l'arbre de Noël

Last Sunday we went to the L'abre de Noël courtesy of our Papa's company...thank you for your effort in making this wonderful show! As usual we came one hour late because Mom had to chat with the family from the Philippines. She took time and we perfectly understand that. After chatting we left. On the way to Martigues we slept in the car to keep our energy for the last remaining hour of the spectacle. Arriving there, it was dark because the show started already. We went to look out for a place. Fortunately, we were not that close because Mayumi was afraid of the clowns and entertainers doing their magic. Blinking lights, loud laughs, clapping hands. She put her trembling hand on Papa's lap to let him know that she's not interested to watch the show. She turned her head and put on Papa's shoulder and tried to avoid watching the show. As for me, I was half asleep but because of the loud soundtrack I started to get fully awake. The show goes on and on, finally at the end of the show Santa came out and that was the only time Mayumi turned her head with a smile on her face. After the show, we went back stage and lined up to get the gifts we have chosen. Mayumi got her Dora trotinette and I got Spiderman toy, 2 books and 2 bags full of chocolates ! Sorry for the picture, that is the best shot Maman could have !

Santa is coming to town !

Now, these two Christmas socks are waiting for Santa's visit! I hope that Santa has our address....If not how can he give us his presents ? Honestly, they're waiting since one week ago :D! Oh we are not in a hurry but when we see the gifts under the Christmas tree it's kinda tempting. But don't worry we will be very patient and will be a good boy and girl. Anyway 4 days to go before Christmas and the waiting will be over ! Tssssrarannnnn !!! We can't wait for the surprises !!!!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and enjoy this special season of giving and sharing !

I don't give up !

I don't know what I was thinking but all I wanted was to take off my socks by hook or by crook. I wanted my Mom to know that I can take care of my little self. This is how I started to be independent and not asking my Mom to do things for me. Anyhow, every child has its own style right ? So far this style is really effective ! Mind you, my Mom told me not to do it because she told me that socks aren't really clean but I insisted just to show her that I can also do things on my own.... I know I am a bit show off ! You cannot do anything about it, I am just a little girl who tries to help my Mom in my own little way.

School and Us

I belong to the little section (petite section) . In my class children are older than me. Ages 3 years and up. Being clean (not on diapers) is a big factor or rather the first qualification to get accepted at school. So this year even I am not exactly 3 yrs. old but I had the chance to be included in the school year of 2007-2008 . Classes start from 9 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. It is not obligatory for me to stay the whole afternoon. I only stay in the morning from 9AM to 11:30 AM and I guess it is enough for me to learn at this early stage. I take lunch at home and have an afternoon nap. Somehow, going to school at this early age helps me to develop to have an autonomous behavior. Attending classes, I started to accomplish the following :

1. Being able to recognize words, colors, and numbers.
2. Hold and show interest in books, nursery rhymes and songs.
3. Socialize and learn the importance of team work and camaraderie.
4. Develop my social and emotional skills.

Now, it's my turn ! If you will see we are bigger therefore I belong to the middle section (moyenne sections). In our class, the sessions we have is understanding and implementing the guidelines to paste the cut out sysmbols or color them. Learn to draw forms, letters and symbols. Teacher's objective is if we are able to understand the meaning of the guidelines. Being able to recognize the symbol and differentiate them. To know and pronounce the letters of the alphabets. Identifying letters to their form and remember the nursery rhymes of the alphabet. Knowing to identify the characters from the story book. Acquiring and developing our vocabulary on the topic. Describing characters, places, using the appropriate terms. Learning to socialize and to participate in every sessions and a lot more. We even make a little show whenever there's a celebration like halloween. Teachers choreograph our steps and we wear necessary costumes depends on the theme of the party. You see, that proves that we do not only focus on books, papers and pens.....we also know how to make fun ! Ice breaker is always important, energizers for breaks during standardized sessions.

We have a lot more to tell you but we thought it would be boring. Anyhow, you've all been there, done that. If you have some tips that would be a great help for both of us on how we could improve at school.

simple trekking for kids

As a growing kids our parents introduced us to do sports at an early age. They prefer to go out during the weekend for us to avoid watching the television at home. We are still young and we think that we should take this chance to discover many things. Exploring the beauty of nature is really something extra ordinary for our age. It's true that you could find almost everything in Marseille except for snow. We have the mountains, the sea, the parks to visit and discover. We went hiking with friends at St Baume, we assure you it was easy! I admire my Kuya Basti he didn't even ask my Papa for help. Even he was a bit tired he continued walking and sometimes I asked Papa to get me out from my backpack so I could also walk and we could play together. When we reached the top we had our break for our little picnic. We have pizza, ham, cheese, fruits, apple cake and drinks. That was really cool.

This is the top view from the mountain. The view is just splendid. We asked one of the hiker to take this picture so everyone would be there :) ! Thanks to him.

Hiking is really something we love. Or doing just a simple walk at the park, do roller blading, biking or doing the trotinette. We spend most of our weekend doing outdoor activities. It's really interesting especially for us while growing up. We develop our personality, independency, and our abilities on certain aspects and later progress on what type of sports we like to do in the future. We have discovered a great pattern on the internet on how to be successful on sports of our choice.


The 4C's : Concentration, confidence, control and commitment (the 4C's) are generally considered the main mental qualities that are important for successful performance in most sports.

Concentration - ability to maintain focus
Confidence - believe in one's abilities
Control - ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction
Commitment - ability to continue working to agreed goals

If you want to explore Marseille please check this site. Have a great weekend to all.

je suis accro

Bientôt c'est Noël ! Je souhaite d'avoir les trucs de Spiderman :) ! J'ai déjà la gourde et tongs.... donc je verrai ce que je peux avoir quelques trucs de Spiderman, encore ! Désolé, je suis juste un petit garçon qui voudrai avoir des choses simples. Ne me demande pas les raison pourquoi je suis accro!

At School

I know that growing up means RESPONSIBILITY ! Now, I am facing another dimension in life wherein learning, development and socialization are the stages that I will undergo as a growing child. It is true that we learn first at home and that entering into a real school help us to have more formation.

My first day went okey. Since my Papa was on his RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail) he went with Maman going to our first day of school. I can tell you that my Kuya Basti was so happy to have seen his friends again. As for myself, I was a little bit anxious because I have seen a lot of children crying. I was thinking that there is something strange! Why do they cry? Was then affected by it. I did not cry but was nearly in tears ! Quietly keeping what I have inside! If only I have the magic to change everything I would. Like staying to be a baby then I would not endure such stage. But life should move on and I should grow up !

After a week of schooling I could say that it was not easy to be separated from my Maman. I was used to be with her 7 days a week 24 hours a day. I just miss her so much that when she picks us up from school for lunch I am really happy to see her ! During my first week at school I stayed the whole afternoon. Maman normally picks us up before 11:30AM and should be back before 1:30PM but I don't have the time to take a nap in between hours. Arriving at school the room for the little section (petite section) is already close because my colleagues are already taking their afternoon nap. It is not possible for me to enter the room so as to avoid disturbing them while sleeping. Then, I found myself playing with the big ones like the age of my Kuya Basti average and big sections etc. (moyenne & grande sections). After playtime, I am dead tired ! That's why Maman was advised by the teacher that I should only stay in the morning because I am still young and it happened twice that I slept on my chair while the class is going on ! Shame on me :( ! Can you imagine that I am the only little girl who plays with the big ones while my classmates are taking their siesta ! So in this case, I go to school every morning only and I stay with Maman at home after bringing back my Kuya Basti at school by 1:30 PM and stays the whole afternoon ! I am happy to have found my bed for a little nap ! By 4:15 I am accompanying my Maman at school in picking up my brother at 4:30 PM ! This is my new life ! Challenging yet exciting ! Until then friends..........

new discovery

I will turn 5 years old early next year and I really wish to have a real bicycle. I started thinking about it when we went at the park near my school. My Maman saw me looking at the 2 boys at my age who were biking very well. I continued observing them and suddenly my Maman asked me if I wanted to have the same bike like them. I said yes immediately with sparkling eyes. I told her that the bike we have at home are okey but just for small babies like my sister. I've added that it's time for me to really learn to bike with the real one.

My Maman started to talk about it with Papa and they've decided to buy me a real bicyle :) ! A week ago we went to Decathlon where we used to buy sports materials. They offer affordable prices, many choices and brandmarks to consider. I was excited to see how my bike would look like.

Since I am a beginner my parents were really practicable to have bought this bike. The price was okey and I was really glad to have it. Included in this bike are the 2 supporting small tires to regain my balance which are adjustable and relflectible light which is detachble that permits to bike during night. Vacation is not yet over and my Maman helps me to learn biking during weekdays at the park near us. I hope to learn how to bike soon without these supporting tires on it. I am not in a hurry but I am just so excited on this new discovery and challenge that I am experiencing as a growing boy. Then I could teach my little sister to bike when she reach my age. All I could do for the moment is to be patient, learn how to balance, apply different techiniques advised by my parents and most especially bike carefully !

I would appreciate to hear recommendations from you about biking. That would be a great help !

I am a Christian

Finally, at 2 years old I was baptised last July 1st of this year! My Mom worked hard for for this one time occassion. She made personalised recto-verso invitation , thank you card and souvenirs. My grandfather and her wife helped us to find a reception out of Marseille to accomodate the guests.

The priest who baptised me is a friend of my Dad during his younger years. I was baptised in this church called L'Ouvre de Jeunesse. Their main goal is simple to have an educational project which accomodates throughout the year children and young people in order to allow them in building all dimensions of their personality. To develop their sense of communication, fundamental values which will guide their personal life and of relation with others. Learn to be of service to others and exemption from payment, training of freedom and responsibility. It wishes to help each young person to become adult from what he is today, to appreciate with their right value the tangible properties, convinced that the man is worth more by what he is not by what he has. Inviting the world in full change, with the testimony of a life which is for the other source of hope.

I have shared this moment of joy with my family and close friends. Entering to a life of Christianity is something that I look forward too. My parents congratulated me because I behaved like a big girl.

The mass was just exceptional because there were young children of different ages to witness this unforgettable celebration with me. As a sign of their participation they have played instruments, sung religious songs all throughout the mass. They have even made a sign of the cross to welcome me to experience the inward grace of the first sacrament.

Now there you go my Ninang and Ninong (godmother and godfather) who have happily accepted their responsibilities as my second parent.

To end up the celebration we have devoured this delicious French typical cake with champagne on the side !

i like to move it move it

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I just turned 2 !

Just like last year Mom prepared a small celebration for my 2nd birthday at the park. I was so lucky to have celebrated under a good weather condition. My Mom invited some of our close friends and I would like to thank everyone for coming and for the presents. My Mom wanted to invite more friends but she didn't have enough time. She is busy preparing our stuffs to be packed and chores to finish at home before we leave for a one week vacation in the North of France.

At the age of 2, I am proud to say that I progress everyday. Thanks to my parents who educate me as I travel my journey to childhood! To my Kuya Basti who serves as my model and helping me while we grow together. These are the things I can do:

1.I speak in phrases - I take my brother as a model. I am at the stage of parrot talking. He helps me sometimes to pronounce the words

2. I can jump and climb - I do everything my kuya does. I am not afraid to imitate him whether he climbs or jumps from one place to another. I like adventure and I am enjoying it!

3. I eat alone ! (I started at 1 1/2 y.o.) - I want to do it by myself to get ready for school on September. (oopppsss need to start potty training shame on me)

4. I know how to arrange my kalat (mess) in our room - Sometimes we are oblige to do it from time to time. It's actually a part of our education at home. To follow the rules and benefit from it later on. Not bad at all !

5. I know how to wear my shorts, pants, shoes, jackets (minsan baligtad nga lang) !

6. I know some english and tagalog words - since my parents start talking to us in English I can easily imitate them. Sometimes it's difficult to understand the words if they speak too fast.

7. I start to learn the names of animals, letters and numbers - it's because I always hear my parents teaching my brother or while they read books before going to bed or while playing.

8. I can sing some phrases from "une souris verte" et "ainsi font,font,font" with the help of my Kuya Basti. I love singing with him because he teaches me the songs he sings at school.

A lot of developments happened but these are the major things so far! I know I still have many things to learn and to accomplish soon. But for the moment, I just turned 2 and I want to take my time in discovering a lot of things while I travel my journey to childhood. I am glad that my parents doesn't expect too much from me (us). They let me do the things I wish to do without being capricious or a brat into something I like accompanied by their pieces of advice. Everyday, I learn by socializing! I do things slowly and surely so as to be effective in every aspects. Discovering things without hurrying not to be on the top or be in a competition with other children. I just simply live my life and breath the air of joy! In short, I am a happy child living in a happy family !

what do you think ?

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Now, my Mom starts talking to us in english. And I can tell you, je me debrouille pas mal ! Seriously, my Papa (feeling Pinoy po si Papa) prefers that Maman talk to us in Tagalog but I guess speaking English will be more practicable since it is an International language. Of course, I would really love to learn Tagalog too later on. But as a second language it would be a great advantage for us especially in school since not so many children speak the english language. To tell you more, every morning we watch DVD films in English so as to get used to it. Eventhough I don't understand the film yet hearing it will be a good pratice. Anyway, I am at the stage of parrot talking. I say what I hear :) ! My Maman speaks clearly and slowly so we can understand better and she sometimes explain it in French. All those basic english words like the alphabet, numbers, colors and singing english songs and many things are a new beginning for me. Indeed, it will be of great help in my everyday development as a toddler. I don't forget my Kuya Basti, he speaks better that me!

for a healthier body and mind

Before spending our winter vacation , my first week was intended for recreational activities. My parents have enrolled me for a five day sports activities from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. It was really a good timing because my Mom just got her license and she was able to accompanied me going forth and back to sports center. If not, we are obliged to take the public transportation (metro and bus) in the middle of winter, carrying bags and stroller on the side ! With thick clothes, gloves and bonnet though Marseille is not the coldest place in France but we are anyhow oblige to wear them. Bringing me there is not an easy task to do, it requires a lot of effort! Not to mention bringing my little sister in the midst of coldness but I guess she doesn't pay attention anyway! Look at her, she's even happy to play and I am sure if she's just a bit older (btw, they accept children of 2 years old there) she will be eager to join the club !

This was my first day and the 2 young women behind me were my animatrices (organizers or leaders of the group where I belong ages 3 & 4years old) there are also other ages and activities are more rigid co'z they are older than us !

These are the activities we do !

1. Football (Soccer)
2. Basketball
3. Gymnastics
4. Lutte or what we call martial arts (but very basic)
5. Dance hip hop
6. Handballl
7. Volleyball
8. Athlétisme (Running)
9. Rugby

And many other things ! We also have some presentations and games indoors especially if it's too windy (mistral as we call in Marseille)!

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My Mom stayed for half an hour to see how things work out for us children! She took pictures and videos ! Then, what do you think ? I prefer going to SMUC and do sports....it is good for the health! Staying at home is good but I will just be tempted to watch TV so better to go out and play, that way I can develop my physical skills and gain more friends !

winter vacation

Living in the South of France particularly in Marseille snow is not a common view but tourist still love to visit our place. So everytime winter approach people are excited to go in the Alps ! We have always dreamed of having this site in our place. White snowy place is always been an amazing site for everyone and I am sure you would agree with us.

This would be my second time to experience to be in a snowy place. By the way, my first time was really unpleasant. I did not even enjoy playing snow with my barehands. Normally, children of my age would love to play snowball fight or make a snowman out of it but I am the contrary. Well it's maybe because I was young at that time. This time I am glad to tell you that I have spent a wonderful winter vacation in the Alps of Meribel!

Honestly I don't know how to ski and I don't even know how to roller blade. I guess, I am to young to learn this type of sports. But arriving there my parents enrolled me to ski school to learn my first ski training. I spent a 5 day training from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon except between 12 noon to 2 in the afternoon for lunchbreak. They accept children from 3 to 5 years old to learn the basic of skiing. I was in this club ! The first two days were difficult because I am not used to it but then ski monitors were nice and patient to teach us and I am glad that on my third day everything went just fine. I learned to put all by myself my ski stuffs, learn to do a bit of slalom, slide downhill and go uphill, sledging, learn to control my moves and know how of chasse neige (to break)! It was absolutely fun especially that I have met a lot of children from different places. I even have my first gold medal for having accomplished a good job. For children who are advance, at the end of the week they take their first test depending on their progress: “Piou-Piou”, “Flocon”, or “Ourson”. Therefore, next year I would be in the class of "Flocon" !

Hey, I guess it's my turn now ! It's me Mayumi, I have not much to share since I am still a baby! Anyway, I have enjoyed my vacation as much as everyone inspite of being in the altitude of 1400 meters where the apartment of Papy is located and going to ski station until 1600 meters high. It's quite tiring for a baby right?! So I was always been tired most of the time. Likewise, at my early age I did not enjoy the snow, well I enjoyed a bit, I admit ! Was a bit stubborn even if Mom rented a special stroller made for snow but I did not want to really stay in there ! I cried....let me out of here!

Anyway, I don't ski but I know how to enjoy and slide with my Kuya and friend Ate Lucie ! Next year, for sure I would also be skiing like my big brother did ! I would be in the club of Piou Piou and I will learn, enjoy and socialize too ! Of course we will not forget to send our heartful thanks to our generous Papy for this wonderful gift !

So see you next year for another adventures of Basti and Mimi ! Now back to normal ! Work for Papa,chores for Maman, school for Kuya and sleep, play and eat for me ;) ! Gotcha !!!

Spiderman returns (with no socks)

Last Christmas I have received a lot of gifts and I appreciate them all. Thank you very much to grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunties and friends. But this one is what I have wished for ! Do I exactly look like Spiderman ? Look at my little sister, she probably wants to have a costume too :) !

Oh no, I forgot something don't you think ? I don't have my socks! Dyahe, sayang OK na sana sa japorms ! Anyway, I'll ask my Maman or Papa to buy me so my costume will be complete and more realistic!

santa came

Look Santa came to see us! Yes, he kept his promise and came with lots of gifts. We are very happy to see him. Santa was a very generous man and we hope to see him next year . Why does Santa comes only once a year ? Can't he visit us too whenever there's a special occassions like birthdays, valentines ? Let's say, tomorrow because i'll be turning 4 and yes, i would like to see him not because he of the gifts but I wanted to talk to him and let him see me how grown up I am, how I speak better, how I can do things on my own and how I take care of my little sister. I just hope to see him otherwise I will wait for next Christmas.