Jan
2025

Parenting, once more from the top

categories: Uncategorized

M came in a time we weren’t really expecting any other children anymore. And at this very moment, we count three months, give or take, before the newborn says hello to this crazy world.

We entered 2024 committing to take care of our mom and fighting the Big C with her. And yet, the Lord gave our family another blessing, or maybe another challenge–to be parents once again to a newborn, given our advanced age. Our priest and pastor friends would joke that we were like Abraham and Sarah. Funny as it seemed, the age we can really now feel, with the sicknesses that comes with it.

It was a bit difficult for me at first to share that I am pregnant at 41. Apart from the high risk pregnancy, there came back my hyperthyroidism, which made diabetes and hypertension say hello from the corner. So I am closely monitored for all of these, and I had to ensure that baby and mommy are fine, that we got past the crucial first trimester, and that I feel good when I tell the world about this pregnancy. Of course I had to tell people at work and at church and clients about my situation and what they can expect when working with me, and finally, after five months, I was able to tell the world about this lovely blessing.

The moment I told social media about my pregnancy, the more I felt bigger. Imagine four months in and I can’t feel anything in my tummy, which made me super worried! But after the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, I must say I was relieved and truly truly happy with the fact that yes my husband and I are still able to bring in another child into the world.

Along with this of course, is the endless preparation for welcoming a newborn. I was even looking for classes since I feel like I’d be needing a refresher. A breastfeeding class would be nice, but Aria reminded me that I can give a workshop to myself as a peer counselor, so I might organize one soon. A lot of friends are also pregnant so a breastfeeding class would sound nice.

So, how do we do this, again? In this Gen Beta age? I asked for some tips on what do I need for the newborn, and I got one good advise from a fellow korista and breastfeeding advocate–the newborn only needs the mother, nothing more. We’ll start with that.

Two days more before the Feast of the Santo Niño, so we’d wish to offer our children, A and M, to Señor Santo Niño, the Christ Child, and may He hold our children so closely to Him, so they can be of good use to humankind and to society, and that they can grow into the persons the Lord intended them to be.

So help me, God!

~ Touringkitty


Oct
2024

Early Christmas treat with Philippine Ballet Theatre’s ”The Nutcracker“

categories: Uncategorized

Philippine Ballet Theatre’s ” The Nutcracker “ will open on November 30, 2024 at Samsung Performing Arts Theatre

Early Christmas Present

The Philippine Ballet Theatre received an early holiday gift that will keep the celebrations alive: PBT has been named the first National Performing Arts Company for ballet and contemporary dance for the years 2024-2029. This designation is in accordance with The National Performing Arts Companies Act (NPAC), which was enacted as Republic Act No. 11392 on August 22, 2018. This incredible honor was confirmed after a thorough series of deliberations and screenings. Ultimately, the company emerged victorious, thanks to its wealth of Filipino repertoire and a proven mark of excellence. PBT is approaching the challenge of maintaining national status with passion and unwavering focus. This milestone also brings a stronger support system for their artistic vision.

Stepping into the Holiday Season

One of PBT’s first decisions as NPAC for dance took shape on September 16, 2024. The indefatigable Anatoly Panasyukov from Russia returns as PBT’s ballet master. Born and trained in Russia, Anatoly graduated cum laude from the Bolshoi Ballet School. He has performed as a dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow and as a principal dancer for the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, as well as the Moscow Ballet Theatre of Classical Dance. While the younger generation of dancers may not be familiar with him, Anatoly is a household name in the dance community. He held the position of Ballet Master at Philippine Ballet Theatre from 1995 to 2020, a tenure briefly interrupted by the pandemic. With his stellar career and extensive teaching experience both locally and abroad, Anatoly’s return is anticipated to revitalize the company. He will also take the stage as PBT’s resident character dancer as needed. As Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario succinctly stated, “Anatoly is finally home. Our family is now complete, and we are ready for the holiday season.” He is truly regarded as the best Christmas gift the PBT dancers could receive this year.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Well-Seasoned Feast

Anatoly will join a brand-new cast debuting in *The Nutcracker*, where he will portray the mysterious Drosselmeyer. Sarah-Filippa Belgica will debut as Clara, alongside Sophia Martina Marie Lourdes Tiangco. Interestingly, Belgica and Martina are both PBT “babies,” having first danced on stage as party kids in the Philippine Ballet Theatre. Joanna Galeste, a homegrown talent, will debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy, alternating with Eloisa Jessa Tangalin. The role of the Nutcracker Prince will be played by Jimmy Lumba, alternating with Matthew Davo. Despite being a holiday staple, Philippine Ballet Theatre’s *The Nutcracker* is always infused with something new. This version, based on Gelsey Kirkland’s 1995 staging, features updated choreography by Ronilo Jaynario to the classical music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Adding even more flavor is Anatoly’s unique brand of storytelling. Seasoned to perfection, it promises to be a feast for the senses.

Closing the season with a magical tale about Clara’s journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, PBT’s *The Nutcracker* promises to be a vibrant spectacle. With generous support from Philippine Airlines as their primary partner, *The Nutcracker* will open on November 30, 2024, and run through December 1, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketworld or through the PBT Secretariat.For reservations and inquiries you may contact the following, (02) 8671 1697 | (0968) 870 8887 | (0912) 945 5151 | secretariat@pbt.org.ph

NUTCRACKER

Brief Synopsis

On Christmas Eve, Clara receives a magical nutcracker doll from her godfather, Drosselmeyer. As night falls, Clara is swept away into a fantastical dream when her toys suddenly come alive.She witnesses a battle between her Nutcracker Prince and the Rat king and by stroke of look she saves the Price. In gratitude the Prince brought Clara to a journey to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of the Sweets. A nightmare turns into a beautiful dream. But was it really a dream?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Sep
2024

Last day of the first year of the fourth decade

categories: Uncategorized

As I end the day and wrap up my tasks, I can’t help but reflect: Why me? Why this life? Why this situation?

But as the beloved St. Padre Pio always reminds us, Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry. Easier said than done, right?

Today is his Feast Day, too. Spent the entire morning cooking, meal prepping, and washing loads of dishes. Pretty much sums up my every day for the past months. Had to take the daughter for a check up, do some errands after which, and heard Mass with dear friends. I had a great day, as a matter of fact.

I have had a lot of worse days, especially in the past 365 days. Some days I am just feeling so overwhelmed, excited, accomplished, deadlines, etc.

It was a good day. And I pray for many many more in the next 365 and beyond.

Time to eat that sugar-free cake tomorrow!


~ Touringkitty


Mar
2024

Hi!

categories: Uncategorized

Or maybe… Hi? Whoa long time no blog!

Yes, I’m still here. And in the past few months…

– I turned 40
– I turned into a caregiver
– I am still alive, and for that alone, I am grateful.

What’s up this year? Who knows! Cos I don’t. I just let life go on, from now on, making sure to always have time to reflect and thank the Lord for whatever has been happening, and be as close to the people who truly matter. It’s enough for me, at least for now. Hope you are happy and well, dear reader!

Until the next! I am not posting as much on my socmed accounts, but you know where to find me!

~ Touringkitty


Aug
2023

White hair

categories: Writing

As I combed my Simba-like hair after my skincare routine, I saw a long strand of white hair. Make that sparkling silver. It was so sparkly, complete standout from my jet black messy wavy hair.

As a child, I earn a few coins by plucking out white hair from Papa’s head. What’s even funnier is I use two coins to pluck the tiny ones out. On the contrary, I was told not to pluck out white hair should I get one already, cos this would cause more white hair to grow.

And so the day came. I was checking out that strand, pondering about this childhood memory, and without thinking twice, plucked it out.

Questions flood my already busy brain: Was I not afraid to have more white hair? Do I want to hide the white hair with hair color? How many more could be there already?

But the one million dollar question was: Am I not afraid to get old?

Yep, life has gotten into the equation. And for now, it’s simply a matter of accepting that in less than two months, I turn 40.

Wait, was it just yesterday that I turned 30? Oh well, I definitely enjoyed this decade! This had more travels, performances, and a variety of performance and teaching opportunities, even when I had my family already, compared to when I was in my 20s.

I’ve always wondered how I’d look and be like at 40. Well, who knows and who cares, anyway! All I know is that I am happy and content more now than five years ago and ten years ago, where I met bullies in the workplace. But, no regrets! I learned a lot–one is to avoid being with people like them.

White hair is definitely a symbol of wisdom. And there is wisdom to aging, experiences, and learnings. Always.

~ Touringkitty (back to rambling on the blog!)


Mar
2023

Women who helped me be the woman I wish to be

categories: Parenting, Working Mama

Happy Women’s Day! Or Month! Or Year! No matter how you celebrate today, know that you, as a woman, is entitled to celebrate yourself anytime of the year, or everyday even!

Back when I was young, I remember women were associated with fickle-mindedness, probably because of mood swings and whathaveyous, that’s why typhoons are named after women (not anymore the case nowadays, thankfully!). But aren’t women also decisive, organized, and focused? I really didn’t get that comparison!

Anyways, that’s not what we’re going to debate over this blogpost, but I just want to share that as women, we tend to look up to our own heroes as we go through the process of life transitions. And here I am again (long time no blog!) to share these women who helped me be the woman I prayed to be. Still a work in progress, as I will soon parent a teenager (Ha! Where did time actually go!), so that’s another story for another day.

Here I go!

1. Of course, my family. My mom who was widowed rather early in life, my Lola who mothered seven children and still taking care of her apos and great grandchildren, and my so many aunts, cousins, and lolas–mothers, singles, career people in their own right. Seeing them and being with them on a regular basis made me pick up the good things they did for the family, and throw away the bad they may have done in the past.

2. My friends and colleagues from the music world, and there are many. I admire those who have continued their careers even beyond marriage, and I surely picked up a thing or two from their stories. I admire as well those who chose to dedicate their lives to the families they have been blessed with, or those who met crossroads in their musical careers and chose to do other things, that’s also a challenge to choose between personal career and family.

3. My church community–fellow volunteers and mothers of my choir members. Can’t deny the fact that I spend more time doing church work nowadays and seeing fellow volunteers every Sunday and other days of the week when we’re needed. They’re the most selfless people I know, dedicating their time, talent, and treasure in the Shrine community and in other outreach activities. On top of this list is Nanay Pining(+), the mother of the Shrine’s first Rector, Msgr. Bobby, who was very supportive of Mons Bobby in his priestly ministry.

4. My few true female friends who always got my back. One message or call and they’re there for me and my family. I am truly grateful for you all!

5. My Mommy Choir, the Nawtingales, and the bigger community we belong to, the Nawies. It’s no accident that I was put by the Lord in this online group, which has been a great source of inspiration, support, and now music through the Nawtingales.

6. LATCH Philippines and Breastfeeding Pinays. Grateful for being a part of these communities strongly advocating breastfeeding and proper nutrition for children.

7. Our Lady of La Leche Movement. The devotion to Our Lady of La Leche made me a better and gentler mother. It was a unique devotion that I get to share to fellow Catholics and believers who wish to find a spiritual source of strength as they rear their children.

8. My ninangs. Principal Sponsors in our wedding. I get to message them once in a while and they are always there for us.

9. My Ariadne. I have the honour to parent a beautiful, funny, creative, smart, and faithful child of God. Can’t wait for what God has designed her to be as she continues to discover the world she’s growing up on.

There you have it! Hope I didn’t get to miss anyone. So grateful to be surrounded by strong, courageous, women who truly make this world a much brighter place.

Happy Women’s Day! Or Month. Or Year!

~ Touringkitty


Dec
2022

7 things I learned as a church volunteer and a tribute to MBC

categories: Uncategorized

Never imagined I’d develop a working and personal relationship to a priest. Perhaps I was just lucky to be in a position that I got to work closely with a priest, being a church choir conductor and eventually an organization officer.

That’s why I am very grateful to the Lord for the gift of Rev. Msgr. Roberto C. Canlas, MBC or Mons Bobby to us volunteers and the community, Lolo Mons to Aria. To me, he was a spiritual adviser and a father figure, influencing most of my adult life as a Catholic, church volunteer, musician, and parent.

To honour Mons Bobby, here are some of the best things I learned from him and from the Shrine of Jesus community all these years. There are more, but these ones I would like to share to others who, like me, might be inspired and be reminded of, too.

1. Discipline. Mons Bobby makes this a top priority all the time. As volunteers, we should be the first examples of this to the churchgoers. Discipline in arriving early at church for Masses, meetings, or other events. Discipline in proper attire. Most of all, discipline and decorum during Holy Masses. He is being misconstrued as masungit and suplado (strict and a snob), but I totally get it when I had my own child, too. Discipline must be instilled by parents first, for who else should do this to their own children?

2. Give until it hurts. For Mons Bobby, helping is the constant call of a Christian. He would always call for a second collection or for help from volunteers whenever there are typhoons and earthquakes. He has a string of outreach activities to mark the Shrine’s Fiesta celebrations, be it medical mission, building classrooms, rebuilding communities, outreach visits to our needy brethen–in orphanages, home for the elderly, the sick. One of the most remarkable was when the Shrine raised one million pesos for the PGH Pediatric Cancer ward, and this was topbilled by a concert of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Mons made sure all volunteers and the community, regardless of the amount given, for as long as you have done your part is more important to him.

3. Planning ahead. For me, Mons is the king of planning. He would plan out church activities at least two months before. He has a clear picture of what the liturgy would be, and delegates the tasks to the council and officers to cascade to co-volunteer members. As for me, this includes planning and properly coordinating liturgical music prior the Mass. I learned to use the Ordo, too. I used to make a lot of mistakes, but I learned from them eventually.

4. Honour and love your parents. We are witnesses to this as he honours his own, especially Nanay Pining, who lived beyond a hundred years. What blessing it is for him to have served his own mother for a long time, even with his priestly duties.

5. Pray without ceasing. There are so many things I learned from Mons Bobby about praying. Sure, we pray everyday and hear Mass, but we should be specific in our prayer. Pray before and after each meeting or activity. Pray before and after meals. Pray for our departed loved ones. Pray during difficult situations. Pray during happy moments. Pray for families, friends, and other people. Seek the intercession of Mama Mary, the holy angels and saints. The holy hour and rosary during feast days help the community pray better and focus more on Jesus.

6. Honour the priests, especially the retired and elderly. Mons taught me to love, honour, and respect our priests. He has an annual activity for retired and elderly priests, and he invites us to sing for the Holy Mass and the program to sing some songs for them. Praying for the priests and the religious vocation is the best way to honour them.

7. Attitude of Gratitude. Walang Hanggang Pasasalamat. That was our theme for his tribute program. And that’s what he teaches us to do, as he also never runs out of words and ways to thank us, too, for serving our Divine Master alongside him all these years. Truly grateful for the opportunity to serve through the gift of music the Lord bestowed on us.

Walang hanggang pasasalamat, MBC! We wish you well in your new pastoral assignment. But we pray for your health and full recovery, first and foremost. Praise Jesus for the gift of new rector to the Shrine of Jesus as well as to all the churches of the Archdiocese of Manila! No goodbyes, Mons, but we will see you soon.

Will treasure that hug he gave during our wedding day which he officiated, and that hug as we were singing Walang Hanggang Pasasalamat.


Aug
2022

(In)security Shawls

categories: Uncategorized, Writing

Pardon the blurry, but I just want to get back to my writing mojo. Been quite a while, but here I go, trying to find my writing voice (yet again) in the midst of all the (social media) noise.

—

Back in the time when masks were not the “in” thing, my “mask” was a shawl.

Hung around my neck, around my waist, or onto my bag, I have always carried a scarf. Long ones, short ones, colourful and plain ones. I got one for each occasion that would require me to dress up and be in front of people.

I loved my shawls! Some I purchased abroad during tours, others lovingly gifted to me by family and friends. Keeps me warm when it is cold. Or to cover my nose and mouth when smoke and dust hit my face as I walk the polluted streets. Or just to accessorise.

But not anymore, I have not worn one since the pandemic began.

You see, I had a realisation that the shawls were just an accessory I can easily do away without.

So, in the middle of quarantine in 2020 and when we had to go back to serving at church, I found myself not bringing or wearing any. I realised it only a few months ago, while fixing the closet.

I then asked myself, what was I hiding with these shawls? My uneven looking body? My crooked waist, my be-pimpled neck? Will it hide my huge belly?

The shawls, I realised, felt like a rope stringing around my neck while I grasp onto my feelings of doubt, envy, hate, insecurity, weakness, fear. And as soon as I let go of that shawl, the negative feelings go with it and kept in the closet. Kept, not thrown, just like moments and memories, not to be forgotten. And worn again the next day.

I never got to touch any of the shawls for quite a while, not until I had to clean a corner of the closet which was left untouched for most of the quarantine.

And there it dawned to me, I was not anymore a prisoner of the shawls. By not wearing them, I also let go of the doubt, envy, hate, insecurity, weakness, fear.

As I was refolding and tidying my closet, I held each shawl and think about the memories I had with it. Good memories. The not so good ones were still there, not forgotten, but learned lessons from.

One of the last times I wore a shawl, a few days before the pandemic hit the country.
What’s left of the shawls. Some I have donated, some repurposed as keyboard and barre cover. And hello, Sablay! 😘🌻 best college graduation memory.

~ Touringkitty


May
2022

Request Civil Registry Documents online and anytime through PSAHelpline.ph

categories: Press Releases, Reviews, Uncategorized

Back in the day, I used to line up very early in the morning in the Pasay NSO Office in Macapagal Avenue to request for my Birth Certificate whenever we have a trip abroad, or for school enrollment. It would take up much of my time that sometimes I need to take a leave from school just to get one, or ask my mom to get one for me.

Things got easier, eventually. Malls have offered these services, too. However, you’d have to wait for a bit longer, and there is a bit of additional charge. Still good, compared to a whole day of lining up and picking it up.

Now, everything can be done online, anytime, and from anywhere in the Philippines, using the PSA birth certificate online application.

Website’s landing page.

The website is clean and easy to navigate. That’s always a plus for me and for most of us, for sure.

Upon clicking the Order Now button on the landing page.
I requested for a Birth Certificate for my daughter.

Enter the requested details and information, and you’ll be led to the payment options.

Conveniently pay using these channels, online and over the counter.

We received the document at home after 4 days. An ID is requested to receive the document.

You can also request for other civil registry documents such as Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate, and CENOMAR.

And there you have it! Hope ALL government agencies get to this point wherein Filipinos get quality service we truly deserve. Request your or your family’s birth certificate now through PSA birth certificate online application.

Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Philippines and PSAHelpline.ph for letting us experience this service.


Mar
2022

Cleene CLIO celebrates World Oral Health Day

categories: Health, Press Releases

Oral Health is something my parents paid attention to ever since my sister and I were young children. And I am so grateful for that, because we do the same for our own daughters.

Oral Health is also getting a spotlight, especially this World Oral Health Day 2022. With the different types of food that we take, our teeth surely needs that extra TLC.

A health care company led an initiative to reach out to families and promote oral health, especially during this time of pandemic wherein health is of top priority.

#nofilter showing off their healthy smiles.

To emphasize the importance of good oral health practices at home, Cleene CLIO has partnered with Manila Water Foundation and Philippine Dental Association to provide oral health kits to various barangays and schools as part of this year’s World Oral Health Day activities. Over 2,000 health kits containing Cleene CLIO toothbrushes and Dental Floss Premium from Cleene CLIO and PHILUSA were distributed to 12 barangays and to the chosen hygiene facility in Dinalaonan Elementary School in Pangasinan.

And as a special treat for World Oral Health Day, selected Cleene CLIO products will be sold at 20% off exclusively in Mercury Drug stores nationwide until April 15, 2022.

Cleene CLIO continues to be the partner of every Filipino family in promoting good oral hygiene by offering a wide range of affordable and quality toothbrushes.

Cleene CLIO toothbrushes are made with MicroFine Soft Bristles that help penetrate and clean hard to reach areas for better interdental cleaning and a gentle brushing experience. The tapered bristles penetrate between teeth and gums for thorough cleaning, while the rounded shape of the bristles remove plaque and prevent teeth and gum damage.

There is a Cleene CLIO toothbrush for every member of the family that is affordable and has world-class quality. For those wanting extra care and protection for your teeth, Cleene CLIO offers its Refreshing Green Tea and Ultimax Charcoal under their Special care line. While for those needing specialized care, Cleene CLIO has its Kiddie and Junior as well as 40+ for sensitive gum and teeth. It also has its economy toothbrushes for general oral health care for any age.

Cleene CLIO is available at Mercury Drug, leading supermarkets, drugstores and other retail stores nationwide as well as on all leading ecommerce websites: Shopee, Lazada, and the PHILUSA Online Store.

A product of proudly Filipino company PHILUSA Corporation, Cleene CLIO has been an ardent supporter of this global oral health initiative, especially with oral care given less priority during the pandemic when accessibility to dentists and visits to oral health facilities were challenging at the height of the lockdowns.

Touringkitty is a part of the Mommy Bloggers Philippines Community.