Feature article on Smart Parenting magazine is OUT!

May 23, 2013

After the much-awaited arrival of the magazine (for me, at least)  I was able to get my hands on the April Issue of the Smart Parenting magazine that we were featured in.  It was puzzling why I wasn't given a complimentary copy though I'm not sure if the other moms had gotten one either but anyway, as soon as the issue became available, bought a few copies to spread around hahaha Sheesh! it's not everyday we get featured in a magazine so .....

Naturally, I immediately scanned our page!!  What do you think? :D Reading from the acknowledgements on the page, the Photo was shot by Dakila Angeles and the make-up and hairstyling was done by Pipo Santos.  But honestly, there was nothing to change with the hair LOL Prior to the shoot, the team at Smart Parenting asked me about the kids' sizes.  The dress on Dana and the button-down shirt on Dylan came from Elle Kids boutique at Glorietta.  They only wore it at the shoot hehehe Oh and the shoes I was wearing belonged to Maika B. who was the sittings editor.  I had slip-ons and she suggested that closed-shoes looked better hahahaha I agree! :)

The thing to remember here is that we had fun.  It was an extraordinary experience for me and the kids.  Dana even brought a copy of the magazine and showed it to her teachers and classmates in school.  I guess this one was for the Bucket List hahahaha

Traveling to Tarlac in the Hyundai Sante Fe

May 18-20, 2013

Last April, we had the privilege of meeting up with Uncle Bebot and his family in Tarlac.  This time, we took them up on their offer to stay a while at their home.  Patrick had another test unit to drive - this time it was the Hyundai Sante Fe so it was perfect timing for a long road trip.  Kids were comfortable at the back and enjoying the "arm rest".  They kept asking for drinks so they can use the cup holders haha  We had lunch at Zapata's in Clark (though I think it's called Iguana now).

The sky from the sunroof

When we arrived, we took some time to get settled but the kids wanted to swim immediately.  So here we are!

 When everyone got tired of swimming, it was probably evening by that time.  We had dinner with the family and then it was sleepy time! We were given our own room and the kids shared a bed.

The next day dawned bright and early and I took the opportunity to take pictures of our ride, the luxurious Hyundai Sante Fe.  The pictures look foggy because the camera was cold haha

When everyone had breakfast, we took a trip to the family's rice mill where Kuya George gave us a tour around the place.  The kids were content at the back of the Sante Fe while the adults were talking.

Naturally, when you have a pool at your disposal, you'll take advantage of it and that's what we did hahaha
Dylan kept swimming with his floatie while Dana found out that she liked to dive from the edge of the pool.

That's Dylan's version of diving ! haha

Meanwhile, Patrick and I were relishing the soothing calm of the place :)

But eventually, all vacations must end and we have to go back to reality.  It seemed like a short trip and they didn't want us to go too haha With the promise to return, we left the Tadeo abode and went on our way towards Manila.  Since it was nearing dinner time, we stopped at Victor's Barbecue and Lechon Manok which had the reputation of being the best barbecued dishes this side of the North.  It really was good! 

Even with that full dinner, the kids got hungry again and we stopped for snacks.  Now, the kids were happy they were able to use the cupholders in the Hyundai Santa Fe.  :)

The Manila Speed Show with Marlon Stockinger and the Lotus F1 Team

May 4-5, 2013

Patrick's job as a writer for Top Gear Philippines takes him to many car events that sometimes it becomes boring for us when we have to join him.  This is not one of those times.  I'm not really a fan of F1 though I sort of know what it is and I'm also not knowledgeable about the players and teams so I won't even attempt to talk about that.  But when Patrick mentioned that Marlon Stockinger was picked by Lotus to be one of its Junior Drivers to train and eventually compete for the team and they are here in the Philippines for a Road Show, well, I wanted to be there.  

See, being there is like one step closer to the real F1 race and that's a world that not many of us get to experience.  The fact that it's being held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds makes it even accessible to everyone.  Patrick said there'll be an exhibit, a meet and greet and of course, Marlon will be driving the Lotus car around a "track" so that was exciting. 

We first went to the exhibit at the Mall.  I wasn't sure what to expect since I didn't know if there were a lot of fans of F1 in Manila.  When we arrived, there was a growing throng of people around the area.  Some were fans, some were curious passersby who were wondering what the fuss was about.  Others were media men covering the event.   

Play the racing game

Chronicles of Marlon's racing achievements

The line of people wanting to "drive" a Lotus F1 car

There were other things to see and do while at the Manila Speed Show.  There was go-kart racing as a precursor to Marlon's lap.  There were also cars on display.  

As a Top Gear representative, Patrick got passes to get inside the "inner sanctum".  As his family, we also were given the same privilege :)  It was quite an eye-opener to see these gear and equipment at the Pit Stop :)  They had 2 cars here, one was a single-seater another was a two-seater.

   

Here are some animated gifs of the cars getting ready to run the track and returning to it.  The sound that car makes is deafening! Roar!! :)  

Moving out

Returning

Another lap in the afternoon

In the afternoon, Marlon was scheduled for another lap as you can see from the picture on the left but we took the time to rest from the heat.  We were directed to a Media Tent where there were some snacks and drinks.  We took advantage of the drinks because it was really hot.  We waited there because we were told that Marlon will be speaking for a few minutes when he returns from the drive.

The tent behind the car as it was driving away was for the VIP's.




After the lap, he took the time to walk around and thank his fans.

After a successful lap around MOA

It wasn't so bad in the media tent.  It was a cool break from the summer heat.  There were cold sodas and snacks to give you that extra boost of energy.  They also gave some swag like the caps and the bags with T-shirts inside :)

After a while, Marlon was in the tent and both he and his Mom were able to address the media.  We were able to take pictures with him too :)

The afternoon showcased a different activity.  We were able to see the pit crew in action as they showed us how to change tires FAST! :) As part of the fun, several media and celebrities got a chance to change the tires in a friendly competition.  Patrick was one of the participants!! He felt so lucky because it was an opportunity of a lifetime.  Never would he be able to do that thing again! :)

With the sun going down, the event wasn't over.  We still went back to the mall for the meet and greet with fans.  By that time, our energy level was getting low and it was just Patrick who went around taking pictures for the coverage.

It was such a wonderful time.  Marlon is such a nice fellow and we wish him well! :)