The Lighthouse and Me

I've only seen lighthouses in pictures and in movies but never get the chance to really see them up close. I thought, lighthouses were built just for sightseeing and those who wanted to have a wide view of the sea and ocean. But yesterday, I learned how important a lighthouse is to seafarers and fishermen.

My attempt to take a good photograph of the Parola

I had a great time joining my daughter in their school's annual tour which was in the historical BagacayPoint Tower also known as Parola Watch Tower in Catarman, Liloan Cebu.

"This Lighthouse stands at a towering height of 72 feet in an uphill area
overlooking the splendid Mactan Channel. It sits on an elevated 5,000-sq m government property, 22 km from the main road. The Tower has an active focal plane of 146 feet. The Present tower built in 1908 is white, octagonal and concrete made. The landmark was built in 1904 by virtue of an executive order issued on July 28, 1903 by William Howard Taft, who came to the country in 1900 as president of the Philippine Commission and later appointed US governor general. This light point was originally established in 1857. The Light point flashes white light source at every 5 seconds. For the past 101 years, this white octagonal tower has provided guiding light to mariners, navigators and fishermen from coastal towns in Northern Cebu."(http://www.waypoint.ph/)

Late in the morning, it rained so hard I thought it'll never stop. Good thing the sun came up just as we were about to embark on the journey. The sunny afternoon weather made it really perfect for the nature tour. I never regretted taking the time off though it was also a somewhat birthday leave for me. The view was spectacular I can't help taking pictures of the tower and the view surrounding it. I also climbed and braved the 93 steps going up the tower with my daughter but felt cramps on my leg while descending the staircase.

Alex while going down the stairs

View from the top

Looking at the light house standing so proudly, I felt serenity deep within. Amidst all the noise of children around me, I felt peace just by staring at it and while listening to the sound of the wind. There's a kind of connection between me and the lighthouse. Like the lighthouse, I have a role of giving light to my loved ones and those who might need it.

Alex and Jaz with the lighthouse at the background

More pictures here.

Birthday Girl @ 29

She is at the stage of her life where she has a full grasp of her destiny. Yes, destiny is indeed at hand. She's married to the most amazing person who puts up with her worst moods, nasty habits and that despite her imperfections embraces her for who she is and for who she's not. She's blessed with the smartest and the most adorable daughter a mother could ever have. She has a family who supports her every decisions and directions in life. She is surrounded with friends who continue to be her wonderwalls and reaches out to her anytime, all the time. She has a career who provides her with opportunities for learning and growth and supports her family's needs.

See? She has the best of everything. With that, let me propose a toast to the birthday girl, the phenomenal woman, the lady behind this blog, alessaundrei's mom, earl's mhalove, achi to sistahs and bro, tata to ma and pa, ate lou to cuzins, miss mha to some, lutz to quite a few, momgoddess...MHALOU!

Cheers!!!

(Photo credits to Greza)

PMN E-Zine

Allow me to brag a little about my first ever article posted at Pinoymomsnetwork e-zine under Travel Section. At first I was hesitant to submit my article as I am not that confident about my writing skills. Thanks to Raquel for the opportunity and for tweaking my article a little bit to be pmn material.

I was really thrilled! You can read my article here.

Preggy Look

Incident 1: (college classmate who was in our office for her job interview)
Jem: Oi, congrats!
Me: Huh??? (clueless)
Jem pointing to my tummy
Me: Oh no…I’m not pregnant!
Jem: Ha!? I challenge you. You should loose some weight gyud!
Me: Okay
(Wicked me: I hope you don’t pass the interview.)

Incident 2: (Tia – 6-year old daughter of our Expat)
She was showing us some dance steps learned in school. I tried to follow her steps.
Tia: Nooo, you gothith all wrooong!!!
Me: Ok, I’ll try to practice at home (while doing the dance step again)
Tia: Thaths why you thon’t getith becauth you have a baby in your thummy.
Me and the rest of the people around bursting into laughter.

I don’t know if it’s something I should be happy or be offensive about but some people often mistake me for being pregnant. I really wanted to have another baby but it seems my body isn’t ready yet. During my last visit, my ob advised me to lose some weight coz maybe that’s one of the reasons why it’s difficult for me to be pregnant again. Well, if it’s really meant to be, it’s meant to be. But for now, I am contented having a preggy look.

Sinulog 2008 - Colors of the Festival

The rain didn't even dampen the festive mood. Rain or shine the parade must go on.

Here are the pics taken during one of the country's grandest festivals.

(pardon the pictures of a novice photographer)

SINULOG 2008

...the contingents in their most colorful and unique costumes

...graced by the country's brightest stars and most sought-after product endorsers.
...enormous giants, colorful floats, beauty and elegance

...to the delight of the kids and kids at heart!
more pictures here.

PIT SEÑOR!!!