My daughter is now 2 and a half years old. By end of June, she’s 3 years old. And that means it’s time for her to go to school.

I’m not quite sure if it’s something I’ve been holding back. I think I’m in denial that my daughter is growing up — and fast.

And right now, I’m panicking. For a number of reasons.

1. A lot of kids her age are enrolled in classes, whether in nursery or playschool. My daughter’s just at home, learning what she can with the books we gave and the guidance of her grandparents. There’s this feeling in me that my daughter’s starting a bit late with schooling. I dunno.

I recall I was 5 turning 6 when I was formally enrolled in a school. Prior to that, I was a “saling pusa” in my sister’s nursery class. She was 3 or 4 that time. Which makes me around 2 or 3 years old then.

So Zee’s probably late…?

2. Tuition. Have you seen how much it costs to put your child in school? PHP40-70K! That’s not counting books and uniform. My head is going “S__T!” Hubby and I don’t earn big. But then again, we weren’t earning big when we started saving up for our wedding some years ago. It took us a year to save up for the big day. This would probably be the same. Except that we didn’t have to pay for milk, vitamins, and diapers for the baby. Hmm…

3. Who will bring Zee to school? While my daughter’s being taken care of by my parents, I can’t expect them to be the ones taking her to school everyday. They’re senior citizens, plus my dad’s health condition doesn’t allow him to do strenuous stuff every day. My mom — well, let’s just say she isn’t that street smart like my dad. Plus the fact that they’re expecting one of us (hubby or me) to be the one bringing her to school everyday. She is our responsibility anyway, not theirs.

We’re both working morning shifts. Hubby sometimes goes overtime when needed. My time isn’t that flexible, either. And we don’t have a yaya.

Unless we can earn enough to cover our annual expenses with either of us staying at home (the probability is that it would be me), we can’t let go of our day jobs.

Dang. All these things are occupying my mind right now. And it’s making me feel anxious, uncomfortable, restless.

——–

I really wonder how some people manage to pull it off. I mean, they don’t earn much yet they can send their kids to school.

Hmm… it probably boils down to managing priorities.

Management ain’t my best asset, though.

Then again, the situation calls for it. So I have no choice but…

——–

I’ve been browsing the web for some schools near our place. I haven’t made any calls yet. Probably within the weekend. Hopefully they’re open.

For now, I just want a school that can teach my kid to follow rules, play with kids — you know, some really baby stuff. Hopefully, it’s a school that has a good environment and good teachers — and rates that are pretty affordable.

Dang, why can’t schools be affordable these days?

——–

Hmm, I think I’ve let out a lot. I don’t feel any better, though.

Post ends here for now. Let’s see how things go about. Hopefully, before the month ends, I’d have some answers and solutions to these apprehensions and questions in my mind.

My officemate’s becoming an addict to milk teas. She’s tried those in Gong Cha (her favorite), Happy Lemon, and Chatime. Yesterday, she stumbled upon Serenitea while browsing the web for milk tea stores in the Philippines. It got her — and me as well — interested, so we and 2 other officemates made our way to Serenitea Rada branch.

We got there at around 11:30 AM, and there was already a lot of people in the store. But we didn’t think we’d wait SO LONG for our orders.

Anyhoo, to sum up our experience, I’m posting a copy of the letter I sent to Serenitea when I got back from lunch:

Hi, Serenitea!

I would just like to share my customer experience at one of your branches.

Today, January 13, 2012 at around 11:30 AM, my officemates and I went to Serenitea Rada branch to try out your milk teas. This was our first time to experience your product and service.

While the milk teas and snacks were great (we ordered 1 tall Hokkaido, 1 tall Nagoya, 1 medium Nagoya, 1 medium Wintermelon frost, and 1 order Pepper Corn), I could not say the same about the service at that particular branch. For one, 3 of our milk teas arrived more than 30 minutes after we ordered (not counting the additional 10 minutes waiting in line before we could actually order). Worse, the order for the other milk tea (the Wintermelon Frost) and Pepper Corn wasn’t processed by the staff. They failed (forgot?) to prepare them when these were ordered almost at the same time as the 3 milk fteas. My friend who ordered these had to wait for another 20 minutes or so to get them. So that’s 10 minutes waiting in line + 40-50 minutes waiting for the drink and food. It was unacceptable.

I’m not sure which of these is the problem: the staff or the system from order taking to preparation to serving. I really do hope that you look into this and find improvements in your service. You can train your staff to do more in less time, or put a system in place to speed up service time. I hope you’d find a solution to this situation.

I didn’t write to criticize you guys. I just want you to hear from an actual customer who had a not-so-good experience at Serenitea. I shared this to you in the hope of experiencing something better in your store, in Rada (close to where I work) or any of them, for that matter. Your teas are delicious, no doubt about that, and if your service improves, I will definitely be a full-fledged fan of yours.

It’s just that the service is stopping me from being one at the moment.

I would appreciate it if you could reply to this e-mail.

Thank you very much for your time.

I’m not telling you guys not to go there. In fact, their milk tea (I was the one who ordered the medium Nagoya) is good. I just want to share you this experience so you know what to expect at that branch — if they hadn’t found a solution to their slow service yet.

Comparing it to my experience at Chatime Galleria, where there was also a long queue of people yet it took me only 5-6 minutes to wait for my drink, Serenitea in Rada needs to quicken things a bit. One customer left without ordering when she found out that others were waiting 20 minutes for their drink.

I sure hope they’ll heed my letter. Maybe in the next few weeks, I’ll try buying there again and see whether service has improved or not. Just to see.

**UPDATE! Ms. Juliet Herrera of Serenitea responded to my e-mail. I received her response yesterday, Jan. 15. Posting it here in verbatim:

Hi,

First of all we would like to apologize for what happened and thank you so much for the concern by taking time to write about your experience with the Rada branch.

We are aware that our customers take some time in getting and receiving orders especially during lunch time and waiting for your drinks too long is unacceptable, especially when most of our Rada branch customers work in nearby offices and only have an hour to spend for their break time. We are happy to inform you that we are doing a couple of improvements to reduce waiting time by adding one more unit of espresso machine and a cash register dedicated just for delivery orders. In this way, the waiting time of walk in customers will be greatly reduced, as delivery and walk in orders would be processed separately but at the same time. We target to complete this within the month.

As our Rada branch opened for barely 2 months, we recognize that there are things that we need to improve on. Rest assured that we are not disregarding these problems and we hope that you can still give us a chance to serve you better.

Thank you.

Well, they probably should have anticipated how busy their Makati branch would be. Nevertheless, it’s nice to receive a reply from their end. Really hoping their service would improve. They’ve got great drinks. It would be a shame if the lack of service would supersede its reputation.

The last few months of 2011 was pretty much a rollercoaster ride for me. I probably could say that I would attribute that to me in the midlife crisis. Heavy. Or it could be the moon or the hormones. I was pretty out of sorts. Emotionally drained.

Not sure if I’m out of the rut this year. But the days have been better. I guess seeing old friends, staying in a new environment (albeit only for a while), and being some distances away from those that have caused me stress helped. Not entirely relaxed, though. Apprehensions are still present. Much has not changed.

2012. Could be a challenging year for me. There’s a lot on my mind right now, being a parent, a career woman. There will be inevitable changes. I’m not sure I’m ready.

Forgive my rants.

But hopefully 2012 will bring good tidings and blessings. And peace, in the world, in the mind, in the soul.

Will now see how the year treats me. Will I be changed? Will I still be the same? Remains to be seen.

But hopefully, I get my groove back. Especially in blogging. Crossing my fingers now.

And then fro-yo stores just popped everywhere. I’ve tasted a few (Red Mango, California Berry, etc.) and, well, they were okay.

Yesterday, I got to visit a new fro-yo store called Pinkberry in Greenbelt. This was due to an invitation for a blogger event. (Almost didn’t make it, but was able to the last minute. Another story.) Cute little store — it added a dash of color on GB5′s restaurant row. And because I was excited, I forgot to take a photo of its facade. Dang.

Beyond its aesthetics, what got me interested about Pinkberry is the fact that it offered 6 yogurt flavors — Original, Green Tea, Watermelon, Chocolate, Mango, and Pomegranate.

Sorry for the camphone quality... all 6 Pinkberry yogurt flavors

Eaten alone, in a cup or waffle cone, the yogurt is a treat in itself. The Original flavor isn’t too sweet nor is its tang overpowering. Methinks even those who don’t like yogurt (because of its sour taste) will enjoy this.

I got to try Mango and Pomegranate as well, but what struck me most is Chocolate because it tasted like dark chocolate ice cream. Pretty deceptive, you can serve it to non-yogurt eaters and they’ll ask for more. Hahaha!

We got to do a few activities, first of them was to create our own yogurt. We got to choose the toppings — fruit, dry, liquid, and Luxe.

A smorgasbord of toppings

The staff creating one of the bloggers' creations

My creation: Choco Mango Cheesecake with Original flavor yogurt, cheesecake bites, mango chunks, dark choco crisps, and swirly whip. Caramel drizzle was added afterwards.

I did something that had a mix of my favorites. As an afterthought, I should’ve done something like Green Tea yogurt + kiwi + strawberry + caramel and named it Berry Kiwi-smas. Then again, corny.

We also got to try swirling the yogurt into waffle cones. By the way, one can also add toppings on the waffle cone.

By the end of the event, we went home with a pint of Pinkberry yogurt. Yummy!

——–

If ever you get to visit the store and wonder why they’re offered at mid- to premium price, it’s because all the ingredients are fresh, some of them even imported. That’s because they want to maintain the quality of the Pinkberry brand that’s famous in the US and in other countries. What’s a few additional bucks when you get to taste super-delicious fro-yo, right?

Plus the ambience is so cozy and inviting, it brings about an enjoyable experience. Really worth everything, promise.

——–

Thanks to Wyeth and the Pinkberry people for the invitation. Had a fun time. Hoping to visit your store again (and probably to find one near my place, hehe!).

Baby Vader -- her last day in the hospital

It’s one of those things you wish doesn’t happen. But it does, however protective a parent you can be.

What started out as simple colds and cough actually became a full-blown pneumonia. Or as written in the doctor’s findings: “Community-acquired pneumonia.” Left lung was filled with phlegm.

We thought it was asthma at first, since Zee experienced the typical shortness of breath days prior to being hospitalized. Wednesday the other week, the doctor gave her nebulizations and antibiotic, and told us that if her condition did not improve on that Saturday, she would have to be confined.

Well, it didn’t. So we packed our bags and made our way to The Medical City. We were there for 5 days. It would probably be longer if the IV didn’t accidentally unattach itself from Zee’s veins. Since the IV was out and my daughter is able to take the antibiotics orally (and her condition was getting better), the doctors decided to keep the IV out.

Zee was discharged afternoon of last Wednesday. Now the only problem I have is how to keep her from moving about too much. Baka mabinat, as my mom would say.

She’s done with her antibiotics and nebulizations, and is back to her lively self.

——–

After all these, I learned that it’s important that my daughter has a health card of her own. Her dad got her one, and I hope we’re not using it in the near future.

And second, PhilHealth can be extended to dependents. Whew. Took out Php10K from our total bill.

This was pretty much a learning experience for me and hubby. Hopefully things like this will rarely happen to us.

In fairness, hindi pa rin ako late.

——–

I think this is the most well-attended Starbucks blogger event. It would, I assume, be primarily because of the theme: Christmas.

And you know Starbucks, when it’s the Yuletide Season, there’s sure to be a great and pleasant surprise.

And there was. I mean were. A lot.

But first, they prepared a few activities for the attendees, starting with the coffee tasting.

Starbucks Coffee Ambassador for 2011 Dwight lets us in on the Christmas Blend

They had us taste the Christmas Blend, which sort of left a tinge of tang in my tongue. It actually is a great brew to match sweet pastries like the Pecan Butterscotch Twirl.

This one

After which, the Christmas drinks were unveiled. Returning this year are the Toffee Nut Latte and Peppermint Mocha. But there’s a new one: the Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha.

Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, Hot Toffee Nut Latte, and Iced Peppermint Mocha

I’ll probably miss the Dark Cherry Mocha, which tastes more like coffee than the Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha. The latter is a lot sweeter, so I guess this one’s made for those with a sweet tooth.

They also showed us their new and returning food items. 15 all in all, savory and sweet.

So this is what a smorgasbord looks like in real life...

For the savory, I like the Texas Chicken BBQ Wrap. The Turkey and Chicken with Apple Stuffing also tasted interesting. The Glazed Ham with Apricot Spread reminded me of the Christmas ham sandwich I’d make during Media Noche, but without the queso de bola.

Texas Chicken BBQ Wrap

Here's a cutesy version of the Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Roll

As for the sweet, I found myself going for the S’mores. It’s probably because it feels light in the mouth. Or because I like crushed graham crusts, wherever they may be found (on food, I mean).

Other sweet treats: Hazelnut Stollen Bread

The rich Triple Decker Cheesecake with Snickers

After we had our fill of amazing fare, the biggest highlight was welcomed that night: the Starbucks 2012 Planners.

The Starbucks Planners for 2012. Comes in 5 different designs.

It comes in a wood-like cover and has the Starbucks logo and name etched on it. And it comes with a burlap bag which you can reuse to store small gadgets or as a kikay kit. Also comes with a bookmark and coupons for special deals. To get this, you can collect the usual 9-8 sticker combo (9 Christmas drinks and 8 core drinks) or purchase 23 core drinks (no bottled variety) to complete the sticker booklet.

I’m so happy I was one of the first people to get a preview on what to expect at Starbucks stores come November 3. If this post got you excited, wait till you see all of them before your very eyes!

I was sent an invitation to a family fun run. Hmm, I never thought of myself as a health buff. I don’t go to the gym or join a marathon. That’s why I was kinda surprised to receive this invite.

But what I’m sure of is that this is worth sharing, especially to all the moms reading this blog.

Garfield Runner's Cup 2011

The Garfield Runner’s Cup 2011 happens on November 12, 2011 at the Manila Ocean Park. Organized by Garfield Apparel, this event promises to be different from all the other fun runs and marathons. Garfield and celebrity endorsers like Mutya Orquia (of ‘Mutya’ fame) and Louise Abuel (from ’100 Days to Heaven’) are joining in the fun. Plus, there will be a 2-hour culminating event called “The Garfield Zone,” where participants are treated to games, activities, freebies, and a musical extravaganza.

Adults and kids can join this fun run by just registering at selected Chris Sports branches (SM North Edsa, Megamall, Mall of Asia, Festival Supermall, and ROX Bonifacio High Street). You can also register online at http://garfieldapparel.com. Registration is until November 10, 2011.

There are different race categories, ranging from 500m (for kids) to 5K (for both kids and adults). For more information, you can go to their website or visit their Facebook Page.

Still thinking if hubby and I are up to it. My daughter would probably like it (are 2 year olds allowed?) since she’s got lots of energy stored inside her little body. It looks quite a fun event. So to all parents who like to have some fun bonding time with the kids, register and join in the Garfield Runner’s Cup 2011!

Wee! Got invited to another Starbucks blogger event.

Going to this event was quite an adventure, though. I’m not really a regular fixture in the MRT/ LRT scene and riding both going to the venue made me lose 2 pounds, I think. But that’s another story.

The walk from the LRT Pedro Gil station to Roxas Blvd. (yes, I walked!) was worth it. Starbucks JP Laurel Bldg. branch was really something.

Starbucks JP Laurel branch interior - counter

The sun breakers and high ceiling

Love of Starbucks explained that this particular branch is a Heritage Concept Store, meaning that they made the branch echo the historic/ cultural significance of its location. The JP Rizal Bldg. was put up along Roxas Blvd. during the 70s, and they maintained much of its architecture and infused it with Starbucks’ trademark ambience.

But of course, the main reason that I and other bloggers were invited here was also because of their new offerings.

New Breakfast Food Items

They have new sandwiches, a limited edition cake, and new drinks.

As what was suggested in the invite, we were told to come in hungry. I did… and came home super full.

A bit of everything: French Toast, Roasted Chicken Egg Cup Toast, Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Tart, Vigan Longganisa, Turkey and Chicken Ham, Spinach/ Artichoke/ Mushroom, and Spam Classic

Another decadent limited edition dessert: the Chocolate Rum Cheesecake.

Can’t wait until all these are launched in all branches come September 13.

All the hassles of travel were worth it. I went home satisfied, feeling full in the belly (and happy with the freebies, too). Thanks once again, Starbucks! You are always a super bunch.

My forehead seemed to reflect much of the light...

Since it was a weekday, we just chose to dine out and then watch a movie. We went for A Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante in Megamall since we wanted to 1) eat somewhere we don’t usually go to and 2) I personally wanted to try dining here.

Classic Carbonara, slices of the A Veneto Classic and Seafood Special pizza, and iced tea

For around Php500, our bellies were filled to the brim. We even got to take home a good-for-one-person share of the pasta (and the blueberry cheesecake hubby bought in Strata 2000, which was left untouched until the next day).

After which, we watched Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank, still in Megamall.

The movie poster. With creases to boot. Indie-ng indie.

You should watch this film. Eugene Domingo is a-m-a-zing!

After that, we headed home since there were baby stuff to clean and work the following day.

And that ended the simple celebration of our 3rd year of martial, este, marital bliss.

Probably next year, we can push through with our 2-years-in-the-making plan of staying somewhere out of town for our anniversary.

——–

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