HannDs-on-Mama: January 2014

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Parks and recreation

How many public parks and playgrounds do we have in Cebu that are free? Right off the top of my head, I can only count with 1... finger. There's one in Talisay and another in Talamban but both have entrance fees and quite inaccessible. Approximately 90% of the playgrounds in Cebu are within exclusive schools or subdivisions. And then of course there's the "modern" playground in the malls, air condition and all. Times have changed. Suddenly, I sound so old haha...I used to hear the same phrase from my grannies.

Plaza Independencia is a historical open space town square adjacent to Fort San Pedro. Over the years, it had its improvement works and I am particularly loving the look of it nowadays. Its gazebo reminds me of the Victorian era and how its simple landscape serves as a subdued frontage to the "Fort". It's where you usually find groups in a casual forum, students loudly practicing a dance, a song or a skit, or just lovers enjoying the twilight or moonlight. The plaza and the Fort tandem brings you to the "old world".

Aside from an obelisk and a couple of monuments, you'd also see pocket gardens and best of all, the children's playground.

Last Saturday, I took my kids to the Plaza to experience "old school" play in the "old world" and they just LOOOOVED it.

Join me for "Parks and playgrounds" call in Cebu? And while we're at it, how about these for inspiration.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Joyful Discovery: Jack n' Jill Cream-o White Peppermint

Starting this year, I look forward to discoveries relating to my children that bring joy, wisdom, growth and development.

My first discovery for the year, Cream-O White Peppermint. I was doing my weekly grocery when this caught my eye. It's a limited edition for Christmas but I got to discover post season. I had my doubts but when I took my first bite, I was sold. So was Harperoo. She loved it. I can only finish 1 pack/ 2pcs though at a time since it can get sweet. Still, this makes my list of 'joyful discoveries'. Bravo Jack n' Jill!

Classy packaging

Looks and TASTES great

2014... here we go!!!

2013 was definitely one of those years that made a mark on me. It was as if I was playing baseball... NOT that I actually play the game but I am good with imagination and a sucker for analogies. Made my first home-run with the birth of my third child - Annika Hope, and then some by gaining grounds at work with growth performance from 2 dreadful years prior and just as I was preparing myself for a walk-off home run, I was thrown a curve ball - the loss of one of my best friends, so hard it made me stumble and ALMOST didn't want to get up. But I know just can't lay there forever.

So here we go 2014. I dunno what lies ahead of me this year, no one knows. All I know is I have my children looking to me. And though in life they may need to feel and understand what losing and loss are all about, they do not have to be defeated by it.

Happy New Year!

the senior citizens love their karaoke

The clan: Torreon, Lee, Dimaronsing, Castillon

Our Supernovas

Monday, January 13, 2014

Happy Together Chronicles

When my husband found out about Tracy's passing, he decided to come home earlier than scheduled. As a thank you for this gesture, here's a chronicle of his vacation here. When we only had Super A before, we call his vacation time "Happy Together". And now, with Harperoo and Hope, the chronicles continue.

@ Choobi, Park Mall- Dec. 13, 2013