Last week, my sister in law, Martine, and I decided to take our kids and their cousins out for a little exploring. It was the two of us adults and eight very active children! We needed a place where they can freely express themselves but also be indoors (in case it rains), and where we can easily keep an eye on them all. Quriocity turned out to be the perfect place. Quriocity is a children's picture book store; play and workshop space; as well as a tea bar located inside the Crossroads Center along Mother Ignacia, Quezon City. It was founded by parents who loved to travel and make things. Read More
Every Detail Counts: An Afternoon at Heleyna
"Who are the people in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood..." is the song that comes to mind when the girls and I go on our little studio visits. In our own way, we are trying to learn about the different things that the people in our circle and community do to contribute beauty to others and help improve people's lives. The most recent studio trip we took was just dreamy. It was at Heleyna Bridal owned and run by the talented Janina Saspa. We met Janina at Kendo and she had, at one time or another, become playmates with the girls and I simply adore her work which I follow on Read More
Emma’s Amazing Fifth
We didn't throw Emma a party this year but when we asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday, she said she'd like to "go to the woods" and see her cousins at the beach. By the woods, she really meant Baguio, and the beach where her cousins live is at San Juan, La Union. The last time we went up north was three months ago so it was just about time we visited again. We spent a day in Baguio and instead of staying there for the night, headed down to LU where we stayed for three more days. The trip turned out to be really great! The weather was perfect. We got to catch up with friends. Read More
OFF TO A GREAT START!
The month is almost over. It's usually a cause of panic, but for once, I'm really excited about how the days are coming and going the way they are. January has been good to our family and it really seems like we're off to a great start this year. Here's what panned out the last four weeks and why we are full of gratitude and hope⦠NY at LU Before hitting the "hustle button" this 2017, our family decided to welcome the new year at surf town. It was our first time to spend new year's there and I was really glad we did. I found quiet moments to just sit, reflect on life and dream for the Read More
The Significance of Children’s Parties
Emma turned four. She's been eagerly awaiting this day since August. As the last birthday of the year, she has to watch her sisters get their parties first, steeping in the mild jealousy that only a middle child could truly understand. My dad came to me two weeks before and said to make sure that Emma got a birthday party too, as her sisters did. The truth is that we were always going to have one, but organizing these DIY parties really takes the steam out of us parents who already work hard on the weekdays. Nica gives up several hours of sleep to make all the drawings for decor, the craft Read More
Josephine Turns Two
I seem to have to constantly remind myself that my youngest, Jo, is not exactly a baby anymore. Sure, she's MY baby but she really is no longer a baby. I guess that's really a thing with youngest children. Because there's nobody after them they get to keep the "status" and the special treatment that goes with it. Well, Jo turned two exactly a month ago. And I really feel like that was so fast. Yes, I'm definitely ecstatic and thankful that Kayo and I are going this long without getting pregnant again, but at the same time, I'm wondering, where did all that time go? Then I look at Jo, watch Read More
Chilling Out With Summer
Summer turned five last month. I didn't make any plans for her birthday because Summer had made plans herself. The older this girl gets, the more she wants to take control of things. Of course, as much as she would like to, we don't just let her take charge of her life or let her have everything she wants. But we let her take over some things, like plan for her birthday celebration! Well...to an extent. She was pretty specific about her requests. She even drew them out so I would know exactly what she wanted and not forget. Thankfully, there wasn't anything in her list that was way Read More
Vibrant La Union
After spending the entire summer in the city, it was truly wonderful to have been able to take a break and visit the beach a couple of weeks back when we went to La Union for Social Media Day Northern Luzon. Kayo was given the opportunity to participate by giving a talk on the current wave in social media. He decided to bring me and the girls along, stay the entire weekend and make a vacation out of it. Here are the colorful highlights of our trip and some new discoveries in our favorite surf town: Ridge To Reef Natural, eco-friendly and charming. These are how I Read More
Elogio Del Agua
Sanso Museum is a gem in San Juan, Metro Manila. It is a serene pocket of inspiration in the middle of a very busy city. I was happy to have been able to talk my parents into going there one afternoon a couple of weeks back despite the horrid traffic. They were celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary and were looking for a new place to visit and explore. Sanso, I thought, Sanso Museum! I had been there late last year, when Craft Party PH had a Christmas-themed rubber-stamp carving workshop. But my parents hadn't been and I was sure they would enjoy it. So we headed there with the kids and Read More
Paintings for Papa
I find it entertaining when my children explain their drawings or paintings. There is almost always some sort of story behind them even when the drawing are very abstract. A lot of times it's intentional, but sometimes, they just make up descriptions as they go. For Father's Day, Summer, Emma and yes, even Jo, surprised their Papa with mini canvas paintings. Here's what they have to say about what they made: Secret Garden by Emma Louise "I want to make a BIG heart for Papa." After painting the heart, she proceeded to cover it with multi-colored dots and lines. "It's like a Read More