Life In A Week #1

The week is almost over... as always, it has been hectic for me as  mom since school started. Even if tired and a bit dazed, here I am sharing my thoughts on how thankful I am for the activities that made life in a span of 7 days extraordinary.

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Everyday and every second of it spent with my family is precious. I'm thankful that I've done my duties well as a mother and wife.

Thankful for the cool mornings and relaxing evenings that keep our bodies and minds rejuvenated.

A visit from a person so dear to us.

Conversations shared.

The government flexing its muscles towards informal settlers.

Filipinos can now apply for multiple- entry Japan visa. Highly considering it.

Advices given opening doors for more options/ choices that make things exciting.

Simple pleasures like eating ice cream and drinking Buko juice.

Done with my groceries by the way...

Acquiring proof of ownership for something we worked hard for.

Calling my mom.

Learning that my son is doing great in class, and it's just 3 weeks since school began.

Wonderful weather!

Life is good, life is great!

Gather Your Minions

Oh such cuteness! 

These minions just made my day. Love them!

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 Free with every McDonald's Happy Meal.

Wanna collect them all!

I was watching Despicable Me 2 - Teaser last year... 

now...

Despicable Me 2 is just days away!

Summer Affair At Punta De Uian

Aside from Subic which is a quick getaway for us, Zambales was also our second home the whole summer of 2013. We went to Zambales twice just for the first month of summer. It is a 4 hour drive from Manila, but we  tend to forget about the long road trip once we think of the crystal blue waters of Zambales, its not too crowded beaches and clean resorts.

One of those beach resorts is Punta De Uian.

This first image was taken from our visit during the Holy Week.  It's empty right? when it's expected to be crowded. Nowadays, most Filipinos use the long break from Holy Week for a vacation. My family started going with everyone else when my husband's work became a little hectic. We rely so much on long weekends and holidays to be able to take a break from city life.

Punta De Uian is a resort that offers affordable- fine rooms. The staff/ management of the resort is very accommodating. The sight of the islands of Camara and Capones is already a treat for their guests. They have lounge chairs and tables and tents where one can sit back and relax with the wonderful view.

Punta De Uian has a vast beach front with white sand and cool blue water. The current might be strong at times, but with extra care, swimming in the ocean is still fun.

The whole resort is very clean, not a sign of a candy wrapper. I had fun watching my 2 boys play together. My eldest son loves the beach so much, it's such a thrill for him that this time, his younger brother was around.

The sunset was a bonus attraction. During our first visit this year, we were given a room with a balcony facing the beach. After our afternoon swim, we freshened up, then ate dinner in our balcony while the sun was setting. It was just so-o relaxing... It's soothing to hear the ocean while watching the sunset. Exactly the reason why we went on a getaway.

At night, we had bonfire. Since our room has a balcony, we enjoyed the bonfire without going down to the beach anymore. The kids were sleeping so, my husband and I had some "us time". We were just gazing at the bonfire while having some cool drinks, talking about stuff, life, our blessings and our children.

Mornings in Punta De Uian is peaceful. We love an early morning swim while the water is calm and a bit warm. I wasn't able to ask for some details with regards to the facilities and other amenities of the resort. Everything here is based on our experience. On our next visit to Punta De Uian, we were able to book a room by the lagoon. The lagoon area is walking distance from the beach and it has a swimming pool. It's not that far and a stroll around the resort is as exciting as the beach area because it's beautiful.

We took a lot of pictures by the drive way lined with pine trees. The opposite side of the pine trees are houses with 2 bedrooms (beach front).

As we grow old as parents we want our children to have extraordinary experiences without going overboard when it comes to our expenses. As a kid, I carried memories of my parents taking me to one of the most congested beach resorts in Cavite. I consider those memories unforgettable and one of the happiest moments in my life because I enjoyed, I grilled and I swam like a frog with my parents and siblings.

We just want to be practical on the side. This practice will also help our children as they pass this habit to their own families. As long as the whole family is having fun together, the happiness that will flow among us is good enough to say that we had a grand vacation.

Call Dad on Father's Day

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In celebration of Father's Day, I am opening our weekend with a tribute for my father/ daddy. KEEP CALM and CALL DAD. Even at this point in my life being married for 9 years, I still look up to my father. I find it wise to ask for his guidance and wisdom on things I'm not sure of. We literally call my dad if my husband and I are in great need for some advice and moral support. The idea that he will always be there for us is very calming...

One of the things I want to share here are the inspiring words by my mother-in-law. Before she went back to America in 2008, she left some words of comfort for her son, my husband... "Dolf, you still have a father in Enchie's dad." Though it may not be the same having your real father around, but the thought  of my dad being present to be a father figure to my other half made it easier for my husband to cope after losing his dad.

Both our parents are there to be good examples. But both have different parts and characteristics to portray. Just like our moms who balances everything at home, our dads are the ones we can get inspiration from on building a strong foundation for the family. Their firm decision- making, their love for sports, their endless adventures and  principles in life...

To all the dads in the world... Happy Father's Day!!!

The Man of Steel Has Returned

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First off, like everyone else, I grew up watching Christopher Reeve as Superman. After his series of movies, no other Superman movie impressed me as much. With high hopes, a movie worth watching... the Man of Steel didn't fail to meet my expectations as a movie lover.

I'll make my views about The Man of Steel precise. This post is not a review. I"ll simply share the awesome parts of the movie that I really liked. Scenes and characters that made it different from the rest.

Please be warned...

Spoilers.

Costume Design:
All hail that they've finally ditched Superman's manly red trunks :D

The costume design was very simple but it's simplicity will stun you as Superman shows off his moves and muscles. It added life to the fight scenes, it made the character look intimidating. The combination of deep red and dark blue was perfect. The cape showed great elegance and power as it waves with the wind.

Also see: Superman costume gets a makeover

The rest of the cast especially the villains got the same treatment with their costumes. In Filipino term, we call it "astig!" awesome or cool...

Story:

The best part of the new Superman movie is the story line. Superman's life before and and when he became "Superman". The Man of Steel concentrated in the core of Superman's identity both as an alien to planet earth and his adaptation as human. For the first time, I was able to understand the roots of Superman, the reasons for his whole his existence.

Humanity and being a Being of this world/ Philosophical: There were lines spoken that was filled with wisdom. And talk about one's principles put to a test.

Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner): "You're not just anyone. One day, you're going to have to make a choice. You have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be. Whoever that man is, good character or bad, it's going to change the world" 

On Love and Hope:

It wasn't just a love story. I like the fact that they gave a new take on Lois Lane's contributions to in the life of Superman. You will find a firm and brave Lois in this movie. She was there to give hope as to what the S symbol means. She showed great respect on the true identity of Clark Kent and also as Superman. Their relationship flourished through the hardships and battles they both encountered. For me, the most important part, is that Lois knows that Clark and Superman are one and the same.

Fatherly Image:

The role of Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner were both very strong. Their characters both have weight in this movie. If we're to talk about family love in general, both fathers had their ways of showing  love, support and compassion, to a point that they sacrificed their lives for him. They taught him values like patience, loyalty, trust, love and being hopeful that later on changed the world and that made Superman a man on his own. It's huge for me that the makers of this movie concentrated on the parental aspect as well.

Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel:
Who would know that the son (Albert Mondego) of the Count of Monte Cristo will grow up as Superman. He carried it with such power and humility. I just learned that he was suppose to star in Superman Returns back in 2006. But with the change of director, it didn't push through. I guess it's a blessing to have given him more time to prepare and give justice "again" to the role of Superman. He did a great job.

Years have come, rumors and talks on the next Superman has been trending... I just thought that it wouldn't be as good just like the 2006 flick with Brandon Routh. The table turned when finally, Christopher Nolan took the job for the story and as the producer for the Man of Steel. 

Nolan known for Inception, The Dark Knight trilogy and The Prestige worked with the director of 300, Sucker Punch, Watchmen Zack Snyder. With these two amazing artists together, there's no doubt that the next Superman flick was made to be another work of art. An epic. And yes, the Man of Steel has returned. As what a friend of ours said "Finally, a Superman movie we truly deserve."- JSP

Also see: Rotten Tomatoes on The Man of Steel

Other source: http://www.imdb.com (quotation from the movie)

Our 9th In Marriage

First, let me count the no. of years we've been together. That's 4 years of dating and 9 years bonded by the sacredness of marriage... 13 years. My husband doesn't like counting, but we still tend to have a glimpse back  from the time we first met. It's fun.

Our anniversary was celebrated with a simple feast, quality time spent with family and friends... 9 years ago, I got married to the most important person in my life. He brought me out of my box as a person and showed me  the fun side life can offer. He accepted me for who I am, we clicked and from then on, we both knew that we were meant for each other, decided to marry and have a family.

Within the 4 years of dating, we never really danced or at least had an opportunity to sway in each other's arms. Our wedding gave us our first dance. It is true that while in the arms of the person whom you'll share your life with makes you melt slowly, feeling that I'm being loved even more.

9 years ago, we celebrated with our close friends. People who we now consider as family. Everytime we're all together, we treat each other with laughter, never a dull moment with these guys.

9 years after, we are still having fun. This time, with our loved ones. Each were blessed with happiness and special people who embraces us with so much love and unforgettable memories. We share that with each other as well. Life's lessons, pulling inspiration from one another, seeking advices, enjoying the food we love the most and dreams we're about to live.

Our 9th year anniversary was celebrated with our close friends... Since the very beginning, our friends was already around. If we're to talk about true friendship and love. This is the kind of relationship we have with them.

We don't really spend too much on such occasion, but we still do find simple ways to honor this special moment in our lives. Our celebration was extended with dinner in one of the oldest restaurants in Manila, Barrio Fiesta.

And one extraordinary thing we did this year... we have gifts for each other. 

Both gifts are considered to be as essentials. What an excuse right? Anyway, we seldom buy stuff for ourselves lately, because we're saving for something bigger. But what the heck! while will I turn down a Cath Kidston bag that was ordered all the way from London. The iRig I know is going to be useful for his music, my husband likes to mix and record using his Apple gadgets.

This year's celebration is as simple like our previous anniversaries but extraordinarily fun because we had our friends around and gifts to open. But over- all, it's the lessons learned, our growth as partners and the solid foundation that we are continuing to build for our children that makes up this whole journey.