Parenting Archive

My thoughts on parenthood, and what it's like to be a mom in the Philippines.

I Am Back!

Oh yeah after almost a week without Internet connection, I’m back (and with a vengeance, haha). Kidding aside, I am so overwhelmed with the things I have/need to do. I don’t know where to start. I need to make more paid post so I can achieve my $1000 target before June ends (not even half on it). So if you have a dollar or hundred to spare, would gladly accept donations. LOL It’s for a good cause, trust me. I am so happy to be back and just discovered that my blog is now PR3 woohoo!

Blogging aside, my past week has been very fruitful. I have so many things to thank for. Well for a starter, I think it was a blessing in disguise that my helper decided to leave us. Since I am pregnant again, my OB advised me to stop breastfeeding. It could have been harder for both of us (Chico and Mommy) if there is a helper around. For a time then or during the time we have a helper, our only bonding time is feeding time. Last week when I started weaning him, it’s just Mommy and the kids. I spent more time with time and less on the internet. Weaning was easier because of that. I am somewhat confident that he is not taking it against me or that he would think I love him less because Mommy is weaning him. We really spend a lot of time bonding, eating (not feeding, eating solid foods), tickling and all. I also developed a certain discipline for myself in terms of blogging. Chico learned, again, that his tears won’t get him out of his crib. He is also now walking by himself! Having a helper around (or nanny) seems to weaken my Chico, emotionally and physically. I know it was my fault because I let him be with the nanny most of the time. It’s making up time..LOL

But you know, you can’t have all the good things in life, right? Oh well, since we don’t have a helper, I was not able to attend the Philippine Fashion Week (Holiday ’09). I have two invites and I am just here! That is really sad.. hmm.. maybe next year.

So back to blogging and earning online, I need more moolah for my paypal!!!

Where Are My Rugs?!?

Remember my helper who excused herself for a while to rest and recuperate? Oh well it seems her rest is permanent (not the rest in peace kind of permanency). I think she don’t want to work with us anymore. Hey don’t use that imagination of yours yet. Don’t think I had a whip here no.. And I am not a bad employer. In fact she has a lot of perks here. It’s just that she is too old to work. She just turned 55, but she actually looked like my mil who is 70 plus. And so we’re all alone again. No worries because I can manage, I knew I can. This is the problem that I had to face every time a helper leaves.. WHERE ARE MY CLEANING STUFFS?

I can’t find my favorite rug that I use to clean the floor.
I can’t find some door step rugs.
I can’t find the cleaning brushes.
I can’t find this and that..

WAAAH..

BUT.. The kids are happier! Specially Chico. Yesterday was officially our all alone day. Days before that, mil was here to, oh well, she was here. Now she’s gone, I noticed that the kids like this set up much better. And I am happier too.. no more blues! I am back to my ~~old~~ cheering self. LOL.

I’ll try not to stay on the computer that long. Chico is growing and he really wants interactions now. HE loves playing tickle or just lying down with me. He also likes practicing walking by himself. the two boys I need to focus on Mico for academics. I bought Kayil a drawing guide for vehicles and promised to teach him how to on Tuesday. I will be busy again but it be will super fun!

Looking For A Place In Baguio?

Are you spending Holy Week in Baguio? Tired of looking for hotel to stay? Or not even sure of what kind of accommodation you want to rent? I am the answer! Just kidding guys, I sound like I am a promotional person no. Actually I just have some places to share. You know how my kids (and moi) love Baguio. Aside from blogging (blog hopping included), I usually surf for cheap accommodations, I have seen hotels from Baguio to Boracay (on pics only of course).

I usually look for accommodations with cooking facility. Traveling is expensive, eating out makes it more expensive. We experienced going to Baguio and staying in a hotel (not that much of a hotel actually). Our total bill in the hotel is not even half of what we spend eating out. Can you just believe that? I tell you it really is cheap if you will just cook, specially if you are traveling in a large group. If in case you have the moolah and you like hotels that much, here are my two recommendation for you:

Venus Parkview Hotel. We stayed here twice and the staffs were nice. The place is not bad, it is not the best but it is cheap. We like this place for one reason, it is very near Burnham Park. Actually it is just a road away from the park. Yup, you just need to cross the road and you’re there, that’s why Parkview. The food? er, just dine somewhere else. The rooms are not that great, I just love this place because it is a few meters away from the park. There was one time when we went there and the kid were playing in the park then it suddenly rained, the convenience of just running to your hotel room (when it rains) got me.

Veniz Hotel. I have never been here, but it was our first choice when we planned our first Baguio trip. Why? well Veniz is in the heart of Baguio! Session road is just steps away, market is almost at the back. Burnham is some meters away, jeepney terminal is just there. There’s Mc Donald’s, there’s 7eleven. Why we stayed in Venus instead in Veniz? It was my mom’s fault. Apparently, her friend knew the owner of Venus and guests who are from my hometown are given a discount in their stay. We got 25% off on our bill.

For some not so hotel type of accommodations, you can go from native huts to dormitory types.

One of my dream accommodation is in Tam Awan Village. Have you been there? It is a tourist attraction in Baguio that gives you the feel of the natives.

In keeping with the spirit in which the village was originally conceived, Tam-awan Village has become a venue for art exhibits and workshops envisioned to foster a deeper understanding, respect and pride in the cultural heritage of the Cordillera people.

The village is an experience in itself. By living in the huts, guests get an opportunity to immerse in an atmosphere that allows them to get a glimpse of village life.

On a clear day, a magnificent China Sea sunset can be viewed from the village, being true to its name as Tam-awan, that is, vantage point. (source)

I dream of sleeping in one of the huts, accommodation is cheap, but the bathroom.. ahh forget it..

Robol 88 Hotel is another cheap place. This is not actually a hotel, more like a 4 story building with units. Each unit has cooking facility and 2 bedrooms. I have never been here but according to my brother in law, who stayed here last December, the place is OK. Another thing, the place is very near to the market (now that’s a thumbs up).

For more listings of houses with cooking facilities, you might want to check this site. They provide the rates and some pics of the house.

Happy Hotel Hunting!