Plant a Tree Today for a Greener Tomorrow

It has been five months after we settled back home and its time to start updating my blog once again. Last September, we participated in the Tree Planting activity of our company for the first time. This has been an annual event sponsored by the plant in partnership with Haribon Foundation and this is being done several years now. I learned that the plant already contributed at least 16,000 trees from the tree planting activities that benefited municipalities in Laguna and Rizal. This year, the chosen site for the tree planting was at the Barangay Casile in Cabuyao. The descent to the tree planting site was quite an adventure! Due to the monsoon rains several days earlier, the 20-minute hike over muddy earth proved to be a test of stamina and agility. Our kids joined the tree planting and I am proud that they did not have a single complaint during our hike.

We were able to plant close to twenty trees that morning. Although we went home sweaty, a bit muddy and with strained muscles, it was nevertheless a worthwhile experience especially for the kids to be able to take part in an activity that helps save Mother Earth, in our own small way!

Run for a Reason (Kyla's Singapore Marathon Experience)

We started getting Kyla into running this year. She closed the year with three running events under her cap with no less than the prestigous Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2012 Kids' Dash (the 7-9 yo category) at the Marina Bay!  There were more than 3,500 children who signed up for the Kids event and it was such a joy to see them full of energy and enthusiasm for the run!  All finishers get a medal so that is an added boost, something they can be proud of. This year's theme was Run for a Reason and the proceeds will benefit charitable foundations in the country.

Kyla has enjoyed running so much and she continued to look forward to the Terry Fox Charity Run this January which will be for the benefit of the Singapore Cancer Society.

Here are a few good reasons to encourage children into running:

1. Good for the Health.  At proper training and moderation, running stimulates cardio-vascular system and increases one's stamina.  The more you run, you will realize that you will be able to slowly but surely outpace yourself as you do this repetitively. Getting kids to run at early age puts them ahead with respect to getting this discipline imbibed in them too.

2. Fight the Digital Couch Potato Syndrome.  I always say we would rather have Kyla spend time in more meaningful recreation like arts and sports than waste time with video games (Ipad games, PSP included)  and even the so-called 'virtual sports'. Handheld games are either solitary activities, or mainly virtual interactions (if you do online games).  Whereas sports facilitate socialization as well (unless you are into solo swimming).  Even while Kyla was running the last 50m or so, she had time to slow down and chat with a classmate who was running in the Kids dash as well! A true-blue chatterbox!

3. Running is a Confidence Booster.  At their age, running is not yet about breaking records but more into embracing the freedom of running against the wind and finishing the course.  The more race they finish, their confidence will surely be boosted and would encourage them to go further and run more. Kyla's first race was a 5KM event.  She ran with my friends from work who were true runners, so she had to step up.  She felt very proud that she finished waaaay ahead of us and this started her quest to continue running.

4. Serendipities.  They may not realize it at once, but running also teaches discipline; perserverance;  pushing the limits; recognizing limitations and rising above it.  In the Standard Chartered race, I was nicely positioned near the flag off line (well, hanging over the Fullerton bridge in a not-so prim-and-proper position) and saw the kids in action moments after the horn sounded off to signal the start of the race.  In the 10-13 yo division, two boys were late for the flag off and had to push their way around the next batch of runners already positioned at the starting line.  With their batch already 100m ahead, they still ran to catch up and were cheered by the crowd. I cheered for them too.  Kyla acquired colds the night before the race.  We knew it would somehow affect breathing but will be manageable so we advised her to do proper inhale/exhale while running.  So she rested very early and told me that she will keep her lozenges handy.  I also quizzed her if she is feeling okay to run. She was positive. 

She made it!

The Race Pack for the SCSM 2012 Kids Dash

Proudly showing off her Finishers' Medal with Kuya Kevin

Kyla's First Holy Communion

It was a special day for our daughter Kyla.   It was the day she will be receiving her First Holy Communion.  I'd say special and meaningful. Unlike me who grew up and attended an all girls Catholic school where First Holy Communion is part of the second graders Christian living or  religious education, from where we live, the First Holy Communion is a privilege to be earned and not an automatic bestowal that comes with a certain age.

Kyla attends a non-sectorial, non-religous affiliated international school.  In this setting, raising morally upright, God-loving children lies fully in the parents' responsibility.  And this is not just a matter of providing religous education or catechism, but at the end of the day, walking the talk and giving your children an exemplary model of what it means to know and love God.

Although we have been attending Sunday mass, we learned that to prepare for First Holy Communion, children are required to attend catechism every Sunday to help them prepare for receiving the Sacrament of Contrition and Holy Communion. 

We have come to meet the catechists in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church who leads the Sunday catechism class for children, mostly volunteers that include the elderly ladies who dedicate significant time of their life in the service of the church and yound men and women who teach catechism to children.

Children are allowed to receive First Holy Communion only when they are ready and demonstrate maturity in understanding what it truly meant to receive Christ and participate fully in the Sunday mass.  Incidentally, there is only one window every year for First Holy Communicants to receive this sacrament.

We are thankful that after only a few months of catechism class, Kyla was ready for First Holy Communion. She loved her catechism sessions so much that she continued to attend the Sunday classes before hearing the Sunday mass at church.

Seeing our little girl dressed in girly white dress and veil also poignantly remind us that she is, after all, no longer a baby but growing into a graceful, elegant young lady soon.   And we pray that she grow up continuing to have the love of Christ in her heart.   In the end, it is all that truly matters in this life.

Toy Story

There was no mega toystore in my childhood days. No Toys R Us or SM Storyland. Toy sections that were part the so-called department stores and the sprouting malls of the early 80s.  My mom worked as a section head in a department store and I grew up a constant little figure skipping around and about in that world.  We had our fair share of toys, the modestly priced ones. Of course, the pricey and more funkier, bigger toys would always catch one's attention and desires but they are way too expensive.

I would stare at those toys for hours, it's all one can do. And tell myself, when I grow up and I can afford it, I'll buy those toys...

My kids grew up surrounded by mega toystores. Countless of them.  Countless of toys to choose from.  From the modestly priced plastic toys to the pricey and more funkier, bigger life-like toys. 

The difference is that many years after, somehow we can now afford to buy them for our two children. The irony was that our daughter is not that much into toys. She prefer arts and outdoor pursuits.  She made indoor kites for her brother and paper boats with our names on it. She made me a pen holder from a used milk carton for Mother's day.  She would rather swim, run, bike or play at the monkey bars.

And of course, there was Kevin. I still go to the boys' section of the toy store today. Sometimes the two of us go together. I'd stare at the toys. For many minutes.   My eyes would scan the entire expanse, counter after counter of the toy store.  Wondering.  Figuring out... what he may like. 

Most of the time, he ignores them completely. It's not that he doesn't "like" them. He just doesn't see it the way we do.  The only toy he would be eager to have is the basketball.  He has an Eeyore stuff toy that accompanies him to sleep. The rest of his childhood toys are still with him today.

So I would just helplessly stand in front of the toys.  I still do.

Lost in thoughts.  That whereas we can buy any expensive toy now, it is not what Kevin wants. He is just looking for something far more simpler.  He doesn't need and want all those expensive toys.  If you think about it, love and understanding, compassion and inclusion, is enough for him.





Annie and an Afternoon Tea with My Girlie

I call it full circle.

I was in 3rd grade when I first watch the movie version of Annie. The entire grade 3 class from our school watched Annie as part of the school activity at the Ali Mall Cinema in Cubao which is very near our school.

And now, it is my 3rd grader's turn to watch Annie The Musical at the Marina Bay Sands Grand Theater.  Who can forget red-haired Annie and her lovable dog Sandy? Until this very day I can still sing the full lyrics of the song "Tomorrow."  I now have a little girl who sings it every so often...

We have chosen not to watch a lot of movies anymore these days but if there is a good play, I certainly wouldn't want to miss it for my little girl.


With the newly-opened Circle Line, going to MBS via MRT is now easier (and cheaper). Kyla insisted wearing a red dress, just like Annie's. And insisted we buy the souvenir programme. The major actors and actresses were mostly British stage actors. However, for the Singapore production, 304 girls from Singapore auditioned for the orphan roles and 27 were finally chosen. There were 2 dogs alternately playing Sandy. In this run, Sandy was a Golden Retriever. Picture taking was not allowed once the show starts though.
 



Annie fever goes on. Trying on a redhead wig at the souvenir shop.

 After the play, Kyla and I went to have an afternoon tea at the TWG. We've always wanted to do so but the queue was always too long. We were quite lucky this time. Except that of course she can't have tea (but a fruit shake instead).  The tea selection is like a list of hundreds so I decided to go with a simple caramel tea. This is served in sealed stainless pot that keeps it nice and warm.

Afternoon tea is not complete without finger foods (biscuits, the English type) or pastries like muffins, scones or the French macarons. Our muffins were served with apricot jam and cream (which Kyla monopolized). These are placed in dainty pastry trays. We had a leisurely time savoring our afternoon snack and enjoying mom-daughter bonding moments.



My Little Girl Got Calluses

It has been a nightly ritual to put the children to bed after finishing our evening prayer at Kyla's room. They also know Mommy will be working next door. Kyla requests that I visit her in between while I work. I also visit Kevin too, to check if he is finally asleep. He has a habit of staying awake for as long as someone is still up.

I just came from Kyla's room a few minutes ago. I reached for her hand and started lightly touching her palm. I noticed that the calluses in her palms grew bigger and rougher by now. She got these calluses after hours of playing at the monkey bars. She even proudly demonstrated to me once how agile and strong she has become, crossing the entire length of monkey bars with such ease and speed.


Kyla crossing the monkey bars while Kevin is perched on his favorite corner.

 Being a non-athletic person myself, I can only marvel at how nimble she was! I can't remember being able to do this when I was her age. She is eight and she got these very rough calluses. I have none.

Clearly, she enjoys conquering the monkey bars despite her dad forbidding her to play further when he noticed the onset of blisters that eventually became a wide, rough patch of toughened skin. I don't think we can stop her. It looked only like monkey bars to us. To her, it probably meant something more than that.

I snapped this photo of her that day, crossing the monkey bars. I smiled and eventually laughed out loud. She is good at it. She smiled back at me proundly when she reached the other end, and I thought, "there must be a feeling of freedom, being able to conquer these bars, against time, against every ounce of strength."

I remember that day while I was touching her hand and feeling the roughened skin of her palms. Clearly not a young lady's hand. Perhaps it will never be. I can see it now, my little girl is not meant to be the dainty lady. It wasn't just blisters I saw or felt. I remember the fears she has conquered. The depth of her love and understanding for her brother.

And in that moment, her little hand in mine, I felt a sense of portents being passed on to her.

One of these days, I'll let her examine her palms, feel the calluses.

And I'll tell her what it meant. And she has every reason to be proud.

And it's not about just the monkey bars.

You and I - A Collection of Candid Moments

I'll be another year older a few hours from now. I'd like to dedicate this blog to the three people in this world who are dearest to me. My family. Nothing else in this world defines me except my family. I have been a better person because of their unconditional love. As I celebrate another year, I am thankful to the Lord that we are together and for the memories in between here to eternity.

I'm always on the watch for those split second, candid moments caught on cam that tell stories that are larger than life... Accentuated by one of my favorite old song "You and I."


This was the 5-yr old Kevin and Kyla was 2.5 years old. It was company family day celebration in Subic Bay. This is the first picture I had of the two of them looking out to the sea. Apparently, the first among many others.

"You and I will travel far together...we'll pursue our little star together."



Subic Bay, Zambales



The first thing that they check out when we are on an outing is the sea (or the ocean).

"We'll be happy as we are together."

Caylabne Bay Resort, Cavite

Like me, they can stand here for hours and just stare at the sea, the sky and appreciate nature.

"You and I are going on forever."



Punta Fuego, Batangas

Our vacations, by default, has to be somewhere with a beach. Kevin and Kyla looks forward to going to the beach.

"Until the time we have is gone forever."

Panglao Island, Bohol

And has become their unique bonding ritual to stare at the overlooking sea.

"Watch the evening drawing on together...Growing older, growing closer."

Sentosa Island, Singapore



Or anything with water, for that matter.

"Making memories that light the sky..."

Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore

They also love these little strolls. Hand in hand with Daddy or Mommy.

"That only time can make..."

Punta Fuego, walking towards our cottage

And wishing time would slow down.

" That only love can make..."



Coral Beach of Punta Fuego


Don't grow up too soon, my dear little ones.

"That only we can make..."

Weathered Rocks at Punta Fuego.
We probably had hundreds of pictures from this vacation.

And even if you do, in my eyes... you will always be Mommy's dear babies.

"...You and I."

Home Sweet Home at Sta. Rosa, Laguna

What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?

I asked my then 7-year old, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When she was 5, she said she wanted to be a dentist. For her artclass culmination week, her masterpiece was a huge drawing of herself as a dentist with her dental tools whom she named Mr. Shower (the noisy thing that sprays water) and Mr. Hotdog (the red suction tube). Sitting on an imaginary dental chair was Kevin who was her patient (she labelled the boy as Kevin). She told me that she will take care of her brother's teeth (Kevin has a perfect set of teeth). We never had problems going to the dentist when she was just 3 years old. She was her calm, brave self. No crying, shrieking and running to mommy.

When she was 6, she said she wanted to be an engineer "just like Mommy and Daddy." Whenever they have to fetch me from my work at the Plant, the view of the laundry twin towers would greet her and this amazes her. I used to manage this operation (the half of the twin tower) and one day she said she wanted to do the same. At my old work pod, I have a drawing from Kyla of the twin tower complete with the vast parking lot, the walkway to the employee entrance. She drew me standing on one of the floors, eyeglasses and all. Kimby the dog was also in the picture but she didn't explain why. She got accustomed to the line leaders calling me at home (obviously when something was wrong) and she would do a why-why analysis on me after the call. She knew my line leader's name. One time, when the phone rang on a weekend, she mutterred "o, sira na naman ang motor..." (translation: the motor has broken down again). True enough the motor did broke down.

After being exposed to the vet (whenever we took our pet Kimby to the doctor), she said she wanted to be an veterinarian. We ended up buying this toy veterinary medical kit and an IKEA wooden bed for dolls so that she can play doctor to her toy animals. I just humor on her whatever is her latest wannabe.

It is interesting to note and follow how her answer vacillate every now and then. We just have to nurture their dreams until the time comes for them to finally make that monumental decision.  I can understand that not everyone would know what they would like to be as a grown up, at seven years old or so.  Did you?

I was subscribed to the Pambata magazine (a monthly publication for elementary school children) during my primary school years. It's an educational magazine for grade schoolers. When I was in grade 2, they featured a comic rendition of the different types of scientists so that children can visualize them better. I still have a photographic memory of those specific pages. I was drawn to the chemist, looking like some mad scientists mixing potions into vials. Reminded me of my experiments at home, mixing my dad's shaving cream, my mom's perfume and our neighbor's soil (we lived in an apartment but the neighbor next to the apartment row, had a vast garden with fruit trees and all).

In my junior high school year, I learned about the careers in the field of chemistry and discovered chemical engineering. I thought that working in a plant is challenging so I took up ChE instead for college. When I was hired in my first job for my the one and only company I worked for, I worked in an office (headquarters). But my instincts told me that my future is connected to the Plant. In 2001, it came true. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Back to Kyla. Can you guess what shewanted to be now? Back to being the dentist.

Kyla Learned to Bake

 Kyla's school homework for the week involve baking or cooking. They were studying about measurements and procedures and for home learning, they were asked to come up with a procedure on how to cook or bake something with matching illustrations. So we chosed Choco Fudge Brownies. This recipe is quite simple and they will surely love to have something to munch later.

Kyla measured the ingredients while Mom helps and doubles as the photographer.



I asked her to mix the batter herself manually though I kept the mixer for the oil-egg mixture.
She also greased the pan with oil before pouring the batter.

Kyla was beaming with pride while she placed her brownie batch to cool on top of the cork plate. She even showed her this to her Dad and to Kuya Kevin.

All done!!! It was a success!!!



Since we were at it, I decided to also make Spiced Nuts for late night TV snacks. I saw this at Giada De Laurentiis' program at Food Network Asia. These are perfect to pair off with a glass of wine (or beer). Even kids love the sweet-mildly spicy-salty flavor. Kyla volunteered to mix the nuts after I finished dumping the array of spices with sugar and butter.

Then we placed this in a cookie sheet and baked it for about 15-20 minutes. After cooling, I stacked this in one of the glass cookie jars.

Cooking and baking is a great way for children to appreciate food! When I asked her what she learned, this is what Kyla had to say:

1. I learned to follow the instructions.

2. I learned how use the measuring cups.

3. I learned fractions -- you can use two of the 1/3 cup to make 2/3 cup.

4. You have to mix the chocolate in one direction only.

'Til the next bake date!

Define Bravery

"Bravery is not the absence of Fear. It is the mastery of Fear." - anonymous

If there is one other thing in the world that I always instill to my little girl -- it's bravery. Life is complex and we have to be ready to face the twists and turns of fate. I also learned that we dont have to be the b*tch or the bully in order to survive "life." Old school values such as faith, inner strength, courage and bravery are the compasses that should guide us in trying times.

Before I left ahead of them for Singapore, I told her to be brave and strong and that day when I bid my temporary goodbye, I knew she was holding back tears. When I asked her what she must be, she replied, "I will be brave and strong. And take care of Kuya." I smiled inside that she has not forgotten.

I knew that those moments will someday define her.

 Forward to Today

My kids never had to go through tooth extraction with a dentist because the wayward tooth always fall off one way or another. Kevin would even pull his old tooth off! But Kyla's first molar emerged before the old one was ready to go so we had no choice but to go to the dentist. The thought simply terrified her but I assured her that I will stay beside her. When the dentist told her the old tooth must be extracted, she shook her head and motioned to refuse. So I had to come to the rescue, as usual, simply telling her to be brave and that I will hold her hand through out.

The short ordeal ended without fanfare and tearful bouts. She was calm and collected throughout the process.

Kyla's 1st ever dental check up when she was 3 yrs old.

Kyla's first molar tooth extraction yesterday. With cool shades to block the light. And everything else happening, I supppose.

So as a reward we went to her favorite Ice Cream Parlor (after 30 minutes).

I promised her a treat at her favorite ice cream parlor.

The Gift of Generosity

Eversince Kyla started owning coin purses, mostly as a gift or souvenir pasalubong from someone, she always made it a point to fill them up with coins. She is so resourceful that her pink piggy purse or her tarsier purse from Bohol would always be brimming with coins.

When I travelled home this month and we had quite a time together, it was then that I saw for the first time what she has been up to.

When we heard our Sunday Mass, Kyla would no longer ask me for money during the Offertory. She turned to her own coin purse and brought out coins for the offering. She even gave some coins to her Kuya Kevin. This made me smile. I am proud of my little girl!

Later thay day while going around the mall and shopping for home stuff, whenever we will stop by at the cashier, Kyla took out coins from her purse and drop a peso or two to the tin can coin banks beside the cashier. She did this for at least 3 outlets we visited. Kyla knows that these coin banks go to charity work, usually for Red Cross or Bantay Bata, she once asked me what they are for. This also made the cashiers and sales ladies smile.

By mid-day, her once heavy coin purse is empty.

And so whenever I have change of coins after paying the cashier, she would ask for them. I think she also collects the coins from our garage sale at home. She never rans out of coins to be sure. I believe generous people-- despite giving away what they have-- they never really lose anything. They gain back more vs. what they have given away and most of all, they gain back more blessings and reap good karma points.

It is so refreshing and heartwarming how a child develops the gift of generosity amidst her world where the young are surrounded by crass materialism and me-first attitude.

I am proud of you, my little one!

And as I waved my goodbye to her this morning, though I leave Manila today with a heavy heart, I know that she will be alright. In more ways than one. 

(Musings from NAIA, thanks to the reliable wi-fi, it worked this time)

My Little Big Girl - Kyla's 7th Birthday

Birthday Girl renders a Song Number from "Camp Rock"

When I asked Kyla if she wanted a Birthday Party or a Disneyland Trip for her 7th birthday, she immediately answered without batting an eyelash "Birthday party, so that I can invite my friends!"  I thought it was a good choice because these are childhood memories that she can tuck for a lifetime. Of course, it was only a matter of five minutes when she returned to me and muttered, "sa summer na lang yung Disneyland..." !

True to her love for upbeat music, the theme had to be Camp Rock. We actually picked Hannah Montana theme as first choice but I thought of the poor boys who would likely cringe over a too-girly-theme so Camp Rock is a logical bet. Besides, Kyla and Kevin love Camp Rock and their music so I am sure this is something they will both enjoy. We picked a rock princess costume for Kyla after scouring the mall for hours!

For fun, we also chosed to set up a Kiddie Salon for the girls (and boys too!). Bigshot4Events' photo booth was a hit among the young and old! I'm glad that most kids were game to come in their best rock star/pop star outfits- it was so competitive I had to at least pick 5-6 Best Costume Winners for the girls and boys' category. Even Kuya Kevin gamely agreed to don his pop star outfit with matching color spray do! We are so proud of him and this earned him one of the Best Costume awards too! There were about 40 kids and more than half of her classmates attended the party, which is a testimony of the friends she has made.

Of course a party will not be complete without a Magic show, the Ventriloquist and the usual loads of games for all. Our surprise for Kyla was the AVR presentation of Kyla's Growing Up years which she love! Kyla also gave a suprise number from her favorite song "This is Me" from Camp Rock!

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Our special thanks to our family/relatives, our friends and colleagues, Kyla's classmates past and present, Kyla and Kevin's teachers- who made her birthday an affair to remember!

My gratitude to our partners and suppliers who helped me and Alvin made this a less-stressful event:

Paseo Premiere Hotel for their great party package, BigShots4Events, Set You a Party, Ninang Ninnie for the Themed Cake and Cupcakes, Kyla's 7+1 Well-Wishers: Teacher Edison, Teacher Weng, Ninang Ninnie, Ella, Arwen, Chami and Andree.

In her first seven years, there is nothing more that I can ask for from a daughter-- Kyla grew up to be a brave and strong girl, wise for her years, loving the simple joys of life, intelligent and witty, and unconditional in her love especially to her Kuya Kevin. We love you Kyla!!

Kyla's Metamorphosis

The great author Anna Quindlen once wrote her thoughts about parenting and raising young adults- I forgot the verbatim statement but it all boils down to something like...

I've always thought that my children became who they were because of what I did for them. But I realized much later, that they grew up to become their true selves because they taught me a thousand times to back off and let them BE.

I was a young mother when I first read this. 10 years later the fiction became my reality...

I learned to read much earlier than going to pre-school and this started my love for reading. The first book I ever owned was The Little Mermaid (which I thought now was a bit too much for a children's fairy tale...).

I tried to get Kyla to also develop the reading habit but clearly she had other interests in mind (like singing, soccer, bike, scooter and roller skates) which rather supported her Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligent-self. I remembered Anna Quindlen so I decided not to force the issue. Which meant her grades in Reading are off than the rest. So be it.


But I was in for a surprise early this school year. They have this DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read) at school and she started to bring books at school. I also noticed she regularly borrow books from their library to take home for reading. Kyla now spends time to read books at home. One time she even read a book for her Kuya Kevin while they were hanging out together at the garden :-) Last time we went to the bookstore she asked me to buy 2 books. And another 2 for her brother.

But the biggest surprise was when we went to her school for the Parents-Teacher meeting. Posted at the door of the Learning Resource Center was the list of Top Borrowers for the Month by section... Kyla was their #1 avid book reader! No wonder I saw a different book every day in her stash!


I remembered Anna again... yep, she was right. And you can bet her Reading grades are now far better, but that's a moot point really. Reading is all about expanding your mind, seeking and finding that inspiration. At the end of the day, seeing Kyla now develop that genuine love for reading is such a great gift!

Kevin and Kyla in Working Mom

Kevin and Kyla's picture were featured in Working Mom's June 2010 issue (page 108 f you please)! Being the school opening month, June edition's Mommy Moments aptly titled "Me and My School Bag."

I happen to take pictures of the kids' first day to school. Every year. The picture I submitted was taken two years ago (Kyla in preschool). This was really special because it was Kevin and Kyla's first day together in the same school after many of Kevin attending home-based program. They gamely posed with their school bags beside them. Kyla was her usual cheerful self and was giving her Kuya an encouraging hug before the picture was taken.

Kevin's smooth inclusion in his new school is largely because of Kyla. Kyla's friends also call him "Kuya Boy" and also looks after him at school.

I am sure that someday we will once again look back at this picture full of happy, loving memories.

Kyla's Time to Shine!

It was one proud moment no doubt, among countless of memories past and memories to be made.

Kyla was indeed every inch a star in her 1st Recital Concert last May 29, 2010 at the Southpick Resort Main Hall. This is their culminating activity from her Center for Pop Music Philippines voice and stage performance summer workshop.

For her solo performance, Kyla sang Demi Lovato’s “This is Me” (from the soundtrack of Camp Rock). I’m so happy to see Kyla taking center stage full of confidence and total love for singing. She also projected very well the choreography that she worked out with her vocal coach Ara.

She also had a production number with friends (“Umbrella” by Rihanna) and several other group production number with the recitalists.

Kyla loved singing and I thought that a workshop in CPMP will at least her help develop whatever talent she may have in singing. This is not her first time to sing on stage. During the U.N. Day Talent Night, she also sang Miley Cyrus’ The Climb.

It is definitely one summer that we will always remember! And we are proud of Kyla for being confident and bringing to life a great song!

Welcome to SSC-W

Now its offcial. Kyla will be joining St. Scholastica's College-Westgrove this coming school year. Her new second home for the next 10 years of her school life until she finishes high school, I hope. Coming from an exclusive school myself, SSC-W reminds me of my own alma mater Stella Maris College. Alvin and I both feel at home in SSC-W. Kyla was interviewed by the GS principal Sr. Daniela. When asked about her talents, Kyla said she can sing and dance. And she even sang a song "We will get there". Kyla has a Superior EQ according to her test results. Kyla mentioned her girl friends in preschool (even told Sister their names) but when Sister asked if Kyla will miss her friends, Kyla replied "I will miss my Kuya." It brought tears to my eyes when Sister shared it to us. We shared to Sister about Kevin and the great things he and Kyla shared. I was happy when Sister told us to bring Kevin to their school during family affairs.

Although Kevin and Kyla will now attend separate schools, I know in my heart that Kyla will always be there for Kuya Kevin and she will never forget that he is part of her happiness.