Learning Outside the Classroom

I always enjoyed joining field trips when I was still studying. Thus, I always made sure that my kids take part in this kind of activities too. My kids are still preschoolers, and last year they had two field trips! Until now, they can still remember the places we have been to. I believe the advantages of educational field trips as the kids explore and learn through a set of new surroundings.

It was my kids’ field trip yesterday and my husband and I shared this great day with them. Compared to last years field trip where we went to places in the nearby provinces of Laguna and Cavite; this school years' field trip is only around Manila. I was thinking of saying that we are not going because these are places in Manila that we can go to anytime. Then I realized that I do not want my kids to miss this adventure.

True enough, the kids enjoyed the field trip and it has been a fun day of learning. I have seen how they interact with their classmates and share this day with them too. It is also a bonding activity for our family. When most of their classmates are just with their "yaya's", my kids are proud that they are both with their mommy and daddy. It had been my commitment to share and be with them in this kind of school activities and I am making sure that I will not break this.

I would be sharing our field trip pictures in a couple of days.

4G Wireless Technology

It is very remarkable that with technological evolution, 4G is now making a leap. 4G is a stage of mobile broadband communication that supersedes the third generation. This is because mobile broadband use and the demand for faster and more responsive broadband continuously grow.

Now, you can start to explore 4G with Clear 4G. Through Clear, businesses and consumers can access high-speed Internet wirelessly. With Clear Wireless, downloading from the Internet will not be a problem anymore, for you will not have to spend huge amount of time downloading. With Clear's WiMax Internet technology, you can experience reliable and steady connection that is much faster than most Wi-Fi spots.

It is now time to get full Internet experience at home or on the go. You are lucky if you live in the city where Clear is already available. Sign-up for its service to experience the fastest wireless Internet. They offer packages with flexible options that surely fit your budget.

Sunny the Duck Chocolate Party at Fun Ranch

It had been another fun day at Fun Ranch! My family attended Sunny the Duck's 2nd birthday party celebration at the Big Red Barn. Thanks to Fun Ranch team for including us in the list of invitees. My kids enjoyed munching chocolates, watching the magic show and seeing the three mascots dance. It is indeed a Saturday morning filled with chocolately fun!

There is a food buffet, a chocolate fountain, and all the game prizes are chocolates. My younger sister enjoyed the games and she even won in the "sing-the-nips-jingle game." Even my kid's "yaya" had her part in the program. Hehehe. It is a party where the kids and the kids at heart are all having a great time. It was sugar-rush for everyone as they munch on chocolate products from the sponsors- Jackn'Jill Magic Coated, Nips, Chooey Choco, Cloud 9, Hello! Wafrets Sticks, Wiggles and Jackn'Jill Pretzels Filled Stix.

Funny how this party had been a great-to-meet-and-see-you-day for me. When the party started and the host got on stage, I knew he looks so familiar. It was like telling myself, "I knew you but I can't exactly remember where I've met you." When he came to get my kid's "yaya" to join him on stage, and he said the words "ate, dito pa tayo nagkita...," I then recalled him as one of my sister's friend. So, he is definitely someone I knew. He is Fun Ranch resident host-magician Jester, my sister's co-officer in high school, and my schoolmate too. He is a great party host and everyone is amazed at the wonderful show he performed.

It is at this party where I have met my husband's niece (who is years older than we are) for the first time. My husband and I did not even know that her family would be there too. It is also the first time where I have met another Multiply mommy-friend.

Fun Ranch is a place that my family truly loves and this is another Fun Ranch event worth remembering.

DFA Passport Renewal and Application

Mom would be getting a passport for my younger sister and she made use of the DFA Passport Appointment System. Through this system, she also scheduled for our family's passport renewal and the passport application of my kids. This Passport Appointment System is where passport applicants can set appointment with the Department of Foreign Affairs just by filing-out an online request form. Mom submitted a request form in the morning and received a confirmation in the afternoon; and we were scheduled two days after filing.

My parents, my two sisters and I arrived at the DFA building at 10:30 a.m. We had our applications and requirements verified, proceed to pay for the passport and fall-in line for the encoding process. Regular passport processing (14 working days) cost Php 500, while expedited processing (7 working days) cost Php 750. We left DFA 15 minutes before 12 noon. We all finished the application and renewal for about an hour. My husband who was scheduled in the afternoon finished his application in less than an hour; and his transaction even includes the lost-passport verification process.

Our family's experience in passport renewal and application went smoothly, compared to other people who would spend hours and even days in getting a passport. We simply followed the procedures and prepared all the requirements before going to the DFA. I could really say that our family's transaction at this government office did not stress us out.

Here are simple reminders that would somehow help passport applicants:

1. Check and prepare all the requirements, from the accomplished application form and documents before going to the DFA. This will really save you time in going back-and forth to the DFA.
2. Bring original copies of your proof of identities (NSO Birth Certificate, Marriage Contract, etc.) and ID. Also, have your IDs photocopied.
3. Make sure that your application forms and documents are presented well. Meaning, it is neat and not crumpled.
4. If you are using the Online Appointment System, be there at your scheduled time.
5. Don't be bothered by the fixers and shouters along the streets of Libertad.
6. If you want more convenience, you can opt for the help of a travel agency (with additional cost) or through courier, so you can just have your passport delivered at your home or office.

Important Links:
Passport Requirements
Passport Application Form
Passport Appointment System

Reaching a Hundred Posts

It took me eight months to reach my 100 post. I feel great even if I had reached my hundredth post quite too long. I started my A Woman Remembers blog this year and it is through this blog that I start to enjoy being part of the blogosphere. Through this, I began to exchange links, visit and read other blogs, drop a few lines and comments; and appreciate everyone who drops by my blog.

I am dedicating this post to my blog followers who have followed me through Google connect. Now I already have 61 followers! It might just be a small number but I am happy with this and I appreciate each one of you. Still, I am hoping that more bloggers would follow my blog.

To those who wants to exchange links with me, just let me know. Of course, I also appreciate all those who regularly visits my blog and comment on my blog posts; and those who have added me in their blog list.

Thanks everyone! I hope you would all continue to visit my blog.

Remembering Grandpa

It has been two years since we last celebrated a birthday with you. We all know that you have smiles in your face as we spent this day remembering you, your life and your love. This time, we remember you without any tears and sadness. We are all at peace knowing that you are without pain and how you followed the light. God have given each one of us His strength and binds your family even more. Still, we know that in our hearts you are truly missed.

We went to the cemetery so we can light a candle, greet you a Happy Birthday and say our prayers. How good it is to spend time with all those people who loves you - your daughters, your in-laws, your grandkids and your great grandkids; because this is what "mommy lola" wants, for she believes that this will make you happy too. Even "tito" who is working abroad called from the cell phone while we are in the cemetery. I know that even if my other "tito's" and "tita's" who are working abroad are not with us, they each share in greeting and remembering you.

We had an early dinner at SIS Macapagal, Roxas Boulevard for it is now "mommy lola's" favorite place. It is wonderful also to be there and remember all the countless celebrations we spent with you on that restaurant.

Everyone is also are taking care of our dear "mommy lola" (grandma) and visit her as much as we can in the home where I spent the years with you.

Happy birthday "Daddy lolo", I will always love you and you will always be in my heart.