PEEK A BOO

Dyu see the fish? :)

HAVEN'T BEEN BLOGGING MUCH

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging a lot these days. It's just that I've been caught up with so many things I hardly have the time to write. Like I mentioned in previous posts, I'm trying to finish my Child Psych by April and well, I've been studying as much as I possibly can in the middle of all my chores and homeschooling and other activities. This is really not a bother because it's really interesting but I want to be finished with it so I could get my certificate and then proceed to the next step (which I will mention later as I have to talk to Ruther about it again).

Anyway, what is taking most of my time now is researching a homeschooling method for Ethan. In case you didn't know, my boys have very different personalities. Nikki is doing all right with our eclectic method but it does not seem to suit Ethan at all because he's not the sit-down-and-study type. He's a sensory learner and loves to feel and touch things and learn from his environment and educational toys. He learns more through experience. He's what the books call "The Accidental Learner". You really cannot have a structured study time with him or you'll end up talking to yourself. Ethan is just not ready for formal lessons. And I really don't want to push him. But neither am I going to neglect his education. So I've been researching for the appropriate homeschooling philosophy for him and I discovered the Moore formula which I think will be quite helpful in my lessons for Ethan. Here's a summary of what it's about (from homescooldiner.com):

This is a Christian-based educational philosophy described in several books written by homeschooling pioneers Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, including, "Better Late Than Early", "School Can Wait" and "Homegrown Kids". This Moore Formula homeschool curriculum includes a blend of study, work, and service. The studies should be practical, low-stress, and interest-based. The work should include doing chores, helping with the family business, and a child's own entrepreneurial activities - to build self-confidence and self-control. Daily service is recommended, such as helping at home and in the community, to help build character.
An important emphasis of this philosophy is that parents should wait until their children are *ready* to learn to read and write. No formal study is required until age 8 to 10 or 12 (though early readiness in children is not discouraged). The curriculum includes unit and project work. History is taught through the reading of biographies. Math and grammar are taught using "Math It" and "Winston Grammar". The Moore Formula method can be used independently, or by enrolling in "The Moore Academy".

I really like the part about delaying academics for some kids because readiness plays a big part in their learning and I see that it really applies to Ethan. Usually when we do lessons, he really learns and understands them when he's interested and when he's ready.

I'm still reading and researching more about this and I really really think that I am on the right track. Also, since the Moore formula is similar to unschooling, I think I will incorporate these two philosophies in teaching Ethan. I just really have to do a lot of research so I'll know what to do and so I am prepared. Anyway, if I could spare some time from all these research and studying, I'll be sure to blog again. =D

MANY THOUGHTS

Sometimes I find myself with a head full of thoughts that I have to stop, breathe and tell myself that if I continue to think that way I'll only work myself up and that's not a very good idea especially with Ruther not around (he's my voice of reason) to calm me down. It's 4am right now and when I should be in bed sleeping and dreaming happy dreams, I am instead in front of the laptop doing some impromptu cleaning and dusting of my mind to clear away some of the jumbled mess for some organizational thought.

In the past, I used to worry about the littlest thing. Now, I only worry about the future (and okay, a few other things as well). I must have inherited this delightful little trait from my mother, who at present, suffers from mild anxiety attacks from time to time. It's really not the debilitating kind but she always brings her little pillbox with her wherever she goes, sort of like a security blanket.

I guess my biggest worries right now are: 1) how to be able to live together as a family in the (hopefully near) future (with no separations anymore), and 2) homeschooling (finding support, finding the time to research things, providing the necessary learning tools for the boys, being confident about this decision and pursuing it, etc.). I just really don't want to be 40 years old and still be living apart from Ruther. That would be simply depressing. Also, homeschooling 2 boys with very different learning styles is certainly not a walk in the park. You would think that it would be simpler to just teach Ethan what I teach Nikki, but NO. Ethan has to be of a different mold entirely just to spice things up a bit. Yay.

Anyway, I guess am only human to worry. As I told Ruther before, I would not worry about a person (which is more often than not, him) if I did not have affection and love for said person. Sometimes, my worrisome thoughts just come out of my head with no control from me whatsoever. I may be sitting in a jeepney and pop! I would think about where to get more educational toys for the boys. I could be walking to the grocery store and then suddenly think about money and budgetting woes. I could be frying something and my mind would jump to so many things (dangerous, I know!) I would sometimes wonder, now why did that pop into my mind right now? If you think that I'm making mountains out of molehills, Ruther would say that that would be an understatement.

Have you seen the movie Click? Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a preview of what your future would be like? Wouldn't it be swell to see how things are then so you could right some of the wrongs at present just to make sure that everything goes smoothly in the future? Wouldn't it be fantastic to catch a glimpse of how your family will be then (happy?, healthy?, together?, etc.)? I guess all we could do is just do our best right here and right now. But wait. How do we know that we are doing our best? How do we know that we still have much to offer, to give, to share to the people we love? How do we know that we are doing what we can right now to make this world a better place for our family/ies? Tell me. Doesn't that make you wonder?

I would not call my thoughts personal demons. I guess it just means that I want my life to be a bit more structured, a bit more planned out, a bit more secure. Like I want to be able to fix our calendar for next year. I want to be able to at least know what to write on it for the entire 2009. It would be nice to have a little bit of permanency. After all, I'm not getting any younger, right? Who's to say I'll still be here tomorrow.

Who doesn't want a happy ending? I suppose that's why I have so many thoughts in my head sometimes. I just want to (possibly) eliminate all those things right now that could well, make the future a little bit worrisome. But you know, even if I'm not sure how the ending of my story is going to be, despite all my crazy and worrisome thoughts, despite waking up at 4am to blog, despite all the uncertainties of the future, I do know that my happily ever after has already begun.

PHOTOS AT SUN CITY

Nikki and his colorful floatie. He really loves the water which is why I think enrolling him in swim class this summer will be a good idea for him.

Through the tunnel. Ethan loves the kiddie pools a lot but Nikki prefers the adult pools. I think Ethan likes watching the kids slide and make huge splashes.

Ethan watches his Kuya Nikki slide. Weeeee!!

Ethan is a bit fearful of sliding but Nikki loves it as long as it's not too high.

FAMILY DAY AT SUN CITY

Today we went to Sun City in Calamba for another family day. Mama and Papa wanted to spend the day there because they know that Nikki really loves the place and is quite excited to go back. So we left at 8 this morning and the moment we arrived there, the boys changed into their trunks and just swam and played. It was terribly hot and there were a lot of people. I was worried at first because Nikki kept on going to the adult pool (was about chest-high) and even if he had his floatie and there were lifeguards nearby, I didn't want anything bad happening while I was at our table. But he eventually made some friends there and just wanted to play with them. So I tried to keep an eye on them as much as I could and gave him water from time to time. Ethan spent most of the time in the kiddie pools and was quite happy there. After lunch, I changed and then brought the boys to another adult pool. We just swam and played and enjoyed the water until Nikki could no longer open his eyes (this was around 130pm or so). So we got out of the water, showered, changed and in a few minutes, the boys were asleep. They did not nap long because it was a bit uncomfy, hot and noisy so Nikki woke up after 20 or so minutes. Then he asked us if we could go home already. I guess it was just too hot to continue swimming and really, the crowd doubled in size so the pools looked packed with people that it no longer looked fun. So we all agreed to leave then and by 4pm, we were back home. The boys are a bit sunburned but I'm sure they don't mind that because of all the fun they had. They did miss their dad though because the last time we were there Ruther was with us. Sad. =(

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

God bless everyone!!

HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILS- GOOD FRIDAY

I know some may complain about this ritual we have here in the Philippines but it is still a part of our culture (accepted or not) and I wish to post it here... (WARNING! Some photos may make you squeamish...)


Body of Christ: Ritual Crucifixions in San Fernando
By Susi O'Neill

Christian religious festivals rule daily life in the Philippines, particularly in the countryside. San Fernando is a good example, just 40 miles from the city of Manila on Luzon island, this town is famous for being the site of the crucifixion ceremony that takes place on Good Friday each year. To some the event is a display of piety and to thank God for blessings; to others, they are gruesome displays of outdated religious fervour.

What Happens at San Fernando

As many as ten men each year volunteer to be Jesus and are nailed to the cross with slender silvery spikes. Spectators act out the events of the three days that led up to Christ's crucifixion that shaped the structure of the whole Christian faith. If you're in Manila at this time, it's easy to get to San Fernando early in the morning of the Good Friday. Come prepared for gore and blood, as it is quite an intense and emotional experience. Like the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand, where people do all sorts of painful things with sharpened knives and hooks (apparently painlessly slipping these sharp objects through cheeks, shoulder blades, and other sensitive areas) more than 1,000 participants in San Fernando beat themselves (flagellations) with sharpened chains that bring forth spurts of blood and exposed skin.

Similar Events

The island of Luzon is not the only place this practice occurs; on the island of Marinduque there is a custom called Moriones, where people perform similar acts of self-flagellation in order to commemorate the Roman centurion who was apparently cured when a drop of Jesus' blood fell into his eye. Participants wear centurions clothes and repeat this every Easter for a whole night.The Catholic Church actually forbids such forms of extreme piety, but it can't stop those who want to show thanks to their God for a healed relative, or for a life saving cure for their child. There has even been talk of local officials bribing people to keep the show alive by pushing up the number of participants, realising the financial gains brought in by curious foreign tourists. This is, of course, denied by these government officials who say it's just another uniquely Filipino tradition.

The festival climaxes with the crucifixion, and several hours after being nailed to their crosses, the men are taken down. Though traveller's may not follow the strongly held religious beliefs of the Filipino people, attending the Easter festival in San Fernando gives a good indication of how deep Christianity runs in this isolated converted country.

http://www.pilotguides.com/destination_guide/asia/philippines/san_fernando.php

CROSS

Took this photo in Baguio and decided to post it here because of Holy Week...

HOT!

It's just so unbelievably hot today! The boys are napping right now and I had no choice but to turn the AC on just to keep the room comfy. I tried to nap as well but after 20 minutes, I woke up with fine sweat and I couldn't go back to sleep anymore because I was no longer comfortable. Summer in Manila is usually this hot. In the provinces though, you could always depend on a cooling breeze to drown the humidity a bit and make summer a bit more pleasant. Just thinking about 2 more months of this is really bothersome. I just hope the boys won't get sick in this weather. Sigh. Sorry for the griping. It's just too hot to do anything else at the moment...

.....

Ruther has no work today! Yay! I guess it's that holiday where they celebrate Vernal Equinox or Shunbun no hi. I think it's nice that he has a day off from work this week especially since it's Holy Week (they don't have Holy Week in Japan). Anyway, more on the holiday from Wikipedia:

The vernal equinox is a national holiday for the admiration of nature and the love of living things. Around this time, various Buddhist sects celebrate the spring higan. Many people visit the graves of their ancestors, washing the tombstone, tidying up the site, and offering flowers. The first celebration in Japan took place in 806.

HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILS. - THE SINAKULO

The Sinakulo: Past and Present

Passion plays that flourish today in the urban and rural areas project this conflict. The still dominant, traditional sinakulo pictures Christ as a model of meekness and masochism, a lamb accepting death in obedience to authority. In contrast, the new sinakulo spotlights a Christ of reason and resolve, a lion who leads the downtrodden against all oppressors.

The traditional sinakulo is a Lenten play, usually in verse, which narrates a long sequence of episodes from the Old and the New Testaments, with special emphasis on the life, sufferings and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Certain conventions of marching, chanting and magic are usually followed.

Sinakulo scenes are presented on a proscenium-type stage of bamboo-and-wood or cement-and-steel; under light bulbs that cast an unyielding light instead of creating a mood and against painted cloth or paper backdrops, called telon. It takes at least eight nights - from Palm Sunday to Easter - to present the play.

In the cities, the sinakulo ispresented in all kinds of venues - on a traditional stage, on the streets, in a chapel, in a large room. Comedy, courtship, and special effects are popular elements in a sinakulo.

Because of the imperatives of urban life, most modern sinakulos run for only one or two hours. They can also be presented in all kinds of venues: on the traditional stage, on the streets, in a chapel, in a large room, or even in an open-air strike area.

If the traditional sinakulo drew life from the feudal, agricultural order, the modern passion play responds to a very definite need - the need to inform students, professionals, workers about the problems created by unresolved contradictions in Philippine society.

Source: http://www.filipinoheritage.com/religious/sinakulo.htm

STRAWBERRIES

Took this photo before mom could eat all the strawberries she bought. =D

HOLY WEEK IN THE PHIL. - PALM SUNDAY

by Elmer Nocheseda

Palm Sunday in the Philippines is most dramatic. To commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, Filipino Catholics bring their palaspas or decorated palm fronds to church to be blessed by the priests. It is always a sight to behold when young fresh coconut leaves called ibus are transformed into intricate forms and shapes. Children hold them liked priced possessions. It is one great spectacle to see the brimming Sunday congregation eagerly wave their palms as the priest passes by to bless them. The event is simply joyful.

Domingo de Ramos or Palm Sunday is one of the most photographed events in the Philippines. Palaspas, which is the most intricate, provides an exciting opening act for the drama of Semana Santa. The sight and smell of fresh palm fronds herald Holy Week in the Philippines. More than this characteristic religiosity, the palaspas showcases the Pinoy’s inherent artistry and creativity. His dexterity is amazing, as to how he could transform the fresh fronds of coconut or buri palms into plaited and decorative patterns and empower it with new meaning. His propensity for bright colors and profuse embellishment is put into maximum use as the palaspas is decorated with crepe paper flowers and banderitas. But no matter how intricate the palaspas is, it has basically just two parts: a decorative handle and the decorated fronds. The decorative handle may be heart-shaped or woven like a mat or folded into overlapping bows. On the other hand, the fronds are from which hang the woven stars, grasshoppers, and other figures from palm leaves or other tiny paper flags. The fronds are cut and woven to enhance various textures and designs. The fronds may be cut or folded or may be plaited to form zigzag patterns called kidlat (lighting ), espada (sword), bola (ball), ibon (bird), hipon (shrimp), and other designs similar to those found in Bali Indonesia. The galilea, an elevated platform decorated with palm leaves and flowers, is built in the church patio for the choir who will sing the chants of the day. Tuklong or temporary altars decorated with palaspas are where the little angles sing their Hosannas at the top of their voices. Once blessed by the passing priest, the palaspas acquires potency that even the Church has no official stand whether to accept, denounce or ignore this folk belief. The blessed palaspas becomes a fixture on top of the doors and windowsills to ward off any evil that would ever pass the household. Even the finest houses in Forbes Park or the humblest barong-barong in Tondo will have the blessed dried palaspas for a year.

SUMMER

It's definitely summertime here. Not only has it been warm these past couple of days but it's been quite humid as well. Yup, flipflops, perspiration and sunblock are here to stay. Well, at least until May, that is.

I think I better buy the boys another inflatable pool as a way to keep them cool from the heat. The one they have (or should I say, had) has several holes in it so I guess it's no good except maybe for their colored balls. Anyway, I will have to check those pools out the next time I go to the mall.

.....

Holy Week is finally here. No, we're not vacationing anywhere. It's really weird but in Zamboanga, when it's Holy Week (called Semana Santa here), we don't usually traipse around the country. For my family, it's considered almost sinful. During Holy Week we usually do the Bisita Iglesia (church visits), and the Way of the Cross, and prayers and meditation and of course, fasting and abstinence. Starting from Holy Thursday, loud music and celebration is prohibited. My siblings and I would feel really guilty when we would watch tv and laugh loudly and be shushed by our parents. In Manila, Holy Week for most usually means vacation time. A month or so before Holy Week, you'd see ads in the paper about promo tours for families and individuals who would want to take advantage of the long weekend. It's really their choice of course, but it kind of bothers me a bit when people put so little meaning in the Lenten season. Anyway, those are my issues, so I'll shut up now.

Anyway, I think it's going to be a quiet Holy Week for me and my boys. We'll just be here, eagerly awaiting Easter Sunday.

BAGUIO DAY 3

At the Butterfly Sanctuary. Nikki and his butterfly friends. He really wanted to hold those butterflies and I told him to be careful not to hurt them.






Ethan was hesitant to touch the butterfly so I carried him and told him we would put only one on his sleeve. He was okay with that and after a while, he was giggling away. =D






Nikki and the Statue of Liberty at Camp John Hay

Peek-a-boo! Playing with the pine trees.

After the morning stroll, we went to SM City Baguio for some yummy halo-halo and mais con hielo. Of course, the boys had to play in the inflatable slide. =D

SAVE MOTHER EARTH

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080317-125163/Join-worldwide-lights-out-Filipinos-urged

Join worldwide lights-out, Filipinos urged
By Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:14:00 03/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Save the Earth. Turn off your lights for a full hour on March 29.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines is encouraging every Filipino household to switch off their lights and electrical gadgets when the “Earth Hour” strikes at 8 p.m. on the 29th as a way of joining global efforts to address climate change.

To manifest the country’s participation in the global movement, a portion of well-lit Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City will be plunged into darkness simultaneously with Sydney, Toronto, Chicago, Copenhagen and 28 other cities across the world, said the environmental group.

“Earth Hour is about awareness-raising and empowering people to make a difference, while aiming for a 5-percent reduction in power usage,” said Gregg Yan, WWF-Philippines information and communication officer.

The global movement was first launched in Australia on March 31, 2007, moving 2.2 million people and 2,100 business establishments in Sydney to shut off all the lights for one hour.

Even Sydney’s famous landmarks such as the Harbor Bridge and Opera House descended into darkness.

Yan said the collective effort reduced the city’s energy consumption by 10.2 percent, which had the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for an hour.

Citing the Filipino’s distinctive bayanihan (cooperative) spirit, the group was hopeful that the country would accomplish the same feat. It warned that the country’s 7,107 islands were exposed to rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns brought about by climate change.

“Throughout the Philippines, the idea is snowballing—with e-mails circulating and promulgating the concept to as far as Tawi-Tawi,” Yan said.

Meanwhile, Bernarditas Muller, a senior negotiator of the Philippine government on climate change, called on national leaders to train their attention to drawing up adaptation measures in relation to climate change.

Muller, in a dialogue with the media on Thursday, said the government must not concentrate on efforts to mitigate climate change because “it is already here.”

“We can no longer do anything to stop it because it is already happening,” she said.

Muller suggested that the government instead work for an efficient public transport system if it wants Filipinos to cut back on their use of cars to lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

She also noted that since the Philippines is surrounded by water, the government should seriously consider the zoning of flood-prone and coastal areas.

BAGUIO CATHEDRAL

The majestic cathedral. Photo taken last March 9.

SUMMER HEAT

We've been back in Manila for only 2 days and suddenly it's like summer just arrived out of nowhere. Where have all the cool nights gone?

Yesterday was especially warm. I had to make sure the boys were comfy lest they get sick from this humid weather. I had to go out in the afternoon while the boys took their nap because I had to buy Ethan's milk and really, the heat was just penetrating. Good thing after a while it got cloudy so that was a relief. Come evening though, it suddenly rained. The weather can be so weird sometimes.

I don't know if today is a sign of hot days to come. I'm actually one not to mind summer weather and I could always think of ways to stay cool (mango shake is one!) but it can be pretty bothersome when the air from the fan blowing on your face is as hot as your breath. So yeah, hopefully, summer won't be as warm as I think it's going to be.

I said "hopefully".

BAGUIO DAY 2

At Mines View Park. We've been here last year but dad had to see it, even for just a while. From the observation deck of the park a breathtaking panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains unfolds before you. (cityofpines.com)


The majestic and palatial Mansion House was built in 1908 as the official summer residence for the U.S. Governors-Generals. It was badly damaged during the Second World War and was rebuilt in 1947. Since then, it has served as the holiday home and working office for each President of the Philippines during his or her visits to Baguio. (Wikipedia) We could only take a photo from far away because tourists are no longer allowed near the mansion. Too bad.


The gates of the Mansion. The elaborate main gate, made of ornate ironwork, is said to be a replica of one of the main gates at Buckingham Palace, London. (Wikipedia)

Wright Park, which is located at the eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion, is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City. Its main features are a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines" and the park circle which is on one end of the park. (cityofpines.com) By this time, the sky was really overcast and it started to drizzle.

And then the skies opened and the rain fell. We tried to wait for it to stop but it seemed like it didn't want to let up so we decided to call it a day and hailed a taxi so we could get out of the rain.