Where is the PAUSE BUTTON?

Taken using a Nikon D40 DSLR, this pic was taken Oct 6, 2006 in Alpha Salcedo Condo, Salcedo Village, Makati. 

Bee Movie

I bought a cute bee stuffed toy in Apr 2008 at Winn Dixie Kissimmee, Florida for about $5. It was cute and cheap and I thought my then 4 y.o. daughter would love it. I bought the bee stuffed toy because I wanted to get something at the store where my father worked and that would remind me that he worked in that Winn Dixie store.

Today, while watching Disney movies with my son and daughter, I just realized that the cute bee stuffed toy was Barry B. Benson of the Bee Movie. So we watched the whole movie and lo and behold the connection between the cute yellow bee stuffed toy purchased at winn dixie where BL worked and his apos. This coincidence that happened after almost 6 years is probably BLs handiwork.

JLO wt MChlo & JLac

JLo wt MChlo & JLac

A bargain is when you get three JLo tickets for less than 1/2 the cost of an upper box ticket. Mega bonding time again with family when we watched the Latina Pop Superstar in a 1 night only concert. It was their first time to watch a concert by an international artist while it was my 3rd. The concert venue was at SM MOA Arena.

Spotted during the concert were Gov. Imee Marcos & her family, Usec. Abi Valte, Raymond, Richard & Ruffa Gutierrez, Sharon Cuneta and many more personalities.

REFERENCES:
JLO Video # 1
JLO Video # 2

Weekends 2012

The plan for 2012 weekends is to do any of the ff:

1- Watch a basketball game (UAAP or PBA).
Reference http://uaapsports.studio23.tv/ or http://www.pba.ph/

2- Check out the National Museum.
Reference http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/

3- Check out the Angono Petroglyphs.
Reference http://www.angonopetroglyphs.com/

4- Check out the Mind Museum.
Reference http://www.themindmuseum.org/

5- Go to Corregidor.
Reference http://www.corregidorisland.com/

6- Check out the Planetarium.
Reference http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/agssb/planetarium.htm

7- Go around Metro Manila via MRT/LRT.
Reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Metro_Rail_Transit_System

8- Play basketball wt B5 at DB Makati
Reference http://www.donboscomakati.edu.ph/

9- Check out the Air force Museum
Reference http://www.aviation-history.com/articles/paf.htm

10- Check out La Mesa Ecopark
Reference http://www.lamesaecopark.com/about.php

I have to research the ff:
1- potential cost (admission fee, parking fee, etc.)
2- how to get there
3- where to park

Just noting down our plans.

An Affair Proof Marriage

An Affair Proof Marriage
by Father Dennis Paez, SDB

HUSBAND'S BASIC NEEDS
1- Sexual Fulfillment
2- Recreational Companionship
3- An Attractive Spouse
4- Domestic Support
5- Admiration

WIFE'S BASIC NEEDS
1- Affection
2- Conversation
3- Honesty and Openness
4- Financial Support
5- Family Commitment

Surprise by MC

Our little girl continues to surprise us. Aside frm being the class president in her first foray in a election and a consistent quarterly academic award, recently she surprised me in a basketball and car topic.

Kobe Bryant.
Last week when we were window shopping in Powerplant, she said "Hey Dads, Let's buy this Lakers KB jersey for kuya." Then I replied "Kuya already has a Lakers KB jersey." She said "You're right. Besides, it's an old jersey." The jersey's # is 8. KB is now using #24 since '06.

BMW Z3.
Also last week, on the way back to the car from Rustan's supermarket, I told her "Daughter, this is what a BMW 3 series looks like" pointing to a black BMW E90 body. Then I said "This is what a BMW X3 looks like." pointing to a silver BMW E83 body. Then she surprised me with this retort "So Dads, what does a BMW Z1 look like?"

How many graders ask that type of question or give that input?

The Map – Made in Japan

Little Boy refuses to be called Little Boy anymore. He's turning 13 in 2 months time and in the adolescent period - a cross between a child and an adult. He will later realize that it's fun to be a child forever.

During our travel to Japan mid this year, he learned his first adult lesson from his old man - how to read a map. To make our Universal Studios Japan more exciting, I got a map, taught him the basics (news, landmarks, resto & restroom symbols) and let him plan our itinerary for the day. I just told him to ask me when he's in doubt.

The following days, he progress to a bigger scale by being the "co-navigator" in exploring the cities of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto and Kobe. The situation presented more challenge for the father and son because some of the signs were in Japanese.

A popular adage says "experience is the best teacher" and this is one practical lesson he will not forget.

A quick lesson in Majority and Minority

The 15th President of the Philippines Benigno C. Aquino III was inaugurated in simple albeit historic rites today in Quirino grandstand. His political resume shows 9 years as Tarlac Representative (District 2) and 3 years as Senator. He is still considered a political neophyte. On the other hand, newly minted VP Jejomar Binay has 18 years of being Makati city Mayor under his belt plus 3 years as MMDA Chairman. In the national election last May 10, Aquino garnered 15,208,678 votes or 30.4 % of the population while Binay got 14,645,574 votes for 29.3% of the voting populace.

B5 is this school year’s class Vice President. He got 45 votes out of the 50 class population and that makes him the majority VP with 90% of the votes. This is his 7th year in DB and he has been Prexy 3X and Veep 2X already.

MC is the class President. She got 17 out of 41 votes which makes her a minority Prexy with 41% of the votes. Her classmates who ran against her got 10 votes an the 3rd placer got 7 votes. Her friend and namesake nominated her for class prexy. This is her 3rd year in CS.

Majority is considered 50% plus 1%.

Mom's in School

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Henry L. Doherty





My net research says the oldest university student is 95 year old Nola Ochs from Fort Hays State Universtiy in 2007. Mom is not actually the oldest student and in fact she is more than 3 decades younger than the oldest student on record hence she has a lot of educational mileage on her odometer.

She's taking up an associate degree in Early Childhood education at a state college in the US. This comes 3 decades after she finished her Masters in Public Administration in her hometown university when we were growing up.

To up the ante, she's doing this while working at a pre-school. This actually qualifies her to be called A WORKING STUDENT.

Dreams are made for children

Last 9-29-09, my wife woke me up in the middle of the night because I was making weird noises and she thought I that was having a nightmare. I wish she didn't wake me up because I was having the best dream in my life since 5-5-08.

I dreamt that I had a disagreement with a loved one that happened in my Uncle AGS' house which is abt 300meters from where we live. I walked home, passed through San Rafael Parish Church and arrived at my parents house. When I opened the gate, Papa was there flashing his patented smile and we hugged each other REAL TIGHT. I think I was a child in that dream because my head was on my father's chest. It was like a scene from a movie that was so vivid in my memory. The scene and the dream eventually ended when we saw my cousin NFS and I told him to bless to Papa. That's also the time my wife JML woke me up.

I miss you, Papa.

Seize the Opportunity

TY Cory
Originally uploaded by dylac

B5 my son had the privilege to shake hands with the former Senate President and former Justice Secretary Franklin Drilon during Cory's procession. It was out of his own initiative, we did not prompt him.

It was quick thinking on his part while my share was to take a couple of shots to capture the moment.

B5's Recog Day

B5's Recog Day
Originally uploaded by dylac

ME. ME. ME.

They say that blogging is all about self glorification. And they are right. This entry is about ME, particularly about my son's achievement. Some may call it bragging but it's based on a fact.

My son B5 (KML) got the following awards during their Elementary Recognition Day last July 1, 2009.
(1) Academic Excellence Award
(2) Christian Living Award
(3) Conduct Award

You made us proud again, my son! Keep it up.

Dad

Basketball Runs in the Family

Dear B5 (the assist machine and steals king),

When I was your age, my chosen sport was soccer football. I know Papa Boy was a bit dismayed when he learned I opted for the white ball with black pentagon spots instead of the 1 foot orange ball with black stripes used in the game of basketball. I learned to play basketball at a rather late age of 14 years old. I began to like the sport better but kept in touch with the game of soccer throughout high school and college. I wasn't really good in both sport but understood both games and in fact can still play both games (minus the running up and down the field or the court). Papa Boy used to watch me play soccer during after class intramurals game even if I didn't play well. In high school and college, I used to play with him and remember the first time I beat him was in my late teens. He was 3 inches taller than me and played alot during his younger days so that spelled the difference. In college, he watched some of my games and remember playing well when I knew he was watching.

Last Sunday (April 19) was my first time to see you play REAL basketball. We play basketball a lot but only with a tennis sized basketball or a junior size ball. I must say you are very good at the game for your age. Well very good has a touch of bias because you are my son. Good is a more appropriate assessment of your skill. You’re on your last two days in the basketball clinic. I’ve told you your strengths and points for improvement verbally last Sunday and I just want to list them down in my journal.

Strengths:
1. You are an above average ball handler.
2. You are an above average defender.
3. You use your teammates as a shield when dribbling.
4. You are good in assist and finding the open man.
5. Your steals per game count is exceptional.

For Improvement:
1. Raise your arms when defending an opposing player.
2. During offense, stay in the perimeter.
3. You are not the team’s center so don’t stay in the middle (shaded area) during defense. Just stay in the perimeter.
4. If there is a referee during a game, don’t listen foul calls from the players. Let the referee decide.
5. Acknowledge your teammate once they make a shot.

My tips to you:
1. Know your teammates. Pass to the better skilled teammates.
2. Pass to the ball to the nearest player the basketball ring.
3. Play the point guard position. It matches your height and your built.
4. Always drink water. It hydrates you.
5. You’re in the growing phase in your life so eat a lot. Target a 5’10” height.

You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy the sport. Learn from it. Practice makes perfect.

Love,

DADS

The Gathering Place

O'ahu, Hawaii
Location 21°28′N 157°59′W / 21.467°N 157.983°W / 21.467; -157.983
Area 596.7 sq. mi.
Rank 3rd largest Hawaiian Island
Highest point: Mount Ka'ala 4,003 ft (1,220.1 m)
Population 905,034 (as of 2008)
Density 1,468/sq. mi. (567/km²)

My mother, CSL is now in O'ahu, Hawaii. She's been there for the past 3 months staying with my Aunt Lu. (If you're reading this entry Aunt Lu and Unc Dong, words are not enough to say how grateful we are for your support to Mama during this period of adjustment). She currently works for a Catholic Pre-school which is about 10 minute walk from Aunt Lu's place.

Our Ayala Museum Adventure

July 19, 2008 - The plan this weekend was to see the National Museum in Manila. It was not meant to be as we learned that the museum is undergoing renovation. The back up plan was to go to Ayala Museum which was just 5 minutes from our place. Funny, we've been living in Makati for the past 4 years but we haven't seen the "new" museum. One of the perks of being a Makati resident is a big discount in museum entrances. We only had to pay P150 for adults and P75 for children. Museums in the Phils are relatively cheap as museums abroad cost in the neighborhood of P500 to P1000.

T'was my second time to see Ayala Museum. The last time was over 2 decades ago during a school field trip in my elementary days. While the building is new, the location and the concept are the same. It's located at the corner of Dela Rosa St. and Makati Ave. The concept - dioramas depicting the history of the Philippines, miniature galleons and paintings from famous Filipinos.

The difference lies withe the company - my wife, my 10 year old son and my 4 year old daughter. My wife was amazed, it was learning filled for my son and my daughter saw it as space freedom (compared to our 65 sq.m. condo). In all, it was mega bonding time for the four of us.

My Son, the Entreprenuer

Last April 3, my son officially (or unofficially) joined the entrepreneur bandwagon through his ice candy for sale business.

His idea, through the assistance and encouragement of his mother, they bought packs of Frostee Ice Candy at the local grocery, printed a colorful ICE CANDY FOR SALE @ P5.00 only banner and properly kept track of the earnings.

Since the start of his operation, he averages 21 pieces sold per day and at the rate things are going, he may end up earning between P1,000 to P1,500 a month this summer.

At 10 years old, I guess he qualifies as one of the youngest businessman in the country. Move over Bill Gates.

Mother's Know Best

My two EXes are past president of their school dance club. As a company manager, we get to present during functions and it's usually a dance number. I love to listen to songs with danceable tunes. All these suggest that I am a good dancer - NOT!

I was once invited to join a dance competition in our town during my teenage years. My mother did not allow me then and I felt bad. I didn't know if I was a good dancer but my partner would be a high school crush so back then, it was all that matters.

Two decades after that incident, it's crystal clear to me what my mother's intention was - that she wants to protect her son from imminent humiliation. I don't need any further proof and embrace the fact that I'm not cut off for dancing. I've realized that more than 10 years ago.

The Boyfriend Story

"I have a boyfriend" announced my 3 year old daughter over dinner. We got a good laugh after her statement. The question is, will we have the same reaction in a decade's time? By the way, the boyfriend's name is Miracle.

One on One

Our one and only son (our little kobe-conut) scored a rank 1 in the first quarter. His 95.17 general average catapulted him to this ranking after consistently being in rank 2 in his class during his 3rd grade. Not all news is good though because he graciously lost to a returning grade 2 representative in the race for grade 4 student council representative. For being a runner up, he gets to sit as grade 4 council member. Together with his academic award comes a conduct award. We hope he maintains his ranking until the end of his grade 4 season.

Let's Meet Halfway

My son B5 is 9 y.o. while my daughter MC is 3 y.o. Their average age is 6 y.o. and this is the rendezvous age where the siblings meet.

B5 the kuya most of the time plays as the protector. One time while in the park playground, he told the kids trying to bully his sister 'hey, it's my sister's turn'. On the other hand, he would get mad at her sister for being makulit when if fact he started the kulitan.

The bunso MC, angelic looking at three, can be the ultimate terrible three when in the mood. She would shout 'Huya!' when in pikon mode even if she was the promotor. Then there are days when the only hand that she'll hold (while walking in the mall) is kuya's hand.

My mother was right when she said we will be amazed by the difference of personalities of our offspring. My wife shared that we sometimes abhor certain traits of our children when in fact these are the traits we want to scrub off our system. This is just the tip of the iceberg and we'll learn more from our kids as time goes by.