It's Renz's turn for a birthday celebration and his birthday caps the year's birthday celebrations for the family.
I've already thought of compiling each family member's birthday picture at the dining table and turning them into a birthday slideshow. A tradition of taking pictures around the dinner table just evolved this year, so that'll be fun to watch.
Advanced Father's Day Gift 2010
Just as I was just getting ready to sleep, face down, with DH massaging my aching back, I felt something shoved into my open right hand. It felt like a small package. As I was about to look, my 8-year old son Renz darted away.
The package had a post-it note stuck on it saying "Advanced Happy Father's Day". Of course from the handwriting I knew immediately it was Renz who scribbled it.
The package had a post-it note stuck on it saying "Advanced Happy Father's Day". Of course from the handwriting I knew immediately it was Renz who scribbled it.
Learning to Bike in Summer
Two weeks ago, we decided to revive biking lessons for my son, Renz. This was after we agreed that there will be no swim lessons this summer. The nice thing about biking in summer is there are no water puddles on the ground to contend with.
Water can make the ground slippery. Falls from the bike, which are inevitable, can become messy with the mud on a wet road.
Renz had previous attempts to learn to ride the bike last year. But these were merely "bike appreciation" sessions. Sure he rode the bike, but it was all through the aid of bicycle training wheels.
Water can make the ground slippery. Falls from the bike, which are inevitable, can become messy with the mud on a wet road.
Renz had previous attempts to learn to ride the bike last year. But these were merely "bike appreciation" sessions. Sure he rode the bike, but it was all through the aid of bicycle training wheels.
Recognition Rites 2010
This year, three of the kids received recognition in their respective schools.
Renz received two awards in Grade 2. First Honorable mention in Academics and First Honorable Mention in Computer.
Renz received two awards in Grade 2. First Honorable mention in Academics and First Honorable Mention in Computer.
Fun Run as Physical Education Finals
Yesterday was Che's P.E. class finals and for that, they had a fun run. Che studies at UP Manila but their finals, a couple of laps run, was held at the UP Oval in Diliman.
That's because UP Manila doesn't have its own running oval. Also, since all the Physical Education classes finals were held simultaneously, they needed a much bigger running track.
The UP oval is an ideal place for the venue. In fact there were other runners and many just for fitness exercise.
From the outfits you could discern some were triathlon runners, marathon runners and sports runners. Mostly, though, they were the recreational fitness runners.
There were many runners there but not enough to crowd the running track. Some were triathletes on their time trainer bikes while some folks walked with their dogs. Click on the left image to see the UP Diliman Academic Oval via google maps.
That's because UP Manila doesn't have its own running oval. Also, since all the Physical Education classes finals were held simultaneously, they needed a much bigger running track.
The UP oval is an ideal place for the venue. In fact there were other runners and many just for fitness exercise. From the outfits you could discern some were triathlon runners, marathon runners and sports runners. Mostly, though, they were the recreational fitness runners.
There were many runners there but not enough to crowd the running track. Some were triathletes on their time trainer bikes while some folks walked with their dogs. Click on the left image to see the UP Diliman Academic Oval via google maps.
Renz's Birthday 2009
Renz turned 8 last December 6. We originally planned on coming home after the mini-reunion on December 5.
But I was too tired from driving through heavy traffic that we decided to go back on the next day, Sunday.
Tita Divine bought a birthday cake for Renz. And it was no ordinary cake. It's a Belgian Chocolate cake from Ala Creme Bakeshop in Pampanga - which I heard is "one of the best if not "the best" bakeshop in all of Angeles and Pampanga..
What's so special with Belgian Chocolate?
Well, supposedly, Belgian chocolate is considered to be the gourmet standard against which all other chocolate confectionary is measured. Even the Swiss, known for their own high quality chocolate, imported the basic recipe from French and Belgian chocolatiers.
The majority of Belgian chocolate is still made by hand in small shops using traditional equipment. These small chocolate outlets are actually a popular draw for tourists visiting Belgium today.
Similar to wineries, tours of Belgian chocolate shops often involve tastings and exclusive souvenirs. Not the same as the sugary treats offered in American candy shops, these Belgian chocolate pralines could be filled with a variety of different flavored nougats or creams, such as coffee, hazelnut, fruit, or even more chocolate.
But I was too tired from driving through heavy traffic that we decided to go back on the next day, Sunday.
Tita Divine bought a birthday cake for Renz. And it was no ordinary cake. It's a Belgian Chocolate cake from Ala Creme Bakeshop in Pampanga - which I heard is "one of the best if not "the best" bakeshop in all of Angeles and Pampanga..
What's so special with Belgian Chocolate?
Well, supposedly, Belgian chocolate is considered to be the gourmet standard against which all other chocolate confectionary is measured. Even the Swiss, known for their own high quality chocolate, imported the basic recipe from French and Belgian chocolatiers.
The majority of Belgian chocolate is still made by hand in small shops using traditional equipment. These small chocolate outlets are actually a popular draw for tourists visiting Belgium today.
Similar to wineries, tours of Belgian chocolate shops often involve tastings and exclusive souvenirs. Not the same as the sugary treats offered in American candy shops, these Belgian chocolate pralines could be filled with a variety of different flavored nougats or creams, such as coffee, hazelnut, fruit, or even more chocolate.
Halloween 2009
In last year's Halloween activity at Renz's school, I wasn't around to take pics. But having been out of a job, I now have plenty of time to attend the kids' school activities.
Some of the students were asked to bring foodstuff and Renz brought donuts. There were only a few selected students who were assigned to bring something to eat. I hope he won't have to bring any foodstuff for the coming Christmas Party.
Here's Renz inside their classroom. That's him wearing his mask.
Some of the students were asked to bring foodstuff and Renz brought donuts. There were only a few selected students who were assigned to bring something to eat. I hope he won't have to bring any foodstuff for the coming Christmas Party.
Here's Renz inside their classroom. That's him wearing his mask.
United Nations Day 2009
It's another United Nations Day celebration over at Renz's school and yup, he's sporting an Indonesian "attire" again. Nope, can't vouch for the authenticity, but it's the same outfit he wore last year!
This year's parade was held in the morning though and everyone seemed to have enjoyed it more compared to the blistering heat of the afternoon sun last year. Renz's partner last year, Ira or Eira is still his partner this year although she's now wearing Mexico. She wore China last year.
This year's parade was held in the morning though and everyone seemed to have enjoyed it more compared to the blistering heat of the afternoon sun last year. Renz's partner last year, Ira or Eira is still his partner this year although she's now wearing Mexico. She wore China last year.
Tired Soldier
Today's a particularly fun day as Renz was playing a Panday (not Ondoy) character and slashing imaginary enemies with his sword. Then it became quiet. You know Renz is most probably asleep when the house is quiet.
The pic below was taken by Che.
I learned later that Karen actually played a prank on sleeping Renz and positioned the sword there. =)
The pic below was taken by Che.
I learned later that Karen actually played a prank on sleeping Renz and positioned the sword there. =)
Ako'y Isang Pinoy
This year, Renz's class performed the song "Ako'y Isang Pinoy" by Florante for the school's Buwan ng Wika celebration held last August 29. You know the song: "Ako'y isang Pinoy, sa puso't diwa. Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa..."
I was so impressed with Renz's diligence to memorize the song by singing it aloud. He would sing it all day which drove his sisters batty. Of course every time he sang it, I'd correct his tune until he got it perfectly.
We were surprised one day when we learned the teacher asked him to sing it in front of the class for everybody to follow. Apparently, his singing became THAT good!
That's Renz on the stage, in the middle.
I was so impressed with Renz's diligence to memorize the song by singing it aloud. He would sing it all day which drove his sisters batty. Of course every time he sang it, I'd correct his tune until he got it perfectly.
We were surprised one day when we learned the teacher asked him to sing it in front of the class for everybody to follow. Apparently, his singing became THAT good!
That's Renz on the stage, in the middle.
Swim Lessons Graduation 2009
Graduation time!
Finally, the two-week swim lessons of Sandra and Renz for this year came to a close. After many years of enrolling kids to lessons I observed swim lessons typically take two weeks. Anyway, today's the culmination of all those early morning wakeups, tiring drills and new learnings.
Here's Sandra and Renz by the lap pool. There were no more lessons this day. It's just for show (to parents) and the awarding. Hmmm, I wasn't too happy with that idea.
Finally, the two-week swim lessons of Sandra and Renz for this year came to a close. After many years of enrolling kids to lessons I observed swim lessons typically take two weeks. Anyway, today's the culmination of all those early morning wakeups, tiring drills and new learnings.
Here's Sandra and Renz by the lap pool. There were no more lessons this day. It's just for show (to parents) and the awarding. Hmmm, I wasn't too happy with that idea.
Buking!
And that seems to be how Renz reacted in the photo above. Nowadays, with the vacation, you'd know why the kids are in front of the computer - to look at new computer games!
Happy Graduation Day, Che!
Last Thursday afternoon was Celeste's Graduation day from High School. Earlier, Renz had an award (Special Academic Award) in his school's Recognition Day.
Last Anti-Rabies Shot for Renz
After 4 sessions and 11 injections, Renz finally "graduated" from his shots at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine or RITM in Alabang last Wednesday. Renz was bitten (scratched, is more like it) by Poochie a few weeks ago prior to Poochie's anti-rabies injection.
How did it happen? Well, Poochie was eating by the door (not her usual place) when Renz stepped outside. Renz's putting on his slippers somehow startled Poochie and grazed Renz's foot with her mouth.
Other than Renz, it was only Che who had a case of dog bite and required injections at RITM. This was when she was around 2 or 3 and we went biking together. I didn't think our dog Poochie had rabies at all as she's always inside our yard. But of course, we just didn't want to take any chances. And fortunately, Renz was mostly cool with the injections.
How did it happen? Well, Poochie was eating by the door (not her usual place) when Renz stepped outside. Renz's putting on his slippers somehow startled Poochie and grazed Renz's foot with her mouth.
Other than Renz, it was only Che who had a case of dog bite and required injections at RITM. This was when she was around 2 or 3 and we went biking together. I didn't think our dog Poochie had rabies at all as she's always inside our yard. But of course, we just didn't want to take any chances. And fortunately, Renz was mostly cool with the injections.
Renz's Cotillon Dance
Saturday was Cotillon day for birthday celebrant Julia. This after several practice sessions. Renz’s partner is Ira shown here.
Renz’s Field Trip at Subic
Today both Renz and Tita Gay went to the IJMC outing at Subic, Olongapo. They had quite an itinerary.
Renz at the dolphin and whale show
Renz at the dolphin and whale show
Halloween these Days
Growing up, I don’t recall ever attending a Halloween Party. Kids nowadays though have it in school like it’s a regular yearly event! For us, maybe it’s the belief that we’re not Americans and there’s no sense having it.
But then, most folks nowadays, including school officials, just see it as plain fun.
That's Renz in the Robin (as in Batman and Robin) suit.
But then, most folks nowadays, including school officials, just see it as plain fun.
That's Renz in the Robin (as in Batman and Robin) suit.
The Beetle
Imagine the fear that enveloped the kids’ room when a rhinoceros beetle (uwang) appeared out of nowhere in the clothes hamper. Karen was screaming her wits out when DH finally found it.
Come to think of it, the last time I’ve seen an uwang was in the province. I don’t remember seeing one even here south of Manila. I suppose this fright is the usual (and silly) reaction of those who’ve not seen one. But for the younger smaller ones like Renz? It’s one of curiosity. After seeing DH hold the uwang, Renz takes it and lets it even crawl in his hand.
Come to think of it, the last time I’ve seen an uwang was in the province. I don’t remember seeing one even here south of Manila. I suppose this fright is the usual (and silly) reaction of those who’ve not seen one. But for the younger smaller ones like Renz? It’s one of curiosity. After seeing DH hold the uwang, Renz takes it and lets it even crawl in his hand.
United Nations Parade 2008
Today, being United Nation’s Day, the IJMC school celebrated the usual United Nations Day.
Customarily, the students wear an attire of the country they're representing (or something close to it!). They then parade down the streets outside of the school.
Here’s Renz wearing a made-up Indonesian garb as he represented Indonesia. He's sitting on a deadwood at the back of the renthouse.
Customarily, the students wear an attire of the country they're representing (or something close to it!). They then parade down the streets outside of the school.
Here’s Renz wearing a made-up Indonesian garb as he represented Indonesia. He's sitting on a deadwood at the back of the renthouse.
