Family day

IT SEEMS to me that since I've had children, I've grown richer and deeper. They may have slowed down my writing for a while, but when I did write, I had more of a self to speak from.

Last February 23 was one of the most memorable moments in my life. The typical life event worth posting in my FB’s timeline. It was my daughter’s Family Day and I considered it very memorable since it was the first time that my husband was able to attend the annual Family Day due to his work demands. And for this, I would forever be thankful to Lt. Col. Osias for allowing my husband to attend the said activity.

When we were still on our way, I could feel the excitement of my kids showing in their faces. My daughter was practically beaming when she knew that I gave up my Saturday’s commitment with my students. “Love gyud diay ko nimo mommy ba kay nag-absent gud ka para nako,” she mused.

My son, on the other hand, was simply enjoying the noise of the streets while counting Jollibee fast food chains that we passed by.

At the back of mind, I was thinking that my students were probably jumping and shouting for joy when I decided to postpone their pre-final exams. Well, let them enjoy for next week will be hell for them.

The said activity was held at Malasag Ecotourism Village. The venue is softly nestled within the slopes of Cugman Watershed in Cagayan de Oro.

It is a cultural domain of natural wonders and was conceptualized in 1991. This ecology-friendly cultural habitat is said to be inspired by the picturesque gardens of Granada in Spain and Butchart Gardens of Canada.

With the breathtaking view of the Macajalar Bay, the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village distinctly sits on a 7.2-hectare land prominently etched with nature and eco-trails, connecting to 800 hectares of reforested area.

But what make the site more exciting were the activities prepared by the faculty and staff of Holy Child Institute, the school where my daughter is enrolled.

The first activity was already a blast when my husband was called to represent the Kinder I class. I never thought he could run that fast and faster indeed when he began to tie flag and raised it. Thanks to his fruitful years of military training, Kinder I won.

There were also other activities intended for couples, for children and for the whole family in general. What I liked most was the ala post Valentine game when a couple had to consume a big apple on a barbecue stick. I and my husband did not win but the apple’s juice somehow quenched our thirst since we were playing under the 10:00am heat of the sun.

Another game that I enjoyed was when a family was tasked to follow a particular instruction and then consume the bananas (really, big bananas), so that you will be declared as the winner. The task given to us was to connect three bananas on our foreheads while walking to the next post. It was hard but we were able to do it anyway. Now that reminds me: one juicy apple plus a big banana equals fruit salad matched with a grumbling stomach. Whatever…what matters most is the quality time that I spent with my family, especially to my children.

I should say that the best gift parents can give to their children is quality time. More often than not, parents especially those who are working, are having difficulty managing time intended for work, family and for leisure. I read in a self-help book that says once children grow up and experience problems, it is not their friend’s advices nor the teachers’ pep talks that will help them overcome the problem. Instead, children will always cling to the good memories that they spent with their families and make it as their source of strength.

With this, I would like to sincerely thank Holy Child Institute for planning this activity. For a busy parent like me, I am glad that I am a part of my child’s journey. Because in the final analysis, it’s not about what we do for our children but what we have taught them do the things for themselves that will make them successful human beings.