Snow White and Prince Charming

This was my book when I was still a little girl.  My mom found it several months ago stashed away in her storage room.

I was wondering how do little boys learn about classic "girly" princesses stories when we as parents do not intentionally buy girly story books to them since of course, they are boys, unless you have a son and a daughter.

Anyway, I began to introduce this book to AS.  I read it to him last night.

We came across this part of the book that read:

Snow White looked into the well and murmured, "I wish that my prince would come."
No sooner had she spoken these words than a handsome young Prince appeared at her side. 
"Princess, you are even more beautiful than in my dreams.  Will you be mine?" (Agad-agad?? Di pwedeng ligaw muna??)
"Oh yes!" replied Snow White.  "I was waiting for you."  (hello?? sagot agad?! ngayon lang kayo nagkakilala... PBB teens?)


So I began to explain to AS what these mean.

Mom :  "Do you know why Snow White was wishing and waiting for Prince Charming?"

AS : "No.."

Mom : "Because it is every girl's, well most girl's dream to find the right husband for her, to become a mom to her own babies, to raise a family.
But there is a right time to get married.  Right now, you are still small.  You need to grow up first. You need to study well to gain knowledge so that when you are already an adult, you can work and earn money for yourself.  That is the right time for you to marry so you can provide food and money for your family."

AS was just listening.


The Prince came to see her everyday at the same hour.
There beside the well they made plans.  "I shall ask the King your father, if we can get married," said prince Charming. 

I paused to explain again.  "Now what the Prince did was good.  He asked permission from Snow White's parents first.  You know, before Daddy married Mom he also asked permission from Gwakong and Gwama first.  That is showing respect.  That is being a gentleman.  When you are old enough to marry, you should also ask permission from the parents.  And also, you need to pray to God to give you the right girl for you to marry."

AS :  "I don't want to pray for the right girl!  I only want to be with you...."

Awww.. =)

Although it feels good as I am savoring this season in his life where I'm the only girl in his life, but at the same time, I'm bracing myself for the inevitable.  The turbulent teenage years... where peer pressure, dating, promiscuity, and a lot more, begin.


No matter how much I try to protect him from the negative influences of the world, I cannot.  I sincerely believe that it is through parental involvement in our kids' lives, values formation early on and intentionally praying for our kids daily can we find peace and protection in God's hands. We as parents can only do so much in teaching, guiding and training them, the rest we leave it all to God.  I pray that AS will grow in the fear of the Lord.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. -Proverbs 9:10 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6

Tagaytay Birthday Getaway (Part 3)

We woke up early the following day hoping to make the most of our remaining time.  Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating as it was foggy and drizzling.  Nevertheless, we were still optimistic that the sun will shine later.

We head on to avail of our complimentary buffet breakfast at Cafe on the Ridge. I didn't find the buffet selection extraordinary, it was more of just the usual buffet offering, maybe because it was a Monday and they were expecting very few people. Maybe.  I wasn't really disappointed with the taste but nothing praise-worthy either.  But still, a buffet is a buffet, so we helped ourselves until we were stuffed.  Hah!

Early birds. We were the first guests in the restaurant.

Omelette counter

bread selection ( I wasn't able to take photos of the rest of the food offered)

I'm so happy that my son already knows how to eat by himself!

The restaurant is situated overlooking Taal volcano, but since it was drizzling and foggy, we couldn't see anything.... so long souvenir picture!

 After the hearty breakfast, we were forced to stay inside our room as we patiently waited for the weather to change.  We had scheduled swimming as an activity for that morning.  After a few hours, the rain finally stopped but it was still chilly outside.  I was sure the water would be icy-cold.

Nothing would stop this water baby!

Two brave souls swimming

Still foggy view of Taal volcano from the lobby

He was shivering after swimming.  Thank God for complimentary welcome drinks.  Warm milk please!

We enjoyed our stay at Taal Vista, short but sweet.  Next stop on our itinerary was lunch at Sonya's Garden.

Sonya's is located at Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, about 20-30 minutes away from Taal Vista Hotel.  It was drizzling again when we arrived there, so we weren't able to look around nor take pictures of the beautiful outdoor garden. 

 

Inside the dining hall

Greenhouse beside the dining area

I was excited to try out Sonya's as I've read and heard a lot of good reviews about it.  And true enough, it didn't disappoint.   I love that their salad greens are freshly harvested straight from their garden.  

Lettuce and arugula greens with Organic Rose Petals!
Toppings (create your own salad): Mango, Broad Beans, Eggs, Cucumber, Jackfruit, Pineapple, Papaya.

Choice of Dressing: Sonya's Super Secret Salad Dressing, Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other spices

Freshly baked whole wheat sesame bread with choices of dips and toppings: Basil pesto, White Cheese, Anchovies, Bruschetta tomato, Mushroom pate

Pasta with two kinds of sauces: Fresh tomatoes and Chicken Cream with Mango.
Toppings: Ratatouille, Salmon Belly, Shitake Mushrooms, Black Olives, Capers and Parmesan Cheese.

Desserts:  Glazed Sweet Potato, Banana Rolls with Sesame and Jackfruit, and Chocolate Cake

Bottomless Freshly-squeezed Dalandan Juice!

Bottomless Tarragon Tea!

This Eat-all-you-can set meal costs P683.00 per person.  I really enjoyed the food and the experience was well worth the price. Visit http://www.sonyasgarden.com for more details. 

I am blessed to have post-celebrated my birthday in Tagaytay with my family.  The entire trip was a blessing -  The sumptuous meals, the free hotel accommodation, the cool weather, the beautiful scenery (in spite of the fog), bonding time with my husband and son, refreshing respite from the daily routine of city life... everything is a reflection of God's beauty and goodness.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  - James 1;17 NIV

Is Heaven In The Clouds?

Two days ago, while I was reading the Book of Proverbs chapter 4, the Lord impressed upon me the importance of a father's role in raising his children.  It talks about a father's wise advice to his son.  A father is to instruct his child in the ways of the Lord that he may gain wisdom.

Many here in the Philippines believe, though it still remains a point of contention, that we are a matriarchal society; mothers tend to influence the family more than the fathers.  But the Bible is clear about a father's role as one who teaches and trains his child.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.  Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." Eph. 6:4 NLT

I began to pray for DS that as the head of the family, he may be encouraged to teach, guide and influence AS more about loving and fearing God and that he be faithful in modelling Christ-like attitude in our son.

That night, as we were about to sleep, DS was lying in bed with AS.  All of a sudden, son asked dad, "Is heaven in the clouds?"

DS was surprised at the unexpected question but at the same time glad for AS's interest and curiosity. "It's not in the clouds; it's much higher than the clouds." DS replied.

Then came AS's series of follow-up questions.

AS: "Is it higher than the earth?"

DS: "Yes..."

AS: "Is it higher than the universe?"

DS: "Yes..."

AS: "So who can go there???

DS: "We can go there because we have already accepted Jesus in our lives as our Lord and Savior.."

AS: "How???"

DS: "Our spirit can go there but not our bodies.  Our bodies will be left here on earth.  Someday, when daddy becomes so old, he will die.  When we die, that's the time we go there."

AS began to feel upset and his eyes well up with tears as he said: "I don't want you to die...I love you..."  Who will take care of me when you and mommy are in heaven na??"

DS wanted to explain as truthfully as possible though also careful not to hurt AS's sensibilities.  "Even though we are in heaven, we will always be with you in your heart." came his reply.

AS was silent for a long time.  After quite a while, he suddenly said, "Daddy, I want to be the first one to go to heaven... or how about we both go to heaven together?"

DS, amused at AS's conclusion, said, " Only God knows what will happen to us son, whether who will go first.  But whoever will go there first, we will wait for each other... Because we have accepted Jesus in our hearts, we are sure to go to heaven and see each other there.

AS: "How about the others who don't accept Jesus?"

DS: "That's the sad thing, they cannot enter heaven without Jesus in their hearts.

Sighing heavily, contented AS said,  "Haaay, good thing I already accepted Jesus."

As parents, we are entrusted by God to care for our children.  We have very important roles to play.  These are not just providing for their physical and material needs but most importantly, for them to love God and to lead/train them up towards spiritual maturity.

During their conversation, I was at the other bed in the same room, hearing everything.  I cried tears of joy because of how God timely answered my prayer for DS to be present at a time when AS needs his teaching and guidance.

Tagaytay Birthday Getaway (Part 2 of 3)

I've read and heard about Josephine Restaurant in Tagaytay but have never eaten there before.  So for dinner we decided to head for Josephine's.  It was a short distance away from Taal Vista Hotel where we were booked for the night.

Josephine has been around for many years already yet it still remains famous for serving delicious authentic Filipino food that's why loyal patrons kept coming back as well as making new believers like us.

The entrance was surrounded by lush greenery, too bad it was drizzling that night that I wasn't able to take a picture.  Inside the restaurant, one can feel a sense of nostalgia as the warm and cozy interior has this traditional Filipino charm.

The high ceiling gives a feeling of grandeur to the diners.  Christmas decors add up to the romantic, festive ambiance.  It was really very inviting and my excitement to taste their food began.

Cucumber Coolers
A concoction of cumcumber, mint and syrup

Tarragon tea
Perfect for the cool Tagaytay weather

Kare-kare
"Oxtail and tripe sautéed in homemade ground roasted rice and peanuts, garnished with a variety of native vegetables and served with bagoong ( shrimp paste)." -Josephine's menu

Sinigang na ulo ng Tanguingue
"An all-time Filipino favorite. The base of this hearty clear soup begins with rice water, delicately sourced with green tamarind just enough for a tangy flavor to whet the appetite. The soup is then complemented with an array of farm fresh vegetables like raddish, stringbeans, kangkong, green chilis, eggplants and Tanguingue" -Josephine's menu

   
Both kare-kare and Sinigang are good for four persons.  We were apprehensive at first whether we can finish eating but in the end, the food we ordered tasted so good that we had to make a double order of rice.  One order of rice is good for two.

AS enjoying his favorite dish - Sinigang =)

We were so full and satisfied that there were no more space left for desserts. =)  I recommend Josephine's to those who haven't tried it yet.  They serve really delicious Filipino dishes, but I think it would be better if you are with a bigger group.  The servings are really big and the price very reasonable too.  

Josephine Restaurant is located at: Km. 58 Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City 

Tagaytay Birthday Getaway ( part 1 of 3)

Last month, I joined Frannywanny's 5th Blog Anniversary Giveaway and was blessed to have bagged the grand prize which was an overnight stay in Taal Vista Hotel!!!  I was so ecstatic!  Thanks to Fran for being so generous and she even kept on following-up on whether I received the voucher when the postal mail proved to be unreliable.  Thanks again Fran!

The voucher with a personalized greeting from Fran!

 I decided to use the voucher on the weekend following my birthday as a way to celebrate before giving birth on December.  My voucher was an overnight stay for 2, Deluxe Room East Wing.  Even though it was for two, I was glad to find out that I could bring AS along as 4 year olds and below are free of charge both for accommodation and breakfast! DS and I agreed that even though we would rather go together as a couple, it's not the same without having AS around.

We experienced a bit of traffic along Silang Cavite Aguinaldo Highway because there was a car accident.  It took us about 2 hours to reach Taal Vista.  The weather was cool and sunny.

Our room was located at East Wing, facing Aguinaldo Highway.  I had the option of choosing a king size bed which was perfect for us.  

AS enjoying the spacious room

The toilet and bath was big and clean except that it has no door from the room leading to it.  There was also no bidet.

Overall, I liked the room.  The bed was very comfortable.  There was cable tv, WiFi, hair dryer, mini ref, complimentary bottled water, toiletries.  The best thing is we got to stay for FREE!  Thank you Lord for this blessing! 

Next thing we did was to try out the horseback riding offered just a little across Taal Vista.  I don't know who owns the place, but I don't recommend it.  If not for AS's eagerness to try, we almost skipped that part.    It was just a vacant lot with no view whatsoever;  it's not developed and the signage was just a hand-painted tarpaulin on a tree that says "Horseback Riding"  hehe.  There was about 20 or more horses to choose from.  Another turn-off was, it costs p200.00 for 1 HOUR!! What 4-year old would ride a horse for one hour?? The man said even if you just ride for 30 minutes, you still have to pay P200.00.  Eventually, the man's strategy worked as you can see in the picture below. 

 happy  =)

     

After 45 minutes... (wow! I was surprised he was able to last that long!) AS was riding by himself.  The guide with AS was looking tired and he was even convincing AS 15 minutes ago that it was the last round.. good thing AS was smart and kept telling him not yet.  I guess he found his match.  

Outdoor Play

I am now 32 weeks pregnant in this photo.  I feel very heavy and my movements are getting more limited.  This created a problem for me since I am also the one taking care of my 4-year old son.  Like most preschoolers, he's a very physically active kid.  I used to engage him in active play like soccer, wrestling, etc.  but now I find myself running out of ideas on how to burn his energy since I cannot do those anymore.

DS and I also want him to be exposed to outdoor play just like our good ol' childhood days.  I used to climb trees in my parents' backyard which my siblings and I would refer to as "gubat".  I miss climbing the "aratilis" tree and eat the tiny but juicy fruit afterwards.  We would run, bike, play all sorts of outdoor games until we get dirty and sweaty.  Our parents didn't bother much about dirt then.   We would return home just before dusk.

Nowadays, I feel parents are more "o.c." when it comes to cleanliness of our kids, don't you think?  There are other factors too.  Maybe because of the numerous new strains of diseases coming out that we became too cautious.  The elements are harsher too.  But I still think that the pros of outdoor play outweigh the cons when it comes to a child's overall development.

So we brought AS to Bonifacio Global City for an afternoon of play.  We're glad for open spaces like these where it is generally safe, clean, pleasant, perfect for recreation and relaxation.

AS playing patintero with DS

Playground at 28th street. 

  

Building upper body strength 

Smile of satisfaction

A short break at Krispy Kreme

Afterwards, we allowed AS to, guess what?... frolic at Bonifacio High Street Central's fountain!  I think this is the next best thing than bathing in rainwater which most of us experienced during our childhood.  

The look on AS's face is priceless.  Sheer childhood joy at its finest. 

 Drenched!

We came prepared for this.  I brought towels and extra clothes for him.  

I love that playing outdoors is fun, healthy physically and mentally and most of all, it's free! 

Looking forward to more playtime like this and hopefully with playmates too.  Soon.