A Proud Mentor

At around 11pm last night, I waited for some news from Hollywood, CA if my student Cathy made it through to the semifinals of the World Championships for Performing Arts (WCOPA 2011). I was informed that the results will come in the following morning. So I waited some more. I barely slept last night. I was too anxious to know the results. Although I've seen the videos uploaded by her mom, I didn't know how she did compared to the other contestants. Around 10am, I got a call and heard the good news. She made it to the semifinals! I am so ecstatic! Now I am wishing, praying and hoping that she makes it to the finals. 

One thing that makes me really happy is teaching. I think mentoring is my thing. Especially when I see them improving and happy with what they are doing. Whether it's vocal coaching, financial coaching or just any other coaching. I am no master of anything but it gratifies me to share what I know. So when this child asked for some vocal coaching, I didn't have any second thoughts. Thanks to my ever supportive husband who allowed me to do voice lessons at home and by coming home early everytime I have a scheduled class. Another special thanks to my baby for behaving while classes were going on.

At first, it was just plain summer voice lessons then little did we know we'll get invited to sing for the Filipino Community and now, she's competing against the delegations from all over the world carrying the flag of the United States.

I am beaming with pride!

Way to go Cathy Sucgang! I am a proud teacher.

UPDATE:  Cathy didn't make it to the finals but on a brighter note, she has call backs for the week.  I am still very very proud. 
Cathy at WCOPA blog

The Power of the Piggy Bank

I recently uploaded this photo on my Facebook account showing my son putting coins in his piggy bank.  This picture brought back many memories.

My first piggy bank gave me the chance to buy my very first "taho". A street food in the Philippines which is made of silk tofu mixed with brown sugar and vanilla syrup topped with tapioca. I think I was only four at that time. It was the most delicious "taho" I ever had in my entire life. My first piggy bank had taught me to diligently save up for my next "taho".

Feelings

Last weekend we had our weekly household meeting with our mates in the community Couples for Christ. We had a small talk about relationships and parenting and since all of the members who were present were Filipino immigrants, we couldn't help but talk about our experiences as parents here in the Unites States.
We've talked about how it would have been different if we were raising our children in the Philippines. How easier it would have been to get help from our families and friends whenever we need it. How people are willing to look after our children without monetary compensation. These were some thoughts we had during the discussion.
I, for one didn't expect that it would be this exhausting being a stay at home mom. There are times that I just want to scream and tempted to ask for help. I hate doing chores all the time much more having a super messy home. What makes it more difficult is that I don't have anybody to talk to on how I feel and most of the time, I feel that people don't understand. But then I always remind myself that this is only temporary and one day, my baby will grow up. Things will be better.
For now, no matter how hard life is, what matters most is that I am happy. I am with a loving husband and a beautiful son.