My Kids Recognition and Graduation

This is a late post of mine from the recognition and graduation of my two children.

March 13.  Baccalaureate Mass held at San Pedro Cathedral Parish.

It was expected that Mikaela would bring a gift offering with her to the liturgy. We arrive at the location in time for the mass final rehearsal, which begins precisely at noon. And beginning at two in the afternoon, their Baccalaureate Mass will begin.

Following the service, we made our way to DAVAO Famous Restaurant in order to purchase our go-to siopao. But because she was hungry, my daughter insisted that we had to eat there, and since I was hungry as well, I agreed with her. She insisted that we eat there.

We ordered the restaurant's renowned SIOPAO and LOMI.

MARCH 18. CVAES GRADUATION DAY
   

My eldest daughter will graduate from elementary school this year. I am extremely ecstatic to learn that my eldest child has completed her primary education and is now preparing to begin her seventh grade year as she was already enrolled in the K to 12 Program's new curriculum.

Despite the fact that my daughter is now a young adult, I still need to guide my oldest child.

MARCH 20. CVAES RECOGNITION FOR GRADE 6,4, and 3.

Another exhausting day, but I must rise early to attend the recognition of my two kids. Yes, only those with honors and diplomas were presented with them during my daughter Mikaela's graduation. This is why they continue to recognize grade 6 students with merits, medals, and special prizes.

Perhaps they divide the awarding of merits to prevent a crowded, disorderly celebration. And I agree with this kind of approach, even though it takes up most of our time. However, this has only happened once in our whole time as parents. 

Going up on stage and giving my children ribbons, awards, and honors for their academic achievements is a clear indication that they are making good progress in their studies, and it makes me feel really glad to know that my children have achieved success in whatever form.

CONGRATS GIRLS and MAMA LOVES YOU!

CONGRATS TO ALL 2013 GRADUATES!!!

64th FOUNDATION DAY of CVAES

It is time to get ready for the 64th FOUNDATION DAY of the school where my children are enrolled.

CVAES (CESAREO VILLA-ABRILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL), formerly Bucana Elementary School. The school's address is Bucana Trading Boulevard, Davao City.

My father, Mr. Juan P. Pal, taught at this university for 32 years, leaving an outstanding legacy. His extensive academic knowledge in education contributed to his popularity among his students. Even though he is no longer teaching, his name will still be remembered by some of his former students and some of his teaching colleagues.

In 2005, the year of his retirement, the institution was renamed CVAES. I don't know how they came up with this 64th FOUNDATION OF CVAES because, as far as I know, BUCANA ELEM. School is still the school's name. Anyway, I hope someone can enlighten me on this matter.

Mr. JUAN P. PAL and CHELSEA
Picture taken last year 2012

Because my oldest daughter Mikaela has been sick for about a week, she was unable to participate in the school presentation; however, she was present and photographed her sister Chelsea as well as other presentations from other levels. 

KINDER PRESENTATION

GRADE 3 PRESENTATION 

GRADE 4 PRESENTATION. Chelsea in the first lane with the green band

Grade 5 PRESENTATION

GRADE 6 PRESENTATION

To grow up with a healthy sense of self-worth and the ability to see themselves as basically good people in the not-too-distant future, children need a lot of good experiences and chances to improve their skills.

The intellectual, social, and personal development of children absolutely requires them to have these kinds of possibilities.

After presenting their demonstrations, the children participated in a variety of activities, and they had a lot of fun doing things like receiving free ice cream and porridge. Then, following their activity in the morning, they participated in a second activity in the afternoon, which was the Coronation of the King and Queen of Hearts 2013.

Even though I couldn't watch the show in the afternoon, I'm sure that every contestant deserves to win.

As a side note, I've attached the film that was shown during my daughter's presentation; I hope you enjoy it. Enjoy!

Chelsea's Anemometer and Wind Vane

ANEMOMETER. A gadget that is used for measuring the speed of the wind.

This was something that her grandfather made for her. It is made from things like old Tupperware containers, barbecue sticks, and party cups that have been used for something else.

Composed of vintage cartoons, a plastic container for peanut butter, barbeque sticks, a pole, and electric tape.

THE WEATHER or THE WIND VANE. Traditionally referred to by its former brand name, WEATHERCOCK. A device that indicates the direction of the wind.

Both are helpful on weather stations for determining the speed of the wind and the direction it is blowing.

Her project grade: 50/50 each

Mikaela's 13th Birthday

Whew! The birthday party for my oldest daughter, who turned 13, was on December 21, 2012, but I forgot to blog about it since I was so busy. We opted to celebrate her birthday with her friend at school while they were having their CHRISTMAS PARTY, despite the fact that her actual birthday is on December 18th.

The day we were born is the most important to us. As well as that, in order to have a fantastic birthday, we need to plan an incredible party. First, I had a conversation with Mikaela about the kind of party she envisioned having, and she mentioned something cute and kid-friendly. Therefore, I searched the internet for a design that I could use for her cake, and I came across this adorable and ingenious cake made by THE SWEET CAKE FAIRY.

Photo credit to THE SWEET CAKE FAIRY

In light of the fact that we are going to celebrate it at their school, I have chosen to also serve cupcakes in order to ensure that everyone gets an equal share. I need to inquire with her teacher adviser regarding the number of students that are present in their classroom. After that, I got in touch with my friend Margaret, who had a bakery close to our town and who not only baked but also made cakes for any and all events.

And as soon as Margaret received my message, she answered back. I immediately sent the photo to her via Facebook private message so she could replicate the cake design.

 

December 21, SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PARTY. While the children are very busy singing and dancing, my mother and I, together with Ms. Teresa Alemanza (my daughter's teacher adviser), and my dear friend Beth, are very busy preparing the cake and cupcakes that will be placed on the table.

photo credit: brendanlim via photopin cc

The combination of ice cream with baked goods like cakes and cupcakes is a PERFECT MATCH.

By the way, I do have a birthday wish that I placed on my daughter's Facebook timeline:

To Mikaela Francesca:

You have brought so much happiness into my life. This person is stunning, bright, clever, perceptive, and, most importantly, full of spirit. Loving things like Android Tablets and other electronics, which you and your sister, Chelsea Jeanille, had a lot of fun sharing with each other and participating in amusing activities together.

If you want to have a good relationship with your mother, sharing school life with me is a terrific step to take. Since that lovely moment in the middle of the night when I first had you in my arms, you have been making me over for the past 13 years. I can't imagine my life without you. That is the most breathtaking scene I have ever witnessed in my life. There are no words that can adequately express how grateful I am to have a daughter like you, K-la, who is 13 years old and has made my life as close to perfect as it is possible to get.

Best wishes for your birthday, Ate!

Mama JL with love 

My Daughter's 1st experience with the Vending Machine

If either my children or their friends have events at or outside of their school, you can count on me to follow my promise and share any relevant updates with you. At the wake that was conducted for our grandma at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes, my family and I went there in order to offer our respects and show our support for the family.

In the midst of my children's exploration of the area, they eventually returned to me to request funds. When I asked them what they were going to purchase, they told me that they were going to get a cup of coffee from a vending machine.

Oh, this place, Cosmopolitan Davao, really has a vending machine? For fun, I grabbed my Android tablet and went with my kids to the vending machine. People are waiting in line to get a hot or cold cup of coffee or Milo.

There are two models of NESCAFE vending machines, namely, Automated Vending Machines (AVM’s) and Tabletops. Both offer a wide variety of basic and specialty selections from hot coffees to hot chocolate by NESCAFE and MILO. These recipes carry a winning taste with consumers of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO’s) and Offices where these machines are mostly located.

AVMs, or Automated Vending Machines, also have soft drinks and juices.

I am so glad to know that we already have an AVM here in Davao City.

Free vending, coin-operated, and card-operated options are all available in vending machines. Coins are accepted at this automated teller machine. A cup of coffee, Milo, juice, or soft drink will cost you ten or twelve pesos (PHP), respectively.

• INSERT COIN, BILL or CARD.

•  TAKE YOUR PICK.

• WAIT TO LOAD CUP.

• FINISH LOADING ( Lights are OFF).

• GET YOUR CUP NOW.

It's a brilliant concept to give each and every customer a wide selection of hot and cold beverages to choose from without making a mess or making them wait. The process of getting in line takes only a moment. It is very simple to use, and it also has the capacity to take and hand out change.

          

FIRE ONE BULLET GET TWO BIRDS and more....

To kill two birds with one stone is an idiomatic term that I first heard from my father when I was a little child. It means finding a way to solve two problems at the same time with a single solution.

My two kids love to have VARSITY JACKETS and ANDROID TABLETS. All I have to do is buy them both, but I don't have enough money to give them both a gift. My money is in my PayPal account, so I had to buy the gadgets online because I didn't have time to go shopping in person.

So, just like I said I would, I bought their gadgets from LAZADA online. It's a good thing I still use their deals, which can save me up to 50%.

PINK COVER for my youngest daughter, CHELSEA.
BLUE COVER for MIKAELA, my eldest. 
Both are white Android tablets.

And I have to buy their varsity jackets at the mall, where they can try them on and choose the color they like best.

VIOLET/YELLOW for CHELSEA
PINK/WHITE for MIKAELA

Both parties are overwhelmed with joy at having received their gifts. They are so busy talking that they almost forget to say "THANK YOU."

The ability to fire one bullet and obtain everything in one convenient package is a tremendous HELP for those of us who are mothers. As long as we are able to control our spending and provide as little as possible to our kids, we will be able to get a BIG BANG out of the one bullet that we have available to us. No regrets at all. It makes me very happy to see my kids' happy faces, hear them giggling as they play on their electronics, and see them wearing their varsity jackets every time they leave our house., and hoping that they would continue to achieve high grades in school.

~HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!~

UNITED NATIONS 2012: My Two Chinese Girls

The search for the school's Mr. and Ms. UNITED NATIONS 2012 has become one of the most anticipated events of each and every academic year.

And this is the very first time that my two daughters have taken part in the activity. Both Mikaela Francesca Pal and Chelsea Jeanille Pal have a passion for dressing in traditional Chinese clothing. They have arrived from the country known as the "LAND OF THE SLEEPING GIANT," China!!!!!!

My Two Chinita Girls

 

For me, the point of a United Nations celebration is not to teach our kids how to compete with other countries. When children think of the United Nations, they will think of competition, and I am afraid that they will carry this idea as they get older.

Back when I was in elementary school at Assumption School in Davao, this kind of activity was no longer allowed. It was taken out so that children would learn that competition between nations is bad. It does nothing to help kids. And I guess they're right to get rid of this kind of thing.

This activity is done every year at the school where my kids go. And kids need help from their parents, right? Even though I don't like competition, I have to be there to back them up.

More than 200 students from kindergarten to sixth grade are waiting in line to compete. 

The judges were looking at the prospects with great interest.

They wear their NATIONAL COSTUMES, which are adorned with various colors and surrounded by country-specific words.

I am proud of my children's bravery and their abilities, even though they did not place in the top ten. This makes me think of a phrase I once read, which said something along the lines of, "Winning is Not Important."

When it comes to these competitions, the most important thing in LIFE is not so much to win as it is to participate. In life, it's not so much about winning as it is about the fight that you put up. Participation in the activity is more important to me than victory for my children. By taking part in it, we gain some knowledge from it, and winning contributes to an increase in our overall sense of self-esteem.

I have a lot of pride in my children! And for that, my congratulations are in order.