A glimpse of a snow-less winter

The weather has been very cooperative to us this winter and the past 2 winters we've experienced. Thank God for zero snowstorm and less snow winter. My kids almost missed what they enjoy doing most in a weather like this - snowball fighting, snow angel and tobogganing. But there were these 2 nights that the snow came in abundance, enough to make a snowman in our front yard and toboggan in Leaside High School (but look how thin the snow is on the slopes). They only lasted at least 3-4 hours because the sun came up and the warm weather melted the snow. We grabbed the opportunities to enjoy the snow and capture the moments in our camera. Ang aming huling hirit habang me snow...enjoy!

Tips for a first-time skier

It's so hard for me to learn this sport. Maybe I'm not young anymore and my reflexes are too slow. I will try again to finish the lesson and practice so that I will enjoy it more. It just happened that I fell a lot of times that I only got scared to falling all over again that I didn't master my first skiing. Anyway, here are some tips for those who are interested in learning the sport:

1. Position yourself in a forward manner, where the legs are too close or touching the upper ski boots. But don't stoop too much, this position or standing in erect makes you fall.

2. When walking uphill, walk like a duck. The feet in V position, lift the legs and the ski, then walk the way ducks do.

3. When skiing or walking downhill, you tend to move faster and the way to slow down is to put your feet in A position or opposite the V. The way to do it is to bring your heels outwards. Using the poles will put you to a stop.

4. Turning to the left or right is the same way in #3. The only difference is you put one heel outwards to go to your desired direction.

5. The way to get up from falling down is to use the poles in unlocking your ski boots from the ski and stand up normally. You have to remove the ski first so that you can get up easier.

6. This last tip is what I always miss - always look to the direction where you are going and not on the ski so that your position will not make you fall down.

Finally, before and after skiing, do some stretching first to prepare your body and reduce pains.

Happy skiing (and falling) :)

Swimming at Super 8 Barrie

Our spring break included another day doing snowtubing at Snow Valley but it rained the next day so we just stayed at the hotel and enjoyed its amenities. Look at my children enjoying the pool.

Our First Ski Adventure

Winter is almost over but we made it our most memorable one when we hit the road leading to Barrie's Ski Snow Valley. It was a thrilling (and mostly painful) experience. We looked forward to this March Break ski trip and we were not disappointed especially the kids who enjoyed the most. We left Etobicoke a little past 7:00 and arrived there around 8:17 am. We immediately proceeded to the ticket booths as more cars started to arrived. The first lessons started at 9:30 am but since we are first-timers we needed to have time to familiarize ourselves with the gears that we are going to use. Before paying for the tickets, we filled up forms for the rental of the equipment - ski, boots, helmet and poles. The crew assisted and taught us how to wear the boots and helmet. The boots are really heavy, it felt like walking with a bowling ball on your feet and walking on the moon. Only Lito, Miggy and I were given the gears because Kyle and Lex sizes were only available at the Kid's Village. Holding our 3 kids and the gears, we reluctantly proceeded to the waiting area. You can just imagine how we looked like as first timers gliding in the snow on the way to Kids Village. After paying for the Kids Ski and Play package for my preschoolers, I left them in the care of their instructors who will be with them one on one.

It took us 30 minutes (and 2 falls) to reach the waiting area. The instructor said we already missed the 9:30 class and advised us to wait for the 11:00 class. In between those, we had some picture-taking and tested our ski in the beginners area. The lessons had not even started but our bodies are already aching from the falls hahaha. We met our companions Randy, Gina and their kids already set up for the class. Lito then decided to just stay and wait for the kids who were about to finish at 12:00. If he took that class, no one would fetch the kids. It's a good thing too because he had a chance to witness how they did in their first skiing lessons.

Miggy and I together with Randy, Gina and Hannah took the Discover Skiing 1 with mostly kids in our class. We learned the right position, how to attach and remove the ski, how to slow down, break and do the turns and how to stand up when you fall down - the last one I mastered very well from the hard falls I experienced. I joined that class not only to experience how it is to ski but most importantly, to be on the look out for Miggy. But it seems that he doesn't need his slow-learner mom to learn and enjoy this sport. In fact, he learned faster and I think he only fell once when we were trying on the ski before the class started. He is very good for a first timer. The instructor who noticed that I always fall focused on me and was like a personal trainer to me until I went down the lowest hill without falling. She told me that my son is going to the medium hill (a steeper one) with other 3 kids who were able to do the skills from the beginner lessons. If I want to be with him, I should be able to do the skills myself. But by the time I was able to do all of them, I was already too tired and scared to try the next hill. Gina and I just finished the 75 minutes in the smallest hill. After seeing Gina's kids from the snowboarding class, we were relieved that this is over. From the ticket that we got, we should be practicing what we learned in the different hills but just looking at the lift going up, I could not even move my feet so we decided to call it quits and headed to the Picnic area to have our lunch. There we met Lito and the 2 kids from their class. From the looks on their faces, they must have enjoyed the lessons and I was right. Here are some of the videos and photos from this first (and hopefully not the last) ski trip our family had.






Kyle is in blue jacket.


Thank God that we enjoyed this day. I will share the tips on skiing and part 2 of our adventure later.

Things to do on a bright winter day

Toboggan definition in modern times: it is used on snow to carry one or more people (often children) down a hill or other slope for recreation. I first heard the word Toboggan from my friend Joy. She said since we just arrived and we don't know how to ski or even ice skate, we can only do tobogganing during winter. That's what we did as our Pre-valentine activity yesterday. The kids were excited when they heard that we are going to the place we pass by every Sunday where we often see children sledding or tobogganing. Kyle asked if we brought our own and we said yes. Lex was the most excited as you can see in the video. The kids showed no signs of fear in the slopes. I remembered the Giant slide days at Big Bang sa Alabang when Lito and I were younger which were so much fun. This time there was a slight tinge of fear because I'm not that young anymore but I need to show my kids that I was not afraid because they are not. Anyway, the fear only lasted while we were waiting to be pushed and turned to shrieking fun when we started going down the slopes. Here are the videos of our first Tobogganing adventure:







Happy Valentines!

Winter Blues

I think I'm experiencing the real taste of winter. In the past months, there was snow drought and I guess they all want to come out today from where they were hiding for sometime now. The snow started to fall at lunchtime and until now, it hasn't stopped. On the way to school to fetch my son, the snow is wet, it's like rain and snow falling from the sky. I wished I brought my umbrella but I guess it will only be me doing that. Most of the Canadians do not use umbrella even if it is raining. I was wearing a hat to cover my ears and prevent the snow from falling into my eyes. On our way home, the snow falls heavily. What I walked on a few minutes ago is now covered with snow. The size of snow flakes are getting bigger, no longer dandruff-like flurries but as big as dimes. My hat is not enough to cover my face, the snow flakes hits me and it feels like I'm being cauterized. I wished I really brought my umbrella. I remember that raindrops fall in one direction, downward but snow fall in every direction - downward, upward, diagonal, in front and at the sides. The kids are enjoying it and sticks out their tongue but for me, I wanted to run and stay indoors. I'm not sure but I guess I experienced my first snow storm that up to this moment it hasn't stop. We hope to make our Snowman soon. Hahaha!

Winter sports and the Olympics

As I was watching the opening rites of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics where an Alpine Skier came from a mountaintop down to the venue, it makes me wonder how these athletes train and excel in their chosen sports on a cold weather. I'm amazed when the commentator mentioned the sports called luge, skeleton, bobsled, alpine skiing, snowboard and many other unfamiliar games. I only know hockey and figure skating. During the parade, I also noticed that the athletes of the winter olympics are mostly caucasians (all white and blondes, looking like Barbies and Kens). I've seen non-caucasians, notable are those from India, whose uniforms were lost and the community of India in Vancouver contributed to come up with better jerseys; from Jamaica, only 1 athlete, (I remember the movie Cool Runnings where a group of Jamaicans joined the bobsled games) and from Nepal, only 1 athlete - Sherpa, the man who guided the First Filipino in reaching the top of Mt. Everest. There was standing ovation when the delegation from Georgia arrived. One of their teammates died a few hours before the opening ceremonies, a 21-yr-old luger had a tragic accident while practicing in the tracks and this is his first winter olympics.

I particularly liked the number from the natives wearing their colorful costumes and of course the lightshow. I was touched (or maybe felt being patriotic) while the crowd sang O, Canada and I'm wondering if any of my sons would be joining this parade 15-20 yrs from now. I was thinking if I could request the song "Lupang Hinirang" when one of them receives a medal, hehehe (wishful thinking). I hope that with the Ice Skating rinks prominent in SM Malls, Philippines will have a representative in the future winter olympics maybe in Figure Skating or Hockey, why not?

Toronto attractions and itineraries for our Winter Holiday

My brother-in-law and his wife (Irvin and Faye) will be celebrating the holidays with us in our First Christmas here in Toronto and we're all excited. I've been busy with the menu planning, naks, feeling like a good cook haha but I'm now done with that and I've started to research on the things to do and places to go to while they are here.

This will be a spoiler to them sorry ha, but I need to put this here in my blog for reference that others can use and for relatives or friends coming over in the future. Here are the Toronto's Top Destinations:

CN Tower
The CN Tower is Toronto's tallest and most defining landmark. Photos of Toronto are often defined by the building stretching more than 550 metres into the sky. We are taking advantage of the Citypass booklet and this must-see destination is included. Per the Attractions experience, we can visit the Look Out Level (1,136 feet), test our nerve on the Glass Floor to see everything from 1,122 feet and choose either "The height of excellence" film or the motion theatre ride. I guess Miggy would want the latter, hehehe.

Casa Loma
This is a real castle in the heart of Toronto. It says in the guide that once inside, we can experience the elegance and splendour of the Edwardian era. We can explore the former home of Sir Henry Pellat, a Canadian financier featuring unique architecture. Its secret passageways, breathtaking towers, sweeping staircase, 800-foot tunnel, stables and 5-acre gardens continue to excite all ages.

Ontario Science Center
We just live in front of this destination and although we have been there several times, the kids never lose interest. The wonders of science continue to amuse them. The Omnimax theatre inside is another attraction but they have not changed the movie showing, Miggy says it's boring him.

Royal Ontario Museum
No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to ROM, Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history. I hope it also has the dinosaurs so Miggy and Kyle will finally see them live, I mean the bones, hahaha.

Toronto Zoo
Voted "Favourite Toronto Attraction". The amazing zoo is the third largest zoo in the world. We will see more than 5000 animals displayed according to their geographic location. There are over 10 kilometers of stunning trails throughout 710 acres of land. Mahabang lakarin pala ito hahaha. Canada's premier zoo has five indoor pavilions and outdoor trails. Haay, I'm so excited for the kids. Oh, btw, they say that Polar Bears are now showing. I'm looking forward to this one!

The following is not included in the Citypass but is included in our itineraries:

Air Canada Centre
I wonder who's playing against the Raptors on the week after Christmas.

Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is a popular and entertaining facility that houses many interactive displays for both children and adults. It features a replica of the NHL dressing room, Broadcast Pods showing some of the most famous hockey games, and much more.

Harbourfront/Queen's Quay
Toronto's Harbourfront is one of North America's largest recreational waterfronts. It is near major attractions such as CN Tower; The Roger's Center; and the Air Canada Center. During winter, the Natrel Rink is open for ice skaters. This beautiful rink is located within the Harbourfront Centre grounds, a popular destination for festivals and concerts in the heart of the city’s downtown waterfront. On scheduled nights, we can skate while celebrity DJs are mixing their gig. I hope there are family programs too. Miggy can skate here weather permitting, skates are for rent for $7.


Nathan Philips Square
This is where the winter event The Cavalcade of Lights is being held and we look forward to seeing it. Nathan Philips Square is I believe the equivalent of Rockefeller in NYC. Miggy can also Ice skate here. I hope Irvin or Faye knows how to skate to accompany my son who suddenly become interested in this activity.

Yonge-Dundas Square
I have posted a separate entry in my other blog.

Other sites to see but I don't know how we could squeeze in our schedules; Chinatown, Cabbagetown, the Distillery, Kensington Market, Mackenzie House

This is it for now, I got tired in visiting these places in my mind, hahaha...more later..recharge and research first.

It's Snowing, It's pouring..Winter is here!

It's finally here. We heard the news that anytime now the snow would fall and during lunch, we saw the first drops of snow. Without knowing that he doesn't have snow suits on, Kyle excitedly went to the terrace and jumped with joy. I told him to go inside and wait for mommy to put on his suit and also Lex, and to also bring out the camera. Here's the video I captured for our first encounter with snow.



Later in the afternoon, we fetched Miggy in school and on the way there, Kyle and the other kids we saw, kept on putting out their tongues to taste the snowflakes LOL. It felt like rain and I mused, here's the dreaded season of the year. Brace ourselves for the winter. The next days will be more snow to come.

Here are more pictures, look at their rosy cheeks:

Getting ready for our First Winter

It's already November and I can feel the cool breeze up to my sleeves each time we go out and take Aloysius to school. This morning, the thermometer read 0 degrees and we wore double - our code for 2 jackets (or 1 jacket and 1 vest). By the time, it hits the negative, it's gonna be triple (thermal undies, fleece jackets then insulated jacket/snow suits(tops and bottoms)/vest). Aside from that, the gloves, bonnets and scarves are necessary.
Notice that the neckline is high. Once you wear this jacket, the part of your face up to the nose level is covered.

For my baby, aside from double, he should also be slipped into an over-all snowsuit. The ears, neck, hands and feet must be covered. We are also looking for a foot muff that can fit into his stroller to keep his legs and feet warm.


For the footwear, we already bought winter boots for the kids. I'm still waiting for a good bargain but I found one at Sportchek, I hope Ani can buy in my behalf. The boots are not the same as the fashion boots that we see in Sex Bomb dancers but those with little spikes to keep you from sliding and fleece material inside to keep your legs and feet warm. At first glance, it looks like a "bota" (rain boots) that I used to wear for floods but the materials are totally different. While the rain boots are plastic, the winter boots are suede or synthetic leather(?):
An example of a Winter Boots

Outfit-wise, we should be ready. I hope we are really ready to face winter.