STRANDED!

It started out as a pretty normal day. I was out of the house with my Papu, Mamu and yaya ("nanny") Nida at 7:00 am on a Saturday. There was a slight drizzle but no dark clouds so we weren't really worried about the weather. We picked up my Ninong Zito, then my Tita Kar, and we all headed to the Manila Polo Club where my folks played squash as usual. Then BOOM! The rain fell! Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) unleashed 1-month's worth of rain in the Philippines - in just 6 hours! Oh boy. The flooding was horrible. We tried to stay in my Tita Kar's house but the water came streaming in. We had to evacuate. My Papu had to carry me because the water at that part of Forbes Park, the village where my Tita Kar lives, came to right below my Papu's waist. My parents and I stayed stranded in Market! Market!, this mall in The Fort, in Taguig City because the roads were jammed with both traffic and flood water! Mamu, Papu and yaya Nida had to buy new clothes and everything because they were soaking wet (I was the only one kept dry!). We couldn't go home because the village where we lived, and the highway leading to our village, was completely flooded and unpassable by cars. (My grandparents, Opa and Oma, had to evacuate!). It was really bad. We had to stay at my Lolo ("grandfather") Ferdie's condo-hotel over at Discovery for three days. We were only able to go home on Monday morning, when the water receded enough for us to head home. It was a bad bad bad experience - but at least we are all safe and sound! My country has been placed under a state of calamity. People say it's like Hurricane Katrina. This is the worst rainfall recorded in Philippine history, and in a lot of areas, the flood water was over six feet tall. A lot of people did not get as lucky as we did - our homes at least stayed intact and no one in my family died or got hurt. I am really praying for the rest my kababayans ("countrymen").

September 26, 2009

Here I am at the Polo Club, engrossed with my Papu's squash racket.

At this point, we were all still completely clueless about the horrible effects of Typhoon Ondoy.

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Baby Armstrong; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

My Opa and Oma got me those shorts. I didn't know at this point that I'd only be seeing them Monday!

(That's my yaya Nida holding me!)

My hair has grown soooo long this month.

They've taken to tying it back or, worse, even clipping it back! Grrrr!

Here I am in Discovery now, with my Lolo Ferdie, Lola Irene, Ate ("big sister") Bianca, and Kuya ("big brother") Rapha.

We couldn't go home to our own place (unless we swim back! Plus, there was no electricity there).

Here I am, getting all fussy, with my Mamu. I get cranky when I try to fight how sleepy I actually am!

I've changed for bed - my yaya gave me a shower.

We didn't have extra clothes when we left. I'm wearing shorts my Mamu got me from Market! Market! (We also loaded up on formula there and water for me, because we had no idea where we'll be stranded, or for how long).

My Kuya Rapha lent me his shirts all weekend!

They kept calling me Casper, because Kuya Rapha's tees were all too big for me! I looked like the friendly ghost.

I'm too little to be of much help but I send out a hug to all the Filipino flood victims out there!

ORDINARY DAYS

It's a national holiday today, so even though it's a Monday, I got one extra day with my parents at home - yey! We mostly lounged around and played in Papu and Mamu's big bed. We saw some videos, and headed out once to buy videos and go to the supermarket. I enjoy the sights and sounds when we go out, but I do so enjoy quiet days at home with my parents too. I wish we had more days like this! (Even though we forgot to bring the camera when we went to the grocery! Hihi!).

September 21, 2009

My Uncle Amiel and my Aunt Mary got me that onesie, my Opa and Oma got me those shoes, and my Ninang ("godmother") Bles Cuaycong got me those socks from Baby Gap!

Onesie - OshKosh B'Gosh; Shoes - Florsheim Kids

BAR OPERATIONS ENERGIZER

What a busy busy day I had! First, my parents and I left bright and early to go to the PAL (that's the Philippine Airlines for you!) ticketing office over at this mall called Ali Mall - first thing in the morning, I might add! My parents are flying to Naga in October - without me. Boo! We had lunch at Hap Chan there. I looooved the Yang Chow fried rice - more than the congee. I've been finding plain old congee, well, plain. Give me some flavor, people!!! After lunch we rushed off to the Manila Polo Club to play squash again with my Ninong ("godfather") Monzit and Tita Karla. Then we all took a nap at home before we rushed off once again - to Malate this time. It's Bar month - September! All the law students are taking the national Bar Examinations this September - every Sunday of September. So we went that night to visit my Mamu's sorority sisters - the examinees are called "barristers" and they were all billetted at Pearl Garden, this hotel in Adriatico Street in Malate. Sororities, fraternities, and law schools all have bar operations to help their barristers. I helped too! Even though I fell asleep while we were there, I did manage to visit all the barristers!

September 19, 2009

Here I am at the PAL ticketing office, waiting for our number to be called!

My Oma and Opa got me that tee, and my Ninang ("godmother") Anna Devanadera got me those shorts!

My new favorite game this month - dipping!!!

Tee - Moose Kids from SM; Shorts - Calvin Klein; Sandals - Florsheim Kids


We picked up my Tita Kar on our way to squash.

Here I am with my Ninong Monzit, getting acquianted with Chowking, Tita Kar's Chow Chow!

Trying to grab Tita Karla's squash racket!

My Mamu's sorority sis, Tita Monica Villanueva, got me that tee!

Tee - Gingersnaps

I was asleep when we got to the hotel for Regina Iustitiae's BarOps!

Here I am surrounded by my Mamu's sorority sisters!

My other Ninang Pam Buen-Merencilla got me that adorable onesie!

(It's got a picture of a "legal pad" in front, in honor of the occasion! Teehee!)

My Opa and Oma got me those nifty blue and white shoes!

I had to change outfits several times today because I got so sweaty running around! (Or at least trying to!).

I'm being carried by one of the barristers, my Tita Ria Alazas, here!

Onesie - Pipsqueaks by David and Goliath; Shoes - Florsheim Kids

OH SHOOT ME!

Oh my oh my. I have a L-O-T of pictures to share today because - I JUST CAME FROM MY FIRST EVER PHOTOSHOOT! Teehee! It's nothing major (not like I'll be starring in my own movie soon - or commercial - no worries, I will keep you all duly informed, should that happen, hehe), but I did get to go to an actual studio. It was all my Tita Karla's doing - she's studying to become a photographer and I am her favorite subject!!! Wheeeeee!!! The shoot was fun - there were big lights and huge cameras everywhere. I sat right in front of everyone, in front of this big white wall, while the camera man (Tito Nico) and my parents, my Ninong ("godfather") Zito, Tita Karla, and yaya ("nanny") Nida were all infront of me, cooing and calling out to me and basically trying to make me laugh and smile! They all looked completely ridiculous - which made me laugh tremendously, hahaha. They also shot a little four-month-old baby called Jaden. He blinked a lot when the cameras went off (I am an old pro at that, thank goodness). Jaden and I made our acquiantances - he's pretty big for a kid, and didn't do a whole lot except for smile nicely at everyone from his chair. I, on the other hand, was tearing away from one end of the studio to another. I canNOT imagine myself being that tiny - or being that quiet! TEEHEE!

September 13, 2009

My Ninang ("godmother") Bles Cuaycong got me that tee, while my Opa and Oma got me those denim shorts!

That's a dragonfly, my Mamu pointed out to reassure me, and NOT a butterfly.

We actually started our day visiting my cousins Bianca and Rapha Insigne over at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center in the city of Pasig.

My Papu, Mamu, Oma and Auntie Amanda joined my Lolo ("grandfather") Ferdie and Lola ("grandmother") Irene for a breakfast buffet. My Lolo Ferdie is my Oma's first cousin - they are extremely close, like brother and sister, so I get to see the Insignes a LOT!

Here I am strolling across the condotel (condominium hotel they explained to me!) lobby, supported by my Papu.

It was raining that day again, so I am wearing the windbreaker my Oma and Opa got me.

The bib I am wearing is a gift from my other grandmother, Luli.

My parents drove my Oma for a quick stop at Megamall, the huge shopping center two blocks from Discovery, so I stayed with the Insignes for a bit, with my yaya Nida.

Here I am having my own "breakfast buffet" on my cousin Ate ("big sister") Bianca's bed.

My Lolo Ferdie let me try his sunglasses and Lola Irene sent this picture via MMS to my parents while they were in Megamall.

Pretty bad-ass don't you think?

After visiting the Insignes, we went to the photo studio with my Ninong Zito and Tita Karla.

It's over at this road called Kamuning in Quezon City.

A big whig local photographer named Xander Angeles uses that studio, Tita Karla tells us. I have yet to meet him and let him take my picture, teehee!

Here I am sitting on my Ninong Zito's lap, waiting for my "shoot" to begin.

There sure is a lot of waiting around involved when you're a model!!!

We get started at last! I borrowed Jaden's toy for the first part of the shoot.

Silly parents (such newbies!!!) forgot to bring me a toy to keep me distracted while the photographer snapped away!

I smile for all am worth!!!

I got restless after about five minutes, so they let me take a break.

I trotted all around the studio!

When we resumed, I had an outfit change AND changed my hair style!

Ta-dah! How do like my mohawk??!!

(My Tita Karla used hair cream, hehe).

It was Jaden's turn after my shoot.

Then when Jaden took a break, I wandered over to get a good look at him.

He kept staring right back at me! Hihi!

We hung around a bit while Jaden had his shoot.

I practiced walking - sometimes I can walk while being supported with one hand instead of two!

My parents are going to get me those walking harnesses or "wings" to help me along.

I've been practicing walking around so much they worry I might tear a ligament or something from my shoulder, since I still need support!

My Papu snuck a quick shot of the photographer's laptop screen - with my pictures!

They'll send the prints to us soon, but here's a sneak preview for now!

Beige tee with dragonfly - Gingersnaps; Denim shorts - Baby Armstrong; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

Yellow windbreaker - Big & Small Company; Bib - from Landmark

Blue "Li'l Punk" romper - In The Crib

INDOOR BOARDING

Active Saturdays! My Papu and Mamu have been getting into racket and board sports lately - and they've been dragging me right along with them! (And to think I can't even stand on my own quite yet!!!). Today we went with my Ninong ("godfather") Zito and Tita Kar to the Manila Polo Club to play squash and to have lunch. I went to the Gymboree again with my yaya ("nanny") Nida while the big folks all played squash! Then I went to Power Plant, this mall in a place called Rockwell in Makati, a city in Manila, with my parents and Ninong Zito. They checked out wakeboard stuff in a shop called Aloha where they sell all kinds of equipment for board sports! When I grow up, the first "board" I'm getting might very well be an indoor board! Wheeee!!!

September 12, 2009

My Opa and Oma got me those shorts and shoes!

That's my current favorite tee - my Papu picked that out and bought it for me (without any help from Mamu whatsoever!!!)

Here I am just outside the squash court where my Papu and Ninong Zito were playing.

And here I am, back at the Gymboree. I was the only kid there but I didn't mind!

Trying out the "indo board" over at Aloha Board Sports in Power Plant!

The very nice sales clerk let me ride that indo board with her.

It's supposed to help your balance.

(Sorry for the lousy pictures! My Papu forgot to bring down his camera when we went to the mall. Our indo board pictures were all taken with Mamu's mobile phone camera, bllllech).

Look at me go!!!

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Moose Kids from SM: Bib - from SM; Shoes - Florsheim Kids

White tank top - from SM

NOT SO LUCKY

Papu's still away! (See my previous entry here!). Today, I went to Megamall with my Mamu, Ninog ("godfather") Lucky Alcuaz, and my yaya ("nanny") Nida. Mamu and Ninong Lucky were hoping to buy plane tickets. There's a big sales promo in Megamall for travel and airplane tickets. (Megamall is this gigantic mall in Manila). Alas, there were just too many people, my Mamu and godfather gave up and we all went home. Also, since my Papu still wasn't in town, we didn't bring his camera again (sigh, too heavy - if only I were bigger!) so I DON'T have a picture of my day - just my outfit when my Mamu prepared it before we headed out! Ugh. (Though I do have a picture of me and my Ninong Lucky in his mobile phone!). I wish Papu would come home already. (He's scheduled to fly back to Manila tomorrow - yay!).

September 6, 2009

Check out the new kicks - my Opa and Oma got me new shoes.

They're still big for me (like most of my stuff!) but I always need shoes that are a size or two bigger because, er, I have really fat feet.

Come to think of it, my Opa and Oma got me not just those shoes but the hat and shorts as well, teehee.

My Tita Ina Alazas, my Mamu's sorority sister, got me that tee!

It glows in the dark - see here!

Tee - Carter's; Shorts - Moose Kids from SM; Cap - from SM; Shoes - Florsheim Kids

SANS DADDY

My Papu flew off to CWC this weekend - that stands for the Camsur Watersports Complex. It's in the region of Bicol. That's where a lot of folks go for wakeboarding. My Mamu and I couldn't come because I had an appointment with my pediatrician. This is the first weekend we've spent apart as a family - since I was born! Boohoo. Mamu and I tried to be productive - except it was tough, considering it was raining most weekend! We were supposed to attend my cousin Ava's 7th birthday party tonight too, but there was a horrible traffic jam on the way to the party so we had to turn back. We even bought Ava's present already. Wah. Weekends aren't much fun without Papu.

September 5, 2009

My Ninang ("godmother") Bles Cuaycong got me that tee,

and my other Ninang Anna Devanadera got me those shorts!
I wore the bib my Papu picked out and bought for me, because I miss him!

The bib says "Daddy's pride and joy" - teehee!

Cowboy, baby!

Another con about Papu being away this weekend - no camera!

My Mamu and yaya ("nanny") Nida had their hands full (I've got way too much luggage to tote around for such a little person, I know I know), so they did away with carrying my dad's camera equipment.

We had to settle for mobile phone camera pictures! Yech!

Still playing at my doctor's office! I got my measles shot!

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Calvin Klein; Bib - Furry Friends; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

SASHSQUAT

My parents have taken up squash with my Tita Karla and Ninong ("godfather") Monzit. They play weekends, and of course, I tag right along. They play in this sports club called the Manila Polo Club, where I had my first Gymboree play hour before. On their first squash session, I went back to the Gymboree there with my yaya ("nanny") Nida. On their second session, I was perfectly content hanging around the squash courts. I kept screaming in glee when I was watching my Papu through those glass walls. I kept laughing louder every time the ball hit the glass too!

August 29, 2009

Ready to tear apart the Gymboree!

My Tita Monica Villanueva got me that tee!

My Ninang ("godmother") Anna Devanadera got me those tweed shorts!

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Calvin Klein

August 31, 2009

Here I am practicing walking by the squash courts!

My Mamu's brother, my Tito Amiel and his girlfriend my Tita Mary got me that tee!

My Oma got me those cargo shorts - they look just like the pair my Papu owns!

Tee - OshKosh B'Gosh; Cargo shorts - from SM; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

CAMSUR!

I went to the province Bicol over the three-day weekend with my Papu, Mamu and their friends! My Ninong ("godfather") Vincent is from Bicol - and so is my yaya ("nanny") Nida! We went by car - it took us almost 7 hours going to and fro. My yaya Nida left to spend time with her own children on our first two days there. I was left with my parents and a gaggle of their friends who all helped take care of me - Mamu calls them The Baby-Sitters Club. I had a lot of fun! I think I would want to spend my summers in the province (or the "countryside" as they'd say over in the Western world) - there's just so much more to do outdoors!

August 21-23, 2009

We arrive at Naga! That's the capital of Bicol.

We left at around 4am, so I slept throughout the entire trip, yay!

Our first stop was at Podo Grill, where the old folks all ate this dish called "kinalas."

Here I am, playing with my Tita Karla Lim, all bright and chirpy after a good long snooze during the drive to Bicol.

Tee - from SM

On our first day, we hung around at my Ninong Enteng's place in Naga.

Here I am trying out the jet ski, teehee! I was actually gazing at some pigeons, but when they brought this beauty out, I forgot all about nature schmature and went right to the big mean machine!

Tank Top - from SM

Then I went for a ride on a "karitela" (horse carriage).

Ninong Enteng's family in Naga rent out this little karitela, with a little farm house, to take his nephew and nieces around their estate.

Tank top - from SM

We went to the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC they call it) in the afternoon.

That's where all the big folks wakeboard!

Here I am, sitting by the dock, by the wakeboard lake.

That's a local wakeboarder seated beside me.

I just had my swim in the pool, so I'm all wrapped up in my fuzzy bathrobe! Teehee!

Bathrobe - from SM

We headed to Pasacao Beach the next day!

Here I am splashing around the shallow part of the ocean with my Mamu.

I did NOT eat sand this time, FYI!

I had fun. I'm not afraid of the sea anymore, hurrah!

Souvenir tank from Subic!

(From my grandfather Pops!)

I "tried" a beer before my swim, by the way.

San Miguel Light, of course! Hihi.

We stayed until evening at the beach.

Here I am mugging for the camera after my shower!

I am wearing a hat borrowed from my Tito Junjie Abella.

My Ninang ("godmother") Trina Ilarde got me that tee.

Tee - Mothercare

We went to the mall, SM Naga, on our last day there!

My parents rented this neat little car for me to zoom around in while we walked around and bought souvenirs. (My Yaya Nida was back and was the one who did the pushing!)

My parents' boss, Atty. Sonya Castillo, got me that tee.

On our way out, my Tita Karla spotted these little motorcycles by the mall entrance.

I just had to ride one, of course!

Notice how my parents NEVER slipped a decent pair of shorts on me the whole time we were in Naga?

I've been going around half-naked during most of our vacations, it seems.

On account of the heat no doubt! We do live in the tropics after all!

Tee - Zara Kids

POOL TIME!

I went to a beach resort called Montemar over in the province of Bataan. For the weekend! With my Papu's side of the family! Everyone was there - 4 families! I swam a LOT. I really enjoyed it too. I finally got around to liking the pool (much to my parents' relief, no doubt). It's all because they finally brought that floater my friend David got me for my baptism. It's got 2 inflatable tubes, and this little seat, so I can bob around quite comfortably on the water. My grandmother Luli brought my bath toys too so I had fun chasing them around in the swimming pool. I kept trying to gulp down the water when no one was looking, but my Mamu kept telling me off. She said it wasn't clean. Ask me if I cared?! I was having way too much fun!!!

August 15-16, 2009

We arrive at the resort! Here I am all eager to explore.

That yellow pique shirt was a gift from my Ninang ("godmother") Anna Devanadera, while the shorts were a gift from my Tito Roland and Tita Mitch Lorilla!

Yellow shirt - Calvin Klein; Brown shorts - Gingersnaps; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

Here I am exploring the resort in my walker. I changed into something cooler!

I inherited that walker from my cousin, Joshua Patajo!

My grandma Oma got me those green rubber clogs, while my grandma Luli got me the tank.

My Mamu made the mistake of leaving my leather sandals on, I scraped off the leather when I was scuttling around my walker! Teehee!

So now I'm always in my clogs!

Tank top - from Landmark; Clogs - from SM; Walker - Chicco

Here I am asleep in my Auntie Aisa's arms.

My grandpops and parents brought me to the sea.

I didn't like it! Not one little bit.

The salt water tasted nasty. And the waves are kinda scary - even the little ones.

And I sampled the sand - so icky!

(I'm wearing the souvenir tank my Grandpop got me from Subic!)

So I just went back to the pool - which I enjoyed!

David, Tita Neva, and Tito Dan Santos got me that floater! They also got me a little wading pool (and a pump!) for my baptism too!

Floater - My Baby Float