Hammie’s First Activity without Mama or Papa

Hammie at 3 years old is starting to do things independently. Oh, it was at the beginning of his second year that he wanted to learn things on his own but lately it has taken a new level. Like yesterday, it was the first time he went with his grandparents to an activity with the CFC-GK Mis Or Kids for Christ. Though he would be there for the whole morning about 3 hours only but it was something different from his usual tagging along with his grandparents. It was a great exposure for him as there will be many kids gathered in one place and a lot of activities to see. 


Before, he would not go to these kinds of long activities if me or his papa will not accompany him. Even with a yaya, he would still insist that I go but this time it was different. He was confident enough to go on his own. So as a mom, I prepared his backpack for his essentials like extra change of clothes, extra milk and a biscuit in case he gets hungry. I also placed a face towel in one of his pockets reminding him to use it to wipe his sweat. 


I can see that he was excited to go and he even obligingly carried his pack on his back. He asked if Louie was coming with him but I said that it was just him and he just nodded in agreement. When it was time to go he put on his hat and said his goodbyes to Louie and me without hesitation. His lola let him sat on the front seat while his lolo is driving. He waved to a grumbling Louie who wanted to go along and sent a flying kiss to us. 


His papa arrived a while later after some morning activity at his office. I informed him that Hammie is with his grandparents going to a kids activity. We both agreed that it was good for Hammie so he can build his confidence around people other than his parents. 


Hammie arrived around 12 noon and his father asked him how he was as I was still preparing lunch. He was saying that he wanted to play tennis. By the sound of his voice, he wanted to play tennis but maybe was not given the chance. He is the kind of kid that wanted to play sports of all kinds. He likes to play basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, tennis even golf. 


I did not really know the details of what he did but I guess he enjoyed it.  His lolo said that he ate some bihon and drank some juice (he was still holding the plastic bottle when he arrived home). He played soccer with some kids using a plastic bottle as a ball. Well, that was about it. But that day marked the first step to his becoming a more independent boy. 


Hammie is starting to expand his community and as a mom it’s a bittersweet feeling. It’s good that my son is ready to explore the world on his own without his parents but also sad that he will not always rely on us for every move he makes. Maybe I am experiencing the pangs of separation anxiety, but whatever they call it I just see that my first baby is now becoming a boy. As he said he is a kuya and not anymore a baby.

Why I want to be at The MassKara Festival

Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated with the beauty the world offers.  I am simply amazed at the wonderful places not just of other countries but most especially of my own country, the Philippines.  It has become a passion of mine to travel to different places here in the Philippines and around the world.  And one of my dreams is to visit those places and experience the locality particularly on their long celebrated festivals.

One of the most colorful and famous festivals in the country is The MassKara Festival in Bacolod which has been celebrated for 31 years.  Bacolod, dubbed as the City of Smiles came up with this festival in order to give hope to the Negrenses in the 1980s when sugar was priced very low and a lot of Negrenses died when MV Don Juan sank that time.  What better way to lift everyone up than by smiling amidst the challenges that a city faces.  It is through this festival that the Negrenses move forward and overcome the difficulties life can throw at them.  Together as a city, nothing can break their resolve because of their hope that in the end everything will turn out alright.

Because of the hope and smiles shared with each other, the MassKara Festival has become a main attraction of Bacolod City.  It is one of the country’s festivals that many Filipinos want to go to not just to watch from the side of the street but also to get their share of happiness and contentment.  As a Filipino I want to be infected with that hopeful and fighting spirit by joining the celebration.  And as a Filipino with Ilonggo roots it is with pride to take part in the festivities of the MassKara Festival with my husband not just from afar but to be right there at the heart of the festival.

Experience MassKara Festival, Hermosa Festival and Lanzones Festival this October. Airphil Express flies daily to BACOLOD, ZAMBOANGA and CAGAYAN DE ORO from Cebu and Manila. Visit www.airphilexpress.com to book!