Tuesday, February 28, 2012

My journey. His evolution.

What do I say when people ask me what I do for a living? I would say, 'I work in a bank.' And I would follow it up with, 'but I am a full time mom.' I love being a mom and there's no job in the world more important to me.

Like any other moms, I have recorded, and will continue to record every detail of my son's 'evolution.' And because I can’t help myself, I am going to inundate you with pictures of my good looking 7 year old as he evolves.




I have thousands of pictures, no exaggeration. His countless firsts, the every stage of his advancement, his accomplishments (will have a separate post on this one), and all things he does which justify my existence in the world. It's all accounted. I am a proud mom. I do not need any title besides that.








And the wonderful journey continues...

Monday, February 27, 2012

Our Sanctuary

In this time of cutting edge technology, when the most advanced e-gadgets are readily available and accessible, when the major form of communication is via text messages or online chatting, when one could Google just about everything....a phenomena that seem so huge in the risk dimension, where the very existence of personal relationships are at stake... It makes me panic and anxious especially when I think about my kid and his future.

It is nice that, once in awhile we live off the beaten track and touch on the intangibles - learn the more important things - and find our sanctuary. Here at Mater Cristi, Luis and I found our Sanctuary.


A project of my parents, dedicated to our Beloved Mother Mary, the family's sanctuary was built years ago. Only an hour away from the City, it's a perfect setting away from the threatening challenges of the times.


Connecting with nature is like communicating with a more certain world...


When I think about my kid, I think about what is best for him. Here at our sanctuary, Luis gets to run freely, without fear of being run over. He gets to enjoy fresh air, the produce of the fruit-bearing trees, catch butterflies, throw a coin in the wishing well, gets to spend time away from playing e-gadgets (you might have noticed my animosity towards e-gadgets in my previous posts), and other things more important.



Our sanctuary is open to everyone who wants to take time out to commune with nature, bask in the beauty that surrounds it, and bond with their loved ones.


Determine what is best for your kid. Experience our sanctuary.


For bookings: email rclagman_1104@yahoo.com

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Good Parenting? or Hard Parenting?

I am not a guru nor claiming to be an expert in parenting. But don't we feel that we are pushing our kids too hard at times? Aren't we forcing them to do something just because that was once our dream, so that we could live vicariously through them? Don't we just want to bolster our own self-esteem by having a gifted child to show off to others? If we answer no to these questions, guilt-free, then, by all means carry on.

Luis tries Taekwondo at age 4.


When I was a kid, my parents made me take piano lessons and ballet. I do not remember that I was forced into it. Although I recall that there were times when I wished my piano teacher would not show up. There were times when I prayed that my ballet teacher would cancel lesson. Needless to say, I did not progress. They say if we start young, we pick up things faster. Well I guess I was an exemption. But I must say that I am forever grateful to my parents for giving me the chance. Even if I have not become the greatest pianist, nor a Lisa Macuja, at least I could read musical notes, play a little piano, and keep the grace I got from ballet. I do not have to look back and wonder about an undiscovered musical talent that was not nurtured.

Luis takes up swimming lessons before he turned 5.


Now that I am a parent myself to a 7 year-old, I would like him to try different things too, especially if I sense in him a natural talent for something. I like him to be good in more things than just playing video games. Naturally, I only have his best interest in mind. Learning an instrument improves ones thinking skills, math skills, and in my experience even reading skills. Getting into sports can stem the tide of child obesity.

Luis joins Ateneo Basketball School at 6.


Remember, we have to let our kids choose what aspect of music or sports they want to be involved in. And if they cannot hit the ball nor rock the tune, it's ok. Make them feel that they are still the best.

Luis plays guitar at 7.


Never ever disregard play time. After all, they are kids. And kids need to explore and create their own adventure in order for them to learn and appreciate the things around them. They need to get their hands dirty at times. No need to panic if they do.


Let's give our kids every advantage to succeed. In due time, when it's their turn, they will be thankful that their parents taught them about good parenting.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Through The Eyes of a Seven Year Old.

I know my son very well and so I could tell when he's up into something. Last night, the eve of Valentine's Day, he requested that I withdraw from his savings account in the bank tomorrow. I couldn't take count of how many times I was reminded about this. He was so pressing. Since I have been witness to how this savings came about; -passing up visits at Timezone which happens to be his favorite hang-out (the effort and discipline involve here are unimaginable I could tell), -his excess allowances in school saved from turning his back on yet another 2 favorites -C2 and siomai (again, big struggle on his part), and which he religiously asks me to deposit each week. The last one being P58.00. -my change from the grocery cashier which he politely asks to keep everytime, and other personal efforts I find so endearing. Since he's been saving up for, according to his own words, 'to buy only the important things', I just trusted and never asked what's cooking. Came the day-Valentine's Day. I received a call from the office. It was from him asking me to buy cake. When I got home and handed him the money he asked me to withdraw, he said to my surprise (but I actually had a hint), "Mom keep the money, that's yours. And the cake is yours too. I would have bought it myself, if only I knew how to drive. Happy valentine's day and I love you.I hope you bought your favorite." The life-long hidden meaning of Valentine's Day right there revealed.


We shared the cake afterwards, and it tasted so sweet.

Monday, February 13, 2012

The Sound of Music As We Hear It.

No need for an intricate introduction. Everyone knows that The Sound of Music is one of the most famous musical film in Hollywood history, and one of the best films of all time. I cannot recall exactly how many times I have watched this timeless classic. Although, I remember this being one of my favorite things when I was a kid. I also remember watching it again when I was sixteen going on seventeen. And now that my son Luis has started to appreciate the do-re-mi, here it is once again.


(since cameras and other recording devices were not allowed inside the theater, we made do of our souvenir shots on the specially designed staircase, and the other, with the character cardboards)



Beyond just great music! Catch the grand production at the Resorts World Newport Performing Arts Theater in Manila, before it bids so long and farewell on May 27, 2012. Tickets are not too pricey but i bet one would not mind a high price tag to watch it. Just consider the benefit a child would get from his early exposure to the arts, the development of his artistic appreciation, plus the added excitement a live action brings him. And of course, anything to take my son away from playing e-gadgets. ;-)

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Saturday. Noon.

Most people look forward to holidays. Me and Luis included. But aside from holidays, weekends are what we long for as well because we get to be more carefree and relaxed. Schedules are not tight and we are more flexible with our activities. We could practically do whatever we want, move without restraint, and just let loose. Far-off from the long stretch of the workweek. Perfect time to permit ourselves to wander at large and practice liberty, even to the streets. Take a look at how me and Luis take it easy one Saturday afternoon. here he goes....


my turn....


together now....


No doubt, weekends are the happiest days for both me and Luis. Enjoy your Saturday noon!