Dilemma of a Mom

Should I stay? Or, should I go?
Work? Or, family?

After 2 years of not travelling, I finally booked myself and my family to a trip to Boracay. It was our first time going there. I really did not want to go to Boracay because of its "noisy reputation". But because of my husband, I gave it a try especially when Citibank had this offer --- P500 all-in one way fare to all Cebu Pacific domestic destinations last July 2015. I must say, I do not regret my decision because my husband and my daughter enjoyed a lot, and as "ilaw ng tahanan," whenever your partner and your child is happy, you get happy too. :)

We stayed at Boracay Regency and Convention Place. We availed their Regency Escapade Package. We were lucky to have our room upgraded to Junior Suite from a Premier Room. For a price of a liittle more than P21,000, we enjoyed the airport transfer, the room, the pools, and the food (buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner) for three days and two nights.

Our trip was via Caticlan Airport. Upon arrival at the airport in Caticlan, we were greeted by staff of Hennan Group of Companies. We were ushered to the lounge where we were the only guests. We had the lounges, van and the boat all to ourselves. "Yayamanin ang feeling."

We arrived at the hotel at around 2 pm. We were welcome with refreshing drinks. After some check-in rituals, we went to our room, our big room which really delighted my 4-y/o daughter. The room was complete --- king-sized bed, tv, ref, sofa, dinette set, rain shower, bathtub, toiletries (I love their toiletries), bathrobe and veranda with the view of the pool, jacuzzi and the pool bar.

We then went to find a restaurant for our late lunch. There were a lot along the beach. And oh, speaking of beach, the beach sand of Boracay is really white and powdery. My feet love them. My daughter wanted to swim in the beach but we were so hungry we did not allow her. She cried really hard I wanted to back to our room already. (TIP. Don't show the beach or the pool to your child when you are not ready to allow him/her to use it.) Luckily, after some talks, I was able to calm her and to convince her to eat first.

Now, let our few pictures do the talking. :) Sorry for the quality of the pictures, though.

#airportlounge #portlounge

#poolbar #jacuzzi

Boracay Regency has three pools. 

#buffetbreakfast #SeaBreezeCafe

(I can't find the lunch buffet pic.)

#buffetdinner #SeaBreezeCafe

#parawsailing #islandhopping

We had a great time in Boracay. We only did two activities, paraw sailing and island hopping given the limited time we had and because of our daughter who is just 4 years old.

How much did we spend? Here's the breakdown:

Airfare                                            -     1,300 per person c/o Citibank and Cebu Pacific promo

Accommodation, Food & Transfers - 21,156 for 2 persons and 1 child (3D2N)

Paraw Sailing                                 -     1,000 for 2 persons and 1 child

Island Hopping                              -     2,500 for 3 hours (private boat)

Pedicab (from Station 1 to 2)        -          50 per trip (The distance is actually short but with a toddler who didn't want to walk, we opted to rode the pedicab.) Tip: The activities commence at Stations 1 and 3. If you're with a baby or a toddler and you do not want to walk to these stations from Station 2 and vice versa, better opt to have your accommodation located at either of the two stations.

For pasalubong, go to D' Talipapa Market. There are key chains, purses, t-shirts, bags, and a lot more. Also try the calamansi muffin of Real Coffee and Tea Cafe.

Hope you'll enjoy Boracay as much as my daughter and us did. Good vibes!

Visiting A DevPed

Visiting a developmental pediatrician is emotionally and psychologically tiring for a mother. I know because I just brought my child to one a few weeks ago. But your feelings should not hinder the need to have your child assessed by a development pedia. It will not only help your child but you, as well. You will be free from all your questions, worries and fears. I hope I could help you out with these tips:

1. Pray. This is your best weapon. Pray before you decide, before you call for appointment, before and after the visit.

2. Call early. Getting an appointment with a development is not easy. It may take months before you could get a schedule. If you're still thinking and still to wait-and-see, I suggest not. Grab the phone and call right away. Having doubts is also a good reason set an appointment.

3. Read. There are forums, blogs, articles, etc. that tackle development of a child. These will give a insight on what could be the case with your child. But don't rely on these too much. You should still wait for the what the doctor would say.

4. Prepare the cash. A devped's professional fee is expensive. During our initial visit, we paid P3,500. And, if the doctor would recommend a therapy for your child, each session costs P600-P800 depending on the therapy center. Usual therapy is being done 2x a week for 6 months.

5. Talk to your child. I did this before we went to the doctor. I told my child that we will be going to the doctor and she should cooperate. And, I prayed that my child would show her behavior so the doctor could give the right assessment.

6. Be honest. Tell all your observation (whatever it is) to the doctor. Don't hide anything. It won't help in the assessment.

7. Trust. Accept your doctor's assessment. You may have different opinion but be reminded that s/he is a professional giving her diagnosis to help your child. You can ask for second opinion but better if you go ahead with the recommendation of your doctor.

8. Allot time. If ever your child needs intervention, it would take much of your time. Unless, you have someone who would bring your child to the therapy center.

9. Ready yourself and the household. Our doctor advised us to be cooperative with the intervention. We should strictly follow the advice of the therapist at all time. If one says no, all must agree that it is a no. Consistency is the key.

I do hope the above tips help. I am one with you in praying that everything will turn out well. We all want the best for our child/children, right?