Fear

This post resurrects my lost love for poetry.  Poems bring to life that hidden voice in our psyche on thoughts, both real and abstract.

Last week, I received a special gift from Lau, a friend and colleague. It was a book of poems Things Happen, written (and signed) by his father Cirilo F. Bautista, the National Artist for Literature.  I thank Lau not only for the book, but also for reawakening the lost poet within.

And while I can only dream of having my own anthology published, I meanwhile bask in this little world for a few seconds of fleeting attention.

Starting with this poem I wrote in the late 90s. 

Fear

I smelled fear.

Yours.

Veiled contempt

cloaked in blank stares

and aggression.

But then,

I see what is real.

And I saw your fear.

I smelled fear.

Floating adrift

with the stale air.

Trying

to cut through me.

But instead it cut you.

I smelled fear.

Crouching in your darkness.

Fleeing.

But then,

you cannot hide from me.

I will find you.

Aling Taleng's Halo Halo

If you happen to go for a road trip further south of Laguna- to the Pagsanjan-Cavinti road, don't miss a chance to drop by Aling Taleng's Halo-halo. It has been in business since 1933.

Halo Halo goodness!

My husband hails from Cavinti and we have actually passed by Aling Taleng's more than a hundred times over many years.  When we returned to the Philippines in 2013, we noticed that Aling Taleng's usual hole-in-the-corner look is sporting splashes of sunny colors, making it stand out from an otherwise busy small town road. The place is also air-conditioned which is a welcome treat especially during hot and humid seasons in the Philippines.

It is actually more than just a halo halo kiosk, it is a restaurant that serves a full menu of local favorites ranging from all-day breakfast, seafood, chicken cooked different ways, sinful crispy pata, pata tim, lechon kawali and vegetable dishes. They also have the diner-variety faves like fried chicken and burger.

My favorite is the Tortang Patola.  Saw this in the menu and really got curious... I was not disappointed. Minced patola with a perfect coat of golden batter, crisp on the outside but surprisingly tasty for a quite-bland veggie. Whenever we dine at Aling Taleng's, Kyla and I look forward to ordering the Tortang Patola. We also love the Crispy Tilapia and the Butter & Garlic Chicken.

Loved the Tortang Patola

Garlic Fried Chicken

Not to forget the star of the menu -- the halo halo, but of course! The serving is generous with finely shaved ice and topped with a sweetened kundol. I am not a fan of halo halo but I would make an exception for Aling Taleng's. I particularly like finely shaved ice bits, halo halo is not overly sweet and ingredients have generous portions. The sweet kundol topping also worked for me instead of the usual ice cream. Definitely worth a trip!

And oh, you will be delighted to know that they have Wifi too!

Financial Fitness Plan

Do you find yourself in dire need of mega-savings in preparation for that once-in-a-lifetime-splurge-like-crazy trip or, do you simply desire to see your savings grow for the rainy days?

I do not claim to be an expert of finance. Growing up in a household that continually make both ends meet made us (me and my husband, Alvin) more conscious of spending money wisely and have enough savings for those events that matter (like investments and travel) and help get us through when the unexpected happens.

Here are tried and tested tips to stay financially healthy... These are tips that my husband and I embraced through our 14-year of married bliss, and a few more that we have discovered along the way.

1.  Keep a fix amount of savings and stick to spend based on what is left.

After hubby and I got married, our primary goal then was to save enough to afford a lot for our future home. We have been working for 3 years then and we didn't boast of a big chunk of savings (or income).

But one had to start somewhere. So, we decided that my salary will become our savings while every payday, hubby would turn over to me his earnings.  We created a strict budget for necessities, some money left for us to enjoy our time together and everything that was left also went to savings.  It meant renting a small, non-airconditioned studio space vs. a trendy-condo unit. We may have been able to still afford the later but that meant less savings. Fortunately we are both low-maintenance and live a simple lifestyle so forgoing luxuries is not a difficult sacrifice. 

We also bought a decent 2^nd hand car rather than splurge on a brand new one which is over that the car loan limit. It was only in 2013 (after 14 years of marriage) when we finally bought a brand new car.

Even when our expenses grew as our family and the children’s needs grew, this principle of putting the savings intact first and spend only based on what we can afford, became embedded in our financial habit through the years. 

2.   Live within your means.

Corollary to #1, it is was crucial that we learned to live within our means.   I believe that it doesn't really matter how much one makes, to be able to save well.  It is often the case that when your income and spending capacity grow, your lifestyle also changes accordingly and you tend to spend more.  There are way too many lifestyle temptations today.  Be careful of what lifestyle you cultivate especially if you are treading that dangerous ground of spending above your means. This can get you neck deep in debts.

3.  Plan big spending and vacations in advance.

You are of course entitled to enjoy the fruits of your labor and treat yourself and your family to some R&R every now and then.  Our family loved travelling too.  Key here is to plan your trips ahead and stick to the annual plan.  I start the year planning with my husband our travel for the entire year and NOT give in to last minute travel temptations that tend to blow the budget off-tangent.  The same goes for major spending like home renovation, school tuition fees, major purchases.

4.   Keep credit cards to a minimum (ideally, just one).

If you watched the movie “Shopaholic,” you’ll know why this is a must-do if you want to live a debt-free life.  The temptation of credit cards all the more became too good to pass when you are lured with zero-interest installments, deferred payments and waived annual fees. Some credit card companies even allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed in exchange for goods and gift certificates. This system encourages further credit card spending.

Credit cards are useful when paying without the need to carry around large amount of cash, and if you intend to pay for it soon after the purchase was made;  or when purchasing products on an installment basis provided that you can keep up with the monthly payment without  further adding on to your initial installment purchase.

The downside is that it is just so easy to keep on swiping that card to luxurious oblivion and before you know it, you are entangled with debt and accumulated interests.  The more credit card you keep, you have more susceptibility to credit card debts, unless you are good tracking, controlling and payin on time your credit card spending.

When I started working, there were soooo many credit cards offering waived annual fees. I turned all of them down except the one credit card that I have been using since day one of my employment. Kept my credit life simple.

5.  Save (or invest) your bonuses.

We all look forward to bonuses—that time of the year when we feel a little bit richer, a little bit extravagant, a little bit more cash in our pockets (or ATM card). For parents like me, the bonuses are probably earmarked already to pay for school tuition fees, or for family vacation and travel.  

But have you also experienced that feeling of wondering where did your bonus money go ? As if the bonuses were leaves blown into oblivion by a hurricane? I blame it on my O.C.-side, but I always would like to keep tabs of where my bonus went.

If you can manage it, the best way to safe guard your finance is also actually put bonuses to savings or investments that can actually grow in time. Or, carve out debts like housing loan, car loan, etc.

I also learned from my financial mentor that while one is still young and able, invest on something (eg, properties, stocks) that will also help safeguard your children’s future. Don't leave this out until you are only few years away from retirement.

6.  Stay away from malls and sale.

Our family used to spend at least once every weekend going to the mall.  Last year, we decided to revamp our weekend schedule so that we complete most errands during Saturdays and stay at home during Sundays. We only go to malls if we need to pick up something that we couldn’t find in Sta. Rosa, Laguna where we live.  This forced us (well yes, me…) to instead have home-cooked Sunday lunch instead of eating out, and simply enjoy the weekend together.

If we are in the mood to dine out, there are plenty of good places in Sta. Rosa and Nuvali for family dining, sans the exposure for mall finds, extra snacking and extra purchases that we probably don’t need in the first place.

I also stay away as possible from sale. Although when we lived in Singapore, I only buy stuff on sale because otherwise it is really expensive to be buying them on regular price. But that is SG.

Conversely, I am also not a fan of sale here in the PH especially if the discounts are not worth the effort and if we don’t have specific things that we need to get.  I don’t relish the thought of having to squeeze through the jumble and tumble of items that I most likely do not need, wait on long lines for fitting and payment. I also found that most items on sale are outdated, off-season or sub par quality, while the really good items will only provide 5-10% discount at most. If you need to purchase through sale, do it wisely! (and that, is another side story...)

Enjoy life!  Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

But make sure that you build enough nest-egg – for the people and interests that matters most to you, for the unexpected moments in life and so that you can stay strong and have a peace of mind even when rainy days are up ahead!

The Pahiyas Festival Experience

This post is actually too late for the actual event and too early for the next one....

We wanted to do experience the Pahiyas festival for quite some time and finally, last May 2014 we made it happen!

Pahiyas is a yearly festival set in Lucban, Quezon in honor of San Isidro, the patron saint of good and abundant harvest.  Pahiyas literally means “to decorate”. This is one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines held every 15^th of May.  Houses and streets are decorated mostly from colorful kiping as well as assorted harvest and food fare.

Lucban is a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from where we live in Laguna, accessed via SLEX and passing by the towns of Los Banos, Bay, Santa Cruz and turning right to the Pagsanjan-Cavinti road. 

Here are few tips to enjoy the Pahiyas Festival:

·         We preferred to come earlier in the day while it is still relatively cooler. Alternatively, you can also go on a late afternoon to early evening. Most homes were designed to have colorful lighting in the evening.

·         It is better to bring your own transportation but be prepared to park it just off the highway junction.

·         Be prepared to walk at least a kilometer or more, from the Lucban junction just off the end of the highway going to the streets where the festivities are held. All modes of transportation are not allowed anymore inside the town’s main streets. You really have to walk!

·         Consequently, wear light, summer-friendly clothing, hat/cap, sun protection and comfortable shoes or slippers.

·         If you forgot to bring a summer-y hat, you can always buy one along the streets of Lucban for a price that is almost a steal! 

·         Don’t expect all the streets of Lucban to be garbed with colorful decorations. Usually, only a select section will be decked every year and each street take their turn year on year. If you have no idea which is the right street to visit, just follow the crowd and you’ll never go wrong.

·         Take time to appreciate the ‘Pahiyas’ of every participating household. I interviewed one home maker and I was told it took them at least one week to decorate. And lots of harvest, patience and creativity.

·         Some houses have a 2^nd floor balcony that overlooks the street. Ask permission from the home owner to allow you to have your picture taken from the balcony itself for a better backdrop. Most home owners will actually oblige. We tried this in at least two houses.

·         I have not tried partaking lunch from a random house, although I heard this is pretty standard expectation during festivals in provinces. The nosy me couldn’t help but notice that most home owners do not necessarily have feast that is open for public. Some houses had videoke but no food.  Net, plan to stop-by somewehere else for lunch.

·         Don’t forget to try street fare especially the Pancit Habhab. Stir-fried egg noodles are served on a banana leaf with a dash of vinegar and you have to eat the pancit straight from the banana leaf without using any fork. Hence the name, habhab. Yep, you get the picture! Habhab-an na!

·         If you are the squeamish kind and need table, chair, airconditioning, the works, drop by at Buddy’s Restaurant for an equally authentic pancit habhab. Parking can be a challenge though. And on the day of the festival itself, be prepared to wait in line.

·         For your pasalubong fare, try the Lucban Longganisa or Broas (Lady Fingers) by the bucket. 

·         Follow the path leading to the Parish church and town plaza where more festivities abound. They also replicated their version of the Higantes (Giants) which was made famous by our very own Angono, Rizal.

Our children are not exposed to town festivals so we took this opportunity for them to experience the fiestang Pilipino.

It is truly more fun (and more colorful) in the Philippines!

Villa Escudero: Life at a Plantation

The last time we visited Villa Escudero, we were a family of three and Kevin was a little over two years old.  Fast forward to twelve years later, the prospect of visiting the famous hacienda-turned-resort seemed a good idea following my recent interests in plantation estates.  A few weeks prior to that, I have been voraciously reading about the history of Canlubang Sugar Estates of Laguna and was captivated by the nostalgia of a once prosperous town from the era of feudalism.

Villa Escudero's Labasin Lake

Villa Escudero was a coconut plantation in late 1880s and part of its land was converted and opened to the public as a resort featuring hacienda life.  This is easily accessible right off the highway following the arch between the San Pablo City, Laguna and Tiaong, Quezon boundary.  The dirt road leads to the main reception hall where you will be greeted by the receptionists and guest relations team garbed in baro at saya.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of Villa Escudero via day tour or overnight stay packages.

From the nipa hut style reception hall, you can walk directly to get a glimpse of the hacienda’s homestead. This was painted in pink and white and dutifully preserved the original architecture of what was once home to the hacienda owners.  When I was still a child, I learned from my maternal grandmother that while old houses used to have two floors, only what we technically recognize as the ‘second floor’ is habitable.  The area below it is usually an open space where the owners may choose to keep smaller livestock like chickens. The homestead of Villa Escudero was designed in the same fashion, where two opposite staircases lead to the veranda and main door. Most probably, there were two staircases because in the old world, men and women do not mingle intimately and rub elbows in such cramped areas, or any other area. The ground level of the house was enclosed though. The hacienda’s villa faces a sprawling garden with a fountain at the center. Unfortunately, the villa’s interior is not open for public viewing. 

View of Church-turned-Museum 

Carabao-Cart ride with Maganda

 Very close to the homestead is the museum, also painted in pink and white, which used to be a church for the plantation owners and their feudals. This is now housing the Escudero’s grand collection of religious collections and antiques not only from the Old Philippines but also from around the world which, as I have read, the owners acquired from their travels.  Actually, to say grand is an understatement! No one is allowed to take pictures inside the museum so I have to commit everything to memory.

I really encourage you to visit this museum when in Villa Escudero.  The first time I made my round, I was too busy chasing a two year old to make sure we don’t end up paying a broken-million-pesos-something. This time around, my culture-vulture self took its time to appreciate the collection. I was in awe of the sheer number of life-size statues of Jesus of Nazarene, Saints, and Santo Ninos.  It was amazing to see a full life-size collection of The Last Supper, imagining the effort and resources it took to get those. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour at the upper floor showcasing collection of more than a hundred dolls from around the world, fashionable garbs for the elite men and women of pre-modern world Philippines, old currencies, letters and correspondences and valuable knick knacks. Naturally, I gravitated towards the collection of abanicos, silver backed mirrors, paynetas, jewelries and medallions. One can almost imagine being transported back in time, living as a well-to-do daughter of a haciendero and being surrounded by old-rich splendor.

From the museum, you will be treated to a carabao-driven cart while serenaded by a manong. This will take you to the main pavillion and from there you can choose to pass the day by swimming (there are three pools close by), trying out the raft at the Labasin lake (it’s quite strenuous; make sure at least one of you really know how to properly maneuver the raft), or if you have enough patience (and skill), try fishing for only Php 100 for the cost of borrowing the fishing rod and the bait. My daughter Kyla thoroughly enjoyed this and spent the afternoon fishing with her Dad. Kyla caught a total of four fishes!  She promptly returned the fish back to the lake after the mandatory photo shoot every time she caught one.

One of the main attractions of Villa Escudero is lunch by the waterfalls. The man-made falls are run by the hacienda’s hydroelectric system. Tables upon rows of tables are set at the foot of the waterfalls where you can partake of the  buffet spread of Filipino dishes al fresco while your feet are submerged in ankle deep cool water from the falls. It is quite a unique treat!  I realized that the buffet has not really changed but nonetheless still appetizingly good -- Filipino style ensalada, pancit, grilled meats (pork, chicken) and fish, kaldereta, vegetable stews, fresh fruits and banana cue for dessert. 

Lunch Al Fresco by the Falls
We ate a bit late to avoid the mad rush and long queue

Alvin wore his 12-yr old Villa Escudero shirt

Her second of four catches for the day!

Patience is a virtue

The afternoon attraction is the cultural dance and rondalla presentation showcasing famous songs and dances from the diffferent regions of the Philippines, choregraphed by Ramon Obusan. The singers and presentors are actually from the employees and residents of the hacienda. When visiting the hacienda, stick around for the cultural show and I assure you that you won’t be disappointed!

Mano Po!

Cultural Show featuring Ifugao dance

I didnt really quite explain to her this scene...

We spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around the grounds where you will find various life-like statues depicting life and traditions at the rural Philippines. There were scenes depicting pagmamano, harana, palo sebo, pag-aaro sa bukid, sabong and whole lot more. When my daughter studied in an IS, they had a whole semester studying about “life in the olden days” and this was a good show-and-tell learning opportunity to show her life at the barrios, although I must admit I deliberately left the details of pagliligawan (scenes depecting courtship) for a later phase.

"Uso pa ba ang harana?..."

Ready for farming

This is what I call Synchronized Swinging

Overall, it was a very relaxing and satisfying day! When in Philippines and in the Southern Tagalog region of Laguna-Quezon, do visit Villa Escudero for a glimpse of a life an an old world plantation, when life used to be unhurried and simpler.

Sunny Days (Alvin's Inspirational Speech from the 2014 Commencement Exercise of Optimal Academy)

After what seemed to be a long while, Kevin was blessed to have been a part of Special Education once more after we came back to Manila last year.  That we landed with Optimal Academy was not a mere happenstance, if I look back.  I was in a meeting with Kevin's speech therapist in another center when I saw the school's flyer propped at the desk. I took one and thought that this is what Kevin needed. We have been looking for a new school for him somewhere within south. Alvin and I decided to visit their school that week. And rest, is history.

In Optimal Academy's Commencement Exercise and Recognition Day for undergraduates, my husband Alvin had the privilege of giving an inspirational talk about a father and son's journey through life's challenges.  Known as "Daddy Alvin" at school, he is a mainstay at Optimal Academy.  All the students know him and in a way, he is sort of a father figure for them as well alongside Sir John (school President), especially for the teenage boys.

Alvin's speech brought tears to my eyes, remembering the poignant days when we were starting out as young parents for Kevin and Kyla.  But it also gave me an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness to the Lord, for giving me a better half who is truly our hero in every sense of the word.  

This is the transcript of his speech....

"Good afternoon to all!

Some of you already know me because I always go to Optimal Academy with my son Kevin.  Today, let me introduce myself a little bit more.

I am a Chemical Engineer by profession, and worked for years in San Miguel Corporation until Kevin was diagnosed with ASD with Apraxia when was nearly 3 years old.  My wife Armie, who is also a Chemical Engineer, is the one literally supporting our family right now.  So I would like to thank her for doing the job that I am supposed to do.  She once told me, that we all have roles in life... And this is my role.

Ten years ago, my wife and I decided that one of us should focus on attending to Kevin full-time, so that we can understand his needs better and help him in the process.  At first, it wasn't easy for me to accept the role that I am doing.  I felt ashamed of myself when some of my peers would ask me where I am working.  I am afraid that some of them will not understand me, especially those who don't know Kevin and his challenges.  Well it doesn't really matter, as long as I am getting the love and respect from my wife and my kids, it's fine with me.

Then, I learned about Stock Market Online.  That changed everything.  It's not much, but enough to bring back my self confidence and improve my skills.  So every day, Kevin and I go to Optimal Academy for him to study,  and for me to work (on my stocks) and assist him.  With God's help, we found the best set up for the two us.

Kevin has a sister, her name is Kyla.  Everyday, after coming from school, the first thing that Kyla would do is check Kevin's diary.  She also likes teaching Kevin at home.  Whenever she has no class, she always come with us in Optimal Academy to help Kevin and the other students too. One day she told us that she would like to be a teacher for special children and that she will open her own school someday.

Among the parents here, I would say I am lucky, to have the opportunity to see these children every day.  So please allow me share to you some of my observations in the school.

First, they are learning because they are happy.  Unlike most of us, we become happy only if we get the things we want in life.  But for these students, happiness comes first.  They go to school every day excited, because they know that they will have fun.  They like going to school, and they love the people in Optimal Academy.  I challenge you..., visit Optimal Academy and count the people that will greet you.  Some students will even hug you!  And then, go to other schools and see if you'll get the same. The feeling of being welcomed and accepted makes them ready to listen and learn.  So, make them happy and they will learn.  I remember the time when I taught Kevin how to use chopsticks.  He learned it in just one day simply because he likes to eat and he was happy.

The second point that I would like to share is, not every day is a Sunny Day... But I am sure, Sunny Days will always come.  There will be days with crying and resistance... and there will be days, they will surprise you on how fast they learn.

When Kevin was six years old, his Developmental Pediatrician told us that Kevin will never talk... that we can already stop his Speech therapy, and start teaching him PECS (Picture-Exchange Communication System).  It was hard to accept, but we followed the doctor's recommendation.  We introduced PECS to him.  However, we did not stop his Speech therapy.  In short, we did not give up... and will never give up.

After four years, at age 10, he started communicating with us verbally.  He learned to say simple words like, "I want to eat" when he is hungry, "I want to sleep" when he is tired and "I want toilet" when he wants to go...

And then January of this year, just three months ago..., Kevin started reading.  Something we did not expect.  Believe it or not, our goal for this school year is just for him to learn the alphabet... Just the simple A, B, C.  It took him a while... but he's now getting there.

THANK YOU to the teachers of Optimal Academy for your patience and always believing on him.  Truly, everything will fall into the right place, at the right time... IN GOD'S TIME!

And today, to all the graduates, TODAY IS YOUR TIME! So congratulations to you all for a job well done.  And to the other students, as Teacher Lani always say, "YOU CAN DO IT"..., "WE CAN DO IT!"

I would like to end my sharing with a short video for you to know and understand Kevin.  Hope you'll like it.  Thank you and good day!"

Country Staycation Weekend at Discovery Suites

We decided to continue the tradition of welcoming the Chinese New Year in style.  This year, we spent our CNY Staycation weekend at the Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay.  This city, with its cool and breezy weather, always evokes peace and tranquility.  A perfect getaway for families looking for a break from the daily grind.  Discovery Country Suites (DCS) under the Discovery Suites hotel chain, is an elegant country- side Bed and Breakfast retreat that offers a great view of the Tagaytay ridge and Taal lake and volcano. I like the idea of simply chilling out and doing nothing.

Misty mornings at Country Suites

Facade of the Discovery Country Suites

Our suite opens to this loft

There are seven suites at DCS and each comes with a unique theme. The rooms  are spacious and comfortable enough for a family of four. We had the Spanish-themed Andalucia suite located at the loft level.

This window overlooks the lake... and the Starbucks beside DCS

Bold colors dominate the Andalucia suite

The Verbena restaurant is cozy and intimate setting that extends to an enclosed balcony. Sumptuous breakfast is served here.  Select a hearty breakfast of your choice from their extensive menu and the chef will cook this for you.  There is an accompanying spread of bread, cheese, jam and fresh fruits and juices.  I selected the very tempting steak and eggs breakfast. Every calorie was worth it!

Guests also are treated to a wine and cheese platter every afternoon at the Verbena restaurant.  Perfect for an afternoon chit-chat with hubby while we excitedly ponder our plans for 2014.  The youngsters get to have cookies and milk for an afternoon snack.

My brekky of choice- Steak and Eggs.
Will worry about the calories later.

Sumptuous breakfast at the balcony.
I'd love to wake up everyday with this.

  

Wine and cheese afternoon with hubby while we ponder our 2014 plans

After breakfast, we also did a bit of exploration around. There is a small garden that overlooks the Tagaytay ridge and a family sized jacuzzi pool, if you dare to jump in and brave the surrounding cold weather!

Small backyard garden for an afternoon stroll

The lake and volcano -- visible when its not too misty

Jacuzzi pool looks tempting. But not in this weather.

A quiet staycation - just what we needed

Likes

• Intimate setting - with maximum of seven rooms, you are not plagued by an abundant, rowdy crowd
• Perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat
• Tasty and tempting food choices at Verbena restaurant. 
• Close to Starbucks for your caffeine fix
• Lots of other places to see around Tagaytay, if you feel like going out

However,

• I would not go there again on a holiday weekend though. Traffic was a bummer!
• I appreciate peace and quiet.  At some point, the place was way toooooo quiet.
• The bathroom amenities and towels need some upgrade. I expected better given the price of an overnight stay.

Overall, it was a weekend well spent.  Just what I needed just before the stressful weeks ahead at work!