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...)
Showing posts with label supermom adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label supermom adventure. Show all posts
Monday, August 9, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
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).
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.
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.
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.)
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