Celebrating Montfort Schools Centennial

 "Celebrating our past. Charting the future."

Yesterday was not our normal Saturday routine. I was up and about by 530am preparing the boys to be in school before 715am. What's the special occasion? Their schools (Montfort Junior School and Montfort Secondary School) were kicking up the centennial year with a mass held at the Church of the Nativity, which was beside the former location of the schools. And they were both part of the school choir/chorale. What an honor to be able to take part in this special centennial celebration.

Our First Official Thanksgiving

Last year, during our fall/winter holiday in the West Coast, we were fortunate to be able to spend Thanksgiving with our family in Arizona. It was our first Thanksgiving and I was all too excited about it. The catch though was that we had to drive for about 8 or so hours from Pasadena all the way to Arizona and arrive there in time!

As with the spirit of Thanksgiving goes, I am so grateful that we made it there safe and sound. Having to spend it with my cousin who is also my childhood best friend.

There are so many things to be thankful for, not only last year but the years before that and the years that will come. For the lessons learned, for the blessings received, for the friends I've made and the struggles I have overcome.

Revisiting Chinatown

It's been a while since I've been to Chinatown. I love coming here for the shops, the food and the ambience. Chinatown is one of the most popular areas in Singapore which attracts thousands if not millions of visitors (both local and foreign) every year. It was nice to be able to come here again after some time. 

Pentatonix: On My Way Home Concert, Singapore

Our hands are stinging

Our ears are ringing

Our voices are a bit hoarse from all the screaming (and singing along)

That goes to show how much we enjoyed PENTATONIX' singing!

Rest in Peace, Mr Lee Kuan Yew

taken from therealsingapore.com

It has been days since speculations about the worsening health condition of LKY started circulating online. All eyes were on the Prime Minister's official website for the latest (positive) news. Prayers and well wishes were pouring in the Prime Minister's Facebook wall. But today, a disheartening news brought tears not only to Singaporeans here and abroad but to those who have called Singapore their home for years. 

Red and Zumba: Two of the things I love

http://www.myheart.org.sg/event/dance-into-shape/54

I chanced upon this advertisement first on the newspaper. "Keep Calm and Go Red", it said. Red caught my attention being my favorite color. Then there's the Zumbathon event where women are invited to join in an afternoon of keeping fit while having fun. So what's this about and where do I sign?

Free Health Screening at Singapore Cancer Society

Singapore Cancer Society Free Cancer Screening Services brochure

It’s has been said over and over again that prevention is better than cure. What better way to live by this than to have regular health checkups, especially if you have a current medical condition or family history of medical conditions (for breast and colorectal cancer), or has been sexually active (for the case of cervical cancer). Regular cancer screening is important because early detection saves lives.

Welcoming 2015 and the Year of the Goat

taken at Lake Toya, Hokkaido

Few weeks ago we celebrated the coming of the New Year and just around the corner we will be welcoming yet another one. This time it’s the Chinese New Year. Both celebrations have always been big events all over the world with almost everyone counting down to the New Year (and the Lunar New Year). Every nation has its own way of welcoming the New Year and almost always it involves partying, music, performances, and the final countdown (whether be it a ball drop or fireworks on top of iconic buildings or bridges).

2015: A Year of Celebrations

Don’t we all want to have good stories written in our book of life? I sure want that for me and my family. As 2015 is a momentous year for Singapore commemorating its 50^th national day, there are several activities lined up leading to the month of August when the grand celebration will happen. This year also marks a number of special anniversaries and special events close to our heart.

Pope Francis visits the Phillipines

“If He asks much of you, it is because He knows you can give much.” - Pope John Paul II

As Catholics in the Philippines (and Filipinos all over the world) welcome Pope Francis, we unearthed this memento I got from the last time a Pope (John Paul II) visited the country. Ira got this from my stash of papers as we were revising his spelling list few hours ago. Coincidence?

Back to school in 2015

my boys are growing up so fast

It’s only the second day of the New Year and my boys were already geared up for the new school year.  Friday was the first day of school this year (yeah, I know!) and it has to be a family event. That meant daddy had to wake up early and go with the rest of us to the bus stop (special request by Ira).

Garden in a Bottle

Starting the year with an activity close to his heart, our young naturalist participated in an activity called “Garden in a Bottle”.