Move Up Day (Year 2)

Another school year is over for my little girl and next year she’ll be moving up to the next level which is PG – 5. Two more school years and she’ll be in big school already. I can’t wait to see her climb up the academic ladder but a part of me still wants her to be that tiny little tot who is still struggling to master the ABC. Today was her move up day. It was kinda’ late compared to most pre-schools which ended the school year before Holy Week. The move up was just a short ceremony compared to last year where they had a “playlet” if you call it. The PG-6 also had their graduation ceremony while the kids from the lower level received their respective awards. Alex received the “Young Commentator Award”. As described, the Young Commentator never runs out of things to say about people, events and situations. Voluntarily this child always expresses opinions openly.

I think the award given to Alex was well-deserved. Even at home, she has her take on things like the movie she’s watching or what the DJ is saying on the radio and so many “why’s” in the world which I find unusual or maybe it’s NOT unusual with the kind of kids nowadays. I find her growing up too fast. Aside from the physical growth, her mental skills have developed leaps and bounds. I am amazed with her ability to read short words with single vowel and she already knows how to tell the time – not through the digital clock but the regular clock with numbers. She can also do things on her own and can be trusted on some little household chores like sweeping the floor or organizing her toys and dvds or bringing you stuff from the fridge.

Okay, I could go on and on with her many achievements. In a nutshell, she has come a long way as a pre-schooler. Now going back to the move up earlier today, I had a hard time taking pictures as we were not allowed to go near the stage during the entire ceremony. I was a bit upset because Alex prefers to have her picture taken with her friends rather than me. Yeah, call me a jealous and overly-sensitive mom. I have to rush for work so I dropped them off (my sister, the yaya and Alex) to Ayala for a quick bite at McDonalds – a simple treat for the little girl.

Here are a few of the shots I took.

getting ready to receive the award

Young Commentator Awardeeshowing off their awards (Alex, Jazz and Kathleen)saying goodbye for now...Alex with a few of her school buddies

my sister anne with jazz and alex

Part One: CDO Adventure 2008

Growing up in the province has exposed me to the laid back and slow-mo life. I always love the tranquility that the province has to offer with the beauty of Mother Nature right in your fingertips. This year's trip to Cagayan de Oro City was an escape from the hussle and bussle of Cebu city life. Though CDO is a city in itself, it is far from being highly urbanized and industrialized compared to Manila or Cebu. Don't get me wrong. I didn't mean it in a negative way though. The entire province still boasts of lush greenery, panoramic view of the mountains, and clean air.

We were told that our itinerary for this year would include a trip to the beach. I'm quite relieved because I have always love the beach may it be white sandy ones or the gray or rocky beaches. Black Saturday came, we pack up our things and drove more than 120 kilometers east of Cagayan de Oro City.

I'll be posting several pictures and will just put some captions. I'm too tired to compose a story that long about our adventures. Just let the pictures speak for themselves.

first off...the captain of the ship
passing through blind curves and always meet this sign
and this too
we don't wanna miss this

seriously, you think the criminals in this town will take their police seriously?
first pit stop...for lunch
while waiting for the food to be served, we practiced our "sniper" skills with their shooting range

we were also entertained by this cute little fellow

finally...Duka Bay Resort
this sure looks fun...getting ready to "snorkeeel"

i swear, it's a beautiful world down there.
this kid had a blast and this surfer is waiting for the big waves to come...they never came!

and when the sun sets along with the aching sunburn, we called it a day.

You can view more pictures here.

Topless

Nope.

It's not what you're thinking.

Just because it's summer, you have all the reasons to go topless.

Why not?

Hahaha...got you there!

These are Topless Sandals given to us by Ate Leonor.

It's really comfy you wouldn't even know you're wearing a slipper and it's perfect for summer.

Check out how it works and see other designs here.

Tara Na, Biyahe Tayo!

" A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."

- Lao Tzu -

(taken at CDO port)

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Reached Cagayan de Oro safe and sound after all the chaos we encountered at the port. What do you expect, it's the travel season. Good thing, me and Alex have less baggage since hubby, who went ahead with us, already brought most of our things. I just wish you all a very peaceful and meaningful Holy Week with your family and loved ones.

My Sacrifice

Yesterday, Palm Sunday marks the start of "Semana Santa". For the Roman Catholic, it is the time to commemorate the passion and death of Christ. For others, the week spells VACATION and that includes a trip to the water may it be beach, pool, river or whatever. When I was a kid, I spent my Holy Week with my Lola Claudia. The religious that she is, semana santa for her is a time for sacrifice. I remember joining the way of the cross with her barefoot passing through uncemented and rocky roads of her little town. I had huge blisters and cuts on my feet after. That was for her our sacrifice and she would sermon that it's nothing compared to what Jesus Christ went through on the road to Calvary.

I couldn't remember the last time I did the "Via Crusis". The last three years, our Lent has been spent in Bantayan Island, Cagayan de Oro or home. So, last Saturday along with the scorching heat of the sun and the steep climb up, I joined my fellow PASERs to Tabor Hills for what I call "my little sacrifice". It's the first time I've been there and in fact, I never heard of it not until last Saturday. I was told that the place is a big hit especially during the Lent Season where a lot of people visit the place to do the Station of the Cross.

I don't really consider myself a devout Catholic but I do believe in Him and never miss my Sunday obligation. I joined last Saturday's ordeal because it is my way of being with the Lord. I know sometimes with the fast paced living and with a lot of distractions around me, I often ignore His presence in my life. Tabor Hill is also a perfect place for reflection though the summer heat was really unbearable I almost fainted. Good thing, we have enough supply of food and water.

Before you all hit the beach, climb up Tabor Hill and be aware of God's presence in your midst. Though tired, I actually felt light after.

Let me share to you some of the photos I took of the place.

feeling really tired