Supermom adventure - Kids' touching stories

Yesterday was another busy Sunday for me. After attending the 8:45 mass at Lower Bicutan, we proceeded to Festival mall to attend the South Feast with the celebration of its transfer to its new home at the 2nd level, X-site entrance. It's quite unusual, since I've been used to the setup at the cinema 10. Despite adjusting to quite narrow seatings, and far stage, still the feast spirit is always there energizing me for another days or weeks to come. I thank the Lord for His goodness, showing that He really answers prayers.

After the Feast, I didn't join the kids and my sisters to eat lunch anymore. I have to go to Brentville with Aileen, my officemate, to bring home some of the stuffs that a Korean acquaintance has sold us. I have bought a kiddie bike for my two precious angels, a BMX bike for me (my goal is to learn biking this year, hahaha!) and a number of books and toys - all second hand but I didn't show my kids yet, I planned to make it their reward for any good deed or excellence in school.

I brought along 2 boxes of assorted stuffs to show my officemates. As I unload the boxes with its contents, Angel and Asher gladly jumped with joy with the belief that it's all for them. I explained to them that everything is for sale. I just brought it to the house since I'm nearer to the office compared to Aileen. They asked me not to sell the toys and just give to them. I explained that I couldn't buy all of those things because we have other important needs to prioritize. They immediately showed me their coin purse, counted and handed over their savings for the week as payment for their choice of books and toys. I was touched and nearly in tears, my children didn't pressure me to buy things for them. They requested that I would tell the owner of the items to let them pay until Christmas time, by that time they would have saved enough for all those items. My kids have grown, not only in size and age, but also in wisdom. I really couldn't thank the Lord enough for giving me these precious gifts.

One morning, while walking along the DOST Compound, Asher asked me if I know what's the meaning of genius. I answered back yes, he immediately replied that he knew it too, he described it as "sobrang talino at sobrang galing". I congratulated him for knowing the meaning of genius. He added, "Di ba Mommy, genius ako?" I stood in awe. "Yes you are my dear" I told him. Then he runs so fast to the Day Care, shouting "Yessss!!! Genius ako!!!" (Truly, God has given me smart kids, may they grow in wisdom and guidance of the Almighty. If my children are self-proclaimed genius, I'm a self-proclaimed supermom too! This life is my adventure...)

Supermom adventure in Northern Mindanao - 2nd Part - Iligan City (Tinago Falls)

(This is the 2nd part of the travel adventure...you can read the 1st part here > http://supermomadventuremanila.blogspot.com/2010/05/supermom-travels-in-northern-mindanao.html )


From CDO, it takes around 1 1/2 hrs - 2 hrs going to Iligan City. Past 7 in the evening, we were fetched by Fram's friend Ann Maris and her husband Roy from the bus terminal. Ann was Fram's pen pal - way back 20+ years ago - we couldn't believe that it's their first time to see each other. A rare story, I thought it's only in the movies and novels, but theirs is true, up close and personal; established through letters and founded by trust ( I wish I'm a writer, I'll write a book about their friendship).

A sumptuous dinner has been prepared for us - a simple reflection of how hospitable this family is. We were gladly accepted in a beautiful home of an amazing family. The night was full of stories (most of them I couldn't relate to - hahaha!) but I had a wonderful time listening to them. The next morning, we attended the mass at the Redemptorist Chapel, a few blocks away from the Trinidad residence. Then we prepared ourselves for the trip to Tinago and Maria Cristina Falls. Roy was our driver, tour guide and camera man. 

After another long and winding rough road in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, we arrived at a "forest-like" place and trekked approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase. And there it is, another nature's beauty...wow - my jaw literally dropped upon the sight of the Tinago falls. My first time to see a real falls.

        Janet, Tita Miles, me, Fram and Ann --still looking fresh - just starting to go down

                                               and down...

                                              and there we are...

                         A marvelous scenery in the background...

Tinago falls is literally hidden in a deep ravine, the falls cascading beautifully into a basin-like pool (appears like a blue colored lagoon), clean, and icy cold. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters. Just being there seemed to calm my soul and to be thankful for such wonderful creation.

Ann found a friend there at the foot of the falls, and couldn't say no when we were invited for lunch. The food was great, we were all full and had fun eating with their baon. Janet, Tita Miles and I, swam or rather took a bath in the clear, cold and running waters, it was so much fun swimming with the current. Despite the limited time, we still were very fulfilled having experienced the waters of Tinago Falls.  

Going up was a true challenge, the air passage in my nose seemed to be narrower for all the oxygen and carbon dioxide to go through, thus I have to breath through my mouth, my heart seemed to pump the hardest. The first time ever to engage in such a super physical activity, I feared that I might faint or fall. We have to stop from time to time, I couldn't distinguish my wet clothes if it was still from the water or it was already my perspiration. With my best effort, I'm proud to say I made it to the top. Hahaha! Now I realize, I lacked exercise.

With a little rest, we proceeded to another falls - the Maria Cristina Falls. I have seen its pictures in my daughter's textbook, but it's more beautiful seeing it and just being there.

                            The beautiful Maria Cristina Falls...

                                         with the equally beautiful visitors...:)
Well-known for its natural beauty and grandeur, Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant which is the primary source of electric power for the city and 70% of Mindanao's electricity. A little picture taking, then we went home to clean up, take a snack and off we go the market to buy pasalubongs. Then I made a night trip to Cagayan de Oro, left the three at Iligan, to be with my Tita and her family. The next day was our trip back to Manila.

It was such a memorable weekend for me, I'll be back to all these places soon!

(Special credit for Ate Fram and Roy for the beautiful shots, thanks.)

Supermom adventure in Northern Mindanao - 1st Part - Monastery of Transfiguration Church in Malaybalay Bukidnon

Just got back last monday night from a 3-day trip to Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay and Iligan. It was such a very short yet memorable vacation. I, together with Fram, Janet and Tita Miles(all from RIUD), attended Liza's wedding in Malaybalay. Mama joined us in the flight to and from Cagayan de Oro. She visited Auntie Flora (her sister) and her family who had stayed there since she was 16.

After arriving at the CDO airport, we rode a taxi to the Agora Terminal. Then a two-and-a- half hour bus (Rural Transit) ride to Malaybalay. The weather in Malaybalay is quite cold and quiet compared to Manila, we stayed at the Villa Alemania Inn just across the Gaisano Mall along the stretch of Fortrich St.

We woke up early the next day, Saturday, since Janet has to go to Pine Hills Hotel for her makeup as she is one of the secondary sponsors. We had a quick breakfast in Jollibee then we hired a multi-cab to take us to the Monastery of the Transfiguration Church. Apparently, Manong Driver, haven't been to that place. Or should I say didn't know the tourist spots as we keep on asking him where to go best in Malaybalay, he can't give any suggestions. 

After following a relatively narrow and winding road, we came upon a place that appears to calm you just by being. "Peace to all who enter." This sign greets you at the entrance to the Monastery of the Transfiguration run by Benedictine monks and designed by the National Artist Leandro Locsin. We were amazed with the breath taking view at the top of the hills and can't stop myself singing "the hills are alive..."

                      The Monastery of the Transfiguration Church - photo taken by Fram

Liza's wedding  is as serene as the place itself. The priest shared in his homily some of the highlights of the book of Robert Fulghum, "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" as somehow very essential to marriage. 

                     Posing with the newly-weds (looking at the other photographer, hahaha!)
After the ceremony, we came to our favorite part - the picture taking. While the bride and groom are busy posing with the guests, we are busy too, taking pictures of the different angles of the pyramid-shaped chapel. We can't resist making the trademark jumps, hahaha, Tita Miles jumped too. . 

                              A beautiful passage - nice to pose at too... :)

                                                My high  jump!!! hahaha!

After the picture taking, we went to the souvenir shop a few meters away from the chapel. We bought the famous Monk's Blend coffee and some sweets - piniato, pastillas, polvoron and left overs of hostia ( I didn't know that the left-overs can be eaten just like chips, I even asked the store assistant, "Is it ok to eat this?" hahaha).

               Dwarfed with this 'i-dunno-what-to-call' plant, maybe a giant pineapple

We were late at the reception at Loiza's Pavillion, the program already started when we arrived but luckily, we are the first in the buffet table. Just a  few seconds after we sat down, we are just beginning to 'retouch' when the emcee called our table number for the picture taking with the newly weds then instructed us to proceed to the buffet table. Around 1pm, we went back to our hotel to pack our things and get ready for the Iligan adventure...(thanks so much Ate Fram for bringing a beautiful camera and taking those pictures too!)

             Travel buddies - Me, Tita Miles and Fram (Janet is taking the picture)

Mini-reunion with High School friends

Laids, me and Em

Last night, I met with Lady May (Laids) and Melissa Mae (Em), my high school buddies. It was short yet a worthwhile moment, packed with a sumptuous meal (treat by Laids), abundant laughter and unending stories. Em is now a Pediatrician in PGH, while Laids is a newly pledged Attorney and me, a self-proclaimed supermom, hahaha!...wow-wow-wow! I am blessed with wonderful friends. Looking forward to see all of my high school friends.