These are the stories and scribbles of Cecile and mine as we take the steps of our lives towards parenthood, inspired by the few weeks that we had shared with Christian Gabriel last June 2006. Today, we remain hopeful and prayerful... that one day we would be blessed with a chance at parenthood.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Angel’s 2nd birthday
Our little daughter, Angel, celebrated her 2nd birthday weekend in many ways.
Whatever the way, form or manner of our daughter’s birthday, what counts the most is the family being together on this weekend.
We opted to spend a whole morning at Active Fun Bldg at Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Cecile has been very proud of this building as this is where the new McCann WorldGroup offices can be found and directly below their offices is a new playground, Active Fun.
The moment Rafa and Angel saw the play area, they were pulling us to get inside the place. But there was a line of kids with their parents who were all eager to enter.
The Toys R Us store directly besides Active Fun would provide temporary relief but still Rafa would run around the place.
We joined our kids for an hour inside the playground. Rafa and I took a few turns going down the slide, which was relatively high, but very safe. Rafa would attempt to climb up the slides. But he would slide back.
Angel was too small to slide down and could only watch her brother. Initially, she was afraid of the pool of plastic balls but after a few minutes, she would swim through through thousands of plastic balls. Dad got drowned here too.
Often, we can’t imagine where Rafa and Angel would get all their energy and stamina. Where? But I guess, they, too, want to spend as much time with their parents as we would like to spend as much time with our kids.
And on Angel’s 2nd birthday, time was the best gift we could give our daughter!
Happy birthday Angel.
We love you!
Labels:
Angel and Rafa Velez,
Birthdays
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Pictorial at Kraft Philippines
I know that back in the late 80s, Kraft was one of the clients of Cecile when my wife used to work at J Walter Thompson. I remember, during those days, I would call, 574681 and Zeny Toledo would answer. Zeny was Cecile’s secretary back in JWT. She is still with JWT and my wife is now with MWG.
But this blog isn’t about advertising agencies but about the pictorial of our kids, Rafa and Angel, for a feature article at “Working Mom” Magazine for their June 2012 “Father’s Day” issue. Yes, father are being featured next month in a mom-centric magazine. And today is the day we openly declare to media that Rafa and Angel are our loving adoptive children!
Am earlier pictorial was scheduled at the grounds of Mirriam College, but agency work tied me down. Yup, sorry, this isn’t about agency work.
It’s about a pictorial on the week of Angel’s 2nd birthday.
Lola Meya joined us for this pictorial, together with Yaya Salome. Like my kids, it was my first time inside the Kraft Philippines compound. And my mom had some good memories of Kraft too, back when she was working for the Manila Chapter of the Phil. National Red Cross.
But really, it was time spent with our kids that made this day another milestone on this birthday month of Angel. I really wasn’t prepared for this pictorial, even, my experience. Luckily, I brought an extra white colored shirt. Cecile prepared two sets of clothes for our kids. Unfortunately, work tied down Cecile at MWG.
Chester, the photographer, was good with our kids. Using the leaves that Rafa would play with as a toy to get the kids to smile! Good tactic! Thanks Chester!
I only wish that my wife, Cecile and mom could have been part of the pictorial. She would say, “Matagal pa ang paghintay natin kaysa sa actual na pictorial.” She was right. We arrived on time, around 4:00pm and got the lights and camera running around 5:00pm. But I was used to these delays. Nothing new for me. And the kids were having fun too!
Labels:
Angel and Rafa Velez
Monday, March 05, 2012
Our playpen
We have a little playpen in our Greenhome in Legaspi Village and for the past few months. This playpen has become their little kingdom and it is from here, where they would watch "Toy Story."
According to Wikipedia, the earliest use of the word "playpen" was from the Oxford English Dictionary back in 1902.
Our playpen is square-shaped and has vertical bars, which so far has withstood the pressure of our kids. Often, Rafa would be climbing in and out of this playpen. Soon, Angel would have her way in and out too of this playpen. We have not attached anything that moves or lights on this playpen! It has no side pockets.
It should have less obstacles as possible. And best not to have too much pillows or kumot inside the playpen. Chief's keeps this stuff to a minimum as our kids could get entangled with the kumot or sleep with the pillows over their own faces.
Once, I slowly got into this playpen as Angel was watching tv. But I remained at the center. Chief was a little worried that it couldn't support my weight. And once Rafa saw me inside the playpen, he quickly jumped over and joined Angel and me.
Now, I had to get out. Sometimes, I wish, I could with our kids inside this playpen.
Labels:
Kids Safety,
Rafa and Angel
Extremely Close, Incredibly Loud
Last Friday, Chief and I caught the movie, “Extremely Close, Incredibly Loud” at Greenbelt Cinema. Yes, it was Chief’s birthday and we both blocked off work schedules to spend the day together.It started with our gift for Chief. A Nestle Dolce Gusto Coffee-maker that Chief had always wanted. I got that gift from SM Makati. Just buying that gift can be a whole blog as the promo merchandiser from SM Supermarket and SM Appliance Center had different “pitches” for the same product.
Then, we had lunch at Italiannis Greenbelt. We have been here a few times and I have always enjoyed the unlimited bread, which often gets me “full” even before getting the main course.
Chief wanted to watch “The Vow” but Tom Hanks pulled us to watch “Extremely Close, Incredibly Loud.” The first scenes alone gave us some jitters. Thomas Schell, played by Tom Hanks was being buried. He died during the attacks at 9/11.
A series of flashbacks establish a scavenger hunt between father and son (played by Thomas Horn), who should have been nominated for a Best Actor Award in the recent Academy Awards. Thomas says, "if things were easy to find, they wouldn't be worth finding." Oskar explores his father's closet, breaks a vase and finds a key in an envelope that is labeled with the word "Black". The scavenger hunt for “Black” will take him three years, but I wouldn’t reveal how the hunt ended in this blog.

It released a few tears for Chief and I after the movie, which we will probably watch when Rafael is old enough to understand the words "if things were easy to find, they wouldn't be worth finding."
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Learning from The Descendants
Last Saturday afternoon, Chief and I, together with my mom watched “The Descendants.” And we all liked the movie. Nothing fantastic in terms of cinematography, but the storyline would touch anyone’s heart. And the Hawiian music which featured artists like Gabby Pahinui, Ray Kane and Keola Beamer playing slack key guitar. Wikipedia defines slack-key guitar is a fingerstyle genre of guitar music that originated in Hawaii. The style originated from the Mexican cowboys.
George Clooney has clearly transcended himself from being the young doctor in ER and even once, putting on the cape as Batman.
Based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, the story revolves around the challenges of Matt King, played by George Clooney. He has to take care of his two daughters, Scottie and Alex and the family estate which has been passed on to him by his descendants. His wife, Elizabeth, suffers an accident and won’t recover from a coma. Matt is sole trustee of the estate includes 25,000 acres of pristine land on the island of Kaua'i. Reminds me of our own property in Catandunganon, Camarines Norte.
The story gets complicated as one of the buyers is connected to Brian Speer (played by Matthew Lillard). Matt learns from Alex that his wife and Brian had a relationship.
Won’t reveal the ending as Matt and his daughters tracked down Speer through island of Kaua'i.
The movie serves to remind us on the challenges of parenthood. How we should balance work and parenting responsibilities. How we should spend more time playing and talking to our kids who are growing up fast and right before our eyes. Matt called himself as a “back-up parent” which we hope we won’t call ourselves in the future.
George Clooney has clearly transcended himself from being the young doctor in ER and even once, putting on the cape as Batman.
Based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, the story revolves around the challenges of Matt King, played by George Clooney. He has to take care of his two daughters, Scottie and Alex and the family estate which has been passed on to him by his descendants. His wife, Elizabeth, suffers an accident and won’t recover from a coma. Matt is sole trustee of the estate includes 25,000 acres of pristine land on the island of Kaua'i. Reminds me of our own property in Catandunganon, Camarines Norte.The story gets complicated as one of the buyers is connected to Brian Speer (played by Matthew Lillard). Matt learns from Alex that his wife and Brian had a relationship.
Won’t reveal the ending as Matt and his daughters tracked down Speer through island of Kaua'i.
The movie serves to remind us on the challenges of parenthood. How we should balance work and parenting responsibilities. How we should spend more time playing and talking to our kids who are growing up fast and right before our eyes. Matt called himself as a “back-up parent” which we hope we won’t call ourselves in the future.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The night after the lights
Every year, our friends get together to share the Christmas spirit among ourselves. As couples, Cesar and Marivic, Bob and Monch have been our friends for more than 25 years. Yes, our friendship goes back more than two decades.
The Parejas and Novales have their kids already. Actually, no more kids. Young adults. Cesar and Marivic have Miguel and Ia. Miguel now works for a listed company at PSE while Ia will soon finish college and maybe, study abroad. Bob and Monch have both Rad and Trey studying at Ateneo. Photo shows the young Novales boys (Trey and Rad) and Ia Pareja (right).
Us, we are young parents, raising Rafa and Angel within the confines of our greenhome in Legaspi Village and around Makati. Have not yet gone together as family to as far as Tagaytay. Or maybe, the Big Apple some day soon.
This photo shows all of us parents enjoying coffee at Coffee Blendz after watching the light show at Ayala Triangle and enjoying dinner at CBD Restaurant. We had walked all the way from CBD Restaurant to Solaris Bldg along dela Rosa Street, in Legaspi Village to find a coffee shop as most coffee shops were closed by that time... 11pm.
By that time, the siblings were already asking their parents, "What time are we going home?"
Happy new year to all the parents in blogosphere!
Us, we are young parents, raising Rafa and Angel within the confines of our greenhome in Legaspi Village and around Makati. Have not yet gone together as family to as far as Tagaytay. Or maybe, the Big Apple some day soon.
By that time, the siblings were already asking their parents, "What time are we going home?"
Happy new year to all the parents in blogosphere!
Burgers and Gifts @ CBD
It is all our first time together to eat at CBD Restaurant which is owned by the Meat Plus Group. It's Shake and Bake is one of my favorite drinks, but it has too much calories. The place was full on the last night of the Christmas Lights Show at Ayala Triangle.
There was a long line facing the cashier. But surely, all the other places around Ayala Triangle would have SRO crowd during these past few days and most specially, on the last night of the Christmas Lights Show. Young and old folks alike, from all walks of life, have come to Ayala Triangle to enjoy the 20 minute lights and music show.

Photo shows Angel opening her gift from Monch.

Photo shows Rafa opening his gift from Marivic.
Maybe, next Christmas, the park authorities can make the show interactive? Have live music? Light, jazz music. Or even a caroling festival among local choirs? A giant Christmas tree at the middle of the park? Free goodies for kids? Or even Santa?
There was a long line facing the cashier. But surely, all the other places around Ayala Triangle would have SRO crowd during these past few days and most specially, on the last night of the Christmas Lights Show. Young and old folks alike, from all walks of life, have come to Ayala Triangle to enjoy the 20 minute lights and music show.
Photo shows Angel opening her gift from Monch.
Photo shows Rafa opening his gift from Marivic.
Maybe, next Christmas, the park authorities can make the show interactive? Have live music? Light, jazz music. Or even a caroling festival among local choirs? A giant Christmas tree at the middle of the park? Free goodies for kids? Or even Santa?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Walking around Burgos Circle
A few hours ago, we met up with a good friend Rene Bernal at Burgos Circle. This place is one of our favorite places around BGC. It is a few minutes drive out of Legaspi Village, passing through McKinley Road in Forbes. There are some pretty good restaurants in the place and for the second time, we are eating at Johnny Rocket. Guess, it is the singing and dancing crew that we find interesting. But sometimes, all the partying affects service. What we like most is the bottomless fries!
Photo shows Chief, with Ninong Rene holding on to Rafael!
And around Burgos Circle, we appreciate the wide open space where kids can freely run around, stretch their muscles and use up their excess energy, specially, for Rafa and Angel. This afternoon, there was a lot of space and there were no kids around.
Both seem to have so much energy and even more love for each other as they hold hands while walking around the grass area.
Cecile and I would need to get back to the threadmills at Fitness First to keep in shape.
Yes, parents like us have to be in tip-top shape!
And around Burgos Circle, we appreciate the wide open space where kids can freely run around, stretch their muscles and use up their excess energy, specially, for Rafa and Angel. This afternoon, there was a lot of space and there were no kids around.
Cecile and I would need to get back to the threadmills at Fitness First to keep in shape.
Yes, parents like us have to be in tip-top shape!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dinner with Pantaleons
Among the many friends we met while Chief and I were based in Saigon, Mila and Bingo Pantaleon are our BFF. Yes, Bingo started out as a client of Chief while she was Managing Director of McCann Vietnam and Bingo was Marketing Director of United Pharma Vietnam. Locally, they are United Laboratories.
Through our tour of duty, we often went out as couples, having lunch at Al Fresco along Dong Du Street or after office coffee at the lobby of Sheraton Hotel. Or red wine, if Philip Tiongson was feeling harassed.
Mila and Chief shared the passion for shopping. I remember as our tour of duty was winding down and my cousin, Patrick Velez, was staying with us, we all made an out of town trip to a ceramics factory. Panic buying.
These days, Bingo and Mila are based in Burma. And every Christmas, it is a must for us to get together .
This Christmas, the Pantaleons proudly showed off their new place near EDSA Shangrila Mall. And it a beautiful place with a great view of the city, whether the CBD side or Greenhills side. Their corner condo unit faces EDSA and Ortigas.

Here is a photo of the food, all from Conti’s!
Am sure Chief would like to have a well-designed and arranged home like this one. With less the clutter and kalat all over our current Greenhome. But we can’t really avoid kalat. We have Rafa and Angel to keep us busy! And that is what kids are for, right?
Through our tour of duty, we often went out as couples, having lunch at Al Fresco along Dong Du Street or after office coffee at the lobby of Sheraton Hotel. Or red wine, if Philip Tiongson was feeling harassed.
Mila and Chief shared the passion for shopping. I remember as our tour of duty was winding down and my cousin, Patrick Velez, was staying with us, we all made an out of town trip to a ceramics factory. Panic buying.
These days, Bingo and Mila are based in Burma. And every Christmas, it is a must for us to get together .
Here is a photo of the food, all from Conti’s!
Am sure Chief would like to have a well-designed and arranged home like this one. With less the clutter and kalat all over our current Greenhome. But we can’t really avoid kalat. We have Rafa and Angel to keep us busy! And that is what kids are for, right?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Gabutina Photographers
Here are some more pictures from the Gabutina Clan reunion taken from a photographers view point. There are many photos taken during the reunion held Christmas day in the old house in GSIS Village. This was where Cecile grew up while she was studying in UST and now, the house and the school, plays hosts to the Gabutina clan.
Photo shows the aspiring and avid photographers in the clan, led by Tito Lorenz Gabutina, who recently retired and teaches in St. Scholastica and College of Fine Arts and Design.
Photo shows Boom Gonzalez using his Galaxy Tab to take a photo of Cecile and Anne, who always has a ready smile for any photo opportunity.
Tito Lorenz takes a photo of three Gabutina angels.
Vangie takes a photo of our little Angel and Cecile.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Bubbles and slides at Legaspi Park
What is it in bubbles that makes kids and toddlers chase them up?
Earlier, both Rafa and Angel, together with other kids and toddlers were chasing bubbles inside Legaspi Park. And the kids don't really mind whether the adult who is blowing the bubbles away is their own mom or dad, what matters are the bubbles.
Legaspi Park is just a five minute walk from our greenhome. In the mornings and late afternoon, it is full of young and old joggers. Cecile and I have jogged around Legaspi Park a few times, specially, when we need to "train" for a fun run.
This Christmas season, a couple of all-white Christmas trees were put up. Nothing really fantastic in terms of design and color, but does give the park some kind of Christmas spirit.
It is not really a clean park and even, child-friendly. There is no comfort room inside the park. One would need to go to Starbucks at the corner of Rufino and Legaspi Streets to relieve oneself.
The slide is old and has some rust. I don’t think they even sweep it or clean it. Sometimes, some older kids or even high school boys play around this place and they bump off the toddlers! The park authorities should have a round the clock security guard to keep the boys out of the slide. And by 7pm, it is really dark as there are no lights inside the park, which makes it look gloomy and dark. Maybe, the MACEA authorities or LGU can do something to improve this park to make it more ideal and fun for parents and kids to share time and fun together!
But for kids, it really doesn’t matter. Rafa, wearing the Canada-branded baseball cap that Minnie gave a few months ago, still enjoys the slide.
Legaspi Park is just a five minute walk from our greenhome. In the mornings and late afternoon, it is full of young and old joggers. Cecile and I have jogged around Legaspi Park a few times, specially, when we need to "train" for a fun run.
This Christmas season, a couple of all-white Christmas trees were put up. Nothing really fantastic in terms of design and color, but does give the park some kind of Christmas spirit.
It is not really a clean park and even, child-friendly. There is no comfort room inside the park. One would need to go to Starbucks at the corner of Rufino and Legaspi Streets to relieve oneself.
The slide is old and has some rust. I don’t think they even sweep it or clean it. Sometimes, some older kids or even high school boys play around this place and they bump off the toddlers! The park authorities should have a round the clock security guard to keep the boys out of the slide. And by 7pm, it is really dark as there are no lights inside the park, which makes it look gloomy and dark. Maybe, the MACEA authorities or LGU can do something to improve this park to make it more ideal and fun for parents and kids to share time and fun together!
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Gabutina Clan 2011 Christmas Reunion
During one of our visits, she also gave Rafael a blessed figure of Christ on the cross. She said that she would rather give it to Rafael than bring it to her when she died.
I asked Juluis to keep watch over Rafa, Angel and Keno as they played in one room, where all the toys were kept.
Part of tradition during the reunion is the clan pictures.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Daily Blessed Experiences

Our son is growing up right before our very eyes! These are amazing moments in the steps of our lives. Totally new blessed experiences that bring joys and smiles to us, our families and friends. Photo shows us having dinner at Italianni's in Bonifacio High Street.
Photo shows Rafael exploring what the white Black and Decker electric fan is made of.These blessed experiences, thanks to Him, include:
1. Sofa surprise. One night in May 2011, dad suddenly saw Rafael in the sofa. He just moved into the kitchen to prepare dinner as mom as changing to “pambahay.” Within a few seconds, he was able to climb over his playpen and got himself seated in the sofa. He was looking guilty that moment. And it seemed that Angel CG plucked him out of his playpen and placed him in the sofa.
2. Playcar. He has outgrown the play car that Carla, Geneve and Nicole had sent by balikbayan box last year. He still can squeeze into the driver’s seat but his weight challenges him to move around our Greenhome. Now, we have to hide it from him as he tries to fall asleep but is quick to find out where we hide it.
3. Twelve kilos. Yes, his weight. He now weighs nearly 12 kilos. Nearly as heavy as dad’s black Macbook. During our last trip at Subic Zoofari, I was carrying Rafael most of the time around the place, together with my laptop inside my red Samsonite knapsack. That’s nearly 25 kilos on dad’s back.
4. More than 25 words. As he turns two by the 25th of May, he should be saying 25 words. Well, he knows more than 25 words. Word like iPad and juice, and all the names of the characters in Disney Playhouse!
5. Toddler class. These are major steps in our lives as parents. Rafael going to “Smart Explorers” playing and learning. Photo shows Rafael during his first day as an official smart explorer.
These are among the many blessed beautiful moments that happen in our daily lives with Rafa! There will definitely be more experiences to look forward to, but for now, can we just stop and cherish these moments!
Labels:
Parenthood Steps,
Rafael Velez
1st Toddler Class
Last Thursday, Rafael took his first steps at "Toddler" Class at Smart Explorers Pre-School. Yes, our loving son is meeting new and old friends at "Toddler" Class. There were about five little boys in the class. One of them is Padi Wenceslao, the boy who lives besides our condo unit.
The next day, Rafael seems restless around 11am. He didn't want to sleep and seem expecting to go to his "Toddler" class. Guess, he thinks it would be part of his daily routine. Not yet Rafael. Maybe, twice a week, all through this summer!
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Rafael is a smart explorer
Kids are all smart explorers.
They are naturally curious of things, gadgets and colors around their environment. At home, Rafael is already an explorer. Whether it be around the book shelves or under the wooden sofa, which is vintage furniture from our tour duty in Saigon, Rafael's curiosity will take him to all nooks and corners of our Greenhome. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him under the sofa reaching out for his toy car or a piece of Lego.
He now can reach the ref and call out "apple juice." He could pick out the small bottled water in the ref and gulp from it. Soon, he could reaching our front door knob. Now, we always have to lock the door. He punches the keyboard of dad's Macbook.
At "Smart Explorers" Pre-school, last 5 May 2011, Rafael discovered and explored his new playground. And it's very convenient as it is only a few meters away from our Greenhome in Legaspi Village. Teacher Melay (in a green T-shirt) welcomed Rafael with wide open warms and widest smiles!
There are more bright colors and helmets in all shapes and sizes. Plus, a trampaulin and slide. Music provides for a fun and happy environment. It may not as big and wide as Gymboree at Rockwell but is definitely a much better and safer playground that Legaspi Park!
Here's a video that Cecile took of our son's first official day as a smart explorer!
They are naturally curious of things, gadgets and colors around their environment. At home, Rafael is already an explorer. Whether it be around the book shelves or under the wooden sofa, which is vintage furniture from our tour duty in Saigon, Rafael's curiosity will take him to all nooks and corners of our Greenhome. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him under the sofa reaching out for his toy car or a piece of Lego.
He now can reach the ref and call out "apple juice." He could pick out the small bottled water in the ref and gulp from it. Soon, he could reaching our front door knob. Now, we always have to lock the door. He punches the keyboard of dad's Macbook.
At "Smart Explorers" Pre-school, last 5 May 2011, Rafael discovered and explored his new playground. And it's very convenient as it is only a few meters away from our Greenhome in Legaspi Village. Teacher Melay (in a green T-shirt) welcomed Rafael with wide open warms and widest smiles!
There are more bright colors and helmets in all shapes and sizes. Plus, a trampaulin and slide. Music provides for a fun and happy environment. It may not as big and wide as Gymboree at Rockwell but is definitely a much better and safer playground that Legaspi Park!
Here's a video that Cecile took of our son's first official day as a smart explorer!
Labels:
Rafael Velez,
Smart Explorers
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
More steps around Subic Zoofari
We spent three days and two nights at a house Binictican, which costs around 7,500 pesos a night. A little expensive, but it was worth the trip out of Manila to take these steps around the Subic Zoofari.

The house had three bedrooms. Nady took one bedroom while Rene and Juami shared one bedroom. The biggest room went to us. Grace, our broker, left some plastic paper plates and utensils for us. While we brought some pans, Rene cooked breakfast. Yummy. Omelet with tomatoes and onions!
There was a slight problem with the front door which Grace had someone fix within our first day. The place was newly-painted. Can just imagine the former American officials who used to live in this place and around Binictican until Mount Pinatubo drove the Americans back to their homeland.
Around Zoofari, Nady and Rene took these photos. I really couldn’t snap much pictures as I carried Rafa most of the way around Zoofari.




The house had three bedrooms. Nady took one bedroom while Rene and Juami shared one bedroom. The biggest room went to us. Grace, our broker, left some plastic paper plates and utensils for us. While we brought some pans, Rene cooked breakfast. Yummy. Omelet with tomatoes and onions!
There was a slight problem with the front door which Grace had someone fix within our first day. The place was newly-painted. Can just imagine the former American officials who used to live in this place and around Binictican until Mount Pinatubo drove the Americans back to their homeland.
Around Zoofari, Nady and Rene took these photos. I really couldn’t snap much pictures as I carried Rafa most of the way around Zoofari.



Labels:
Nady Nacario,
Rene Bernal,
Steps around Subic
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Tigers of Zoofari

It was Rafa’s second trip to Subic. Last year, we took these steps with Max and Grace and Kai. And we explored the dolphins at Ocean Adventure. Although, Rafa was a little afraid of the dolphins. Maybe, as he grows older, he would learn to appreciate these intelligent dolphins.
Last week, we took the steps around Subic with Rene Bernal and Nady Nacario. We arrived late Thursday afternoon at Binictican due to traffic along NLEX. Maybe, most Manilenos were heading to out of town for the long weekend.
We hit Zoofari Friday morning as we were expecting a big crowd on that day. True enough, it didn’t seem like Holy Friday here at Zoofari as families in all shapes, sizes and color were around Zoofari.

The day started with a short program and animal show. Not really interesting. No special tricks that one hasn’t probably seen around. Plus, there was little audience participation. And those who did get a chance to go on stage got discount coupons. Not really an attractive incentive.
The safari ride in an enclosed jeep was a long wait after long walks around the zoo under the heat of the sun. It was around noon when we were in the safari, which was really a small enclosed area.

Only one tiger was around waiting to be teased. Our guide convinced us to shed out 200 pesos (at one hundred pesos per group) so a chicken could be fed to the tiger who would teased to approach the grills of the jeep. But by this time, this tiger would have surely eaten his ____th chicken.
Do you think the tiger went to our jeep, growled at us or even jumped on the roof?
I read that tigers are territorial. They are also solitary animals which is probably why there were one or two tigers in the cages around Zoofar. Many of their kind have gone extinct.
Today, these tiger will long be in the mind of Rafael as it was his first up close and personal encounter with these “big cats.”
Photos by Nady Nacario and Rene Bernal
Labels:
Nady Nacario,
Rene Bernal,
Steps around Subic
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Top 10 Oldest Restaurants
According to Yahoo! News published last 03 September 2010, the top 10 oldest restaurants that we would like to bring our Rafa one day include:
10. SAVORY (1950) 201 Escolta Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila with various branches Tel. no. 243-0336 Open from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight daily
9. LITTLE QUIAPO (1949) 90 Malakas St. Brgy. Piñahan, Quezon City Tel. no. 922-4131 Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
8. MAX’S (1945) Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran, Parañaque, Manila with various branches Tel. no. 832-1991 Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
7. ONGPIN MANOSA RESTAURANT CO. (1940) 926 Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closes earlier on Sundays
6. BOY CHING WOO (1939) 103 BCW Building, J. Rodriguez Street, Caloocan City Tel. no. 287-1430 Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
5. ARISTOCRAT (1936) 432 San Andres St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate Tel nos. 524-7671 to 80 loc. 225 or 230 Open 24 hours daily
4. RAMON LEE’S PANCITERIA (1929) 540 Ronquillo Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. no. 733-0642 Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday
3. MA MON LUK (1920) Quezon Boulevard, Manila Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
2. AMBOS MUNDOS (1888) 750 Florentino Torres Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. no. 734-1160 Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
1. NEW TOHO FOOD CENTER (1888) 422 Tomas Pinpin Street, Binondo, Manila Open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Among all, Cecile and I have eaten at Max's Restaurant and Aristocrat, often with our own parents. Rafa has tasted Max's Fried Chicken, while their chicken sisig is a favorite!
10. SAVORY (1950) 201 Escolta Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila with various branches Tel. no. 243-0336 Open from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight daily
9. LITTLE QUIAPO (1949) 90 Malakas St. Brgy. Piñahan, Quezon City Tel. no. 922-4131 Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
8. MAX’S (1945) Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran, Parañaque, Manila with various branches Tel. no. 832-1991 Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily7. ONGPIN MANOSA RESTAURANT CO. (1940) 926 Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closes earlier on Sundays
6. BOY CHING WOO (1939) 103 BCW Building, J. Rodriguez Street, Caloocan City Tel. no. 287-1430 Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
5. ARISTOCRAT (1936) 432 San Andres St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate Tel nos. 524-7671 to 80 loc. 225 or 230 Open 24 hours daily4. RAMON LEE’S PANCITERIA (1929) 540 Ronquillo Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. no. 733-0642 Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday
3. MA MON LUK (1920) Quezon Boulevard, Manila Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
2. AMBOS MUNDOS (1888) 750 Florentino Torres Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. no. 734-1160 Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
1. NEW TOHO FOOD CENTER (1888) 422 Tomas Pinpin Street, Binondo, Manila Open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Among all, Cecile and I have eaten at Max's Restaurant and Aristocrat, often with our own parents. Rafa has tasted Max's Fried Chicken, while their chicken sisig is a favorite!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Complaint for Pizza Hut Greenbelt

Below is a copy of a complaint for Pizza Hut Greenbelt which is NOT a baby-friendly restaurant!
Store: Glorietta IV Branch
Date: 01 August 2010
OR# 4751
Primary Complaint: Poor customer service
Ten Specific Complaints
1. When we entered the outlet and being led to our table, close to the cashier, one of the crew (lady in black) was obstructing my way to take my seat. She knew that we were moving towards that table and should have given way first prior talking to another crew in the place.
2. We asked to be transferred to another table, closer to an aircon as that first table assignment was a hot spot. Note that we had a 13 month old baby. We were transferred with ease to a table, closer to an aircon and a cashier.
3. When my wife was asking for extra napkins, we were with-in striking distance from the cashier, where the cashier (Carmelita Pineda) and crew members. One of your female crew members motioned to another crew member to give us extra table napkins. Note that she was near our table and it wouldn't take one minute to come to our table and give us extra napkins.
4. When we were paying our bills, I just handed over the bill with 500 pesos to the cashier (forgot her name). She put aside the plastic plate with the bill and money which I placed on the counter. This plate fall off the counter and into the adding machine (?). Her action and body language seem to imply get away from here. She could have easily said, "Could you give me a couple of minute while I finish my transaction?"
5. By this time, we had lost our cool and verbalized our frustration. I asked for the manager and the cashier referred me to Ms. Pineda, who is actually NOT a manager but a cashier.
6. I asked Ms. Pineda to give me names and contact details of the store manager. She was NOT focused on her task as she wrote these info in another receipt, which was NOT our own receipt and she re-wrote it in another sheet of paper.
7. Minutes had passed before Mr. Romel Canonigo had come to us! I explained in frustration the poor service and slow reaction towards our complaints.
8. My wife had already walked out with our baby and the stroller. She later informed me that nobody offered assistance by opening the door for her.
9. Try calling the number of the outlet at 5560511 as indicated by Ms. Pineda and see fast you would get an answer. Have been trying to call that number to reiterate my complaint but that phone is never answered.
10. We also requested for a high chair for our 13 month old baby but was informed there was NO high-chair. Then, later Mr. Canonigo informed us that they had a baby stool available. We were NOT informed that an alternative was available. Isn't a high chair a "must" for restaurants? We have eaten at Max's and even Shakey's in Greenbelt and they have high chairs available.
Note that in two other previous dining occasions in this outlet, we had suffered poor customer service. On one occasion there was a hair strand in our pizza. We complained and they just replaced the pizza.
This is very frustrating and am considering filing a formal complaint with the Consumer Welfare Desk and/or the Department of Trade and Industry.
Would appreciate your immediate investigation of the matter.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Discovering Boracay's Beauty
It was going to be a most memorable birthday weekend for dad as we all went to Boracay. Yes, it was part business but could still squeeze in some important quality time with our son Rafael. Above photo shows Cecile embracing Rafael reallly tight as the cool breeze hits the shores of Boracay.
Mommy Meya and Minnie also flew in to Boracay for this weekend. It was also their first time to enjoy the fine white sands of Boracay, but most of all, spend many rare moments as Rafael takes his first steps in the beach.
Photo shows Gil holding Rafael who wants to run around the beach,
Photo shows Cecile protecting Rafael from the strong winds the hit the shores of Boracay.
Labels:
Boracay,
Minnie Velez,
Parenthood Steps
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