Star Trek, Making a Pitch, What, So What, Now What

Two questions to help you when deciding:

1. Is it the truth
2. Will it be good for the group

Some lessons I learned about pitching your start up:

• Be clear what problem you are addressing.
• Make sure your solution is unique.
• Note your competitive advantage. It may be your expertise or what sets you apart.
• Know your business model. If it is not clear to you how to make money, VCs will know. VCs, by the way, mean venture capitalists.
• Ask! Your call to action has to be direct. 
• Don't be afraid to get a NO. No's mean a lot more. It could mean you're not ready, the technology is not ready, and so on.
• What, So What, Now What - Product, Solution, Benefit

Start up speak

Monthly burn: monthly spending

Milestones: how you will determine your success as a start up

Pitching: selling the dream concept your start up is anchored on. It's like a job interview, but more intense! Be ready with 5-year assumptions and projections that show your understanding of your market.

Cost per install: how much you will spend to get users to install your mobile application
Business model: how you will earn money

All this start up talk makes me want to watch an Eddie Garcia movie

Random thought

Coming home to your kids solving math equations and requiring you to solve it too as a family rite of passage.

Benefits of being a working mom

Me vs kida of today

8-year old's Filipino essay

My recent project involves helping a start-up which offers early childhood education mobile applications and teacher/parent training sessions. I do business development. I enjoy it very much and it allows me to learn more skills and knowledge on overlap areas about alternative learning, a personal passion.

It has taken me away from the house more often, and husband-boss has noted the positive effect it brought to the kids. My absence helped our kids become more independent. It has motivated them to be more too.

I make it a point to send Snapchat/snaps of what I do at the office, who I work with, how our meeting goes and these have opened our kids to AHA moments -- my mom can do new things, I can do new things too.

Just recently, our 10-year old has been announcing her high quiz scores. She has also been chosen by her teachers and classmates to become the leader for some class activities. For the second year too, she's set to take the math score award. That is a special award given to high performi kong students with the highest scores in their math learning system.

Our 8-year old on the other hand has been doing several 'mature' things lately. He walks to school by himself. He doesn't need a fetcher anymore. He has finally found the grit to take a bath by himself too.

Me to 8-year old: How come all of your friends are from your class' top 10? You should ask them how to be smart too.
8-year old: They are the only ones who get me.

Now I know why he prefers talking with his dad more than me.

Human development theories: Erikson's Psychosocial Development and Kohlberg's Moral Development

	Erickson’s Psychosocial Development theory			Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory
Stage of Basic Trust and Mistrust (From birth to 18 months)	At 18 months My mother remembers that I was given Carnation milk and my grandmother collected all the used cans and used them for her plants. I remember seeing a whole line of flowers growing from Carnation cans when I was a toddler. I was fortunate that my needs and wishes—feeding wise at least, were met and generously provided for, and now as an adult, building and nurturing relationships are easy.		Pre conventional Morality Stage 1 - Obedience and Punishment (Ages 2 to 5)	At 5 years old While my older sister was in school, I would sneak on her crayons and other stuff and play with them on my own. Then, before she comes back from school, I would make sure I have properly returned it because she gets upset when I use it without her permission. There was one vivid day I remember that she found out and she got mad at me and pinched me. I didn’t repeat that after I got hurt.
Stage of Autonomy and Shame (From 18 months to 3 years)	At 3 years old I remember falling from the stairs and hitting my head against my mother’s sewing machine. It was a bloody afternoon which left me scarred and the whole household fumbled. I accidentally stepped on the towel wrapped around me. I was given enough autonomy to play and explore the world around me, but was not spared from the consequences of wrong decisions, like in this case, draping clothes and stairs.		Pre conventional Morality Stage 2 - Individualism and Exchange (Ages 5 to 9)	At 9 years old One of the games we played as kids was the rubber band game. When it is your turn, you have to blow on a rubber band and if it lands on the other person’s rubber band, that will be yours. One of my friends would give me her rubber bands, but when we would play together, she would take several chances when it is her turn until she wins. She would only give me one chance when it is my turn. I didn’t complain, because in the end, she would give me rubber bands.
Stage of Initiative and Guilt (From 3 to 6 years)	At 4 to 5 years old Being the youngest, all of my siblings were already in school while I was left at home. My grandmother and mother told me that every June, before the classes would start, my neighbour and I would always plan to go to school and agree to wake up early so we could start school by ourselves. However, I was a late sleeper, and my neighbour would wake me up, as the other kids were already at school. Our parents allowed us to hatch our own plans but knew that we were too young to attend school and played along with our initiatives.		Conventional Morality Stage 3 - Interpersonal Relationships (Ages 7 to 12)	At 12 years old When together, my friends and I would conduct ourselves as hip and cool. We would play out jokes and stories from the TV shows we watched especially Ang TV. However, when our teachers are within reach, we keep quiet and get serious as if putting on a different kind of us.
Stage of Industry and Inferiority (From 6 to 12 years)	At 11 to 12 years old I became part of the Journalism Club during this stage and became part of the school’s official representative for competitions. Our English and Journalism teachers would regularly train us after class and I enjoyed the support and mentoring they provided, along with my classmates’ friendship and fun company. We were confident and together we achieved memorable things for the school and for ourselves.		Conventional Morality Stage 4 - Maintaining Social Order (Ages 10 to 15)	At 15 years old I remember that this is the first time I have become aware and passionate about obeying the traffic laws especially the no jaywalking. Even though there were no cars passing, I would wait for the Go green light before I cross the street.
Stage of Identity and Role Confusion (From 12 to 18 years)	At 15 years old My father passed away due to a long-time sickness. I remember being very sad, uninterested and confused about what course to take in college. I had no firm personal goal or path. I followed and copied some of my friends’ course choice, and was fortunate that I ended up in a degree I enjoyed. I believe that God’s plans prevailed despite my lack of direction and I am very thankful.		Post Conventional Morality Stage 5 - Social Contract and Individual Rights	At present I remember during the presidential debates, one candidate would always mention that the rule of law should be observed. Individual choices and behaviour are allowed, however, the rule of law must be observed. This was imminent when one presidential candidate wanted to present documents as proof of his claim when the debate organisers’ rule was that no documents are allowed.
Stage of Intimacy and Isolation (From 18 or 20 to 40 years)	At 25 years to present I have been blessed with a life partner husband and a loving family who support and encourage me. There is ample room to be myself, to follow my personal dreams—one of which is to become a teacher and have our own school—as well as to do life together as a family supporting alternative learning with the help of technology.		Post Conventional Morality Stage 6 - Universal Principles	At present As discussed in class, a great example was the priest who lied to the policemen in order to let main character Jean Valjean in the fictional story Les Misérables start a new life. The priest even gave robber Valjean his extra silverware so that he may use them for his needs. Even when the priest’s action conflicted with the laws and rules, the priest took the high ground of moral reasoning and instead forgave so that Valjean may have a fresh start. On a more personal and practical level, letting someone who is old, pregnant, with kid or carrying loads of bags to go first at the grocery counter illustrates support universal principle of generosity and goodness.
Stage of Generativity and Stagnation (From 40 to 60 years)	Not there yet, but parents and older relatives are generous to offer life tips and financial support to draw learnings from, very much like standing on the shoulder of giants.
Stage of Integrity and Despair (From 60 till death)	Not there too. Hearing from my parents, older family and friends, it’s wonderful to observe the quiet wisdom of our elderly as they allow us, younger people, to shape our own lives, only casually giving their inputs and trusting that there is an individual plan for each of us, plans that prosper and not harm, plans that give hope and a future.

8-year old questions

About iOS 10's ability to delete some pre-installed apps
If they will let users delete the App Store, how can we get new apps?

*Of course, the App Store cannot be deleted and Apple clarified that these native apps will only be hidden from the user but will still eat up the device's memory.

About movie villains who want to destroy the world
Where will they live once the earth has been destroyed?

6-year old Erap Joke, Kids are really naughty, Android's accelerometer, What's inside God's heart, Packing for a swimming outing

While trying out a new game on the computer, our 6-year old asked her dad: "What's the next step?"

Dad: "It says there press any key."

6-year old: "Where's ANYKEY?"

Naughty by nature
Grabbing the chance to teach my kids about life lessons, I immediately veered our conversation to drive home a point: parents should be respected and not hurt.

Mommy: "You came from inside my tummy, that's why I am your mother. Mothers shouldn't be shouted at."

6-year old: "But you get mad at us too." (Caught than taught, eh?)


Not giving in, mommy answered: "That's because you are naughty."

6-year old: "Kids are really naughty, mommy!"

:D

Kids are kids. :)

Playing with past tense
Excited to share his latest triumph, my 4-year old announced:

"I lock-ted the auto rotate, dad!"

God's heart
While on a long road trip, the kids with their cousins were looking for ways to entertain themselves. It came to a point when they did questions and answers.

4-year old: "Does God have a heart?"

8-year old: "Yes!" enthused his cousin.

4-year old: "Where is it? I know, we are all inside of God's heart."









Swimming outing list
Summer in the Philippines means vacation time and swimming time. Packing well means a better swimming outing, so here's my default list:

1. Waterproof bag or any plastic container to put all those wet swim wear
2. Set of clothes to wear after swimming
3. Shampoo and conditioner - if swimming in pools, it is best to wash away the chlorine in your hair. Ideal is to wear swimming cap.
4. Towels - bringing extra never hurts
5. Comb or hairbrush 
6. Deodorant - sun will make you sweat, better be protected
7. Body splash or moisturizer - more common here, lotion
8. Water - bring back the loss water from perspiration and swimming by drinking lots of fluid

Food and drinks are assumed covered!

Parent's role, Missed playing with me, Benefits of swimming, No time for Strawberry Shortcake, Kid funny questions

Surrender your kids to God and spend the time necessary to uncover His plans for their lives.

Noticing that most of the kids' time are spent tinkering with the iPad, I once used it as a punishment tool.

One of the things I particularly admire about my girl is her obedience to rules and punishments, despite her upfront discontent about them. She's my rule guardian and punishment enforcer ally.

Me: No iPad for you until your birthday. (That was like a month of iPad-less days to go.)

Days and weeks went on and she would just look at her brother use it. She stood firm with her punishment, until I could no longer bear it and asked her.

Me: Don't you miss playing with the iPad?

Lois: No mom, I don't miss the iPad. I missed playing with you.

Swimming at the fine sand beach of Pagudpud

Swimming: Ideal exercise
Here are upsides to swimming I have recently learned:

• 30-45 minutes of swimming provide relaxation, toning, stretching and trimming down. Best if you can do different strokes per session. Back stroke is ideal for people suffering from back injuries and helps correct posture.
• 1 hour of swimming = 4 miles of moderate pace running
• 30 minutes of water exercises = 90 minutes at gym
• It's all about the water. Water pressure on our body is 800 times more than that of air. It's comparable to massage's pressure. Therefore, swimming improves blood circulation. It also helps even out cellulite.

No time for Strawberry Shortcake My girl received a Strawberry Shortcake activity book. She was eager to do them with me, but I declined since there was a deadline I was aiming for. It was also night time already. The following Friday morning, we could do them together. She reasoned out she has two classes - kinder class in the morning and piano lesson in the afternoon. The following day, Saturday, it's her schedule to use the computer and that's her Polly Pocket time. She definitely has no more time! 6-year old life questions Kids say the funniest things, right? They also ask the most difficult questions. Some of Lois' deep thoughts: What is heaven like? Why is their dad's middle name different from all the rest of us in the family? Ladies do not start fights, but they can finish them. Marie of Aristocats

Memory backup, Kid suggestions, Ilocos Norte and Pagudpud

Age has turned my topsy-turvy memory in a more chaotic state. Thanks to my daughter, I have needed help.

"Remind me that we need to buy this and that at the supermarket." We go buy at the supermarket and I am gently of what I earlier told her. Her impressive memory and persistence prove to be a useful backup to my otherwise short term memory.

She loves to go to school. There's no problem in waking her up, and getting her ready.

Within reach
While passing urine in the rest room, my preschooler boy remarked, "Why is our light switch placed so high? Creatures like me find it hard to reach!"

"How then should we place it?"

He argued they should be placed low enough for everyone to reach.

Top view of Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte with Manong Ador

Part of our emerging family tradition is to spend the New Year's eve in a new place. Partly to avoid the smoke of the fireworks, though we've observed that the smoke is the same anywhere we go.

This time we headed to Ilocos Norte. Took a low price airplane Cebu Pacific on sale seat on our way there and toured around Laoag City. It was sad that it was a weekend when we were there. The city's museum is impressive.

I love it that riding the kalesa is not as pricey as compared here in Manila. Fare is like that of tricycles, which is Ilocos Norte's equivalent of the jeep. P10/ride per head when we went there. Jeeps are reserved for town-to-town trips like when we went from Laoag to Paoay to visit the World Heritage Church there. We also visited a chicha-corn factory.

Corn, garlic and salt are materials abundant in Ilocos Norte, that's why chichacorn rules there!

Afterwards, we took a bus to go to Pagudpud - Luzon's Boracay. If I remember it, the fare from Laoag to Pagudpud is P60/head.

In Pagudpud, we met Mang Ador. A tour guide/tricycle driver. His number is 0948-794 0255. He toured us around Pagudpud, and the nearby towns. He even helped us look for our accommodations. He said that local tourism is a big boost in their livelihood and that the local government is helping them get proper training.

If you're Ilokano, you can read this!

We chose to visit the lighthouse of Bojeador, South East Asia's tallest. It's on top of a hill, so it really has a breathtaking view of the sea below. At summertime, visitors have to walk from the bottom up. We were lucky that Mang Ador's able tricycle took us at the steps of the lighthouse.

On our way, we had lunch and I ate their pinakbet version. I find it a bit salty. Perhaps because salt is so cheap there? Pasuquin's rows and rows of road-side salt stores are nice to see. Mang Ador chose the Bagnet, the pork chop of Ilocos Norte.

I love their green grapes. The seeds make them real healthy. A kilo is P80.

The windmills of Bangui were giants guarding the shore. They make this scary sound that my little boy doesn't like. They say that it supplies 40% of the province's power needs.

On our way back, we took the bus and it was expectantly uncomfortable. It was cheaper. We had no choice. All throughout the 12-hour trip from Laoag to SM North, the bus kept on stopping to load vegetable produce from farmers who had contacts in Manila. From the smell of it, we rode with onions and pepper. The other vegetables didn't smell that strong.

Before boarding the bus, I was able to try their empanada. It's a marriage of lumpiang toge and kwek-kwek. It's either I am not a great fan, or the one I tried wasn't very well prepared.

Sick kids, women's purse, Shamcey Supsup, Preschool conclusion

Sick kids are the most difficult to take care of.

Recently, Carlos fell from the stairs while rushing down with his sister. They were racing. He skipped a step and fell head first. Good thing I caught him before he landed on the bottom most part. However, the incident broke his left shoulder, clavicle, the doctors call.

Good thing they were on a semestral break.

Days after this, he and his sister developed cough which I think turned into bronchitis. Health is indeed wealth.

Germs trivia
What a shock to read about women's purse as homes to E. coli and salmonella as well as fecal contaminants! Think about it, while using the rest room, there are times when there's no choice but to lay bags and purse on the ladies' room floor. Aside from this, our bags are with us on the train, the bus, the restaurant.

To prevent these germs from getting into our homes, wipe it clean every day with sanitizer. Yes, alcohol's a good choice, if you think your bag's surface won't get damaged with it. Cleaning your bags regularly help too.

Plus, wiping clean regularly used purse items like keys and mobile phones may keep germ-caused diseases away.

Source: Family Education

Shamcey Supsup

Shamcey Supsup made the Philippines proud last September when she bagged the 3rd runner up slot in the Miss Universe 2011. Last year, Philippines' candidate Venus Raj ranked 4th runner up.

While she was doing the pageant, me and the kids were headed for the LBC bankruptcy forum for depositors. Haven't heard from the bank nor PDIC again.

I was impressed with her brief yet intelligent answer about shifting religion for a man and am reminded by a quote by Maya Angelou:

 A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

• Shamcey is from General Santos, the home town of now legislator world class boxing champ Manny Pacquiao
• She graduated Magna Cum Laude in the University of the Philippines in Diliman under the College of Architecture, a 5-year course with a professional examination board exam. That means her general weighted average during her whole college life is 1.45 or higher. That's like getting a grade of 90+ (out or 100) in all her classes.
• She topped the Philippine Architectural Board Examination with a grade of 86.60%. Heard that she enrolled in a review center twice, and has a habit of re-reading textbooks several times over. Now that's a habit I want my kids to adopt!
• She was a consistent honor student, valedictorian in grade school and salutatorian in Makati High School.
• Her gym instructor commends her discipline. While training for the Miss Universe, she has to get fit to gain the 'right' abs. There would be times when exercising would be too difficult, but when she was reminded that she will represent the country, she gets motivated. She eats healthy too.
• She attends Victory Christian Fellowship.

Lois' conclusions

At the end of her Nursery 2 class, my eldest's class was told by their teacher that three among them will transfer to another class. Therefore, they will not be their classmates anymore.

During their school's break, we decided to enroll her to a Vacation Bible Class, which is like an extended Sunday School. She had her new teachers and classmates. She liked it, but not as much as regular school, she told me.

At the same time, we enrolled her brother to an orientation class in her regular school because he is a new student. He has to be familiar with a class' routine before the start of the official school year.

Due to this, Lois told me a conclusion she arrived at. "Mom, I won't be attending regular school anymore. I am one of the three students that teacher said will be transferred to another class." She was referring to the Vacation Bible Class as the 'other' class.

Creative lunchboxes, Lois Billionaire, No toothbrush near the toilet, stressed parent equals stressed kids

My two kids are not great eaters. Our family is not. So it's really a gift for me that their school encourages healthy eating - fruits and vegetables. Sometimes I get reprimanded by my own daughter. "Ayayay, Mommy! This is not healthy food."


Lunchbox staples
So I normally pack cut fruits - apple, mangoes, melon, watermelon. Bananas and grapes are sure winners.


I also serve them raw cashew nuts/peanuts mixed with raisins and cereals. On some days, they get peanut butter sandwiches shaped in triangles, ovals, squares and hearts. They love it!

I want to be a billionaire

To encourage doing things on their own, I started posting chore charts for my two kids. The reward was money. Since they love APPS, they may use their money to buy. I was particularly targeting my little boy to do this.

However, my plan backfired. My son was not at all interested in his chores nor his prizes. Instead, it was his sister who religiously checked and asked for her rewards. She was able to get quite a few, almost halfway her piggy bank, until she told me one day: "Don't give me anymore coins. I'm already a billionaire!"

Secretly giggling to her declaration, I confirmed if she knows what a billionaire is. "My classmate Edward said a billionaire is someone who has lots of money."

Yes, my little girl! You are indeed a billionaire.

Restroom tip

I first heard about this while riding the metro train to a meeting.

Flushing the toilet can cause germs to fly anywhere from 6-10 feet. At the very least, keep your brush as far from the toilet as possible, and protect it in a plastic container or holder.

Since we don't have the luxury of space, I have instructed everyone to pull down the lid before hitting the flush button. Hope that helps?

Child stress

My kids copy me, especially my bad traits. I am working hard on it. Though I haven't gotten very far. Lately though, when I read about the top causes of stress for children, I got a solid punch. I should really pull myself together when the kids are watching.

Parent having problems.
Fight with a friend or a sibling.
Taking a test.
Wondering if someone thinks you're attractive (teens especially).
Not having enough privacy.
Birth of a brother or sister.
Moving to a new school.
Re/marriage of a parent.
Not having enough money.
A teacher who doesn't like you.

Source: Mind/Body Medical Institute

1955 - 2011, Woman's belly, Customer Service Rant and A Class of Perry

The death of Steve Jobs this month, October 2011 was mourned by the whole world. As an Apple fan, I bid farewell to his contributions and passions which have changed a whole generation's digital preference. I envy his desire for excellence in all things, and his laser-like focus in doing and finishing a job.

May this world see many other Steve Jobs-like minded people in terms of that.

My 3-year old boy couldn't keep his eyes off this cereal box. He even asked me to watch videos in YouTube of girls like this. Yes, I really got a boy, alright!

Value vs. price
I used to look at the price tag alone, but one big thing that Apple changed in me is to look at the value of products. It's customer service is impeccable, which makes the whole experience of owning an Apple device really worth every cent. This identifies the success of Apple too, since its customers have been turned into brand ambassadors.

Lately, I have crossed out Max's Restaurant off my list since I was served damaged vegetables, they were well cooked but the carrots and cabbage had bruises on them. I am not a cook, but I won't serve those kind to friends. As a restaurant, they should have been more quality-oriented. I ordered a 20 pax seating and yet a simple request of heating the soup was not accommodated.

LG was another disaster. The Android phone bought there, two weeks after it has been purchased does not automatically rotate. Went to the concept store where we bought and was told that we had to visit another LG branch since their computer used to diagnose problems has been down for a week already. In short, it took us two weeks to have the phone fixed. Turns out something's really wrong with the board of the phone.

A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

That same day too, eating in Tokyo Tokyo, I ordered for the fish donburi with egg giving the specific instruction for it to be well done. The order came and I got a half-done sunny side egg. I told the waitress of my earlier request and said that's really how they cook it. I tried to ask her if she can go back to the cook to request for it to be fixed. Some seconds later, she came back with the same egg and the reason that it can't be done. Why do I have to put up with this kind of treatment, I won't go to anymore Tokyo Tokyo.

Lastly, buying at a Baby Company Boutique, I had to wait for like 15 minutes in order for the previous transaction to end. The cash register was broken and they were doing it manually, with a trainee. Double whammy! I was already set to leave but husband said it's fine so we waited for our turn.

At this point I was already thinking if it's the Filipino mindset? But no, I get better service and customer relations in my local bread store.

All Perry
My youngest has started loving his school and his classmates. He's now able to tell stories of what happened in class. He does not dish out all these excuses to not go to school anymore. And lastly, he shows interest in writing, a task he used to hate a LOT.

I can still remember his story last summer when he was attending preschool orientation classes. He told me that his classmate named Perry was painting and some spilt on his socks, then another classmate named Perry was dancing very funny. While another one named Perry built a train toy using blocks.

I investigated on the names of his classmates. There was only one boy with the name Perry. He thought all of his boy classmates then were named Perry?

Thinking of mommy, trouble with sending son to school, sardines and chocolate beddings, door made from color swatches

While washing the dishes, my little girl pointed out that her utensils need not be cleaned. "I didn't use them mom, because I don't want you to be tired. When I was in Laguna, I missed you."

Yes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm so proud of how my 5-year old girl thought about me. Thank you for being selfless, Lois!

Children listen
Careful what you say, children will listen - that song of Miss Barbara Streissand has never been truer than this time.

I talked on the phone about my little boy's lackluster efforts and interests in writing and the following day. My sister was on the other line. The following morning, my three-your old son uses that as the reason not to go inside their classroom.

"I cannot draw and write", he argues.

"That's the more reason you should go to school", I argued back.

Fast forward when we are at his school grounds, the bell rings for them to line up. With all his classmates falling in line, he fiddles behind my back. "I want them inside already, and then I will go and line up."

No one's left outside anymore. Teacher beckons to him again. He resists, as if finding protection from me. "Go inside when you're ready. We are waiting for you inside." He was told by the teacher.

He refuses, again. I try more convincing tactics - bribing, threatening, encouraging. Carlos doesn't want to go inside. I turn my back to walk back home. He follows. When we got to a private place where I can talk with him, I remind him that when we get home I will bring him to his room and talk with him - the usual punishment routine. He speaks some illogical words, but motions to go to school.

I walk with him again. When we get to his class' door, he tells me to knock. We wait. Growing impatient perhaps, he knocks now. Teacher opens the door and greets him the usual morning ritual. He gets inside. Hay!

This seemingly ordinary shoe may be zipped up on its own - swell for light travelers.

Loving school
Quite the opposite, my 5-year old daughter tells me one time that her favorite thing to do is to go to school.

"I love learning," she beams.

Good for you. She notes that job helpers, when teacher lets them report the weather, read the calendar, etc entice her to go to school every day.

This door is made from pantone switches which lets the light in.

Favorite iPad App, solar powered water bottles, sleeping bag coats, green bags from unwanted plants, and crave foods' healthy options

What happened to my kids?

How do you turn a treasure of games and entertainment tools into something beneficial? Allow use after a chose has been finished. That has been my rule in letting my kids use the iPad.

They love the gadget so much, even more than the old version because of the built-in cameras. They go crazy taking funny pictures of themselves through Photo Booth and recording video narrations.

However, to limit their use, mommy has to give the go before they can use it. I may get it back from too if the time is up, or if what they're doing isn't nice anymore. Most usual conditions I give my 5-year old is to write her complete name in a whole sheet of bond paper. I interchange this with having her read a book, and she chooses the small picture books with just less than 30 words on them.

Living my dream
I have always carried this desire in my heart to be an entrepreneur. I am living the dream now, being a freelance web/graphics designer and an all-around raket-eer. Yet I am still not satisfied.

It could perhaps be because my business pursuits haven't taken off. My projects are fine, yet I am not literally running a profitable business with regular employees. My closest shot with being an entrepreneur is leaving the corporate world and exiting the rat race.

Perhaps a more compelling reason is the fact that, like Bill Gates, I would like to pursue more humanely projects. Money-generating activities that don't solely exist to collect paychecks but more importantly, to give back to those who have no idea how to make it.

Here are a few inspiring stories:

• Coat or Sleeping Bag

Explaining what the coat is, as quoted from Veronika Scott, the designer:

"self-heated, waterproof, and transforms into a sleeping bag at night.

It is made by a group of homeless women who are paid minimum wage, fed and housed while creating these coats made for those living on the streets. The focus is on the humanitarian system to create jobs for those that desire them and coats for those that need them at no cost. The goal is to empower, employ, educate, and instill pride. The importance is not with the product but with the people.

Find out more about this project: The Empowerment Plan

• Furniture and bags out of unwanted plants

Stools, bags, pillows and more woven from water hyacinth in Cambodia, by people living in that community. This is not just green, it is also community-friendly.

These invasive plants thrive and choke waterways causing floods and loss of agricultural produce. I have seen them floating over lots of Metro Manila's rivers and they are nuisance, to say the least. I laud what these designers have done and wish that more efforts towards this same direction be taken in different countries.

Know more about this designer here: Aissa Logerot

Solar lamps from recycled soda plastic bottles filled with water

I came across this ingenious invention through Tumblr and research how this seemingly simple trick is done:

In 2002, during a long electrical shortage, at Uberaba, São Paulo, Brasil, Mr Alfredo Moser discovered a way to gather sun light in the house through plastic bottles hanging from the roof. First shown at the Globo Reporter in the 25th May 2007.

Now, I am pleased to know that a lot of Filipino families have benefitted from the sun through the Isang Litrong Liwanag, a non-governmental agency which promotes this innovation that help empower poor families.


Sorry, Captain Hook
Avoiding the 'yes-no' response, we've been rephrasing our remarks with the kids. One day, daddy was asking little boy what would the crocodile say to Captain Hook when it gets near him.

Carlos: He'd say sorry.
Daddy: Why sorry?
Carlos: Because he bit his hand.

I didn't think of that.

Want tobacco? Have Silicon
Craving for something? Beat your taste buds with these healthier options.

Want cool drinks? Have manganese. This is abundant in walnuts, almonds, blueberries.

Want salty foods? Have chloride. This is abundant in fish, unrefined sea salt.

Want soda or carbonated drink? Have calcium. This is abundant in broccoli, kale, legumes.

Update on Enopi and wushu classes

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” ~ Albert Einstein

Both my plans of enrolling my two kids to Enopi and wushu were foiled this month. Better and more appropriate ones came along and I had to go with them.

My kids' school offered after-school tutorials with actual preschool teachers giving the lessons. I enrolled my 3-year old to academic tutorial there. Our schedule is thrice a week for 45 minutes per session. The fee is P2600/month.

I let my 5-year old girl do wushu for body exercise and peer interactions. However, she cried on our way to her trial session. I had to really beg her to just try. She obliged me but told me and the coordinator after the one-hour workout that she doesn't want to come back.

It will just be swimming lessons for her - again.

Un-birthday traditions, heart eggs, preparing for PTC ala Kenneth Cobonpue and Ferran Adria's El Bulli movie

How to make heart eggs

I grew up not celebrating birthdays. I understand my parent's reasons and I don't resent it, we are 12 in the family - not including the extended members. To not celebrate is the safest and most economical way to go for a farmer village family sending children to school.

With my own family now, we celebrate our birthdays very simply. Cake and a huge serving of spaghetti, though I prefer pansit. I cook great pansit! There would be times when we would invite some family and/or friends to share a meal with us at a place we haven't visited to commemorate the special occasion.



El Bulli
If you're a foodie, I'm sure you've heard of the greatest restaurant in the world. Closed six months of every year to prepare for the next season, reservation list is endless. The Spanish chef, Ferran Adria calls his cooking avant-garde, elevating it as an art. Isn't it amusing that he's no French?

You may want to catch this movie about him and his restaurant, which means The Bull. The guy is passionate and a perfectionist, which goes along, I think.

I once ate a chocolate bar infused with bacon bits. The maker studied and has been greatly influenced by Ferran Adria. I didn't like it, though it was fine. I didn't totally catch it.

PTC armaments
I haven't totally got passed the last PTC sessions, they kept a scar mark in my soul that will only be healed if I see my kids doing better. I thought, for the next PTCs I would be ready with my notes. I will observe my kids for their strongest and worst point to tackle with the teachers. The next parent-teacher conferences (PTCs) will be about both parties engaging over the kids' performance and how they may be better individuals.

Since then, I have been encouraging my kindergartener to read a book out loud daily, practice writing and choose iPad games that are educational. I have been stricter with our schedule, I admit. With or without a freelance project I see to it that the kids do activities that will build on skills they need to be better - not just at school but also in life in general.

I give punishments more often too, unlike before that I let things pass because I have other more important things to do.

Yes, the last PTC engaged me so much about parenting that tomorrow we'll be starting Wushu lessons even if it costs more than my monthly gym membership, which husband and I forego due to tight schedules, thank you very much.

Doing world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue's three questions: who am I, why am I on earth for and what am I good at - I am definitely, positively engaged in parenting.

Yeah!

Kid funny moments
Husband and little boy are in search for a barber shop. They've been sporting long hair-dos and want to have it trimmed. Pointing out the iconic spiral of blue and red to our preschooler, husband said "Look at that moving colors. Whenever you see that, it means it's a barber shop."

Our little boy replied, "Ah, like the 'loading' symbol?"

Seeing through other peoples' eyes

I had to leave with Lois and daddy has to work. No yaya, only Kuya duds, who is helping us out temporarily, to look after Carlos. Gave them P50 for tokens and juice to buy from The supermarket - Carlos' favorite.

Six hours later, Lois and I came back. Carlos was deep asleep, obviously tired from his afternoon treat. The following morning, both kids ask me again to bring them to the game zone.


Why we went away
The kids will be starting school soon and I have extra hand through Kuya Jordan, so I decided to attend my small group, after more than six-months of hiatus.

My group is an all-women's group which study the Bible and organize travel, outreach activities and I missed them a lot.

Tinker Toys creation - helicopter

When they saw me again, they all said I looked fatter. Though more were commenting on my daughter whom they haven't seen for a long time. They all said she has grown to become a big girl. Most asked if she was already starting grade school because she looks so tall already.

Somehow, all of their comments gave me a different perspective of the my daughter. Yes! I see too, how big she now is. Far from the toddler that I used to carry. I don't need to mind her now anymore. She can handle her self. I can even give her directions!

Even the MRT agrees. Lois is 'required' to pay now, because her height exceeds the train meter's.

KLove promo
Husband loves KLove. He always leave it playing on for all of us to hear at home.

One ongoing promotion they have is to complete the sentence: I am a living proof of God's love (blank). Listening to the contest rules, I wondered what I would put in place of the blank. Does my life really prove God's love? Do my kids see in me a godly woman? I whispered a prayer and praised God for mini-moments like these which bring me back to what's important.

I am a living proof of God's love, my life now has meaning and fulfillment. Far from the empty, hard-to-fill cup I used to live. I know that I am here on earth for a purpose, and my every day unfolds that purpose.

Washington Sycip
One prolific organization that I admire, and wish to grow even more is HistokyKo.Org

One recent activity they had, which I missed was a talk given by great Filipino business sage Washington Sycip. When I saw a DVD of the event selling for P200, I bought it and learned a lot from the talk. Sharing the insights I have taken down:

1. KT Li of Taiwan introduced computer to all age group that's why Taiwan is what it is now, a small country giant in IT manufacturing. To learn more about his life and emulate him that husband may fulfill his dream of leveraging IT to reach the Philippines' poor.
2. A person who cannot read or write is 99.9% sure to be poor. - Washington Sycip
3. Asked what he taught his children, Mr. Sycip said to provide good education for his children, thinking that afterwards, they will not depend on him. He even relayed how his parents sent them to the public school, even if they can afford the private school; and make them walk or take public transportation, instead of being driven around. Further convinced to lead simple lives to empower more the kids. Thinking comfort and luxury spoil kids.
4. Examples of leadership, good leadership is lacking in the country. Reminded even more to model good behavior so the kids may see. I often require the kids to be cordial and respectful to  the elderly, while I myself am shy. Things like that.

Overheard
We have met up with Ninang Rachelle quite often this month. She drove for us. Some funny moments between her and Carlos:

Rachelle asking CD: Did you see that other car? Or are you near-sighted?
Carlos: Me, I am excited!
Who wouldn't we're going to the pool to swim.

Kids are pretending to drive while seated at the back. Ninang Rachelle was annotating her driving. Curious if the kids are following her, she asked:
Rachelle: I am going to turn left. Where are you going?
Carlos: We're left-ing.
Oh, he's going to turn left too.

Deciding to eat via drive-thru, Ninang Rachelle asked:
Rachelle: Do you want anything?
Carlos: Yes! I want anything.

Maybe they added 'anything' in their menu?

New pre-reader and permanent tooth

Went back again to QC Memorial Circle, one free afternoon. Took the underpass in front of QC Hall and ended up at the park where exercise machines are free for use to all visitors. The kids particularly like this swing

It could be him imitating his big sister, or his interpretation of what reading words is, and it is very funny. Our little boy Carlos.

One time, he insisted he should sit in between his dad and ate, because the space in between reads: Carlos here. Of course, nothing's written there but the truth and fantasy according to this three-year old boy.

Then, while eating out in a restaurant which specializes in grilled meals, he noticed the logo type which bears a flame. He matter of factly stated, "that reads 'fire'". 

Today should have been his first day of summer classes, a required course before he enters Nursery 2. I was egging them both to practice writing and drawing, but Carlos declines. Opting to play with his cars instead.

Cutting permanent tooth
What a perfect timing, for me to find out about it on mother's day.

We were eating lunch at McDonalds when I noticed something odd in Lois' mouth. It was as if she was chewing gum or something. After I inspected, it was a permanent tooth breaking out of Lois' lower front teeth. A shark, since the tooth was behind a row of healthy, white, milk teeth.

Afterwards, Lois refused to let us check her new, growing tooth. Maybe she got scared, or shy?

This part is a rite of passage for me. This tooth eruption marks a dawning of a new era. No more a baby, but a growing girl in our midst.

I am reminded of an ebook we often read for bedtime rituals. Thank you baby, for teaching me to slow down and appreciate life. Time to enjoy the moment scratching your back before you fall asleep. Time to savor every bit of our cool bath with me covering your body with soap bubble. Time to focus on our bond now that you still need and want me.

Because this time will soon be over. Your growing independence and sense of self will take you places, sometimes even far from me. And though we will forever be, there will be that point when it will just be you. All on your own.

So I will soak it up. Every second of this fleeting time, or else it might be over.

Non-English speakers

Our girl and boy are becoming funnier by the minute. Yes, I enjoy them a lot these days especially after a week of working outside the house. Absence drew me fonder of them, that's true.

Why I was away
Helped out a friend with her Galleon Trade exhibit at the Senate. It was fun though stressful. Met a handful of good-to-work with people, that alone makes me want to work with them more.


Dia del Galeon sounds very Spanish, colonial because it truly is - though it purports to celebrate the cultural exchange between Mexico and the Philippines, the two originating countries of the trade route, and highlight the Filipinos' contributions to this longest and oldest trade route which ran for over 250 years. Learned that several words common to us now came from Mexico, like nanay and tatay, tiangge, lamierda. While we taught them concepts about planting rice, making tuba (drink from coconut), making nipa hut (palapa) and our sweet mango. We also got new fruits, trees from them - peanuts, corn, pineapple, atis, chico, avocado. Of course, diseases and other practices like worshiping of saints ala Quiapo's Black Nazareno style.

There's not much scientific proof because we haven't dug deep into our past, but there's a convincing theory that the discovery of the tornaviaje (return route) by Fray Andres Urdaneta from Cebu to Europe was made possible because of the aid of ancient Filipino seafarers. Makes great sense because our ancestors have mastered the seas long before the 16th century colonizations, remember the balanghai and the Chinese mentions of our trading with them.

Overall, I had fun working with the team about our culture and history. It's nice to be away from my home office every once in a while.



Say what?
Like beauty queen Venus Raj, my two kids don't think in English. Why should they, Filipino sila? But we've been introducing them to the language along with other ones to equip them as they grow. Very funny because they make out hilarious phrases out of the English ones they hear.

Set-pallow-it - Origin: By Carlos, from the movie The Incredibles, when Mr. Incredible (Robert Parr) asked designer Edna Moss for a patch job of his old hero suit. True meaning: Can't allow it!

Snockets - Origin: By Carlos, from the movie The Incredibles, again about Mr. Incredible and Edna Moss. True meaning: No capes!

Mi-ca-na - Origin: By Lois, from the movie Monsters, Inc., when Mike Lusawski saw the new company TV spot. True meaning: The camera loves me.

Apple iPad Talk
Lois can say it properly, but younger Carlos, who's native tongue is Pilipino has a difficult time pronouncing iPad. He instead calls for the iPod when he wants the iPad. To correct the matter, daddy and big sister taught him to say 'ped'. Frustrated, Carlos blurts "Di ko kayang sabihin yun!"

:D

Evoliving at Nuvali, Taxi Boat and Picnic

Coi feeding at Nuvali. Or are these carps?

Lois is five years old now. We wanted her to experience something new now that she's a year older. We asked her if it would be riding a horse, bike or boat. She chose to ride a boat.

Nuvali was a family-friendly neighborhood which offers a taxi boat around its man-made lake from 8am-5pm. It's also popular for its fish feeding where guests may buy Nuvali fish food for P15/pack. So one Sunday, we trooped there and invited some family to make the celebration more meaningful.

Getting there was easy. There were enough directional signages along the road from Sta. Rosa exit. Or it really helped that husband and sister-in-law are South-side residents. They are Laguna natives. :)

We also have a printout of the locational map from Nuvali's official website. There's a new u-turn area to get to Solenad, the commercial area of Nuvali, they say. Though I think not taking it would still work. 

Solenad Lunch

We had our lunch at Yellow Cab. There are lots of places to eat at there – poshy restaurants to affordable meals. Then it was taxi boat ride time. It costs P30/person. Ma Dahls treated every one. :) 

The boat ride took them under a tunnel/bridge then around the fountains. The ride was fast and water splashes are guaranteed, sending the kids screaming with glee. 

 

After lunch, we checked the tiangge area near the parking. There was a live band playing when we arrived. Not sure if that's there all the time. They're good, playing acoustic songs. I heard them sing a Christ Tomlin followed by a Glee TV show original. The performers encourage the crowd to step up and sing with them via an available microphone. They project lyrics of the songs so it's easy. I wonder if the volunteers know that the performance is broadcasted at the other side of the restaurant row?

The tiangge offers clothes, toys, fashion accessories, food and some house furniture. There was a signage which states that Nuvali doesn't support piracy, but I noticed that some toys are China-made, which is somehow confusing.

We were thinking of renting some bicycles at P60/hour. You have to have a valid ID to do this. We decided against it, not because we don't have Ids but because there are no kid bikes.

Picnic for Lois

For a short picnic, we trooped near 7-11 at the Convergys Building. Or I think that Evo Tech Bldg. Anyways, they have a spacious lawn in front and we already saw some lying on the grass. Carlos had a grand time running around the greens. He never mind that it was 3pm and the sun was scorching hot. Lois was nibbling with her friends, showing me the hand-painted banig bag she did at the Nuvali Open House. Baby Skid was fast asleep, perhaps tired and lulled by the winds.

Nuvali Residence?

Are we going back? Not really. It's a nice experience, a good treat for the people of Sta. Rosa and of Nuvali. Though I wouldn't desire to live there. Houses and lots go for P2.5M+. A 500sqm lot only is around P5m I guess. My ideal place definition is different. Plus the toll rates going to Manila are costly. It's not for me, we'll it's way above what we can afford. :D

Picnic without mats?! What kind of organizing is that? Hehehhe!

But the kids enjoyed it, the same way they did QC Memorial Circle. My kids are really growing up different. Just the way I want it.