Wednesday, April 25, 2007

I know what you did this summer

Finally! A picture from Mambusao, thanks to my mom's phone cam. There should have been a lot more, but forgetful me forgot the camera in Manila. This was my second visit to Mambusao after more than 20 years, and while some things have changed, a lot still stayed the same. I recognized the house where we had our first grand reunion in 1983. And while a lot of names sounded familiar, I was able to remember some of the faces too.

One of the biggest changes was - surprise! - I was the adult now. I was the one herding a little kid, giving permission to go and play with the cousins, and introducing the clan onstage. Sheesh. My mom and her cousins are getting older and fewer. Last time I was in Mambusao, my grandmother Flora was the senior; now it's my mom.

Anyway, Miguel had a blast there. So much that he wanted to stay behind - with me, of course. I had forgotten how great it was to be a kid from Manila visiting the province. Take this picture for example. Miguel got a kick out of holding that banner as we walked (or danced) around town.

I remember that somewhere there's a picture of Dennis too, circa early 80s, holding up an arch for the Flores de Mayo in Surigao. Those were the little "perks" that we got from our aunts and uncles. (Aside from unlimited Playstation time from mommy.) They sure know how to show a kid a good time - then and now.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Holy mackerel!

Got Miguel's report card yesterday, and guess what, turns out the little tyke has 2 awards!

Sheesh. If I had known sooner, I would have gotten it on time.

Pardon me for my ignorance; I'm a first time big school mom. I forgot to pick it up last March 30. No big deal, I thought; I can pick it up later. But I didn't realize that you need the last report card to enroll your kid the following year. Oops. So off I march to Ateneo the moment the registrar's office re-opens after its summer break, and...holy cow! 2 awards!

The first was the Guardian Angel award, for academic excellence. I knew that it existed, but I didn't know that he qualified for it. I always thought that you had to have perfect 100's to get that award. (Bang head against wall.) Maybe half the class got the Guardian Angel award, but still! We have to celebrate!

The second was a certificate for being "Well-Behaved and Mild-Mannered" in class. Awww. Yaya was incredulous, because she knows how raucous he - and practically everybody else for that matter - is on the bus. She couldn't believe that he was behaving in the classroom. But yes, my dear Reiza, he really is an angel in class. I've been to their room a few times, and I can say that he is very well-behaved.

Gee. Now I really have to give him an "award shelf." I'm really proud because these are things that he earned completely on his own. Like I said, half the class probably got an award as well. But it's just so great to see his efforts validated this way. Way to go kid!

Thursday, April 12, 2007

I believe!

I must say, Marlon has turned me into an instant convert. Girlfriends, don't say that I didn't tell you about it. You really must try Olay Total Effects. It's been only 2 days and I'm totally sold.

You must buy it with the cleanser though. Marlon uses the serum as well, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Right now I'm just too happy with my new facial cream.

And it has broad spectrum sunscreen too! :)