A Seoul-fall experience (Part 1)

This is a super late post!  But I just wanted to share with you our fall experience in Seoul last November 2014.  I am no K-pop fan, but I fell in love with the place.  I think I like it more than HK because it has more cultural heritage (yes, I am a changed woman) and more laid back. Wow, I cannot i believe i said that!  Probably because of age I would now rather visit historical places than go shopping.  My hubby and I are more into food tripping.  And that's the reason why I gained a couple of pounds in just four days!

For this trip, we wanted to try something different. We stayed in a hostel for a change.  I researched travel blogs and decided to stay at  Global Hostel which is located in the heart of  Myeongdong. Although there is a little hike going to the hotel, it was a very good location because it was near the airport bus pick up and drop off point, near the subway, and there is a lot of restaurants within the neighborhood.  Another plus is that it is just a 10-15min walk (hike) going to the cable car that will lead you to the N-Seoul tower.  Before booking, I knew what to expect - a small room and a super tiny bathroom. But I realized that next time I would prefer a bigger room and definitely a bigger bathroom!  Overall though we still had a pleasant stay at the hotel because it was clean and the staff were really nice and helpful.  The hostel also has a small dining/ kitchen area, free coffee, toiletries, and wifi.  Total amount spent for the hotel was less than P10,000 for 3 nights and 4 days which is really not bad!

Global Hostel, Myeongdong.  Just remember when you see Mini- stop, turn right and you would have to walk up hill going to the hotel.   

First Order of business was to eat!  Two two chicken was located near the hostel so we gave it a try. Chicken and beer on a cold night was the perfect combination!

              

         This I believe was good for at least 3-4 persons.  But hubby and I finished everything!  

We arrived on a Friday night and all the restaurants were still open even at 12 mn!

Hubby's birthday Staycation

I don't know about you but I find staying in hotels so relaxing.  There is a certain calmness that I feel whenever I stay in one.  Probably it's the lush beddings, the breakfast buffet, and the interiors.  One day, when we have our own house, we will have our own 'hotel like' bedroom.  For now, let me just dream.

Last week was the Hubby's birthday.  I was planning to have dinner with him on the day of his birthday, but I had to be at the office by 8:00pm.  It was also such a hectic week at the office that I was yearning to have some R&R.  Since it was his birthday, we decided to celebrate his birthday at Edsa Shangri-la Hotel in Ortigas.  They have  an ongoing promo called Book and Buy at P7,700 nett in a deluxe room with breakfast buffet for 2 at HEAT.  All you have to do is call the hotel, book and pay via credit card over the phone.  Regular rate is at P9K+, so this was a steal.

The bed is just so inviting!  I can sleep here all day.

We stayed on the 12th floor of the Tower Wing.  I believe they had this renovated because the last time we were here 3 years ago, the room felt a little old.  But now, it feels so clean and bright and i love the splashes of blue!

Paradise in the city.

A place where both parents and kids will enjoy.

R having fun in the mini water playground.

R watching Daddy swim.  They also have life vest jackets for the kids.  So no need to worry if you forgot to bring your kid's floaters.

We had so much fun just hanging out and just spending time with little R.  It's was an escape within the city.  Hope you had a wonderful and restful weekend as we did.

Welcome to my new world!

As I write, it occurred to me that I have been back in the workforce for a month now.  Wow, I survived my first thirty days as a working mom!  You might not know it, but my absence in the blogging world was because of this new chapter in my life, or should I say in our lives.  It was not an easy transition especially with R.  Even before I got a job, I was already prepping him for months, telling him that mommy will soon need to work.  However, no amount of preparation prepared me for the first two weeks that I started going to work.  R would force me to remove my clothes whenever he would see me dressed up for work or he would say that he will go with me and needs to change. He would cry whenever I would say goodbye.  My heart broke every time and I forced myself to make goodbyes quick.  Soon, he figured our new set up and adjusted to our 'new life.'  I was both relieved and saddened realizing that there was a time wherein R and I were inseparable.  

The last three and a half years that I spent with R is incomparable.  There is no monetary equivalent and no amount of promotion can ever equate to it.  I am thankful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to experience it.   Nevertheless, despite our new set up, Motherhood continues.  It's just that I need to juggle two jobs now.  

I remember someone asking me how I would be able to manage especially that I would be in the graveyard shift. I am not able to sleep eight hours a day anymore.  Before my bed time, I bring R to school and wake up a few hours before going to the office to play and either have merienda or dinner with him.  It is difficult, but doable.  We are lucky to have a support system that entails us to make it work.  I am thankful that my parents are still willing and able to be with my son while I sleep during the day, which lessens the stress on me since I know he is in good hands.   Hubby takes over at night and weekend mornings so that I could catch some sleep and prepare myself for our weekend activities.  Weekends are extra sacred this time around since these are the days when we focus all our attention to our small family and just be with R.

SAHM or  WAHM or working mom, there will always challenges. The magnitude of stress may sometimes be amplified in one, but all of us are in the same (motherhood) boat.  While I can say that I have experienced being a SAHM and working mom, there should be no debate or discussion on who is better because at the end of the day, we will always have the best intention for our families.  

Exploring the City Library

As you know, I admire my neighbor city, Marikina.  Though the city may not be as organized as before (when it Fernando was still it's Mayor), I love that there is so much to explore in this city.  There are a handful of good schools, hole in the wall restaurants that are worth dining in, a sports complex for the fitness buff, a decent market, historical places, and the ever famous street that sells all those puto pulo (we like Remy's).  When you go deeper Into Marikina, it does not feel like you are in Metro Manila.  It feels more provincial but with the comforts of city living.  My Dad loves biking around Marikina and he does this almost everyday.  He is the reason why we know about such places and things to do.  

Last week, a HS batch mate of mine posted a picture of her daughter in IG showing one of the joys of first world living - a nice public library!  How I wish we have something like that here.  

While I was having coffee with my Dad, I complained how come our government does not invest in those kinds of things.  Then he told me that Marikina has a public library.  My face lit up a bit, but immediately imagined how a public library here would look like.  I know, I am pretty judgemental, but you know what I am talking about.  However, since it is in Marikina, I figured it would be somehow better. 

So one sunny Thursday afternoon, when R refused to take a nap, we decided to check out the library. The library is located in the same building as Teatro Marikina along V.Gomez, corner  Shoe Avenue.  Before you can enter, you need to register and deposit your bag at the reception area.  If it is your first time, please do not forget to bring a valid ID.  If you want to get a library card, you just have to bring an ID picture.  

Before we were directed to the Children's section in the second floor, I was warned by the receptionist that the books are still not organized and the collection is limited. I have not been to a library for ages and it was R's first time to visit one, so we were both excited.

The Children's section is located in the second floor.  It shares a space with the Multimedia area where one can also use the Computers (not sure though if there's a fee).

The books are still not that organized and the selection not that extensive.  I believe majority of the books were also donated.  But hey, this is better than nothing.

R picked books that were already familiar to him like The Lion King and Dr. Seuss's books.

Our visit was not that bad at all.  We only stayed there though for a good thirty minutes.  R was already bugging us to go out.  Probably if the place could have been more appealing and organized we would have stayed longer. If I had the resources I would LOVE to fix the place!  But, it was worth the try and I am planning to schedule a visit sometime soon.

Buwan ng Wika outfits

Since it is Buwan ng Wika, I am doing additional posts on it since it has more relevance (again) in my life now that I have a pre-schooler.

Part of the celebration is having children wear traditional Filipino costumes in school for a day.  You can either DIY or just buy. Now a days, it is not too hard to find RTW costumes.  Just go to SM (since they've got it all) and you can choose from a variety of Filipino costumes.  I think the most in demand costumes for boys would be the maglalatik and the barong, while for the girls it would be the baro't saya attire.  

Last Friday, R's school had their Filipiniana day.  I like that the school reminds the parents to keep the costumes simple and not expensive.   I already had a peg in mind and wanted him to dress up like a datu.  I was pretty conscious that I also did not want to spend too much on his costume since this would only be a one time affair and honestly, the kids couldn't care less.   For his costume, it was a mix of store bought finds and  clothes and accessories that we already have at home. The only thing that I bought was the vest from SM Kultura for P229.  I also bought a bigger size so that he can use it again in the future.  If I only know how to sew, I would have made his costume from scratch!

                              

R in school during their costume day.

Also last weekend, my son R and his cousin Q had a pictorial at home to commemorate Buwan ng Wika.  Since my niece will be migrating to Canada, we wanted to capture her wearing a Filipino costume before she leaves.  

My chinitong Datu.

Cousin love.  R and Q in their Mindanao inspired costumes.

    

How cute are they?  Her costume was purely DIY-ed!  Her Nonna (grandmother) made the malong. It was difficult to make these two kiddos sit still, I almost thought we would not be able to get a decent shot!

What about you, how did you prepare for Buwan ng Wika?

Buwan ng Wika activity: Let's make some Pastillas de Leche!

Back in the day when I was still studying, it was known as Linggo ng Wika.  Nowadays, it is known as Buwan ng Wika.  It is a month long celebration every August to celebrate the Philippine National Language. Coincidentally, it is also the birth month of the Philippine's Father of National Language, former President Manuel L. Quezon.  Personally, I think having a month long celebration is a good thing especially now that there are many children that are having a hard time speaking and even understanding Tagalog.  It is a sad reality and I think our generation of parents need to exert more effort in making sure that the Filipino language stays alive with our children.

Philippine and KKK flags by the kids at R's school.

Now that R is already going to school, he gets to celebrate Buwan ng Wika.  Part of his school's activities is to invite parents to volunteer to read a Filipino story, teach kids to make any native dishes or desserts or show and tell about a famous landmark or destination in the Philippines that they have been to.  I chose to teach them how to make No-cook Pastillas de Leche (Thanks to my HS barkada Mia for giving me the idea!). I wanted something quick, easy and something that the kids would enjoy doing as well.

The children had a blast making their own Pastillas de Leche.  I think each of them were able to make at least three each.  I also pre-packed one Pastilas each per child to bring home so they could show it to their parents.

I also added a twist to the basic Pastillas de Leche by givng them an option to roll it in crushed cookie crumbs and making them into Pastillas pops.  The Pastillas pops idea was a big hit!  Seeing R and his classmates' excitement and enthusiasm was priceless.

And I saw these three pogi boys snacking right after our Pastillas making session!  Nagutom ?

In case you want the recipe, here it is:

1 1/2 cups powdered milk 

1/2 cups condensed milk 

1/2 cups white sugar for rolling

1. Put powdered milk into a bowl.  Make a well in the middle then add condensed milk.  Mix well.  If you find the consistency too wet, add powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.  Same goes if you find the mixture too dry, add condensed milk.

2. Roll the dough-like mixture into balls or small logs.

3. Roll the balls or logs in sugar. You can also get creative, by rolling it in crushed cookie crumbs like we did.  

4. Last, wrap them in cellophane, put on small cupcake liners or stick them into paper straws if you want to make Pastillas Pops.

I am sure that your kids will have a blast doing and eating this one. Have fun and enjoy!

Number two

One of the most common problems during childhood is constipation.   I honestly have been wanting to write about this for the longest time, but it was just recently that I was truly enlightened, more of alarmed that we really had to seek the expert's help on R's BM (bowel movement) issue.  Some might find that this is TMI (too much information), but I feel that I should share my experience and thoughts on this.  I did my research on the internet on what to do if your child is constipated.  Believe me I have tried everything and was already out of my wits trying to figure out what to do.  I am well aware that lack of fiber in R's diet is a culprit.  However, R is also in the picky eating stage right now, bummer!  I honestly do not want to stress about it, but sometimes I could not help it.

Photo courtesy of howshealth.com

R was having BM problems ever since he was a baby especially when I switched to pure formula when he was around 4 months old (that's why please choose to breastfeed!).  We sought the help of a Pedia-Gastro and it somehow improved. I resorted to giving him either diluted prune juice and it has always worked.  But as he got older, there were a lot of times wherein he would strain for hours trying to get it out.  Making him drink prune juice also became a struggle because I think he is sick and tired of its taste.  The final straw was when he was straining for almost half a day to no avail and he was already in tears. We were so stressed and felt so bad for him.  I quickly booked an appointment with Dra Jean Guno of TMC (The Medical City) because I do not know what to do anymore!

Anyways, I am thankful for the very thorough and very detailed explanation of Dra. Guno.  R has been classified to have functional constipation.  This type of constipation means that the child does not require surgery due to another condition, it's just because the child has a hard poop.  In R's case, other than having a low fiber diet, he used to drink very little water (as in pahirapan). What could have also  triggered longer days to pass on poop could be due to a painful past incident wherein poop was too big to pass and it hurt him a lot.  And as the poop stays in there longer, the bigger and dryer it becomes, thus making it difficult to release. He usually poops every four days which is so not good.  The explanation here is that the passage way has been stretched so it takes more time for it to trigger the brain to do #2.  I did not know that!

Below is the Bristol Stool chart that was shown to me.  What we are aiming for is Type 4.  The first three types are signs of constipation.

For now, R will need to undergo a Bowel Retraining program which includes Disimpaction,
Maintenance Medication, Behavioral Intervention, Fluid Intake and Diet.  He was also asked to have an X-ray of his abdomen to validate fecal impaction.

We are on our second week in the program.  Apart from R maintenance medicine (Lactulose), I have also been training him to sit on the potty every after lunch and dinner. A helpful tip is to make sure that his feet rest on a stool because it is hard to poop when your legs are hanging from the toilet.  Blowing exercises also help.

It is still way too early to see major improvements.  Though poop consistency has greatly improved, we are still struggling with long days.  I cannot wait for the day that everything will be ok, I tell you.

In the meantime, I will do whatever it takes to make him eat more fiber and increase his water intake and of course be supportive of what he is going through.

As a last note, it is always best to consult the experts immediately.  Please do not offer laxatives or suppositories without the Doctor's advice.