1st Quarter 2007
January- March
First Quarter Report
Word of Life
Welcome
Calvin is now officially on his third year. <Applause>We would like for you to still be updated by what's happening in andout of the Janapin household. For this year, we would only be sendingyou quarterly updates.
As an added feature, we will also be reproducing this at Calvin's blog.You may visit it anytime here.
We would also like to thank all of you who have followed throughCalvin's saga. Thank you also for offering those prayers as you readthrough our past emails. We hope that you will not tire reading thisand praying for us.
13Your way, OGod, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
14You are theGod who works wonders;
you have made known your might
among the peoples.
What god is great like our God?
14You are theGod who works wonders;
you have made known your might
among the peoples.
Psalm 77:14 (ESV)
Welcome
Calvin is now officially on his third year. <Applause>We would like for you to still be updated by what's happening in andout of the Janapin household. For this year, we would only be sendingyou quarterly updates.
As an added feature, we will also be reproducing this at Calvin's blog.You may visit it anytime here.
We would also like to thank all of you who have followed throughCalvin's saga. Thank you also for offering those prayers as you readthrough our past emails. We hope that you will not tire reading thisand praying for us.
January
Turning Two
After the high-pressure month of December, the start of this year hasbeen refreshing for all of us. Calvin continued to grow in stature andhas grown favor in the eyes of the community here.
We have also seen Calvin's personality development. We will try as much aspossible to capture this in as few words as we can in describing thischange that we observed. He has now officially joined the Terrific Twos.
Weaning
Since breastfeeding is best only up to two years, we decided beforehandto wean Calvin at the age of two. We have read about horror stories inweaning a child and so we got prepared for it. We got advice on how toproceed: from the mildest (giving explanation) to the extreme (puttingmint). We decided to try the mildest first. So, we explainedto Calvin that mama has no more milk for him. He was bewildered atfirst and took that to stride. Only later did he understand the fullimplication of what we tried to tell him -- when his mom did not givehimany when he asked for it.
The first night was really terrible. We almost melted down at Calvin'stearful plea for milk. However, we decided to be firm because this isalso for his own good (as well as his mother's). He did not sleep wellthat night and was awake almost every hour. I (mhac) have to get upduring those times and console him. On the third night, Calvin hasrealized that it was for good. By the fourth night, he calmed downnoticeably, still with some pleas. But after telling him that there'sreally no more, he would simply accept that fact. In order to make upfor the lost milk, we gently increased his fluids and solids intake. Wemake sure that he gets full at each meal so that he will not rememberasking for M _ _ K. And we are successful in this.
Looking back, It was not really that hard after all. Calvin understoodour explanation. :-)
Calcium
Since he stopped drinking milk for his mom, Calvin needed a replacementreal quick. In the past, before we have weanend him, we tried givingCalvin Anchor 1+. But he did not like the taste. Now that he reallyneed a milk supplement, we decided on Nido Full Cream Milk. NO, he didnot also like theidea of drinking milk from glass. He doesn't trust it. We tried givingit to him but he just stared atit after sipping one time. BUT we know that he needed the calcium plusothernutrients so we have to think of other ways.
The answer? Leth to the rescue! Pastillasde Leche! Milk Candy. Leth mixed Nido powder with a littlewater (enough to make a sticky mixture) and made rolls out of them.Calvin was excited to see this new "food." When we handed him thefinished product, he was extremely delighted. After eating some rolls,we make him drink water. Then we ask him to jump up and down. Voila!Milk shake inside his tummy. :-P No, the jumping is just a joke. Hahaha!
Healthy Diet
Calvin's Ninong Art was just recently declared cancer-free. He wasdiagnosed with cancer almost a year ago. He decided to gonatural treatment (alkaline-diet) and has now reaped the benefits. Whenwe attended the seminar he was giving on healthy living, we are notsurprised why Calvin has such a strong immune system. He hasbeen following that diet all along. :-) That includes lots of fiber andantioxidants from fruits and vegetables and protein and omega oils fromfishes. We have eradicated MSG from our cupboard a long time ago. Wealso use omega-rich palm oil. We are also blessed to be in Baguio wherewe can have fresh vegetables all the time for our salads. :-D And so,we just have to adjust a little bit in order to have this balance.
New Persona
One of the changes in Calvin's hpersonality is that he is harder to teach at thisage. Unlike before, Calvin is now more easily distracted. He would tireeasily in reciting his alphabet and numbers. Oh well... we are justglad that he had already learned the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes,names of animals, transport, etc. before this terrific age.
However, his sleeping pattern has improved a lot because he now feelsfull after each meal (whereas milk digests easily and he gets hungryeasily, too -- waking him up at different times of the night). We alsostarted training him to eat by himself -- which he really enjoys. Healso wants to drink by himself, using a big glass used by big guys.
One time, Leth was not feeling well she just stayed in the bedroom.Calvin noticed this and began entertaininghis mom. He would just talk on ends (some intelligible some not). Hewould tell Leth stories about his cooking and his other toys. If hecould not get the reaction he expected he would say "Mama, talk...mama, smile... (and he would flash a smile to demonstrate it).
Before two, Calvin would play with a masking tape (or other adhesivetape) and stick it on his butt while he runs around. This time, hewould stick it on his face as he runs around. Different times,different places. The implication of it? I think he thinks it cool tohave something stuck on your butt (or anywhere else for that matter).
Photo taken by Ninong Mario Bildan. Notice Calvin's professionally-done haircut? Don't ask. Just dont.
After the high-pressure month of December, the start of this year hasbeen refreshing for all of us. Calvin continued to grow in stature andhas grown favor in the eyes of the community here.
We have also seen Calvin's personality development. We will try as much aspossible to capture this in as few words as we can in describing thischange that we observed. He has now officially joined the Terrific Twos.
Weaning
Since breastfeeding is best only up to two years, we decided beforehandto wean Calvin at the age of two. We have read about horror stories inweaning a child and so we got prepared for it. We got advice on how toproceed: from the mildest (giving explanation) to the extreme (puttingmint). We decided to try the mildest first. So, we explainedto Calvin that mama has no more milk for him. He was bewildered atfirst and took that to stride. Only later did he understand the fullimplication of what we tried to tell him -- when his mom did not givehimany when he asked for it.
The first night was really terrible. We almost melted down at Calvin'stearful plea for milk. However, we decided to be firm because this isalso for his own good (as well as his mother's). He did not sleep wellthat night and was awake almost every hour. I (mhac) have to get upduring those times and console him. On the third night, Calvin hasrealized that it was for good. By the fourth night, he calmed downnoticeably, still with some pleas. But after telling him that there'sreally no more, he would simply accept that fact. In order to make upfor the lost milk, we gently increased his fluids and solids intake. Wemake sure that he gets full at each meal so that he will not rememberasking for M _ _ K. And we are successful in this.
Looking back, It was not really that hard after all. Calvin understoodour explanation. :-)
Calcium
Since he stopped drinking milk for his mom, Calvin needed a replacementreal quick. In the past, before we have weanend him, we tried givingCalvin Anchor 1+. But he did not like the taste. Now that he reallyneed a milk supplement, we decided on Nido Full Cream Milk. NO, he didnot also like theidea of drinking milk from glass. He doesn't trust it. We tried givingit to him but he just stared atit after sipping one time. BUT we know that he needed the calcium plusothernutrients so we have to think of other ways.
The answer? Leth to the rescue! Pastillasde Leche! Milk Candy. Leth mixed Nido powder with a littlewater (enough to make a sticky mixture) and made rolls out of them.Calvin was excited to see this new "food." When we handed him thefinished product, he was extremely delighted. After eating some rolls,we make him drink water. Then we ask him to jump up and down. Voila!Milk shake inside his tummy. :-P No, the jumping is just a joke. Hahaha!
Healthy Diet
Calvin's Ninong Art was just recently declared cancer-free. He wasdiagnosed with cancer almost a year ago. He decided to gonatural treatment (alkaline-diet) and has now reaped the benefits. Whenwe attended the seminar he was giving on healthy living, we are notsurprised why Calvin has such a strong immune system. He hasbeen following that diet all along. :-) That includes lots of fiber andantioxidants from fruits and vegetables and protein and omega oils fromfishes. We have eradicated MSG from our cupboard a long time ago. Wealso use omega-rich palm oil. We are also blessed to be in Baguio wherewe can have fresh vegetables all the time for our salads. :-D And so,we just have to adjust a little bit in order to have this balance.
New Persona
One of the changes in Calvin's hpersonality is that he is harder to teach at thisage. Unlike before, Calvin is now more easily distracted. He would tireeasily in reciting his alphabet and numbers. Oh well... we are justglad that he had already learned the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes,names of animals, transport, etc. before this terrific age.
However, his sleeping pattern has improved a lot because he now feelsfull after each meal (whereas milk digests easily and he gets hungryeasily, too -- waking him up at different times of the night). We alsostarted training him to eat by himself -- which he really enjoys. Healso wants to drink by himself, using a big glass used by big guys.
One time, Leth was not feeling well she just stayed in the bedroom.Calvin noticed this and began entertaininghis mom. He would just talk on ends (some intelligible some not). Hewould tell Leth stories about his cooking and his other toys. If hecould not get the reaction he expected he would say "Mama, talk...mama, smile... (and he would flash a smile to demonstrate it).
Before two, Calvin would play with a masking tape (or other adhesivetape) and stick it on his butt while he runs around. This time, hewould stick it on his face as he runs around. Different times,different places. The implication of it? I think he thinks it cool tohave something stuck on your butt (or anywhere else for that matter).
February
Difficult Child?
When Calvin turned twoand started acting weird (we thought), we decided to check out if hefalls under the difficultchild category. So we borrowed reading materials fromchild experts and found out that Calvin did not fit the category. He isnot, repeat, not a difficult child. :-) In one of the books, there wasa checklist and descriptions of the items mentioned there. Here's whywe think (as per book description) Calvin is not a dc:
All these traits point to a happy and contented child, not a difficultchild. Praise the Lord!
Trip to Manila
Early this February, our family went down to Manila. I have to attend aconference in Makati together with some of our faculty members here atPBTS. Since we are riding a bigger van, I was given permission to letCalvin and Leth ride down with us. Since we are also down there, wedecided to do SeminarySunday at Joy Student Fellowship and at Convergence. Wehad a good time there. On our way back to Baguio, we had a glimpse ofthe famous MOA (mall of asia). Since we did not have the time, we juststopped there for a brief sight seeing.
Leth also celebrated her 30th birthday in Manila. This is just one ofthe celebrations among many: there was one at church and two at home:family and Taco party for the Sunday School teachers (seebelow). For the Manila celebration, we bought acake(with candles of course) to celebrate. After these multiplecelebrations, Calvin has learned to sing Happy Birthday, mama... Hehehe...
Developments
By this time, Calvin can now brush his teeth by himself (of course weare still there to guide him. So even though he is quite lazy to learnnew stuff at this age, Leth would just not let go. He almost memorizedthe different kinds of musical notes (key of C) and the days of theweek.
Right now, we have introduced to him the 9 o'clock habit. That is, weturnoff our lights at 9 o'clock pm and head off to bed, whether sleepy ornot. He learned that one quickly. There are times he goes to bedearlier than that.
We also noticed that he sings (common children's song) while he playsby himself. This, we believe, is another mark of a happy and contentedchild. :-P We just wish that this is true 100% of the time, but alas!There are times that he feels cranky, too. He just suddenly becomes itchy, or he wouldjust say ouch,or complain something about his eyes.
Visitors
We had Calvin's cousin Vitto and family visit us this February. It wastheir first time to see each other. Although we had been to Manila manytimes, we never did got the chance to visit with them. So when they hadthe chance, they came up here all the way from Novaliches, Quezon City. They stayed for two days and a night. It was a good time ofcatching up. Vitto is really a charming kid.
Since they came at the height of Baguio's flower festival (Panagbenga), therewere people everywhere. We went first to SM for lunch and decided to goto Camp John Hay in the afternoon. The boys had a wonderful time at thearcade trying out the rides.
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SundaySchool Fellowship
Leth has organized a group of committed teachers for our Church'sSunday School. In order to appreciate what they were doing in thechurch, we threw them a Taco party. Yes, that yummy to the tummycrunchy tacos!
To make things warmer, we decided to have a bonfire. It had been coldin the past few days so a bonfire would make everybody feelcomfortable. We did the bonfire just in front of our new apartment.
The teachers were overjoyed to find out that we were throwing a partyfor them. All the single teachers were able to make it. Understandably,the mothers were too busy taking taking care of their young ones forparties such as these. :-)
So here are the teachers fighting for their food. Hahaha! Actually for most of them, it was their first time to try tacos. Yes, theywere aware that such food exist but they did not took the time to tryit out. At that time, they were all excited to try their first bite atit.
The air was full of electricity as they giggle their way through theirfood. We made it sure that they'll have all the freedom to make theirown. And it struck a chord at the heart of our young Sunday SchoolTeachers.
After the party, they were all excited and full. Excited to teach againthe coming Sunday. And full of food and wisdom courtesy of TeacherLeth. This was one unforgettable experience for them that kept themtalking about it for weeks. :-)
Pesach
Pesach is the Hebrew word for the Passover -- the annual feast of theJews as a reminder of their freedom from slavery in Egypt to be God'speople. I was teaching Old Testament in January and I decided to letthe students feelthe lesson.
The class was so excited as we plan the passover celebration. From thepurchase of the lambs up to the setting of the table, it was all funand learning at the same time. I was taught before that experiencemakes them remember a lesson better than any lecture would.
The passover got mixed responses from the students. Since most of themare first-timers, they were very eager to conduct it... not to mentionthat it is their final exam. :-) The general consensus was it impactedthem and made them think of the Lord's sacrifice better.
Calvin sporting the Indian national dress. This was a gift from one ofmy students: Hankiu.
- He's a happy child. He has a positive disposition to theworldaround him. He's jolly 98% of the time.
- He remembers. This is anothertrait. He remembers a lot of things.
- He expresses feelings ofpleasure. He shows that he is happy and verbalizes it.
- He is Easy toplease. Give him food and he is happy. That is his favorite past time-- eating.
All these traits point to a happy and contented child, not a difficultchild. Praise the Lord!
Trip to Manila
Dunk that ball. :-)
Leth also celebrated her 30th birthday in Manila. This is just one ofthe celebrations among many: there was one at church and two at home:family and Taco party for the Sunday School teachers (seebelow). For the Manila celebration, we bought acake(with candles of course) to celebrate. After these multiplecelebrations, Calvin has learned to sing Happy Birthday, mama... Hehehe...
Developments
Calvin on his work desk. This is where he lays out his plans...whilewearing his favorite PJs. He did not even want to take this off. :-)
Calvin and Leth posing at Dencio's in SM Baguio. Excited to try theirfamous sisig.
We also noticed that he sings (common children's song) while he playsby himself. This, we believe, is another mark of a happy and contentedchild. :-P We just wish that this is true 100% of the time, but alas!There are times that he feels cranky, too. He just suddenly becomes itchy, or he wouldjust say ouch,or complain something about his eyes.
Visitors
Here's Mhac and his nephew, Vitto. Although he's younger than Calvin,he's just the samesize. :-) It's in the genes, I think.
While waiting for the sisig to cook, Calvin and Vitto decided to take aride. This is a Porsche. And yes, it's token operated.
Four Aces.That's Aaron, Vitto's father, withCalvinand Mhac. We are trying tosettle down the heavy sisig that we ate. :-)
Tong-Its. That's what you get when you have twoAcesand two Queens. That's Rachel,Vitto's Mother with Leth
and Calvin.
and Calvin.
Well of course, we needed help from Tita PrEtTy.
After a full meal, we needed to burn off the calories so we headed toCamp John Hay.
Biking Experience. I don't think I'm a controlfreak. I just wanted order and efficiency, that's all.
This see-saw is dangerous. No worries, papa Mhac is here to make itsafer. Hehehee...
This is how I burn off extra calories. Carrying 4.5lb (10kg) Calvinacross Camp John Hay.
This is at Philippine Military Academy. We posed before disembodiedfighter jets.
Huey Helicopter. Yep, aren't you glad that theyfinally decomissioned and placed this thing on display? You can read uptons of horror stories about this death machine. No,it doesn't kill enemies... it kills the pilot and passengers kamikazestyle.
Tree House. Yes, that's us up there.
Zooming in.
Colors Guards. These two are practicing theircadence and alignment as they prepare for the Pass and Review.
Vitto really wants to dive into the pool. Joke. Here's the ever famousPMA sundial.
It hardly works here. We are under cloud cover 90 percentof the time.
It hardly works here. We are under cloud cover 90 percentof the time.
In the Navy. The village people must not beseriouswhen they sang that song. I can'timagine people wanting to ride attack boats such as this one.
Celebrity Cadet. No, we don't know this guy. Wejustborrowed him for this shot.
SundaySchool Fellowship
Warming Up. The weather went along with us whichmade us appreciate our bonfire better.
Ablaze. Getting ready for the heavy meal.
They're not contestants for Ms. Baguio 2007.
Boodle Fight! This is a no-holds-barred chow.
They are munching crunchy Tacos.
The Capital City CHAPEL's Sunday School Teachers at your service.
Pesach
The Paschal Lambs. Aren't they cute?
The Paschal Lambs 2. Aren't they yummy for thetummy?
The OT153 Class posing after the Passover
Meal.
Meal.
March
Davao Trip
For this year's PBTS Faculty annual meeting and retreat, I was extendedan invitation to be a part of it. I was so elated because these year'svenue is the city of Royalty: Davao! I asked permission to bring Lethand Calvin with me and my request was granted. Hurrah!
We left Baguio at 8:00pm on March 11 and arrived at the airport at2:00am the next day. We almost opened the airport for the day. Hehehe... We are so excited because there are many of us whowill be to Davao for the first time. And that includes my family.
I was bold enough to ask permission to bring Leth and Calvin because Iknow that Ycoi will also be there. At least, they can be playmatesthroughout the retreat and planning. Both kids are so excited that theyknow and we aregoing to Davao and weare going to ride an airplane. These two are two-year-olds!
It's been four years since Leth and I rode an airplane to Mindanao.However, this plane ride still excites us as we ride now with our sonCalvin. We are quite apprehensive as to what his reaction might be.
The airplane arrived 15 minutes early and so we were able to boardearly. It was quite dark yet because our flight was scheduled to be at4:45am. Always ready, I brought a camera along and took shots of Calvinand Leth boarding the plane.
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Calvin's reaction to his first airplane ride was quite mixed. Duringtake-off, he was excited to feel the pull of accelaration and thevibration of the engine. But during the cruise, he got bored. He didn'tfeel any movement and he thought that we were just sitting down anddoing nothing. So he cried out, "Enough airplane! Go outside!"
We explained to him that we cannot go outside. Since he could notunderstand why, he cried. And after he got tired of crying, he slept.And so we had peace for about 30 minutes.
When Calvin woke up, the sun was already up and we are hovering overthe large island of Mindanao. I was really hoping for airpockets sothat Calvin will experience it. But there was none.
Landing is another favorite stage of Calvin. He could feel the planerolling
and twisting. He could also feel the popping in hisears. We instructed him to swallow to counteract the effect ofincreasing air pressure.
We landed at Davao about 6:10 in the morning. I was watching the wingsthe whole time (if I am not watching Calvin). Although I'm an engineerand understand fully the theory of Bernoulli, it is still a wonder tosee it at work... especially when your life is depending on it.
Davao City
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Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary
Puan, Davao City
After a quick breakfast at Kuya Jess's (Dr. Abugan's nephew) house, weheadedimmediately to Southern Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary.By this time, Calvin was not really feeling well. Here's a short-list of whathe was experiencing at the time:
Finally after we administered valium, er, paracetamol to him, hequieted down and fell asleep. Missing his lunch altogether. Leth's headand mine are also pounding with headache and we guessed that Calvinmight have experienced that, too.
Bansalan, Davao del Sur
Our next stop was the Asian Rural Life Center in Bansalan, Davao delSur. This is where we spent our first night. It is relatively cool inthis place. Much cooler than in the city of Davao. There are lots andlots of tropical trees for miles around. Calvin woke up here refreshedafter about 2 hours of travel from Davao City.
The next day was even better. We felt well rested. The airhere has a higher concentration of oxygen which makes usenergized and feel young. (I think that's what Michael Jacksonbelieved, LOL).
This place is a result of the Southern Baptist Mission here inMindanao. This is where they developed the patented technology calledS.A.L.T. (Sloping Agricultural Land Technique). Many rural pastorsbenefit from the training they had here. It helps them also in reachingout to their community composed mainly of farmers. Let us pray thatthey'll continue being a SALT in this place.
M'lang, South Cotabato
Right after breakfast, we hit the road again to our second leg --M'lang, South Cotabato. This was a 4 hour drive from RLC. We werewarmly received at the Fabella Farm. This is owned by retired SouthernBaptist College president Dr. Fabella. Pre-flight check. Excited to leave Baguio for Davao.
Buddies. This is Dr. Bong and Calvin on their way tothe check-in counter at the airport.
Of course, bestfriend Ycoi is also there.
That's Mamu.
On the Tarmac. Leth and Calvin posing in front ofthe 737 before boarding.
Pre-boarding. Leth and Calvin just about to take thestairs.
Trio Lolas. Ma'am Joyce, Mamu, and Ate Beth.
Our young flyer fell asleep over Cebu.
On the Wings of ... That's the island of Cebu on thetop right.
Calvin woke up minutes before landing. Good morning, indeed!
That's Davao City river. We were about to land when this photo wastaken.
and twisting. He could also feel the popping in hisears. We instructed him to swallow to counteract the effect ofincreasing air pressure.
Touch Down. I'm fascinated by the action of thewings. These flaps wouldkeep the plane's wheels on the ground.
Davao City
Davao International Airport.
Free Ride. Bonus miles can get you free rides asthis.
Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary
Puan, Davao City
Relief. Calvin slept while SPBTS seminarians lookon.
- the heat has now caughton him,
- his head is swirling because of lack of sleep
- his lipscracked and was sore
- his newest molar is coming in (this is the last one to complete his milk teeth)
- he is feverishbecause of all of the above.
PBTS Faculty welcomed by the SPBTS president himself.
Bansalan, Davao del Sur
Mountainous backdrop at Mt. Carmel.
Morning Bible Reading. After a good night's rest,Calvin reads the bible with Ms. Won.
Blessed Place. We felt refreshed in our stay here.
M'lang, South Cotabato
Floating Function Room.This is in Fabella farm house located at M'lang, South Cotabato. This room is located in the middle of a river.
Fond for Ponds.Calvin is showing us the wonderful lotuses behind him. We were hopingto see some frogs here.
Bananas for Life. Calvinand Ycoi are excited to lay their hands on this yellowish feast.
Rustic House. Ireally enjoyed being inside the Fabella home. Calvin and Ycoi share thesame sentiment. That man behind Calvin is Sir Jimmy, Ycoi's dad.
Book Time. Whilewaiting for lunch, these two tots were treated with a wonderful storyfrom a Th.D. That's Dr. Nori Lacquian, Ycoi's mother.
Cholesterol Extravaganza.Yummy to the tummy lechon de leche. Forgive us, oh Lord.
Tree House. Accordingto Dr. Fabella, this Molave tree was almost dead when he acquired theproperty. Now, it's a function room where we ate our lunch.
Southern Baptist College
M'lang, South Cotabato
This is our salaat Southern Baptist College where we stayed for 2 nights.The place wasvery clean and is very imppressive.
It's really good to have a buddy around. A friend to share a lot ofthings with, including this couch.
Bean. Yes,that's Mr. Bean alright. Calvin's favorite TV personality.
This is M'lang's version of atricycle. It almost looked like a jeep. It's very colorful and also funto ride.
Calvin is really like me a lot. Weenjoy large, open spaces -- and moving air. Notice the curtain at theright? Yeah...
MaleBonding. That's according to Dr. Flint when I asked himto interpret these two's behavior in light of anthropology.
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FeastAgain. Who says the Philippines is experiencing arecession? Well, maybe not here in Mindanao, at least.
The SBC family gave us a bountiful welcome. This was led by thepresident himself. We met the Administrative Staff as well as theAcademic Staff. It was a wonderful time meeting these guys down there.
Inseparable.These two just really want to rub elbows a lot. Sometimesfriendly, at times not.
OnTV. Yes, Calvin and Mhac on primetime slot.
DJCalvin. This is how he would look like inside a radiobooth... without me, of course.
YcoiOn Air. Listening intently on Calvin's babbling at themain booth.
MahoganyWalk. This walkway is lined up with tall trees.A great way to tour the campus.
Jack's Restaurant
Davao City
Jack'sViewdeck. After about 4 hours of ride, we wereback at Davao City. This restaurant is at the top of the hilloverlooking Davao City. We had good seafood feast at this place.
ChoppingBoards Display. Behind us is a great collectionof chopping boards. Yes, they vertically prepare the food here.*giggle* Calvin and I posed with Doc Bert here.
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LongTable. And a long wait, too.
Pavillion.We roamed around while waiting for lunch to be served.
Inseparable2. See? They're on their mischievous selves again. Thosejars were antique. Maybe 10 months old?
TaclobosBehind. These giant clams were dug up at this site whilethis restaurant was being built. And this place is about 500 ft abovesea level. Ergo, Davao City is submerged eons of years ago.
Monkey Business. Calvin knows what that is. That's when you use monkeys as an added attraction to your business.
Downtown Davao
ShoppingSpree. Well not really, because we are on a limitedbudget. This is at the famous Aldavinco -- where souvinirs flourish.
Paradise Island
Samal Island, Davao del Sur
Beach!This is the final leg of our journey -- beach resort. It's located onthe island across Davao (Samal Island) so we have to ride a boat to getthere.
FirstTime Boat Ride. Calvin was very attentive to hissurroundings here. It's his first boat ride.
ParadiseIsland. That's the name of the resort. We are going tospend the night here.
SandyEncore. This resort is so big. We are
on our way to ourrooms 150 meters from here.
on our way to ourrooms 150 meters from here.
Porter.We are glad they have this. We got tons of baggage.
Shades.That's our room behind us. We have our own private gate fronting thebeach. Nice.
AfternoonDip. We did not waste any time. We immediately changed andjumped into the water.
Feelingthe Waves. Posing while we wait for a big wave to hit us.
Readyfor Jungle Exploration. This resort has lots of places toexplore. We decided to do just that before it gets too dark.
BirdSanctuary. We are on our way to the birds. Theyhave a beautiful collection here.
NightLights. The place is adorned by beautiful night lights. Oncloser inspection though, we were amazed to find out that they weremade of recycled materials.
Serenade. Yes we are treated to a wonderful dinner (sea food, of course), plussoothing music in the background.
Feast.We are eating outdoors just beside the sea. You get the idea.
EarlySilhouette. Calvin and I rose up early the next day. Wewere trying to capture here the peak of Mt. Apo, the Philippines'shighest peak. It's directly on top of Calvin's head.
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Castlesin the Sand. Beach outing is not complete without this.Calvin is putting the finishing touch by placing that paper umbrella ontop of the tower.
MorningDip. The water feels cold but refreshing. Wedipped in and Calvin did not want to go out anymore.
Calvin'sWalk. He never swam. He walked.
Waiting for Boat Ride
Buhangin, Davao City
Calvin'sBabe. This is Kuya Jess's house. That's hisdaughter, Cheska. And we have reasons to believe that Calvin has acrush on her. Good taste, I should say.
OnHold. While we are waiting for our ship (12MN), we wereextended the invitation to stay at this place. Calvin immediately feltat home.
Superferry 16
CruisingHome. This was breakfast on the ship. We wereabout to dock at General Santos City for our first stop over.
SuiteRoom. The best accomodation inside theship.
GeneralSantos City. Calvin and I watched the busy activity below.We were on the 3rd level of the ship.
Calvin'sBed. We slept in here for 3 nights. So we reallyenjoyed this trip.
LobbySunshine. This is in the main lobby of the ship.We decided to roam around and explore.
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IslandFiesta. This hallway goes to the dining area.
ChilledDelights. Calvin could not help himself but stareat the display. We decided to have a snack here.
SunDeck. This is at the top level of the ship whereyou can get all the sun and wind that you want.
Calvin'sWorld. This is also inside the ship. This is oneof the reasons why Calvin was not bored with our 3 day travel fromDavao to Manila.
ManilaSouth Harbor at Last. We are just glad to behere. Almost home.
Superferry16. This is the ship we rode in...on... ? whatever.
Cavite
Timeto Go. We went immediately to Cavite after ashort break at Pasay. We spent the night there. Samantha is Calvin'scousin. Here, they are saying their goodbyes.
TitaNurse. This is Michelle. Calvin remembers her as TitaNurse because she helped Calvin the last time we were at their house.
LoloAnong and Lola Tessie. Leth's Uncle and Aunt. They treatedus to a wonderful lunch at their house.
SM Mall of Asia
MOAat Last. Finally, we had the opportunity to brieflyexplore Mall of Asia.
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Downby the Bay. This Mall is on reclamation area. I just hopethat we would not drift along with it.
Carousel. Idon't know if riding here is carousing or not...
Globeof Steel. Calvin knows what that is. Whenever hesees that, he would shout its name out loud: "Globe!"
Various Firsts
Metro Manila
Market! Market! Located inside Renovated Fort Bonifacio, this is one cool place.
Train for Real. This is Calvin's first ride at the Metro Rail Transit. We rode here at Pasay and got off at Guadalupe station.All the while, Calvin is feeling the ride!
Pizza Perfect. Calvin also got to try Shakey's. We dined here while waiting for someone we will pick up at the airport.
Duty Free Philippines
Clark Field, Pampanga
DutyFree. The last of the duty-free shops here at Clark,Pampanga. It was a good timing when we passed by here. As the sign hereshows.
Max's Restaurant
Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City
Road Stop. We did not knowthat travelling can be famishing.
Max's @ Luisita. This was one refreshing sight after driving a long way from Manila.
Huh?. We don't thinkthis picture belongs here. Oh well, what's the harm?
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