Mama and Neo’s Weekend Bonding

This blog post should be entitled Family Weekend Bonding #7, but since Papa is away last Saturday (he went to Batangas with his colleagues), it was just Mama and Neo bonding the whole day.

With Papa away from home, Neo and Mama woke up super late.  Then Mama, Neo, and Ate Espie went to Jacob’s Ladder by lunch time to have Neo vaccinated. 

Waiting patiently for his turn.

When Neo saw the pedia, he was squirming away and shouting “no!”.  We have to hold him firm so he can get his shot.  Neo is complete with his vaccines as prescribed by this chart –

(photo from Google) 

However, the pedia still recommended Typhoid vaccine next month.  At first I was thinking pa if I will have Neo take the typhoid vaccine, since it’s not listed in the chart.  But after the measles outbreak this month, takot ko lang if magkaron ng typhoid outbreak and Neo is not vaccinated.  So we had that typhoid vaccine reserved for Neo next month J

Then we spent the whole 2 hours at Tom’s World.  Yes, we played and played and played to our hearts content.  During the time that Neo and Ate Espie are busy playing, I sneak out to go to my OB Gyne.  I had some tests done (annual tests required for women like me) last week, so I need to have my OB Gyne read and explain it to me.  The results are okay naman.

He enjoys driving cars.

When we went home, it was freezing.  Nakakaloka.  We had to wrap Neo with whatever we can grab (from my bag to his bimpo).  We were commuting pa naman because Papa Leo is out.  I need to learn how to drive na.  For emergency purposes and for the purpose of our lamierdas. 

That’s our weekend.  How was yours?

Another Year To Celebrate

Last Tuesday was my birthday.  Yes, you read it right.  I added another year in my age J  We didn't plan any special something that day – because I just want to spend the day at home, cook some foods, invite my parents over, and rest.  However, due to a meeting, I need report for work – so I was rushing to go home the moment the meeting was done.

Leo posted this in my facebook wall.  Kakakilig naman ng asawa ko.  Not the post itself – but he did cooked food for me (which he seldom does).

Now you would ask what my birthday wish is:  it is no longer personal (as it was before).  When I became a wife and a mom, all my wishes are for my husband and son – both of whom means the whole world to me.

 

Belated Happy Birthday to me J

(Look at how haggard I was that day).

Parenting Tips from My Friend

Last weekend, I met with my friend, Laine (together with our hubbies and babies).  Laine and I haven’t met for how many months, and knowing her, it was a never ending chatter about how life has been and some parenting tips.

Me and Neo, Laine and Quinny

I would be very honest that I am not the best mom there is in the world.  So what are some parenting tips I got from my dear friend whose daughter is a year older than Neo?

Discipline.  I am one very lenient mommy. The last time I spanked Neo was May lastyear – and I haven’t done it again.  I am an advocate of discipline by spanking.  I will be very vocal on that.  Why?  The Bible says so, that is why.  But my heart melts whenever Neo cries.  I cannot bring myself to spanking him.  Now, I told that to Laine and that Neo would sometimes try to do some spanking actions (aakmang mamamalo) whenever I reprimand him.  And what do I do?  I shout at the top of my voice to wherever Leo is: “Papa, si Neo o!”.  and voila, Neo is behaved.  He fears Leo – but not me. 

This is something Laine pointed out.  Neo should fear BOTH parents.  Not one.  She told me how she disciplines Quinn.  That is: 1) reprimand 10 times, if she still doesn't follow 2) count to 10 3) and spank.  One big spank – something that she will remember.  4) explain.

It is vital that we don't spank as often as we want.  Kids will not get our point kasi when we just spank and spank.  We need to spank one big time and then explain why we did it. 

Financial. One parenting tip you will hear a lot of times is “saving for the rainy days”.  And I am doing it.  But Laine said something that blew me off guard.  She is saving for the “rainy days” 2 years from now.  Wow. Tuition fees for next school year are already saved.  So she’s saving for tuition fees for next next school year.  I am honestly impressed.  And I thought its right e.  You don’t want to have headaches coming up with money for tuition fee and you don’t want to put your children in a state of embarrassment holding promissory notes so they can take exams.

I hope you learn from these two tips I got from her.  It’s just so funny that we’ve been friends prior to having husbands and we talk a lot about anything in the world.  We still do, but now our talks focus more on homemaking and parenting. J

Products That Are Proven and Tested by Baby Neo

There are items in our medicine box that I find very efficient.  My medicine box wouldn't be complete without these.  They are all gentle and mild as proven by Neo's skin.  I hope you find them useful too.

Calmoseptine Ointment – this was prescribed to Neo when he was still 6 months old.  Remember Lolo Jun’s diaper changing art?  He also washed Neo’s pwet with ordinary soap (which I think is okay lang, but still caused rashes to Neo).  This is a very effective and safe ointment for all kinds of itch. 

Aceite De Manzanilla (Chamomile Oil) – this was not prescribed by any pedia.  Mamita and Lola Net recommended this (actually, forced us to use this).  This is very helpful in upset tummies.  When Neo needs help in farting, we just apply this oil in his tummy, and after 5mins – voila! no more crying due to upset tummy.

Cetaphil Cream – very effective in dry skin.  Neo used this during times he experienced dry skin (or nagbabalat).  In just 2 days using this, Neo’s skin is back to normal – baby soft.

Would you believe I use these products as well?  Proven and tested safe by Neo J 

Marriage Retreat

Leo and I are married for almost 3 years (but we’ve been together for 7+ years, we got married on our 5^th year as sweethearts).  It may be too early to join marriage seminars and retreat but we did grab the opportunity when our church had last November.

Victory Dasmarinas and Victory Tagaytay had a joint Marriage Retreat at Royal Parc Hotel where Victory Tagaytay is currently holding their Sunday service.  It was a half day event.  Initially, it was scheduled as an overnight event like the past Marriage Retreats (this is conducted yearly), but due to the Typhoon Yolanda, the organizers opted for us to use the funds as donations to help the victims.

Leo and I arrived at Royal Parc Hotel Tagaytay exactly 8am.  We registered as soon as we arrived and took our seat while chatting endlessly with the church members.  This is a very jolly group.

Mr and Mrs Nunag at the Marriage Retreat

While waiting for our speakers, the organizers held a game called Chickie Dance.  Well, we danced like chicken at first (I got worried that I might experience painful arms and shoulders again like the Chooks-to-go fly at Blogapalooza L), then we were asked to make it special by doing something as a trademark for us couples.  It was a fun activity J

Around 9am, our speakers arrived.  They are Pastor Chico and Mary Ann Dela Pena of Victory Alabang.  This couple celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary this year (what a milestone).  Here are the sessions and points they discussed to us.

Session 1: Power of Togetherness

Being together is something that couples need to do talaga.  This is not only in physical aspect.  You have to be together in bringing each other up instead of bringing each other down.  You also have to agree together in your God-given responsibilities (wife to submit, and husband to provide and lead).  You are strong when you are together. 

Leo and I applied this in our marriage e: “we need to grow individually together”.  Why?  Kasi we are different individuals who were raised differently.  There are a lot of times we clashed with each other, but we need to work things and rise up together.

Session 2: Power of Words

Words should be expressed to AFFIRM, BLESS, and HEAL.  Why AFFIRM?  To affirm the strength of our partners.  Why BLESS?  To exude positivity and blessing.  Why HEAL?  Because words are powerful that can heal broken emotions.

I read this quote somewhere: 10% of disagreements came from the real REASON, 90% is the words use and the tone expressed.  So we must be careful with our words, especially to our husbands.

Session 3: Power of Commitment

Commitment is a strong word.  When we enter marriage, we need to be committed.  When we are committed, there is openness and honesty in the marriage, there is security in the marriage, and there is trust in the marriage.

During the session we were asked different questions and were given time to have small talk time with our spouses following the rules: (1) honesty to spouse in answering the question (2) listen with no protest, and (3) have an open heart.

This retreat is very refreshing in our marriage.  We may be newbies in marriage (being married for almost 3 years pa lang), but along the way we encountered several hardships that will test and strengthen our relationship.  Attending this kinds of retreat will help us in overcoming any bumps in our blissful married life.

The plan next year is to spend the Marriage Retreat at Palawan.  Wow.  Hopefully Leo and I could join pa din J

Family Weekend Kwento #6

The whole month of December was so busy for the Familia Nunag that we don’t have a Family Weekend Kwento.  This post title is dedicated to things we do as family that is just ordinary to some but has extraordinary rewards for us as a family – that is, we become closer.

Last weekend we decided not to schedule any going out activity.  We will be blocking off activities situated in Metro Manila due to the measles outbreak.  Neo has completed his immunization – but still we don’t want to risk.  Prevention is always better than cure.

Friday night, Leo and I decided to roam around SM Mall of Asia. We do this a lot of times because this mall is close to my workplace.  We chanced upon Café France which is having Buy 1 Take 1 on all breads every Friday of January. Woot woot J

Also, whenever we go to MOA, we always buy Neo a classic Cinnabon.  He loves it.  I told you before that if we allow him, he can finish a whole classic one.  And since we love buying Cinnabon for Neo, we also purchased their BonCard.  It cost Php250 and gives 20% discount on all hot plate and coffee, and a lot more freebies, plus 1 Classic Cinnabon and drinks as a welcome treat.

I am now officially in my heaviest weight.  So Leo and I decided to try jogging.  We jogged from our place to the marketplace.  If you ride a jeepney it would cost you Php12.  So more or less 12km.  Take note, we jogged 25% and walked 75% of the way hahaha :D

My prize?  Sore legs for 2 days.  Didn’t lose even a pound though.  According to Leo it’s a long process daw.  I wouldn’t lose weight in one go.  Waaaaah!  This will be a long journey for me L

How about you?  How was your weekend?

Lei @ 18

Lei, Leo’s only sister, is officially a lady today.  But since we were home during the holidays, she decided to have an early celebration (she’s so sweet, right?). 

She just had a simple celebration at their compound (that’s what you called the area where family and relatives live fairly close to each other, right?).  They transformed the simple alley into something fabulous.

She had her 18 chocolates and 18 thousands (first time I heard of this), as well as 18 candles, 18 treasures, and 18 roses.  Neo was part of Tita Lei’s 18 chocolates. 

Leo of course is part of Lei’s 18 roses together with all his brothers and cousins (they breed boys hahaha) and Papa.  Papa was teary-eyed during their dance.  That must be because his baby is now a young lady. 

I was part of her 18 candles and 18 treasures.  Since I so love reading books and I heard very good review of Joshua Harris’ books, I gave her Boy Meets Girl.

After the program, it’s eating time.  The very joyous moment and with the place crowded with people, Neo is starting to be so malikot.  We have to go upstairs from time to time to watch TV. 

It was one fun party. J

And Lei’s one amazing lady.  Why?  In the morning, she did most of her preparations with the help of her best friend, Joshua, who is one amazing guy; who I think will make it big in events decorations.  By party proper, she was all smiles and was a very nice host.  By evening, after the party, she cleaned the house.  Whattagirl. :D

Lei, you just don’t know how Kuya Leo is so proud of the young woman you have become.  And I couldn’t agree more J Happy Birthday!

Neo @ Cagayan

Neo had been at Cagayan at lot of times.  He already went to Sta Ana (northern part of the province) to go swimming.  He already did a lot of things.  But he was so small then and couldn’t appreciate it.  Now that he is already 2 years old, we lined up some activities he can enjoy.

Let me photoblog Neo's trip to Cagayan, okay?

Papa’s little baggage porter haha

Enjoying the airplane view.  

Following instructions and fastening his seat belt.

 Playing with Mama before take off and snoozing off during the whole flight.

Never ending play with his cousins.  No girl in the gang hehe

Carabao viewing at his big playground (palayan haha).  Bao-Bao is Neo’s term for Carabao.  Cagayan has a lot of Carabaos.  We even went home with Carabao Tapa.

Dining at Hotel Roma with the whole family (less Tito Lucky because he’s late).  We always dine in this hotel whenever we go to Cagayan.  Very nice place. 

Riding the kalesa.  He loves horses na din.  Neo has ridden the kalesa daily when we were at Cagayan. 

New Year's Eve celebration with the whole family.  But only Lola Bebing and Neo had a pic of all our yummy handa.

Being part of Tita Lei’s 18 chocolates.

Buying Pasalubongs

At Tuguegarao Airport before going home.  

Going home.  Festive decors at Terminal 3.

Josephine’s Restaurant Tagaytay

Tagaytay is one tumbling away from our home (well, mga 3 tumblings pala haha).  But this is more than an hour away from Laguna.  Neo’s Angkong (my Tito) celebrated his birthday early with a Tagaytay getaway.

We came home from Cagayan first Thursday of the year.  I went back to work first Friday of 2014.  Come Saturday, we got rid of all Christmas decors and off to Laguna we go.  We were so tired but we couldn't miss Angkong’s birthday celebration.

Tita Kim was so into celebrating Angkong’s birthday at Josephine’s Restaurant at Tagaytay.  Don’t ask me why, because I don’t know the reason too.  LOL Tita Bevs has a board exam review so she missed all the fun L

Josephine’s has a big area with a very good view of the Taal Volcano.  They offer ala carte menu but we went there for the buffet.  They offer breakfast and lunch buffets during weekends and holidays.  The prices and hours are as follows:

Breakfast from 7:00am to 10:00am

Php410 + 10% service charge per person

Php310 + 10% service charge for children below 4ft

Php100 discount for no left over

Lunch from 11:00am to 2:30pm

Php495 + 10% service charge per person

Php395 + 10% service charge for children below 4ft

Php100 discount for no left over

We arrived at Josephine’s around 1230pm.  We are 4^th in the waiting list.  So while waiting we grabbed the chance for some photos.

This big garden pavilion is where we ate.  I think this is also the area where they offer garden reception.

The buffet area. 

The good:

·         Buffet price is reasonable.

·         They offer lots of food choices from viands (Kare-kare, Grilled Liempo, Grilled Tilapia, Pork Binagoongan, Pininyahang Manok, Steamed Veggies, etc.) to soup (Clam soup and Bulalo) to salad (veggie salad) and desserts (Leche Flan, Gelatin, and lots of fruits in season).  They cooked it deliciously too.

·         They offer drinks (iced tea, orange juice, and gulaman).  This is something new to me as to all the buffets I’ve been to, you have to pay for the drinks separately.

·         After the time allotted for the buffet, since Josephine’s has a very big area, you won’t be obliged to go home as soon as you finished.  You are allowed to roam around and savor the view.  (Which we did for more than an hour).

·         Tagaytay view and weather at its finest! J

The bad:

·         They have a lot of guests that they frequently ran out of dinnerware.  There are always shortage of plates and saucers and drinking glasses (well, I have to admit, there were no shortage of utensils though :P)

·         They have limited number of staffs – though they are all courteous and nice.

·         Since they have a disclaimer that you will have Php100 discount for no left over, every one of us is very conscious in our foods.  I know they put this to avoid wasting of food – but this note is something you want to just tell the customers when they pay, like “you don’t have leftovers, so we’ll give you discount”.  Not during the time they are eating. L

For someone who is very easy to please, I recommend this place. You can’t go wrong with a nice view and delicious foods J

And, I couldn't help sharing this beautiful Tagaytay view

American Eye Center Gifts for OFW Heroes

In line with its support of Filipinos working abroad, the American Eye Center is giving eligible OFWs the ultimate gift with its Pamaskong Handog OFW Privilege Card through its Shangri-La and Greenbelt branches. With the OFW Privilege Card, kababayans can now secure eye health for themselves and for their dependents from anywhere in the world through discounts on diagnostics and treatments.

“The essence of the holidays is giving back to the community and American Eye Center does so by honoring our beloved OFWs. These modern day Filipino heroes deserve much recognition and we do that by offering quality eye care for them and the rest of their families through our exclusive OFW Privilege Card,” says American Eye Center’s COO Dr. Benjamin Cabrera.

American Eye Center offers the OFW Privilege Card to all overseas Filipino workers and their qualified dependents. The card is absolutely free and entitles the bearer to a 50 percent discount on comprehensive eye examinations and 15 percent discount for their dependents. The card also allows special 20 percent discount on cataract surgery, 15 percent discount on All Laser or Bladeless LASIK, and 10 percent off on diagnostic procedures.

The card also offers exclusive discounts at American Eye Center partner SPEX Optical. All OFW’s need to do is set an appointment and present valid overseas employment documents to avail of these unlimited discounts starting December 2013 to March 2014.

Eye health and OFWs

“American Eye Center honors OFWs with this privilege because we believe and respect the sacrifices they make to provide a better life for their families. In order to do so, these modern day heroes need to be physically up to take on this challenge which is where eye health comes in. They deserve nothing short of optimum eye health to achieve overall well-being,” Dr. Cabrera said.

Excellence in Ophthalmic Care

American Eye Center has been breaking new ground in ophthalmic care since its establishment in 1995. American Eye Center’s level of excellence is backed by the Associated Eye Specialists, the most experienced and longest-running EyeMD group practice in the country, composed of 17 doctors extensively trained in various ophthalmic subspecialties. The Center is also staffed with highly qualified optometrists, nurses and counselors to provide patients with personalized quality eye care.  

         

American Eye Center is a full-service diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical eye facility fully accredited with the Department of Health and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. It houses the latest diagnostic equipment for the early detection and monitoring of all eye diseases such as Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy and Cataract.  

Its location in Greenbelt 5 in Makati City has a laser suite, an operating room, a recovery room, examining rooms, and a spacious reception area.  Clients can also choose from a wide array of elegant eyewear from SPEX, a world-class eyewear center adjacent to the American Eye Center and managed by The Optical Shop. 

The company’s main office is located at the level 5, Shangri-La Plaza, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries and details, call tel. nos. 636-0762 or 729-EYES (3937) or email us at info@americaneye.com.ph. You may also visit www.americaneye.com.ph for more information about the OFW Privilege Card.

Avail of American Eye Center’s OFW Privilege card and ensure a clear future for the entire family. Set an appointment today via phone or e-mail or through American Eye Center’s appointment planner available at their website. Always stay in the know by downloading the American Eye Center App available on iPhone, iPad, and on Android.

What are you waiting for?  Share the good news to your OFW family members and friends!