Happy Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day and our 12th Wedding Anniversary by lunching out with the whole family. Tatay Les & Tatay Pepe were happy to have a short break from their seemingly boring routine activities at home. After eating we strolled in the mall so that we could also have our exercise to burn those calories we got from the bulalo soup! The kids also had a great time, esp. Justin who cleverly persuaded Tatay Les to buy him new Transformers toys...well, he just had my promised treat ahead of time ( we actually had a bargain, I'll buy him a new toy if he will sing at Angelica's 7th birthday!!!).


For all the daddies out there, Happy Father's Day!

For you, Dad!

Before we slept last night, my children kissed my father good night and suddenly I realized how time flew so fast...I looked at my Dad, on his face I saw the traces of his true age with few wrinkles, sagging loose upper eyelids and graying eyebrows & hair (but he never got receeding hairline!). His strong hands showed proofs of his hardwork & sacrifices. From an early age (as he told me in his stories) he had proven his self reliance and he taught himself to be responsible and dependable. During my childhood, I witnessed his passion for his work as an architect. He spent sleepless nights in drawing and finalizing the blueprints of his projects. I was so proud of him because I knew that he was really good in the field of architectural works...in fact he received numerous awards which merit his excellent achievements in the Public works Department of the Subic U.S. Naval Base. But I couldn't recall praising him for his accomplishments. I didn't hear myself telling him how greatful I was for having a talented father!

What clearly stayed in my memory was how wonderful my father was. He was a good provider...I knew that he gave everything in his pay slip to my mom. He could live contentedly on a meager allowance in his pocket...sometimes he was even able to save some for our weekend movies. I believe that my mom couldn't ask for anything more...I often heard her say how lucky she was to have a husband like my dad, for her he was a perfect husband!

My father never asked for praises nor recognition for all the sacrifices and good things he had done for his family. I saw how protective and caring he was...how he put our needs first before his.For him, it was so corny to receive cards or gifts for special occasions because by just being together (the three of us!)no matter how simple we celebrated such special events, was enough for him and could make him happy already.

I probably got his trait, his being less vocal...but somehow I am different because I "pour" everything that I feel or want to say into writing...I could tell how much I love my parents and how much they mean to me through cards and letters. I wonder if dad ever read my sentimental notes for him. I just hope he did!

I instantly kissed him goodnight, too! I wanted to say I love you (while his hearing acuity is still good!) to let him know that I really do! We are both persons of few words...but I need to say these important words before it's too late!

So, Dad, I love you very much...nothing could measure the affection that I have for you (and MOm). I am so thankful that you were the one given by God to be my father! Happy Father's Day, Dad....

Back to school, at last!

Yesterday was my kids' first day of school. Both were very excited to see their friends and new classmates. I was torn between relieved and anxious...relieved, because finally our house would be back to its "liveable" state; during their summer break, our abode had always been loaded with their toys all over, now it could become clutter-free again, hopefully! Anxious, because I'll be back to my tutoring job: I need to read their books too so that I can make my review test questions, explain their lessons and do some advance studying! I know I can get through with these...as I did for the past four years. I'm sure my kids are kind of tense too...to face their "terror" tutor hahaha!

Treat them Humanely, please!

I was disheartened by the fact that there are still people who are insensitive to the needs of others...inconsiderate of others' feelings. I believe that even if they are "just our subordinates", we still need to treat them well, we still owe them respect! We should not forget that our institution would not be "in business" without them...without their effort, their efficient labor & loyalty to us. We could not deny that they had given their best with a big hope that soon they would truly become a part of the hospital staff...the "family", and be able to continue imparting their services to our patients. I know that for them, the recognition of their competent performances is more important rather than the slight increase in their monetary compensation...and for me, that's a big deal because I know that they would take care of my patients not because of money nor they would expect somehting in return but because of compassion!

It's true that the ill effects of the global crisis had loomed over us. Everybody was caught by surprise. We were not ready for the worst, I believe! But there were still some who found it trivial because they could still relish on luxurious ways/things in life...inspite of the struggling economy of our country. God must have endowed them with millions of pesos, giving them the power to manipulate others. What I pray for is for these people to realize that there are humane ways in treating our employees (our partners in business)...ways that won't humiliate them, instead they would leave with dignity & respect for themselves...with a smile on their faces rather than grudge or wrath in their hearts. Nothing could enrage them more than being treated like a worthless piece of junk that after being used would be kicked off mercilessly.

Let us all remember that life is really like a wheel...that when it turns, the ones on top would inevitably go under!!!

Princess got a partner

Princess is not alone anymore! We got another shihtzu puppy...Sparky. Sparky is a 2month old male pup, and it's tiny...soooo cute. Sparky is so playful and can finish its dogfood in a jiffy! Here are some of its pix!