Our Little Promil Kid

We changed Lorenz' formula milk last January from Nan HW Three to Promil Kid. Our pedia advised us it might be a little hard to shift because of Nan's unique formulation. Thankfully, she taught us a scheme to facilitate smooth transition.

At the time, Lorenz was drinking eight ounces of milk three times a day (his drinking habits still haven't changed, by the way). Hence, we mixed seven scoops of Nan plus one scoop of Promil at the onset. Everyday, we would reduce Nan's proportion by one scoop and add one scoop of Promil. We adjusted it until such time that he was accustomed to Promil's taste.

Our pedia advised us that when switching formula milk, more than the toddler's preference, parents should also observe and monitor changes in bowel movement (i.e., frequency, color, form, and texture) as well as weight gain.

We were fortunate that Promil neither upset Lorenz' stomach nor adversely affected his weight. In fact, he quite enjoyed the shift. Such was his enthusiasm that earlier, he couldn't wait for his milk to be prepared. We didn't really know how it happened. We lost sight of him for probably just 10 seconds and the next thing we knew...

Wow, powdered milk!!!

Hmmm... Tastes good!!!

Look at me, Mamee. Don't I look happy? :-)

We inferred that he was trying to reach his milk dispenser and eventually, two layers toppled on the floor along with the content. This puts a whole new perspective on the warning: Keep out of children's reach. And his now empty Promil can has served another purpose -- it has become one of his toys.

More of Lorenz' (mis)adventures in succeeding posts.

Post-anniv Dinner Date at Café d'Asie

Mamee (yes, that's how we spell it!) treated me to a buffet at Café d'Asie, Bellevue Manila last April 4 as post-celebration of our second wedding anniversary. Technically, this was the first time I experienced eating in an international buffet at a first class hotel. For a relatively picky eater like me, there were lots of options to choose from -- Japanese, Mexican, vegan, and an assortment of sweets. The buffet table was a feast to the eyes. 

Although I think I wasn't able to maximize the food, it was still a great experience for two reasons. First, it was time well-spent with my wife after a very busy week at work. Second, we were able to avail the full buffet with unlimited iced tea for only PhP650 per head (half of its original price) courtesy of Ensogo.

The buffet table

Happy 2nd Anniversary, my wife!

03-28-09

When I look back, I realized where I went wrong. I went overboard on my first plate by filling it with rice. I did enjoy the first serving since the food was really great plus I was very hungry (I came from Los Baños and went straight to Alabang). However, by the time I was done with my second plate, I was already too full to enjoy the tempting desserts.

Plate 1: Superb and filling. The sweet and sour shrimp was the best.

A sweet encounter indeed.

As much as I want to eat more, I just can't. I was too bloated and I don't think my stomach can handle another serving. So I guess, the lesson here is simple: when eating at a buffet, don't be in a rush. Try to enjoy a little bit of everything first and then just come back to get those which you enjoyed best. Also, don't be shy to go back. It doesn't matter how many servings you get -- it is after all, a buffet.

I won't say NO to another buffet experience at The Bellevue. In the not so distant future, my wife and I would definitely try it again -- possibly with Lorenz. :-)

___________________

CONTACT DETAILS: 

Café d’Asie at The Bellevue
North Bridgeway, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Philippines 1781
Tel:(632) 7718181 Fax: (632) 7718282
www.thebellevue.com.ph

Two years

As much as I don't want to leave tomorrow, call of duty dictates otherwise. And yes, we're just going to be apart for a day. What is that compared to the 364± days that we can be together? It just sucks that we have to be apart on our day. 

March 28, 2009: It was that fateful Saturday when we made a commitment in front of our family, friends, and relatives.

"I, Ranell, take you, Lorelyn,
To be my wife;
To have and to hold,
From this day forward,
For better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish,
'Till death do us part..."

 

Two years passed by quickly. It seemed just like yesterday when we were goofy college students trying to figure out what we want (we're still doing that 'til now). In reality, that was five or six years ago; then we got married, had a son, and now we're learning how to be good parents everyday... Photographs tell us that a lot has changed (including our weights).

I just want you to know that I'm truly happy to be where we are right now. Sometimes, I want to stay still -- get lost in time with you. But we both know that can't be done. So let's write and weave a wonderful story because I know, ours have just begun.
 

Before I become cheesier than usual, I'll keep this post short. I LOVE YOU and HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY!!!

Lorenz' Spaghetti Madness

Lorenz attended a birthday party earlier. And he was just a bit too enthusiastic in eating his spaghetti that I couldn't help but take pictures of him.

Often, we let him enjoy his food no matter how messy he got. Currently, his habit is to mash his food with his hands before putting it back in his mouth. Not really the best way to eat but what can you expect from a one and a half year old toddler? :-) By the way, he wasn't able to finish his spaghetti because his enthusiasm eventually led to the plate falling off his lap.

I'm really glad that Lorenz isn't a picky eater -- something he fortunately didn't inherit from me. I was and I guess I still am a VERY picky eater. When I was younger, I would go to my grandmother (who lives just above us) when I do not like what is served at our table. Eventually, I ended up not eating veggies. Thankfully, both my mother and my wife recognize the true value of eating healthy food -- although it's quite unfortunate that they are both unsuccessful in inculcating that trait to me. 

I'm just proud and happy because Lorenz eats a balanced diet. I hope he's able to sustain his appetite for healthy food in the long run.

PS: Lorenz is 18 months old today.

Intoxicated

So I've said years 2006 and 2011 are my best UPLB FebFair because I was both intoxicated -- the first one with love, the latter with alcohol. :-P

Earlier this month, I felt that my chances of maximizing the Fair were slim compared with the past years. I long to bring Lorenz to the UPLB FebFair but since the event isn't really conducive for a toddler, my wife and I agreed that this isn't the right time. Plus her schedule wouldn't permit her to go.

Personally, I felt that I should go and spend a few hours at the Fair. So I told her I'd be spending Thursday night (Feb. 18) at the Fair with office friends. In eLBi, Thursday night is usually gimik night. But the fair wasn't bustling yet when we got there. There were six of us -- and prior to the intoxication, we first enjoyed a ride at the caterpillar and ferris wheel.

Photo by: Edwin Cortes

We had chicken barbeque for dinner and thereafter, the drinking started. Believe me, I sure didn't plan to get drunk that night. If I did, I would've brought extra clothes.

But the shots kept coming -- one after the other. And I just drank. I was looking at the time thinking that I should get going. But we were having a great conversation (although now that I think about it, I could barely recall what we were talking about). I can feel the alcohol starting to take its toll on me. I shrugged it off. Another bottle was opened. More stories. I'm feeling a bit tipsy. I told myself I can still go home.

We've already consumed two bottles. They wanted to buy another. So off they went while I busied myself chatting with orgmates who were in a nearby booth. I was way past tipsy by this time. Crap.

Third bottle was opened. I joined the session -- this time engaging in full English conversations. Not a good sign, eh? I didn't know if we finished that third bottle. Mostly, what I remembered was that I was laughing, babbling, and staggering from Freedom Park to the office building. See picture below. This was not my proudest moment.

Photo by: Joel Cardenas (I think.)

I don't want to divulge the most gory details of that night. Or what became of me after we left the Fair. But I can tell you that the next day, I was still a wreck. I'm just thankful I have really great friends who did not leave me when I was down (literally). The jeepney ride from eLBi to Calamba felt like hours in purgatory. I was (barely) able to get home. When I finally did, I spent most of the time semi-sleeping whilst trying to get rid of all the alcohol in my system.

Again, I'm not proud of what I did. But I'm not ashamed either (okay, maybe a little). Sometimes, we have to lose ourselves in the moment -- even just for a little while. Everybody needs a break. This night was mine. I didn't plan it but I think, deep down, I wanted it to happen. True, this night wouldn't be on the list of nights that I would want my son to relive. But someday, I know he might have his fair share of crazy nights too. And I will tell him that it's okay -- as long as he does not forget to snap back to reality.

By the way, did I mention that drinking at the FebFair was prohibited? So sue me. ;-)

Pre-valentine's Treat/Lorenz' 17th

Lorenz is 17 months old today. Since it falls on the day before St. Valentine’s Day, my wife and I opted to celebrate it back-to-back with a pre-Valentine’s treat for the whole family. Instead of dining out tomorrow, we decided it was more economical to prepare our own dish. Moreover, I have always been telling her to cook more often and today, the timing couldn't be better.

She granted my request by preparing spicy seafood fettuccine pasta. The recipe is adapted from a college friend. Too bad Lorenz was not able to try it. Both Mamee and my mom recommended against it claiming the pasta is too spicy for Lorenz’ taste buds. Who am I to argue? I know this is not the last time she will cook something for us. I hope that next time he will be able to try his Mamee’s cooking -- because it was superb! :-) 100% recommended! I'm sure that in the coming months, Lorenz will have his own favorite dish. I can't wait for that time to come. Advance Happy Valentine's everyone!!!

Spicy seafood fettuccine pasta

Travel Journal #1: A Trip to Historic Dapitan

Thanks to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) who issued me a credit card mid-last year and Cebu Pacific’s incessant low promo fares, booking a travel has been a lot easier -- although it’s also a temptation for my wife and me to splurge.

Our first destination for 2011 was the city of Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte, which we visited last January 7-9 to celebrate my wife’s 26^th birthday (her birthday is on January 8). We booked it June of last year and our total fare cost PhP1,334 round trip (not a bad deal!). Dipolog City served as our gateway to Dapitan. The two are said to be twin cities due to their proximity with one another.

I’m not much of a planner whenever we travel; that’s my wife’s role (and I feel a bit guilty that I barely help her out with this stuff yet I get cranky whenever things go haywire). Amidst the post-Christmas stress and New Year buzz, we were caught unaware that our travel’s nearing and we weren’t able to prepare a proper itinerary. Moreover, Lorenz had measles a few days before our travel and we needed to check with his pediatrician first if he’s fit to travel.

Mishap in Dipolog City

We arrived in Dipolog City Airport before 12 noon. It is quite small -- the arrival area has no conveyor belt (just like Ozamiz City Airport). Passengers may opt to pay the “luggage boys” to get their bags or they can claim their luggage themselves (first timers and foreigners may get confused with the system). Personally, I think the system was very lax because there was no security check upon exiting the airport.

Our first misadventure (if I may call it) happened when we finally got out of the airport. We decided to take a tricycle to reach the Central Terminal going to Dapitan. Dipolog’s tricycles are bulkier and higher -- it can probably accommodate up to six persons. There are many tricycles parked just outside the airport but our primary problem was the language barrier.

My wife and I both do not understand Bisaya. We cannot haggle with the driver who said the fare costs PhP40/person. It was scorching hot in Dipolog and we were already hungry (plus the fact that we were traveling with a toddler and still had our luggage with us). Hence, we decided to pay the driver with the agreed cost. The ride lasted for about seven to ten minutes (if I remember it right).

Upon reaching the terminal, the mini-bus going to Dapitan operated by Evergood Transport was already on its way and our driver had to shout for the bus to stop and wait for us. We were in such a hurry. I gave the tricycle driver PhP100 bill but he said that we owed him PhP240 since we rented the tricycle (which was good for six persons). I was too tired to argue (because I still can’t understand most of what he’s saying since he’s speaking vernacular) so I just gave him the money (against my will). Aboard the mini-bus, my wife told me to let it go but I found it hard to do so.

First lesson identified: Ask an airport staff regarding fare costs as well as the most common route you can take to get to your destination (and probably, try to learn a bit of the local language). Despite all the information available online, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

Back at the mini-bus, we asked our co-passengers where we should alight if we are to go Monina Pension House in Sunset Boulevard (we’ve learned our lesson). The locals were accommodating and told us we should alight at the plaza. From the plaza, we took a tricycle (this time paying the minimum fare) going to Monina Pension House (where we have earlier made a reservation).

Monina Pension House is clean and affordable. We paid PhP700/night for our room -- the only drawback was that they do not serve food. But the boulevard stretch is lined with restaurants and eatery so it’s not really a big issue. After checking in, we had a sumptuous lunch at Kamayan ni Manay (too bad we were not able to take a picture of our food) and proceeded to our first itinerary thereafter.

Brushing up on our History

Dapitan was where the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal was exiled for four years (from 1892 to 1896) thus earning the name “Shrine City of the Philippines.” Considered a historical landmark, Rizal Shrine houses a replica of several structures used by Rizal during his four-year stay in the city.

Casa Redonda in Rizal Shrine

These include Casa Cuadrada, Casa Redonda, Rizal amphitheater, and the Mi Retiro Rock, to name a few. Although there were no guides, there were helpful signages explaining each structure's historical significance. Rizaliana Building, located at the entrance’s right side, has a number of memorabilia ranging from Rizal’s books, code of conduct, and other paraphernalia. Women clothed in white, who are members of the Rizalista sect venerating Rizal as a god, are also a common sight. The park has no entrance fee but visitors are expected to maintain the area’s cleanliness (strictly no littering).

The park has a luscious green trail which visitors can follow. The tall trees surrounding the trail creates a semi-humid atmosphere inside the estate -- it becomes more humid and extra challenging when you are carrying an 11 kg. toddler who’s just learning how to walk. My wife and I took turns carrying Lorenz (although it was mostly her) as we traverse the path leading to the amphitheater.

Visiting Rizal Shrine was a good experience. As a resident of Calamba City (Rizal’s birthplace), I’ve been to his ancestral house quite a few times already. Seeing his shrine in Dapitan gave me a glimpse of the other aspects of his life. Other notable Rizal-related landmarks in Dapitan include the Mindanao Relief Map located at Dapitan City Plaza and the Rizal Landing Site Marker in Brgy. Sta. Cruz fronting Dapitan Bay.

With my son, Lorenz at Sunset Boulevard

It was almost 5PM when we left Rizal Shrine. Before heading to our abode in Monina, we had a quick stop at Vallecer Shopping Mart to buy some things for Lorenz. On our way back, I fully appreciated how laid back Dapitan City is with the serene Sunset Boulevard as backdrop.

The city seemed safe, peaceful, and progressive all at the same time. As our day drew to a close, my wife and I were both tired while our little tyke still has the energy to roam around our room -- he played a bit before finally sleeping.

The day after was my wife’s birthday. I was looking forward to ask her to try the infamous “kinilaw” and have our day tour in Dakak. But I believe those experiences deserve a full account. So I’m going to stop writing (for now).

“Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.”

– mentioned in Bob Ong’s Stainless Longganisa

Just another weekend

Putting up a blog has always fascinated me. I know of friends and colleagues who have one and I’ve learned more about them by reading their entries. Creating a blog of my own has always been a floating idea in my head but I just can’t find the time or the energy. Sometimes, when I finally decide to create an account, I stop and think about what the blog’s theme should be or how I should write about things that really “matter.” And then I’m back to square one. Today, I’ve decided to create a blog (and hopefully, maintain it) without an inkling of what it will be about.

Our 16-month old son, Lorenzo Isaac.

It’s a great Monday morning. I’m not at the office -- a privilege I have because my current job is output-based. The weekend that passed was spent watching movies and playing with our one year old son, Lorenz. That’s what my wife (Lorelyn) and I do whenever we do not have other commitments.

Anyway, I was happy to have watched two movies with a father-son angle yesterday, namely "The Karate Kid" and "How to Train your Dragon". Okay, the first one did not really have a father and son angle but its sub-plots are related to parenthood.

Watching "The Karate Kid" reminded me of my childhood. When I was in elementary, my parents (specifically my father) wanted me to study karate but it did not materialize. I was probably too preoccupied with academics during the school year and then too busy playing outdoors during summer. Eventually, I took karate as a P.E. subject in college but it still wasn’t enough.

Somehow, I regret that I was not able to study karate or any other sport (swimming comes to mind); or the fact that I never learned to play a musical instrument. I remembered playing the melodica (blow organ) during second grade but that was it. When I look back, I think I was too intent on finishing my academics with flying colors that I didn’t get to devote a part of my time to learn other things. But past is past.

Now that I’m a father, I feel the urge to influence Lorenz so that he may pursue such activities. I want him to learn how to swim because I think it’s a necessary skill – at least, he’s got his mother to teach him just in case we fail to enroll him in formal swimming lessons. I want him to study karate because I believe it’s good to know how to defend yourself should need be; and I also want him to learn to play the guitar or any musical instrument of his choice.

But when I think about it, these are my dreams not his. I mean, how will you delineate that line as a parent? How can you say that you just want what’s best for your son when these are your unfulfilled dreams that you want him to pursue? On the other hand, you know that you are not leading him into something bad. An old saying states that our children are but better versions of ourselves, or something like it. Maybe this is what the quote is referring to. We have an inherent want for our children to be better than us -- but sometimes, parents can get lost in the process. We should remember that although we only want what’s best for our children, this shouldn’t happen to the point of forcing them to become someone they are not.

This brings me to the second film, "How to Train your Dragon." This animated film is about Hiccup, a young Viking who is obsessed with killing a dragon because his father is the best dragon fighter in their land. His father does not want to train him believing that he isn’t ready and that he’s not made for dragon fighting. Hiccup eventually discovers he does not want to kill dragons and instead trains one as pet just as his father finally decides to train him. Conflicts arise when his father learned of his pet dragon.

For me, the film was about expectations -- a father who expects his son to be “more like him” but getting the exact opposite. It’s a trap I don’t want to fall into now that I’m a father. Although I have dreams for Lorenz, I want him to create his own dreams and work hard to turn them into reality. I want him to do what he wants.

It’s funny how these two movies affected me enough to make me write about these things. I must admit, there are times when I feel scared that I may turn into the kind of father I’m dreading. It’s easy to say that I will let Lorenz be but circumstances can change once you’re in the actual situation. A lot of people say that father-son relationships are very complex especially because of society’s norms and expectations. But I want to be a deviant in this case.