Staycation Escapade at Armada Hotel

Last February 26th was the 18th birthday of my eldest daughter, Mary Gabrielle or Gabie as we fondly call her. We did not have the usual cotillion party and lavish preparation. We decided to have a staycation instead at Armada Hotel. Here is our short but sweet escapade.

Armada Hotel is located at the heart of Ermita, Manila. We booked for the Deluxe room with 2 queen-sized beds for the duration of 3 days 2 nights accommodation.

Photo grabbed from Travelbook.ph

Our Victoria Aveyard's Book Signing Experience: #VictoriaAveyardinPH

Hello there, Lovies!

Well, first of all, I am sorry for not blogged since last week. I have been caught up with office work like our month end reports, the arrival of my CEO from New York and the 18th birthday of my eldest -- Gabie. In my planner, I did swear that I am going to blog on these happenings, unfortunately, I got sick during the end of the week and my brain cells are not really cooperating in finding the words to write a blog. Oh well, these are all under the bridge now and I am starting this week with positive vibes! So, to start with, allow me to share to all of you our book signing experience yesterday.

Happy Birthday, Aryanna Mikaela!

Last February 4, my second daughter, Aryanna Mikaela, celebrated her 15th birthday. It was a class and working day for all of us so we get to celebrate it last Friday where I prepared Baked Penne with Bolognese and Bechamel Sauce, Turbo Chicken in Pandan, and Crispy Tadyang ng Baka.

I can't believe that she's already 15 years old. As the old adage goes, time flies very fast.

I created a slideshow below using Smilebox. Most of the photos date back five or six years ago. My motherly-hormones were acting up when I made this photo slideshow. Well, that's life. We have to accept that our children are growing up pretty fast and we have to make the most of our time together as long as they are with us.

Happy 15th Mika!

This photo slideshow customized with Smilebox ARYANNA MIKAELA A collage of wonderful experiences! Remembering how you were born, as if it was only Yesterday that We heard your first cry. Our little precious Athena, Our "Little Lady Tate." Now that you will be facing  Novel challenges, and experiences Another round of showing to the world your incredible being! More than ever, as you continue to traverse life and If We can only hold your fate, We will Keep you here in our hearts so that no one and nothing can harm you. Amidst all these,  We know that you can make it. Every now and then, your sweet smile and endearing ways Linger in Our tiring mind, taking away All our worries and burdens. Beautiful and charming MIKA, your  Enigma will surely enthrall the world. Nobody could detest you, much more Grudge you. Because you are like a SWEET ANGEL, so pure and meek.   Never forget that WE ALWAYS LOVE YOU         and will ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU...  Hope you love this post!

First Day High

Today is the first day of school and Mika is about to embark to a whole new schooling experience. In preparation for this big day, my husband and I woke up at 5AM, cooked her baon (seared liempo and rice), and made her breakfast (Energen drink).

Personally, I am quite nervous because everything will be new for her. New school, new teachers, new classmates, and she's not yet comfortable in speaking Tagalog. Plus, she gets to commute too in going home since her dismissal time is very early for her Tatay to pick her up. We instructed her how to ride the jeepney and even told her what to say to the driver. Hayyyyy....the whole day I can't get my mind straight thinking of her day at school and her plight of riding the jeepney for the first time all by herself.

At the end of the day, she reported that she gained new friends and she was able to introduce herself in class. I'm glad and thankful that she made it through the first day. I hope that all is well for her throughout the schoolyear.

Dance with My Father

I know you already heard (and loved) the song Dance with My Father. Almost all brides-to-be include this in their list of possible songs to be played on the day of their wedding. I get teary-eyed myself whenever I hear the song. You know, if you have a very strong emotional bond with your father, this song can melt your heart to pieces. 

Yesterday, as I was trying to search for some files in my laptop, I stumbled into these movie clips that I recorded last May 5, 2013. This was the baptism of Maxime Danielle, our 3rd daughter. She was 5 months old then. The background song that you can hear is not the song that I am talking about, although the singer is my brother ~ Kristofferson J. Conlu. But I get so emotional seeing this clip that I told my dear husband, that they can use this as their "throwback videos" when the time comes for their wedding day. My husband gave me a smirk instead. 

After Two Years...

Here's the Part 2 of their Father-Daughter dance. This was taken last November 10, 2013 in our new place here in Manila. The number they presented here is actually a quick recording their noontime antics. It's all natural and we enjoyed replaying it every now and then. Even Maxime plays it over a hundred times already and gets to laugh at her clumsiness.