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This Sunday, I was a little adamant to go out since I'm not sure what areas are still flooded. But my brother was texting me that we come visit him in Eastwood. I was asking him, if it ever flooded there. He fooled me to thinking that there never was flood within his area. I was arguing that I heard there was in the news. But since my brother said it was clear, we travelled to Eastwood to visit my brother. When we were there he said,

Jerard: Gotcha! The area at the back of Eastwood was actually flooded that's why cars of the residents are parked in the streets.

Janiz: I knew it! Oh well, we're here now.

We made the usual rounds in Eastwood, I was aware that it was World Animal Day, but I didn't think it would push through. And while we were there, we read about the articles about animal awareness and all.

Kiara is not that much fond of animals, one time in school, they were asked what animals do they have, or what animal do they want to take care of. I can see the worry in my daughter's eyes.

Kiara: What will it be mom? You know for a fact that I'm not into animals.

Janiz: What animals do you find cute?

Kiara: I find a lot of animals cute, like how cartoons made them cute. Like bears were made cute in cartoons, but the real animal animal could actually kill.

Janiz: So how are you going to answer your homework?

Kiara: I don't know. I'll leave it blank for the meantime.

I find it hard to believe that my daughter finds this question the hardest by far, over any math problems or science theories. The following day I asked her,

Janiz: So did you answer your homework about animals yet?

Kiara: It's still blank.

Janiz: Just write whatever comes in mind. They wouldn't know.

Kiara: Mom!!

Janiz: OK, fine do it your way.

Then I saw she wrote, fish. I was choking up with laughter! But it made sense. She does take care of our Koi back home, feeding it. Having a fish as a pet doesn't entail affection, like touching, hugging and all that. So it was the perfect pet for my daughter.

Janiz: So fish huh.

Kiara: It's the most truthful answer mom. I like fishes, I feed them, and I wouldn't have to touch them too.

Janiz: Strong answer baby. *wink*

I know I'm way too late to still be blogging about this but this Saturday may have been the worst experience to date for most of the people in Metro Manila. I'm just so grateful that me and my family was spared from what had happened. Though I've experienced it last year when we were in Iloilo. Having to see half of everything you own submerged in waist-high water -- and not just any water, chocolate-brown water. I've seen most of our people hanging on to trees just so they wouldn't be caught in the rushing current. I may not have been a flood victim of Ondoy, me and my family had been a victim of typhoon Frank. It's just creeping me out that after over a year that it happened to Iloilo, it then again happened to where I'm at -- Manila.

Every Sunday, without fail, I'd tell my daughter,

Janiz: You know what honey? In most parts of the world, Churches are empty.

Kiara: What do you mean "empty"?

Janiz: In most parts of the world, people just stop going to Churches.

Kiara: You mean, people in those places stopped believing and stopped praying?

Janiz: That, I'm not at all sure of. It's not quantifiable that when they stopped going to Church, that their faith and prayer also stopped. But now that you asked of it, it makes me wonder.

Kiara: Oh. So why did they stop going to Church?

Janiz: People just became too busy, some work on Sundays. Or others take their day off on Sundays so they'd rather spend it home resting. Whatever their reasons are, it doesn't mean that they stopped believing.

 Kiara: So every Sunday they don't go to Church, they're adding up to their sins.

Janiz: *smile* The context of sins nowadays are changing.

Kiara: No it's not. A sin is still a sin. Black is still black mom, even if you color it with blue or green, it's still black.

Janiz:*smiling* You're right baby, it doesn't mean that when everyone is doing it, makes it right and acceptable.

I waved my white flag, how can you argue with someone uncorrupted when it comes to faith? The innocence of youth, it keeps me grounded.

By the end of the mass, my witty little daughter asked,

Kiara: So what would happen to the Churches when there's no people praying?

Janiz: In Europe, it becomes sort of like a museum. While in the US, a priest once said that maybe this year, they're closing down roughly a hundred Churches.

Kiara: That much? A hundred?

Janiz: Yes baby. But look at the Philippines, the Catholic Church alone, regardless of the other religions -- we have anticipated Saturday mass, and an estimate of six masses on Sundays. Yet, the Churches remain full.

Kiara: Yeah mom, I've noticed. I just thought it was like this in other places as well.

Case in point, we Filipinos are deeply rooted in our faith. But how can a country such as ours be so religious and yet have one of the most corrupt government at the same time? My greatest disbelief comes when I begin to put it in that light. It's like saying, evil could really over-power good.

But when disasters like these come our way, that's the time that people will actually start to care. That's the time when people in power start to go out of their way to lend a hand and do the extra mile. A time when they start to care to the people outside of their family and themselves.

All I want to say is this, it is by far one of the most withstanding reality, that these people have long needed any possible help. Way before they were flood victims, they were already a victim of poverty, a result of the endless corruption that the people in power, and supposedly in public service would have done, a long long time ago. It's just sad, that we needed mother nature or any force for that matter, destroy us, to become a whole. And for these people to wake up, and see where they have brought our nation so far.

With that said, I rest my lifelong disbelief for a nation so God-fearing in the first place but still remains in the third world. God is not failing us, it's the people we put in power.

This was the day when luck wasn't on our side. But we didn't want to end our day sour, so we decided to splurge for dinner. It was kind of late for dinner and our stomach were dead-angry since we haven't fed it quite right. It was a Friday, as expected, Greenbelt was packed. We're glad that Flap Jack's had a table for the three of us.

We pretty much made sure that we didn't look exhausted despite what happened. But my brother is too hungry...explains the snobby pictures!

The moment we took our seat, Kiara was given a paper that she'll color with, plus the crayons. And the drawing was DORA! My daughter isn't at all a fan of this cute character -- well, she was, a few years ago, but now she've outgrown it and can't believe that she was into this show when she was a little younger.

I don't know where I "hugot" my energy to smile, since I have given my last straw of energy a few hours ago.

Now these two are a little up beat, after laughing off whatever happened, they started to turn wacky on me!

Well, sometimes life knocks you down. But you just have to get up and....EAT!

FLAP JACK'S

Ground Floor, Greenbelt 2, Makati City

Alright, I simply have to admit this: I am totally and officially in love with my daughter -- well, as soon as I first brought her into this world. I found a love that was stronger than anything I came to know. A love of a mother to her child. 

My daughter's a sweetheart, plus, she loves me just as much. (I can confidently say so.) One time when we were lying in bed, eyes closed and ready to doze off. Kiara whispered,

Kiara: I love you mom.

Janiz: I love you too baby.

Kiara: I love you, more than anything in the world.

Janiz: (Opened my eyes and gave her a kiss.) No, I love you more, more than that.

Kiara: (Smiling while eyes closed.)

Janiz: Goodnight.

She's basically growing up in front of my eyes. I just pray that she'll be the best she can ever be. And I hope I've given you enough love to get her through.

They often tell me, "She's exactly like you."  or they say, "She mimics every piece of you."

But actually, "I am what I am now, because of her."

We met up with my brother's friend Shiela who was here for a couple of days. We went around Ayala Center just so she can do her shopping, but then, our stomach started complaining and wanting for a full lunch to pack us with energy for the whole day. Then it should be a heavy lunch at Chef d' Angelo.

I was basically just tagging along with them since I get to have the whole morning free, well, just maybe until 2pm for Kiara's recognition.

I'm not sure weather it's because we were to tired walking around, or that I was actually enjoying both their company that day that what I ordered seemed to be a little portion that my tummy could handle. I was wanting more.

CHEF D' ANGELO

Third Floor, Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

Like I've said before, if it weren't for my brother, you wouldn't find us anywhere near Eastwood. But now that he lives within the area, we're usually there to visit every so often. So before calling it a night, we did a short stroll along the new Eastwood Mall.

We've passed by the area a couple of times and I know that Kiara's been itching to touch this thing:

She really can't get over it if she can't touch it...And now she's all wet with splatter!

Top by KOB, skirt by Gingersnap, stockings from POMELO Lifestyle, shoes by Rustan's Kiddos, clutch by Coach.

I have little, or no decent photo this day.

Top, belt and leggings by POMELO Lifestyle, handbag by Aldo.

Too tired. Time to head home.

Saturdays are usually spent with my little girl. We really make sure that we make the most out of our weekends.

Kiara: Do you feel playful today?

Janiz: A little. Do you want me to tickle you so hard? *grin*

Kiara: NO! Not that kind of playful.

Janiz: OooKaaay. What then?

Kiara: Can we play at Timezone? Please please please! Can we? It'll be fun mom!

Janiz: No problem. Just don't make me do dance revolution! Deal?

Kiara: Deal.

Her first stop would always have to be "Love and Berry"...IF it's available. I don't know why girls her age love it, maybe it's because you get to have a card where you get to swipe it in the middle to change outfits and all. It's insanely expensive for a short game, but she loves it. What can mom do?

Then when the line behind us starts to fill, my daughter, -- ever considerate -- would give up her chance to play more. She'd say,

Kiara: Come on mom, a crowd of little girls are starting to pile up, let's give them a chance.

Janiz: No it's OK Kiar, you were here first, you can play all you want. They'll have to wait for their turn.

Kiara: No, really. It's OK mom. I'm good, with what? Three games...it's enough for me.

Janiz: Aww. You're such a sweetheat! I love you baby. *kisses*

Kiara: I. Love. You. More. *grin* Mom, do you want to play air hockey?

Janiz: Yeah, why not? I'll beat you.

Kiara: You can try. *big smile*

Instances like these bring out the competitive side of Kiara, and I bet you, she intended to win! Every time I make a score, she'd be extra strategic with her moves. All that while giggling the entire game AND still, I lost -- to a 9 year old. Hands down. I feel my pride hurt a little.

Kiara made her dad take an oath, that he should teach her to drive at 13.

Kiara: That's old enough mom, I'll then be considered a "teen".

Janiz: We'll see when that time comes if you're ready.

Kiara: If I could reach the gas pedal right now, I'm more than ready.

Janiz: Hahaha! I don't know where you "hugot" those reasoning abilities little lady.

I don't understand two things about Kiara right now. One, where and how she got all that mental prowess she has there. Two, her facination for driving! I wanted to drive, just so I know how. She, on the other hand, wants to drive for passion's sake. One day while I was driving I blurted out,

Janiz: I swear if I have the capacity to pay for a driver. I will. I'm too tired to drive, sometimes I wonder why I ever learned how to drive, having someone drive for you is the best-est thing ever!

Kiara: If I can, I'll drive you. Wherever you want mom.

Janiz: *faint smile* You don't know what you're talking about honey.

Kiara: I know exactly what I'm saying mom. When you know how to drive, you own your time, you can do a lot of things and be anywhere you want, wherever your gas can bring you.

Janiz: It's funny how you say it. But well, it's a "yes" and a "no". But you'll understand when you've been behind the wheels for a long time.

So without having to say so much, I know we'd make this game stop right here:

And always, our last stop will be the mini karaoke inside Timezone, which they get to call Music zone. This is where we finish every last piece of load we have...Singing our hearts out.

It really is a timezone, since you'll really loose any awareness what-so-ever with the time. We need to get back to my brother's place or everyone will be fidgeting.

While my dad was here, we'd often go around the city and eat. Yeah, that's something that we as a family love to do -- eat. We were at Bonifacio High Street and we decided to have dinner at Itallanni's.

When Kiara has a book in hand, she becomes useless. She's zombiefied, she doesn't know what's going on in the real world. She's in a different world, the world in the covers; in this case, the world of Artemis Fowl.

The story's great, no wonder teens are engrossed with the book. It's actually a series of fantasy novels written by Irish author Eoin Colfer, starring the teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl.

"Artemis, (the main character) is a ruthless and extremely intelligent young criminal whose main goal is the acquisition of money through a variety of often illegal schemes."

When my brother read about the summary at the back of the book, a discussion immediately came in the middle of a supposed quiet dinner.

Jerard: So this Artemis is a bad bad guy, why still read it?

Kiara: No he's not. He's just a kid who's really really intelligent.

Jerard: Yeah, intelligent enough to become a criminal mastermind!

Kiara: You can say that, but he's really a good guy who's just a little mischievous.

Jerard: I didn't see mischievous in the back cover, it clearly said -- CRIMINAL. That alone makes him a bad guy and should be thrown in jail.

Kiara: Well, it's just a summary, it doesn't say everything there. It's just supposed to make you want to read the book.

(I was smiling while Kiara makes a scapegoat and dad was extremely curious about the little discussion.)

Dad: What book is that?

Kiara: Artemis Fowl. It's a new fantasy series that everyone's been reading.

Dad: So he's a criminal mastermind huh?

Kiara: *smiles* Yeah. He kidnaps a fairy and makes a lot of money.

Dad: Haha, I like the part when he's young and making a lot of money.

Kiara: *laughing* Yeah, I like that too.

We were so full. I instantly felt sleepy while dad was refusing to eat more -- something you'd rarely hear coming from dad. But then my brother called my attention.

Jerard: This author, Eoin Colfer is another genius author. I mean, there's young wizards and vampires, now a young criminal mastermind?? Who would have thought?!

Janiz: It pays to really have a good imagination and come up with another world where possibilities are endless. Everyone loves that.

Jerard: Yeah, but I'm guessing that in the end, this Artemis Fowl will encounter something and make him change.

Janiz: Brilliant! Good guess. He will, toward the 5th book, his values will change.

Jerard: See! By the looks of it, I can see how the story goes.

Janiz: Convinced that the book is not all that bad after all?

Jerard: I know it's not bad, I was just teasing Kiara and see how she gets her way out of the conversation.

Janiz: Hahaha *burp!* Oops, sorry.

Itallanni's

Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

After the short tour around CSA grounds we headed to the gym where there was already a small crowd of Grade 4 families forming. I didn't have much of an expectation for the sports fest, Kiara only said we're orange team so everyone including her yaya Kim needs to wear orange. Needless to say, there were actually parents who are active in school activities and who put in much time and money for this event. I was surprised that they were giving out balloons for the whole class, plus, bandannas for kids, headbands for moms, wrist bands for dads and some other orange stuff.

Most if not all of the parents are so into this sports fest and are actively participating. Back in Iloilo sports fest were actually just for the children, no participation what-so-ever from the parents. This for me is working, it's one way that parents and children get to do something together in school in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Believe it or not, there's actually 12 sections in Kiara's school for Grade 4 alone. So it was quite a crowd when everyone gathered for the parade. No wonder sports fest were held by level since, Grade 4 students and families have already filled the gym. I

t was wonderful seeing different colors representing different sections. But the biggest and the most attention grabbing section goes to the yellow team.

I was honestly chocking up in laughter, and so are the kids.

Kiara is not the most sports enthused kid you'll ever meet, she's into music, reading, all that geeky stuff, --she's likely to be into it. But no contact sport --  nothing physical, well, clearly except for swimming. It made me smile during the sports fest when she kept on volunteering to join the games, it was unlike her to join but it's so her being competitive and all.

I've always said that what I love about her current school now is that the exposure is endless, they delve the kids into different kinds of sports for PE, basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, swimming -- even wall climbing! All that plus, being tough in academics too. Kiara came home one night telling me:

Kiara: Mom, I joined the musical ministry club.

Janiz: Really? That's great baby, that's what you really love, music.

Kiara: Yeah, I'm so happy that I got in since clubs are actually limited to a few number of students per grade level.

Janiz: Oh, so congratulations honey for making it! *hugs* What are the other clubs?

Kiara: There's a lot mom, there are also sports clubs like tennis, swimming, soccer, etc.

Janiz: Why didn't you join swimming?

Kiara: Duh, I already know how to swim. Plus I have you to teach me anytime.

Janiz: Ok, fair enough. So why not tennis or soccer?

Kiara: I've played tennis and soccer a few times but it's not something I really really want to do mom.

Janiz: Ok. *sigh* But I really really want to see you play tennis and soccer. *sigh* again.

There goes my hopes to see Kiara in the field playing soccer down the trash. Maybe I'd have to reserve my sports dreams for future children. *sighs*

Last weekend, Kiara and I were at her school for their grade level's sportsfest. Knowing Kiara, she doesn't want to be late EVER...especially when we're talking anything about school. That morning we lazily woke up 5am on a Saturday, as if it was another school day. We were in her school a few minutes before 7am and the the place was still empty. So while waiting, Kiara showed me around.

I've always said, that the biggest investment I can give my children would have to be their education. Since I only have Kiara, I'm determined to send her to the best school I can afford, and preferrably Catholic and co-ed.

She tells me endless stories everyday about what had happened in school. Now I can paint the picture in my head everytime she starts talking about school.

I just realized that the most basic things we need right now are taught in school. And it often reminds us to appreciate what we have and to value the things that were given to us for free.

I'm assured that my daughter is taught well in school.