Speedo Jumpstart Swim Fiesta 2008

Last Saturday (May 24) was Karen and Che’s day of swim competition at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) at Paco. It’s actually their first ever experience at competing.

It’s just too bad that DH and I were not able to attend coz of our prior registration to join World Vision’s Lakbay-Pagasa which coincided on the same date.

Anyway, Che and Karen have continued to swim with BLSS at Metropolis even after their graduation to makeup for some lost days (due to their school review) and in part to be trained by the BLSS teachers for competition. This competition was a surprise for us.

Here’s a nice shot of Karen doing a beautiful Butterfly. That's good body undulation with palms facing back at the recovery.

Meeting My World Vision Child through Lakbay-Pagasa

Today, DH and I had a very rare opportunity to finally see and meet our sponsored child in person. This is something that many World Vision (sometimes spelled as Worldvision) parents only dream.

You see, World Vision has strict policies against sponsors meeting the sponsored kids on their own and this is to protect children (as well as the sponsors) from any kind of potential abuse or exploitation – and most sponsors understand this.

And so communication with the kids is limited to letter-writing with letters passing through World Vision.

Swim School Graduation Day 2008

Well today was Graduation Day for Che, Karen, Sandra and Renz. All except Renz (Basic) were in the Advanced classes. The event was held at Tribeca. We were there at around 2pm to get our shirts and register. Here's them checking out the t-shirts and bags in the goodies bags.

Swim Graduation Rehearsals

Today was rehearsal day at Tribeca. Apparently the Lozada group wanted a nice graduation day so hired video/photographers to take some pics and footages of the swimmers. These will be collated for the video presentation on Saturday.

Here are some pics taken during the graduation rehearsals. Skies were overcast so that explains the dim pictures. Look, trees INSIDE the pool!

More Swim Lessons 2008

After Sandra’s and Renz’s swim lessons, it’s now Karen’s and Che’s turns. I’m astonished at the turn of events coz I thought Karen wouldn’t even consider taking lessons.

She’s had some water phobias before and after much prodding, she agreed. The prodding of course included the fact that Renz has become better with swimming.

Of course, she didn’t want to be left out. And I suppose every time she’s left at home (Ate Che goes to review classes), she got bored and gave it some thought.

And good that she did! Not exactly good for my pockets though, but hey, getting better with this skill for me is ALWAYS worthwhile. Here’s Karen and Che for the morning stretches and warm-up.

Swim Lessons 2008

This year, it’s no longer the Eric Buhain group (PROSCAP-Professional Swimming Coach Association of the Philippines) that gives swim lessons at Starland Resort Metropolis aka the Garden Resort.

It’s Bert Lozada now and for a hefty fee too – Php2,750. I remember when I had my basic lessons way back in 1996(?), it was just Php1,800 under PROSCAP.

I suppose the premium for insurance added much to the fee. But even with the higher price tag, DH seemed excited enrolling the two for the 2nd batch on the 8-9am slot. :)