MJM: The Ilumin Siblings

SEMESTRAL BREAK 2016

2016-11-28T14:32:00.001+08:00

We plan on going to farther south that day but we've changed our mind due to the rainy weather. Here are the snapshots of our activities during the recent semestral break.

Lunch buffet with our little chef...

A few selfies :)..

At the theme park...

Indoor rides is only allowed as of this time because of the rain...

Outdoor rides after the rain has stopped...

And our last selfie before heading back home :))...

FIELD DEMO 2016

2016-09-12T15:08:00.003+08:00

NDGM celebrated its 53rd Foundation Day last week. This year's theme is "Imitating Mary as Witness to Jesus' Love and Mercy". Elementary School Day (Preschool to Grade 6) is scheduled on September 7 while High School Day (Grade 7 to 10) is September 8.

The September 7 Event started with Notre Dame procession. The procession is from the Main Gymnasium going around outside the school's vicinity. We didn't join in the procession to give the little girl some time to rest.

After the procession is the assembly of the ES students to assigned classrooms per section to prepare them for the presentation. Then, it was followed by the Elementary School Mass Demonstration at the Main Gymnasium.

View of set-up rides from little girl's classroom...

Our little girl was actually not feeling so well during the performance. She was having stomach pains the day before the presentation. We allow her to attend the Field Demo because she really wanted to perform and we know she can do it despite of her occasional pains.

She managed to dance during the presentation. She was positioned at the front middle row. She's the smallest girl in her class :). Her costume is yellow T-shirt, blue skater skirt and rubbershoes. Their hand props is a silver pompoms with white gloves.

Their group was competing against Grade One. And they were awarded as the The Most Dynamic Group.

Grade One Presentation...

Grade Two Presentation...

After program mandatory selfies :))...

After the program, we proceeded to her Pedia for a follow up check up.

The two Kuya's costume is a batch shirt, P.E. jogging pants and rubber shoes. They didn't want us anymore to watch them perform. They just go by themselves on High School Mass Demonstration. And so, is this the start of having a world of their own? :(.

NIGHT SWIMMING AND BUFFET DINNER

2016-06-26T10:31:00.003+08:00

This is an overdue post :).

We went for a night swimming three weeks ago to celebrate my MILs birthday in a nearby resort across our house. Everyone agreed for a night swimming so we can make preparations for the event in morning. This is also to avoid sunburns in daytime and for a much cooler dip in the pool. The youngsters were happy to see each other again for a longer cousin bonding. The day after, we went for a buffet dinner in Solaire Fresh as hubby's treat for his mom. Since it is our first time, we stroll around the casinos for some picture taking :).

Afternoon delight...

Boodle fight...

Night time kulitan blues...

Strolling around...

Amazing! These are real flowers...

Buffet...

MJMs CONFIRMATION DAY

2016-05-29T17:20:00.000+08:00

My two boys confirmation day was held yesterday in Shrine of Our Lady Of Grace, Grace Park Caloocan. Catholic churches usually schedule confirmation only once a year and normally falls on the Feast Day of the Church. Their confirmation was administered by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the assigned bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan.

We decided to only have one pair of sponsor each as godparents for their confirmation. We chose our closest relative as their Ninong and Ninang.

Picture taking before the ceremony...

The Sacrament of Confirmation with Ninong and Ninang...

Yey! We're done :)...

Many were approaching him for the picture taking. Thank you for the opportunity to have a photo with you, Bishop :)...

Intimate celebration with Ninongs, Ninangs and the rest of the family...

MOTHERs DAY CELEBRATION

2016-05-08T22:18:00.000+08:00

We had an advance celebration of Mother's Day yesterday. We went to mall to buy the kids' school supplies, attend the Saturday anticipated mass and dine out for a pizza dinner. It is just a simple celebration with my forever loves.

What more could I ask for when I'm surrounded by them?

No matter where we are or what we do for as long as we're together, everything is perfect!

Happy Mother's Day to all mom's out there!

A GETAWAY TO HAYBOLS SCUBA HUB IN BATANGAS

2016-05-08T19:27:00.001+08:00

We had a relaxing two days and one night sponsored trip in Batangas...a getaway from our hectic life in Manila. We stayed in Haybols Scuba Hub, a bed and breakfast inn that offers scuba diving services, open water swimming and rescue courses. It is an old bamboo house renovated and converted into a bed and breakfast guesthouse located in Mabini, Batangas.

As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by their friendly staffs and lead us to the main house. The entrance have a shoe rack where you can leave your shoes/slippers. Guests are required to remove footwear upon entering the house. The interior is a rustic country home...a traditional Filipino vacation house. The reception, dining and entertainment area have bamboo flooring. Windows are made of capiz wooden panels.

It has three modern rooms in the main house named as: Pating, Pawikan and Pagi. It is a carpeted air-conditioned room with two queen sized bed. Each room also has towels and bathrobes.

I'm already looking and about to ask for a clock and television. But then, I have read this...

There are no clocks and televisions because it is their way of encouraging the guests to experience a relaxing and simple way of life. And to just purely enjoy the serene environment. In fact, the place is very quiet and very tempting to take a quick nap.

There's also two new traditional bahay kubo rooms available outside the main house. These are air-conditioned room with two single beds.

The bathroom has a nice scent of aroma candles. It has hot and cold shower with complete bath and body essentials like shampoo, liquid soap and hand wash. Toothpaste and toothbrushes are also available upon request. The three modern rooms inside the main house have private bathrooms while the bahay kubo rooms are using the common bathroom.

Their entertainment area have sungka, board games, coloring materials, books and magazines. Sungka is a Philippine traditional game during my time :). I taught the kids of the game rules and they had fun playing it :).

Last, but certainly not the least is the lanai. The lanai is used as a common dining area. The lower lanai is an extended relaxation area with two wide sofa-bed that offers comfortable seating and a perfect bay view. This is actually our favorite spot.

And this is how it looks during night...

The food here is great. During our stay, authentic Filipino cuisine is served. And of course, authentic Batangas coffee is unlimited for all the guests.

Upper lanai common dining area

Lower lanai common dining area

The open water is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The water is crystal clear with a rocky bottom bed. Corals are just underneath. The kids have enjoyed swimming in the cool and refreshing open bay water. Booties and life vest are recommended especially for the kids.

Other activities that you can enjoy here aside from scuba diving and snorkeling, is kayaking.

The kids are collecting these...

Do I need to say more? Well, I guess these photos shows how much we really had a great time here :).

Thank you for the wonderful experience Haybols!
Until next time!

You may check out their Official Website: http://www.haybols.com.ph/
or Facebook Page: Haybols Scuba Hub

SUMMER OUTING IN BATAAN

2016-04-17T13:06:00.000+08:00

We were very happy with our kids accomplishments in school. They have performed well so they really deserve an exciting out of town summer vacation.

The overall grades are very good and they were all in the top rank of their class. Little girl has a medal. She is the Spelling Contest Winner for Grade 1 Level. But sad to say, our outing coincides with our little girl's recognition date. The outing was actually set ahead before her school informed us on the recognition date.

It was supposed to be our first recognition but we don't want to cancel the outing. So we let the little girl choose where she want to go. And she chose the beach outing :). We will just get her medal on the school enrollment.

The two days and one night beach outing in Morong, Bataan consists of several families bonded as a get-together of Hubby's former co-workers. All kids are familiar already with each other because they have met several times already on the recent birthday party events. Their group were also inseparable :).

Here are some of our photos:
Breakfast...Our first stop while waiting for the others to arrive...

Arrived...

We love the beach!

Photo ops before leaving...

Lunch...Our last stop before going home...

Thank you to the organizers!
Thank you everyone!
We all had a great time!

Disclaimer: Some of the photos are not mine, credits to photo owners.

EASTER FAMILY SWIMMING

2016-03-31T14:21:00.004+08:00

It was a family reunion last Easter Sunday. We have planned and booked the private resort as early as January :). I know right?…We're not that very much excited for this event :)). Well, that's our family and we're all have been long awaiting for it!!!

We were the first one to arrive because we're nearest to the venue. So we've shoot some photos while we're alone :).

My kids were also the first one who dipped in the pool.

Each family has an assigned food to bring. We were all wearing a blue shirt for the family photo ops.

I love this shot! :)...

March birthday celebrants...

Our turn :)...

Swimming pool shots...

Since there's a lot of excess food, each family equally shared and take home the leftover food and drinks.

Thank you everyone for an enjoyable family affair. See you on our next event!

YAKUs ELEMENTARY GRADUATION

2016-03-20T10:26:00.002+08:00

The invitation...

Their invitation's logo is usually made yearly by the Best Poster Making Grade Six pupil. I'm so amazed by this kind of talent which truly deserves an appreciation.

Logo rational: The two hands signify God's hands as he holds the world with love. The persons and the Notre Dame seal in the middle mean the youth of Notre Dame are formed together and united as one as they spread God's love and mercy to the world. The little hearts that are drawn on the person's chests and Jesus' cross in the middle convey that we should have a heart like His and that we inspire others to have one too.

Before the ceremony...

In classroom...

With his adviser and friends...

Getting ready to march...

The graduates entrance...

Capturing photos from our designated seats...

Awarding of Diplomas...

Selfies :)

Lighting of candles while singing the Hymn to the Blessed Mother...

Photo sessions after the ceremony...

Graduation celebration...

Official Graduation Photos...

Congratulations Yaku!

Welcome to your Highschool journey!

YAKUs AGAPE

2016-03-18T21:20:00.000+08:00

Agape is a combined ceremony for Baccalaureate Mass, Recognition of Outstanding Students, Sports Varsities, Winners in Different Sports and other Competitions, Academic Contest Winners, Special Awards and Special Performances of each class section.

Baccalaureate Mass...

Recognition of Outstanding Students, Academic Contest Winners and Special Awards...

It is our first time to be included in Agape's Awarding Ceremony :). Yaku was given a certificate and ribbon for being the Top 15 of their class.

At the field...

With his classmates...

Special Performances of each class section as a tribute to parents...

Yaku and his classmates performance...

Flower and letters from Yaku with love...

KUYAs 13th BIRTHDAY

2016-03-06T10:41:00.003+08:00

Kuya celebrated his birthday yesterday with his friends and us. In the morning, he was with his friends in Jump Yard Manila, one of the first and largest indoor trampoline parks in the city. Then, in the afternoon we attended an anticipated mass and had dinner at the mall.

Celebrating with his friends...

With us...

We had a good laugh on this before going to sleep. A midnight countdown to his birthday...

Today his actual birthday, we have some pancit and ice cream :)
(Photos to follow)

Happy Birthday Kuya! Welcome to Teenhood!

As you enter a new zone in your life, we are allowing you to explore but be reminded of the limitations and certain rules to follow :). We will be always here to support, guide and love you all the way!

HUBBYs BIRTHDAY

2016-02-27T14:08:00.003+08:00

He celebrated his birthday in Caloocan. He had chosen to celebrate there for the advantage and convenience of everyone. Aside for the reason that I have work that day, he knows very well that I'm not really into cooking :)). MIL prepared his birthday feast. Since most of his close friends are there, he just invited the others to come over.

We video chat him but failed to connect with a strong signal and so this was the only decent photo that we have :). Apologies for the blurry image...

Happy Birthday my one and only!

Wishing you many years of happiness, good health, blessings and lots of love!

We love you!!!

MY VALENTINES AND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION :)

2016-02-21T12:41:00.000+08:00

Pre-VDay
We're supposed to be in a theme park to celebrate VDay and Our Birthdays but sadly the two kids got sick. So we went instead to a burger craze nearby and have our dinner. Hopefully, we can re-schedule the postponed theme park adventure by early next month.

My Birthday :)
I shuddered in delight and ecstatic when Hubby surprised me with flowers and cake in the morning. I didn't expect that he will make an effort on my birthday. We celebrated my special day at home. Pizza delivery and pancit was our dinner feast. It is a simple and a happy celebration with the five of us.

I don't usually take photos when I just woke up from the bed but I'm making this day an exception. You can see how delightful I am on this photo :)...

This little girl was excited as well to greet me...

Our dinner...

Thank you Lord for the gift of life as I am able to enjoy and celebrate this day with my loved-ones.

To God be the Glory!

YAKUs 12th BIRTHDAY

2016-02-21T10:35:00.002+08:00

We came up to an idea in giving him a surprise birthday/grad present because he's really doing well in school. More than that, he's the one in-charge in coaching the little girl on her lessons whenever we're not around. He's a dependable and responsible brother which has a lot of patience when teaching her little sister.

Our gift is same as his Kuya. He was very happy when he saw what is inside the bag. He had no idea that we will bought it for him. A simple celebration dinner was prepared by Hubby for us to share.

First photo selfies taken on his new phone :)..

OUR PRINCESS 7TH PARTY

2016-01-16T18:27:00.004+08:00

I can say that I'm 100% hands-on and committed on this party :). Everything was decided by me. I am totally aware as well that this will be the last birthday party that I'll be fully involved. The invites, lootbags, party favors and balloon decorations are DIY...the entire family have a big part on it :).

Honestly, the preparations were not that easy because it coincided with the busy holiday season. Additional foods for the party are courtesy of our relatives whom unconditionally love the birthday girl.

And so, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who've helped us and supported us all the way.
You have truly made this party a memorable one for our little princess!

Thank you so much!!!

During the preparation period...

Celebration on her birthday...

Captured photos from my mobile phone...

Party Slideshow...

After the party...

YAKUs RECOLLECTION

2016-01-11T10:38:00.000+08:00

We always make sure that we make time whenever parents are invited in a recollection for a surprise interaction with our child. The facilitator was same as last year. The Dialogic Letter was given in advance to the adviser through our son. Then, each child's letter was given to the parents on the second day of recollection.

Here are some of our photos:

This was taken during parents conference with facilitator. We're seated quite far from the altar...

Their activity work...

Yakus letter and recollection activity drawing...

Photo session after the mass...

HOLIDAY SEASON 2015

2016-01-01T10:45:00.000+08:00

As I wake up on the first day of new year, I ponder on my life last 2015 and how to achieve my new goals for 2016. Looking back...We thank Our Good Lord for all the blessings we have received, memories kept and lessons learned from the past year. May the year 2016 be a wonderful and bright year to us all!

Here are some of our holiday season photos:

Christmas

While on our way to Malabon...

The pabebe couple :))...

Random photos...

The Cabrera Team :)...

Games...

Bringing back our traditional family exchange gifts...

Fambam!

New Year

Our prosperity table...

Family photos...

Our feast...

Ihaw and kulitan pa more! :)...

Cheers to 2016!

FAMILY DAY 2015

2015-12-19T19:16:00.004+08:00

It's been ages since the last time we attended family day. It was during the preschool years of my boys :).

I'm here to watch only the Showcase of Talents because Kuya was one of the participants. In Showcase of Talents, winners of different contests in week celebrations perform. Their section danced their winning piece in the Kasayawit Contest.

Here are some of the photos:

Let me start with a our selfie :)...

Mass about family...

Showcase of talents performers...

Kuya's group...

ADVENT SEASON 2015

2015-12-19T18:00:00.000+08:00

This is one of my overdue post :)...

Six more days to go and it's Christmas already :)...

We started the lighting of our advent wreath at home three weeks ago. We have an assignment each week as to who will lead the prayer and light the candle. To save up the candle, we're burning it during the Sunday evening meals starting from the 1st Sunday until the 4th Sunday of Advent. Then, every night during the evening meals from 4th Sunday of Advent until Christmas Day.

Kids are very happy in doing this activity because for them, Christmas is the most joyous celebration of all.

UNDAS 2016

2015-11-01T14:41:00.000+08:00

Even though there's no announced holiday nor long weekend to celebrate Undas this year, still the majority of people are visiting tombs today to celebrate the feast of All Saints and All Souls Day.

After attending the Sunday mass, we went to columbary to visit FILs vault. There's an organized program held at the columbary every year. The priest officiates the mass prayer for the dead and blessing of each vault along with the family members.

For today, there's a designated place to light the candles. Only flowers are allowed inside the columbary.

Later this afternoon, we're lighting candles at our doorstep to offer prayers in memory of our departed loved ones that we couldn't personally visit :)

A VISIT TO QC PARK 2015

2015-10-03T12:44:00.000+08:00

We went to park last Saturday to jog, play and bike. The kids were all excited because it's been awhile since we last came here . The two boys have learned how to ride a bike. While the little girl enjoyed playing in the playground. They had so much fun.

I'm just a bit disappointed to what I've seen there. When we went here four years ago, the playground equipment is still clean and new. Now, there's garbage everywhere. I'm annoyed at those people who don't mind their own trash and just threw it anywhere they want. The playground equipment is also damaged by vandalism. It is a fact but a sad reality :(.

To all the people who are visiting here, please do our share in taking care of the park and its facilities. Let us be more sensitive to the enjoyment of everyone going here.

Here are some of our photos:
We started off by doing our pabebe wave :)...

Playing badminton with their coach...

Playground...

Swinging out loud :))...

She has strong arms...

Pabebe wave pa more...

Biking...

FIELD DEMO 2015

2015-09-19T17:49:00.000+08:00

NDGM celebrates its 52nd founding year last week. This year's theme is "NDGM @52 Imitating Mary's Fidelity and Charity". Elementary School Day (Preschool to Grade 6) is scheduled on September 7 while High School Day is (Grade 7 to 10) on September 8.

Hubby and I took a leave for two days to watch and cheer for our kids dance performances :).

Little girl's costume is a red shirt, white skater skirt with red polka dots, pink leggings, black shoes and brown afro wig. Their hand props is two wooden rings with golden yellow and green ribbons.

Yaku's costume is a blue batch shirt, white walking shorts and rubber shoes. Their hand props is a custom-made big handfans in different colors.

Little girl and Yaku's group dances on a combined medley of modern songs. Little girl's group won as The Most Creative while Yaku's group won as The Best Dynamic.

Since we've arrived early, here are some of our photos while preparing our little girl to get ready for the performance:

Here are their photos during the performance. Apologies for few blurry images as we are trying to zoom our performers from the camera phone :):

Little Girl...

Little girl's group is competing with Grade 2...

Yaku...

Yaku's group is competing with Grade 5...

Kuya's costume is a green batch shirt, P.E. jogging pants and rubber shoes. Their group uses different kind of hats as their accessories. They dance the famous selection of OPM of the 70's. They were awarded as The Most Discipline Group with a cash prize of P3,000.

Here are their photos:

Kuya's group is competing with Grades 8 to 10...

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 8 was awarded as the overall champion for HighSchool Level.

1st day performers :)...

2nd day performer...

Rides...

LITTLE GIRLs BABY TOOTH - PART TWO

2015-08-19T21:30:00.002+08:00

I have mentioned in my earlier post that my little girl's other front tooth is already wiggly and about to fall out anytime soon. This afternoon, her other front tooth fell out in school when a classmate accidentally pushes her and she landed on the trolley bag handle. She told me that she went to the clinic alone and asked the nurse to check her tooth.

Her baby teeth is falling out one after another. I can see that there are already permanent teeth coming in as a replacement and in the exact position where the two baby teeth used to be. I really do hope that they grow in faster so she can celebrate her 7th Birthday with a big close up smile :)

LITTLE GIRLs BABY TOOTH

2015-08-18T21:57:00.002+08:00

Little girl's upper front baby tooth fell out last Sunday. Hubby and I are actually expecting this because it's wiggling for quite sometime already. Her tooth fell out when she drop her face on the pillow while playing with her Kuyas. They were all laughing when they saw her tooth in bed. I asked her to spit the blood and gargle with water. She seemed a little frightened when she saw the blood. I assured her that there's nothing to worry because it doesn't hurt, there's some blood because of the tooth that fell out.

She has now a gap in her front teeth. The other upper front tooth is also wiggly right now and about to fall out anytime soon :).

FAMILY DATE

2015-08-18T21:20:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday, we went out to watch a movie and do some artwork. It is actually scheduled two weeks ago but it has been delayed due to hubby's super busy schedule :). It is a family date and our means of taking a break after the stressful exam week.

Little girl chose the design for her artwork and colored it by herself. My job was to clean and wipe the excess colors she made on the pattern edges :). She could really practice her art talent through this. The finished product is an additional design to her room door :).

Here are some of our photos...