Sunday, May 27, 2007

Ueno Zoo

We’re almost settled now in our new Tokyo apartment. The place is smaller and more expensive, but at least, it’s very near to my workplace and also to the shopping street where one can buy almost all of the essentials.

Theo has become quite popular among the female clerks of the shops that we frequent, simply because he would often attract their attention by smiling ear to ear towards them. And before leaving, he would give them his trademark “flying kiss.” That always seems to win everyone’s hearts without fail.

I’ve always wanted to bring Theo to Ueno Zoo, and this weekend, we had the best chance because the weather was just perfect at a balmy 28 degrees. He wasn’t particularly interested in the birds, but the reptiles and large mammals seemed to captivate his attention. We had to go back to see the elephants twice because he appeared particularly enamored with them. He also liked the giraffe and zebra because he already knew these animals from picture books. Seeing them alive certainly enriched his learning experience, and that is what I wanted to achieve.

Children are often an odd sight in Tokyo, what with all the skyscrapers and crowded streets. But still, there are snippets of parks and spaces where children can run around and feel free. We will take Theo to these places once in a while and let him savor the fun side of Tokyo.


In front of St. Ignatius Church in Yotsuya


At a small park near our home


At the entrance of Ueno Zoo


Theo examines an elephant statue

Friday, May 18, 2007

Tokyo, here we come...again!

Today marks my last day in the lab, and by tomorrow evening, we would have completed our transfer to Tokyo where I will return to my former job.

Of course, Theo is oblivious to the change. He has probably noticed the difference in the apartment, particularly in the size of the living space (Tokyo apartments are incredibly expensive!), but he doesn't have the facility yet to comment or ask questions. What's certain however is that he'll have greater access to Tokyo's parks, aquariums, and mind-boggling shopping complexes, particularly on weekends when I'll personally take him to these places.

It will also be easier for us to go to church on Sundays (or Saturday evenings) because there are at least 4 churches within reach by subway or train. We want to train him early to make Sunday mass a part of his routine, given that we, as parents, are responsible for his Catholic upbringing.

We will not be staying in Japan very long. Soon, Theo will have to begin his education in the Philippines, particularly in Bacolod City, where he can receive all of the support he would need to develop as a mentally, emotionally and socially well-adjusted person, surrounded by family and friends who can shower him with all the love and care that he needs.

We want Theo to grow up and mature as a Filipino -- not as a Japanese. The Philippines' image as a country has often been tainted by corruption and governmental mismanagement, but there are still many things that are good about the Philippines. It's not the perfect place on Earth, there's no such thing anyway, but it's our only country nonetheless.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mother's Day!

GOD cannot be everywhere, so HE made mothers. - Arab proverb

The love of a mother is the fuel that enables one to do the impossible. - Anonymous

A mother's love is like a circle, it has no beginning and no ending. It keeps going around and around ever expanding, touching everyone who comes in contact with it. - Art Urban

Mother is the name of GOD in the lips and hearts of little children.
- William M. Thackery

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother. - Abraham Lincoln

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Dear Mommy D,

That I am so bubbly, healthy and active now, I owe it all to the loving care that you have given me since I was born. You are the source of my life and my wellspring of love. You are the person who picks me up when I fall, who brushes my tears when I cry, who bandages my cuts and bruises, and kisses away my pains.

You are God's hand in the "miracle" that I am now. Of the billions of people throughout the world, you are but one. But for me, you are my only world.

I love you...

Theo

PS - Okay, so can I have my chocolate ice cream now?


Theo at 43 weeks of age

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Packing up





After about 2.5 years, we will finally be leaving Tsukuba. Surely, we will remember our days here with deep fondness. Not only did we have lots of fun here as a family, this was also where our little Theo was born.

In the photos above, you can see that we have already started packing our things. Theo is, of course, oblivious to all this. He would jump around, climb the boxes, or scatter whatever it is that we have already packed. The packing was time-consuming but we all enjoyed this family activity together.

Theo doesn't know it yet, but to where we're moving, he'll surely have lots more fun!