Hong Kong Adventures 2012

As I bid 2012 goodbye, I can't help but reminisce the blessings that God has blessed me with... It is really true that God is good and that when He allows it to rain, it will definitely pour.

Talking about blessings, I could not imagine how it was possible for us to visit Hong Kong twice in one year!!! But, it is not just about visiting HongKong because Elle Marie and I have been there before.  It is the thought of spending time with my dearest Bien Mary, sister Bebe and father on their first international trip!

First visit was in May, in time for my 36th birthday celebration. I wanted something different to spend time with my two girls.  Since, Bien and Tita Bebe haven't been to Disneyland before... we decided to go to HongKong!

Five is Hi! With Sleeping Beauty and Prince Philip

At the entrance of Disneyland

I I



















I was overwhelmed by my girls reaction when they saw their favorite Disney pricesses! Sleeping Beauty is Elle's favorite so it was a priced possession that finally, we were able to have a photo with her!!! Bonus si Prince Philip and Rapunzel (who soon became Elle's favorite).

Just like our 2008 visit, it rained.  I should have learned my lesson but the show must go on and we watched the Disney parade while singing in the rain! Bien and Elle were soaking wet but I could not stop Bien from screaming "Mickey Mouse" as he passed by the area where we were standing! She even tried to follow him! The magic of Mickey!

 The 3 days/ 2 nights stay was really designed to visit Disneyland and nothing else. It just so happened that we were blessed with a hotel, Royal Grand Hotel, that has an excellent sauna and swimming pool perfect for us girls! Hence, after visiting Disney we just stayed in the hotel doing nothing but eat and swim!

The second HongKong was in October in time for my girls and Noy's triple birthday celebration.  This time, we had my father with us. This trip was very overwhelming to me because I have dreamed of bringing both my parents abroad and spending time with my father in HongKong was definitely a realization of that dream (half-next year kasama na si Mama!!!)

My father is not the "showy and expressive" type. When asked if he wanted to go with us to Hong Kong, he just replied "Ok".  When asked if he is having a great time, he just responded "This trip must be very costly". When asked if he wants to do it again but this time in Singapore, he was quick to reply "Let's check my schedule (to think that he is retiring next year and will have a relatively freer schedule!".

Last minute, my father almost backed out of the trip because the national branch of his office was not able to release his "approval to travel abroad". (Something that I find weird because the trip was not even official and no cent was spent by the government for the trip! In fact, we even paid travel tax which goes to the government... but, I guess that is how it is to be a civil servant specifically, a civil defense servant) But, of course I protested and told him that if he backs-out, "Magtatampo ako!" and I will forever remind him of how he crushed not only my heart but my daughters' hearts because we have been preparing for the trip with him! Of course, he conceded.

Despite my father's reactions, I know deep inside that my father had a great time with me and my kids and that he knows how much I love him.  At the end of the day, those are the things that are important to me.

We love you Lolo Leo!!!

From one student to another... A special note to my students.

This was republished from a Facebook note dated December 25, 2012 with slight modifications.

This year's Christmas is very different to me. It was the first time that my Facebook account was flooded by greetings not just from friends and families but well wishes and kind words from my students...

Yes, almost two years of part-time and now, full-time teaching but this is the only time that I received personal messages as well as posts in my Facebook timeline from my students! Maybe because it is the first time for me to open up (yes!) my Facebook account to my students. Or maybe the courses that I have been teaching provided me an avenue to open up more to my students, engage them more to discussion where at times I cannot help but share my personal experiences...Or maybe it is the "mother" in me that makes me connect well with my students... Or maybe,for  the past two terms I was blessed with very good, cool, noisy at times but performing students. Whatever reason it may be, my heart is still overwhelmed up to now... Makes me remember my dear teacher, mentor, thesis adviser, boss, godmother, "almost" mom, colleague and close friend Ninang Telly.

If Mitch Albom would ask me, who are the five persons you will meet in heaven... I will respond without a blink of an eye that one would be my Ninang Telly. My Ninang Telly because she is one of the few persons that has really made an impact in my life. In my almost twenty two years (I first had her as my undergrad professor in 1994) of knowing her, she has touched me in ways that has made me a better person.

I am just glad that even before Ninang Telly left, I was able to tell her how much I loved her. I remember one text message I sent to her while she was in the ICU and I was home because my BP shoot up after learning what was happening to her. I told her that I love her like my own mother.  She may not be blessed with a daughter or a son but I know based on how she loved me that she was a good mother. I miss Ninang Telly. My daughter Elle Marie would always ask me to visit her Lola Telly. That's how much she is loved by my family...

It is ironic that just when Ninang Telly is no longer in DLSU that I went full-time with teaching. Now that I am with the Political Science Department, I was given an excuse not to frequently visit the mezzanine of the Economics Department (except of course to visit Marvin and Leslie. But, I want to clear that I love Eco Dept). But, I have no excuse to further my studies. I never thought I am an academician but I know that just as her father inspired her, Ninang Telly will not only inspire me but help me from heaven.

Being a teacher is a blessing from God. I get to meet students to love and who appreciates your efforts in changing their lives for the better... To my well wishers, thank you for touching my life... I hope that I have contributed something positive in your lives just like how my Ninang Telly touched my life.

To my Ninang Telly, you are still remembered...

The morning after... better luck next time Santa!

This is a follow up of my entry dated November 23, 2012 entitled "Elle Marie meets Santa" where Elle Marie told Santa her christmas wish... This was also republished from my Facebook entry dated December 25, 2012

This photo was taken the morning after while watching Barbie Princess Pop Star. Both girls are holding their respective Princess Tory and Kerra Barbies from Santa Claus! Heard from Elle when Mama called her to go down on Xmas eve...

Mama: Elle! Elle! Santa passed by! Look at what he gave you!!!
Elle: Mama, where is Santa? How come he left early? I want to say thank you!
Mama: Anak, Santa has to visit Sean because he is also going to give him a gift. He's also a good boy like you... and then he's going to visit other good kids! You don't want him to be late right?

Hugging and opening her gift...
Elle: Wow! Princess Tory!!! Can I open Bien's
Mama: No, let her open it tom!
Elle: BUT, I want to borrow the pink guitar of her Kerra!

Oooopppps!!! Santa! Next time be discrete naman when buying my girls their xmas gifts!!!

PROJECT RUNWAY: Christmas Alphabet Presentation

I am a self-confessed frustrated fashion designer.  If I am certain that I have the artist in me, I would have exchanged my academe and development work just to be a kiddie fashion designer. I have dreamed of having my own "Rajito" line and have my daughters do the cat walk with them.

That is why every opportunity to design or make a dress for my daughters, I really grab it. When I got a note from Elle's school that she will play as one of the Christmas Alphabets dancers and they are to wear something red the first thing that came into my mind is to recycle Elle's old costumes.

I first thought of her "spaghetti" costume but it was too small for her already! Until, I saw her "The Nutcracker" costume and thought of making it red by attaching red laces. Whoala! This is what I got from a P100 worth red lace from Divisoria!

I am one proud Mom when I saw Elle on the stage because she really stood out from the crowd on her red tutu (sad to say, there are Moms who are either too busy to read the note and follow it or they just don't care how their daughters would look like on stage) since the instruction was dress as a dancer (and the only dancer I could think of for christmas are ballerinas!) I overheard a couple of parents commenting that she looked very beautiful (they didn't know she's my daughter).

At the end of the day, it is not really about the savings but the amount of time, effort and love that I putted on making my daughter feel good in everything that she does. I love you Elle!!!

Elle Marie Ballerina: The Nutcracker

This year, Elle played the role of one of the columbines in Ballet Philippines and CCP Dance School's "The Nutcracker". Unlike last year, this year was a 2-day presentation from December 8 to 9 in Tanghalan Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Initially, Teacher Gabbie said "columbines" and they will be wearing white and pink. So, I researched and discovered that columbines are small purple flowers... But when I finally saw her costume and her dance moves, she seems like a "Columbian" rather than a flower! hahahahaha! It really doesn't matter to me that she be a "Columbian" or "Columbine". What is important is that my daughter looked elegant and beautiful on her costume! Baby Ballet A sported a white tutu with red bows and laces. On their hairs, they were wearing red bow with crystals. Looks like her pink "cat" costume in "Sleeping Beauty" but again, who cares...

We would like to thank Lola Marlyn, Tita Nene, Tita Leonor, Tita Janee, Ninong Lingling and Wyona (not in the photos) for making Elle Marie's performance extra special!

We are sooo proud of you anak! We love you our very own Ballerina!

Elle Marie meets Santa!!!

My eldest daughter, Elle Marie has been praying to God for days to make Santa alive so that she can see him in person and tell him what she wants for christmas...

When God finally granted her wish, all she could tell Santa when asked what she wants for christmas was "Santa, can I borrow one of your reindeers? Just one? I want to fly in the sky like you". Santa was surprised and asked again if there's anything else she wants, she replied with a smile "My mama gave me my super pink bike already and I just saw her pay for the two barbies while I was looking for dress. The ate hid it but I know its for me and bien... so, no more na"

Huli si Mama!!! Dapat gift ni santa un e!!! Now, where can I get that flying reindeer?!!!! 

False Alarm in HongKong!

It is the second to the last day of our stay here in HongKong. Second day in Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East.  Arrived around 7;00p.m. after a half-day shopping and sightseeing in Stanley Market when I read this message from Michelle Wieland, Guest Services Agent in Crowne Plaza saying:


Good Afternoon Mr. Nonoy Oplas,

Kindly contact our Guest Services Reception at Ext 10343 regarding your incidental charges. 

Thank you very much.



Got REALLY paranoid because yesterday, Bien Mary had this vision that she is a great painter and painted on the wall of room 3803 with her white board marker!!! This hotel is barely a month-old!!! 

Bien Mary's art masterpiece in Room 3803 of Crowne Plaza HongKong Kowloon East

It was originally in blue but my father thought that it will look better in white.  So he used his white ink over the blue markings and whoala!!! that's what you get... I don't know which is better.  I was too sleepy and tired to look.

Yesterday, before we left for Tsim Sha Tsui, I called the housekeeping to ask them what they can do about it.  The housekeeping lady told me not to worry and they will take care of it!!! But, when we came back it was still there... I thought, maybe they will work on it when we check out...

AND now... I am getting this message from Michelle Weiland?!!! 

Noy will be coming back from his dinner around 10:00p.m. I am getting more every minute knowing that we don't have any incidentals except for the extra bed for my father which I paid already when we checked in!!! I just can't take it anymore... so I called Michelle Weiland!!!

Me: Hi Michelle! This is Mrs Oplas. I am calling for Mr. Oplas re the message that you left us. What incidental are you referring to?

Michelle: Good evening Mr. Oplas (Grrr I have bad voice because of the coughing!) The incidental was the internet use and we were wondering if you can settle it before you check out tomorrow"

Me: This is not Mr. Oplas.  This is Mrs. Oplas.  Is that all?

Michelle: Sorry Ma'am. Yes, because... (trying to explain but nothing is getting through my head...)

Me: Michelle, thanks.  I will just ask Mr. Oplas to settle that as soon as he comes in.

God, I would like to faint now!!! If not for my two daughters who might get traumatized:-) I am overwhelmed with gratefulness that it was not about the painting!!! I was counting how much the wall paper, labor, opportunity cost would cost us!!! God!!! thank you!!!

For you Bien, I hope you read this few years from now... go back to Crowne Plaza and check if your painting is still there!!!

6 Things I learned from being trapped in an exclusive school bus for girls of K2

I got a chance to ride with Elle Marie on her first school bus ride.  Yes, I was the only mom inside the school bus together with five kinder2 students and two yayas. I tried initiating a conversation with the other four girls by asking their names and introducing Elle Marie but soon enough they went on their own as I did not exist. Here are the 6 life changing things I learned from being trapped in an exclusive school bus for girls.

1.       PINK Bag is definitely the “in” thing

The first thing I noticed when I entered the school bus were the humungous PINK bags on the center of the bus.  Of course, that included my daughter’s pink Crocodile Creek bag with ballerina that was given by her Ninang Irene for Christmas.  One girl shared that her pink bag was given by her mom because she loves pink! Another followed by saying that hers is a Barbie pink while another said hers is Disney princess! Whatever brand size or design it may be, it has to be pink for Kinder 2 girls!

2.       PINK Bags must come with Pink lunch bag and Pink envelope

Too bad, I have not thought of buying Elle Marie a matching pink lunch bag and envelope for her pink backpack.  All the girls in the school bus had their matching pink lunch bag and envelope! One girl even lectured on me saying that I should not mix Elle’s “baon” with her notebooks and school supplies because they might get stinky and wet! Yes, she used the term “stinky” (maybe, her Mom is making her bring bagoong rice in school?! hehehe) I learned my lesson the hard way Pink bags must come with pink lunch bag and envelope!

3.       After all the dollars spent for Hong Kong Disneyland visit was all worth it!

I felt good that as early as 1 ½ year old I brought Elle Marie to Hong Kong Disneyland and recently came back with Bien! All the girls in the school bus were talking about the princesses that they met in HongKong Disneyland! Just imagine Elle Marie’s reaction if she is the only one who was not able to meet the Disney princesses this summer?! They talked about the train ride, Mickey and Minnie and the (again) pink umbrella that they bought in Disneyland because it was raining! Thank God for the extra cash I got last summer that allowed me to bring Elle and Bien to Disneyland!

4.       Aside from knowing all the Disney princesses, I also have to know the names of their wicked moms, sisters and witches!

Of course, I know Malificent the wicked black fairy who was not invited to Princess’ Aurora’s birthday party and cursed her to death.  But, how would I know the names of all the other wicked moms, sisters and witches? Amazingly, the girls knew them all! Even my daughter who watches these movies with me knew them! Now, I have to double time with my research and know each and every villain in the Disney princess movies!

5.       Girls do watch the avengers and love Incredible Hulk!

I am not fond of Captain America, Incredible Hulk and the other male super heroes… except of course, Superman! But, I guess I have to watch them to be able to relate to my daughters’ “superhero” talk with her school bus mates! Imagine, one girl said “I just love Incredible Hulk! He is such a darling!” and I totally couldn’t understand why she said it?! Hahahaha

6.       My daughter is already in BIG school and BIG school means Less Mama!

I know I have separation issues with Elle.  If there is one thing I learned from that school bus ride was to really let go of my daughter and believe that God is in control. Extremely difficult but I know that I really, really need to grow up because my daughter is fast growing up already.

The BIG ATE in Ate Elle Marie!

repost from Facebook dated May 22, 2012

Here's another one...

Still seated in the hotel lobby. Elle Marie Oplas and Bien were playing "ring a ring a roses" when I think a young boy pushed Bien. (bad Mom, I was not looking-busy with our things). Elle brought Bien to the mom of the boy who happened to be seated just beside me so I overheard the conversation.

Elle to the mom (not sure of the nationality but I guess either Pakistan or Iranian. "You know, that boy in red pushed my sister. This is my sister Bien. He pushed her! It's not good!"

Mom to Elle (busy with their baggage as well) "Oh, (having difficulty expressing herself in english) can you tell his daddy? That is his daddy" pointing to the VERY BIG GUY approaching the hotel lobby.

Elle went to the daddy and said "Your son. The one in red (there were 3 boys pala) pushed my sister! It is not good"

Surprised! the dad automatically said "I am sorry! He can be really bad at times." called his son and asked him to say sorry to Bien and Elle!

THE END -- Kailangan pa ba ako sa kwento na ito?

Elle Marie and the Family from Japan...

 

Reposted from Facebook entry dated May 22, 2012

Was once fortunate to have my haiku included in Dr. Isagani Cruz's poem collection "The Creative Economist" way back in 1996. Here it goes:

Arman and the African

I know a man named Arman
... Who once met an African
They went for a Walk
But they could not Talk!
Poor Arman, he is from Japan!

Here is Elle's version of my poem while we were in Hongkong. We were seated in the hotel lobby. Seated beside us was a japanese family (mom, dad and kid). Elle was complaining to me because Bien couldn't sleep because of the kid's noise.

She approached the family and said "Will you please be quiet, my sister is trying to sleep".

Of course, the parents were not able to understand her and just smiled and said something in japanese.

Frustrated, Elle went back to them and said "SSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" With her finger pointing to her lips!

Embarrassed, the family left!!! I was left shocked!

A well deserved date to remember for Mama Ella

 
What more could be perfect than going out on a "Side A" concert date with my dear Noysky Oplasky all dressed up and not worrying whether Elle Marie is eating or Bien Mary is bored? I must admit that once in awhile I entertain this "selfish" thought of stealing one night in one month away from Elle and Bien just to have this rare precious moment with Noy.  Yes, it takes a lot of guts on my part to write my last statement and there are times that I doubt if it is even feasible.

Before I get misunderstood, it is not that I am tired of my two adorable daughters but I believe that once in awhile it is a must for married couples to have their "couple" time together.  It is a necessity for married couples to rekindle the flame of marriage and reinforce all the hard day's work.

I believe in positive reinforcement. I apply this to my daughters.  I make sure that every good deed they do are acknowledged and positively reinforced. It goes true too with my marriage. I used to dream of going out on a date with Noysky at least once a week. I would insist because I believe that "I deserve it". But through the years I have accepted (actually, just recently) that the longer I hang on to this dream, the more heartaches and disappointments I will get. Noy and I will never have the time and heart to be away from our two daughters once a week to be alone. Hence, a once a month date is more realistic.

I really don't ask too much from Noy. My wish is simple.  I just want us to go out once a month "alone and together" = no bien and elle. Wherever, whenever as long as I am with him, game ako! I am fine with either McDo or Jollibee. Once in awhile 70's Bistro is bearable to me...

BUT, last Friday was simply perfect. A "Side A" concert without Joey G but with former Freestyle lead singer Top Suzara was supposed to be a great disappointment but it did not matter to me. What matters was Noy and I were together in our very own "we" time... Feels like when we were first going out together... I have to mention Noy's killer smile! AND very strong shoulders that makes me feel weak and comforted - it is like telling me, Ella it is ok not to be in-charged.  I am in-charged now, let go. I will take care of you.

God, I think I am falling in love with Noy all over again!!! My resolution? I promise to behave more and be nice to Noy so that I will get more "we" time from him... 

Tara na sa McDonalds!

After a year and a half of disappointment with Mc Donald's for almost ruining Elle Marie's 4th birthday party in school, I have finally come to terms with myself that nothing beats the Mc Nuggets and Hot Fudge Sundae! Hence, last night I decided to enroll Elle Marie to Mc Donald's Summer Kiddie Crew Workshop 2012!

It started when we visited Mc Donald's - DLSU and saw their poster. I asked Elle if she wants to work for McDo. She first said no... but when I told her that she will get to say hi to people, sweep and map the floor, cook spaghetti and fries.... FOR A FEE (of course, courtesy of Mama) she gave me her biggest smile!

I noticed that Elle is starting to have a signature phrase every time she wants something. She would always say "Mama, can you buy me..." and I fear that she might think that her Mama has infinite wealth to buy her everything she wants. That is why, as early as now I want her to learn the value of hard work. I want her to know that every peso is earned with sweat, wrinkles and white hair! That her Mama and Papa doesn't just pick up money but are working very hard so that we can provide them with what they need.

I remember having a student who is very good looking, polite, and speaks english very well. He looks like a trophy boyfriend. Someone whom every mom would want her daughter to date. BUT, one day while doing a lecture on inflation, I asked him how inflation affected his consumption. He replied, "Miss, I am sorry but I just swipe my mom's card". I was shocked! I asked him "Don't you even look at the price tag and notice that prices are going up?!!!" He replied with a genuine sorry look "Sorry, Miss but I don't"

I take back my earlier thought that he is every mom's dream of having him as a date for her daughter! He is my nightmare! I actually pity him because he doesn't know the meaning of hard work and value for money. How can he know it, if he has insatiable creditline-his mother's pocket? Poor him... Neither would I want my daughters to be like him nor date him. I want them to know how to earn with integrity and spend wisely. Hence, the Mc Donald's kiddie crew workshop...

The Workshop will be on April 16-20, 9:00 - 11:00a.m. at McDonald's - Kingswood, Makati City. Joseph the Manager said that it will be a week of fun activities for the kids 6-12 (they accommodated Elle even though she is just 5) where they will get to man the counter, greet customers with their BIG smiles, make McBurgers and fries... They will also be thought how to paint, sing and dance...

For P550, Elle gets to have her Mc Do t-shirt (uniform), cap, bag, id and art materials. The is also inclusive of McDo meals for five days! (I wonder why Papa Nonoy agreed to this, hehehe)

Break a leg anak!!!

Congratulations Ate Elle Marie for passing St. Scholastica's College Entrance Exam for Prep

As expected, I did not get anything from Noy for Valentine's day. No flower, no chocolates... no date. But I really did not mind because this year, I got the best valentine's gift ever! Being personally told by Ms Anna Cecilla Alvarez, OIC Admissions Office of St. Scholastica's College that Elle Marie C. Oplas made it to their preparatory level for next year!!!

I am a firm believer of the value of education and if there is one thing I would really invest in, it would be my daughter's education. That is why, I rejoice that I can now relax for the next 13 years knowing that Elle Marie is in good hands with St. Scholastica's College.

Entering St. Scholastica has been my childhood dream. Of course, I came from an equally very good exclusive all girls, catholic school but a part of me still wonders what my life would have been with St. Scho... Now, my daughter Elle Marie will tell me how it is.

As soon as I received the good news, I brought Elle Marie to Mall of Asia for an afternoon of "Just Everything that Elle Wants" date with Mama. There, she got to choose which restaurant she wants to eat in; choose the shirts she wants to buy; and take the rides she wants!

Of course, Elle shared her blessings with her sister Bien. They run and twirl around MOA as long as they want! They laughed and screamed until they got tired and sleepy! hehehe Grabe! I was very happy that I think I can spend the whole amount in my ATM just for that afternoon with her! But, the celebration didn't end in MOA! As a grand prize and as I promised, I am now preparing for my trip with Elle to Hong Kong Disneyland!

I just hope and pray that when Elle gets to read this blog entry, she will tell herself "Mama really loves me so much!". Yes, I love you so much Anak! I love you and Bien! I will ensure that I will do everything so that both of you will get the best education to equip you in life.

I love you Elle Marie! Mama, Papa, and Bien Mary are VERY proud of you!!!

As expected, no flower kahit katuray man lang; no chocolate kahit my favorite choc-nut man lang; no date kahit jan lang sa mcdo! BUT what more can I ask for? after a weekend in Eagle's Point in Anilao, Batangas with my girls-Elle Marie and Bien Mary; our babies-Shane and Yohan... of course hubbie dubbie Noysky who drove us all the way from Makati to Tagaytay to Anilao to South Expressway to Makati to Libertad! Thank you Noysky!

If only my two girls know how much Noysky and I gave up some time to be alone to being with them. If only they know... how much I stress Noysky to give me at least once a month romantic date but on the last minute would opt for a family date instead!

I guess, Noy and I will just have to savor for now going out on dates with chaperones... while the girls are into it. I am just saying this now but I don't know how I would feel if in the future our girls decide not to join us anymore...

Sige lang Elle at Bien, be our chaperones...

An open letter to my everdearest daughter Elle Marie

(lifted from my Facebook status entry dated January 31, 2012)

To my everdearest Elle Marie,

Twenty years from now, you will read my timeline and remember what happened this morning. You may not understand it now why I do things I do but I know, in time you will understand and appreciate my immense love for you. I love you and I only want the best for you. Papa may be sweeter but we both love you... You are my treasure, my life... You and BIen keeps me going...... I know you can do greater things and if ever you do mediocre things, ok lang. Nobody is perfect. I also had my own share of failures in my life. The important thing is learning from them and know deep in your heart that if that happens Mama will be there to give you a hug and love you still no matter what.

I love you Elle Marie Oplas...