COVID-19 Chronicles: Kids' Online Classes Begin Again

 2021 August and September

It's weird but it's the start of the classes again. Weird because we're used to classes starting in June, but because of the pandemic, the kids started their online classes in August (Dana) and September (Dylan). 

By now, we've had one year of this "new" mode of teaching and the kids have grown accustomed to it.  

For these two, they actually prefer it! :)

A milestone: Dana's Grade 10 Moving Up Day

 18 May 2021

Congratulations Dana on finishing your Junior High School!!!

We are so proud of you!!

We love you!!!

Onward to Senior High School!

Covid-19 Chronicles: A grief-stricken Christmas for us as Patrick suddenly passes away

2020 December

We didn't think this year couldn't get any worse, but it did.  Patrick died after 2 days in the hospital, not from Covid-19 which was what we were protecting him against but from cerebrovascular disease pontine infarct, an ischemic stroke that affected his pons region of the brain stem.

It was devastating to say the least and my kids and I are still reeling from it even as I type now.

I will only touch on it with just a few details because to write about everything is still too painful.

I will write about the rest of December too, just to cap off the year. 

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! :)

Covid-19 Chronicles: Metro Manila is now under General Community Quarantine (GCQ)

 01 -30 June 2020

It is now June.  We're into our 3rd month of Quarantine/Lockdown in Metro Manila.  The GCQ downgrading meant that restrictions were eased up even though there were still plenty of confirmed cases in the region.  People have to work.  Businesses have to open.  Everyone has to find a working balance to survive. 

However, despite all these difficulties, we had to stay happy.  We had to stay calm and collected for our peace of mind :)

COVID-19 Chronicles: 2 weeks of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in Manila

16 - 31 May 2020

From May 16 to May 31, Metro  Manila has been downgraded to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine or MECQ.

Downgrading mostly meant the re-opening of more businesses although they're only allowed to operate at 50% capacity.  Work-from-home setups were encouraged.  Bikes and e-scooters were encouraged as an alternative means of transportation.   Tricycles were the only public transportation that were "allowed" depending on the city or municipal government's discretion.  

Two months in with this previous lockdowns and we still manage to maintain a cheerful disposition.  How are you doing amidst this pandemic?

COVID-19 Chronicles: ECQ/Lockdown Part 2

15 April  - May 15 2020

April 15 - We are still on ECQ/Lockdown until May 15, 2020.

For about a month, everyone is just trying to survive and getting used to being grounded at home.  Kids and Senior Citizens aren't allowed to leave the house because they're the most susceptible.  Bills are put on hold because field agents aren't allowed to visit homes to check meters and such.

But life goes on.  What did we all do during this time???

COVID-19 Chronicles: ECQ/Lockdown Part 1

07 March 2020

It was January 2020 when the world was rocked to its core by the announcement that there was a new virus named COVID-19, claiming lives first in Wuhan, China and then spreading to the rest of the world.  

In the Philippines, it was March 5 when the first local transmission was confirmed, prompting the government to take action to prevent the spread of the disease.  Here are some of the events that happened, from a local point of view. 

I wrote this to record how it was when it happened.  How it affected our lives.  How it seemed surreal at first like we're all in the middle of a movie, unraveling at such a fast pace.

Note:  I wrote about these events not as they happened but on hindsight because I was just too shell-shocked to even comprehend what was going on at that time.  

Dana's simple birthday celebration

16 March 2020

Happy birthday Dana!! 

We didn't really have the finances to give you a proper birthday feast but thank God for your Lolo Ben and Lynne who dropped by with a few treats :)

Thank you for your understanding and we will make it up to you when circumstances are better :)  You know that!

We love you!!

The Manila Bulletin Hatch Exhibit at the UST Museum

26 September 2019

We are always on the lookout for new exhibits to go to and when we learned about the new Hatch Exhibit from Manila Bulletin is now being showcased at the UST Museum, Dylan and I decided to check it out.

The Hatch Exhibit consists of 100 acrylic eggs that served as the medium for Filipino artists to express their exceptional talent.  It will run until October 12, 2019. 

Legarda Elementary School's 97th Founding Anniversary

24 September 2019

Over the course of a few weeks, Dylan, his classmates and the rest of the school have been busy preparing for the 97th Founding Anniversary of the Legarda Elementary School. 

This is Dylan's first social gathering with his new classmates since his teacher resigned and I'm certainly proud of him for adjusting well and participating fully with their dance routine. 

Volkswagen Philippines' 6th Anniversary and their Child Safety Initiative

21 August 2019

Today, we attended Volkswagen Philippines 6th Anniversary celebration at Trinoma, QC.  During the event, they formally launched the new Lavida, Lavida Club Edition and Lavida Club Edition+ Models and they held Volkswagen PH's Child Safety Initiative to educate parents and children regarding road safety.

Thank you Volkswagen Philippines for inviting us to celebrate with you!  We had a blast! :) More Power! :D

Trails Center for Children: Dylan's new Occupational Therapy (OT) Center

19 September 2019

Today, Dylan visited Trails Center for Children in Sampaloc, Manila for his Initial Evaluation for his Occupational Therapy.

Trails is a pediatric center specializing in individualized services such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Reading Intervention. They also have summer classes and one-on-one SpEd tutorials.

Here's what happens during an initial evaluation.

Dylan's swimming outing with classmates at SM Sun Residences

23 August 2019

Condominiums with pools are sprouting in Manila and residents (and their guests) have the privilege of swimming at their leisure.  This post tells of Dylan's outing with his classmates and provides a few details on what to expect if you were to swim at SM Sun Residences.

2019 National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) activities at Legarda Elementary School

23-25 July 2019

It's that time of the year when the students of the SPED department are in the spotlight.  It's the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week at Legarda Elementary School and everyone - students, teachers and parents got busy with preparations and participation.

Opening and closing ceremonies were held at the auditorium while various other activities were held in respective classrooms.

Check out what Dylan's class was up to!

Day 1 of 2019 Toy Con PH

28 June 2019

Yay!  It's Day 1 of the 2019 Toy Con PH !! Toy Con PH will run until June 30th at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia so grab your tickets if you haven't yet!

The venue is packed with toys, rare collectibles, displays and Fan events, particularly highlighted by Steven Ogg and Michael Cudlitz of The Walking Dead !!

There's also a Game Hub on the 2nd Floor and plenty of food options to recharge with!! We had an amazing time!!

Day Tour with Aqua Park at Club Balai Isabel: Exhausting but Fun!

27 April 2019

Today, we went to Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas to try out their Aqua Park, an inflatable water park.

Aside from the Aqua Park, we also tried out the swimming pool in Club Balai Isabel which was close to where the Aqua Park was. 

The Aqua Park was Exhausting but Fun and read on so you'll find out why!

Review: Our Stay at SM Wind Terraces Tagaytay through Airbnb

26 - 28 April 2019

This is our first time to book a place to stay via Airbnb and we don't regret it.  We booked a condo unit at the SM Wind Terraces in Tagaytay for our 3D/2N weekend getaway.  It was located in Tower 1, at the 16th Floor.

We only had a budget of P2K-P3K and we were pleased with our decision not just because of the location and the actual unit but also, the host, Luis, and his caretaker, Wendy, were both gracious and easy to talk with.

Check out our stay :)

Sun and Wind for Summer at the Pililla Wind Farm 2019

14 April 2019

Aah! The feel of the breeze from this vantage point was just too refreshing for a hot day!

Patrick was scheduled to do a photoshoot with the Ssangyong Musso this Sunday and we begged to go with him just to get out of the house :)  We even had to leave the house at 5AM just to beat the traffic and get to the location so that the light will be viable :)

These are our pictures at the Pililla Wind Farm while Patrick and his videographer, Engelbert, were working hard :)

The Pililla Wind Farm is located near the Manila East Road in Pililla, Rizal.

Donating your electrical wastes thru The E-Waste Project

12 April 2019

Today, we donated our electrical and electronic wastes thru The E-waste Project so that, in our own little way, we can contribute to better disposal and management of e-wastes to protect our environment.

The E-Waste Project collection drive this year was held from April 8-12,  from 8AM-5PM at the UP College of Engineering Lawn.

Check out their Facebook page for updates on when future collection drives will take place.