I Bath

Free Water for bathing. This was taken in Laguna when Nanay Bing and Tatay Mel went to Makati City, then to Laguna.

Washer Boy

Free Flow

The Car That Brought Us To Laguna

Behind us is one of the two cars that brought us to Laguna.

Oh, How We Played

Since there were no toys around, we created our own game. I do not know the name of the game we played, but we enjoyed playing it. We did a lot of shouting and laughing.

My Beautiful Manang Ann

My beautiful Manang Ann, the eldest child of Tito Tony, together with my other lola from Antique.

Our Other Companions

Here were some of our companions in the house of Tito Tony.
At the right side, Tito Tony stands in blue t-shirt and blue shorts.

Eating Time--Again

It was eating time again.
While Nanay Bing was getting food for us, my Tita Mia and I posed for a remembrance.

Preparing Food

Preparing food--again.
And this thing happened many times a day, for there were so much foods to eat. Tita Tina, the wife of Tito Tony prepared a lot of food for us.
On our second day, Tito Tony and others went to a nearby public market and bought carabao meat, fish, and vegetables for all of us. That was the first tiem that I ate carabao meat, and later goat meat.
Of course my favorite ketchup was always there for my Tatay Mel brought a bottle of it.

My other Playmates

We posed with Nanay Bing.
They were some of my playmates in the house of Tito Tony in Pila, Laguna.

We Played Inside The House

We played inside the house of Tito Tony.

I was standing on a chair holding a handkerchief, then I would throw it away for my playmates to catch it. Then somebody else would stand on the same chair and do the same thing.

Oh, how we enjoyed that game.

The Street Where I Played

This is the street where I played a lot. This is the way to the free-flow faucet. Water just flows from under the ground. It was there where the residents of Pila get their drinking water. We took a bath there. The water was just amazing.
Unfortunately, Tita Inday's camera had run out of battery.
At the right side of that coconut tree is where the free-flow water is located.

The picture shows me together with Nanay Bing at the concrete growing pond of Tito Tony. It is here where tropical fishes are being reared for distribution to the different pet shops in Makati.

One of the fishes he cultures is koi. It looks like tilapia.
One spawner costs from one thousand to one thousand five hundred pesos a piece.

One koi can spawn about ten thousand eggs almost every three months. After one month, the fries can now be sold for seven pesos a piece. Imagine just how much my Tito Tony earns. He harvests twice a week for his about twenty species of tropical fishes.

I Went To Laguna

I went to Laguna together with my Nanay Bing and many more. We rode on two cars.
This is a new place for me. We stayed there for two days and one night.
Since the area was big and a lot of space to run around, I enjoyed my stay there.
I drove a trisikad--for the first time.
A trisikad is bicycle with a side car.
I saw so many aquarium fishes.
I took a bath in a free-flow faucet. It was there were we got our drinking water.
I saw how they killed a goat. My Tatay Mel brought home his pair of horn as a remembrance.
On our way home we passed by the residence in Calamba where Dr. Jose Rizal was born. Unfortunately, his house was already closed when we reached the area. The notice says that the shrine is open only from Monday to Satruday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We reached in Makati at about 7:00 p.m.

I Am Free

At the back of the Mall of Asia is a wide area--free from stores.
I was free to ran as long as I could.
Unlike in our home.

I Am Now Big

Behind me are my parents, my grandparents.
Beside me is Tita Mia.
Except for Tita Mia, they are all big.
But I am also B I G !!

I Stole The Show

Tita Inday wanted to have a solo picture at the back of the Mall of Asia.
Without her knowledge, I sneaked in and presto the camera caught me.
The area is near the sea wall. This is a reclaimed area. The big coconut trees have just been planted.

Just for a Picture

I love Lastikman.
In fact he is my hero.
So anything about him, I wish I could own.
While roaming around the Mall of Asia, I saw a box with Lastikman as its cover. I told my Daddy to buy it. But he said we had no money.
I just hold it for a remembrance.

Smile Mommy

Mommy and Tita Mia joined me to have a picture in one of those colorful sets in the Mall of Asia.

There Was Santa Claus At the Mall of Asia

Nanay Bing noticed Santa Claus sitting in one of the corners at the Mall of Asia.
Right away, she told me to have a picture with him. Tita Mia joined me. I was not afraid to sit on his lap.

I Went to the Mall of Asia

Yesterday (December 25), I was brought by my Mommy, Daddy, Nanay Bing, Tatay Mel, Tita Inday, and Tita Mia to the Mall of Asia. It's the biggest mall in the Philippines.
I enjoyed so much in my trip to this mall. I saw a lot of things.
Daddy was our photographer.

Riding On a Swan Boat

I was with my parents while riding on a Swan Boat in Swan Lake, Burnham Park, Baguio.

Mine's View Park, Baguio

Here is my other picture from Baguio. This time at the Mine's View Park.
Look at how I made a difference.

I Am So Lucky

I think I am so lucky to have so supporting parents, grandparents, and titas, and titos.
This early of my life, I was able to tour the Metro Manila, and even went to Baguio.
This trip of mine to Luzon is very memorable to me--in my growing up. I have seen so many things which some children of my age have not had a chance to see.
I have gone to Makati, to Novaliches, to Baguio.
Here is one of my pictures in Baguio--in front of Baguio Cathedral together with my Tita Mia.

I'm Lastik Man

My Tita Inday, Nanay Bing, Tatay Mel, Daddy, Tita Mia and Lola Belle went to Ayala Center in Makati City. We went up to the third level.
When Daddy told me to get ready for a picture taking, so I remembered Lastikman.
Look and see at me. Behind me is Nanay Bing:

I Am In Makati!

Wow, I am now in Makati.
This is the first time that I went to Makati.
And of course my first time to ride on an airplane, on a train, and I have gone to many places outside of Iloilo province.
Here is one of my pictures taken while on malling in Ayala Center.

My First Ride on An Airplane

Together with Nanay bing, Tatay Mel and Tita Leling, I rode on an airplane on my way to Makati.
While inside the plane, I noticed smoke. But it did not inhale it.
When Nanay Bing told me to wear my seat belt, she was surprised because I knew how to fasten it. Unlike my Nanay Bing. So I helped her how to do it. I did not know whether Nanay bing was just pretending.
When we were already in the air, I felt we suddenly went down. I told my Nanay Bing--"Nakibot ako ba".
I kept on talking. I did not know if the lady passenger beside me understood me. Perhaps she did because she kept on smiling at me.
Then I wanted to go to the CR. Fortunately a lady steward passed by. Nanay Bing requested her to accompany me to the CR. I went with her.
When we landed at the Ninoy International Airport, Nanay Bing told me that my Daddy was waiting for me at the Manila Domestic Airport. I just kept quiet.
Indeed my Daddy was there waiting for me.
When I reached near him, I could not say anything. The I just hugged him. Very tight.
That was the first time I touched my Daddy after more than a month.
He went to Manila to find a job. Now he works in Makati.
My other Tito met us at the airport. He has a car. Then we rode to Tita Inday's house in Makati.
Yesterday, we went to Ayala Center where one of the Glorieta's Centers was bombed.
There were so many people. Too many we could hardly walk freely.
When we ate at the Jollibee, it took us some tne minutes to find a table.
Oh, how I ate my Chicken Joy which Nanay Bing bought for me and my Tita Mia.

Here, I Come Makati!

I will be leaving for Metro Manila this afternoon together with Nanay, Tatay, Tita Leling. I will meet my Dadday. I will be there until December 19, 2007. Mommy will follow us next week. The we will go to Baguio.
Another place. Another weather.
I ahve missed my Daddy. I have not seen him for more than a month now. But I talk to him everyday. I also see him over the webcab.

See Me Closely

With my Tita and Tito Gigi.

I Want To Go To School, But...

For several days now, I have not gone to school.
One major reason is that no one will bring me and stay with me in school because my Tito Poypoy is now working.
I really do not know when I will go back to school.

My Daddy Went to Manila

Two weeks ago, my Daddy went to Manila to look for a job.
Because of that, I become irritable as I always long for him.
To ease my loneliness, I always call him by phone.
For the last two weeks, I was always absent from my class because I had fever.
It is good that my Mommy teaches me before we go to sleep.

My Mama Lola Arrives Today

My Mama Lola arrived today from Antique. She brought rice for us.

After lunch, Nanay Bing, Tito Gigi, Mama Lola and I went to SM City--to see a movie.

This is the second time that I saw a movie in a big screen. I call this as a big TV.

I am glad I am physically OK now--after that one-week flu and cough.

Now I can ran, jump and my appetite has come back--if only you can see how I eat with my hand.

The picture above was taken at the garden beside the church in the Old Town, San Remegio, Antique when we took our vacation there.

Today Is Saturday

Today is Saturday.
Supposedly, I should be playing with my toys. Or I should be seeing Dora.
But here I am staying in bed because of my fever and my cough.
When my stool was examined, it showed that I have many bacteria--that could be the reason of my LBM yesterday.
I do not have appetite.
But I will overcome this.

I Still Have Fever

I still have fever. And cough.
My Daddy brought me to my doctor yesterday.
But I don't like to take my medicine.

Now That I Have No Fever, I Have Cough

For three days now, I have missed my class.
After my slight fever, I have cough.Only slight.
And I need my Daddy in my side.
But he has to report for his on-the-job training, and his duty is in the evening.
So my Mommy just tells me that Daddy is out to buy my medicine.
When my Nanay Bing and my Tatay Mel come home from work, I play with them. But at times, when I get bored, I quarrel them, only for a time.
Last night my Tatay Mel and I sung Ele,. Ele Tulog anay, wala dire imo nanay, as we slowly rocked my toy cart where my Kokey (a stuff toy) is inside. I covered him with a pillow.
We sung it about five times. Then I got bored.
Here is the lullaby.

Ele, ele, tulog anay
Wala dire imo Nanay.
Didto tienda bakal papay
Ele,ele tulog anay. (repeat until sawa)

I Have A Fever

When I woke up this afternoon, I felt I had a fever.
I was so weak.
My Daddy texted my Mommy who was at her office, and asked her to come home as soon as possible. She did come home early.
Thinking that I had some kibit, my Daddy and Mommy brought me to a manghihilot. And I was told that I really had a kibit.
When we reached home, I recovered my strength.
I had a very good appetite when I took my supper.
I am glad I immediately recovered.

In the picture, Tito Gigi and Dave, his friend, were selecting a gift for me during my 3rd birthday.

Lunar Eclipse

Text by Melchor F. Cichon

Photo by Edna L. Faral

I Miss My Class

For over a week now, I have been absent from my class. It's all because of the rain.
I told my Tatay Mel that I have a raincoat, but my Daddy won't let me go. I might get sick.
So I just stay at home--and play, sleep, and watch TV.

My Tita Inday Vanes

My Nanay Bing flew to Manila this afternoon to attend Tita Inday's wedding tomorrow with her long time boyfriend Tito Ruel. Tito Ruel is from Bicol and he works in Makati in a computer company.

I hope that Nanay Bing's flight is OK because we learned that her flight was delayed because of heavy rain here in Iloilo. She took the Air Philippines. Until this time, we have not received any news that Nanay Bing has arrived in Manila. Tita Inday and Tito Ruel are at the Centenial Airport waiting for Nanay bing.

Her scheduled departure was at 5:45 p.m., but we learned that their flight was changed to 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Next week Tito Ruel will fly to America, then he will go Canada. Then Tita Inday will fly to Canada when Tito Ruel has already settled there.

Nanay Bing called up from Makati at 10:00 p.m. that she had arrived, safe and sound, except that their flight was delayed. They were given meal coupons by the Air Philippines for their snacks.

In the above picture, Tita Inday is carrying me. We were then in SM City Mandurriao, Iloilo City when she took her vacation here in Iloilo City last year.

It Did Not Go To School Today

The rain was so hard this morning so that my Nanay Bing did not allow me to go to school.

In the above picture, I am with my Tito Gigi and Aunt Mia. But I just call her Mia.

Ay, Sus! Bukoe eon Man!

Ay, Sus! Nabunggo kabii rang dungan-dungan sa kilid it computer. Abaw rang hibi. Masakit. Nagbukoe gid. Nagbinasueay eon man sanday Mommy ag si Daddy. Pero owa gid man sandat saea. Ako dapat ro basueon. ang kulit ko kasi.
Hambae ni Tatay OK lang yon. Butangan eon lang anay it ice agod maumpawan.
Igto ako sa ibabaw it amon nga kama kaibahan si Mommy, pero nanaog pa gid ako agod eumapit kay Daddy nga nagaayos it computer. Kon ano nga nahueog ako ag nasunggo gid rang dungan-dungan sa kilid it computer casing. Siyembre puerte rang hibi. Ginkarga ako ni Daddy paagto sa kusina ag magbueo it ice agod butangan rang bukoe. Ugaling owa't ice. Ro hakita ni Daddy hay ro Molo wrapper ni Nanay Bing ag amo rato ro ginbutang sa bukoe ko. Nagpabakae si Daddy it ice pero owa man it baligya sa tiyangge. Nagbuoe eon lang si Tatay it tubi nga maeamig ag ginbasa ro towel ag rato ro ginbutang sa bukoe ko. Nag-abot si Tito Mike, amigo ni Daddy, ag imaw ro nagbuoe it ice sa anda nga baeay ag imaw rato ro ginbutang sa bukoe ko.

Ay, naku! permi eon lang ako may disgrasya. Indi eon siguro mahuyap ro mga tumba ko, bali ko, ag bukoe. Pero sige eang, tindog man ako gihapon.

Nagsueod ako kaina sa klase. Ginhapit ako sa Doktor it UPV. Ginpangutana ako ni Doc kon ano ro natabu kakon. Hambae ko hay nabunggo ngani sa computer. Ginpangutana ako ni Doc kon ano rang ginbutang, ag sabat ko hay Molo. Naglibog ra ueo ni Doc kon ano ro Molo ngato. Hambae ni Nanay Bing hay bangod owa it ice hay ro maeamig nga Molo wrapper ro ginbutang sa bukoe ko. Naghibayag eon lang si Doc.

Gaobra abi si Nanay Bing it Molo Balsl agod ibaligya o amon nga kunsumo.

Ay, Sus, bukoe eon man!

Mia and Me

I discovered this picture.

This was taken when I was two years old together with my aunt, Tita Mia.

Ang ganda namin, di ba?

Blowing Out The Candle

Since I could not reach the candle for me to blow it out, Daddy lifted me.

See how heavy I am now?

Mommy anxiously looked at me as I blew out the candle.

I did it!

Look At My Red Dress

This picture was taken during my 3rd birthday party on August 18, 2007 at Great Vision, Bgry. Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

I love that red dress of mine.

But that clown destroyed my day.

My Daddy carried me because I was afraid of the clown.

Beside me is my Mommy.

See my Mommy gifted me a red spaghetti dress.

This is still part of my 3rd birthday party at Great Vision.

I have a two-layered cake with some other foods prepared for me by my Mommy and Daddy and Nanay Bing.

The Best Shot

Here is one of the best shots we had during my 3rd birthday.

The scare on the clown is still printed in my face

Pabitin

One of the games we had was a pabitin.

Here the children were very happy getting something from the bitin gifts.

My 3rd Birthday Celebration

Yesterday afternoon, I celebrated my 3rd birthday at one of the rooms of the Great Vision here in Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. More than fifty people attended the affair. It was a success as everybody was happy in the games, and in eating the foods prepared by my Mommy and Daddy, Nanay Bing, and Tito Popy.

Although I invited all my classmates, only three of them came. Aside from my classmates, the friends of my Mommy and Daddy came, so were some of our neighbors.

Before the clown came, I was happy playing with my friends. I was roaming around the area.

But when the clown came, I got scared. I cried. I held my Mommy tightly. I did not want to walk around. My Daddy came to me and tried to come me down, but I was just so scared of the clown. I lost my interest.

To calm me down, my Daddy advised the clown to leave for a while while we were having our group pciture. I even waved to him as he went out of the room.

But then after fifteen minutes, he came again. And I ran again to my Daddy.

The clown sung together with his puppet, but I just could not enjoy.

Concerned about my enjoyment, my Daddy again requested the clown to go out.

He went back after ten minutes. This time, he was in his normal dress. Although he was still had his puppet.

While the clown was out, my Tito Popoy and Sharon, our neighbor served as emcees. But still I did not join the games like Give Me What I Want, Pabitin, and Statue Dance. although, I was held by my Mommy so that I would be the first to get a hanging gift from the Babitin.

Anyway, all my wellwishers went home happy.

I appreciated all the gifts I received. But one of the best gifts I received was a writing pad with abacus.

And of course the ecard from Tita Edna.

My Other Picture

Here is my other picture--this time with my Mommy and my Daddy.

See, I love picture taking.

Isa pa nga!

My 3rd Birthday

I really enjoyed my 3rd birthday yesterday.

My Mommy bought me a cake. My Nanay prepared Sutanghon, chicken sticks. At iba pa.

I had a lot of pictures taken by my Daddy.

Then we ate our supper when everybody was in.

I was the last to leave our table--I had a good appetite despite my cold.

My daddy and my Tito Eugene brought me to a Manghihilot yesterday morning. May kibit daw ako--dalawa. Aywan ko nga ba kung saan ko nakuha yon.

I missed my class.

This morning, it is raining. I might not be able to go to school again.

Today Is My 3rd Birthday

Today is my 3rd birthday.
My Nanay Bing and my Mommy and Daddy went to SM City last night for our little handaan tonight..
Little because my birthday party will be held on Saturday.
Sayang, I cannot eat ice cream.
My Tita Edna in America sent me an ecard with a lovely dog. It's nice because I can command the dog on what to do. If I say jump, it jumps. When I say Kiss, it brings out its long tongue.
I will have to be happy today despite my running nose.
I am glad my Mommy is always prepared. She has a stock of my medicine.

Here It Is

This is my souvenir.

Tito Poypoy told me not to run,but I did not listen to him. So here is the result.

We were on our way to Nanay Bing's Office from my class. Since I was excited to see her, I ran. But then I stumbled.

I cried--just a little. Just a little.

Nanay Bing carried me on our way to the taxi.

The Venue of My Birthday Party

My Daddy and my Mommy went to check the venue where we will hold my birthday party. Here it is.

Madali na lang, 3rd birthday ko na.

But I will be celebrating my party on the 18th of August because August 15 happens to be a school and work day.

This picture was taken inside our classroom in UP in the Visayas. I am with my classmate, Inday-Inday.

My Ninang Rose

I have two ninangs.

One of them is Ninang Rose, an architect.

She is a close friend of Tito Gigi. And she is always in our house, especially when Tito Gigi is around.

Here she is in one of her happy moments.

Pen Pen De Sarapin

My Uncle Popoy and I have been playing Pen Pen de Sarapin.

This is actually a folksong.

It rans like this:

Pen Pen de Sarapin

De kutsilyo de almasin

How, how the carabao batutin.

Sayang pula, tatlong pera

Sayang puti, tatlong salapi

Tikbak, buang, binuno aswang.

To play this, we put our hands on a table or on a mat, with spread fingers. Then we sing, pen pen de sarapin. As we sing, for every note, we point a finger between two fingers. We continue this until the end of the song. Whereever the song ends, the fingers where the song ends, these two fingers will be "removed" by hinding them under the palm. The singing will be continued until only two fingers are left.. Whoever will have his/her fingers left, is declared the winner.

Here is my other new picture. In my school uniform.

My Uncle Popoy

My Uncle Popoy is the yonger brother of my mother.

He has been accompanying me to school.

Uncle Popoy is a good ballet dancer.

He teaches me how to dance ballet.

Here is my Uncle Popoy

My New Picture With My Mommy

My Mommy has been taking me new pictures, which I love too.

Here is my new picture with my Mommy.

My Forthcoming 3rd Birthday

On August 15, I will be celebrating my 3rd birthday.

My Mommy is so excited about the event.

She brought a new dress which I will wear on that birthday party.

But I will hold my birthday party on Saturday, August 18 because my birthday happens to be a Wednesday. So Mommy decided to hold my birthday party on Saturday.

But we will have a small preparation on my birthday.

Here is my other new picture.