Posts Tagged ‘Kaye’
Today, my sister Ayette and her husband RG are on their way back to Australia. They’ll be having a stopover via Singapore and leave there tonight for Adelaide. Good thing, I got the chance to talk to her still even before boarding (flight was around 2PM). As I was talking to her, I was reminded of her first trip way back 2005 right after a few weeks of getting married to Kaye. I got a bit teary-eyed talking to her (good thing, walang nahulog na luha hehehe) as I checked on them and RG. Well, their vacation is one of those memorable ones since they got married lang last year. Why’s that?
You see, they really didn’t plan of coming home last December. Originally, my parents were supposed to go there and spend the holidays up to February. That is, if only the “stork” was kind enough to be patient with them at least for 3 months. Sadly, the “stork” was not. And so the plans changed. Anyhow, all is good pa rin because they were able to come home just in time for the Christmas merry making. And what’s more special with this one is because it was the first Christmas with the family as a married couple. It was more fun and happy because she was here, and not alone for the Holidays. Besides, it was also great to have a new “brother” in the person of RG. He had the first taste of the Plata Christmas tradition. Apart from that, they afforded time to stay with us overnight in our Sta. Rosa residence, spend time with Kara, Jeremy and Cassie (oo si Principal) to their heart’s delight! And thenof course, everyone got to relax and have some water fun at the Pool on The Hill in Pansol, Laguna just last weekend. Though Kaye and I, together with the kids, didn’t spend the night because of a prior arrangement, I saw how everyone enjoyed, especially the kulets, with all the splashes and tumbles in the pool, not to mention the videoke, and the XBOX sessions with RG, and my cousins Miah and Paolo. But more importantly, intimate fun moments are rare to happen nowadays since she lives abroad. So that was at least the only chance that everyone again had a blast with all the kulitan and bungisngisan on the pool and even during eating time. Their month-long stay was capped with a dinner despedida last night at Amici in DonBosco Makati. Sayang the kids weren’t around since no one can bring them to Makati for that, but at least Kaye and I were there. We had a simple dinner of some of Amici’s delicous menu (Amici is an Italian restaurant started by people behind the DBTI Printing press). 4 big pizzas, 5 different pasta dishes, and 3 pitchers of various Pepsi products were served and nibbled. We also had different desserts, which ranged from gelatto to the uber sarap Di Lusso ice cream cake!
And so and the last moments of the pichur-pichur and exchanging stories, we parted ways, saying our final goodbyes to everyone, especially to Ateyet and RG. Even when we reached home around past 11, I dialed Papa’s mobile so the kids can say goodbye to their Tita Ninang and Tito RG for the last time.
It’s almost 5pm in my watch (Manila time). Soon they’ll be landing at Singapore for a stopover before their connecting flight to Adelaide. But yeah, it will be a long while again before I see Ateyet again. Nevertheless, it has been fun that they were here. And hoping next time, if not this time soon, me, Kaye and the kids will be the ones to go there naman for whatever the season or ocassion. Besides, am praying that this year, the stork will be patient with them this time around.
Thank Ateyet and RG! Will see you soon again! Ingats!
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!
Last weekend, Kaye, Kara and I went to Alabang for a scheduled trip to Wilcon. We did some inspecting of bathroom fixtures for the currently being renovated apartment home Kaye & my family will be transferring into come April (we hope!). We arrived at Festival Mall almost 8:30am and had Kaye and Kara dropped off at Aplaya for a hearty breakfast. Me, I went to Festival’s basement offices to go with the examination for a job I was applying for. Bad trip though, ‘coz Kaye was already asking me to have breakfast with them first before taking the exam but I didn’t, hoping that I could finish the exam quickly. Not only did I didn’t have breakfast, I started the exam after waiting for more than 30mins. and it lasted for more than 2 hours!!! Well, at least that was already done. After the long exam, the HR person told me that I’ll be contacted after a week for the results (do pray that I eventually get it!!!) In a few minutes, I resurfaced from the basement and followed Kaye and Kara at Savemore, who were already doing the grocery after their Aplaya breakfast.
So finishing our grocery errands, we then went to Wilcon and inspected nice bathroom fixtures that will be placed on 2 bathrooms at our future home. Kaye already looked at the Pozzi designs as this was recommended by my father-in-law. They were actually nice, but Kaye love them! So I guess it’s going to be Pozzi at our toiletry (hehehe trying to do some rhyming lang. sorry na!!!). After a trip to “bathroom city”, I sort of visited the shower section to check on overhead showers, which I thought it may be cool to have in the bathroom as well. But of course, that will still depend on what’s priority for installation.
Anyway
s, as we left Wilcon, Kara and I got ourselves some treats as well. Her buying a mocha frappe (which was just a large sized beverage but priced the same as a grande in Starbucks) and me, a mouth-watering double choco brownie, which the three of us shared in the car. Ironically, the brownie got us hungry for lunch so we decided to eat in the nearby westgate area, at Army Navy Burger + Burritto. All of us were first timers kaya sobra happy kami because the food was really good and sulit for the price! Kaye was busog with her burger while Kara got really full with her Starving Sailor Sandwich, a submarine-like sandwich full with pork strips and other delectable additions. I had the 2-pc Fearless Fried Chicken which I also enjoyed since it was riddled with pepper and even adding pepper sauce makes it sarap to the bones. But the only problem I had was their LiberTea because it was too bitter, since I think it was really concocted from actual tea leaves and not powder based. I did finish it though, for the experience. But generally, everything we ordered at Army Navy was good. I will definitely go back there one time, maybe to date Kaye if ever…
Next stop? Well, just across Army Navy was Fruiti Froyo. I didn’t order anymore as I was full already but had a taste of what Kaye got for herself for dessert. But hers was really good too, very relaxing to the palate! I never got to taste Kara’s yogurt treat, but am sure it was also delicious!
After the whole morning stay at Festivall, to our trip to Wilcon along Zapote Road, and our hearty lunch and dessert at Westgate, I suddenly realize one thing — I am missing a lot of possibilities in Alabang. More than the fun, the places and all, I know there’s much more in store for me to experience. That is, if ever I get the chance to get work here the soonest. Plus the fact that being in Alabang brings me closer to Kaye, as well as closer to home. Maybe a lot of things can change for the better if I make it in Alabang (or Australia, whichever is first to come! hehehe) But until then, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming (and praying for it), right?
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!
Last weekend, me and my family experienced the first ever cool breeze that swept the alley of our apartment compound. Clearly, Christmas is in the air! Apart from December was just around the corner, the coolness of the night reminded me of my childhood days when the Christmas season comes. That means I can ask for toys I’d like to have! Yeah, yeah, I know a lot of us were fixated to the idea that Santa did exist (of course, he was really a believable person to everyone. ang tumanggi, di ko reregaluhan?!?). Anyhow, there were a lot of stuff I really wanted to have, especially during the holidays. But of course, whatever’s given to me is truly enough, even if these were not the latest toys or the preferred things I wanted. Now that I am a grown-up myself (cue song here “My Grownup Christmas List by Amy Grant), I realized that there’s more than just toys and other stuff to receive. And believe me, these are things that are far more important to others than for me. So when Christmas Eve comes, and I get to see Santa face to face, here are a couple of wishes that I would want to happen, especially for my family.
1. That our precious kids will always be HEALTHY and be free especially from asthma. Ate Kara, Jeremy and Cassie are the best things that ever happened to me and Kaye, so we really hope that they will remain healthy and strong all the time. It’s just weakening to think when they’re sick…
2. That as parents, me and mommy Kaye will have more than enough financial backup for unexpected events especially when the kids get sick or for meds. Actually even for treating the whole family for leisure occasions can also be good. I kinda miss that for quite some time now.
3. in line with this, of course long life to everyone that we love, especially our parents, sisters, and close relatives! (isama na rin kami of course!!!)
4. Win a lotto game, even if the prize is just a measly 50M (compared to the last one di ba). Actually kahit sa Scratch It lang which the prize is an instant 100k, enough for expenses and a little enjoyment on the side. hehehe
5. Better opportunities for me as a professional, preferably Alabang area (para magkalapit na kami ni mommy Kaye) or Laguna area (paging companies in the area. helloo!!!)
6. Additional for number 5 is that me and mommy Kaye can find good work in Australia real soon! Opportunities there are very much acceptable especially for migrating families kaya we hope to make it before September next year. Besides our IELTS will expire by then kaya kelangan na!!!
7. Wii or XBOX 360 not for me but for the kids (hehehe pasimple pa ‘ko! ahahaha!)
8. A dream business that Mommy Kaye and I are wishing for which we intended to keep on a long term basis. Of course, capital na rin to support its startup and maintenance.
9. Plans of travelling again back to places me and mommy Kaye have gone before (Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Mindoro) so the piglets can also experience it and other places we still dream on going to (Palawan, Subic, Davao, Baguio, Pagudpud, Mt. Province, and list goes on…)
10. A long overdue getaway with mommy Kaye either local trip or abroad, kahit 3-4 days. It’s been a long time since magsolo kaming dalawa e. I know, I know nakakaguilty leaving the kids behind. But may kapalit naman sya — ultra daming pasalubong for them!!!
11. An oven for mommy Kaye which she has been asking for so long! If ever sabay na rito, a nice kitchen as well!!!
12. A clean slate for my credit card and SSS loan. These things also are eating up din my finances. Haaayyy…
13. My own mini theater room, with 20 people sitting capacity
14. To have an joint album with either Jim Brickman or David Foster. Sorry but I am really a piano addict, that’s why I chose them for that. Hehehe of course may duet kami ni mommy Kaye if ever.
15. World peace!!! (Just making sure at least there’s something I’m aspiring for the whole of humanity)
Wow! Really big dreams and requests from the big ol’ Santa! And I know most of these are not possible still even in the near future. But what the heck! There’s nothing wrong in aspiring, especially for this season! It’s the only thing that’s left FREE for everyone!
So… if Santa was here, what’s yours?
This post is made especially Para sa Make a Wish List Raffle ni Salbehe
And finally, the day has come! Yes! It has already been a year and thank God that I made it on my first! From stories shared to comments to kulitan and meeting new friends, I still can’t believe that I’ve reached this far. Of course, you, my blogger friends, are the reason for my home’s success. Frankly, am grateful to all of you. And hopefully for the coming months and days, I will try to continue on blogging for those who visit the site and sit for a chat and chichirya. So to those who shared their time and effort to come up with a fan sign for my anniversary, this is for you, guys!
To all my good friends at the Blogosphere, thank you! I couldn’t ask for more but for your unique friendship and shared moments (especially in the comments sections aheheheh!) I do look forward for more times of blogposting, shared thoughts and bonding times again.
Daghang salamat sa inyong tanan!!!
I remember last year when I first started my blogsite. Actually I started out as a nobody in the blogosphere. Learning about this from my wife Kaye (she was the one who influenced me to come up with one, since she had her own created also last year. Visit www.keekaye.com), I began to get interested and started my own. But not yet on the site. I actually disguised myself as a blogger when I began reading on Deejay’s site (who happens to be inactive for a long time!). I carried the name Bonggang Bonggang Bongoloids. I sported the old guy without teeth smiling avatar. Anyhow, for quite a while, I hid from the shadow of Bongoloids, until around November 15 last year, I decided to start my own blog site for good. Using the WordPress platform, there I created my very own site — Ang Aking Munting Bongkito.
I tried coming up with a few blogs from time to time, my first entitled “Ah Ganito Pala ‘Yun.” It was quite okay. Got to establish a few friends (of course, courtesy of Kaye) and made around 8 blogposts since the time I began, well, not bad for a first timer. Then, by February of this year, I decided to move to dot.com, again influenced by my wife and also suggestion of Madame Salbehe. So there. I moved to a new home, a home with my own personal identity. I called it TheGreenFrogCreations.com, which is actually my dream business company.
Today is already November 9. In a few days, my site will already be 1. Not much has changed though, but I guess the success of this site is primarily because of blogger friends like you. So to celebrate this “momentous” occasion (momentous daw o!), I’ll ask anyone from you to help me dressed my blogosversary post with a fan sign (sorry I just want to ride the bandwagon hehehe). But I’ll add a little twist. Since my site has a primary image reference which is the bench or bangkito, hope you can add that too to your fan sign as part of the design. However you treat it, it’s up to you.
But wholeheartedly, I thank you my blogger friends for supporting me and reading and commenting to posts for the past year. Hoping to share with you more stories and chitchats on my second year.
Just like what I always say, kitakits na lang ulit sa ating tambayan ha? And don’t forget to bring your fan signs as well! Tenchu, tenchu!!!!
Like what the title says, this entry is just a short one that I want to share with you guys. Apart from Kaye and other family members, only a few (like some friends in the office) knew about the special treat I got for Father’s Day. Not only did I get to spend with the kids, the good treat I had that day was the anticipation of seeing the McDonald’s Father’s day ad published on three main broadsheets. The ad was sort of a tribute to all dads all over the country, but with a twist — images were caught in their most candid, uncompromising way while enjoying McDo treats.
Here’s the ad:
Can you guess where I am?
As an added surprise, a mysterious friend of mine (whose cell number I still haven’t identified. sorry and thanks ulit sa tip!) texted me that I also appeared in another front page of a famous broadsheet with no less than Fr. Jerry Orbos. To my curiosity, Kaye tried to find the page through its online version. And true enough, it was indeed ME on the picture… with Fr. Jerry Orbos! As I recall, the pic was obtained from this blogsite through a post I did a few months ago. Though, I felt violated for the writer (or someone from that publication) just acknowledged my site and not even bothered to ask permission or find out my name as proper courtesy of using and publishing the picture. Though it was something unacceptable, I felt in a way cool about it nonetheless.
Anyhow, here’s the picture that came out with that surprise article below.
The feature article on Manila Bulletin
Again, Happy Father’s Day to me!!! Hahahaha!!! 
We never expected her then, thinking that Jeremy was just 4 months old, and Kaye was still on recuperation stage. But as they say, our baby girl Cassie came as a good surprise when we least expect her to appear. I was a bit scared then when Kaye felt she might be pregnant again that soon. So to settle our worries, we consulted to our OB-GYNE friend doctor Doc Joana Lozada in Manila for Kaye’s initial check-up. Lo and behold, Kaye was confirmed pregnant! I saw this coming after Kaye guessed it. Actually, we thought of having another baby after Jeremy turns 2. But since the unexpected surprise is underway, it was just a matter of days and months ahead before the Cassie comes.
Of course the worries are back again. Knowing Kaye has APAS (Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome), she has to take again heparin shots for the whole duration of her pregnancy. Panic attacks were also a concern for Kaye (even me). Moreso was the stress of traveling, since Doc Joana’s is in Don Santiago Bldg in Taft Ave. So trips to & from her Manila clinic required longer travel time. But we were not complaining. After all, our level of excitement were at spiking points for the arrival of Cassie. Imagine, there will be another kid to arrive, and soon enough, we would now be five (Even before Jeremy, we had difficulties of conceiving our first baby). Talk about more bundles of joy!
A few months after, around May 2008, Kaye & I were already preparing for her eventual delivery. Doc Joana informed us that the only hospital she can deliver Cassie was in M-Tech Hospital, a medium-scale hospital located in Makati. Since it was the only hospital she can operate on Kaye, we agreed on it.
By May-end, Kaye was already experiencing slight contractions and movement from baby Cassie, but it was nothing we were to be worried about. We thought that she may even the same date as his kuya Jeremy if that would be possible. But since baby Cassie’s growth is doing smoothly, we weren’t surprised that Kaye made it tohru the first week of June, just finishing Jeremy’s 1st birthday. In fact, we could say that Kaye’s pregnancy with Cassie is considered the safest and I guess stable for that matter. But on the night of June 5, Kaye said that it’s more probable that Cassie is already coming out. So from our Sta. Rosa home, we traveled to M-Tech Hospital in Makati so we can already be admitted as a precaution for baby Cassie’s delivery. Doc Joana was tipped by our possible admission that night, though I know she was coming from a dinner party with his soon-to-be hubby Glenn.
By early morn of June 6, Kaye was already prepped for operation. I accompanied her, as the nurses wheeled her out to the ground floor of the hospital up to the OR entrance. After giving her a kiss, there she went inside, with Doc Joana already waiting to “dissect” her and bring Cassie finally out to the world. After a few hours, I was called for but not to join Kaye in the OR but just to view for the first time my bunso, Cassie who was already placed in the nursery. I was speechless when I first saw her, sleeping soundly, not hinting a difference whatsover of her new environment. A few moments of watching her, she abruptly woke up and kinda looked at my direction. Of course, new born babies still don’t have eyesight yet, but seeing her look at me made me feel like she knew I am there, her one and only Daddy.
Cassie at the nursery
Since that day when we first brought Cassie home, it made me think. Cassie may have been unplanned, unscheduled when Kaye & I had her. But you know what? We were glad that she came that early. We may have missed a lot of fun, memorable and worth it times if ever she did come 2 years after. Besides, her beautiful face, charming smile, and energizing kakulitan (for lack of the right translation), I wouldn’t want to exchange those 2 years of waiting before enjoying and experiencing how Cassie lights up our spirits and lives everyday!
Cass, I thank you for being here with me and Mama. I know that most times you were overshadowed by your kuya Jeremy or even being bullied fo that matter (sorry anak!), to us you’re not one less of a precious gem to us. You’re truly the best bunso we could ever have and we thank the Lord that He did plan of bring you to us the soonest! Darling, we love you and we do hope to serve as very good role models for you as you grow in the years to come, with your ate Kara and kuya Jeremy.
To you, darling Cassie, Daddy loves you very very much!
Mama feeding baby Cass at home
Cassie at 4 months
Ate Kara & Cassie in Tagaytay
Cassie fun bonding with kuya Jeremy
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!