Matthew's Christmas Party 2018

Two weeks ago, Matthew's Christmas Party was held. Can't believe how time flies because this little boy grow so fast. Look how big he is now.

I am not sure but for this year I think they don't have the usual program because it was examination week. Actually, it was the last day of their examination. 

Instead, they had their party in their respective rooms where they eat their Jollibee meals.

They also had their usual exchange gift.

Because I want to instill on him that it's better to give than to receive, we prepared gifts for his teachers and classmates.

I told him by giving he should not expect something in return. Just be happy and enjoy the day with his friends and classmates.

Which he did!

And he went home with this cute panda cap.

He loves it, isn't it obvious? Haha.

He wore that hat the entire day and night!

That's another mommy story I want to share with you. I really missed posting something like this, sharing stories about our not so little boy or just sharing my thoughts. I have to admit that because there's Instagram and Facebook already, which is a faster way to share stories now, it's time consuming to write personal post like this. Still, I am writing here at my online mommy diary to remind everyone that blogging is still fun.

Hey, I want to hear read your stories too. Let's share?

(Read: Matthew's Christmas Party 2015)

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Pajama Party 2017

Last November 3, Matthew had his 3rd pajama party. If you have read this Matthew Andrei's First Pajama Party and this Matthew Andrei's Second Pajama Party, pajama party is one of the school activities Matthew has been waiting for every year. In fact, he asked me to buy a new pair of pajamas. Of course, he chose a Spiderman design pajama. Look!

Actually, he was supposed to take a week vacation at Nueva Ecija and will return on Novermber 5 instead. But he insisted to go back on or before November 3 because he really wanted to attend this year's pajama party.  He also told us to be home before 5:30pm so he will not be late.

He even asked us to buy some candies and chocolates for his classmates.

Pagdating palang isa-isa nya ng nilapitan ang mga classmates nya.

Kami naman ni Daddy, we waited outside. E ayan bilog ata ang buwan so Daddy asked me to took a photo of him like this, hehe.

After an hour, Matthew and the rest of the students came out to have a short program and a bonfire.

Each grade level had their cheer presentation.

Here's Matthew and his classmates' presentation.

Sinong mga pogi? Grade 2!!! Haha. #matthewgwapito #schoolboy #happyboy #mommysboy #pajamaparty #mma #marymountacademy #cheering

After that, they had class picture taking.

They went back to their respective rooms after that. Ako naman, I tried to blog while waiting sana but I can't think e. Honestly, I had so many stories to share but I can't find that inspiration to write.

So please bear with me as I am trying to get back to blogging track again. I wish this 3-day holiday because of ASEAN summit helped me recharge.

Would love to hear from you guys. Ano bang ganap sa buhay mga beshies?

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Congratulations Anak!

Last Friday, Matthew's school celebrated their 14th foundation day. That day also was the announcement of Little Mr. and Ms. MMA, where Matthew is one of the candidates. So Daddy A and I took a leave from work to be with accompany Matthew.

Since we arrived too early we took our early lunch. While waiting outside the venue, Daddy A took some photos of us using his old DLSR camera na matagala naitago sa baul, haha.

This is Matthew with his classmate.

Matthew striking a pose.

Oh, I really can't believe 7 years had passed. Look, he is a baby no more!

Okay before I became emotional again, let me share just a quick kwento.

Here's our little boy ramping on the stage.

I told him, just give his best smile and he will be rewarded. He did and I can't be any prouder when people are cheering for him. I heard pa saying "Uy ayan ang pogi!"

I was just surprised that there's a "best dressed award" pala. We were not informed because at the last meeting Daddy A attended, they just told that they will wear the same costume they will wear for their presentation.

Anyway, Matthew got the first runner up, which we are already happy for.

I don't want to make a big deal out of this as long as Matthew did his best. I also loved that he showed sportsmanship when the boy who got the title showed them his trophy and tell them "bleh!". Daddy heard him saying "Eh ano naman kung wala kami nyan, okay lang naman." Who wouldn't be proud of him right?

He's growing up to be a good man. So he deserves our love and support all throughout his journey. 

Ooops... I have another kwento pala. Since I promised him he will get a reward for giving his best smile, pagkababa palang ng stage right after ramping, inaaya na akong umuwi at bilhin na daw ang gift nya. I told him the program is not yet over and he will dance pa. He patiently waited.

He got these three small toys and he's happy na.

It was such a great day. We saw him giving his best and he makes us so proud!

P.S.: I will post his dance performance once I uploaded the video on Youtube.

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Matthew Andrei's Recognition Day 2017

Yesterday was a very tiring day but fulfilling day for me and Daddy. It's because it's Matthew Andrei's recognition.

Last Thursday, straight from our work duties, we went to fetch him at Nueva Ecija. We arrived very late na but since yesterday was his recognition, we needed to travel at 3 in the morning to be on time for that important event.

Together again. My #matthewgwapito. #schoolboy #recognitionday #marymountacademy @chemist_dad

I missed this boy terribly. He kept on hugging and kissing me. He must missed  me so much too. But for now, we needed to send him back to his lola's because we have no house helper yet. Tiis muna but I know God will make a way.

Going back to his recognition day. We arrived at the venue 2 hours earlier than the scheduled time. We opted not to go home because of the traffic. So we waited until it's time. He was happy and excited.

We took advantage of the waiting time and took more photos.

After hours of waiting, the program finally started. The guest speaker is Honorable Jun "Bob" Dela Cruz, Marilao City's Councilor and an ex-PBB housemate.

The program lasted for almost 3 hours and finally, he received his awards!

He received this with honors medal for having a general average of above 90%.

He also received this certificate for being the top 4 student in the Grade 1 class.

Before that he got these two special awards.

I can't be any prouder. He's such our biggest blessing, our pride and true wealth.

With that here are his rewards.

#rewardtime #spingo #toykingdom @chemist_dad

Though I'm still looking for his bigger reward and hopefully I can buy him that before his birthday. While searching I saw this alesis dm10x mesh and I fell in love with it.

It's a premium 6-piece electronic drum set with mesh drum heads that delivers unprecedented feel and expression to modern drummers. It's a great gift sana but I need to save for it. Anyway, Matthew is just 6 and I still have 10 years to save, haha.

Anyway, we had lunch at Mang Inasal after and a simple dinner at home with all his favorites.

Celebrating at home with all his favorites. #recognitionday #schoolboy #foodporn #blessed @chemist_dad

It was a very tiring day but my heart is full with love because I am more than blessed than what I know.

I just realized that I am more than #blessed that what I know. Having these two is such a wonderful blessing. Sulutin na kasi magbabaksyon na ulit si #matthewgwapito #family #love @chemist_dad

Recognition day is not just for outstanding students but also for the hardworking and patient teachers and parents. For their endless love, support, understanding and passion in what they are doing.

Congratulations to Batch 2017 and to all the hardworking students! May you continue to make your teachers and parents proud.

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Rewards Time

Our son proved once again that despite being playful, he's a hard working student. A week ago, he had their final examinations. Weekend prior to that, we already started reviewing. I let him read on his own para masanay na sya.

Pagkagising aral na naman 🖒#schoolboy #examweek #finalsweek @chemist_dad

Good thing, he can read well both in English and Filipino. We continue reviewing until I was the one who surrendered, haha.

Tama na anak... Pagod na ako. Maghapon na tayong nagrereview. #schoolboy #examweek #finalsweek #mommyduties @chemist_dad

From that day, we were reviewing every night na. We will finished 10 or 11 in the evening but I never hear him complaining. Except that he's so sleepy the next day.

I may not be the perfect mother. I may not be always on your side. I may not be at home when you get back from school. But I will do anything just to be with you when you need me the most. I can do everything for you anak. Sleep ka pa I know pagod ka. #mommyguilt #workingmom

We kept on reviewing until the night of before the last day of examination.

I think someone deserves a reward for studying hard. And yes last day of exam na tomorrow. #schoolboy #examweek #finalsweek @chemist_dad

It was such a relief when the final examination was over and he took home two awards - Most Smart and Most Adorable! And he's indeed very smart and adorable #proudmom

Last day of exam, last day of school. Yey, congratulations anak. You deserve a reward for a job well done. Let's celebrate @chemist_dad #schoolboy #mommysboy

And for all his hardship, he deserves a reward.

After a year of hard work (and play), #rewardtime naman. Even if you are still playful, I know you have learned a lot. Thanks to your patient and loving teachers. Pasensya na po sa kakulitan ng batang ito, hehe. You did a great job. See you next #schoolyear #schoolboy #marymountacademy #bestteachers #toys #minisoph @miniso_ph @chemist_dad

This toy we got from Miniso may be inexpensive but it already make him happy. But wait, we just learned last night that he's also in the Honor list!

With that he deserves a much bigger reward. So I think I will buy him a guitar sooner than expected. It would have been a birthday gift sana but he deserves this the soonest.

Hello dearies! Please help me decide what color of guitar to choose. My son's birthday is coming and I'm still undecided. By the way, if you are planning to buy #guitars too. Check the different designs at #GuitarCenter. Link here: https://www.guitarcenter.com/ #musicalinstruments #music #birthdaygiftidea

I found this Guitar Center has, mxr at a great price! Just in time. This is called luck, hehe. Anyway, with or without honor, my son deserves a reward. He maybe very playful now but what more pa if he becomes more serious at school.

Again, congratulations anak. Just like last year, you made us so proud. We love you!

(Read: Congratulations Matthew Andrei!, Matthew Andrei's Moving Up)

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A Fun Trip to City of Dreams Manila's DreamPlay

November last year, Matthew had his annual education field trip and I already posted about the first destination that we have visited. The kids enjoyed MMDA Children's Road Safety Park but I must say they loved City of Dreams Manila's DreamPlay so much! (Read: A Field Trip to MMDA Children's Road Safety Park and A Spectacular Musical Fountain Show ) 

Immediately after our tour at MMDA Children's Road Safety Park, we went to City of Dreams Manila. On our way, Matthew saw this large steel framed globe at SM Mall of Asia.

Since it was his first time to see that globe at SM MOA, he was amazed! After a few minutes, we saw na this and he was so excited that he doesn't want to eat our packed lunch.

Yes, I packed our lunch together with some sandwiches and chips so we don't need to go down the bus every time Matthew wants to eat. 

After our lunch, we went na to DreamPlay and both of us were excited. We were required to fall in 2 lines, the kids with their guardians, before we enter the hotel.

Got this quick photo while walking kaya blurred but those two Christmas trees are lovely. Peg ko yan sa aming home sweet home.

Oh Matthew had this quick photo too.

Before I forget, there are restrictions inside the hotel. Since madadaanan ang casino, bawal ang bata to go near that area. Bringing food inside is not allowed as well but water is okay.

So here we are at DreamPlay!

Happy and excited boy he was!

DreamPlay is a DreamWorks movie-inspired activity/creativity play center especially for  kids. It's located inside the City of Dreams Manila.

As soon as we get inside he tried na this Shrek Swamp Stomp.

Actually, I was a little nervous looking at each attractions. Ang tataas kasi and I can see Matthew was not that comfortable climbing up the stairs.

Just look at this while Matthew was crossing this hanging bridge. Looked like he's nervous especially when another kid was crossing the same bridge. Napapaupo pa sya kasi gumagalaw e, hehe.

But after that, ayan na sya! Thumbs up!

All the slides were so high and this was the slide he spent most of his time inside. By the way, kids 100 cm and above can best enjoyed these attractions.

Eto ang favorite nya sa lahat. At dito sya maguubos ng oras at lakas haha. #dreamplay #cityofdreams #fieldtrip #mma @chemist_dad

In more than 4 hours that we stayed inside, I can't count how many times he went and up and slide here. Haha!

While waiting and watching over Matthew, I sit here at Chez Gingy, where comfort food and family favorites where served.

I tried to convince Matthew to eat but he kept on telling me he's not hungry. Himala! I think he's enjoying so much kasi that he doesn't want to stop playing.

I tried to take photos as much as I could but I can't leave Matthew.

I kept on following him anywhere he go just like here at How to Fly Your Dragon.

I convinced him to took a break and roamed around to take photos. We saw this Wall of Destiny.

That he would like to try but he's under the height requirement, hehe.

Then we continue roaming inside but the little boy was whining already so I told him to give me his best smile for this photo of ours.

The place is amazing and kids will surely love the it.

Oh we went inside this DreamTales Library too.

Matthew saw the puppets and he enjoyed the story telling. 

Here naman he got to create his own boat and raise around the river.

Then we discovered this Afro Circus.

It's raining balls here and Matthew super enjoyed it that he wouldn't want to go out na. Plus there's a slide too and a lot of climbing.

When he agreed to come out so I got to sit here. Thank you to these pair of shoes by World Balance for making me feel comfortable despite the so many running after Matthew scenes, haha.

I also convinced Matthew to eat kahit itong ice cream lang.

I can't imagine how I get through those 4 hours while watching over this little boy who sweats a lot.

Since I know our time was almost over I told him he must change his shirt but he said just one last time daw and I said okay and gave him another 5 minutes.

But lo and behold! I almost collapsed when I saw him up there!

I called him but he couldn't hear me because of the noisy surroundings. I'm actually trembling because I didn't know where he will come out. When I finally saw him on the ground, I want to scold him but when I saw that feeling of accomplishment on his face, I changed my mind. 

He's actually afraid of heights but he was able to conquer that fear all by his self. He's unstoppable! Whew! Muntik na ako ma-heart attack promise! That's why I told him he will change his shirt and we will go the meeting place na.

On our way out, his teachers invited us to go inside the DreamTheatre. I thought we can go on the next batch but limited pala nakakapasok so waited for another batch. Matthew was whining again that he feared the bus will leave us but I told him his teachers were still there.

Naku buti na lang because this is our first time to experience 4-D cinema. You need to experience this and discover how exciting it is. Winner ang effects, as if you are inside the movie. It was the best finale and it completed our DreamPlay experience.

And did he enjoyed the experience? Obviously he did!

So there you go our DreamPlay experience. Those were just few of the attractions that you can try. Limited lang natry ni Matthew since he's still small. There's Gingy's kitchen too if your kids like to bake. Unfortunately, we were not able to try it because of the long line. Matthew can't wait e. I also wish Daddy was with us so we can have better photos, haha!

Finally, just a few reminders again. Bringing food inside is not allowed but you can bring water. As much as possible eat before going inside and bring a bigger bottle of water because food and beverages are expensive inside.

If you have a very active kid/s who sweats a lot, bring extra shirts and pants and towels too. Bring extra socks too.

If you ask me if it's Dream Play is worth what you will pay for, first we went there as group or it's an educational trip. Most probably we have a big discount. But I must say your active kids will enjoy Dream Play as much as my son do. I suggest you go there as a group to avail the discount and to enjoy more. 😉

***

DREAMPLAY by DreamWorks 

Upper Ground Floor, The Shops at the Boulevard City of Dreams,
Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque 1701, Manila, Philippines

Telephone Numbers: +632 808-0909
Operating Hours: 10 am to 10 pm
Dress Code: Suitable for physical activities; socks should be worn.
Age: kids 7 years old or 100 cm in height above
Ticket Purchase: At the DreamPlay entrance, or online via SMtickets.com. Cash, credit cards or Dream Rewards points accepted.

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