A Rustic Morning

Nothing beats a yummy breakfast in a very nice and cozy place accompanied by great friends plus bumping to other good friends. 😊

Rustic Mornings is located at Marikina City near the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church (OLA) and the Shoe Museum. It was my first time this morning but I’ve been hearing all about it from friends. I really did not eat breakfast for this “date” with my friends, so when I saw the menu I just wanted to order almost everything (except for the pork and beef variants). I wanted to eat a rice meal so I ordered Crispy Tawilis (i love the side ensalada) and a Cafe Mocha. My friends ordered the Boneless Bangus, Pork Tocino and Beef Tapa. We all wanted to try the Waffles with Buffalo Chicken and Salad (the dip for the chicken was really good) and the French Toast with Hashbrowns and Bacon.

For me, the prices are reasonable (Tawilis meal was i think P180). The service was also good and their staff are accommodating.

The meals are also well presented as they match the “shabby chic” ambiance of the place. Of course the most important thing is that I enjoyed what I ate. Everything for me was delicious 😉.

Other than the food, I enjoyed taking photos. We opted to stay in the airconditioned area because we’re starting to feel the heat of summer. But in all fairness, it wasn’t that hot in the garden area because of the plants.

Hatha Experience Part 2

It’s officially the start of my summer break! I told myself since my first Hatha experience that I’ll practice as often as I could this break, especially this month of April. Today, I practiced Hatha the second time around at Urban Ashram Manila Brixton. It was weird kind of weather, raining yet the sun is shining brightly. Therefore, it feels humid. (Just imagine how it feels like at 2pm with that kind of weather).

Our teacher today is Yanti. I like her too. She may not demonstrate all the poses but she explains every move. She is also very helpful and gives various options. I’ve attended several of her FNR classes but first time for Hatha. We started with Sukhasana (easy sitting pose) then with Chaturangas, plank poses, mountain pose, chair poses, etc..the ones I’ve done before. She kept on saying it’s always the effort that you put in a pose makes it effective. So far I’ve been trying to push myself everytime I practice until today. She taught us the foundations of doing inversions. Inversions?! Did I hear her right?! For the regulars, I’m sure it will be easy for them. But for me who’s been doing a lot of FNR’s and second time to Hatha is not yet ready for a head stand! Yanti asked us to move closer to the walls so we could try. I tried but didn’t work out. Haha! Yanti was really nice and told us that it is alright if we don’t do it yet. At least we try :). When she asked who among us tried it for the first time, oh yeah! Without hesitations I raised my hand :). She gave me a n encouraging smile (that’s what I love about the teachers at Urban Ashram Manila, they’ll challenge you but won’t force you).

After this I told myself that I’m going to challenge myself. I’ll practice more. I don’t know when but who knows, I might be doing head stands soon. Haha!

Last Time Out

It is really hard to say goodbye to the people who are really close to your heart and to the people you considered as your second family. Three “pillars” of ISYC left our growing family this year because of better opportunities and priorities. The ones left behind felt sad at the same time happy because their prayers have been answered.

I realized that change is really inevitable and the day will come that God will lead us to make choices. Often, these choices are not easy. But then again, He knows what’s best for us and leads us to the right one.

To my dear friends, Teachers Joan, Rhea and Yeng, I’d like to congratulate you for taking God’s new challenge for you :). You’ve been really great friends to me and my family and I’ll never forget our bonding moments :). Mwah!

I wasn’t able to take a picture of you Teacher Yeng. I’ll add once I visit you and the twins 🙂

Finding Joy in the Ordinary (The Day I Turned 30)

Yesterday, March 18 of 2013, marked my 30th year.  It was just like an ordinary Monday.  Early in the morning at around 5:30 am, I’m half awake as I feel my husband moving around the room preparing to go to his work, while I’m still in the middle of my slumber.  I felt his usual goodbye kiss to me (except this time he whispered “happy birthday” to me) and to Lucas who is sleeping beside me.  I tried waking up so I could hear mass, but Lord I’m so sorry, I didn’t. 😦  My alarm turned on, my usual setting at 6:05 am..pressed the snooze button.  I got up as soon as Lucas’ yaya entered our room.  My mom greeted me and my dad called me on my cellphone.  I quickly checked my Facebook account and browsed through the notifications that some of my friends posted a greeting on my timeline.  I prepared for work then left the house.  When I reached ISYC, I just placed my things in my classroom and went out again to buy breakfast for my colleagues.  My co-teacher who is also a very good friend of mine, went out with me to buy the pan de sals and palamans.  When we got back, I received warm greetings from my co-teachers.  Some wondered why I brought breakfast (which is totally okay 🙂 ), while some gave me a hug.  I realized that this people became a part of my life for 30 years.  It’s just overwhelming that even if they just saw the birthday notification in their Facebook account, they still spend a few seconds of their day to send me a greeting (it’s really the thought that counts).

My Kindergarten students came in at 1:00pm and it was even heart warming that some of them even brought gifts and card for me.  Their parents also sent me messages through text.  I’m so touched and happy.

After work, I went home and saw Lucas still having his siesta.  My dad came home early from work as well as my husband for my birthday dinner.  It was just a simple and intimate Mongolian buffet dinner with my parents, hubby, Lucas and the yaya at La Stanza.  As for my in laws who are in the San Juan house, I just ordered food for them online through 2121212 and had it delivered there.

When we got home, my husband and I played with Lucas and talked about how our day went.

Yes, it was just an ordinary day for me of course a little bit different because of the greetings, gifts and dinner.  I really didn’t plan for a big celebration because I thought the past 30 years was a huge one.  My experiences, lessons learned and what nots are just enough to make me realize that I’m very lucky to have these wonderful people around me (there may be the not so wonderful ones but I admit that I did learn from them).  Therefore, I’m so grateful and thankful for everything.  It’s just simply finding joy in the ordinary. 🙂

photo credit: http://www.republicofyou.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Finding-Joy….png

IMovie..We Meet Again

It’s this season where I reunite with one of my favorite Apps in Mac, the iMovie.  I’ve been exploring on this App since 2009 and I’ve been combining it with other Apps like Keynote and Pulp Motion.  I am actually not up to date, I just use what I know and try to be as creative as possible.  I just need TIME and PATIENCE.

Now I’m making three AVP’s for the Moving Up Ceremonies and Commencement Exercises.  One for the Toddlers and 2 for the Kindergarteners.  I chose to combine Keynote and iMovie for more options.

So here I am again.  The last time I worked with this App was last August and September in preparation of the Grandparents’ Day.  We “cooled off” for about 7 months and now we’re reunited. 🙂

My Hatha Experience

I try my best to practice yoga at least once a week. Usually I do it every Saturday either the 8am or 3pm FNR (Flexibility Not Required) class. However, I have work on some Saturdays so my choice is to attend a 630am Athletics FNR class (which I haven’t tried as well) on a Monday (wherein I won’t have work in lieu of the Saturday work) or not to practice at all because I sort of have hesitations in joining other classes (I just got too comfortable with the basic FNR class). Well it all changed today. I was browsing through the website of Urban Ashram Manila and read the different classes. The Hatha class called my attention then asked my yogini friend about it. She guaranteed that if I’m surviving the regular FNR I’ll surely survive Hatha. So I checked the class schedule at Brixton branch (where I go to practice), and gladly there’s a 2pm class. Again I was hesitant because it’s a really hot afternoon. But then again, I went.

When I got there, I spoke with Bianca as I give her my pass and get my locker key and told her that it’ll be my first time with Hatha. She said that for her it’s a lot better than FNR because it is slower and she gave me an encouraging smile that I can do it (one of the reasons why I love the ashram, the people are just so friendly and motivating 😊).

After I placed my bag in the locker, I settled in my favorite spot on the room. I was feeling uncomfortable because of the intense heat. I was worried that I might pass out in the middle of the practice. Janaka, the teacher, came in. He also felt that it’s too hot that he brought in a stand fan to at least aid in circulating the air around the room. When the class started, I can’t believe that I’m surviving it. And I like what I’m feeling despite the heat and the non-stop sweat.

After the class, I felt really good. Detoxified and relaxed. ☺ After changing, I told Bianca in the reception that she was right. I also thanked Janaka for the great experience and I’m hoping to do it again. That will be for sure during my summer break 😉.

Oh yeah. There’s a bonus! Celebrity DJ Tony Toni joined the practice. Of course I took the chance to have a picture with him. Haha! 😉

What’s My Excuse

I haven’t been updating my blog and I just said I was busy.  I thought I’d come up with a list of the things I accomplished within the months that kept my blog quiet but deserve to be shared otherwise.  I’ll list them down in random:

1. My son’s first ever hair cut last August. First snips was done by my best friend’s dad.  The professional cut was done by Cuts 4 Tots last August 25, 2012.

 2. Pulled off a Beatles inspired Grandparents’ Day presentation with my co-event coordinator and ever supporting co-teachers in ISYC. 🙂  It was held at Miriam College’s Marian Auditorium.

 

3. Started a small arts and crafts and party giveaway business (Creative Hands) with my teaching partner Teacher Inna last August 1, 2012. This really made us very busy. 

 

4.  Went back practicing yoga.  This happened last December 2012. I realized that this is something I shouldn’t stop doing.

5. Hubby got into a motorcycle accident that resulted to multiple bone fractures on his right shoulders and 3 ribs (2 fractures in one rib). Ouch!

 

6. My best friend from New Zealand came home after 5 years together with her beautiful daughter and husband.

 

7. A new nephew (my closest 1st cousin’s second baby) — Noah.

 

8. I learned how to bake a giant choco chip oatmeal cookie. I gave it away as a gift to my co-teachers :).

 

9. Last November, I started not to eat any pork and beef meat. So far I’m successful and haven’t been tempted until now.

 

10. Lucas’ second Halloween as Bruce Lee.

 

11. ISYC’s Toon Town (sem-ender activity) my costume was Capt. Hook.

 

12. Family photo shoot with one of the most renowned photographers in the Philippines. (I’ll write a blog on this wonderful experience soon).

 13. Learned that my 2 high school barkadas living abroad (one in the US and one in Canada) will get married this year.

 14. Two close friends and co-teachers got engaged as well, and will be married this year.

 15. A close friend from high school who’s been living and working in London came home to prepare for her wedding next year.

 16. A high school barkada had a challenging pregnancy and gave birth to a handsome baby boy (Grant) last February.

17.  Donated blood for a Ninong who had a multiple heart bypass surgery. 

18.  Lucas’ first time to go to Tagaytay City.  We were with Wowo and Wowa.

19.  Just dialed 89.9 Magic’s hotline to answer a topic during the morning show with mo twister and suzy…and yeah! My call got in!  First time to experience to be on air. Haha! 🙂

20.  Last August of 2012, we experienced the week-long suspension of classes due to continuous Habagat rains that resulted to flood around the Metro.

21. ISYC had this year’s Musical Play “In the Beginning” at the AFP theater last February.   I was assigned to edit some music, add sound effects and operate the playlist. Tech booth life again 🙂

 

For now, that’s my list. I’m sure I missed some more. I think my reasons were valid..you think? But I know these were great events or happenings that I should’ve shared. 

Making a Comeback

All right. It’s been a while, it’s been at least 8 months ago if I’m not mistaken since my last blog. I’ve been really really busy with the school year at the same time being a nanay. I sort of adjusted in teaching the Kindergarten Class and having two classes. Now, the school year is almost ending and I realized that even if I wasn’t able to update my blog, I would say that it was a good school year. I learned a lot from my students and I’m glad I had a pretty good relationship with their parents. My teaching partner was also great and we surely got along really well (we actually even started a small business which I will blog about next time).

So as I reflect on everything that has happened, I’m just thankful for everything. Now that I’m going to have more time, I’ll try my best to share whatever I can…Yeah. I think I’m ready to make this come back :).

Walk on the Wild Side

rainforest theme

I know this post is long overdue. Our classes started about 2 weeks ago.

I just want to share our bulletin board for this year. Our theme is the Rainforest habitat. How did we get this theme? Each classroom was assigned to one animal habitat. The sections will also be based on this and of course the design of the bulletin board.

My partner actually conceptualized our bulletin board. I just looked for animal photos and had them printed on tarp so the images will last the whole school year. I also did the grass out of green felt paper, printed the letters and cut them out. 🙂 For the background we just used a light blue cartolina. For the tree trunks, my partner painted them on white cartolina. For the tree canopies, she had the idea to outline them with dark green crumpled crepe paper (wherein I helped her with one canopy :P) and inner part was also made of crumpled light crepe paper. The pink flower was a recycled cut out we used during the moving up ceremonies last school year.

That was basically it :).

Just Busy

It has been a while since I’ve updated my blog.  The past two weeks have been busy for us since the start of classes for this school year is just around the corner.

Two weeks ago, we received an email about the teachers’ schedule and it was really overwhelming.  Our time is limited and yet we have a lot of stuff to accomplish.  I can really say that it isn’t easy to be a teacher especially in times like these.

Let me share the things we have accomplished so far.  

not an original photo

May 30 – Writing Workshop.  In the first half of the day, we had a review and tested our English Proficiency.  In the afternoon, we had a workshop in Creative Writing.

May 31 – Teachers’ Orientation and Introduction of New Teachers

not an original photo

June 1 – Basic First Aid Seminar and Workshop.  Here we had a resource person, a certified first aider from the Philippine National Red Cross, who talked about the basic first aid that we should administer in any case we’ll encounter in school.  This seminar workshop was not only for us teachers but also to the staff.  It was helpful because we’re able to address our concerns and asked what should we do in the usual cases we have in school.  Since we’re dealing with a lot of kids, it is just so important that we know what to do in cases of accidents.

not an original photo

June 4 to 7 – In Service Seminar-Workshop.  Here we have Dr. Evalyn Hizon, a professor in UP Diliman Department of Home Economics (Family Life and Child Development).  I actually realized a lot of things after this 4-day workshop and of course learned more.  Here’s a rundown of topics that she was able to discuss with us:

• Principles of Child Growth and Development
• Philosophies and Approaches in ECE Theories in Child Development (inrelation to the child’s learning and behavior)
• Learning Competencies and Skills Development of Preschool Children
• The Value of Play and Games Using Structured and Unstructured Learning Materials
• Readiness Skills
• Approaches to Reading and Storytelling Techniques
• Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Understanding the Basics Curriculum Development
• Curriculum Planning and Workshop
• Integrating Subject Matter Areas (Math, Art, Reading, etc) in Curriculum Making and Activity Plans
• The Child’s Learning Environment:  Planning, Structuring and Equipping;  Routines and Schedules
• Classroom Management
• Assessment of Young Children
• Reporting to Parents
• Ethics and Values in ECE

It was a lot right?  But yes, we’ve covered all of them.  These sessions also made me realize that there are more ways to actually teach children.  We can be more resourceful than we think.  

Another thing I liked about Dr. Hizon is her advocacy in using recyclable materials to make learning tools for young children.  She taught us more ways on how we can recycle cardboards, soap boxes, tissue cores, etc. that can be used as teaching tools.

It has really been exhausting and yet productive two weeks for us.  Aside from these workshops, we also needed to decorate and fix our classrooms by putting up the visuals, materials and bulletin board.  

Well, that was it.  I was just plain busy but happy 🙂