COVID-19 Chronicles: Highlights of July and August (Still on GCQ)

2020 July-August

Now that we're under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), we can now visit supermarkets together, as seen in the photo, taken when we went to our neighborhood supermarket, Savemore.  Let me tell you, it's easier to shop when there's someone to carry the groceries home with you.

But does that mean we take longer, not necessarily.  We're both aware that we just need to get our stuff done and go straight home.  The longer we are outside, the higher our chances of getting infected, so NO,  we don't loiter.

Anyway, here are the highlights between July and August of our time during lockdown :)

Hope you're all staying safe! :)

Dana's 2Q Convocation

 23 November 2019

Today marked Dana's 2Q Convocation in school.  It's the day where Honor students are presented with their respective awards and I'm proud to say that again, Dana made the cut :)

Congratulations Dana!  We're all so proud of you!

Dana's Recognition Day, AY 2018-2019

03 April 2019

When his teacher told Dylan that he'll be going up the stage to receive a medal, he was so happy and he said, "Wow, I'm going to be like Ate Dana!"

Well, it's true because today, Dana did go up the stage and received her very own medal for exemplary performance this school year! :)

We're so proud of you Dana!  Keep up the good work!

Celebrating Family Day at the Kids' Respective Schools

2019 February/March

This February, the kids were busy with their respective celebrations of Family Day in their schools. 

The highlight of Dana's Family Day is their award-winning performance of their Hip Hop Dance number.

Dylan's class had a lot of activities so you'll see a lot of pictures of those :)

Still, all of it was good fun! :)

Sta. Catalina College: A Night of Broadway Musical

24-25 November 2018

On November 24 and 25, Sta. Catalina College staged a benefit show entitled "A Night of Broadway Musical" directed by Ms. Christine Palanca. 

Dana was part of the ensemble cast of Les Miserables and they (almost the whole school)  practiced for this production for almost 3 months.  Other sets included Annie, The Little Mermaid, Miss Saigon, Rock of Ages and the Lion King. 

Dana's Recognition Day, 2018

26 March 2018

Photo by SCC

Today, it's Dana's turn at Recognition Day.  She received the "With Honors" award, among 6 other students in her grade level.  We're really proud of her!!

Actually, we've told her often that it's okay if she doesn't get an award, that what's important is that she LEARNS and UNDERSTANDS.  It's not about memorizing facts and details, though they are also important.  But, it's better if she takes the lessons to heart and remember them well for there's more studying and practical applications in the future :)

But, having an award sure does make you feel like you've accomplished something, doesn't it?  As long as she's happy and won't let it get into her head, it's fine :)

Congrats Dana!! :) We're proud of you! 

Dana's 2013 Buwan ng Wika Presentation in school

September 04, 2013

It's Dana's turn for a Buwan ng Wika presentation.  Preparations for her school activity were a bit tedious because we had to create the props that she used for her performance.  All the girls in class had the same headdress, bracelet and skirt but they had to source out their own black leotards and props to give the performance a colorful diversity.

Kids: Dana's Family Day Presentation

February 13, 2013

Today is extra special because it's Patrick's birthday and it's Dana's Family Day presentation in school.  Now, we couldn't celebrate Patrick's birthday at this time because he has to be at work but "Happy birthday!" just the same :)

Dana was very excited about her section's performance because they've been working really hard to master the steps.  We were at her school early to help her prepare with her costume and makeup.  It was quite exciting because everyone was in high spirits.



Look at them as they eagerly wait for their turn to perform.

After their performance, they all changed into their class shirts to be more comfortable as they watch the rest of the events unfold.  These are Dana's besties :)

Kids: Dana's First Holy Communion

December 08, 2012

It is a blessed day today.  Not only is it the Immaculate Conception, but it is also Lolo Angel's birthday and it is also Dana's First Holy Communion celebration.  The Sacrament of Holy Communion is one of the most important Catholic sacraments because it is through this religious practice that we become one with God. Also, it is something that is regularly affirmed not like the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation or Last Rites, where it only happens once.

The culmination of Dana's Holy Communion rites happened after much preparation for the students, the teachers and the parents.  Everyone was enjoined to purify themselves through Confession and Recollection to be prepared to receive the Holy Communion at the appointed time.  As parents, it is our responsibility to make sure that kids understand the sanctity and the value of Holy Communion.  

Dana's Recognition Day 2012

March 23, 2012

It's Dana's turn for celebrating the end of the school year with their Recognition Day.  As usual, she's part of the Top 10 in her class and I'm really proud of her for moving 2 steps up at the last minute :)  We've all had a  crazy year before and it showed in her school grades during the early months.  Though I don't really push her into getting medals and such, it's a relief to me that she's pursuing it on her own.  :)

What's really special about this year's recognition day is the fact that Dana really wanted her Daddy to be the one to go up on the stage with her.  When her teacher asked who she was going with, she specifically mentioned her Daddy.  When I asked her "Why not me?", she answered, "Well Mama, you've been the one going up on the stage with me for the past years.  I wanted Daddy to be with me this time."  That made me smile.  Patrick beamed when he heard that :)

After the ceremony,we all trooped to Robinson's Otis and ate at Tokyo Tokyo.  Dana wanted to feast on Ebi Tempura so that's what we bought :)

Her Daddy couldn't help himself.  He had to imitate Dana's favorite pose when she was smaller.  Funny, isn't it? hehe

Because her parents are too funny, it's no wonder she has the same sense of humor.  It's also too obvious that she is loved :)

Dana's Family Day in School

February 19, 2011

We usually look forward to Family Day celebrations in Dana's school because it's our chance to see her perform with her class during their Field Demonstration, just like last year when they were all wearing yellow and dancing to the tune of the Korean hit song, "Nobody".  Here's a video of their performance:

This year, the school made changes and we ended up being misinformed about the schedule and we missed Dana's performance.  Last Feb 14, Dana was absent because she got sick so the next day, we assumed it was just a normal school day because there was nothing special occurring if you take a look at the school's calendar. We did know though that it was the start of the Foundation Week but we didn't know that their Field Demonstration was rescheduled for the first day of the Foundation Week until Dana arrived in school that Tuesday.  I received a call from the mother of one of her classmates telling me that Dana was crying because she was the only one not wearing their field demo get-up, so we immediately rushed to bring her clothes to school.  Fortunately, we lived close and Ate Mel was there just in time to help her change and get her ready.  Dylan was also sick at that time so I couldn't leave and Patrick had work that day so he couldn't go as well.  I was really frustrated at not being able to see her perform.  The rest of the week passed with a lot of activities.  

That Saturday, we went to school not really expecting anything since we knew that Dana's class already performed that Tuesday.  Patrick was so bored because there were a lot of speeches in the middle of the raging sun which made the students a lot fussy and fidgety especially the younger ones.  We just passed the time patronizing the food stalls that were all over - siomai, siopao, french fries, nachos, Dunkin' Donuts, some pasta and the regular meals served in the canteen.  

The highlight of the morning came when  one of the guests turned out to be Jollibee.  The whole quadrangle became alive! hahaha Kids rushed to the stage to get a closer look at the favorite Jollibee mascot :)  He did a dance number for everyone which I gladly recorded hahahaha  See if you can spot Dana among the kids ;)

After Jollibee's dance number, the kids rushed backstage to have their photos taken with their favorite mascot :)

Dana's Family Day in School

February 20, 2010

I posted an entry about Dana having an ongoing school fair in school.  As part of the week-long celebration, the final day of the fair, there was a family day which was participated in by the whole school.  The kids were required to wear shirts to show which team they belong to.  Dana's grade level was supposed to wear yellow.  We also bought Dylan a yellow shirt because members of the family attending the event were encouraged to wear the same color shirt too.

As you can see they both look good!

I'm proud to say that Dana was active in participating in the games.  She volunteered to participate in the sack race and here she is!  Unfortunately, in her excitement a few hops from the starting line, she fell. Here's the video, if you want to see it.

Still, she got up and still went on.  Go Dana!

After that, her classmates all went to her and asked her how she was.  They're a tight-knit group of friends :)




During breaks or when it became too hot outside, we all sought refuge inside Dana's classroom hehehe It was airconditioned and the perfect place to rest.  Dylan occupied himself with reading the books in their reading nook.  It was a good chance for us to see how he likes being in a classroom setting.  It was nice! but maybe it was because Dana's teacher has such a rapport with kids :)



It sure was a tiring but enjoyable day!

Dana's School Fair

February 15, 2010

One of the things that I most remember when I think about my days in school during elementary is the school fair.  I often look forward to the rides, the food and the days of no classes like any normal child :)  This is Dana's first school fair and she's as excited as I was :) There's nothing more exciting than knowing that you'll see your child perform in public and you just want to show your support :)  I know they've worked hard at their dance number and they can't wait to show off to parents, teachers and other school mates.

Dana's school fair was a week long affair.  There were rides (a ferris wheel and a dinosaur ride) and booths with food, games and prizes.  The first day, the kids paraded around the school and even outside where they walked along the streets :) Dana complained of being tired from the heat but she was so happy she said it was like going on a field trip hahha aaah the simple joys of youth! :D  Look at the picture and you'll see Dana trying to look cool haha  They're waiting for their turn in the program.  Admittedly, they've gotten quite restless as the day wore on :)

To pass the time, the kids just played around, had a few drinks to quench their thirst, explored the booths and basically tried to keep quiet and behaved.  

Here are Dana and Dylan, of course, they're wearing matching shirts hahaha and Dylan, naturally, is making his dinosaur faces :)  It's quite funny that when we bought these shirts we didn't know at that time that Dana will be needing a yellow shirt.  They both love watching Spongebob Squarepants so we immediately bought these shirts for them when we saw them at the mall :D

Here's Dana's dance video.