could have done more to make her life comfortable up to her last moments with us. I love her very much. Happy Mother's Day Lola, wherever you are. She will forever live in our hearts.

Happy Mommy Moments

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

My happy mommy moments are the times that I spent with my family especially with my kids. No words can describe my happiness being a wife and a mother. I just want to share these moments with you, our family picture through the years.

This is our first family photograph with Khalil who is barely a few days old when this picture was taken.


We spend quality time with our kids to make them feel how special they are to us.


We enjoyed lazing around on weekends.


Family bonding time


Our first family photo this year taken on New Year's Day.

No matter what the occasion maybe for as long as we are together simply complete my day. And that I consider as my happy moments.

Happy Mother's Day to my fellow moms and single friends on the Net.

Pahabol na entry para sa Litratong Pinoy: Tulay at Simula Pa Lamang

Unang sali ko ito sa Litratong Pinoy. Salamat kay JennyL at kay Jes sa inspirasyon na sumali. Kay Jenny na nagsabi na maaari naman akong sumali kahit na hindi ako propesyunal na litratista. At kay Jes, dahil nakita ko ang LP entry niya. Sabi ko maaari pa pala akong humabol para sa Linggong ito. Here's the picture of my youngest child (Khalil) who is just starting to walk. And shot of San Juanico Bridge on my first trip to Leyte.

Unang Hakbang
Kuha ito ng bunso kong si Khalil sa pagdiriwang ng Una niyang kaarawan kasama ng kanyang pinsang si Julia. Ito rin ang una niyang subok sa paglalakad ng may alalay. Parati kasi siyang nasa loob ng playpen at hindi nasanay na maglakad sa sarili niya.

San Juanico Bridge
Ang Tulay ng San Juanico ay ang pinakamahabang tulay sa Pilipinas na pinagdudugtong ng ang mga pulo ng Leyte at Samar. Ipinatayo ito sa panahon ng panunungkulan ni Pangulong Marcos. Marcos Bridge ang tawag sa tulay na ito noon.

Nangingiti ako sa ala-alang dulot ng tulay na ito. Kinuha ko ang litratong ito habang umaandar ang aming sasakyan. Wala namang espesyal na okasyon ang pagdaan o ang pagtawid namin sa 2.2 kilometrong tulay na ito. Naisipan lang ng kaibigan ko na itawid ako dahil sa unang pagkakataon na ako ay mapunta sa Leyte bilang bahagi ng aking trabaho.

EIGHT Things

Chris, thanks for this tag. :)

8 Things I'm looking Forward To (doable things for me)

* Top of my list is to finish all my workload at home
* Pay the bills this week
* Enroll kids this week
* Buy their school supplies and other stuff
* Visit our dressmaker and have the kids' measurement taken for a new pair of uniform
* Arrange list of menus for kids' lunch and snack @ school
* Arrange/throw/recycle old school stuff
* And yes, be able to understand how things work in blogging (so many things to learn).

8 Things I did yesterday

* Check on my blog (while kids and hubby were still asleep)
* Upload photos for scrapblog
* Coffee/Prepare breakfast
* Cook lunch
* Watch a noon time show and nap
* Prepare kids' meryenda
* Wash clothes
* Prepare dinner and later in the evening check on my site again

8 Things I Wish I Could Do

* Go swimming or visit Eco Park before the school opens
* Buy my kids especially my daughter her favorite book at the moment
* Pay all our financial obligations
* I wish I could find a stable home-based job.
* Get a sponsor (from NGOs) to publish all my articles on HIV/AIDS.
* Enroll in a scriptwriting class
* Be at peace with myself (have my quite moment, too)
* Exercise to reduce stubborn fats and look good :)

8 Shows I watch

* Quickfire (10-minute cooking show)
* Some noontime show
* American Idol
* Clean House
* Prison Break
* Evening News (24 Oras)
* All About Eve
* T.E.N.

8 People I Tag

* Shie
* Ana
* Beth
* Jes
* Utotmopink
* Lina
* Earthlingorgeous
* Marites

A Tribute to My Mother

My mother has always been there for the good and the bad times. The song "Wind Beneath My Wings" makes me think of her.

I dedicate this post to her to show how much I appreciate her. Happy Mother's Day, 'Nay!

I would like to thank Earth of earthlingorgeous for this heartwarming tag.

In turn, I'm passing this tribute to my fellow moms Beth, Utotmopink, Hazel, JennyL, Princess Sarah, Sassy Mom, Nel's Bebi, Twinkie, Kim, and Nikki.

Here's a simple rule to make this activity even more fun: create you own scrapbook, post it on your blog, tag all moms that you know, and link the person who tagged you.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

I Got Invited to the International Bloggers Community

Hazel of delineatingdes invited me to join the International Bloggers Community and gave me this badge. I truly appreciate this. :)

Rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you.

2. Copy the image above, the rules and the questionnaire in this post.

3. Post this in one or all of your blogs.

4. Answer the four questions following these Rules.

5. Share this to at least seven friends on your Blog Roll.

6. Come back to Bloggista Info Corner (please do not change the link) at http://bloggistame.blogspot.com, leave your URL so that your blog will be added to the Master List.

7. Have Fun!

Questions & Your Answers:

1. Who tagged you?
Hazel

2. What is his/her site's title and url:
Delineating des http://delineatingdes.blogspot.com

3. When were you tagged?
03 May 2009

4. Persons I'm passing this badge on to:
~ Shie, earthlingorgeous, utotmopink, mike, lemuel, dannyarao, ian

Photohunt 2: Walking

This is my second entry for tnchic's Photohunt activity this week. The theme is about walking.

I picked this photo as it reminds me of Mt. Pinatubo's eruption in June 1991. Considered as the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. It was dormant for 500 years until its eruption in 1991.

Mt. Pinatubo is located in Luzon, only 90 km. or 55 miles northwest of Manila. Hundreds of people have been killed during the eruption, while thousands of others were left homeless, including our brother Aetas.

I joined the group of employees from the National Housing Authority who conducted a food relief operation in Zambales in 1992.

I took the photo of an elderly Aeta just before he walked away carrying the relief goods he received from representatives of the government agency.

Escaping full time motherhood (a.k.a. blog addiction)

This was inspired by themomtrap's e-mail to me in reaction to the comment I left on her entry `Are you a blogging addict?'.

Themomtrap was initially discussing at how she was saddened by the 'loss' of her fellow Mom Blogger, who decided to shut down her site along with her twitter and blog email address.

She said that Mom Blogger had previously mentioned "how much time blogging was taking away from her family and home life."

Themomtrap even admitted that "there has been time that she could be doing something else but instead find herself blogging."

I thought that we share the same predicament. And I'm eager to find out if I'm at the threshold of becoming a `blog addict'.

***
My daughter was complaining the other day because it's past our lunch time and I have not prepared our lunch yet. I was busy typing out an entry when she blurted.

"Mommy, you are already neglecting us!"

She made her point and I did not argue with her because I am guilty.

***
Themomtrap suggested in jest to call 'neglectful mothering' as 'escaping full time motherhood.'

I took this quiz and this is what I got.

70%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

So I'm an addict now.

I'm not going to justify the result. From themomtrap, I'm also sharing this:

10 Signs You Might Be Addicted to Blogging

10. You check your blog stats a LOT. You occasionally get up in the middle of the night and sneak a peak.

9. Your significant other suspects you are having an affair with your blog. Even when you’re alone with your special person, you do find yourself thinking what your blog might be doing right then…

8. You “mental blog” while driving or on the train, and sometimes even when you are alone in the shower.

7. You filter everything through your post-writing. You can’t watch a movie, see a play, read an article, or share a sweet moment with your child without thinking of whether it’s blog-worthy.

6. You suffer from “blog envy” when another blogger posts something juicy before you do. You suffer “comment envy” when said post gets 40-something comments – the jerk!

5. You “binge blog” 3 or 4 posts at once—only to feel guilty and empty afterward.

4. You ditched all your real friends for blog friends, because, well, “they understand.”

3. You think, “I can stop at any time.”

2. Your lunch hour has become your “blog hour.” You keep a few posts tucked in your desk in case you need them during the day.

1. After 5 minutes of meeting someone really interesting you ask, “So - do you blog?”

DOH Referral Centers for Influenza A (H1N1)

Some numbers that may come in handy for information on Influenza A (H1N1).

DOH Hospitals designated as Referral Centers for Emerging and
Re-emerging Infectious Diseases

National Referral Center

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel No. 809-7599

Sub-national Referral Center

A. Luzon and Metro Manila

San Lazaro Hospital
Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. No. (02) 732-3776 to 78

Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Avenue, Quezon CIty
Tel. No. (02) 924-6101 / 924-0707

B. Visayas

Vicente Sotto Medical Center
Cebu City
Tel. No. (032)-253-9891 / 254-0057

C. Mindanao

Davao Medical Center
Bajada, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 221-6574

Satellite Referral Hospitals

Regional Hospitals/Medical Centers of 16 regions

Photohunt 1: Protection

My friend Shie tagged and invited me to participate in this week's Photohunt activity, which theme is about protection.

Lotion repellent is my kids' best protection against dengue-carrying mosquito. I usually apply this on their arms and legs before they go to school in the morning because that's the time the tiger mosquito is most active to bite.

Also, we keep our place clean to prevent the build up of mosquito breeding site.

The Department of Health has alarmed the public on the rise of dengue fever cases due to the early onset of wet or rainy season.



Health authorities recommend the regular intake of vitamin C to increase our body resistance to stress and infection in the light of the influenza A (H1N1) scare.

My family, including our kids are taking vitamin C tablet everyday as supplement to our regular food intake.

Aside from vitamin intake, experts also advised the public to observe cleanliness to ward off infection.

2009 Friendship Award

I'm thanking fellow Mom Blogger Chris for giving me my first Friendship Award. Thank You!

Now I'm passing this award to A Day In The Life Of RJ, Earthlingorgeous, Shie's Asylum, Her and History, Jean sQuared, Life Addict, Raising Irish Twins

Rules:
1. Take your award here
2. Put the logo on your post
3. Link the person who awarded you
4. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
5. Add links to those blogs on yours
6. Leave a message for your nominees on their blog