Family Bonding on a Rainy Vacation

My vacation last month was literally soaked wet by the heavy monsoon rains. It rained for almost a week, leaving us less chance to go outside. Commuting with the kulilits is quite a Herculian task especially when the weather is bad so we waited for the right timing. When the sun finally shone, we headed to SM Mall of Asia to have our family bonding. Aside from the usual stroll at the arcade, Toy Kingdom, and Jollibee, we had the time to pose for our picture-perfect family portrait. 

I really miss my Labs, Kuya Paul, and Ading. 

A Walk in the Park

Kuya and Ading posing cutely in one of the attractions at Boni High St.

Chasing Cars

The kids enjoyed every minute of their adventure 

outside playing with their mini cars.

Tatay's 34th Birthday

For the twins, birthdays mean blowing candles, eating cakes, more smiles, picture takings, and fun moments with family. The kids enjoyed the special day but it would have been more meaningful if have we celebrated it with Tatay. Tatay happy, happy, birthday! With much love, Nanay, Paul, and Ading! We love you so much and we miss you. We can't wait to see you!

Lolo Ed's Birthday

Last July 13, 2012, my daddy-in-law turned a year older but still looks younger than his age. His birthday this year fell on a "Friday the 13th" and many people believe that it is bad luck. We do not mind those superstitions because having Engr. Ed Cepe as a great lolo to Paul and Xander is one of the luckiest things we can have.

Daddy, we love you so much! Thank you for all the things you have done for us. We wish you all the best in life!

 

Nanay's 33rd Birthday

Without any plans, we ended the day with a sumptuous dinner last night...after eating their usual dinner - rice with veggies and soup, they enjoyed the dessert especially Kuya Paul who has his own cup of cake and crema de fruta. We just ordered Pancit since Mama and I were both not feeling well. Buboy bought two roast chicken, while Raisa brought the crema de fruta.

Sponge Bob Yellow Party

First Nick Event attended by our Twins. They were so excited especially this is a Spongebob party - the photobooth, games and prizes, water squirting, and a special dance number from Spongebob and Patrick. Upon seeing their favorite character, they were so ecstatic. Hope we can attend again another event this June at SMX Hall.

Bagong Shades

Paul and Xander just love wearing their shades whenever we go out. Their  "get up" will not be complete without them. I must agree with our little angels -  these shades make the kulilits  more handsome and cuter!

Baguio Vacation - Day 5 (01312012)

On our way back to Manila, we stopped over at the popular landmark along Kennon Road, The Lion's Head. A Baguio trip would not be complete without taking home some souvenir photos at this famous carved monument. When you are coming from Manila, this tourist attraction signifies that you are already near the city of Baguio. It also marks the start of the zigzag road. In our case, it signifies our departure from the Summer Capital.

All in all,our vacation is one of the best! Five days of pure bonding  with my wifey and two naughty (but cute) sons. I hope we will have this kind of thing every time I go home for my Chinese New Year vacation.

Baguio Vacation - Day 4 (01302012)

On the fourth day of our Baguio Vacation, we went to the Philippine Military Academy, the location where "Tayong Dalawa" was shot. When Supernanay was pregnant with our little angels, she enjoyed watching this telenovela starring Jake Cuenca and Gerald Anderson who both played as twin brothers. I always tell my friends and relatives, "Sila ang napaglihian ni Sheila kaya guwapong kambal ang naging mga anak namin...".

If our kids decide to become a part of the Armed Forces when they grow up, I will let them join the PMA. But there is one condition - they should be honorable at all times and be not like the big bastards in service that we know today.

Inside the 373-hectare Fort Del Pilar, Paul and Xander enjoyed the popular sites like the giant replica of the PMA hat near the gate, the war tanks, and the military planes.

After visiting the camp, we took a walk at Burmham Park and had dinner at Ninong Joel's resto (Jelo's).

Baguio Vacation - Day 3 (01292012)

taken on January 29, 2012

More than three years ago, during our honeymoon, we went to one of the resorts located at Asin Nangalisan (a barangay in Tuba, Benguet) to enjoy the hot spring coming from the dormant Mt. Sto. Tomas.

taken on December 13, 2008

On the third day of our Baguio Vacation last January, we were back at that same place. Nothing much has changed. Still the same relaxing pools and the spectacular view of nature.

But were no longer there as a couple. We were there as a one happy family.

Baguio Vacation - Day 2 (01282012)

Aside from being the "Summer Capital", Baguio City is known for its parks, historical sites and other nice scenery. For our second day, my daddy-in-law asked his colleague to accompany us in our sightseeing escapade.

First on our itinerary is the BELL CHURCH. It was my first time to go there so when I heard of its name, I was thinking something like The Cathedral. When we got there, I was surprised to find out that it is a Buddhist temple with pagodas, dragons, and Chinese-related stuff I normally see in Chaozhou. We tried to reach the pagoda located on the highest level of the temple but we find the series of steps getting steeper and more dangerous for the kids so we did not continue. Paul and Xander enjoyed the school of (koi) fish in the wishing pond located near the arch of the temple.

Next stop is the STRAWBERRY FARM. I think almost all the people who have been to Baguio have their own story about this place. Believe me, I heard a lot of them. This popular tourist spot could have been better if the price for picking strawberries is not expensive. I do not understand why it is overly priced at five hundred pesos per small basket. We just bought the freshly picked ones at a reasonable price. We tried the strawberry-flavored "dirty ice cream" and the kulilits simply loved it.

The last spot that we went to was CAMP JOHN HAY. This used to be a military facility during the American occupation in the Philippines. We visited the famous Bell House, originally the vacation quarters of the Commanding General that now serves as a modern museum. Near the place is The Lost Cemetery which is overlooking the Manor Hotel.

Before going home, we had our snack at Yellow Cab located at the call center hub inside the camp.

Tatay...Nanay

Supernanay told me that Paul and Xander can now clearly say new words like hindi, cake, book, juice, horse, rat, cat, and dog. When I was home last January, both of our kids cannot completely say the word "tatay" because of the letter "y". 

One morning, we were surprised to hear Paul clearly say to me, "Tatay!". Not only that, he was also said "Nanay!". Les got happy and excited that he kept on calling us by repeatedly shouting "Tatay! Nanay!". Really made our day; especially those cute giggles.

Baguio Vacation - Day 1 (01272012)

The best part of my vacation last January is our trip to Baguio. The Summer Capital is the place where we decided to celebrate Kuya and Ading's second birthday and have a special family bonding moment.

Getting there was not that easy because we just commuted riding a Victory Liner wi-fi bus. Just imagine the baggage we were carrying plus the kulilits! We left Manila around ten in the evening and we arrived at Baguio half past four in the morning. My dad-in-law fetched us from the terminal and dropped us at Pines Garden Villas, a condotel that he manages where we will be staying for several days.

After having a light breakfast, we took a nap. The weather is cold enough to make you sleepy after a long trip. In the afternoon, we went to the Botanical Garden but we were unlucky because some parts of it were undergoing renovation. Still, our kids enjoyed sights of the flowers, paintings, and Ifugao houses.

Enchanting Chinese New Year

I feel so lucky to have a nine-day vacation every three months because not all people who work abroad get this kind of privilege. Some ofws only see their families annually, while some can only go home after a two-year contract. But eventhough I get to see Supernanay and the Wonder Twins quarterly, it still feels "bitin" every time I am with them. Time is really fast when you are having fun with your family.

Good thing is, aside from my quarterly vacation, I am also entitled to a three-week home leave during Chinese New Year! Having a longer vacation means more time with my labs and the kulilits which means more bonding moments. Last year, I was home and celebrated with Paul and Xander's first birthday party. This year, the coming of the Dragon is in time with my kids' second birthday. Now that is what you can call luck.

For Kuya and Ading's big day, we just had a small dinner party with our close friends and relatives. No children's party. No clowns. Our plan is to celebrate the occasion by going to a theme park and going out of town so that we can spend more quality time while I am on my vacation.

We went to Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa Laguna on the 23rd of January, the official day of the start of the Chinese New Year. With us were Buboy, Raisa, Ethan, and Sarah. I already saw how Les and Lei were so happy when we went to Star City, Cosmic Kidz, and Fun Ranch but when we were there at EK, the little big boys were more excited and wanted to explore endlessly. 

At the Bouderville, a pre-historic cartoon park zone for kids, P&X enjoyed the rides like the "Boulderville Express", "Stone Eggs", and "Dinosaurus". "Up, Up, and Away", a ballon carousel ride located Midway Boardwalk, is the ride they both liked the most.

Before we went home, there were fireworks and our kids loved the spectacular display of lights. 

Two Birthday Parties

Before I went back to China after a three-week vacation, I was able to attend two birthday parties together with Supernanay, Paul, and Xander. The challenging thing is that both shared the same date! One was done in the morning and the other was in the afternoon.

 

First stop was at Max's Salitran, Cavite for the first birthday / christening party of Johan, the unico hijo of Imee (former colleague and close friend) and Melvin. It was like a "get-together" for us ex-HCG employees since we have not seen each other for quite some time. The venue is the same Max's Restaurant where we used to attend company seminars; and where we occasionally drink beer endlessly while enjoying the in-house videoke! Now, we were there with our kids!

Our kids enjoyed the event - the party hats made them princes, they love the "sarap to the bones" meal, they played along (even fought) with the other kids, and they got starstruck with Chickie Boy the mascot.

 

From Cavite, we travelled back to Manila to attend the second birthday of my bestfriend Geline's daughter, Thea to be held at Jollibee Roosevelt Ortigas. When the kulilits saw the big bee, the looks on their faces painted excitement and happiness. Indeed, every kid is the jolliest when he is in this place. I love you Sabado, pati na rin Linggo.

Jollibee the mascot was there the entire party so Les and Lei really enjoyed and had fun. Unlike the other kids, our little angels are not afraid of mascots and clowns. In fact, they were also dancing when Jollibee did his number and they wanted to dance with him on the floor. The twins almost stole the show as if it was their party!

Both parties were really fun. I hope I can be with P&X to attend all the children's parties they will be invited to.

Kuya and Ading's 2nd Birthday

The plan was to celebrate it by going to a theme park or eating at the mall; an exclusive family event. But later on we opted to have a small meryenda/dinner with their Lolas and Lolos, with their Titos and Titas, with Kuya Rap2 and Ethan.

We started the day surprising them with our gift – their new set of table and chairs. This is a great gift for kiddos who love to write, read, and eat! With sleepy eyes, they sat on the chair and started reading books and doodling on their sketchpad. Later on, my in-laws arrived with presents for their apos. They were excited to open their gifts.

THE CELEBRATION

We prepared the usual party food like spaghetti, lumpia, salad, puto, and of course an “Angry Bird” birthday cake. Ice cream was courtesy of their Lolo Ed. Tatay cooked veggie with tofu and mushroom. While Papa and Lolo Felix were the ones in-charged with the menudo. It was nothing fancy; just enough to celebrate it with family and friends.

A year has passed by after their 1st birthday. We celebrated again here at their Lolo Ed and Mama Ly’s house. Papa and Mama, Carlo and Tito Felix were here. Other relatives who take care of Paul and Xander everyday were here to celebrate. Even their Ninong Geline, Ninag Maffie, Thea and Ninong Nezelle joined the event.

As they blow their candles, we look at our twins with pride, love and affection. They are growing up so fast. They are growing up as intelligent, smart, loving, sweet, and curious kids.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY PAUL AND XANDER!!! Tatay and Nanay loves you very much.

Activity Table

 

On the morning of their birthday, Paul and Xander were surprised to see Nanay and Tatay's gift to them, an activity table. Upon seeing it in our living room, our kids got excited and repeatedly said "Wow!" while enjoying the little chairs that come with it.  They now have an area to use when they feel like reading their books, doing some doodles, and of course, eating!

 

Mega Bloks

Aside from becoming the next big rich rockstar twins that will beat NELSON, I like Les Paul and Lei Xander to finish college and earn a degree related to engineering or architecture. Well, they can choose what they want to become when they grow up but for now, these mega bloks can help them learn the basics.

Rakistas

Meet the little rakistas of Taguig, THE KULILITS!

 

 

LES PAUL, the Singing Guitar Master

LEI XANDER, the Little Drummer Boy