Baby Boudoir

HELLO!

2010-11-10T16:46:00.000+08:00

I know I've been MIA! Almost one whole year behind! And I'm turning 2 years old in a few weeks already - you may not even recognize me! I'm coming back soon!!!

BLUE AND GOLD

2010-04-29T13:10:00.004+08:00

My great grandmother, Lola Titay, who is my Papu's grandmother, was in the hospital for a week. To celebrate her coming home, we all had lunch at my Lola Lorna Kapunan's house. I wore, for the first time, an outfit that I ended up wearing a LOT for the months to follow! I guess my parents think yellow suits me! And it goes really well with my favorite new shoes!

December 20, 2009

Yay! Lola's home!

(I've always liked dragging around empty water containers, even at home!)

Tee - Baleno Kids from SM; Denim shorts - Baby Guess?; Sandals - Combi

COMBI

2010-04-29T12:54:00.004+08:00

During my birthday party, one of my Papu's clients, Hayden Kho, gave me gift certificates for a department store called Rustan's. So we bought these very cool sandals from Combi. They have been my favorite pair of shoes recently. I don't have to wear socks with them, they are really soft, and there's a long velcro strpa there that makes taking them on and off so easy. Plus, they just look really cool. I sometimes think they make me look like a spaceman!

AUNTIE'S BIRTHDAY

2010-04-29T12:43:00.005+08:00

So many birthdays to celebrate recently! This time it was my Auntie Amanda's birthday. She's my Mamu's little sister and my godmother as well. She is also my favorite aunt. She is my only aunt. We celebrated her birthday with lunch in a Greek restaurant called Cyma, over at Eastwood Mall. My Lolo Ferdie, Lola Irene, and cousins (well, actually, they're my aunt and uncle) Bianca and Rapha came too. We all went shopping after lunch - my Opa, Mamu and I all got sneakers in this store called Superga. My Mamu is determined to have my shoe collection catch up with hers', I think! Never mind that I wear them for only a few months! Silly Mamu!

December 19, 2009

I took a long nap while everyone was having lunch!

Here we are wandering around Eastwood Mall after lunch!

My Ninang ("godmother") Pam Merencilla got me the tee and shorts for my birthday last month when she and my Tito Nyeng came to my party!!! My Opa and Oma got me those sneakers (my first Nikes, haha).

That's Opa's Superga, Mamu's, and mine!

I think my feet are almost as big as my Mamu's already!

Tee - Gingersnaps; Khakit cargo shorts - Gingersnaps; Sneakers - Nike

MY 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY!

2010-04-29T12:08:00.011+08:00

Almost a month after my real birthday (I turned ONE!) - I finally got to have my first ever birthday party. My parents booked Shakey's and got the pizza parlor to take care of everything! The party was held right after lunch, and we played games, ate pizza and ice cream, and met the pizza mascot! A lot of my relatives came, as well as my Ninongs ("godfathers"), Ninangs ("godmothers"), and my parents' friends and their children. I have to admit I was kind of grumpy during my party - I was feeling a bit sleepy! But I did get into it halfway, and more than anything, enjoyed my own balloons, hahaha.

December 12, 2009

I had a name tag too!

My parents made me wear a buttondown shirt and long pants - which I hardly ever do, considering how hot it is here in Manila!

Here I am, still looking kind of sleepy.

Not too sleepy to receive my gifts though!

THANK YOU!

Shakey's took care of everything - the decors, the prizes, and the goodie bags.

We got my cake from Red Ribbon.

Can I just share - we ALMOST forgot about the cake!!! Grrrr.

We had to rush out the day before to order it, and had to pick it up right before the party.

Grr, the parents better not do that next year!

I am all about the balloons!

Even when they go missing! Heehee!

There's the pizza mascot! He looked pretty weird!

He didn't scare me at all!

While I had lots of guests during my party, let me just share some of the little people who came:

There's Cole Laparan, in brown, my cousin, and Tasha Singian, in pink, who is the daughter of my parents' officemate at their law firm.

There's Gabby Cesario, the daughter of my Papu's highschool friend.

And David came too, of course!

(He just had his own birthday party last week!)

That's Pao Lorilla, another cousin of mine!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME TO MY PARTY!

(And thank you for the presents!)

Buttondown shirt - Gingersnaps; Jeans - Baby Guess?; Sneakers - Nike

DAVID'S 1ST PARTY

2010-04-28T17:54:00.011+08:00

My godbrother David had his first birthday party today! His real birthday was actually on 28 November 2009 - exactly ten days after my birthday! - but he had his great big party today. It was a safari party! It was celebrated in a clubhouse in a village called Valle Verde IV. There were stuffed animals everywhere, and animal balloons and huge animal pictures propped up by the door and on the walls. He had a really great balloon lady called Jiggles who made the most amazing balloon figures. I was too small to play games, but I did eat cake and ice cream, and I really really loved the balloons!

December 5, 2009

Balloons make me go "wheeeeeee!!!"

There's the birthday boy, David, who spent a lot of time asleep during his party!

Sleepyhead David!

I had fun in the playground outside the party!

I love slides even more than I love balloons!

My Ninang ("godmother") Anna Devanadera got me my shirt and shorts!

Yay! Here's David finally awake, with one of his guests beside him!

That's his daddy holding him. David and his daddy and mommy all wore matching safari outfits!

They got little safari hats for all of us guests too!

Here I am waiting for them to cut the cake - and to distribute the goodie bags!

(My other Ninang Karol Zablan got me that green t-shirt!)

Don't you dare take away my goodie bag!

(My Opa and Oma got me those sandals!)

Yellow pique shirt - Calvin Klein; Shorts - Calvin Klein; Sandals - OshKosh B'Gosh

Green t-shirt - Baby Guess?

MOHAWKED AGAIN

2010-04-28T17:47:00.004+08:00

Durn burn this mohawk. I was back on my barber's chair sooner than I expected - my hair grows so fast! I think this may be the last time I'm going to let my parents get me a mohawk - it takes at least an hour to cut, and 2 weeks after, most of my hair had grown back! My Mamu says I have really really thick hair for a kid my age (just like my Papu!). I had my haircut at Cuts 4 Tots again, but this time in their Megamall branch. I was in dire need of a haircut since I was going to be attending David's birthday party that afternoon!

December 5, 2009

Only my 2nd haircut ever though!

(That's my yaya, or "nanny", trying to distract me!)

SWIMMING HOLE

2010-04-28T17:01:00.002+08:00

Sunday is swim day! My parents and I set off bright and early for a little swimming hole in Antipolo City called Loreland Resort. Lots of pools there - and lots of people too. We had breakfast first (I ate champorado - or chocolate sticky rice!) and then my Papu and I hit the pools! (My Mamu was on camera duty). I hardly have a picture without my Papu - I am, of course, too little to go swimming on my own!

November 29, 2010

Swimming trunks - Cococabana

MY GODMOTHER'S BABY SHOWER

2010-04-28T16:34:00.008+08:00

It was my Ninang ("godmother) Bles Cuaycong's baby shower today! Together with my parents and yaya ("nanny") Nida, we met up with my Tita Marge and Tito Jvic, Tita Neva and Tita Dan - and my godbrother David! We had lunch in a restaurant called the Stock Market in Bonifacio High Street. It has been a loooong time since I last saw David - last time was during my baptism! We had a fine time catching up.

November 28, 2009

David and I "ran" into each other in High Street, with our yayas in tow! Heehee!

I'm not really grabbing David's shirt, see? I just need to hold on to someone because I'm not quite steady on my feet yet!

I can do short bursts of speed though!

(My Opa and Oma got me my shorts and shoes, while my Ninang Bles got me those socks!)

David has a wardrobe change. I would have to get in touch with his Mommy for the details!!!

My Ninang Bles is expecting a little girl.

Look at all the pink stuff everyone got her! Ewww!!!

After the baby shower, I "drove" away in my new car! Teehee!

This is the big present I got from my parents for my 1st birthday.

My dad has a remote control he uses to steer the car, while I sit there all pretty.

I sometimes think my daddy enjoys this toy as much as I do!!!

(My Tita Ina Alazas got me that tee! I had to change before we left since I got all sweaty running around with David!).

White tee with car print - Gingersnaps; Cargo shorts - Moose Gear from SM; Sneakers - Florsheim Kids; Baby blue socks - Baby Gap

White tee with animal print - Carter's

MY FIRST BIRTHDAY: A LITTLE SHORT STORY

2010-04-16T13:22:00.008+08:00

I turned ONE today!!! It's not every day someone gets to celebrate his or her First. Birthday. Ever. Teehee!!! My Papu and Mamu took the day off from work to be with me on my very, very special day. And what a day we had! Instead of having my big party today, we decided we wanted to spend my first birthday with just the 3 of us - and my yaya ("nanny") of course. This is how we celebrated my special day:

November 18, 2010

I woke up and I was 1!

Tank top - a gift from my Lola Des and Lolo Ben Insigne!

We went to a commercial complex called Nuvali. It's out-of-town, in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

They have a man-made lake there, and a boardwalk with restaurants and cafes. My parents wanted to get me outdoors!

I explored the boardwalk first before lunch and tried to decide what I wanted to do.

On my list for today: take a boat ride around the like and feed the kois!

(I was too small to go on a bike ride. Maybe next year! Teehee!)

Here I am exploring the boardwalk! I like to walk around and see everything before settling down somewhere. My Mamu calls me Curious George.

We decided to have lunch at Italiannis. It was a beautiful day out. Sunny, but not too hot.

Here I am trying to decide what to get for lunch.

The folks in Italiannis brought out birthday panna cotta for me and sang happy birthday!

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

Boat ride comes first! My first boat ride ever! On my first birthday! Woot woot!

My other Ninang Anna Devanadera got me those shorts!

I LOVED THE BOAT RIDE!!!!

There were sprays of water shooting out of the lake.

It completely made me giggle the whole time!

Time to feed the fish! They tried to show me how to throw the fish pellets into the lake, but I couldn't do it.

I don't know how to pinch my fingers just yet, you see, so I couldn't grab the teeny tiny pellets.

And also, the fish kind of made me nervous. They seemed so hungry!

But I have always loved fish. I make a beeline for ponds and aquariums every time I see one!

Soooo.... after Nuvali, we drove back to Manila and went straight to Manila Ocean Park.

More fish! Yay!

I kept running towards the huge tanks. I was gawking at everything.

I got to touch a huge starfish too. It was all bumpy!!!

I couldn't get enough of all the fish I saw in the ocean park!

We went to visit a jellyfish exhibit too!

When we headed home for dinner, I found my grandparents, Auntie Amanda, and Uncle Jino at our house for a mini-celebration!

I also got to "blow" out the candle for a little cake my parents got me!

And that's how I celebrated my first birthday!

Thank you to everyone who greeted me and spent the day with me!!!

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Calvin Klein; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

ANNUAL PICTURES

2010-04-12T12:35:00.004+08:00

Every year my Papu's side of the family has an annual picture-taking day. This year, we had it at my cousin Josh's house. This is the first time I got to be part of the picture! Yipee! Last year when they had the annual picture, I was still inside my Mamu's belly!

November 15, 2009

My Lolo Roland and Lola Mitch Lorilla got me those shorts!

This is one of my favorite tees - my Papu picked it out all on his own for me!

(You can see my family picture over here).

It was also my Uncle Choi Kapunan's birthday celebration.

I had a bit of his birthday cake. Teehee.

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

HIGH STREET

2010-04-12T11:52:00.006+08:00

Ooh, my Mamu made my Papu and I wait for three (THREE!) hours while she had her haircut in The Fort. So my Papu and I, together with my Ninong ("godfather") Vince Escobar, and my yaya ("nanny") Nida went to check out a car show nearby. I wanted to clamber on the SUVs there! Then we went to Bonifacio High Street, this outdoor shopping complex in The Fort. I had a blast running around the lawn there, with my yaya chasing after me. I'm still learning how to walk on my own - I'm a bit wobbly still, but I'm getting there!

November 7, 2010

Here I am playing among the art structures in High Street.

(My Opa and Oma got me my shorts and sneakers!)

I can't walk properly yet, but I do so love climbing!

(That's my yaya holding on tight. My Mamu blogged more about our day here).

I can do this, I can do this.

Hear me roar!

Time for a donut break!

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Moose Gear from SM; Sneakers - Florsheim Kids

MY FIRST HALLOWEEN

2010-04-12T11:19:00.005+08:00

I went as Count Dracula for Halloween! My First Halloween EVER! It was an impromptu costume - my Mamu and Papu dashed into a bookstore (yes, a bookstore) called Pandayan, found the costume, and snatched it up. It was too big for me! I had a big orange collar printed with bats, a white ruff, and a black satin cape. Then we headed over to my cousin Josh's house for the Patajo Halloween party. I missed trick-or-treat though. But I did have a blast running around entertaining my relatives and playing with all the Halloween decors at Josh's house. My folks even got me a little pumpkin bucket for my candy - not that they let me have any. I'm too little for candy, they said! Phooey!

October 31, 2010

Ready to conquer Halloween!

(My Opa and Oma got me my shorts and sneakers!)

I have to wonder why I am hugging this pillar! Heehee!

Little Count playing the piano! (Sort of!)

Tee - Gingersnaps; Cargo shorts - Moose Kids from SM; Leather sneakers - Florsheim Kids; Halloween costume - Pandayan Bookstore

BRUNCH

2010-04-12T11:14:00.003+08:00

I went out for Sunday brunch with my parents today - in my jammies! We ate at Heaven N'Eggs in Eastwood Mall. I had orange juice and tried my Papu's omelet. I am really not crazy about eggs - which drives my dad crazy because he loves eggs. I liked my juice though, teehee. And I played with the waitresses there - one even asked if she could carry me. And she did! P.S. Oh, and my fever was all gone when I woke up this morning. Yay!

October 18, 2009

"Mmm, juice!"

(I love drinking from straws!)

FEVERISH

2010-04-12T11:08:00.003+08:00

Ooh I got sick this evening, after all the fun stuff I did this weekend. I got a fever because of the vaccine shot I had this morning. My pediatrician warned us about this. This is the first time I've gotten a fever because of a shot - and first time I bled from a shot too. I didn't bleed much, no worries, but this is the first time I've gotten sick. Ever. Boo!

October 17, 2010

BUSY BEE

2010-04-12T10:52:00.005+08:00

My Saturdays are always busy busy busy. First, I went to visit my pediatrician with my parents. I grew taller again! Then, we went to meet my Opa and Oma for lunch in this mall called The Podium. We ate lunch at this Japanese restaurant called Yaku and had dessert at Figaro's - the oldies had coffee and tea, while I tried a poppyseed muffin! Then we headed to my friend Tasha's 1st birthday party at her house. I had so much fun! There was a bubble show, a magic show, and face painting. Ooh, next month I'll be turning 1, too! I can't wait!

October 17, 2009

Poppyseed poppyseed!

I wore the tee my parents' boss, Atty. Sonya Castillo, got me!

I took home a bunch of balloons from Tasha's party.

I really like balloons.

That's Tasha! Happy birthday!

Her mommy works at my Mamu and Papu's firm too.

Another souvenir from Tasha's party - my first "tattoo", heehee!

Tee - Zara Kids; Camouflage cargo shorts - Spin; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

MY FIRST MOHAWK!

2010-02-08T14:01:00.008+08:00

I am back! I left this blog with a pretty depressing post and it has been sitting here by its sad little self for months and months. (I've been Very. Busy. I can walk now!!!). But, I'm back and I shall share my FIRST HAIRCUT EVER. My parents took me to this kiddie beauty salon called Cuts 4 Tots in TriNoma Mall. Can you believe seven - yes, SEVEN - adults came to see me get my haircut! Aside from my parents, there were the Lulipops (my paternal grandparents), my Uncle Jino, my yaya ("nanny") Nida, and our friend Ronnie. My other set of grannies wanted to come too, actually, but good thing they had to go out of town - it would've have been too too embarassing having almost a dozen people coming for my haircut! And I'm just one little person, too. Teehee. A lot of the other kids were wailing. I didn't cry AT ALL though. Yay. My folks were very proud of me.

October 4, 2009

Here I am, waiting for my turn.

I picked a little motorcycle for my "barber's chair!"

Souvenir tank from Subic, from my grandfather Pops; Shorts - Spin; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

Look how long my hair has gotten! No wonder people always mistake me for a girl!

All done! (And can I just say - it took almost AN HOUR! Grrrr!)

My Mamu and yaya trying to brush off all the stray hair!

I refused to stand still! I've been sitting still long enough!

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

Tee - Zara Kids; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

VOILA!
My new haircut!
My Mamu was inspired by Maddox Jolie-Pitt, teehee.
I say I look far far better! Hihi!

How do you like the new look?!

STRANDED!

2009-10-05T14:56:00.005+08:00

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

2009-10-05T14:51:00.004+08:00

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

2009-10-05T14:10:00.006+08:00

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!

2009-09-14T12:04:00.008+08:00

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

2009-09-14T11:41:00.005+08:00

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

2009-09-14T11:28:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-14T11:15:00.005+08:00

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

2009-09-01T18:49:00.006+08:00

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!

2009-09-01T18:33:00.006+08:00

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!

2009-08-31T18:15:00.000+08:00

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

OVERALLS

2009-08-31T18:09:00.001+08:00

I went to my Tita Karla's birthday dinner over at her house today! I came from my grandmother Luli's house and she dropped me off to meet my Mamu and Papu after work. We headed straight to Tita Kar's house. My Luli bought me my outfit. I wore overalls for the first time. I'm not quite used to it, my parents usually dress me in edgier stuff - nothing too cutesy. But I do look kinda cute, don't I?

August 14, 2009

I'm staring down at my outfit.

(My other grandmother, Oma, bought me those clogs!)

Overalls - from Landmark; Green rubber clogs - from SM

TIGER

2009-08-10T13:52:00.008+08:00

I rode a tiger today! Sort of. It's a Saturday, hurray! I got to spend the whole day with my parents. In the morning, our neighbor, Jen Algarate, came over to practice her musical play group program with me and my Papu and Mamu. She plans to start her own little play group some time this year, so she's been practicing with babies and toddlers. I volunteered, hihi. I think I have a good ear for music - I'm always slapping my Papu's belly around as if it where a drum! (And well it might be. Hihi). Then we - my Papu, Mamu, and yaya ("nanny") Nida and I - all trooped over to Greenhills. First, we had lunch at this Chinese restaurant called Won Ton over at the Promenade. I had plain congee (a type of Chinese porridge) again, like last time we ate at a Chinese restaurant. The good thing about going Chinese is that I always find something to eat on the menu! We went around the shopping center afterwards, and I rode a fat mechanical tiger with my Mamu. I was very quiet when the tiger started moving across the floor. I only started laughing and slapping the little steering wheel when it stopped moving. Teehee.

August 8, 2009

Almost my entire outfit - from the grannies!

My Oma and Opa got me those shorts and little cap

(my grandfather says it makes me look like a hoodlum! But my Oma insisted it looked cute).

My Luli and Lolo got me that tee!

Arrr. Restless in Won Ton - I want my congee!

Hungry like the monster on my tee!

Fussing a bit!

Well-behaved again, now that there's food in front of me!

They spooned my congee from a bowl to a saucer so it would cool faster!

(Brought my trusty spoon again!)

Riding a tiger after lunch with my Mamu perched behind me.

(Come to think of it, is that thing really a tiger to begin with?

It's the fattest tiger I've ever seen!)

Tee - Gingersnaps; Cargo shorts - Moose Gear from SM; Shoes - Florsheim Kids; Cap - Star Kids from SM; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

YELLOW

2009-08-03T17:18:00.005+08:00

My Oma came back from Australia yesterday. She was gone for almost a month! I know she missed me terribly! So today, we headed out for a day of eating and shopping at Power Plant, a mall in Rockwell, Makati. I went with my Papu, Mamu, Oma, Opa, and Auntie Amanda. My yaya ("nanny") Nida took the weekend off - her first since she started taking care of me last June! We ate at Myron's - the big folks had steaks, while Mamu fed me baby food from a little jar. I had vegetable turkey - so I didn't miss out much, I think! We wandered around the mall and went shopping - my Oma got me a new tee from Zara Kids. I got to practice my walking - my grandparents are very patient about "wandering" around with me. I also noticed there were lots of yellow ribbons displayed in the mall - at the stores, restaurants, outside the mall, even the streets outside. That's because Cory Aquino died yesterday. I've never met her, but my folks keep telling me great things about her! I send her hugs and kisses, and hope she is finally resting, wherever she is!

August 2, 2009

My Lolo ("grandfather") Ferdie, Lola ("grandmother") Irene, Ate ("big sister") Bianca, and Kuya ("big brother") Rapha Insigne got me that bib!

My Lola Ging and Lola Jojo Deles got me that burp cloth.

It's part of a livelihood project by a group of marginalized folks - they make pretty little hand-embroidered burp cloths, bibs, and towels.

(Only I can't remember the group which made it! We lost the little card the cloths came with!!!)

Translated in English, this means I am "good-looking!!!"

In Myron's - done eating!

I practice walking around Power Plant now.

(Being helped along by my Papu here).

Yellow!

Onesie - In The Crib; Sandals - Florsheim Kids; Bib - Kladd by Ikea; Burp cloth - oh no, we lost the little card it came with!

SPURT

2009-08-03T16:55:00.005+08:00

Another Saturday at my doctor's! I got my pneumonia vaccine - it pricked! For the first time, I howled when I got my injection (probably because I was kind of in a lousy mood to begin with - they kept making me lie down, when I was intent on attacking this little wooden giraffe at my doctor's clinic). I went out to lunch with my Papu and Mamu before going to the doctor's though! We went to my Papu's favorite Chinese restaurant in a shopping center in Manila called Greenhills. We ate at Le Ching. For the first time, I got to "order" and eat along with my parents. They ordered this porridge dish (meatballs and century egg congee) and my Papu fed me little spoonfuls of the soup. (My Mamu always brings me my own plastic spoon, in a little plastic container, just in case!). I liked it! I liked "dining out" with my folks! As for my doctor's appointment, she reported that I went through a growth spurt this month! My height and weight plateaued during my 7th and 8th month, but now I got much taller (and heavier, hehe) - yay! She also instructed my parents to feed me solids three times a day now. THREE times. Wow. At least now we all know for sure I like Chinese food. My Papu, who loves it as well, is extremely relieved!

August 1, 2009

My Uncle Amiel and Tita Mary got me that tee!

My Lolo Ferdie, Lola Irene, Ate ("big sister") Bianca, and Kuya ("big brother") Rapha Insigne got me that bib!

My parents' boss, Atty. Sonya Castillo, got me those pants.

I think they're actually shorts, but they're kind of big for me so they end up looking like pants!

Here I am waiting for my "congee" in Le Ching!

Sitting on the floor outside our doctor's clinic with my Mamu.

I'm laughing up at two little girls in this picture.

They were playing nearby!

(See that round little pink patch on my tee? That's my visitor's sticker!)

Inside my doctor's clinic now, still waiting our turn!

I do love the toys in her waiting room! I always end up attacking them, hehe.

Tee - OshKosh B'Gosh; Shorts - Zara Kids; Sandals - Florsheim Kids; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

TRIAL RUN

2009-07-30T15:18:00.006+08:00

I had my first trial run at a Gymboree near our house today (in a place called Eastwood Mall)! On a Sunday morning to boot - school on a Sunday! Groan! My parents signed me up at a Play & Learn class. I attended with five other babies - we were all between 7-8.5 months old. I think I was the second oldest kid in that class - I was definitely the tallest and the biggest. I noticed I also had the most hair AND teeth too. (Really, what DO they feed me?). My Mamu went through the activities with me while my Papu took pictures. We sang A LOT of songs and went through a lot of action words. We danced and bounced and reached and crawled and pushed and clapped and kicked. (Well, I couldn't exactly clap and didn't really get into the whole pushing bit. Must practice that at home!). We played with balls, bubbles, a parachute, inflated tubes, and, of course, Gymbo the clown. It was fun - but it made me miss my morning nap! I was exhausted! I fell right asleep in the car on our way to my Opa's ("grandfather's") house, and slept right through lunch!

July 26, 2009

My Lolo Ferdie, Lola Irene, Ate ("big sister") Bianca, and Kuya ("big brother") Rapha Insigne got me that bib!

Here I am warming up before class!

We each got a name tag.

(Back view of my onesie - isn't it neat? Although my Mamu learned it was best to dress me in a pair of shorts and a tee for Gymboree - that silly romper kept snapping off! I was half-naked at the end of my class! Grrrr!)

"Hi there, fellow students! Arrrr!!!"

Here I am, sitting in "class" with one of my "classmates" Jaryl.

My Mamu says he's adorable because he looks like the baby penguin in Happy Feet.

Hmpf. My Uncle Jino says I look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. HARRRUMPHHH.

Onesie - Googoo and Gaga; Sandals - Florsheim Kids; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

SHARING

2009-07-30T15:01:00.002+08:00

I attended a baptism in Bulacan with my parents, yaya ("nanny") and my parents' officemates. In Bulacan! That's an entirely different province, right beside Manila. A baby boy named Gabe Lapuz got baptized today - he's the son of my Papu and Mamu's officemate, Tita Shar. We missed the church ceremony but headed over to the reception. Papu and Mamu sat with the adults for a bit, and my yaya and I stayed in a room filled with other yayas and babies. It was quite a hot day - all of us babies stayed in an air-conditioned guest room while the old folks mingled outside in the garden. My yaya got all snippy with the yaya of another baby - this little girl kept grabbing my toys and stuffing them in her mouth. Her yaya said very loudly to quit doing it because my toys were dirty! Harrrumph! My yaya was miffed and told her off. Hah! Dirty indeed!

July 25, 2009

My Aunt Karol Zablan, Uncle Jovy Zablan, and Ate ("big sister") Ava got me that tee!

My Ninong ("godfather") Monzit and Tita Karla got me that cool bib!

I prefer playing by myself at this point - hello, I'm only 8.5 months old!

In a bed in a room full of babies.

(See the little girl at the left? Those are my toys she's eating!!!)

I didn't really mind lending my toys to another baby!

As you can see, I was still all smiles!

Tee - Baby Guess?; Fatigue shorts - Spin; Sandals - Florsheim Kids; Bib - Koala Baby

PLAY DATE

2009-07-23T11:42:00.007+08:00

I had my FIRST EVER PLAYDATE today!!! Oooh what a full full day I had. My first playmates - my Ninong ("godfather") Monzit, my Tita Karla, and my Tita Arianna! I don't have little playmates yet, but I have just as much fun playing with the big people! Tita Karla took us all for a day at their club called the Manila Polo Club. I went swimming, played at their little jungle gym, ate french fries, and tried out a Gymboree for the first time! That Gymboree is the most colorful place I've been to - so much to do, and so much to nibble! I had such a blast, I even forgot to take my afternoon nap! Thank you, Tita Karla and Ninong Monzit! Ooh what a fun fun day I had!!!

July 19, 2009

My Papu and Mamu's boss, Atty. Sonya Castillo, got me my tee and shorts as a present!

(She's a partner in the firm where my Papu and Mamu work!)

The tee reads "Captain" in front. That's me - the Captain of my household, with the folks as the swabbies, hehe.

Also, those shorts are actually pants. But they're still a bit too big for me, so we rolled 'em all up.

Here I am testing the waters first.

This is my First Splash. Really, my 4th time to go swimming but the first time I learned to splash around the water with my little feet.

It was really quite fascinating. I was really concentrating, kicking that water about.

Here I am now, held by my yaya ("nanny") Nida, ready for my dip.

I'm wearing the rash guards my Ninong Zito and Tita Karla bought me again.

My Papu took me swimming. I STILL don't like the pool.

(I cried again. Just a little, I swear!)

Here I am now, playing in the Gymboree.

That's Tita Karla holding me from behind.

After my dip, I wore the Subic souvenir tank my Lolo got me.

That big green "donut" cracked me up.

That's my Ninong Monzit playing peek-a-boo (still one of my favorite games to date!)

Tee - Zara Kids; Green checkered pants - Zara Kids; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

Rash guard surf shirt - Old Navy; Trunks - Cococabana; Souvenir tee - Subic

BABY STEPS

2009-07-23T10:44:00.007+08:00

I've been really into practicing walking recently! More than crawling, even! I just don't have the patience to move around on all fours. But you prop me up on my legs and I'm screeching with glee. I can't wait to start walking! My Papu, Mamu, and yaya ("nanny") Nida and I were at the Power Plant Mall today, and I was practicing walking over at Stoked (a surfing store), at Press (a restaurant), in Fully Booked (a bookstore) - everywhere! In all the stores and open spaces where my parents stopped to check out something. Ha! Pretty soon I'll have everyone running around after me! Just you guys wait!

July 18, 2009

For once, everything I'm wearing, my parents bought me. No gifts! Teehee!

"If you can read this you're close enough to change my diaper!"

Oooh, this sexy lady feels all cold!!!

I'm walking I'm walking! (Almost almost!)

TEEHEEHEE! For some strange reason, practicing walking makes me all giggly!

Onesie - Pipsqueaks by David and Goliath; Leg warmers - Baby Legs; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

ROBOTS IN THE DESPEDIDA

2009-07-23T10:26:00.003+08:00

Today was my Uncle Amiel's despedida ("farewell") party! Uncle Amiel is my Mamu's only brother. He's flying back to the U.S. where he's studying, so my Opa and Oma hosted a small despedida lunch at their house with her cousin Lolo Ferdie (my grand uncle!), Lola Irene, Aunt Bianca, and Uncle Rapha. I really like my Aunt Bianca - she wants to baby-sit me!!! My Uncle Amiel got a bit choked up, especially at the thought of leaving me behind, but hey, he and his girlfriend Mary might come visit next year - and I'm going to be ringbearer in their wedding the year after that! Hurrah!

July 11, 2009

My Papu picked out and bought that tee for me - all by himself!

(Mamu was pleased).

My Lolo Ferdie and Lola Irene got me that bib, while my Ninang ("godmother") Pam Buen brought me home that striped burp cloth on a trip to the States.

Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen a robot before!!!

I got passed around like a hat again, from one relative to another!

See how thick my hair has grown! I even have a little cowlick, hehe.

Tee - Gingersnaps; Navy blue shorts - Baby Armstrong; Sandals - Florsheim Kids; Bib - Kladd by Ikea; Burp cloth - Carter's

CONTAINMENT

2009-07-06T14:16:00.005+08:00

I've been really busy so far! So much to see, so much to touch, so much to explore. I can't walk yet, but I'm always moving around, wriggling here and there, grabbing this and that. The big folks can hardly contain me! And though I still like being carried around, it's been pretty tough hanging on to me because I wriggle around so much. Here I am at a lunch with my Lolo's ("grandfather) side of the family - it was my greatgrandfather and greatgrandmother's wedding anniversary! Everyone kept raving about how big I've gotten - and how cute still, mwahahaha. Oh, and I got a new yaya ("nanny") last June, too. Her name is yaya Nida, and I really love her. She makes me laugh and has taken to sprinkling me with baby cologne! Teehee!

July 5, 2009

"Let go of meeeeeee!!!"

(My Ninang ["godmother"] Dev got me those shorts!)

Here I am sitting on my new nanny Nida's lap.

I only really sit still these days when I'm feeding - or fast asleep!

Tee - Baleno Kids from SM; Brown tweed shorts - Calvin Klein; Sandals - Florsheim Kids

ON TWO

2009-07-06T14:04:00.003+08:00

I've been becoming really steady on my legs lately! I think I'm THIS close to walking, I really do. I've decided to skip crawling altogether - so boooooring. It makes me impatient. But I do love it when my folks prop me up on my legs - I can take a lot of wobbly steps already - with a LOT of support, of course. Here I am with my Papu at my pediatrician's clinic again, for my monthly check up. Notice the new sandals my Mamu got me - thick rubber soles, all ready for walking! My parents have a hard time taking my picture these days - everything turns out fuzzy because I'm moving around so much (my Mamu calls me a flutterbudget). Hello, shutter speed, please try to keep up then!

July 4, 2009

I think I also grew a teeny weeny potbelly this month!

Finally, I sit still.

(My Tita Ina Alazas got me that tee. It glows in the dark! I wore it on a road trip to Subic before!)

Doing the macarena! Sort of! Hihi!

Tee - Carter's; Khaki linen shorts - Gingersnaps; Navy blue sandals - Florsheim Kids

NEW SKADADDLES!

2009-07-06T13:50:00.000+08:00

My parents got me new sandals! I've worn them several times last month. With real soles! Thick rubber soles! Am all set to start walking! The sandals also have these little velcro thingies, so we can just adjust the straps when my feet get bigger (or fatter!). I'll miss my old pair for sure - but I'm done with my sissy little "almost shoes." I'm ready for the big leagues! Though my Mamu says these are my "transitional" shoes. I get my next pair when I really start walking. Hah! Not long now!

June 20, 2009

Sandals - Florsheim Kids

GERBER

2009-07-06T13:49:00.007+08:00

My pediatrician gave us the go signal to start me on solids when I turned 6 months old last May, but my parents didn't really start feeding me my solids until June. I've been sampling a lot of mashed veggies from Gerber's First Foods line - broccoli, squash, and carrots. Over at my Luli's, I've been trying arroz caldo, lugaw, and Cerelac. They've been keeping me away from fruits for now, so I don't develop a sweet tooth. My parents have taken to bringing a little bottle of Gerber when we go out to eat because I get so jealous when I see all the big people eating. We pack a little plastic spoon and a plastic bib all the time too - the set I'm using now are from my Opa and Oma! Here we are, having lunch for my daddy's birthday at a restaurant called Clawdaddy in Shangri-La Mall. I'm "feasting" along with the big folks too - here I am manfully chowing down on my mashed carrots! Hurrah!

June 7, 2009

That neat little plastic bib catches EVERYTHING.

Though I haven't been much into spitting - just drooling!

The bib comes with a little spoon and sippy cup too. Am all set for the big times, hehe.

That's my Aunt Mandi (she's also my godmother!), while we were patiently waiting for my Papu to do his birthday shopping, teehee.

My Ninang ("godmother") Dev got me the pique shirt. The colorful Disney sandals and shorts are gifts from my Oma and Opa!

Shirt - Calvin Klein; Denim shorts - Baby Armstrong; Sandals - Disney Babies from SM; Bib - Ikea

GRUMPY

2009-07-06T13:32:00.005+08:00

I'm back!!! It was all my Mamu's fault! We've had a lot of out of town weekends in June, and a lot of rushing around - no time for outfit posts, she says. Phooeeeeey!!! Here I am with my parents at Sugarhouse, this little dessert place in Eastwood. It was the eve of my dad's birthday, so we headed out to have our own little celebration before eating out with the grannies tomorrow. But, it was my bedtime then, so I was really grumpy - and I'm not even normally fussy! I barely let the folks finish their cakes. Serves 'em right - silly parents, dragging me out of bed!

June 6, 2009

My Ninang ("godmother") Bles got me that long-sleeved onesie, and my Oma got me those shoes.

I. Want. To. Go. Home!!!!

Onesie - Baby Gap; Denim shorts - Baby Armstrong; Navy blue shoes - Greenhills

GRAFFITI ART

2009-06-01T12:30:00.006+08:00

That's not a tee! That's my onesie! My Mamu took so long making me wear it, I completely grew out of it! Now they can't even snap it close anymore, so I have to wear it as a t-shirt. But, isn't it great? I like the messy scribbles - though I can barely say Mama or Dada myself, hahaha. I wore it for my doctors' appointments. That's doctorS with a S! I had to see my eye doctor and my regular doctor. All in one day! Ugh! At least I got to practice my balance with my Papu. We were out in the hallway in the hospital, waiting our turn, and I was trying NOT to fall over. I can stand pretty well on my own, I think - with a little support, of course! Tough going! My two top front teeth have also been sprouting out. This explains why I am making all those silly faces in my pictures below - I've been sucking on my front teeth. Hey, they take some getting used to. Now whoever said babies don't have issues??!!

May 30, 2009

My Oma got me those navy blue shorts!

Back view of my onesie. Isn't it neat?

Here I am waiting my turn at my doctor's - and sucking my top front tooth.

Still sucking, still standing, and still waiting!

Onesie - Googoo and Gaga; Shorts - Baby Armstrong; Sneakers - First Step

SPORTY

2009-06-01T12:22:00.003+08:00

I went malling with my parents today! We headed over to Greenbelt and had lunch at Bubba Gump. My parents fed me solids for the first time! I had plain old mashed potatoes. I didn't like it very much - I ended up throwing up all over my onesie - and my Mamu's leg, I might add! Teehee. I am wearing socks which look like sneakers and a onesie with baseball prints all over it from my Ninong ("godfather") Zito's mommy, my Lola ("grandmother") Vicki Purugganan (one of my New York-based groupies, hihihi). I was going for sporty that day! Both my onesie and socks are still slightly soiled in that picture - can you tell??!!

May 23, 2009

Onesie - Gerber; Almost shoes - Joe Boxer

MY FIRST SOUVENIR TEE

2009-05-19T10:39:00.004+08:00

My Mamu started a collection for my Papu - of souvenir tees for all the places they've gone on vacation to! And now she's decided to start a collection for me, too! Here is my first souvenir tee - a reminder of my holiday in Subic with my Papu's folks. My lolo ("grandfather") got me that tank top - just as well because it was extremely hot that weekend in Subic! I must say it fits me to a T! Teehee!

YACHT CLUB Part II

2009-05-19T10:04:00.009+08:00

I WENT SWIMMING FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! For real, this time! The first time I went for a dip I bawled like, well, a baby. Duh! And it was a jacuzzi in my godfather Jay Castro's farm over in Tarlac. This is my first time to swim in a pool - the second time I've dipped anywhere aside from my own tub back home, teehee! - and I DIDN'T CRY! I wasn't exactly giggling either, but I think it's a definite improvement. The swimming pool in the yacht club is awesome - I could see all the boats and yachts from where I sat (very still) in my Mamu's arms in the water. My Papu held my nose and we went down for a real quick dip in the water. I went back up spluttering a little, and almost wailed - but I didn't! I'll get the hang of this swimming thing yet!

May 10, 2009

My Ninong ("godfather") Zito and Tita Karla got me those cool rash guards!
For when I decide to go wakeboarding with them one day, they say! Teehee!

Here I am - all serious about examining the water.
(It kept slipping through my fingers, grrr!)

And here I am after my swim - all wrapped up in the big colorful beach towel my grandmother Luli got me.
From the expression on my face, you can tell I'm still trying to make up my mind whether I like the water!
(I only stayed in the pool for exactly 20 minutes! That's what my doctor ordered!)

Check out my monogrammed towel - care of my Luli.

Dashing, don't you think? Heehee.

Rash guard surf shirt - Old Navy; Trunks - Cococabana

YACHT CLUB Part I

2009-05-19T09:45:00.005+08:00

Back to back weekend getaways with my grandparents - with my Papu's folks this time! We stayed over at the Subic Bay Yacht Club in the city of Olongapo - in the province of Zambales! We celebrated my grandmother Luli's birthday last May 8 - my Lolo Roland Lorilla booked a huge room for us in the yacht club (he and Tita Mitch got me that tee - and my godmother Anna Devanadera got me those shorts!). I came with my parents, my Luli, my Lolo ("grandfather"), my Uncle Jino, my Yaya Sabs and our friend Ronnie! On our first day there we checked out the duty free stores and - we went to ZOOBIC!!! I HAD A BLAST!!! I saw ostriches and tigers and bear cats and a whole bunch of animals! But what I really loved the most in the Zoobic Safari? The leaves! I was sitting plopped on my Lolo's arms the whole time we were in Zoobic and he couldn't stop me from grabbing them! Quick hands! Teehee! Too quick for Lolo!

May 9, 2009

Playing with the puppies at my grandparents' house, right before we set off for Subic! (I almost ate the puppy, haha! My Mamu had to stop my putting it in my mouth!)

Inside one of the duty free centers with my grand father - "Shopping? Yawn!"

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Calvin Klein; Almost shoes - Funky Feet; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

QUILTED, M.D.

2009-05-11T10:26:00.008+08:00

My grandaunt, Lola Madonna, bought me this quilted medical kit that time we went to Clark for holiday. Everything is handmade - from the little doctor's bag, to all the doctor's accessories inside. There's a quilted stethoscope, thermometer, injection, and that thingy that takes your blood pressure. We got it from a handmade quilting workshop called Rosas in Pampanga. Aside from this quilted medical kit, they also have a little vanity kit (with handmade little quilted lipsticks for little baby girls - ewwwww), a Noah's arc, a dinosaur set, and a whole bunch of other neat stuff. All quilted, all handmade, and all safe and soft enough for my little teeth to munch on! Thank you, Lola Madonna!!!

MIMOSA Part III

2009-05-06T15:18:00.005+08:00

My last day in Clark! Bah! We managed to squeeze in a little photo op by the old planes on display there (Clark is home to an airfield after all). Then we all bundled back into the car and drove straight home to Manila. We only stopped to have lunch out at a Japanese restaurant. I think I'd be able to gobble up a sushi platter soon as I can chew proper. I was eyeing the sushi and sashimi all throughout lunch. We also passed by a bookstore, and here I am posing beside the most recent Time Magazine cover, teehee. Wouldn't it be something if I landed on the cover someday? For now though, I'd settle for learning to flip from my back to my tummy. I still can't do it. I'm still too heavy!!! Oh, THANK YOU to my Opa and Oma for the wonderful holiday!!!

May 3, 2009

My Ninang ("godmother") Trina Ilarde got me that bib!

"Hmmm...Me thinks I can fly one of those!"

Parents, be warned!

Most influential in TWO families at least!

Tee - Baleno Kids from SM; Shorts - Gingersnaps; Sneakers - First Step; Bib - Mothercare

MIMOSA Part II

2009-05-06T12:58:00.008+08:00

Boy, I had fun today! My family and I spent most of the day out and about in Clark, and around Angeles City in Pampanga. We went to a quilting place and I got myself a little medical kit! Then we went to a mall - SM Clark (really, don't these people EVER get tired of SM?!) - where I, for the first time in my life, went on rides!!! Well, sort of. I sat propped up on those mechanical rides but my parents refused to drop coins in to make them go - they were worried I'd fall off! (Also, it was all they could do to stop me licking the steering wheel! So my Mamu was watching me like a hawk!). We had lunch out, and in the afternoon, the whole family went to an ice cream parlor. I had to change outfits again that day even though it wasn't as hot as usual. Hey, if you "ride" around as much as I do, you're bound to get a teensy bit sweaty! P.S. Thank you to my Tita Trina Gar and Tito Jang Moreno for my blue tee, Lolo Roland and Mitch Lorilla for my shorts, my other grandmother Luli for my almost shoes, and to my Ninong ("godfather") Zito and Tita Karla for my onesie, which I've worn before!

May 2, 2009

At lunch in C' Italian Dining.

I am so waiting for the day I can finally eat PIZZZAAAAAA.

(But right now I really feel like eating my feet again!)

Check out one of my "almost shoes" again - this time in navy blue.

I rode this...

... and this...

... and this! Wheeeee!!!

And here I am, later during the day, not quite ready to walk.

Walking schmalking! I want wheels!

Blue tee - Mothercare; Shorts - Gingersnaps; Almost shoes - Funky Feet; Bib - Landmark

Onesie - Ratzo

MIMOSA Part I

2009-05-06T12:02:00.008+08:00

I'm going on holiday again!!! Hurray! It's another three-day weekend here in Manila (Labor Day in our part of the world!) and I headed off with my Papu, Mamu, yaya ("nanny") Sabs to stay in Mimosa Leisure Estate in Clark Freeport. It's out in another province called Pampanga, about 2 hours away from Manila, where I live! We went with my Opa, Oma, and Auntie Amanda. Plus my grandaunt, my Opa's sister, Lola Madonna was here for a visit, too! Yey! My grandparents rented a villa in Mimosa, and I had a grand time. We spent our first day lounging at home (I got bitten by bugs though, argh!), and went out to dinner after. I got that tee from my Ninang ("godmother") Trina Ilarde. I guess everyone in my family knows Who's The Boss!

May 1, 2009

Trying to sit on my own! (With Papu standing by in case I topple over, hehe)

This is what I wore to bed our first night.

But 2 seconds after changing into my jammies, I spit up.

(It really does).

Anyhoo, so I ended up wearing this onesie instead. Here I am the morning after.

I had to wear long-sleeved onesies to bed -

the centralized air-conditioning in the Mimosa villas get super cold at night!

I wore that light blue onesie before, it's "unbearably" cute, haha.

My Ninang ("godmother") Bles Cuaycong got me both those onesies as baby shower gifts!

"Hey! Where's my other shoe?!"

Yellow tee - Mothercare; Board shorts - Spin; Sneakers - Chicco; Bib - Furry Friends

Navy blue and light blue long-sleeved onesies - both from Baby Gap; Jogging pants - from SM

BOW PEEP

2009-05-06T11:39:00.003+08:00

I went out to attend a "bridal luncheon" with my parents today, so I "suited up" again, teehee. Wore a bow tie - sort of! Got that tee from my Tita Monica Villanueva. We had lunch in Serendra with my Mamu's friends, Tita Tinggay (BoPeep!) Mercado and Tita Patricia Bautista - and both of them completely doted on me. Well, THEY ate, and I entertained - as usual! I'd say I did the tee justice, hehe. Wore my linen shorts again - it was another scorcher of a day in the city! A vest, a bow tie, and linen shorts - I guess today I'm going preppy. And on other days my Mamu makes do rock and roll. I wish she'd make up her mind. I wonder what look I'd actually go for when I can finally pick out my own clothes!!

April 26, 2009

Indeedy, sweetie.

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Gingersnaps; Hi-tops - Chicco; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

DASH

2009-04-27T11:18:00.007+08:00

I dashed out for burgers with my parents today! Huge, juicy, messy burgers from this place call Charlie's, not far from my pediatrician's clinic. My dad was craving a big sloppy burger. Then we dashed over to my doctor's right after my folks ate. She gave me some antibiotics - I have this persistent phlegm thingy in my lungs - my parents worry about bronchitis or asthma, so best to be preventive, they say! Apart from the antibiotics, my doctor recommended we use a nebulizer 2-3 times a day for 5 days, just in case! I'll be turning 6 months old on the 18th, so my doctor had to up the dosage for some of my daily vitamins. And guess what - she said I'll be starting on solids soon as I hit 6 months! Hurrah! I'll be able to gobble up those greasy burgers with my Papu and Mamu pretty soon!!! P.S. Little hearts on my onesie - my Mamu made me wear something for girls again! Aaaargh!

April 25, 2009

I want a burger toooooooo!

Waiting for my doctor now. I look like a big boy in this picture, don't you think?

They measured my height and I ate my feet while they were at it!

Onesie - Googoo and Gaga; Sneakers - Pitter Pat; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

WAX IN, WAX OUT

2009-04-21T10:27:00.007+08:00

I went to see one of my godmothers, Ninang Pam Menencilla, for the first time today! She has always given me tons of gifts - even when I was still in my Mamu's belly! My parents, yaya ("nanny") and I traveled all the way to Paranaque to show our support - Ninang Pamee opened a waxing salon! Teehee! I doubt I have enough fuzz on me worth waxing, but I did come to entertain my ninang's guests. Everybody there loved my glitzy silver shoes, hihihi. Congratulations on your new salon, Ninang Pameeeeee!!!!!!! (For information about Lay Bare Salon in Bicutan, click here!)

April 19, 2009

I do, I do!

I didn't, I didn't!

I'd endorse for free, as long as you're "prutty"! Hehe.

Onesie - In The Crib; Sneakers - First Step; Bib - Stuffed from Landmark

A DAY OF FIRSTS

2009-04-21T10:06:00.004+08:00

Whoa! What a crazy busy day I had with my parents! We were zooming from one end of the metropolis to the other! First, we hied off to Filinvest to attend a wedding reception at Vivere Suites. My dad's secretary got hitched! This was also the first ever wedding I attended. So in honor of the occasion - I wore loafers, teehee. My grandmother Luli bought me "almost shoes" socks! They are so comfy and go with most of my new shorts, yey! My Ninang ("godmother") Anna Devanadera got me that pique shirt and checkered shorts - thank you!!! After the wedding, we hurried off to Bonifacio High Street -to pick up a present in the mammoth book store there, Fully Booked. I had to buy a gift - we attended my first ever birthday party that afternoon! (I also had to change my shirt - my Tita Trina Garcia and Tito Jang Moreno got me that blue tee!). It was the 1st birthday party of Tomas, the son of my Papu's college friend. It was also the first time I've ever been to Jollibee - this major fastfood chain that kids love here in the Philippines. I think every kid's childhood here is just not complete without that big orange bug!!!

April 18, 2009

I attend my first wedding!

Check out the loafers, teehee! My Luli got me those in navy blue, green, brown and black!

At the bookstore - I had to change my shirt. Oh, this Manila heat!

(That's the bib my Ninong ["godfather"] Monzit and Tita Karla gave me - one of my favorites!)

My first birthday party ever!

I've been Jollibee'd!

Yellow pique shirt - Calvin Klein; Shorts - Calvin Klein; Almost shoes - Funky Feet; Bib - Koala Baby; Blue tee - Mothercare

FIRST DIP

2009-04-15T10:53:00.006+08:00

So I stayed at my Ninong ("godfather") Jay's farm in the province of Tarlac over Holy Week break with my parents, yaya ("nanny"), Ninong Lucky, Tita Dot and Davin. My Mamu planned and packed tons of outfits for me but I ended up wearing tank tops and nappies the whole time - it was just too hot!!! I also had my first dip in my Ninong's jacuzzi. My parents got me tiny baby trunks - they were actually a bit too baggy still. I did NOT like the water at all, and bawled my head off. It must be the bubbles because normally I enjoy splashing around my little bath tub back home. My Papu was holding on to me the whole time, but I still didn't like it! Phooey!

April 8, 2009

All smiles at first!

"Waaah!!! Get me outta here!!!"

Trunks - Cocobana

VACATION BOUND

2009-04-07T16:26:00.006+08:00

I'm leaving for a short holiday with my parents and yaya ("nanny") tomorrow! It's Holy Week, after all - everyone in the Philippines goes on holiday at this time of the year! We're going to Tarlac, to stay at my Ninong ("godfather) Jay's farm (I tolja I have a LOT of ninongs, hehe). My parents are worried about taking me on long car trips and on airplane rides because I'm teething. Ninong Jay's farm is right near where Mount Pinatubo is - that volcano which erupted something major back in the 90s. My parents plan to hike up to see the volcano - but they'll be leaving me in the farm, to chill in the jacuzzi, hehehe. I'm kidding. Or maybe not? My Mamu packed away teeny tiny baby trunks for me! To all the other folks in Manila - have a happy holiday! To everyone else out there - happy Easter!

Image from Travel Tee here.

POOH

2009-04-07T16:02:00.006+08:00

My grandmother Luli got me my entire outfit - from head to toe! Teehee! That was the romper I used during my baptism reception. I love it - it even has a little pocket. My Luli even got me matching Pooh socks. I like Pooh - of all the animated movies my parents have made we watch (and in some cases - endure!), I liked Pooh best. Those are the white sneakers with the little red bicycles on them - the ones my Mamu liked so much she got me the exact same pair, too. I wore this outfit when I went out to lunch in a mall called TriNoma with my parents, my Luli, my Lolo ("grandfather"), and my yaya ("nanny") Sabs, in a restaurant called Recipes. We celebrated my Papu passing the Philippine bar as well! I wish my Uncle Jino could have made it - but he's my Luli's other baby - he sleeps even longer than I do!

April 7, 2009

Racerback - like my Mamu's tanks, haha!

Onesie - Disney Baby; Shoes - Pitter Pat

RED HOT

2009-04-07T15:49:00.007+08:00

Am so loving all these statement tees and onesies my Ninong ("godfather") Monzit and Tita Karla got me. Tita Karla got them all when she was in New York. (Hugsy!) Though my favorite, by far, is the Red Hot Chili Peppers onesie they got me (my Papu is a fan!). I wore it when I went to dinner with my cousins, aunts, and uncles from my Papu's side at my cousin Josh Patajo's house. (So many family celebrations that day - a birthday, a graduation, a swimming party, and a thanksgiving celebration of sorts!). My Lola Lorna, my grand aunt, thought I was wearing a Red Cross onesie, teehee. Here's a picture of me when I first got that onesie (I was 2 months old then). I filled it out pretty well, don't you think?

April 5, 2009

I can't believe I used to be this tiny!

Snoozing at my cousin's house, after entertaining a dozen of my relatives!

Onesie - ITA In The House; Camo bib - In The Crib; Sandals - Enfant

SHANGRI-LA

2009-04-07T15:28:00.005+08:00

Most people don't know this - but I'm actually a hotel regular already! I was barely 10 days old when my parents took me to the Shangri-La Edsa Hotel (bad bad bad parents). This is my 2nd time to hit the buffet line at their hotel restaurant, Heat. I came to celebrate with my parents, my Oma, Opa, and Auntie Mandi - my Papu passed the Philippine bar yesterday! He's officially a lawyer like my Mamu. You can't tell from the pictures, but I was actually howling my head off during the middle of our meal - I'm toothing, okay, so sue me (am warning you, my lawyers work pro bono for me, teehee). My Ninong ("godfather") Monzit and Tita Karla bought me that really cool shirt, and my cousins Bianca and Rafa Insigne got me that bib. I think I made quite a scene that day - bawling my head off, but hey, you try growing two new teeth at once!!!

April 4, 2009

Still at home, patiently waiting for my parents to finish getting dressed!

Hanging out at the Shang lobby

Tee - Little Teez; Camo shorts - Spin; Sneakers - Chicco; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

GLITZ

2009-03-31T13:45:00.008+08:00

My Mamu has a penchant for silver shoes. When she and my Papu were strolling around the mall last week, they saw this pair of silver patent sneakers. My Mamu, overjoyed, bought them on the spot. They only cost 99.75 pesos. That's approximately 2 dollars. One of those lucky finds, like my sandals before. The good thing about these sneakers is that they go with everything. My parents seem to detest cartoon characters on my clothes and shoes - you won't see me with a Donald Duck or Snoopy on my shoes (unless it's a present from someone else). They had these sneakers in mauve patent, too. Thank goodness my Mamu settled for the silver.

SUIT UP

2009-03-31T12:57:00.007+08:00

I had to attend a testimonial dinner for my grandmother Oma with my parents. It was a big deal, that dinner - my Oma was the guest of honor - so my folks figured I better go properly attired. I suited up, teehee. My Auntie Mandi got me that tee (she got it when I was still in my Mamu's belly), and my Ninang ("godmother") Trina Ilarde got me that bib - a pair to the one I wore the other day. The dinner was a success. I mingled with everybody - in other words, I got carried and passed around from one professor/Jesuit/administrator to another. Really, you'd think I was the guest of honor, not my Oma. Teehee.

March 30, 2009

Suiting up, baby-style! Hehe.

Tee - Gingersnaps; Shorts - Baby Armstrong; Sneakers - First Step; Bib - Mothercare

DOCTOR DOCTOR

2009-03-31T12:32:00.008+08:00

Wasn't really scheduled to go to my doctor today - but we found out my doctor was back from vacation so we hurried over to her clinic for my vaccine shot! I didn't have any clothes - good thing we came from my grandmother Luli's house, and she had just bought a new tank top for me (she got me those white leather hi-tops, too!). She got matching shorts, too, but less than an hour of wearing them, I got marks on my sides already - the new shorts were too tight. (Thank goodness we had an extra pair of shorts in my diaper bag - I would hate to face my pretty pretty doctor wearing just nappies!!!!!!) Shucks though, to think the shorts my Luli got me were brand new, too... Hey! I'm not overweight. Really. My doctor said so. She weighed and measured me and everything. She said I was just right. So maybe I just look overweight, teehee. My Ninong ("godfather") Zito says I'm "festively plump." There.

March 30, 2009

Hospital regular!

My Mamu really liked the baby shoes my Luli got me. So she bought me the exact same pair - now I have one pair for Luli's house, and one pair for our house.

I like the little etchings on the sneakers, too - especially of the little red bike!

"I'm not fat! I'm big-boned!"

Tank - Mother's care in Landmark; Shorts - Baby Armstrong; Shoes - Pitter Pat

ALL PROPER

2009-03-31T12:05:00.005+08:00

It was DAVID's baptism today! My turn to come to his party! We were late! We went to the church and no one was there anymore. Turns out my silly parents got the time of the actual baptism celebration all wrong. So we had to hurry over to the reception venue. So many pretty balloons! David was asleep most of the time - again! I never seem to catch him awake. Have yet to have decent conversation with that guy, hehe. My Oma got me that plaid shirt - this is the second and no doubt the last time I'll be wearing it. I was busting out of it already - I can't help growing so fast! - but I had to wear something proper, because it was a baptismal celebration after all! (I think I was dressed more casually in my own baptism, haha). Check out the bib my Ninang ("godmother") Trina Ilarde got me - I'll blog about those in another entry. Teehee. Those shorts, which my Mamu got me, can I just say, she bought those at the girls' section in this local kiddie clothing boutique called Gingersnaps. Grrr. You can't tell from the pictures, but they're high-waisted and pleated and they're linen. Arrrrrgh.

March 28, 2009

Shirt - Periwinkle; Shorts - Gingersnaps; Sandals - Enfant; Bib - Mothercare

LITTLE CATHOLIC BOY

2009-03-24T15:06:00.011+08:00

Well, so I got baptized! I am now a little Catholic boy. Baptisms are quite a big thing here in Manila. I have ten - yes, count 'em, TEN - godfathers ("ninongs") and seven godmothers ("ninangs"). My Mamu was cautious and decided to leave her other close friends for my future sister or brother. We had the actual baptismal sacrament in the Santa Rita Parish in West Avenue - it's the same place where my Papu got baptized. Also, my parents chose it so I won't have a hard time getting my baptismal certificate someday, when I get married (they're very organized with their records there at Santa Rita, plus it's very accessible, with plenty of parking spaces, teehee. My folks were very thoughtful - Mamu said my future wife better appreciate the gesture!) My grandma Luli took care of the reception - we had it at my grandpa's sports club. Usually, little baby boys wear teeny tiny satin shirts, or mini "barong Tagalogs" (the embroidered formal traditional garment for Filipino men, according to Wikipedia). My parents couldn't find anything nice - the one nice "barong Tagalog" we saw didn't have my size. So they got me a baptismal gown instead. A dress! Yuck! My Mamu promised I would never have to wear it again. (Which is why she only got me a 300 peso gown from SM!). Thank GOD for that!

March 21, 2009

Apart from my baptismal gown, I had two other wardrobe changes, teehee. But my folks decided to save those for another entry.

And guess who I met at last? Why, my kinakapatid ("godbrother") DAVID!

(My Mamu is his godmother, so David is my "kinakapatid" - "kapatid" being Filipino for sibling!

David and I were born exactly 10 days apart! We both also have silly mommies who go nuts about our clothes!)

I prayed that my parents would never let me wear a dress again!

(That is my "yaya" or nanny in the background)

Baptismal Gown with Cap and Booties - Star Baby from SM

YOU'RE INVITED!

2009-03-23T10:27:00.005+08:00

My parents and I have been so busy the past two weeks! First, we moved. I don't know where half my clothes are! My Mamu and Papu haven't had time to document my outfits - and I've had at least three really good ones the past week or so. Hmph. Second, we were all too busy planning my baptism! Will post about that stiff little baptismal gown soon. (It was so hot - I have to frown every time I remember it). For now, check out this fantastic invitation my Auntie Mandi designed for me. She took some of my personal items - my hospital I.D. tag, an old sock I outgrew, a nappy clip, clothing tags and shopping bags from clothes I got - and put everything together in a collage. Then she took a picture, and my Mamu had it printed as a post card. Isn't it neat! My Auntie designed a bookmark for me, too - for my giveaways! Kissy to my Auntie Mandi!

GOOGOO AND GAGA NEW DESIGNS

2009-03-12T12:26:00.005+08:00

Of all the baby labels in my wardrobe, I've noticed my parents' favorite line seems to be the stuff designed by the local, art-driven brand, Googoo and Gaga. They've announced their new designs for toddler tees, and re-issued designs for both tees and onesies. My Mamu is going gaga herself, just browsing the collection online. They'll be introducing and selling them at the Summer Urban Bazaar in Rockwell on March 13 to 15. I guess you guys know where we'll be this weekend!

Image from Googoo and Gaga here.

MUSIC GOD IN THE MAKING

2009-03-09T08:59:00.006+08:00

I went to Tagaytay again today with my parents, and my grandparents - Luli and Lolo. We had lunch with my Luli's sister's family in Leslie's (Tita Myrna, Tito Jun, and Auntie Chesca). I went to Starbucks for the first time, too. No coffee for me though, not even a measly frap - boo! No sweaters this time either - it was a scorcher in Tagaytay that day! My parents went to a concert last night - a really huge Filipino band called the Eraserheads, the closest we can get to something like the Beatles - so for today's outing, in honor of music gods saying good-bye, they made me wear the Beatles onesie my Auntie Mandie got me at Mothercare. (It's this baby boutique where my Mamu and my auntie run around like crazy kids in a candy store). Beep beep yeah!

March 8, 2009

"Dairy only."

"Little Lennon Groupie."

Onesie - Mothercare; Sandals - Enfant

LITTLE DUDE

2009-03-06T11:50:00.011+08:00

"It was my third monthsary last February 28, and my Mom and Dad took the day off to take me to my doctor and to finally go malling!!! My folks decided it was time for me to go out and explore! I wore a navy blue tank top with a picture of a van with surfboards. The shirt had a print that said "little dude" - which I really am. I also wore my Tommy Hilfiger shorts which my parents bought at Greenhills - I don't know what or where Greenhills is, but my parents always seem so excited to go there. My shoes were an impulse buy by - who else - my Mom. It was okay though, she said that it was only 80 pesos at the Landmark. The insides of my sneakers are very soft and I like them very much. I'm a little dude!!

- Hugs from DAVID!"

February 27, 2009

"I know, I know... eat your heart out, ladies"

Tee - Carter's; Shorts - Tommy Hilfiger; Sneakers - La Planete Des Bebes in Landmark

MEET DAVID!

2009-03-06T10:43:00.011+08:00

"Hello! I'm Tajito's future playmate, classmate, busmate, textmate, cellphone mate (oh, not quite yet, my mommy goes!), David. I don't have a nickname but my Lolo Vic calls me Boogs for Bugoy! My parents were bored one Sunday and decided to let me try on one outfit they were crazy about. When my Dad was in the US last year, he went to this huge store called Old Navy where he bought me a lot of clothes. I wasn't out yet that time, mind you, but I already had a wardrobe!!! Mom and Dad dressed me in this onesie which is quite long - I look like I'm wearing overalls. To finish my rockstar look, my Mom pulled out my "Almost Shoes" socks - a gift from my Tito Pol. The socks she chose look like red sneakers! The whole outfit though was a bit hot - I only wore it for about an hour or so. After that, it was back to my good ole' nappies and sando ("tank top")! The tambay ("hanging out") look is still the best look I say!

- Hugs from DAVID!"

January 18, 2009

Onesie - Old Navy; Almost Shoes socks - Babinski Baby

SUMMER'S HERE!

2009-03-02T12:57:00.006+08:00

It's March! Summer in Manila! Hurrah!!! In honor of the beginning of summer, my folks got me my first pair of sandals. They were itching to get me rubber flip-flops actually, but we couldn't find anything that fits me quite yet. (I've grown bigger, but not THAT big). I'm just glad Mamu didn't make me get a pedicure!

March 1, 2009

Sandals - Enfant

BREAKFAST BY THE LAKE

2009-03-02T12:33:00.010+08:00

My parents and I drove over to Tagaytay, which is a city nestled on the hilltops overlooking Taal Lake, about an hour's drive away from Manila. We had breakfast at Cafe Breton in Cliffhouse, with a great view of the Taal Volcano. My parents figured I needed some fresh air. I'm in another sweater given by my Lola Lorna - my Mamu's favorite, because it's so cheery and colorful, she says, and the new onesie my parents got me. The lolo ("grandfather") fuzzy shoes are from my Oma. It's cooler in Tagaytay than in Manila, but since summer is just around the corner, it was kind of warm in Tagaytay that day, with the occasional blast of cold wind. I think my Mamu brought me there just so I'd have an excuse to wear all my new sweaters before I outgrow them! At least I didn't have to wear that bulky ol' sweater all day!

February 28, 2009

Hooded knit sweater - no brand; Onesie - Pipsqueaks by David and Goliath; Shoes - Luvable Friends; Bib - Kladd by Ikea

MY (NOT QUITE BLUE) SUEDE SHOES

2009-02-25T09:08:00.009+08:00

Here I am, asleep on our couch, after a visit to my pediatrician. My Papu and yaya ("nanny") took me - my daddy had to get off from work early to take me - it was vaccine time again, ugh. I have such a pretty doctor - I giggled when she held me and went all cute. (My doctor's report: my brain development parallels that of a 6-month old, and I'm as big as a 5-month old - even though I just turned 3 months! Hurrah!) I'm this close to outgrowing these onesies I'm wearing - part of a gift set from my Tita Margerry Florendo - Gerry Lee, I like to call her - I also wore them during a mini break here. Check out my beige suede shoes - one of the pairs from the bunch of shoes I got from my Mamu's sorority sisters, Titas Nicka, Tammy, Margie, Ann, Angge, and Hazel - another fixture in my collection of lolo ("grandfather") shoes. My Papu complained they were too tight at first. It turns out he forgot to take the roll of paper stuffed inside the toes!

February 23, 2009

Onesie - Calvin Klein; Shoes - Baby Company

KING LAZ

2009-02-25T08:51:00.008+08:00

It's a Sunday again - grandparents day! Here I am on my Oma and Opa's bed, propped up against their floral pillow. Though you can't tell from the picture, I am seated here like a king surrounded by my adoring subjects - my Mamu, Auntie Mandie, Oma, and my greatgrandma are all crowded at the foot of the bed. My Oma got me a little neck pillow, to help support my still floppy little neck when I try to sit up. It takes some getting used to! This onesie I'm wearing is another gift from my Ninong Monzit and Tita Karla.

February 22, 2009

"Get it off meeeee!!!"

Onesie - Ratzo; Sneakers - Chicco

SHOPPING MONSTER UNLEASHED

2009-02-19T09:06:00.006+08:00

My parents get such a kick out of the silly messages on the Pipsqueaks tees and onesies in David and Goliath boutiques around town. They were on sale for a month, until February 15 their posters said, but they've extended. And it's just not 50% - some items are even 60% off. My Papu and Mamu happily got me the most ridiculous onesies. My Ninang Pamee bought me Pipsqueaks stuff, too! Kissy! I can't wait to grow into them. The Pipsqueaks stuff are still on sale - hurry hurry! (And isn't this the neatest little poster!?)

Image from David and Goliath in Multiply here.

PACIFIED

2009-02-16T15:59:00.007+08:00

I've been drooling like crazy recently. I've also taken to stuffing my entire fist in my mouth and sucking on it. So today my Papu got me a pacifier. And a little clip so I won't misplace it. I'm not too crazy about it, but at least now for a few minutes I lay off on the Finger Fiesta!

February 15, 2009

Pacifier - Pigeon; Pacifier Clip - Sesame Street; Tank Top - from SM

"UNBEARABLE" ON A SUNDAY

2009-02-16T15:35:00.007+08:00

Here I am all set to go to the grocery with my Mamu and Papu. I'm wearing the onesie my Ninang Bles gave me (it's actually size 6-9 months - I'm a big boy, what can I say) and the furry grandpop shoes my Oma got me. (Those blue hearts on my socks again. My Luli bought me a collection, see. I can't wait to outgrow those). I think I'm going through a growth spurt. I seem to be burning through my newborn onesies. Oh, and check out the bib my Papu got me. It's so easy to make my parents proud - all I have to do is to coo and just be me!

February 15, 2009

Onesie - Baby Gap; Shoes - Luvable Friends; Bib - Furry Friends

NORTHERN INVASION

2009-02-16T11:02:00.018+08:00

I set out on my first road trip up North on Valentine's Day. We drove down to Clark for the hot air balloon fiesta, and went to Subic as well - my first time to see the ocean! Though I did NOT go near the water - I haven't gotten my sea legs quite yet! (In fact, not much use of my legs, period. I still prefer to be carried, teehee - I can't even crawl yet! My Opa and I wandered down the beach together - we have a picture by the beach here). My Lola Lorna got me that sweater - she got me tons! Those denim shorts from my Oma - they look like pants, I know, but my Mamu insisted I wear them. I got my tee from my Tita Ina Alazas - the little animals glow in the dark, aren't they neat? My Tita Nicka Osaka, Tita Margie Pegels, Tita Tammy Aquino, Tita Ange Lim, Tita Ann Bautista and Tita Hazel Humagit - my Mamu's sorority sisters - chipped in to buy me a bunch of baby shoes. How do you like my sneakers - they match my Papu's!

February 14, 2009

Tee - Carter's; Hooded knit sweater - Marks & Spencer; Denim shorts - Baby Armstrong; Sneakers - Baby Company

Velcro straps for me and my Papu!

ALL "RIGHT" IN IKEA

2009-02-09T10:56:00.010+08:00

My parents seem to like looking at furniture and stuff for our house. Yawn. We visited a store with Ikea stuff this Sunday with my Oma, Opa and Auntie Mandi. Here I am all sprawled out on an Ikea armchair, in the onesie my Tita Ria Alazas gave me, and those furry little shoes my Oma bought me. They are made of blue velvet and look like winter slippers for "lolos" ("grandfathers" in English!). You watch, I have a lot of "lolo" shoes. Note the hearts on my socks (from my Luli). Groan. Blue hearts on my socks. My Mamu is killing me. (At least she brought me a more macho bib, a gift from my Tita Karla and Ninong Monzit, thank goodness for them, hehe). And am I allowed to lie on that chair to begin with?!

February 8, 2009

Onesie - no brand; Shoes - Luvable Friends; Bib - Koala Baby

CARICATURE

2009-02-09T10:45:00.005+08:00

For our family day, my parents took me to Greenbelt again. We chanced upon this art exhibit by a group of college students who illustrated children's books. (BOOKo JUICE, the exhibit was called). They had free face painting and caricatures for kids. I posed for my very own caricature, and though the artist couldn't quite copy my awesome onesie, I think I look pretty good as an anime character!

February 7, 2009

Onesie - Googoo and Gaga; Sneakers - Chicco

"Winged Skeleton" onesie, front and back - image from Googoo and Gaga

My very first anime caricature!

HI-TOPS ARE TOPS!

2009-02-03T13:40:00.011+08:00

Mamu adores Maddox Jolie-Pitt's look and wants me to look like him. He's always in hi-tops. (Although I doubt the Jolie-Pitts would shop in SM, teehee). Since I'm too small to fit into baby Converse (the smallest Chuck Taylor's we saw are for 3 year old toddlers - hmpf!), she was delighted to find these tiny hi-tops for me. They're really built for infants because they have soft soles - no rubber at all. They're kind of big, but they seem to go with most of my clothes. (Mamu wishes she bought two). Here I am on the couch in my Oma's house. It's a Sunday! I always visit my grandparents on Sundays. They can't seem to get enough of me!

February 1, 2009

Onesie - Wee Essentials from SM; Sneakers - Chicco

THE FIRST OF MANY GOOGOOS

2009-02-03T13:30:00.006+08:00

My Mamu and Papu got me a bunch of onesies from Googoo and Gaga for Christmas. The designs are totally not cutesie at all, which is probably why my parents like them - they look like art work! They plan to have these onesies framed when I outgrow them. The sizes are small - I'm wearing a size 6-12 months onesie, and I'm not even 3 months old yet! Here I am, all Googoo'd and Gaga'd for our trip to Glorietta. My parents are turning me into a Little Mallrat!

January 31, 2009

"Dinosaur Tongue" onesie - Googoo and Gaga

Front and back - image from Googoo and Gaga.

FIRST POST - YAY!

2009-02-02T10:30:00.001+08:00

Here I am in Moon Garden in Tagaytay - my first holiday ever! Mamu got me several baby leg warmers with crazy prints. My Tita Gerry Lee got me a pack of those onesies - I basically wore them the entire month of December, because they were the only set of onesies that fit me then. (After Christmas, it was a whole other story. I grew a pot belly. But that's another entry!)

December 29, 2008

Onesie - Calvin Klein; Leg Warmers - Baby Legs