For Sofia, weaning came very late. I was told by many that kids should be weaned out of bottle-feeding as soon as they turn 1. Her pedia said we should try at 2, but luck wasn't on our side. She would throw tantrums at night when she doesn't get her supply. We've resorted to lowering her oz intake, making her milk too diluted and even controlling the number of bottles left in the room. But because she gets to stay in the room all by herself, she ends up putting extra scoop in her (matalino!). When she turned 4 I tried coaxing her that since she's big already she should stop drinking milk from the bottle but she would contest. A few months before Christmas, I told her "o pagChristmas na, no more mimi bottle na ah". I would sometimes hear her telling her lola and tito that she would start drinking milk in the glass when it's Christmas. I gave her time after.
One night, when we went to the mall, I intentionally left the bottles in mama's house. She hasn't drink milk for the past two nights, and maybe tricking her one more night won't hurt. When we came back, she was looking for milk and I told her we don't have milk bottles. Then I remember bringing home a mineral water bottle from the mall. I told her, I'll just make milk in it. She agreed, and she was able to finish the serving. The following night I told her I don't have bottles again, so she agreed that I make it in her school jug. The next milk nights, she agreed to have them in the glass. I did this every night, even leaving a glass with spoon and water so she can make her own when she gets back from school. We're now on our 4th week (we started sometime November) and she seldom drinks milk now. Though, for me it is an achievement I still prefer she continue drinking milk even in glass. Sometimes she would even refuse to eat rice. I would have to deal with that sometime...and thumb-sucking. Bye-bye botes!
Five years ago, the icing on the cake of our wedding day was visiting Coron, Palawan for the first time. Fast forward, Jaims and I revisited the place with our little "made in Coron" last October 31 - November 3.
With eyes closed, we've booked our flight with Air Philippines sometime July. It started with a dare but dad took it seriously and made use of the powers of the Internet, my credit card and prayers (s0 we could pay on time). 2 Adults, and 1 four year old cost P6,000.00. Would have been cheaper if we got Cebu Pac's Piso Fare but there was no promo then. The AirPhil Express plane ride was on time and quick. Landing was abrupt though. We landed in a rather new glass-walled Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan.
Finding a place to stay shouldn't be difficult as we already have SeaDive Resort in our mind. While it's not a five-star place, staying there five years ago was more on the reason of bang for the buck. We were able to live in an air-conditioned room for P500.00 then. Their price now is twice as much but I think it's still worth it. Unfortunately, we neglected the fact that more people are capable of visiting Coron now. Thus, all air-conditioned rooms in SeaDive were already booked.
We were able to book a place a few weeks before our flight. One of the cheapest we were able to find online is Coron Reef Pension House. Each room has its own comfort room, a sink, 2 single beds and air-conditioned room. You have an option to lodge by seaside or just a few steps away from the sea. They have a mini-carinderia just outside your room and they serve unlimited free coffee. Downside though, were the unlimited mosquitoes lurking inside your room. I doubt if Off-Lotion will be effective with the kind of mosquitos they have. Night and dawn view is still spectacular as ever.
The following day, we went Island Hopping with another family. Crossing a rickety bridge, we were escorted to our boat Jeshera Joy (quick search with Google brought me to this contact info). Our first stop was Siete Pecados. This, I think is the normal first stop because it enables non-divers to practice dipping and breathing in a clear, not so-deep water. The place is good for fish feeding so don't forget to bring a bag of bread or tasty. When I say bag, I really mean a bagful of pandesal. While the fishes are small you'll be surprise how much of them will attack your bread once released (0r even abot to be released).
Our boat then transferred us to Kayangan Lake. When one is in Coron town, one of the attractions they can visit is that tall cross at the top of Mount Tapyas but I PASSED on it. But it seems that there is no escaping mountain climbing as we are forced to climb up a mountain before we can see the pretty pretty lake. Nature can be funny at times :) It's quite a climb, and what made it difficult was holding my daughter, making sure she does not skid while I balance myself. Large mosquitoes weren't helpful too. But the sight and feel of Kayangan Lake, takes all the pain away.
I'm not quite happy with Kayangan Lake's water, though. I wish people are a bit more enviro conscious. I think the lake will deteriorate in a few more years because of the trash people leave behind.
Lunch was then served at Banol beach. If I could stay there for the rest of the day, I probably would. The powdery white sand, clear refreshing sea water and picturesque view are enough reasons for Sofi and I to stay there.
The remaining parts of the trip were merely passing through activities as both our family and the other were either too tired or too novice to try Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon.
When our Coron Island Tour ended, we transferred to a more chic Resort the same night -- Dive Link Resort. Review of Dive Link will follow in the next post :)
last week before going on leave, the boss asked me to fill out the license audit for the department. The name/license type/registration number/reg date/expiration date columns have to be filled up for submission to the company HR. When it came to my column, i had to put an expired "expiration" (pardon for the redundancy) date because my teacher license has yet to arrived. My automatic information retrieval system told me that the DHL lady reminded me that I have to wait for three months before I can finally get approved for the change of name I filed and that I will be the one who should do the follow up on DHL because they do not normally accept change of name deliveries. I took the risk and filled up the form. July 29 is three months after. Since I am on leave today because the little girl got sick, I intended to follow-up on them.
While attending to Sofi's needs, the doorbell buzzed. I checked who's at the gate and was surprised to see a yellow envelope waiting for me. I got surprised, how efficient their service is.
it feels like a gazillion years since I last posted something. work is REALLY detrimental to blogging :D
Yesterday, Angioletto Preschool culminated the nutrition month with the "We Go, Grow and Glow Together" activity. Kids were assigned a nutritious food from the three food groups and Sofi was asked to be a BEAN. The rule was not too spend too much on the costume so we made one MAGIC BEAN costume out of:
Materials:
1 REALLY big green T-shirt (daddy's Tshirt)
1 roll light green felth cloth (P59.75, SM Department Store)
1 roll chicken wire (P39.75, Ace Hardware)
comforter foam (found in Mama's tambak)
needle and thread
Putting the foam and shirt together was a challenge. I forgot about pattern-making back in HELE days. It took me 1 whole day to finish sewing and I had to ask daddy to put wire on it. It looks like a bean when hung but droops down when Sofi wears it, thus the need for chicken wire.
On the day itself, I found out how competitive parents' could get when it's time to make their kids shine. Haha! The other kids' costume are well thought of. But nothing makes a mom REALLY HAPPY than seeing her kid perform and enjoy the activity. I'm a stage mommy and proud of it!
A few weeks ago, i blogged about PRC's partner forwarder -- WWWExpress (DHL). Regular IDs are released three weeks after. They said I'll receive it a few days after, and i was surprised to get it last wednesday. That's exactly 25 days after i filed my form. Not bad! I still have to wait for my other ID though, which is 3 months after, because i had it changed from my maiden name to my married name. let's wait how reliable their service is :)
Maynila is such a beautiful place, except that I'm too scared to bring valuables. I seldom visit Maynila alone, only on instances that I have to renew my license or if I have to attend a seminar within its vicinity. That's why when I went to PRC - Morayta I decided to bring only the essentials. It's for the same reason why my pics in the previous post was a few clicks aways from being blurred.
Anyway, here's what's inside my ever reliable summer BAG!
(1) brown envelope. It contains all the documents I need for that day.
(2) travel cheat sheet. I'm such a Geographic Idiot (GI), I had to ask Jaims how to get to PRC. I had to write it down. I had to visualize it as I write it down. I didn't open it naman while in transit. I had memorize it by heart.
(3) PRC IDs. Do I need to explain why?
(4) Pencil Case Full of Writing Tools. Have you ever been to Pasig City Municipal Hall? When you transact your business, and you don't have a pen. They'll sell you Panda Pens. They don't provide and will not lend you any, even if you just forget to sign the doc. Crazy noh?! Good thing PRC provides pens near their Windows.
(5) PASTE. To paste your pictures. If you fail to do so, they'll ask you to do it. Some Windows have pastes, some doesn't. It's better to bring one. I remember bringing one before, and someone saw it. She borrowed it, another came, and they passed it on to each other. Hello?! Get your own.
(6) Smaller Bills. Ma'am, may piso ka? Wala ka bang barya? Exact amounts, coins and smaller bills make transaction faster and better. Bring lots o' them.
(7) Receipt. That's the receipt of the Pastillas I brought home for Sofi. But make sure you bring something to munch on, or drink when inside PRC. An early bird ends up hungry.
(8) Handkerchief. I should have brought a towel. With the grueling heat nowadays, a towel seemed fitting.
(9) Adidas Floral Dream Perfume. Trying to smell good despite the heat.
(10) Cellphone. For emergency calls and text messages. For games to keep you busy, instead of cursing slow queues.
(11) Nora Roberts' Birthright. I read the first few pages while aboard an FX but I decided to play Scrabble instead while waiting for my Petition Form. I intend to read that sometime :)
Another reason why I love going to Maynila are ambulant vendors along the road and overpasses. Every time I go to Morayta, I take home cheap loots from these vendors. Your P50 can go a long way here. I have bought pony's, hair clips and combs before. Today, I found this:
Presenting! my cheap find along the strip of Morayta. A 30-peso beaded black bracelet. I luv it!
Since you already know how to go to PRC, you can renew your license already. The complete instruction can be seen at the PRC website. The reason I'm re-posting this is because the PRC website is seasonal (READ: inaccessible most of the time).
Requirements for Manual Procedure
1. Duly accomplished form which you can download from the PRC website.
2. Two (2) pcs. passport size picture: close-up, colored, plain white background, with complete name tag
3. Photo/Xerox copy of recent professional ID card
4. In case of LOST professional ID card which is still current, the applicant shall submit a notarized affidavit of loss
5. In case of DESTROYED professional ID card, the applicant shall surrender the destroyed card.
6. Renewal Fee. Call 314-0009 or 736-2248 to verify how much you need to pay. Mine expired last August 2010, I was told to pay P630.00.
If you intend to have a change of name, fill-up one of these:
and bring the following, on top of the renewal requirements:
1. passport size ID picture. The downloadable form says 1 ½ x 1 ½, but when I asked for another form from the Professional Teacher's Office, the required picture is passport size.
2. NSO issued Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate. You can request online, for P140.00 each. You'll get your copy (if no problem was encountered) in 3 working days.
3. Statutory fee of P225.00
4. Metered Stamp (which you can avail at the Ground Floor of PRC.
Each form has an instruction at the back, but sometimes reality can't really be translated in black and white
Here are my own special steps:
STEP 1: Bring out your PRC ID, when entering the PRC gate. The guards on duty will ask you to do this. If you don't have it with you, make sure you have the documents needed as they won't let you in if you don't have any business inside PRC. If you are a teacher, jump to Step 3. If not, take Step 2.
STEP 2: Forms are available at the Customer Service booth. It's at the left side of the Entrance Gate. Go to Step 8.
STEP 3: If you're a teacher they won't give you, instead they would direct you to 3rd Floor, Annex Building. I printed one of the downloadable forms above, but chickened out when I went to the the Teachers' Office. It looks the same, but theirs has the word Teacher already printed in each form. I used the form for my librarian license renewal instead.
STEP 4: Paste your picture.
STEP 5: After filling out the forms, line up at Window 21 of the Teachers' Office. If you need to change your name/marital status, go to STEP 12 first. Submit your form together with the photocopy of your ID. They will assess how much you need to pay. Beside me was a nun renewing her non-expired license and she's paying P480.00. Mine expired last August 2010 and I need to pay P630.00 + P225.00 (for the change of name).
STEP 6: Proceed to the Cashier Window 2. Just beside Window 21. Not much line, I wonder if those who had their forms assessed felt that the renewal is a rip-off. HAHA!
STEP 7: Go the next Window. I forgot the name but if you're right in front of the cashier, turn 135 degrees to your right and you'll see it. They'll give you the claim stub. Hop to Step 17.
STEP 8: Bring your Accomplished Form at the Main Bldg. It's called Window 30. If you're already in the main building door, turn left, then left again. If you need to change your name/marital status, go to STEP 12 first.
STEP 9: Submit your form, extra picture and the photocopy of your old ID. They will assess how much you need to pay. Since I called the day before, I learned that I need to pay P630.00.
STEP 10: Go to the Cashier. It has two windows. It's located just outside the Main Building Door.
STEP 11: Go back to Window 30, and they'll give you your claim stub. Hop to Step 17.
STEP 12: If you are changing name/marital status, go to the 2nd Floor of the main Building and look for the Legal Department. The 2nd Floor has a guard who would answer your queries just in case. Here's how the Legal Office looks like:
STEP 13: Have your Change of Name forms notarized. You will pay P50.00. When I had my change of name for librarian, it took a while before it was notarized. Yesterday, it took me less than 5 minutes to be notarized.
STEP 14: Go back to the Ground Floor, pass by the Metered Stamp booth and have your petition form metered. It will cost you P21.00.
STEP 15: If you are a teacher go through Steps 5 and 6, then go to the Records Window 9 to verify your records. Then off to Step 16. If you belong to other profession, go through Steps 9 and 10. Then off to Step 16.
STEP 16: Go back to the 2nd Floor, Main Building, and submit your forms to the first door at your right side. That's where you'll get your claim stub. This will take a while.
STEP 17: Treat yourself to McDo.
Online Procedures
NOTICE: The online renewal facility is currently available to maritime professionals only. Since this is the first time the facility is being implemented, it has been decided to make it available initially to a select group of professionals to determine its reliability, stability and performance. As soon as this becomes stable then the same will be made available to the rest of the professions for which announcements will be made accordingly.
-- Professional Regulations Commission
Waiting for our Petitions to be checked and verified.
Since I'm not sure when I can go back, I decided to try DHL's WWWExpress. P80.00 for each ID. Aaaargh!
Going to Morayta from my place is a bit hell; exciting for the rather adventurous type. In the past, I go to Morayta by taking the Quezon Ave. route which is waaaaaaaay to long. I am from Kapitolyo, Pasig.
Take the tricycle going to Robinson Pioneer
Ride the MRT going to Quezon Ave. Station
Cross the highway
Take the FX, going to Quiapo
Sleep your way through the traffic, wake yourself up once you get to UST.
If I remember correctly, Morayta is two overpass away from UST.
Step-off Morayta
Take the overpass, and walk towards PRC.
But with all the new overpasses created and tricycle rerouted, more walks are actually added to this already long route. Before leaving for Iloilo, Dudi was nice enough to help me device a new Morayta route. Thus, the
NEW ROUTE:
Take an FX going to Quiapo P25.00
Go down at the LRT Pureza Station.
Take the train going to Recto (that's just two stations away from Pureza) P12.00
Go down the station and listen to the barker's chants. If you're hearing Divisoria riders being hailed, chances are you're on the wrong side.
Cross the street where Nice Hotel is. Take the Morayta jeepney. P8.00
You can go down right in front of PRC.
Going home was quite easy. The important thing to remember is finding the LRT tracks over head. Once you see the LRT, you'll be able to find FX going back to Megamall or Pasig. The fare going to Megamall is P35.00.
I was amazed at our health care workers today. Mama rang our doorbell and told me that they are giving away free shots. I went outside to see around 5 people waiting recognizable by their green scrubs and clipboards.
I was ecstatic. The word FREE is so titillating. I told them I'll check Sofi's baby book first. I found out that Sofi is scheduled to have her MMR on September (amounting to P1,300.00). I learned again that M-M-R meant Measles-Mumps-Rubella. But they were only giving away Measles-Rubella shots today. I wanted to grab the chance but I'm thinking what if Sofi's pedia doesn't have a separate Mumps shot since she only gives 3-in-1, 5-in-1 or 7-in-1.
I told them I'll ask Sofi's pedia first, and they promise to come back since the program is until May 3. I will ask first. I need to ask first.
I can’t remember when my love affair with baked shell foods began. My dad used to tag along with his friends when they eat at fine dining restaurants. I can’t remember if it was one of those times that we join them that I got to eat my first baked oyster. Gooey oyster topped with melted cheese — YUM! The cheap alternative would be the baked tahong we’ve had after we got home, and I was still craving for more. Then when I got to college, I’ve tried baked scallops, in Dencio’s.
Last night, we had baked tahong for dinner. I wish I had brought Oly in the kitchen, but I was too lazy to go up, I used my phone cam to take pictures. Enjoy the recipe!
Traveling with a kid and your husband meant bringing three different towels altogether. The count does not include extra beach towel one has to pack especially if you don't want to smell like sea water even after scrubbing yourself off until your skin bleeds.
My brother who loves to dive, surf and go to the beach without us gave us an Aquazorb last Christmas. Not sure, if the color he gave us is the Blue one or the Happy Blue One. I shelved it after the Christmas tree was brought down. When we decided to go to the beach last weekend, I saw her again still in its plastic wrap. I threw it inside our bag.
When we were at the beach, I noticed how convenient it was. By the time Daddy and Sofi were finished using it, our Aquazorb was already heavy but I was still able to use it because it keeps on absorbing water even if its wet already. A few hours after the towel was ready to use again :)
I don't know what happened, I took a picture of the Aquazorb while I was washing it yesterday but when I checked my cam today, the pictures were gone. I was planning to say, "who would believe that this small towel (because I wrung it too tightly) is actually a full-length bath towel?". Darn technology! Anyway, here are some of the pictures I took today of AquaZorb. I so love you, maybe I should get more of you and replace our bulky towels.
when i woke up, i prepared my weekly labada -- separated the "pambahay" from the going out clothes, the dark colored ones from the light colored ones. But mama said, we don't have laundry soap anymore, so I said I'll buy one.
I checked the Downy container, and while there's a lot more for my labada, i decided to buy one, too. I went to 10Q, a nearby grocery. Prices are a bit high, though, than the regular grocery but its distance justifies the added price. I grabbed a 1Kg Pride laundry soap and checked the fabric conditioner rack. There's Downy, Del and then Surf. This is new! Or maybe I wasn't paying attention to what they air on TV.
What made me bought it? The PRICE! hehehe... the cheap-O in me made me picked it up. Sorry! the Downy costs P81.00, the Surf Fabric Conditioner 5-in-1 Freshness (Blossom Fresh) costs P61.00. Both of which are 400ml. With the 20 peso difference, san ka pa?!
The Verdict: it's good! The scent is just right and not as obtrusive as the ones they use in laundry shops.
i'm trying out Live Signature's free digital signature. I just wanted to glam my blogger, if this works fine...i'll figure out how to place it in WP :)
How many times have I attempted to resume blogging? When I checked on my dashboard, I saw three posts in my “draftbox” waiting to be finished. Sometimes I am so caught up in my everyday routine, I tend to forget documenting the moment. I’ll let you in on a secret, those three posts will never be published.
But just before this entry ends up as another draft, I’m posting our recent trip this weekend. Daddy, who is now a corporate slave, no longer owns his time. My used to be out of town-smouldered month long vacation is limited to locally declared holidays as Daddy works from Monday to Saturday. When last Saturday (April 9 is Bataan Day) was declared a holiday, we knew we had to take this chance. While Daddy was working his ass off, I was busy looking for places to go to. It’s a NO for Potipot because we only have a few days to spare, NO to Pundaquit/Anawangin because I predict that many people will flock the area.
I googled Laiya, San Juan, Batangas but I think the resort owners there have forgotten that PRICE do matter. We decided to find something new along Zambales instead. Subic seemed to be a better choice since travel time is not that long, and it’s been quite a while we last spent time there. When Jaims got home, he did his share of research and came up with this itinerary.
Dungaree Beach in Subic Sheavens in Olongapo for lodging
We left Pasig at 8am with that itinerary in mind. Sofi spent the entire trip sleeping at the back of the car. We arrived at Subic at around 10.30am and went around first for our grocery needs. So we dropped by Puregold DutyFree in SBMA. Ah, the chocolates were quite enticing! At 11.30 we were already looking for Dungaree Beach. It is located at San Bernardo Road, along with All Hands Resort.
Since it was almost lunch time, we asked Dungaree if lunch is being served in the area but they said NO. So we decided to eat at the nearest diner we can reach. Rali’s Grill and Bar.
I love how this resto is very much open. One can have a good view of the beach and have that dining by the bay feeling. The cheapest complete meal in their menu is the All-Filipino Breakfast at P160.00. We decided to get two of this, one has the longganisa while the other is the tocino-egg combi. It’s funny that they served two sunny side-up eggs in a single meal.
After filling our tummies, we went straight to Dungaree Beach only to find out that it changed its name to Sands of Triboa (under new management). Entrance is P150.00 per head for 4 years old and above. Fee for three years old and below is waived. Nipa Hut costs 1,500.00. For a family of three, the price is quite expensive but based on our research they offer monobloc tables and chair, I asked for it and they said they have it for P500.00. You’re free to relocate your monoblocs in a shaded place, and that’s what we did. You can view All Hands and Sands of Triboa from the top (parking area), and the beach looks the same. All Hands is bigger, thus one should expect a bigger bulk of visitors. Nipa Hut costs the same for both. BUT if you prefer water activities, All Hands has something to offer. I settled for Sands of Triboa since I only wanted to swim in a not so crowded beach. It’s not Anawangin white, so don’t expect much. The sand is white on top and black underneath. It’s quite rocky but nonetheless enjoyable as it is not as wavy as any regular beach. The water is clear and serene in most parts of our stay.
Second part of the itinerary was finding a place to stay in Olongapo. The requirements include cheap price, nearby beach and a pool. We left Sands of Triboa before five but had to go a longer route because Kalkalan Bridge was still close to all types of vehicle. When we got to Sheaven, the place was already full. We scouted for other places to stay along Barrio Barreto, but all those with pool were already full. We didn’t bother inquiring in Wild Orchids because I knew it wouldn’t pass the first requirement — Cheap Price.
We were bent on going home already, as the beach stay was already enough for us but we decided to go back to Subic to find some place to stay. We ended going back to Tiara Hotel, and for the third time, it didn’t fail us in finding a room. Rooms for triple sharing now cost P1,800.00. Sofi forgot about the place already, and she didn’t even remember that the hotel has a pool in it. She wanted to stay longer in Sands of Triboa but since we still need to look for a place to sleep, we left early. Good thing the room has a bath tub which Sofi can soaked into. I know it’s not ideal to do this but we ate at KFC, Subic. It’s the only way Sofi will eat rice. Each one of us had a one-piece chicken meal, and Sofi almost finished her rice.
When we woke up, Daddy showed Sofi the pool from the viewing deck, and she was all giddy again. She was telling me to get our swimsuits so we can swim already but I told her we need to eat rice. She was forcing us to just eat “chicharon” (that’s how she calls junk foods) instead of rice. We went down the hotel and walked to the nearest foodmart. We found Sleepless Mart, just near our place and decided to eat noodles and bread.
We dipped in the pool for three hours while daddy do some last minute checkup of Barney-boo. Sofi has really grown big. She used to stay in the pool steps while I swim but now she walks in the pool bravely. She can even climb the the pool from the 2’6″ side. She even walked in the 3’6″ without feeling scared.
Based on the pics below, would you say she didn’t enjoy?
monkey’s feng shui forecast for the year of the rabbit is poor health. been absent for half day last time because of headache. now, i’m using one whole sick leave to nurse an aching head and sore throat that left me vomiting all night. oh, i remember last weekend was no different — Saturday was like flu-day. I thought my sore throat was gone, but apparently, it was just on camouflage.
i wonder how long i would be like this. it’s just march and i’ve been sick several times already. I NEED A CURE.
One night, when we went to the mall, I intentionally left the bottles in mama's house. She hasn't drink milk for the past two nights, and maybe tricking her one more night won't hurt. When we came back, she was looking for milk and I told her we don't have milk bottles. Then I remember bringing home a mineral water bottle from the mall. I told her, I'll just make milk in it. She agreed, and she was able to finish the serving. The following night I told her I don't have bottles again, so she agreed that I make it in her school jug. The next milk nights, she agreed to have them in the glass. I did this every night, even leaving a glass with spoon and water so she can make her own when she gets back from school. We're now on our 4th week (we started sometime November) and she seldom drinks milk now. Though, for me it is an achievement I still prefer she continue drinking milk even in glass. Sometimes she would even refuse to eat rice. I would have to deal with that sometime...and thumb-sucking. Bye-bye botes!
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