The Story of Christmas at Marikina

The Marikina City government with the help of the owner of The Manila C.O.D. transformed the Marikina City Hall into a stage-like establishment depicting the story of The First Christmas.

I was able to visit and watch the 30-minute show last December 19 with my family. It was a show of moving human-sized dolls/puppets. It started with the replica of Marikina City Mayor Maridess Fernando asking the children affected by the typhoon on how they will celebrate their Christmas. Upon hearing how sad these kids was about their situation, she then told the story of the First Christmas.



She even ended it saying that people sometimes go through difficult situations, like Joseph and Mary when they travelled to Bethlehem.

Christmas As God Wants It To Be

Christmas is fast approaching, and I can feel it. There are lots of small stalls in almost everywhere selling everything from apples to christmas decors, to clothes and shoes. It's nice to see this colorful sight. But, I am saddened by the thought that I still have'nt bought anything for my family.
My kids are starting to talk about their Christmas Parties ans I have not yet prepared the stuffs they'll be needing. Well, money is needed to buy those stuff and I have'nt got the amount I need yet.Then, I started wondering why Christmas is so commercialized nowadays. Is'nt it that so much festivities and commercialization makes us neglect what Christmas really is for?
Here are some things I thought of doing to make Christmas season what God wants is to be:
1. Recover what's been lost through commercialization of the season. Don't buy cards that say "Season's Greetings" or "Yuletide Wishes". Be sure the message you'll send and the wishes you offer reflect the true meaning of Christmas. We may also have a manger scene in our home as decoration.
2. Discover the true message of Christmas. No matter how familiar you are with the Christmas Story, read it or watch a video of it with your family.
3. Uncover the gift of life God gave to the world at Bethlehem. Christmas is a great opportunity to share our personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. It's a Christian Holiday, and there's no better time to "speak up" and to uncover the true message.

May all of us be able to reflect the true meaning of Chrismas. Let's not let that simple message be obscured by gifts, clothes, and colorful lights.

Our New Hero

Efren Peñaflorida was named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. He is a Cavite City Native who pioneered a brand of mobile education, or the pushcart class room for the urban poor youth. In his acceptance speech, he said: "Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.

In his acceptance speech at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CNN quoted him as saying: "Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell my co-volunteers... you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."

I've only watched him in an episode of "Wish Ko Lang" when the program granted his wish of additional books for the poor children they are teaching, and now he has made a name for himself not because his wealthy or powerful but beacause he has given time in helping those children.

We had voted for him because we believe and support what he is doing. I believe, we should also follow his example, we can be heroes in our own ways.

Why Worry, When You Can Pray!

My daughter, Angeline, just celebrated her 15th birthday last November 8. Some people are asking me, "Are you not worried that your daughter might get married or might get pregnant at an early age?" My answer is this; "Why worry when you can pray?".

Well, I know that she has a boyfriend and I disagree of that but I'd rather pray than be a wicked mother to my kids.

It is my trust in God that keep me from being paranoid. Well, I was that kind of mother that would tell my kids; "Baby, don’t touch that, you might get burn!." or Don’t do that, you might get hurt!". But being overprotective did'nt help me much. Kids just wo'nt listen. They would rather get hurt than not do what they want to do.

Now, I have learned to give my worries to God. Worrying wont help in anyway. Trusting in God's Love give me peace.
Trusting in my kids, too.

REASONS TO SMILE AFTER THE STORM

I never thought that I would experience a braving flood like the one we experienced with Ondoy.
I was very confident that our area is not affected by flood, but I thought wrong.

Last September 26, the same day of my husband's birthday. when this traumatic experience happened.

I was supposed to come home early from work, planning to drop-by Goldilocks to buy him a cake. But, before I could come out of the office, I've seen that there's no more passenger jeepney passing by. Knowing that this could be cause by flood, I waited until the rain subsides. Yet, it was starting to get dark and still there's no jeepney passing by. So, I, together with my other officemates began walking. And there began an unforgettable experience in my life.

When me and my officemates separated ways. I rode a tricycle hoping to reach our town. Yet on our way, the driver told us that we cannot pass the bridge because the flood was overflowing. So, I began walking again passing by those pitiful parents crying looking for their kids, or a man carrying a pig which seems to be his only treassure. As, I was walking through the flood and those house wreckage, my heart beats even faster, worrying for my kids, hoping and praying that they are safe. I tried calling everyone I know from our neighborhood, but I can't contact anyone. The people around me are saying that there's no way of getting through that more than six feet high flood. I try to ride a farm truck, but it also cannot pass through the flood, so we waited until it subsides a little more. Then, there was this big truck that we rode to the town proper of San Mateo. I thought I could already ride a tricycle to our house but our area is also flooded. So I began walking through the waist-high water which gets even higher when I reach our subdivision flooded up to neck. I was told that my kids have moved-out to a neighbor's house because our house was flooded.With the assistance of some men helping ladies to pass by the flood, I reach that house (where my kids stayed because our house is flooded) though soaked and wounded, I was very much relieved to see that my kids our safe.
When the flood is finally over, my daughter ask me, "Mama,are we going home now?".Then, I answered with a smile, "Yes Baby, we are going home. Thank God we are still together and we still have our house to come home to. There maybe a lot of cleaning to do and some furniture to fix, others to throw away. But thank HIM we are safe."

A Letter For My Husband on His Birthday

My dearest,

It has been years since I began loving you and I never ceased doing so. You are the reason why I wake up everyday. You may never realize it, but I love you more than anybody else. I love our kids because I love you so much and they are the fruit of our love. I may not love them so much more than I love you.

You had always tried to be our provider. I know and I feel your hardship though you may try to hide it. You always tried to be strong…

The road may seems dark now…we face life's challenges…but still we remain. And, no matter what may happen along the way, keep in mind that we can overcome it with God's help.
Happy Birthday. I THANK God that you we're born and moreover thank Him that I met you and become part of You.

You are God's gift to me and everyone you love.

Farewell Former President Cory Aquino

The Philippines, yesterday, bid farewell to our beloved former President, Cory Aquino. It was quite an experience to see many people flooding the streets just to send someone on her grave. The memories of EDSA revolution came back to all of us. Her death reawaken what we once fought for.
Cory Aquino once regiven birth to democracy in the Philippines and her death reminded us that we have once united to fight for it.
I, personally felt like I have losen someone dear like a friend or a kin. I can't help it, but shed tears during the procession.
She was a good woman, a mother & a good example. In her life story, we've seen that when you tried to live in Godly ways, people will love you.
I will never forget that once in my life, I was very proud to be a Filipino because there was a Cory Aquino. As a mother, I will tell her story to my kids so that they may be aware that once there was a 'People Power', and that when people unite, anything is possible.

RENZ BIRTHDAY INVITATION

I am so excited for Renz's First Birthday. I am having a hard time deciding on what design to use on his party invitations. I had tried many designs and here are some of those:

THE WOMAN

When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day
An angel came by and said: “Why spend so much time on that one?”
And the Lord answered:
“Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her ?"

“She must be washable, but not made of plastic, have more than 200 moving parts which all must be replaceable and she must function on all kinds of food, she must be able to embrace several kids at the same time, give a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart and she must do all this with only two hands”.




The angel was impressed.
“Just two hands....impossible!“
And this is the standard model?!
“Too much work for one day....wait until tomorrow and then complete her“.

“I will not”, said the Lord. “I am so close to complete this creation, which will be the favourite of my heart”.
“She cures herself when sick and she can work 18 hours a day”.
The angel came nearer and touched the woman.
“But you have made her so soft, Lord”

“She is soft", said the Lord, “But I have also made her strong. You can’t imagine what she can endure and overcome.“
“Can she think?" the angel asked. 
The Lord answered:
“Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate."

The angel touched the womans cheek....

“Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her.” 
“She is not leaking....it’s a tear” the lord corrected the angel
“What’s it for?" asked the angel.

And the Lord said:
“Tears are her way of expressing grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride.”
This made a big impression on the angel; “Lord, you are genius.
You thought of everything. The woman is indeed marvellous!"

Indeed she is!
Woman has strengths that amazes man. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens.
She holds happiness, love and opinions.
She smiles when feeling like screaming.
She sings when she feels like crying, cries when she is happy and laughs when she is afraid.

She fights for what she belives in.
Stand up against injustice.
She doesn’t take “no” for an answer, when she can see a better solution. She gives herself so her family can thrive. She takes her friend to the doctor if she is afraid.
Her love is unconditional.

She cries when her kids are victorious. She is happy when her friends do well.
She is glad when she hears of a birth or a wedding.

Her heart is broken when a next of kin or friend dies.
But she finds the strength to get on with life.
She knows that a kiss and a hug can heal a broken heart.

There is only one thing wrong with her

She forgets what she is worth...

INFLUENZA A (H1N1) HEALTH ADVISORY

1. What is Influenza A (H1N1)?

• Influenza A(H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the reassortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds
• It is a new virus causing illness in people
• It was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States
• This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread
• There is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus
• There are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating these Influenza A(H1N1)
• Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal to humans due to severe respiratory distress (pneumonia)

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

1. fever
2. chills
3. headache
4. fatigue
5. nasal congestion or runny nose
6. sore throat
7. cough
8. body aches
9. lack of appetite
10. nausea or vomiting
11. diarrhea

INCUBATION PERIOD

• 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to the first onset of signs and symptoms

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

• Coughing or sneezing by people with influenza

• Touching things with flu viruses on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes 

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

1. Observe proper personal hygene
*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
*Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
2 Increase your body's resistance
* Have at least 8 hours of sleep
* Be physically active
* Manage your stress
* Drink plenty of fluids
* Eat nutitious food, especially fruits and vegetables
3. Social distancing.
* Avoid crowded places
* Avoid close contact with sick people
* Stay home if you are sick until you are free symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.

WHAT TO DO / WHERE TO GO

* If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor immediately
* Report to the proper health authorities:
National Referral Center
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel. No. 809-7599
Sub-National Referral Center
(Luzon and Metro Manila)
* San Lazaro Hospital
Quircada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. No. 732-3776 to 78
* Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Ave., Quezon City
Tel. No. 924-6101/Fax No.:924-0707

Baby Renz is Ten Month Old

My baby turns ten months last May 24. He is able to crawl with a lot of skill, he can climb stairs, and can stand on his own for a minute or two. He is able to make two to four steps without holding on anything. He already say some words in a coherent way although not very clearly. He seems to understand “Yes” and “No”. He claps his hands when I told him to.

My Baby’s
Motor Skills (10th Month)

He crawls quickly and moves in all directions
He grabs onto small objects such as buttons, and little things on the floor with a lot of precision.
Stands up by with the help of his or her crib or the help of furniture in the house.
Looks for an object he knows is behind him even if he cannot see it.
Plays with two objects, one in each hand.

Visual Development (10th Month)
Follows toys that move with his or her eyes.
Look inside boxes, purses, toys, drawers (be careful with the trashcans)
If something entertains him he will stay attentive for several minutes.

Hearing and Talking Development (10th Month)
He says two or three words in a coherent way although not clearly.
Pays attention when his or her name is said.
Imitates adults voice patterns.
Dances to musical stimulus.
Answers questions with gestures, movements and sounds.

Social and Emotional Development (10th Month)
Understands praise and reprimands.
Stops doing something when you say no.
Follows simple instructions.
Deliberately chooses a toy.
Entertain himself alone for a good while.
Wants to play near daddy and mommy.
Shows preference for some people and stays away from those he or she does not like.
Starts to distinguish “yes” and “no”.

A Letter for My Young Angel

My Dearest Angel,

Everytime I look at you, I see myself years ago. I want to give you advice but I know teens hate it. I want to talk to you heart to heart but I don’t know how to start.
As a teen, I was once like you. But you seem bolder. You are smarter. You are provided with more opportunities to learn…Grab it! You are provided with more resources…use it!
You seem to bother yourself with things that are unimportant, and I guess that's normal for kids of your age. But I wish you could focus more on preparing yourself for your future.
I know you wish to be happy…and it feels good to be loved by someone special. But it would also mean you are closing your doors to others. You have so much ahead of you. Enjoy! Life has a lot more to offer. Open more doors. Discover the rest of the world.
Learn from the mistakes of the past. Life has no rewinds, only fast forwards. You may hurry through life and realize that you have not prepared for it. Take one step at a time.
I don’t want to see you commiting the same mistakes that I did.(It's not that I regret having you, but I wish I had you at the right time. ) I love you, and it would break my heart to see you having to go through the same hardship and difficulties.
Life has a lot more in store for you. Your duty is to be ready for it. Prepare yourself and you will experience a better and happier life.

Love,

Mommy

A Poem For Mothers

Mother o' Mine

If I were hanged on the highest hill,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!
I know whose love would follow me still,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

If I were drowned in the deepest sea,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!
I know whose tears would come down to me,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

If I were damned of body and soul,
I know whose prayers would make me whole,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

Rudyard Kipling

My Boys Love the New Shell Ferrari Cars

Yesterday, I bought one of the new edition of Shell Ferarri Cars with Engine Sound. My two boys were asking for it for days, since some of their playmates already have some of those cars. And, when I finally brought home one last night, they really got excited. Allen, my eldest son, brought out his old Ferrari cars and compare it with the new version. Adi, the younger one, the oment he woke-up look for his new ferrari to play.

Practically, I find these cars a bit expensive. Having to gas up at least P500 to purchase one for P80 for V-Power and P120 for regular fuels. But, seeing the smiles in my kids face, is priceless.

My Little Pink Girl

My forth child Alyzza loves pink stuffs. I really find it difficult to buy her clothes since almost all her clothes are pink. Well, it's hard to find another pink dress that is different from all the pink dresses she have. But, if I would buy a dress in a different color such as blue or green, it would be a hard task to convince her to wear it, and if at last I've convinced her to wear it once, I'm pretty sure, it'l be the last time.
I still remember the first time, when she has to wear black shoes for school. We've almost show her all designs of black shoes for her age, but she won't choose any one of them.Until we've seen a black shoes with pink sole and ribbon from the Barbie line of shoes. Well, at least, she did not wear pink shoes with her uniform!
Once, I go to her school, I heard her teacher calls her Pinky. I ask my daughter, if she's the one being called "Pinky". She smiled and say "Yes, Ma!". I can'n blame anybody calling her Pinky, because all her stuff are pink; her bag, notebooks, pencils, pencil case, umbrella, her hair ribbon etc.And, she seemed to love her new nickname.
Alyzza is turning 6 on June, and aside from being a pink-addict, she's also very kikay. She loves playing with make-ups. She loves Barbie, Bratz, Hello Kitty and Dora. I even wonder if she'll outgrow these things in the future.

TRAVELLING WITH KIDS

Summer is here, many families are planning a family getaway. Traveling with kids can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit trying for parents, particularly when the kids are small. Small children often have very short attention spans, and they’re not able to become absorbed in reading a book for instance, to while away several hours of a trip. Trips are hard on kids of all ages, because most kids want to move around and do fun things. Smaller kids have the most difficult time with traveling though, because on short hour can seem like a whole day to them. So keeping them occupied while traveling can be a challenge.
There are many things you can do to help make traveling with kids a more enjoyable experience though. Some things work well for smaller children, while others are usually best for kids a little older.
1. CONSIDER PIT STOPS. When you’re traveling with kids,one very important part of any trip is the pit stops. These are even more important for young children, particularly those who are recently potty broken. You need to make every effort to stop at least once each hour when traveling, and let the kids go to the bathroom. it is also an excellent time to let them stretch their legs and and run a bit.
2. BRING HANDY TOYS. When you’re traveling with kids, there are things you can take along which will help make the time more bearable for both of you. Pack small toys, games and coloring books to help keep the kids occupied with activities for instance.
3. BRING FINGER FOODS & PLENTY OF LIQUIDS. Be sure to take plenty of extra liquids for the kids to drink, plus easy finger food snacks too. Eating may also make the kids occupied while traveling. But, I suggest, you avoid milk or chocolate drinks, some kids vomit when they drink those milk or chocolate while travelling.
4. TAKE EXTRA CLOTHES. Don’t forget to take extra clothes when you’re travelling with kids too, especially if your children are still quite small. They spill foods and drinks on themselves, and if they’re young enough they may have an accdent if a bathroom isn’t close at hand too.
5. BRING WASHCLOTHES AND EXTRA PLASTIC BAGS. Pack wet disposable wipes or a moist washcloth into a sealable plastic bag too, and cleaning faces and hands will be much easier while traveling. Extra plastic bags should also be at hand just in case kids tend to vommit along the way.
6. BRING A PILLOW. A pillow is very useful when the kids get tired and sleepy while on the road. It will make them rest comportably.

CHALLENGE OF HAVING FIVE KIDS

1. “There is less money and space to divide among the kids.”
2. “Quiet peaceful moments are rare.”
3. “Less sleeping time"
4. “The dishes and clothes pile up so quickly!”
5. “It's tougher to organize trips so we don't go as often.”
6. “It's hard to cook different dishes to please 5 little tastebuds"
7. “Toys or gifts must always be for five or else I'll have to think of explanations."
8. “Homework-making time is longer"

My Youngest Son Renz

My youngest son Renz Alexis Ramirez is a cute baby.

Parenting

Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting refers to the activity of raising a child.