Philippine Military Academy Alumni Home Coming 2013

Year 2012 PMA Alumni Homecoming was a complete family treat. This year is different though since it became a "me" travel time. Why? Because I just gave birth and the weather that time in Baguio City is not conducive for a newborn baby like my little girl. This year's alumni homecoming was held last February 16. This was a special year for my class since it was our first AHC as the most junior host. Here are some of the photos taken during the AHC 2013.

Navy Group Meet-Up. From the Left: Soldier Mom, Grace, Gem and Suzi.
Technically, we are all soldier mommies. Grace and I are army wives while
Gem and Suzi are navy wives. We are all six female navy cavaliers for
class 2008. The two other cavalier weren't able to attend that meet-up.

This was the apartelle where the class stayed. Funny thing is, it even looked and 
read like "Baghawi Apartelle."

Soldier Mom, Kristel, my goddaughter Noa and her Mommy, my own friend
and my Mistah's wife, Mommy Glaiza of Mommy Musings.

The group I was with the whole day. From the left: My cousin Kristel,
my mistah Bajix with his fiancee, my buddy Claire and Paul. We had a light
breakfast prior our registration and attendance to Open House.

My cousin Kristel at the CCQ Station (where
the guard of the barracks stays).

With my former mistah. now underclass and mommy
friend Maan during the barracks inspection

With my mistah and company mate Suzette.

With Maan, Suzette, Midan and Kristel at the Female Barracks.

Kristel with the Alfans at the Alfa Company Barracks.

The company where I graduated...the best company...Alfa Company!

Alfa.....Uwa!Uwa!Alfa!

First time to sit on a cadet bunks.

With my fellow Indians.

Right after the Open House (Showcasing of the Cadet Barracks), my mistahs and I took time for some photo ops. PMA Baghawi Air Force group with me. 

The PMA Baghawi Ladies present in the parade grounds. It was a very fruitful experience having attended our Junior Host.

It was really a euphoric experience. It has been five years since we all marched and graduated and became a certified member of the long gray line. Kudos PMA Class of 2008! May we always live in accordance to our class name meaning. Until next alumni homecoming!

Placenta Previa: Alfa/Army's Early Arrival

     A usual pregnancy last for about 40 weeks, though at 37 weeks, our placenta becomes mature and is ready for child birth until the 42nd week in allowance. During those 40 weeks or so, some infanticipating women luckily experience a normal pregnancy while a portion of this population encounters some complications.
     My second pregnancy was normal from my first semester up to the last trimester. I was even able to fly to Davao last New Year's break. How? Of course I was given a medical certificate by my OB-Gyne.
     Last September 2012, I also had my congenital anomaly scan. Everything about my little girl was normal. On the other hand, it was found out that I had a low lying placenta. Nevertheless, last December, my doctor informed me that my baby's condition to include me is perfect. Like I said, I was eventually given a medical certificate stating that I was allowed to travel by plane and that my condition was fine.

Photo courtesy of  www.webmd.com

     It was a smooth sailing pregnancy all along that is why last January 1, 2013, Tatay GM (my husband) and I did not expect that a bleeding would occur. I was rushed to Tagum Doctor's Hospital in Tagum City. I was diagnosed to have a placenta previa. Accordingly, it is a problem of pregnancy wherein the placenta grows in the lowest part of the uterus or thw owmb and covers a part if not all of the opening to the cervix. Moreover, my OB-Gyne was able to discuss the four types of placenta previa according to severity which include: low lying (my first findings), marginalis (my condition when I was rushed to Tagum Doctors Hospital), partial and totalis (my condition the day I gave birth). To avoid complications, I had a dose of steroids to aid my baby's developing lungs.
     My attending doctor gave me a permission to be discharged from the hospital last January 2. We then pushed thru with our flight at about 2000H on the same day. We eventually arrived in Pangasinan the next day, January 3. On that morning I did bleed again and was once again rushed to my OB-Gyne's clinic. My doctor decided to keep me under observation. My bleeding continued until the next day. Finally, my doctor informed me that there is no better way to keep me and my child away from harm other than emergency CS. So last January 5, 2013 at about 7 in the evening, Mara Viktoria (Alfa or Army for short) was born.
     For further information on placenta previa, you may check on these sites:

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001902/
• http://www.babycenter.com/0_placenta-previa_830.bc
• http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=322&channel_id=2062&relation_id=74737

Thank God, Army and I are okay now. And thank God for another gift of life. How about you mommies? What did you experience during your pregnancy? 

My Pregnancy Book Partners

My first-born Echo, was delivered last 2011. From the day I knew I was pregnant, a lot of questions lingered in my mind. What do I need to keep my body strong for my little baby growing inside of me? What should I eat? What vitamins to take? Etc. I think majority of the mothers will agree with me that no woman is ever ready for child-bearing. The arrival of my little girl last January 5 of this year was a surprise as well. We may be emotionally, financially and spiritually ready but no one is ready for that physical changes and challenges. That is why as a book worm, I decided to turn to various reading materials. These are some of may favorite reading materials when I was still pregnant:

1. What To Expect When You're Expecting. This book was written by Heidi Murkoff. Honestly, I was not able to read this book during my first pregnancy. I read a summarized type of book when I was still pregnant with Echo (which I will discuss later).

This book is a complete guide of that 40 weeks of your pregnancy. It discussed about what you will possibly encounter, feel and experience during those 40 weeks to include the fainting and vomiting spells and how to cope with it. 

Likewise, this book answered most of the common and peculiar questions at the same time of an infanticipating woman. Personally, I made this book as my "infanticipating bible" the first day I knew that I was again pregnant with my little Alfa. Oh, I almost forgot! This book was first introduced to me by my good friend Mommy Glaiza of Moomy Musings. That's the good thing about having book worm friends circle.

This book almost costs Eight Hundred Pesos (Php 800.00) to a thousand box when bought in leading bookstores. But since I'm a money-wise book worm and mommy, I was able to buy a copy of it at Two Hundred Sixteen Pesos (Php 216.00) only.

2. Pregnancy and Childcare. This book was written by Dr Jenny King, a clinical psychologist. This was the book I read when I was still conceiving my firstborn Echo. It all talked about Pregnancy, labor and birth, infant care, parenting and right and wrong in child discipline. Those topics were summarized in about 103 pages only.

This book was only given to me by my former boss and upperclass LT XYLEE C PACULBA PN. She even gave me a letter with it saying:

"My Dear,
     "Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed, or happened by surprise, one thing is certain--your life will never be the same."

     You will be carrying that baby inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart until your last breath. So always give your best to nurture that baby now who is still inside you. As of now, the best you can do is to take care of yourself. I'm both happy and worried with your pregnancy knowing how toxic our work is...but then nothing could ever level up with the joy the baby brings in a woman's life.
     God Bless! Congrats!
                                                                                                                          XyeCP

The book may be that summarized but its content and the message of the one who gave it to me is immeasurable. This book is also available in leading book stores. The next books I have here, which I will also share to you (in another blog post) are all about child rearing. So watch out for it mommies and daddies!

An Unexpected Blogger Milestone

As I have said before, sharing my experiences on being a mother, daughter, wife, woman and naval officer is my first reason why I did start my blog last November 2011. Hosting blog give-away contest was secondary while earning was on the last thing on my mind. My good friend mommy Glaiza of Mommy Musings taught me of the these and that of blogging. I am not still an expert. I don't even have a fancy design yet (this will be my next endeavor for my second year anniversary perhaps) or do not maintain my own domain. I still have a lot to learn and in my perception, it would still take months or even years perhaps in order for me to become called an expert blogger. That is why this blog milestone that I just recently achieved is very important for me. Thank you Google Page Rank Checker!

Kudos 2013 Graduates!

Just last May 20 of current year, I was chosen to grace my high school Alma Mater's 68th Commencement Exercises as their Guest of Honor. I really did not know what to say that I did ask advice from my virtual friends in Facebook. 

I think I was able to apply everything that these beautiful people have advised me. So, here was my speech (To capture the attention of the students, I first commanded "Batallions....Attention!", same command we use in the mess hall). :

Photo courtesy of http://cardsbyloribitter.blogspot.com

YEAR 1996, I ENTERED THE PORTALS OF MANAOAG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AS AN UGLY DUCKLING AND IGNORANT FRESHIE. WHY UGLY DUCKLING? SOBRANG ITIM KO NOON AT SABI NGA SA SALITANG KALYE, JOLOGS PUMORMA. AND WHY IGNORANT? WALA AKONG ALAM NI ISANG BRAND NG DAMIT. HINDI AKO MAKARELATE SA MGA KAKLASE KO. NEVERTHELESS, THAT DID NOT HINDER ME IN MAKING FRIENDS AND BEING ON THE LIST OF HONOR STUDENTS IN MY CLASS. I NEVER DID PLACE NUMBER ONE BUT IF I MAY SAY, I WASN'T IN THE BOTTOM NEITHER.

          YEAR 2000 WAS ONE OF MY MOST MEMORABLE YEARS AS I GRADUATED IN HIGH SCHOOL. JUST LIKE YOU, I WAS ALSO EXCITED TO EXPLORE AND WAS EXCITED OF COURSE FOR COLLEGE LIFE. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE PASSED THE ENTRANCE EXAM OF UP AND TAKE BS MATHEMATICS. BUT THE ROADS HAVE NOT BEEN THAT SMOOTH FOR ME AT YAN ANG TATANDAAN NIYO. WHEN YOU GO ALONG COLLEGE, YOU SOMETIMES PICK THE WRONG CHOICES AND DO THE WRONG DECISIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, NAKAPILI NA KAYO NG COURSE NINYO, GUMUGOL NA NG MAHABANG PANAHON SA COURSE NA IYON, BUT IN THE END, MAREREALIZE MO NA HINDI PALA IYON ANG GUSTO MO ALL ALONG. PUPWEDENG YUN PALA AY GUSTO NG MAGULANG MO O DALA LANG NG BUYO NG KAKLASE MO. DONT GET ME WRONG HA. SA AKIN, MY COURSE IN UP FITTED ME WELL BECAUSE I DID LOVE MATH. IT WAS MY CHOICE. BUT NOT ALL OF US ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO CHOOSE THE COURSE WE PREFER. THAT IS WHY, AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON THE ATTENTION OF THE PARENTS OF OUR GRADUATES. SIR, MAAM, PLEASE DO SUPPORT YOUR DAUGHTER OR YOUR SON’S CHOICE OF COURSE BECAUSE WHEN THE TIME COMES, MAREREALIZE NIYO BAKIT KO NASABI IYON.

          YEAR 2002, I MADE A DECISION OF TAKING THE PMA ENTRANCE EXAM. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PASS. SIGURO TATANUNGIN NINYO, BUTI PINAYAGAN AKO TO THINK I WAS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN DAUGHTER OF MY PARENTS. ACTUALLY, THEY DID NOT KNOW NA NAGEXAM AKO AT PUMASA NA AT MAGREREPORT NA PALA NG APRIL 1, 2003 KUNG HINDI PA DUMATING ANG NOTICE SA BAHAY. MY MOTHER WAS REALLY AGAINST IT. ALAM KASI NG LAHAT, I WAS QUOTE AND QUOTE, PHYSICALLY WEAK. BUT THEN AGAIN, I PURSUED MY CADETSHIP. WAS IT MY DREAM TO BECOME A PEEMAYER? NO. DID I PLAN EVERYTHING? NO. IT WAS ALL PERHAPS, GOD’S PLAN.

Family Vacation in Davao City II

     My firstborn Echo, my husband GM and I arrived at the Davao International Airport last December 28, 2012 at about 7:20 in the morning. We first had our breakfast at a fast food restaurant and proceeded with our itinerary. Here-under is the list of what we did and locations we visited in Davao during the New Year's break (Dec 28-Jan 2).

Day 1:

Our first Destination: DAVAO CROCODILE PARK

     Davao Crocodile Park is situated at Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Highway, Ma-a Davao City. Here are some of the animals that we were able to see during our visit at the Crocodile Park. It was my first time to visit said park while it is Echo's first time to visit a park.

   

     Aside from the animals that you will see in Davao Crocodile Park, they are also offering white water rafting, which I wasn't able to try of course since I was still pregnant during that time. 

     Our next stop was the Butterfly Farm which is still located in Riverfront Corporate City.

This is my favorite part during my visit at the Butterfly farm. I have
been at the Puerto Princesa City Butterfly farm but this farm
keeps a cabinet of cocoon, which shows how a butterfly grows from
being a caterpillar to a magnificent creature.

I just love this portion of the Butterfly house. I was able to see how a caterpillar turned into a cocoon to a full grown lovely butterfly. 

     Our tour at the Davao Crocodile Park concluded at about 1230H. We had our lunch first then proceeded at our next stop: the Samal Island.

It was not my first time in Davao. But it was my first time to visit the Garden City of Samal. 

We loaded the van we were using in a roro boat. 

Wondering how about those who don't have a vehicle to bring?
A lot of tourists visit Samal Island without any vehicle with them.
There is a prepared area for them, which is at the upper deck of
the roro.

This is how we looked like while waiting for the boat to reach Samal
Island. Tip: If you are planning to stay overnight in Samal, it is better to
get there in the afternoon then leave the next day before lunch time.
On the other hand, if you are just planning for a day tour, make sure
to be in the port area on or before seven (0700H) in the morning.

     We stayed there overnight at a private beach house that we were able to look for.  Our Day 1 was a really long yet fun day. Here are some tips to remember when going to Samal Island:

• Bring enough water especially when you are bringing your kids. (better be safe than sorry)
• Bring enough food as well. (you may buy seafood in the area but be sure to bring food for breakfast and snacks as well)
• If you opt to bring a vehicle, check on your tires and bring a spare. Some roads of Samal Island are still yet to be fixed.
• Bring enough cash. (Most of the hotels, inns, resorts etc located in the island accept only cash)
• You are going to a beach/island, bring beach essentials.

Family Vacation in Davao City I: Echo's First Plane Ride and A Few Quick Tips fo Travellers with Kids

A view from the top

     Last December 28, 2012, my family had our first vacation away from Luzon. My husband and I chose to spend our New Year in Davao City and in Compostela Valley province. It was also very timely since it was the same month when the devastation of "Habagat" occurred, which greatly affected the people of Davao and Compostela Valley. Likewise, it is my firstborn Echo's first time to visit his grandparents and see his cousins down South. A lot of firsts indeed.

    

     Initially, I was really nervous on how Echo will react while we load on the plane. But then again, with my husband's help, it all became easy. Likewise, I would also like to share some tips that I did and learn from my mommy friends when having a plane ride with a baby/toddler/kid.

1. Days before the flight, you must have a check list of what to bring. Remember to bring only the essentials.

These are our luggage partner. It already contained our clothing, shoes, toiletries, Echo's stuff and pasalubong.

Since we have Echo with us, it is important to have a small bag containing all his needed stuffs during that 2-hour ride: biscuit or anything that your baby could chew while she/he is on the plane, milk, extra feeding bottle, toy, diaper, wipes, sanitizer, small towel, bib, extra clothes, extra plastic bag and a small fleece blanket. Do you see that rolled red thing? That's Echo's blanket. It was already included in this cute little froggy bag given by my officemate. Tip: this was bought in Blue Magic.

2. Always check the completeness of your travel documents to include your ID, your child's copy of birth certificate, travel itinerary etc and it would help if you have an envelope for these. Keep it safely on your hand carry luggage together with your cash, cards, etc.

3. If you picked up the first flight, take a light breakfast at the airport to avoid being late and being stressed.

We had our early breakfast at the airport. Afterwhich, I let Echo play
with his tatay while waiting for our flight. Expectedly, he became
tired and slept during the whole flight.

4. Choose a flight early in the morning (i.e. 0500H) and mid-evening (i.e. 2000H). It is dark during these times which will help you let your kids sleep during the flight.

These were my two boys before the take-off. Echo was really curious
since this was his very first plane ride at the age of 17 months.
When the pilot turned off the lights, Echo then started sleeping. and just
woke up about 10 minutes before the landing. Good job son!

This is Echo and his tatay when the plane has just landed.

5. Always hold and look upon your kids. (Better be safe than sorry.)

These are the 5 quick tips I was able to exercise during that plane ride. Of course there are no children alike. These few tips were applicable to Echo. It may or may not work for your kid but I think you may use this as a reference. Happy plane travelling!