Jett has been feverish for the past two days. Thank GOD his burning up vanished late afternoon today. His peak of high temperature went up to 40C on dawn last Tuesday. He was chilling, and was looking for his Dad, and was telling me he was scared. I told him it's okay Mommy will stay beside you. He was complaining about his neck, his eyes and tummy were painful. I barely shut my eye that day to check my son from time to time. I totally felt relieved that now he is already okay.
It is terrifying to have fever nowadays due to A(H1N1) pandemic scare. I also learned last Monday from Teacher Ann, his adviser, that three of Jett's fellow Kinder students from other section were also absent due to high temperature. I asked his pediatrician, Dra. Mendoza if I need to rush him to the hospital that time to see if Jett was showing signs of swine flu. She told me that swine flu, like a normal flu, has to have symptoms of high fever, cough and colds, poor appetite, and had recent travel or exposure with people of such disease. Since Jett had only fever with no cough and colds, she advised me to observe first his condition, just stay home and make him rest, and give paracetamol on regular schedule.
I hope tomorrow if there are already classes (today was suspended due to typhoon Feria), Jett will resume his schooling and catch-up for last Tuesday's lessons.
Three more months to tick off the calendar and we will finally set foot to what I define, the consummation of my husband's hardwork and sacrifices working in foreign countries, away from his family. And my fair share of sleepless nights and exhausting days researching and trying to learn the new architectural trend of modern houses not only in the Philippines, but also of our neighboring Southeast Asian countries. This house is adopted according to Singapore and Malaysian architecture to be more specific.
The whole concept of this house, starting from its floor plan design, the arrangement of the rooms, the color of its facade, the accent color of the exterior, were all emanates from me (ehem!). Maybe if I'm familiar on how to use the auto-cadd, I might also have done it myself, printed it in blueprint, and just look for an architect to sign it, hahaha!
One attestation that I was completely succumbed in house designing when I started putting myself into this project, was my perfect attendance from all of the interior design/home improvement/construction exhibits assembled in SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center for the past two years. Together with my kids, and few instances with my hubby, I bring them along with me on these events. Even when we were in Kuala Lumpur last April, we were present during their Home Dec 09 Exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, wherein I found a very lovely and durable laminated flooring. Which I learned later on, that that brand is not available here in Manila. I should have bought some boxes already if I only knew. The said laminated flooring is a clever reproduction of a real wood. It is a good buy and not pricey when converted to peso, compared to Kronotex that we can easily find in home depots all over the Philippines. The difference is the former is made from Malaysia, and the latter is made from Germany.
We only got one shot, and this might be the first and the last time that we gonna build a house, so we might as well give it our best foot forward putting our hands on this dream house.
The house is bright and airy, with lots of glasses, wood, and steel as one of the major compositions of an ultra-modern home. Natural lights are prominent all over the house, you need not to turn-on your lights all throughout the daytime. It is like putting the outdoors in. Water feature in the living room is one of the focal points of the house, which is very visible as you enter the main door. We all know that the soothing sound of the water gives calming effect to people, and it is good in fengshui as well :), just don't turn it off to avoid the risk of dengue, hahaha!
Oh well, we still have to wait for a while until we see the product of our sweat and yes, even tears. Tears of stress, joy, and in one point along the way, disappointment (which I relay in another story) :) .
Hi Honey! Before you press that play button above, kindly turn off first the soundtrack of my slideshow on my previous post "Propose Interior and Exterior Design" (sorry :) ). I no longer have the option to edit it as I was trying to figure out how to remove the sounds,I don't know why.
Anyway, this little presentation from us is nothing new for you I know. But I'm pretty sure and according to Rene Mariano :), it will come as a surprise to you because you least expect this, right?! It's been a while since I last did anything similar to this. You know that I'm too occupied about the construction of our house, and it consumes so much of my time more than the physical, emotional and mental as well. But I'm back, and will never say die, hahaha! I should have done a simpler plan of resurfacing that element of surprise, but again, knowing me :), I took a little over more complicated course of giving it a bang.
I was running out of words as you noticed in the video :) . First, the usually fighting kids on the background are destructive :). Second, It was spontaneous, and I just thought about it only last Friday. I in fact finally came up with a more precise concept a few minutes before we shoot our takes. Post production was a little bit time eater also coz it was my first encounter with the Windows Movie Maker, hahaha.
But on top of that, it came out something ...mmmm .... touchy ... and funny.
In an email forwarded to me by my husband last June 17, it says ....
" Dear Bobby,
Please be advised that the board of directors of Powercom PNG Ltd have noted your commitment as well as the good performance exhibited at work to date and have decided to award the agreed USDx,xxx net per month remuneration rather than wait for the completion of the 3 months probationary period as per the signed agreement.
The board hopes that you will continue with your very satisfactory work performance as well as your attitudes towards work.
If you have any query regarding the calculation of your pay or concern regarding the terms and conditions of your employment, I will be more than happy to discuss it with you when I return to POM on Tuesday.
Regards, Thes "
I've said this before, and I'm sure I gonna say it a million times more in the future, that I am a fan when it comes to my husband's dedication and hardwork towards his profession. Its been only a month since he started working for Powercom/Eltech Engineering in Papua New Guinea as Operations Manager. I'm more than elated that his good intention to share his knowledge and talent with this company, and how he's been thriving hard to be one of the catalysts of this already on-top and successful institution, is now acknowledged by his bosses this early. You much deserve the recognition Honey! I love you so much and no word can fit in how proud we are of you being the man of the family. Take care always!
These 3D rendered photos are the propose designs of Architect Jun Astoveza for the facade, and designers Sherlyn Shih and Jing Balmes for the interior. However, there would be some modifications of the above offered layout during the actual construction of the house. About 50% I think will be altered. It really is hard to come up with the perfect arrangement. But of course, if you are the owner and your whole family will utilize the house, you might as well aim to see it in its nearly perfect look. And besides, this is our first time to build our very own dream house, and probably the last, so why not give it all our best shot on its aesthetics. So to my designers, bring it on guys!!! I wanna see moooree!!!
Congratulations Sweety! We've never been prouder! This is your first award as a student. BEST IN COSTUME for Kinder pupils. Yes, it is non-academic, and I custom made the dress which is originally meant for a girl, hahaha, but it is more than enough. We are so happy to see you receiving an award on stage. My heart is jumping for joy. This is the first time your Dad and your baby brother Jedd see you performing live, and you never fail us! The dance is cool! We always anticipate what you gonna do on these occasions, and we're happy to see how you really participate and step-up with each dance number. You did it with a bang son! I love you sweety! We are so proud of you!
The long wait is over ... in GOD's grace and will ... in Honey's hardwork and perseverance... Finally... the much awaited GROUNDBREAKING... of our dream house !!!
Holding on to the power of prayer and faith to GOD, we are hoping to move summer of next year.
Thank you LORD for such a wonderful blessing of a new abode for our little family. This is such an incredible milestone for us, and we really are excited to see how it goes, hopefully without a glitch. We are so grateful of what you have blessed us through the years. You may have taken a few, but give it back to us more than double. We lift it all up to you oh LORD, we heed your signs as our guidance, let THY will be done. AMEN.
The Book page kit Created by Lauren Bavin Title: Stains, Splats and Splodges Stamp Set_01 Created by Meryl Bartho Title: Basic Basic Page Kit Created by Meryl Bartho
Taxing it is, but the ultimate fun is irreplaceable!!! This is our first ever out of town travel as four after I gave birth to baby Jedd last year. We've been waiting for this day after our last getaway in Boracay last 2006, minus of course baby Jedd. We stayed in Crown Regency Cebu for 4 days and 3 nights. We actually received this free accommodation after attending a 90-minute presentation from Club Ultima who's been selling club shares among those who can afford to buy it, coz well, the price is not cheap, hehe! But since club share is a good investment (synonymous in the concept of stock market), we ventured to it.
The hotel that we stayed in, is totally class A in terms of amenities, service, and mouth-watering food. We in fact enjoyed the hotel place, more than we enjoyed Cebu, hahaha! We splashed to their edgy swimming pool with jacuzzi, shower falls, and mini swimming track for those who love to swim. The kids really had a great time. And for myself, how can I forget to try their massage service, which I forgot to remember what it is termed, hehe, but certainly not swedish nor thai, but uses aroma oil as well, and concentrated more at my stressed back area. Love it!
Well, about Cebu... The beach line in Mactan is unclean (I'm sorry to Cebuanos but this is the undeniable truth), with sharp objects you can feel at the sole of your feet. Definitely, not a water-fun experience for our kids, especially myself. It is so yucky! Unlike in Boracay that offers a very clean, white and fine sand walk moment. However, the jetski and boat ride is cool!
Furthermore, we find people in Cebu displeasing, referring to cab drivers, boat ride middlemen, service crew in SUTUKIL (a well-known open air restaurant of seafoods). We can really feel that they are after the money that we will shell out as tourists, and not to show kindness and honesty as local tenants. That is why it is understandable, that some foreign visitors like Koreans, are very mean to them, because of their money first attitude. It's a good thing we are not Koreans, hahaha! We just try to understand that their lives are less fortunate in terms of livelihood, and have not enough education to comprehend that tourism is a service-oriented word, and not realizing that theirs is a place, people from busy world are longing to go back time and time again. But with their behavior, I don't wanna go back to Cebu if we will stay not in Crown Regency Cebu, hehehe.
Mmmm.. in scale of 1-5, I'll give 5 stars for the absolute HOTEL fun experience. and 2 stars for the CEBU tour around. But at the end of the day, I think the most important thing is that, we went there to relax, unwind, grasp a new environment, forget the not so good recent memories, not think about the house and other people, and most especially bond together as a family. Which I certainly believe really did happen. It's refreshing to have an escape once in a while... or often... hehe!
Jett has been a waggish child since then. And one of his waggishness, is to make faces in front of the camera. But what made me giggle more is baby Jedd's reaction. Upon glimpsing at the photos, you will think that he is starting to get scared. But knowing this curious kitten, he is in fact discerning, observing, and absorbing his Kuya Jett's every act. So he will be a carbon copy next time. They are the best buddies, Hahaha! These two angels are the happiest part of our life.
Title: Doodley Brushes Set_02 Created by Meryl Bartho
Art of Life Plopper Pair Created by Elizabeth Weaver Logan's Stickers Alpha Created by Amber Gray
I need not to tell.. Kuya Jett is a certified performer! From a shy little boy, you can dance now in front of the viewing public. You are the most adorable chicken in the whole wide world, hahaha! I love you sweety! Mom and Dad are the proudest! Mwuah!!!
Do you still reminisce our good old lovely days in Bangkok? Coz I vividly, richly do. Most particularly our night outs together, just the two of us. For more than two years of staying there, we didn't miss a weekend of time well spent with each other. We see movies during Fridays and Saturdays, catching the nearly last full show. We go to different bazzars. We dine in al fresco restaurants. We treat ourselves on posh dinner set-ups. We went cruising along Queen Sirikit river. We walk holding hands, side by side. We steal smacks from each others lips and cheeks. Hearing our "I Love You's" innumerous times for that night. Sigh! Those memories are enduring.
But of course, beautiful moments were less meaningful if its antipode were not present. You had a hard time dealing with Greg right? Your American boss, that eventually became one of your good confidante. You had falling out with few of your long time colleagues resorted in treating them with cold shoulders. But now, time heals the agony, and have open communication as before.
And now in your current workplace, you are going through a very crucial issue which may spill a dirty spot to your clean linen of work record. I know you've been working like horses. Your load is overflowing and you were tasked of huge responsibilities. Mistakes are very likely to happen especially if you work under pressure due to ambitious target completion.
What I am trying to say is, you might be in a rough road right now, you've been distressed due to excessive working. But like a cliche goes, it will come to pass, and a smoother road is there waiting for you to walk through. Everything will be fine Honey, Im sure of that. You are such a hard working person. You have that sparkling passion to be of service to your company. Im a self-confessed fanatic of that excellent drive. To err is human, and only shallow-minded and self-righteous would say otherwise.
Whatever your decision will be, and if you believe its time to let go, I just want you to know that me and the kids will support you all the way. In fact, I really feel bad that I can do nothing to console you, and I really feel sorry. The least I can do is to write you this letter. I wanna share your pain and sadness. I want Jett and Jedd cheering you up with their naughtiness. We want to hug and kiss you and make you feel that whatever happens, we are one complete happly family, and we are always here for you.
Kaya mo yan! You are such a trooper. You wouldn't be where you are right now if you're not. Never let other people drag you down, and sink the strain into you. Just keep on praying coz GOD has always been there for us as ever, shielding us against discomfort.
Take care always, and we love you so much. I promise to arrange a getaway when you get home. To unwind and and to bond with the kids. Love yah!
LOW by FLO RIDA is the favorite groovy sounds of brothers Jett and Jedd. This is in fact my current mp3 ringtone so the kids are really familiar with the beat. Jett can sing it, and Jedd is obviously can't help to shake his booty. Lllove it!!!
Sorry sweety, you can't go to school yet coz you are barefoot... hahaha!
Jedd is so keen going to school. He loves wearing his Kuya Jett's school ID and school bag. Whenever we are working on Kuya Jett's homework, Jedd is also there intensely listening and trying to comprehend and imitate reading. At an early age, he is such an observer so he easily do a takeoff on things. His smart little things really flip us, hehe!
The Tear Jerker Surprise AVP / VTR (Please watch these three! You won't regret it!)
VIDEO SEQUENCE
FYI: Favorite music: Audrey and If by Bread Celebrator: Roberto “Bobby” Santiago Event: 40th Birthday
SEQUENCING: On your 40th birthday … fade…. We made a little something for you …. Fade …. so sit back … fade… relax …. Fade… and enjoy the presentation …. Fade
Let us reminisce your 40 yesteryears… fade… (photos of Bobby – refer to CD entitled Bobby’s AVP under the folder “Bobby only” in the following order: Early Years-Recent Years-Current)
Have we not told you … fade… how much you mean to us? … fade …
Note: the following are the names of the people in the video footages in order: 1--Ronelia and family – Bobby’s youngest sister 2-- Lucita Santiago – Bobby’s mom (show pictures of Bobby and Mommy. Refer to CD entitled Bobby’s AVP under the folder “Bobby and his Mom”) 3-- Ate Lhor, Kuya Gonzalo, Maricel and Al – Bobby’s Tito, Tita and pamangkins (no message, just greetings) 4--Kuya Boyet – Bobby’s elder brother 5-- Ate Neri – Bobby’s Aunt 6-- Ate Rowel, John Mae, and Ella – Bobby’s elder sister and pamangkins 7-- Ate Roma – Bobby’s eldest sister 8-- Ardhel – Bobby’s nephew 9-- Kim – Bobby’s niece (no message, just greetings) 10-- Ikang – Bobby’s niece 11-- Kelvin – Bobby’s nephew (no message just greetings) 12-- Joey – Bobby’s nephew 13-- Tita Tuin and Joey 14-- Kuya Riz – Bobby’s elder brother 15-- Jett and Jedd – Bobby’s sons (no message just greetings) 16-- Jett – Bobby’s elder son (no message just singing) 17-- Johnny Alcaraz – Bobby’s father-in-law (no message, just greetings) 18-- Karla, Jero, Rica, and Ten-ten – Bobby’s Pamangkins (no message just greetings) 19-- Rica – Bobby’s niece 20-- Venus – Joan’s bestfriend 21-- Cathy – Bobby’s sister-in-law (no message just greetings) 22-- Patricia, Patrick, Cacai – Bobby’s pamangkins (no message just greetings) 23—Editha Lamberte – Bobby’s mother-in-law 24-- Joan – Bobby’s wife (show pictures of Bobby and Joan, refer to CD entitled Bobby’s AVP under the folder “Bobby and Joan”) 25 – Dhel – Bobby’s younger sister
I prefer the sequencing of the video footages in the following order (thru its numbers): 4-6-7-14-25-5-8-10-12-13-19-20 …. Voice Messages of: Renan – Bobby’s youngest brother; and Kuya Ronnie – Bobby’s eldest brother (voices from CD entitled Bobby’s AVP under the folder “Voice messages”) NOTE: Pls don’t forget to put their names continuation… 23-2-25 NOTE: Pls put the word in texts if audio is poor
On this special milestone in your life … fade … Allow us to greet you a …. Fade … (videos of all relatives on the video saying “Happy Birthday!” “only”) (last video is Jett singing Happy Birthday – then overlapping text saying “Happy 40th Birthday Bobby!”)
Oooppss .. fade… We’re not through … fade… Just yet … fade… Be ready .. fade…
Coz you were caught on tape … (video footages from the dvd entitled “Caught on Tape” ) (background music is something playful) with the following timestops: DVD-1B: 0:03:56 – 0:04:10 0:16:04 – 0:16:20 0:30:20 – 0:30:50
Lastly, picture of Bobby (with effects) showing these words: (picture from CD entitled Bobby’s AVP, filename “last picture”)
“Happy 40th Birthday Bobby!” … “Thank you for touching our lives!”
END
This is the script of the VTR/AVP that I personally, intensively, and thoroughly thought-of for this momentous once in a lifetime event of my dearest better half. I sought the service of a professional to do the digital effects and the proper lineup of each amateur home videos taken at different dates, different places, and different media, like the internet and GPRS (wheh!thank you techie-buffs!).
The video has a total of nearly 30mins in length. And it was partitioned in two parts. The first part was an AVP of Bobby's photos from before to present. It was viewed right after the ceremonial toast. The other half, was played right after the games, consisting of videos and voice messages of his relatives and loved ones. My favorite part is Jett's singing a Happy Birthday Song to his Dad. After he sang, he said I Love You Daddy, then lean to the camera to kiss. It was so touchy and cute! (we rehearsed that about three times? Hehe).
Im really thankful to my sister-in-law, Ronel, for helping me convince their relatives to stepout from their comfort zones for a while, and give their birthday messages to Bobby in front of the moving lense. Believe me, it wasn't easy as we thought it would gonna be. It took roughly a month to complete the video materials for this VTR, including the voice messages of Honey's brothers from far provinces that I personally contacted and asked if I can record their birthday messages thru the mobile. And they gladly graced my request simply because it is Bobbys' birthday.
All in all, the preparation for this VTR per se, including the script above is about six weeks. A feather to the cap for a hands-on Mom like me (ehem!). And I was so right, Bobby cried several times upon viewing the final product of this video. He was surprised to hear the voices of his brothers he haven't heard and seen for years. And for those who have spoken in this video, from the bottom of my heart, I really wanna thank you for spilling some heart warming, genuine words of love and gratitude, that for sure, Bobby will never ever forget with his lifetime.
Have a safe trip Honey! See you at the airport later with your kids! Love yah!
The emotion was overflowing. No word would nearly justify how fun and moving the event was!
I started to conceptualize this once in a lifetime "surprise" 40th birthday bash eversince the day one we started this relationship. Oh yeah, you read it just right, since more than 5 years ago, hehehe. But technically, the materialization took place last September of 2007. I had to do an emergency-slash-panic booking at Ibarra's Garden upon learning that their weekends of December and January were jampacked. So I was left with no choice. The supposedly just an ocular visit or venue inspection, turned out to be a ten thousand pesos reservation drop by =).
The only available slot left for weekends before January 6, which was Honey's schedule to fly back to Bangladesh, was a Friday, dinner of January 4th. Having it my way, I wanted it to be a Saturday, just to allow the visitors and relatives to have the luxury of time preparing for the special dinner. But then again, it was a successful event, so no use of dwelling to that little detail, hehe.
We arrived the place at nearly 8pm. We were super late since we were expected to be there at 7pm. However, the best thing about it is that, everybody was almost there, so everyone was an eye witness on how amazed, astonished, astounded, cum teary-eyed, my husband was when he entered the venue. Well, you must be asking how did I get his ass on that place, without giving any hint? Simple. I told him it was my bestfriend Venus parents' 25th wedding anniversary. My poor, hindless husband, didn't know it was his own birthday party, until he walked that lights-off facade (wow, dramatic!). Upon walking the aisle, the only thing lighted on the whole garden was coming from four small candles embeded on a small cake with Honey's mini-me replica, an engineer on his phone. And then, when the lights were finally turned-on, everybody lead by the party host, was singing an emotional Happy Birthday song. And yes, indeed, a "dramatic entrance" it was. (awww... it was so touching, I tell you!).
Honey was speechless and teary. All his loved ones were there. Relatives from provinces came over. His former colleagues and friends he haven't seen for ages were also there sharing the moment. The place was soooo perfect. The mood was romantic, formal, dreamy, fancy, all in one. I just couldn't wait what will happen next.
When we reached the stage, everybody was holding their glasses of wine already (I prompted my sister-in-law via text to tell the house staff to prepare the wines already 5mins before we arrive the place), and a ceremonial toast was given. The party officially started.
Immediately followed the toast, was an AVP of Bobby's photos from his teenage days, to his first Americana suits, to his travels, and up to his nearly 40 years old looks. Some guests didn't help but laugh on how the pictures unveil the transfiguration of Bobby's physique, from thin to a little thick, hehe. It certainly served as a teaser of a very happy long night of fun. Then we had dinner of mouth watering dishes, that I hardly tasted, since I was too busy entertaining and thanking the guests for being there. After dinner, there were games and dancing, personal messages from his friends and family, no dull moments in fact. And then a VTR of overflowing "thank you(s)" (which I will share to you on my next posts) was shown tendered by siblings, pamangkins, titos, titas, to Bobby's delight and surprise. And finally, the blowing of candle cake. After the another happy birthday song, and Bobby unlighted the candles, a balloon burst added to the festive ambiance. And to cap off the night, photo op with the celebrator at the enchanting background of the garden for all the guests.
Sigh! It was one emotion-bursting night! Honey has never been happier! I've never been happier, seeing my husband's overjoyed! Upon retiring the day, we keep chatting till dawn. The stories and the sharing of captured moments are endless. Honey has so much queries how I was able to manage that one hell of a party. That, I plan to detail on my next posts.
Happy Birthday Honey!!! We love you so much! Congratulations for having a fruitful, blessful, and meaningful 40 years of life!
I tied the knot to the most splendid man a girl has ever dreamed of. He is an engineer employed abroad. We have two adorable little angel boys. Ralph Jarreth or Jett our elder was born in Bangkok, he's four years of age. Renz Jarredh or Jedd is a year old baby born in Manila.
If u ask my age ... well, im young, and my husband is also young (in heart&mind). Though, he was born earlier, and I was later ... we speak the same language. And Im very proud, that from the day one we were together till now, we don't really have cross swords. Nothing more I could ask ... Lucky me!!!
cuddled @ 12:15 AM
|
