Come Let Us Adore Him

On Friday. My whole family went to the Obispado building and the Christmas party is in the 9^th floor. There were so many food. It’s like a feast.

My classmates were also there. Their names are Paul, Nathan, Bene and Fil. We played and ate before practice. We were going to sing “Heto na naman”, a Tagalog Christmas song.

The students of kinder, prep, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 and Grade 4 pupils performed first before the Grade 5-6 pupils (that’s us! ). Some sang English songs while some sang Tagalog. After them we sang “The Heto na naman song”. They liked the song and so did we.

Then Paul, Nathan, Bene and Fil played and talked. We played Football and talked about the games we liked to play. Then we ate some chicken and drink some ice tea. Then we all continued playing our football and talking. After a few minutes past, we have the exchange gifts. While they told the story, we have to give the gifts to each other then as we finished the story we all like.

Then say good-bye and went home.

THE END

Electricity 101

My project is about electric circuit which I turn the light on and off. The electricity comes from a battery. The other sources of electricity are heat, solar panels, coal, water, wind and gas. The electricity travels from source to the load by using a wire. The examples of load are bulb, TV, computer, phones, electric fan and speaker.

The most important thing I learned is to save electricity by turning the switch off of all appliances when not in use and that I will be safe from electricity by not touching the electric socket.

Ate Clarisse's Birthday

On Sunday morning it was ate Clarisse’s birthday celebration. With my cousin Bono, I was watching a television show when Tita Norie called us to (help-out) make breakfast and snack. Bono and I cooked and prepared the delicious jelly for the dessert. We both cut the jelly into cube formation (shapes) then Bono and I mixed the milk on the delicious jelly and put it on the freezer. Then at four o’clock, we left papa’s house to go to the Sunday mass with papa and mama.

There was also a concert in the church. There were full of children and they sang the closing song (Rowin: They sang the theme song for the coming papal visit – “We Are All God’s Children”)

Rowin:

Ate Clarisse is the eldest among the new generation of our family circle. She just turned 15 but still very much young at heart, playful and a doting ate to her younger cousins. Happy Birthday to our Clarisse!

KICC Concert 2014

On Friday, we went to my Kid’s Inn concert  at night. Bringing my barong, we first went upstairs to eat and practice. All of my choir members are there eating rice and chicken and drinking juice so they will not get hungry or thirsty.

After that, we practiced all 7 songs. Then we entered the church and prepared to sing. As we went in front of the altar, I saw my friends, Francis and kuya JC. (Rowin: Papa Ben, Mama Tonette, Tita Bles, Tito Remir, Tita Maria and Tito Rene were also there.)

I sang with the choir members. After a few songs,  the adult choir sang one song before we continued. We sang four more songs. We also sing the closing song.

All my friends were happy and my parents were so proud. (Rowin: Indeed !)

Rowin:

The Kid’s Inn Children Choir concert is the first among a series of concerts and exhibits in celebration of the 25^th year of the EDSA Shrine on December 15, 2014.

Congrats to Teacher Joni who has been at task for the past three years to teaching these energetic and talented kids. This concert covered the songs from the “Prince of Egypt” movie and were diligently practiced by them since February this year.

Christ The King

Last Sunday, we went to papa’s house at Malolos, Bulacan. They are preparing for the Christ the king processional walk. We have to stop at five houses. First at papa’s house and all the four are papa’s neighbors. The priest has six knights each with a swords as guardians.  We started at four o clock and ended at six o clock followed by the holy mass. For the mass we pray to Jesus to forgive all our sins and for all those people that we have hurt.

I have learned that I should pray also to other people especially those who are in need, the poor and the sick.

I love most the part of the Knights of Columbus and their sword to protect the Holy Eucharist and the priest.

Kidzooona

On Friday we went to Kidzooona to play. It was a very big play area with shops like burger shop, ice cream shop, sushi bar, mail shop, cake shop, supermarket and fire station. There are even more play areas like giant slide, giant ball, train play and a playground. I met a new friend named Sophia. She’s a girl and she is 8 years old. 

I have all the fun in Kidzooona with my young brother Aim.

My New Mountain Bike

On Sunday (we arrived at night), we went to Malolos to visit Papa and Mama. They live in Alido. We also had a sleep over. On Monday we ate breakfast before I did my work. I brought my Binhi and Kayamanan books. I read them before I did my exam. I also played with Bono and Ate Clarise.

After that we left. We bought my new bike. It’s a mountain bike. I really like it! I bought it from my tart sales. From now on when I go to health day I will not rent a bike. I will use my own bike.

My Favorite Saint

Saint Julian is my favorite saint. He was first a merchant that sells important supplies and other things. As he left his home to work, he saw a few preachers and listens to their teachings. They are talking about Jesus and his disciples.

As Saint Julian went home he told his wife what he heard especially about the Christ. They read the bible book together and being baptized and made their house into a hospital. Saint Julian cares for the men and his wife cares for the women. During the time of persecution he was put to death.

I wanted to be like him so I could help in healing the sick people especially my family by praying, giving them plenty of water to drink, wipe their whole body with cold water to lower the fever and regularly check their body temperature. Ask the doctor for what kind of medicine to give them after the check up.

THE END

image taken from http://magnificat.ca/cal/en/saints/saint_julian_martyr_and_saint_basilissa.html

Formal Aim

Tito Merv-Tita Kat's Wedding

On Wednesday. we went to Tito Mervin and Tita Kat’s wedding. The church looks like Poison Ivy’s place, because there were so many plants. My cousins and friends were there. They are Kuya Pao, Kuya Gelo, Kuya Josh, Kuya JC, Ate Thea and Ate Pia.

We attended the church before the big feast. We saw honor guards, horse carriage, a very big fountain and the Mercedes-Benz inside. As we crossed the bridge there were boats. During the mass offertory, our family gave the priest our fruit basket offering and received communion later. Then we threw the flower petals at the newly-weds and watched the fireworks.

We went to the feast area and ate before we left.

                 

THE END             

                                                                                                              

Christmas Manger

Every Christmas my dad and I are making a manger for the birth of Jesus. This year we used the following materials below:

White bendable straws

Brown popsicle sticks

Elmer’s glue and glitter.

First you glue the popsicle sticks and put the straw above the popsicle sticks and wait until it dries up. After that we put the figures of baby Jesus, his parents, the three wise men the angels and farm animals. Then we placed the manger on top of the cabinet on our stairway.

My favorite part in making our manger for the birth of Jesus is fixing together the brown popsicle sticks with glue and putting together the white straws for our theme color this year.

THE END

We Were There

One Family in Tagaytay

On Tuesday, we prepared our things and traveled to Tagaytay. When we reached our destination, we stayed in a hotel named One Tagaytay. Later we went to the sixth floor and our room number was 607. When I looked, it was nice. We also have a balcony with a nice view and a refreshing hot shower. We also went to the swimming pool. The kiddie pool has a fountain. The big swimming pool was around 5 feet while the kiddie pool is 3 feet.

On Wednesday, my mom was watched television and I joined her. She likes yoga movies. Then when I went out there was fog and I can’t see a thing, not even the view (of Taal Lake). We were supposed to go to the Pink Sisters Chapel but it’s too dangerous to drive through a fog. Me and Aim just watched TV until the fog cleared. When I came out the fog was gone so now we can go to Pink Sisters. It has nice views. There are even Moses’s Ten Commandments and Jesus on the cross.

Then we went back to the hotel and packed our things because we are going to leave. After that we passed by a church and prayed for our safe trip. We also ate before we left so we are not hungry

Papa Ben's Birthday

On Tuesday, it was my grandfather’s birthday. His name is Papa Ben. It was his 69^th birthday. My dad and I went to our SHS customer. First was the customer’s house. Second was the car shop where I played their cute kitten. Then we went to the mall to buy water, cookies and bread.

At the house of papa, I stayed there to look over my brother Aim while my dad and my mom bought a delicious cake and ice cream. 

My cousins also came to celebrate with papa. We prepared the tables, chairs and foods for the simple family dinner. We also sang and danced for papa. After that my cousins and I played games, watched TV and ate ice cream. All of my cousins enjoyed papa’s birthday especially my parents.

Boom Pinoy Sayawit - by Zek

On Friday, My dad and I went to the Boom Pinoy Sayawit. There were so many classmates.They were wearing colorful Pilipino costumes. My friend Paul was wearing a farmer hat.He was holding a paper written the "Ikalimang Baitang". All grade five pupils sang the Sawpama song.We watched all of the children dance and sing.

They also gave prizes after the games. They even invited Lapu-Lapu, Andres Bonifacio and St. Lorenzo Ruiz. After that we went to the cafeteria. We shared our tarts.There were so many foods that my classmates can eat. After that we left the Boom Pinoy Sayawit.

Sawpama Nagbangka-bangka 

Sawpama nagbangka-bangka

In alun landu dakula

Hi Sabrus nagkalaw-lawa

Hi utu sadja in ha lawm dila

Sawpama nagbanug-banog

In alun landu makusug

Hi Sabrus nagkalaw-lunud

Hi utu sadja in ha lawm sinud

Sawpama nagbugsay-bugsay

In hula landu malumbay

Hi Sabrus nagtangis-matay

Hi utu sadja in ha lawm atay

Boom Pinoy Sayawit

Ika dalawampu’t siyam ng Agosto ng kasalukuyang taon,

Sa Layforce, San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe naganap doon.

Nagsama-sama ang Catholic Filipino Academy Grade School

Makulay na Boom Pinoy Sayawit, itinanghal sadyang ukol.

“Sitsiritsit” sayaw ang ipinakitang talento ng mga Kinder One

“Ako’y Isang Pinoy” himig interpretasyon naman ang sa Kinder Two.

Mga taga Unang Baitang umawit ng Ilonggo lullabye

Sumayaw ang Ikalawang Baitang ng “Bahay-Kubo”, ang husay.

Awit at sayaw ng “Sarumbanggi” ang sa Ikatlong Baitang.

Pambatong Maranaw dance naman ipinakita ng Ikaapat na Baitang

Umawit ng Tausug lullabye ang mga Ikalimang Baitang

Napasayaw ang lahat sa Maskara dance ng Ikaanim na Baitang.

May mga bayani at santo din na panauhing pandangal.

Si Lapu-lapu at kanyang maybahay, tunay ang Muslim na kasuotan.

Nagpakitang tapang si Andres Bonifacio, pinuno ng katipunan

Kababaang loob naman si San Lorenzo, Diyos pinaglingkuran.

Maraming palaro para sa mga bata.

Mga magulang at bisita din ay nakilahok at nasiyahan.

Kaya matapos magbigayan ng mga parangal.

Masayang  kumain ang lahat, nabusog bago mag-uwian.

The Cherry Blossom and the Alligator

In the Art Class, there were my friends. There was also our teacher named Teacher Cookie. 

First thing we did is the alligator art. Its quite funny because it has no legs. It is like swimming in the swamp (just imagining). You need the following materials - egg tray, color papers, scissors, (plastic) eye balls, furry wire and sequence.

Next thing we did is the Cherry Blossom painting. Did you know that the Cherry Blossom tree can only be found in two countries, Japan and USA? The emperor gave the tree to New York. You need the following materials - a plastic bottle, paint and  color paints.

Reading and Writing practice at age 2

We've been exposing our youngest son, Aim who is now 3 years old to learning books as early as age 2. Additionally, reading bedtime stories at night, letting him play and do scribbling with pens, crayons and painting materials are other attractive activities for him.

At his age now, we are to unofficially start home-schooling him, allowing his writing and reading practice every morning or whenever he feels like it during the day.

He is very interested in learning specially when he sees his Kuya Zek doing his lessons too.

And here he is re-telling the story from the book according to his own version. It is so amazing listening to him while trying to decipher what he's meaning to say.

Friday Chess Fun

Friday Science Club

We were all allowed to touch the human body parts like heart and brain. They felt soft and squishy and look like my toy "Brain Attack" by Lego. We found out that a lemon is around 85 grams (we all thought it is only around 20 grams). A microscope is an instrument that makes small things looks big when you look through the microscope hole. 

We also learned that some chemicals are safe and some are dangerous. I saw three things that are dangerous like toxic, flammable and chemicals that are not good for the environment.

About the lemon soda, first, you put lemon juice and add with (or without) water and add baking soda and watch them fizzle.

I met new friends named Rafi and AJ and we played chess. I won four times. I like playing chess.

Filipino Fun Time

Habang nagbabasa ng aralin sa Bagong Binhi.

Zek     :    ....ipinaabot ng kanilang gurong tagapayong na si Bb. Roces na maghaharap-harap sila pagbalik ni Rika sa paaralan.

(Natigilan si Zek at pabulong na nagtanong.)


Zek   :      Daddy, naghawak ng umbrella si Bb. Roces?


( Tumigil kaming pansamatala para magtawanan :D at ipaliwanag ko ang ibig sabihin ng "tagapayong". )

( Muli niyang itinuloy ang pagbabasa )

Zek    :    ....iiling-iling na na wika ni Ginigining Teves...

( Kasi nga naman yun "Bb.'" ay Binibini kaya naman yung "Gng." ay Ginigini :D )

Ang saya maging banyaga sa sariling bansa :D

My First Business

Tito Rommel invited us to sell food goodies in his canteen so I decided to sell tarts. First, my parents made several business logos and I chose MtoM. It means Matt to Mark, the names of me and my brother Aim.

We bought 500pcs of tasty tarts in Paranaque. My First customers were tita Grace, Tita Meliza and Tita Mimi. And the rest were delivered to Tito Rommel. So far the selling is doing well so I plan to deliver more.

With my first profit, I will donate Php 104.00 to the EDSA Shrine Church and buy more tarts to earn more money.

Kawit, Cavite

Add caption

A look-see around and inside the house of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo where the first Philippine Independence was declared on June 12, 1898.

How to Build a Rocket

At Create and Play activity show in Robinsons Galleria

P.E. Time

To shake off those lazy bones as we start the week, it's P.E, time for Zek.

Basketball lesson by Teacher Daddy at 6:30 am on the Alido Subdivision Court on a Monday morning.

Writing and Reading Time for Aim

To teach our 3 year old son now to recognize the letters in his name and try practice writing it down for more fun in learning, I put on shapes of post it on the board with example letters on his name for him to follow.

And to encourage him to read, we play alphabet sorting game while we try to pronounce and sounding each letters.

Have Fun in learning everyone!

CFA 2014 Anointing Day

Art Time, Fun Time

With our friends Travis and Skye !

Kiddie Cooking Workshop

On Saturday, we went to the mall and I attended the kiddie cooking workshop (Mommy: organized by Robinson's Galleria).

I and my friends are in Group One. We are 8 kids in our group. We have 2 and 3 (smaller) groups too.

First, we met Chef TJ, he is the one teaching us to make a delicious snack. I made a Lasagna Roll-ups, Funnel Twirls ala Mode and Fun Nuggets with garlic cheese sauce. They were all tasty. I like them all.

And they gave us a reward. They gave us boxes of cakes and certificate.

I Aim Okay

Since Aim started talking, we are encouraging him to express his feelings by asking him lots of questions.

Last night when he was watching his favorite 101 Dalmatian movie, he was so excited that he jumped up the sofa and accidentally hit his head on the window. He cried hard and got a small bump. While his daddy holds him, I tried to apply the cold compress on his head.

Then his daddy asked him, "Are you okay?"

And he just answered with a nod.

We continue to calm him down then I asked him again,  "Are you okay?"

He replied with a, "Yes."

When he stopped crying, we gave him his hand-shaped cold compress from the freezer so he could hold it by himself to his head.

For the 3rd time, I asked him again if he's okay.

This time he answered,  "Yes, I Aim okay!"

Now we're convinced.

Thank God for it didn't cause him any major injuries.

Learn and Play

Cut-ch by Aim

Fun Time in Learning.

Last night, it was Zek movie time and to divert his 3 year old brother's attention away from it for it is not yet applicable for his age, I asked Aim to do some paper cutting.

Me : Aim do you want to cut papers?

Aim : Yes, cut the papers.

Me : Ok, let's cut papers. But his attention is still on the movie so I asked him, Aim do you want to cut papers or watch?

Aim : Cut-ch! (Hmm....cut and watch?!)

I don't know how to react anymore for he already know what he wants to do.

Calamba Resort

On Monday, we went to Calamba with my cousin JC and friends. Their names are Adolf, Yuri, Alex, Mark, and Irah. We arrived in the afternoon.

There are three swimming pools. First is the kid's pool. Second is the big pool and third is the relaxing pool. The big pool has 4, 5 and 6 feet deep (sections). I dressed up because we are going to swim and we tried the big pool. It was so hot. Even the kid's pool was hot not like the swimming pool in East of Galleria which is very cold.

We swam in the kid's pool first so we can play with Aim, my little brother. When my Dad and Mom joined Aim in the pool, that's the time we went to the deep pool. I could only reached around 4 feet that's why I stayed there. My cousin and friends tried the 5 and 6 feet.

After swimming, we went to the bahay kubo with a big bath tub and shower.

I like this place! 
It's awesome and I hope you guys visit Calamba.

Brain Camp 2014

At Robinson's Galleria

The Ayala Museum

On Sunday, we went to Ayala Museum to explore new things. My cousin Kuya JC also came with us.

First, we went to the fourth floor and we saw lots of gold. There were even pots. On the third floor, there are paintings and shops. The second floor was my favorite. It's full of statues (miniature models called diorama) about Philippine history. I saw lots of things.

The first floor is the ground floor where people register and get their tickets.

And that's the end of my visit.

I hope you can go to Ayala Museum.

Truly Rich Kid's Workshop

On Wednesday (May 14), we went to the workshop at CFA to learn about how to deal with money and how to sell something.

First, we watched Phineas and Ferb slide-show on how to help and sell lemonade to earn money. Second, I made my own product of pastillas to sell it. I price it for P50.00. We wrote a business plan to start earning money. Third, we were given play money and a bill statement to pay. We need to handle our budget between "wants" versus "needs" from sharing to the poor versus buying toys, saving versus buying gadgets and going on a trip versus paying all the bills. We were given a token bracelet for every booth we go to accomplish our things to do.

I got 2 red bracelets for "wants" and 1 green bracelet for "needs" to be done.

Lastly, we open a big gift box with lots of piggy banks for all of us and a t-shirt of Truly Rich Kids, too. I have a great time and my favorite part was the pastillas making for my daddy's surprise.

I thank Uncle Bo and all his assistants like teacher Marco, who were all patient in helping us all kids to learn to be entrepreneur.

The Mind Museum

On Tuesday, we went to the Mind Museum. It's located in Taguig.

Before I enter, I went to the playground with Aim while waiting for Daddy. When Daddy came, we entered the museum to learn something. I met a new robot name Aedi. It's like a real robot! Next, I learned about dinosaurs, volcanoes, space and more.

First I saw a giant dinosaur bone. It has lots and lots of bones. Second, I learned about volcanoes. It's like a mountain with a hole on top and it spreads all lava when it erupts. Third, I also learned about space. It's really nice and big. Aim and I controlled a six wheel replica of a Mars vehicle. It's like a real vehicle! Next, I watched a short movie about space and Earth.

Then I went to the museum shop where there are lots of toys for kids. I like their Lego toys. They are huge and awesome. 

After the museum, I went to the playground again and I liked the three steep slides. My favorite activities are for the space parts. 

I wish I can go back to the museum.   

Aim's Third

On Thursday, it was Aim's birthday.

Before we start my brother's birthday, we went to mass and pray for Aim's birthday. After mass, we went back to Papa's house and watched some movies and took a nap. Later, we woke up and went to Ninong Jon's house because all of my cousins are going swimming. I also got ready. 

We went swimming. It (water) was really warm. I love swimming. We finished at night because we are going to eat dinner, blow the (birthday) candles and eat the cake (I think Aim wish for Lego!). Then, we went home because we were not going to stay (sleepover) at Papa's house.

Crosswinds

On Wednesday, we went to my new school. That's the time that I got to have a test. I have three tests (English, Math and Science) and my school is big and colorful. Then after I did my test, I left already and went to Crosswinds, Tagaytay. It's a tall building and have lots of green trees. We stayed there for one day. 

On Thursday, I got ready for swimming snd I have lots of fun. There, I even made friends. Later, we went to Chicboy (fastfood) and there are lots of food to eat before we left and went back to Pasig City, our real home.

Happy Easter !

Holy Week

On Tuesday (April 15), we went to Malolos because we are going to celebrate Holy Week, that’s the time that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead.

Bono and I went to mass to pray on Wednesday. I went home because I’m sick. I just ate my dinner and watched TV. And I also rested. It means I can’t play on Thursday. We watched the movie “Son of God” (since it’s Holy Week, we can’t watch anything, only a Jesus movie or a prayer movie).

On Friday, I was feeling better and I can join the procession. We went around Alido. I had so much fun. We went back home and play with my cousins.

But the next day, I have to leave Papa and Mama’s house because I’m going to sing at night (Rowin: for the “Salubong”) because tomorrow God is already gone from the tomb and is raised up from the dead.

My favorite part is pulling Saint Peter’s carriage with his rooster. 

My Moving-Up Day

On Friday, we have our moving up so we get ready and went to the mass (at Lay-force Chapel) and we get our rewards. First were the grades 1,2 and 3 and we waited. I and my classmates are talking for a while until the mass started. And I got a certificate and a medal because I am best in CLE and my character award is generosity.

I met a friend named Nathan and I enjoyed my great day.

My 52-Week Savings Challenge

This is my 52-week savings challenge list .

First, I need to write the (present) week, the date and amount to save. Before I put the money at the piggy bank (Rowin: it’s actually a Coke bottle bank :) ), I need to count my money and write the total in peso. I must write yes or no if I deposited the total amount to the bank.

My money now is 450 pesos and I also help my brother to save his money. His total amount is 225 pesos.

I plan to buy food and some important things and my brother will follow what I do. 

This is Zek Santos. 

(Rowin: There are a lot of versions and variations of this 52 week challenge in the internet so its really up to the person how much he wants to save every week that will determine his year-end savings. The golden nugget here is to incorporate the frugal and savings mentality to our sons while they are still young.)

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Dear Mommy,

I know it’s your birthday and I’m sorry that I talk back and hurt your feelings. It won’t happen again. I love you very much. I know you take care of me and I know you love me so much.

Thank you for taking care of me, daddy and Aim. They also love you very much and you are the world’s best mom I will ever know.

You and daddy have a good time with each other.

Thank you very much and may God bless you.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Zek

My Earthquake Lesson

This Tuesday, there was an announcement by the East of Galleria management about a seminar at the fourth floor. We met a teacher from the Department of Science and Technology and we talked about earthquakes. 

She said that earthquakes are natural disaster that makes rumbling noise, shaking buildings and cracking grounds.

There are all kinds of hazards like tsunami, landslide, ground shaking and rupture, liquefaction and fire.

Before an earthquake, you (we) must pack-up some important things like first aid, water, food and whistle. 

During earthquake, hide under the (strong) table and hold tight (cover your head with hands). After the earthquake, you should go to the evacuation area.

I hope you (we) are safe.



(Rowin: Thanks to Ms. Sharmaine of Phivolcs for the insightful seminar about earthquakes and the necessary preparations in case another "big one" comes. According to their data, we have at least 90 strong magnitude quakes in the last 400 years so that is roughly 1 in every 22 years on average.

Coincidentally today, March 11, is also the 3rd year commemoration of the Japan's triple disaster - earthquake, tsunami and nuclear that has brought much devastation and loss of lives.)