Author, educator and parenting speaker, Vivian Kirkfield: Is Your Child Being Bullied?

I am really excited to share this clip of a short interview of Vivian Kirkfield by 9News TV. She has stated great tips on detecting whether your child is being bullied at school:

   Vivian is also the author of this equally amazing book: Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

I have personally own (with Vivian's authograph, nothing less!!) and read this book and been trying some of the activities with my little one.  It is surely one way to spend quality time with your children and be involved with them.  Getting involved with your children can also help them be more confident of themselves and open to communication with us, parents.  This may also help them easily talk to us when they experience bullying at shool.

 

p.s. I am a fan of Vivian :)

To the most wondeful man on earth and in the universe...

Happy birthday.

... did I say he rocks as a father too.

 

He's all good. All good.   There's really not much men like him in this world anymore.  Little Spanish Pinay and I are the luckiest girls for having him in our lives.  He got us fallen in love with him.  More everyday.  We love you, papi!

Wordless Wednesday: Strut the street

My Storyteller

Sharing a video of the Little Spanish Pinay reading for her dear mami at night.  I seriously died of cuteness overload here.   It's a good thing that I am trying to watch my diet these days (since we are still camped out at my inlaw's house and they seem to see me like some anorexic 16yr-old that they never stop stuffing food in my mouth) because I can really eat her up and swallow her whole!

She's the one...

... that constantly makes my heart skip a bit

with her bravado and tender nature in superlative form

... that would give me such emotions

as varied and colorful as the fishes and the corals in the sea

... that kills me with too much laughter in a day with her silliness

because she's just too darn funny

and alive and full of energy and too crazy

... that for God's divine reason, has completed our family.

... together with hubby, makes life not perfect but absolutely wonderful.

She sings, alright.

She has enjoyed songs from day one and as she grows, her love for music grows even more.  She learns different songs quite fast and easily and to top this off, she composes her own songs :) I love to watch her hum or sing different songs while she plays or "read" books on her own.  She also cracks me up when she tries to rephrase the lyics of the songs.   Here's a sample how she rephrases songs:

Song: Arañita Pequeñita (to the tune of The Eensy Weensy Spider)

note: I am writing the english lyrics in direct translation of the spanish song and not how the song is sang in english

Original: La arañita pequeñita, lo alto se subio (The eensy weensy spider, so high it went up)

Her version: La arañita pequeñita, alto subio

Original: Pero vino la lluvia, al suelo se cayó (But the rain came, on to the floor it fell)

Her version:  mmmm vino lluvia, y cayó y lloró! (mmmm out came the rain, and it fell and it cried!)

I died of her silliness and cuteness and then I was resurrected and then died all over again!

Lately, she's really getting into singing that she has started belting it out.  I always wanted to take a video of her but she'd get all shy and annoyed and wouldn't let me.  The other day though, while we were camped out at my inlaw's house,  she miraculously didn't mind mami taking her video... I think she was even enjoying the limelight!

I'll end this post sharing with you some of the my-now-treasured-videos (I shall make tons of backups of these!).  Have fun and be prepared for ear-piercing vocal belting.

and here is the one where she's showing her own style playing the guitar :)

Have a nice week ahead!

Philippines cries for help.

It's been more than a week of rain and the number of death and victims continue to rise.  Watching the news is really heart wrenching but seeing the all the volunteers and rescuers pour out their solidarity, compassion and dedication to help those in need makes my heart swell with pride and gratefulness.

Philippines need any help it can get. Below is a comprehensive list of information where we can bring or send our donations.  This is taken from Daddy and The City.  Thanks, Jinoe!

Angel Brigade

ANGEL BRIGADE accepts CASH donations via ISDANCO FOUNDATION. The fund will be used to prepare/purchase hot meals for evacuation centers / stranded families. Details are:

Account Name – Isdanco Foundation Inc.

Philippine Depository Bank – Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Bank Account Number – PESO Savings Acct No. 4-001-57757-9

Bank Address – RCBC Head Office, Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines

SWIFT Code – RCBCPHMM
Angel Brigade is accept relief goods – old clotehs, rice, water, canned goods and powdered milk. Please deliver to 2F Frank Provost Bldg., 120 Jupiter St., Bel-air., Makati City.
Pilipinas Natin Operation Walang Iwanan Relief Operation

We are in need of volunteers for repacking of relief goods in DAR (Department of Agrarian Reform) Gate 1, Quezon City Circle. For more information, please contact us at 0916.320.0809. Please share. #walangiwanan

Gawad Kalinga

Gawad Kalinga - http://gk1world.com/ncr-monsoon-flooding. Gawad Kalinga Command Center for relief ops North NCR @hrd Training Ctr, DAR Compound QC. #09991889683 / 09064192016 / 09228483806.

LBC EXPRESS PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION

LBC branches will serve as drop-off centers for Philippine Red Cross.Donations for flood victims are accepted in LBC branches starting August 8. Most needed are blankets, water, milk, easy-to-eat foods like biscuits, rice, baby diapers, mats/banigs, toiletries. Please make sure these are properly labled as donations and we will make sure these are sent immediately to the Red Cross and to their evacuation centers. Please don’t use plastic bags, instead use a blanket, towel or old shirt to tie-up and carry your donations. Thank you.

Christ’s Commission Fellowship

(Alabang) Accepting donations of OFF LOTION, BLANKETS, MEDICINE, CANNED GOODS.

Address: G/F Prime Street Madrigal Business Park.

(Ortigas) Donation of clothes, blankets, canned goods, noodles, rice, drinking water needed.

Address: St. Francis Square. Contact 6353410.

Address: 6th Floor, St. Francis Square Julia Vargas Avenue corner Bank Drive, Ortigas Center Mandaluyong City

GMA Network

GMA Kapuso Telethon 9811950

GMA Network Operation Bayanihan Relief Operations now open. Just call 9811950.

GMA Kapuso Foundation appeals for donations in cash and in kind. #OperationBayanihan

Para sa cash donation, maaari rin po kayong mag-deposito sa numang branch ng Metrobank, UCPB at Cebuana Lhuillier. Wala pong service fee na ibabawas sa inyong donasyon patungo sa GMA Kapuso Foundation.

METROBANK

Peso Savings

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings

Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number:2-098-00244-2

Code: MBTCPHMM

UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)

Peso Savings

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number:115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7
Dollar Savings

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6


ABS-CBN SAGIP KAPAMILYA

Sagip Kapamilya accepts donations in cash or in-kind.

For donations in kind, you can drop them off at:

ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya Warehouse #137 Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City

Warehouse

For cash or cheque donations, you may go to:

ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

Mother Ignacia Avenue corner E. Lopez St. Brgy. South Triangle, QC

Office tel. no: +632-411-4995 or +632-415-2272 loc 3765

or deposit to:
SAGIP KAPAMILYA

BDO Peso Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 39301-14199

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

BDO Dollar Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 39300-81622

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

PNB Peso Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 419-539-5000-13

Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

BPI Peso Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 3051-1127-75

Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City

Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
BPI Dollar Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 3054-0270-35

Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City

Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

* For confirmation of donation, please fax (+632-411-4995) or email (sagip@abs-cbn.com) copy of transmittal slip with complete donor’s information.


Akbayanihan Relief Center

Akbayanihan Relief Center now accepting donations. Food, water, clothes, and the like being accepted at the Akbayan headquarters in 36B Madasalin Street, Sikatuna Village. You may contact (02)4336933 / 09175381816 / 09064304315 if you want to volunteer.

Ateneo Law school Makati

Please drop off at 3/F Ateneo Rockwell.

Sanggunian ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila

Now accepting donations:

- WATER

- Medicines (Paracetamol, Betadines, etc.)

- Blankets

- Clothes (Sorted according to age and gender—Adult Female, Adult Male, Female Teens, Male Teens, Kids sizes Male and Female, as well as toddlers)

For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/ateneodemanila

Simbahang Lingkod Ng Bayan

Cash donations are now accepted by SLB.

CASH/CHECK DONATIONS

Direct deposits may be made to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)

Bank of the Philippine Islands, Loyola Katipunan Branch

BPI PESO Checking Account Number 3081-1111-61

BPI Dollar Savings Account Number 3084-0420-12

SWIFT CODE: BOPIPHMM

ROUTING NO: 021 – 0000 – 21or channel to:Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

Loyola House of Studies

Ateneo de Manila University

Loyola Heights 1108, Quezon City DONATE VIA GCASH1. REGISTER (one time only)

Text REG4-digit PIN/Mother’s Maiden Name/First Name/Last Name/Address and send to 2882Example: REG 1928/Sanchez/Michael/Borromeo/187 Naval St. , Novaliches, QC2. DONATETo send your donations:DONATE AMOUNT MPIN SLB or slb and send to 2882

Example: DONATE 100 1928 slb


LA SALLE GREENHILLS

Relief Operations starting now at LA SALLE GREEN HILLS. Volunteers proceed to the LMO office and look for Marlo Castillo. For LSGH High School students, you would need to bring a letter from your parents stating they are allowing you to volunteer for the Relief Operations. Of course, everyone please exercise your best judgement, if your location or way to LSGH will put you at risk, then please do not take unnecessary risks.

Also please spread the word that donations are being accepted at Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills along Ortigas Avenue.

As of now, only the following donations are being requested:

Ready to eat food (does not require cooking, and preferably in easy to open cans or pouches)

Water

Clothes

Cash donations will also be accepted but please proceed to the LMO and look for Marlo Castillo.


Miriam College Institute for Social Action (INSA)

Miriam College Institute for Social Action (INSA)is now accepting cash donations for victims of the flooding caused by habagat.

Donations may be sent to USD BPI Acct. 3084-0375-35 Swift Code BOPIPHMM.

Miriam College CSC: Contact Shirley 09178517408/Clarke 09178797603

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

We’re opening PARC (PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center in Aurora Blvd, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights QC) as a temporary evacuation center for Marikina pets. Owners must leave ID and contact info, and if possible, roofed cages.

PAWS does not have enough cages but at least it’s higher ground and the animals will not drown.

The PAWS shelter has actually reached maximum capacity as it has been overrun with animal rescue reports but it is making this announcement as an open evacuation center to reach out to pet owners in Marikina now.

For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/pawsphilippines


POVEDA

All donations will be received at d main gate starting today.

TULONG KABATAAN:
You can also donate thru @cegponline bank acct
Accnt name: College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Account No:001003036211

Student Organizations Coordinating Council

The Student Organizations Coordinating Council together with One Meralco Foundation will be collecting CLOTHES, RICE AND CANNED GOODS. Please gather your donations as we will collect them at the Tan Yan Kee Student Center once the flood subsides (please wait for further announcements as to when the collection will happen). Contact us (+639055003546 and @officialSOCC) should you wish to help! Socc Ust SOCC Executive Board 2012-2013


Victory Fort Bonifacio

Starting August 8, Victory Fort Bonifacio will accept donations of food and bottled water at the ground floor of the Every Nation Building, University Parkway corner 32nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
For particulars, please call 817-1212

http://victory.org.ph/article/join-us-in-our-relief-efforts/

Do you get jealous?

I'm not a jealous person and really, my husband has never given me any reason to be jealous of another girl, so luckily, it has never been an issue in our relationship.

And then I discovered that I can be a jealous girl... not of another girl but of songs!  I know! What sense does it make, if it has any sense at all??

I already feel silly just by thinking about it now but the jealousy came in to me and I couldn't just silenced it with let's say, eating bars and bars of chocolates.

Before I get all the disapproving looks or ho-hums, let me at least elaborate the case at hand.  And then, I will accept judgments.

See, hubby loves many things about Asian culture.  Even before he met me, he's already an afficionado of animes.  Japan has always caught his interest.  But he met me, went head over heels (ahem) and his interest about Asian culture even grew wider.  He didn't only fell in love with me (ahem again) but also with Filipino cutlture, food, songs, country, etc.  So far so good, right? 

Here comes the problem or better say MY problem.  Lately he's been getting into Korean and Japanese.  He'd play them in his car, he'd sing them around the house (with invented lyrics of course), he'd download them like crazy... get the point.  It's actually good as he has a very, very wide range of gusto when it comes to music.   He IS a music lover, not to mention he sings quite well.  But one day, the chong-chong (my description of asian-non-filipino-songs) songs just got into my nerves and I burst.

Told him that I am getting jealous annoyed of the songs already.  Hubby, with a surprised and confused face said "what? why?" 

Told him, you are married to a Filipina and not Korean.  Hubby was like "uh... what?"

Told him, why didn't you just find yourself a Korean so you can get yourself drunk all the time with Korean music and then maybe your Korean wife could even teach you the song.  Hubby was like, "it's just that right now, I don't have the Filipino songs in my phone.."  with an even more confused face.

That fired me even more.

Told him, "You are married to a Filipina and you listen to Korean and Japanese songs but NOT Filipino songs.  Why is that?" Not true as he already knows a number of Filipino songs but lately, he's just getting obsessed (my subjective description) with playing Korean songs.  Hubby was out of words for a good while but trying to stifle his chuckle.

He tried to remind me that we already have a wide collection of Filipino songs and he'd even play them at home. 

I was like, yeah because I am at home and you do that for me.  For ME to listen to the Filipino songs but on your phone, on your car, all you have is everything Asian songs but Filipino songs.  It does show what is your favorite, your priority. I know... hormonal. That's me.

He tried to explain some more but he just kept burrying himself under my wrath.

Don't think that all these happened one fine afternoon and ended there.  No, days and days, I get so moody everytime we are in the car and he'd start pluggin in Korean songs (even Little Spanish Pinay has started learning the song).  One day, while we were outside enjoying the pool and the sun, he started singing his favorite Korean song and I snapped and said "Will you stop the friggin' singing?"  I immediately regretted my attitude.  But I have a reason and I am THE offended (based on my hormonal state).

The next day, when we got in the car, he started playing Filipino song from his phone plugged in to the car.  And what do you know,  it ticked me off too.  What? Why? Because now, he's putting Filipino songs only because I reacted and made a show out of it.   I kept telling him there's really no sense for him to redeem himself anymore by playing Filipino songs.

Ok, crucify me now.  I KNOW I am totally being shallow.   I can't fight my hormones. They are the boss of me! 

My poor husband?  Never got mad with all my nonsense.  He's a saint and I'm the bi-atch of the house. 

The. End.

DIY: Fabric Hanging Bookshelf

In the midst of too much work and drama and some drainage problem around our household,  I tried to work on some DIY project that hopefully would make me feel like there's still something we are able to accomplish inspite of all the hullaabaloos.

 I've been eyeing this project for quite some time now but couldn't really dedicate enough time to sit down and start on it.  But then slowly, slowly, like that tortoise in the story  The Tortoise and The Hare,  I managed to win the race!  Thanks to Pinterest and to this lady who posted a great tutorial.

I'm not posting my own tutorial as really, I just followed whatever is in the link above plus, some improvisation.   If any one has some questions though with anything, just haller and yours truly will try her best to help :)

So here is my own version.  The fabric is from a curtain that was on sale.  From €24.99 to €5. Score!  One whole curtain was already more than enough for these two hanging book shelf. 

I downloaded pictures of animal silhouettes from the internet, printed on a paper and then traced them on an old shirt I have.  I then just pasted them using fabric glue.  I love the result! But man, cutting animal silhouettes on a fabric is a tough job. 

Ok, some revelation... see the big red arrow above? Not cool.  That shows how my sewing skill needs tons of practice.  But I am turning a blind eye on that as I am currently too lazy to correct this booboo.

And now for my favorite part.  See the embellisments on the side?  Rolled paper magazine, what else!

Coz, this? Is ugly.  I bought long curtain rod and just cut them in half.  So the result is this ugly thing.  They badly need some eblishment but the ones that are ready-made from the store are either too big or way too expensive for my budget-conscious self.  So I think and think and think of what to do... and my trusty magazine papers were the answer!

I was thrilled with the result!  They are quite simple and pretty enough to be considered as embellishments heh :)  I am contemplating though whether to paint them green or not... I'll probably try and see how it looks much later. 

 

So there ya go!  I hope you like 'em like I do ;-)

Next project should be something to put on that blank part of the wall.  Any idea for a DIY?

This is it. I'm nearly Breaking Down

Ok. Not just nearly. I did break down once last week.  It's tougher than I thought it would be.  The daycare thing.  Yes, the daycare thing. 

The first 2 days have been fine as Little Spanish Pinay stayed there for only 2 hours.  There were no tears.  Only serious face. Then another 2 days of 3-4 hours.  Starting Wednesday last week, the crying has started.  She'd tell me in the mornings that she doesn't want to go to daycare and it breaks my heart.  It scratches my soul. 

The hardest part is when I see her trying to stop her cries everytime we arrive to the daycare.  She doesn't cry out loud nor scream nor nothing of that sort.  But she has tears in her eyes while she'd tell me "Please mami, I don't want to go." She's trying to be strong but I do feel her anxieties and sadness and that's breaking me apart even more.

I know it could be worse.  She's being a really good trooper considering that she didn't have much of the needed adjustment period.  But every morning that she'd plea not to go to daycare, I get a big knot in my stomach. 

I know people tell me that it'll be good for her as she will learn a lot of things from there, etc... but that is where the hardest part comes in.  I am not really one of those who believe that toddlers need to be in the daycare to learn certain things or to learn how to socialize with other kids, etc.  And so the more that it gets harder for me to accept that she has to go.

For me, daycares are not a necessity for kids but more of a necessity for parents - for working moms like me.  And that's where the guilt really rubs me off.

I am very much aware too that it won't help if I dawdle with these thoughts but I can't ignore either that it's taking a toll on me.  "It's tough to be a parent" is an underestatement.  And all the more that it gets tougher when parents are strained by their limited resources or choices to be able to give their children what they know is best for them.

Oh well, I know Little Spaish Pinay will be more than fine.  It's tough but this too, shall pass.