Posts Tagged ‘birthday’
Now, before anyone thinks I’m creating my own billboard charts of the hottest songs in the country, I’m not. This one is actually a personal selection, the crème de la crème of what I wanted to happen given that my birthday is just around the corner (exactly 3 days from today). Besides, I haven’t posted anything latest nor even visited my blogsite for almost 2 months (my gad, sayang ang bayad sa GoDaddy!) siyet! Hahaha)
Anyways, so what is it with the Ultimate Ten? Well, let’s just say these are the top 10 things I wish to accomplish, either for myself or for my family in the coming year. Since I’ll be entering a new chapter in my life (turning 37 already! Wala sa hitsura noh? Haha) I thought it will serve as a gauge on how far I will achieve things without overdoing it or going over the top. I get that tendency sometimes, resulting to overlooking what else is to be done and just finishing a few. So… as I pledge myself to the stuff I will state here (and with a good financial back-up), I hope to get them all done, or 90% at the most, and not get stuck with some pending “targets” prior to the next birthday next year.
Now for my Ultimate Ten:
1. Creative Advertising books/magazines
Being in graphic design, it helps if you have inspiration (apart from Kaye and the kids) to come up with OTB ideas for my clients. Of course, I am not getting any younger and thinking sometimes is not as sharp as it used to be. So these books or magazines can help give me the craziest or most serious concepts I can cook up. These references are really hard to find, or even worse, expensive if available. But I guess, if I want it, I think I will get one or two given the budget. Sayang lang, there are places I’ve known where there are a few available. Kaya lang they’re either abroad or they have already vacated the place since they don’t sell as hot as FHM.
2. A New Laptop.
Prior to December, Kaye and I were scouting for a new laptop for almost 2 months since my 4-year old Dell Inspiron e1505 has been “electronically dead” from time to time. “Electronically” meaning 90% does not open, 10% springing back to life. I had it repaired once but then, they said it’s going to recur. In short, nagbabadya na s’yang mamaalam. Good thing (pating!) my sister Ayette, who’s in Adelaide, Australia, knew about it and said she’ll send financial aid when I find one. A few weeks after, Ateyet tried to reach me and ask the specs I want for a new laptop. There was an ongoing sale at their place and she thought of getting me the laptop there instead. I gave her the specs Kaye and I wanted, but she got a laptop with much better specs. Kaya heto, wait na lang for December 20, since she’s coming home for the Holidays, and of course, to bring home my new toy! Isn’t it great to have a generous sister?!?
3. Bye-bye Utangs
Hmmm… well, this is really something I don’t think will end, not until 2013, especially with Christmas just around the corner, and other stuff to budget, this might not happen at once. But, at least, am hoping that 70% will possibly be lessened by the 1st half of 2012. Just hope I can control myself and budget more wisely. Anyways, staying positive naman ako that this will happen. Ikanga ng karamihan, lotto lang ang katapat n’yan!
4. Baguio Escape
Been raving about this for so long. Yun lang, we haven’t found the right sked to set it. But definitely, I wanted to go there again real soon, maybe the first 2 months of 2012 is the ideal date to plan it. Venue wise, well, siguro meron na (what do you think Be?) All I have to do is really be ready about it, finances, number of people, etc. Plus the fun thing, it’s going to be the kulets’ first taste of the cold weather of Baguio! If this pushes through, sana they will enjoy it! Well I know they will.
5. “Ako si McQueen!”
So far, I already have 3 versions, one (the original look with Rust-eze) which I already gave to Jeremy as a prize. The others I have are Radiator Springs and Dinoco McQueen. So far, there are still 7 or 8 (I think) versions of McQueen, including the elusive BluRay McQueen! Haay… wish I could complete them all…
6. Raketeer
I used to be a very active mangraraket. Copywriting, singing engagements, designing, account management, kahit ano! After I got busy with work, I laid low for a long time in most. The only one left was my singing invites on weddings. Kaya I am praying again that my wedding gigs will increase, my copywriting connections will be beefed up again, and I will be able to re-establish ties with past clients so I could get projects that would bring extra (big) bucks!!! Besides, I miss doing “rakets”, and the additional bucks for family and personal use.
7. Bonus, Bonus!!!
This one is really inevitable (Or I could be wrong!) Why? In my company now, we usually have these profit sharing come the start of the year. So whatever the company earns (net of expenses) that will be the employee’s share. Like a bonus so to speak. But not all of it will be shared kung hindi close shop kami bigla hahaha!!! It depends on what is written in one’s contract. The lowest given is 1%. For me, it’s… sikret muna! Hehehe!
8. Next Gadget?
Actually, since the time my Olympus camera’s battery got “fat” (sign that it was already defective) 3 years ago, I never got the chance to replace it ever since. I even learned that a digicam not being used for so long will develop moulds on the lens already. So I said to myself, if ever I’ll be getting one, no more digicams. Instead, I’ll definitely get a DSLR. Besides, I can improve my photography skills once I get to have the right tools for business. Afterwhich, I realized, why the hell didn’t I search the net for a battery for the old one? Kaya ayun! I’ll get a battery first for the old one. The DSLR can wait. Hehe!
9. Health mean Swimming
I used to be a good swimmer during my younger days. Yup I used to compete before, but that was ages ago. Now, I seldom swim, my muscles already replaced with flabs, and obviously, I’ve grown fat! Plus the fact that I don’t have much exercise, I have become more exposed to allergens that not a week passes by without me having an allergy attack (when before, I would seldom get allergies.) So this time, I wish to go back to swimming so I can shape up, and live again a healthier lifestyle. Am not getting any younger so better be wise about health. Besides, swimming is regarded as a total cardiovascular workout, it helps your lungs get stronger against respiratory illnesses like asthma. Which reminds me, dapat maturuan ko na rin sina Jeremy and Cassie so their asthma will go away for good, and toughen their lungs as well. Maganda ring channel ang swimming para sa kanilang kakulitan para pagod agad. Hehehe!
10. Australia
And yes! The elusive Australia migration. Ewan ko ba! The fulfillment of our wish to go there seems quite far pa rin. But I know that will still come. Probably when the time comes that Ateyet becomes an official Aussie resident, they can already sponsor me, Kaye and the kids to go there. Ikanga ni Ate, sayang ang opportunity because there’s a much better life waiting for us especially since it is a fact that the government supports families, including migrating foreigners who live in the Land Down Under, SA’N KA PA?!? Kung bakit naman kasi mailap ang mga professions namin dun. Anyways, we can still wait. No worries. Besides, when we leave, there’s no turning back!
So there it is! I guess, there are a lot of things still to consider to accomplish everything. But at the very least, this listing will be my guiding light for the next year. Again thanks for keeping in touch here. I know it’s been a while since my last post. I’ll try to write anew again, maybe one before Christmas and New Year na rin. Well, let’s see. Sana maalala ko hehehe…
Btw, Happy birthday, dear Jon and Lola Pem! Hope both of you will have a blast of fun wherever you may be celebrating our big day! Love and miss you both!
It was Summer of 2008 when Kaye & I last went to Manila Ocean Park. That was actually our treat to Ate Kara for her 11th birthday. Also, Kaye was 7 months pregnant with Cassie then and Jeremy was barely 1 year old at that time, so he couldn’t enjoy much yet during our first tour. Even MOP was not as complete then. Being the first oceanarium stopover in the country, they had a soft opening at that time so Filipinos could experience what it was like to see the underwater world for the first time. So the comeback trip (aka treat na rin) kinda made everything more exciting now that Cassie, Jeremy and of course Ate Kara looked forward to a more complete MOP last December 11. Well, this birthday treat is more for my kids than for me. You see, we usually have lunch trips at Tagaytay every time I celebrate my birthday. So this time around, I would say it was a lot better! And I was thankful (even at first was hesitant since it’s medyo magastos) because we had a blast that whole afternoon. I even had to purchase additional tickets for everyone, including my folks to watch the Musical Fountain Show that evening. It was priced at P99/person only! What a birthday treat indeed!
Anyways, the day turned out to be a very tiring but worthy birthday celebration for me, because I got to share it with everyone that I cherished, especially with the kids, who appreciated more the fishes and the other underwater animals that they got to see for the first time. I, for one, was so elated that Kaye made me push thru with the trip, and in so doing, made everyone truly happy in the end. Sayang the piglets weren’t able to enjoy much the fish spa. Jeremy was so ticklish that he often took out his legs from the water, and Cassie most of the time, was just splashing, which scared the small fishes away. Aheheh. Well, there’s always a next time.
Ps. I’ll take this portion to thank those who texted me on my big day last December. To my cousins Chop, Miah & Iah, Melanie, Aloy, Grace (who recently got hitched), Ai, Ninang Soli, Lawrence, King (naks special mention), Anne (my close sis in law), and even my daughter Kara, thank you for making it always special every year. Not to mention of course those who greeted via Facebook, thank you so much also for remembering. It has been a wonderful 36 years and everyone has made my life worth living. You are all in my prayers always!
Btw, sorry if this post is 1 month in-the-making. Hehehe! Was savoring the long vacation that’s why.
And now, here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.
The Kulets
- Mama & Cassie with Big Fish
"Daddy, ako naman pindot starfish."
My Pretty Girls with the piranhas
A manta ray (I think!)
Piglets with Mama
Jemjem All smiles with the sharks
My Chikitings in the Tunnel aquarium
Father & son bonding amidst the fishes
Fish spa time!
Go fish... nibble nibble nibble!
See how happy everyone is at the Sea Lion show!
The one the kids, even the yayas, enjoyed watching!
I remember the time when I first heard from Kaye that she was again pregnant way back 2006. My excitement went from 0 to 100! It’s like a different kind of rush actually, especially knowing that prior to this, we had a couple of miscarriages. What added to this rejuvenating joy was that Kaye had had a dream about a little boy being called by somebody from a distance. And the name the boy was called was Jeremy.
As researched, the name Jeremy is defined as “exalted by the Lord. ” Learning about this, indeed it gave me & Kaye a great sense of hope that this baby will be the best blessing we had been asking for as a married couple. And what’s more overwhelming about it, the name itself suggests that our baby would be a boy! “YAHOO!” was all my mind could shout out since we already have Kara, so a boy is definitely a wonderful gift for our growing family.
After more than 8 months of waiting, the time finally arrived. Coming from her final check-up, Kaye called me and said that her water is already depleting. So eventually, she has to be admitted in Asian Hospital in preparation for her delivery. Me, I went straight from the office to Asian, with all the jitters and coldness engulfing my whole body. Arriving at Asian, Kaye was already prepped and was given last instructions before the big moment. Around almost 1opm of June 1st, 2007, Kaye was already brought inside the operating room. As I waited, I was asked to dress in scrub suit for later I would be called inside. I could hardly contain myself as I imagined how it would be to see baby boy Jeremy for the first time. I was excited, at the same time afraid, since finally I’d get to find out how it was to become a full-fledged dad.
After an hour, a nurse from the OR came out and fetched me. And then, there he was. Only armed with Kaye’s Nokia 6300, I saw Jeremy for the first time. He was the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I couldn’t express the elation I felt being so close to him as he was cleaned by an assisting doctor. A couple of times, a thin tube was inserted in his mouth and nose to remove excess amniotic fluids that he fed on when he was still inside his Mama’s womb. When the doctor did this, he often cried and boy, was he loud when he cried! But for me, his cries were music that you wanted to hear over and over. After removing the tube, and some white thingys (di ko alam tawag dun e basta puti hehehe!), the doctor made her measurements on Jem. Surprisingly, Jem was 5.30 lbs upon delivery, quite big considering he was premature on the time of birth. After they’ve finished with all initial statistics, Jeremy was covered with a clean cloth, and finally, for the first time, he was handed to me so I could carry him. So how was it like? Well, it it was really like God handed me a precious angel to take care for all time. He looked so peaceful and felt so fragile. I thought to myself, I am so lucky to have Jeremy as my son. I couldn’t really describe the awe and outpouring of love that I felt when I embraced Jeremy for the first time in my arms. At that point, I realized that Kaye was still on the operating table. I brought Jeremy near her and tears flowed on her face. And of course, we did our first photo-op with baby Jeremy, eventhough Kaye still felt a bit groggy.
(Video to follow)
Afterwhich, baby Jeremy was taken to the nursery where he’d stay for the whole duration of our Asian stay. As I went back outside, Kaye was sewn up and brought to the recovery room. I went there afterwards until we were moved to a regular room the following morning. During the next few days and nights, I would frequent the nursery to look at baby Jeremy and see how he was. I never minded staying up late or not sleeping as much, as long as I got to see my boy. He was really a handsome baby, I should say! And more than that, he was mine. I never felt any prouder than that instant of just seeing him, holding him, and keeping him secure in my arms. And I thank God because finally, he’s already here, adding more sweetness and spice to my life, growing old with me, with Kaye and with her Ate Kara. Maybe, that’s also the reason why we added David to his name as giving praise to the Lord for his wonderful blessing to me and Kaye.
First carry of Baby Jem (few minutes after delivery on June 1, 2007)
Mama Kaye n' Jem
Ate Kara n' Jem (late 2007)
Dad n' Jem at a pictorial at home
Now, Jeremy is already 3 years old. But I always look back to the time when he first came out of this world. He is still my little boy… the little boy I swore to give a good life to… the little boy who’s meant to capture so many young girls’ hearts… the little boy that I will never be tired of loving, kissing and embracing whenever I have the chance. To you, Jeremy David, am looking forward to more years together. And everyday I thank God because you get to inspire me to do more and be a better Dad for you, Ate Kara and Cassie. Sana nga di ka na tumanda, as what Kaye always says. But even as we age, always remember… Daddy & Mama are so proud of you!
My Jeremy David
I love you, my Jeremy David! And thanks for giving me the privilege of being your Dad!
Alam ko medyo kalagitnaan na ng Enero. Actually, plano ko dapat mag-blog upang magpasalamat sa marami bagay na nangyari sa kin noong nakaraang taon. SO… without further ado, eto na.
Una… thank you kay Lord dahil sa maraming blessings na binibigay n’ya pa rin para sa king pamilya. Alam ko di ko ito matutumbasan ng kahit ano except for prayers lang and kung may chance ay pag-serve sa mass (kami ni Kaye ay cantor para sa salmo responsorio).
Pangalawa… salamat sa mga bumati sa kin sa aking birthday noon nakaraang buwan. Di man magarbo o kakaiba, makabuluhan s’ya sa kin ng sobra dahil kasama ko ang pamilya ko para i-celebrate s’ya ng matiwasay. Sorry kung ngayon lang ako makapagtenkyu kaya magmention na ko now — to my sis Ateyet, Mama ko, Papa ko, my darling Kara, Papa Melo, Mami Minda, Kuya Anne at sa butihing bf nit I o na si Onid, Iah (pinsan ko), Tita Meh, Tito Eric, at mga nakaalalang friends ko na nagtext, Karen, Ara, Genesis, Ai at ang future bayaw kong si RG (naks! actually magiging bunsong kapatid ko sya hehehe!) plus yung mga friends ko pang nagpost sa FB at lahat ng mga dablogkarda — daghang salamat sa inyong tanan! Pinataba nyo ang puso ko ng sobra sobra ng inyong pagbati! I love you all!
Pangatlo… salamat sa bagong trabaho kong pinapasukan ngayon. Nangangapa man ay alam kong katagalan ay kakayanin ko rin ito. Besides, alam ko si Kaye ay nakaantabay lang para ako tulungan. Medyo major shift for me kasi from copywriting ay mayroon na rin akong PR work, if not most of the time, yun ang gagawin ko. Basta, pagbubutihin ko na lang ‘to and I know I would eventually excel din sa bago kong trabaho later on.
And lastly, everyday na ako’y magpapasalamat sa aking Kaye na s’yang nagbibigay sigla at kahulugan sa aking bawat pagkilos sa mundong ito. Siguro iba talaga ang feeling ‘pag sinasabing sayong sayo na talaga s’ya. Oo talagang sa kin s’ya and am proud that nandun ako for her sa lahat ng kanyang pangangailangan. Sa lahat ng mga pagsubok, kasiyahan, di pagkakaintindihan, kulitan, kataimtiman, at pagmamahalan, ako’y taas-kamay na humahanga sa kanyang paninindigan at katibayan ng loob sa lahat ng aming nadaanan at dadaanan pa ng sabay sa darating pang mga taon. But most of all, sa pagkakaloob ng Diyos sa amin ng tatlong napakahalagang regalo sa buhay — si Kara, Jeremy at Cassie — wala na akong hihilingin pang kapalit sa D’yos dahil kinompleto na n’ya ang pinagka-asam-asam simula’t sapul. Sa ‘yo Be, maraming salamat at di ko ikahihiyang sabihin na Mahal na Mahal Kita ng sobra sobra!
Muli, Happy New Year sa ‘ting lahat at nawa’y maging masaya ang ating buhay ng buong taon!
Pahabol lang: Ma, Happy Birthday! (as in ngayon tlaga birthday n’ya that’s why I wanted lang a special mention of her here.) I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH and thank you for being my Mama!
It’s already 11 hours past since a new year has been added to my existence. And am not even sure what to write here. So I guess i’ll try to start off by recalling what transpired in the past years. Where to start, I don’t know… well, here goes…
In the previous years, the day usually started with a morning visit to the tomb of my twin brother Jon. He passed away 10 years ago due to fatal arrhythmia (this I learned just recently from my mom). A rosary and a prayer of remembrance, then afterwards, my parents and I would usually sing happy birthday to him. And i know he’d be delighted by it. From there, I go to work while my parents would go home to our house in Manila to prep for some handaan in the evening. When evening came, of course, close friends would be there to share some of the sumptuous food Mama bought from Meal To Go, or sometimes catered. I’d say oftentimes medyo bongga ang celebration since it’s not just me who’s celebrating or my late brother, but also my late Lola Pem! So triple the celebration, one is here, and the other 2 is “up” there! Ang eerie ng idea but equally fun! And I’m sure they have plenty of food to spare there because the Master usually provides a feast!
I usually love treating my family to something far different than just going to the mall and dine in. That’s why last year, I took my family and some relatives to a mid-morning trip to Tagaytay, just in time for lunch at Josephine’s. I had a blast celebrating then. Apart from the food, the place, and the cool weather, it was fun to see my former yayas become local tourists (first -timers po kaya picture at pose galore sila ha!). But more than that, I enjoyed the luxury of being with Kaye and my 3 kids, Kara, Jeremy and Cassie on my special day. My Ate Kara also had a share of fun, specially during the pichur-pichur moment with the Taal Volcano behind us and suddenly Cassie pulling her hair. Picture moment talaga!
And the fun didn’t end there. We still went to Residence Inn for the mini zoo tour. Ate Kara had been there a couple of times. But this time was different. She had a moment of feeding a baby tiger, and even had a corn python slinged around our necks. Jeremy and Cassie also had an immersion experience with the animals around the zoo with Kaye. And to cap the whole birthday treat, on our way home we passed by Mushroom Burger for some afternoon snacks and takeouts.
In all these things, I guess my idea of celebrating a birthday is not about me treating myself. But it’s a day where I consciously give back to people I most care about something that they deserve because of what they have made me become for the past year. So like instead of buying myself something, I buy something for Kaye such as a book or maybe a watch. Or wanting myself to have fun, I’d rather let my kids have all the fun they want. And it’s really a different kind of satisfaction I get every time this day comes. And frankly, I couldn’t get enough of it ‘coz every year, things just keep getting better and better! Blessed ba ‘ko? Maybe. But more than that, fulfilling is more proper because I always get to share my day with them.
So as half of my day has passed, am still thinking what’s in store later? Hmmm… still don’t know actually. But one thing for sure, I’ll be seeing my Kaye early tonight for a cozy, quiet dinner and hopefully catch the kids still awake back home so I could hear them again say “Happy Birthday Daddy! Yayu (love you ni Cassie) Ichu (love you ni Jem) and love you Dad (ni Ate Kara)!”