The multilingual Champion in the Family

Dear Friends, this news has been long overdue and am taking time to post this. For mama, it will always be news. I just would like to share how difficult life is for a multilingual kids like Colleen and Alex. They are face with cultural shock many times but am just thankful to their flexibilities and wide understanding of almost everything. He speaks french with Papa, ilonggo, english and french with me and english in school and with friends. Alex is new in AISD (American International School in Dhaka) This is an english medium school. He has been in French school for 4 years and shifting to an english medium of instruction is not that simple for his age. But he has taken his stride slowly into the system. In short, he had a smooth transition. As he is as well into sports, his talents have been recognized by the school and train him to achieve his full capacity. Am sharing the pride of our family in his latest performance in Tennis. This is not simply sharing with you his achievements but sharing with you how he cope up with his multiple challenges. Alex was chosen as one to represent the American International School of Dhaka (AISD) in New Delhi Tennis Tournament. He is seed # 2 in single tennis and he is seed #1 in doubles. The school has never won the first prize yet in Tennis. Alex showed a motivation way beyond our expectations. We were more stress than him preparing for the tournament. Alexandre was champion in Single Tennis with highest points and he and his partner got the 2nd place in Doubles. The girls players did a good job as well. It was all a united team efforts and finally this year, AISD got the Championship title in Tennis. The school welcome them back with a loud cheering. We welcome him and so good to see him all smiles. Alex is so much involved in sports activities after school. He is into soccer and basketball games. Like Colleen, he knows how to tweet in the choir as well::). So far, we are happy that his focus is still centered in school. He has received an award as an outstanding student in Math. I can only keep my joy on his achievements. I always keep my finger crossed that he will stay focus. . We are always there to remind him how much we love him and the only thing we want in life is for him to be happy in whatever endeavors he is into. In most times. he has been challenged but he seems to have a flexibility that is apparent to his day to day activities. He is growing up and face with challenges everyday. Sometimes, it's hard for him to take all at once. When he was in India for the tournament, he came back here and found a loaded school works waiting for him. A reminder that he has to be a student first before he is an athlete. We were there assisting him to have his homework done. Just a checklist for mommy that he doesn't miss anything. He is quite organized yet a constant reminders help although he doesn't seem to like it. He wants us to know he is responsible enough but his mommy is as stubborn as the fig tree::)). I want to be part of his daily activities. But generally speaking, teenagers don't like it Sometimes I feel bad if steph and I are in the club eating our dinner. He used to come with us but decided to stay home to finish his works. It's good but I find it unfair to let him home. He doesn't forget to say cuckoo to me at break in the morning and offers me doughnut buying it from his own allowance. I'm touch when he comes like that. I stay at a distance in school thinking he might be embarassed but he comes from time to time to say hi to mommy. Regular prayer is a big big help. I only wish I can keep up with him. I know, more is ahead to handle. (see the excerpt from the school newsletter here http://www.ais-dhaka.net/news/index.htm, february 27 issue, page 5)

My Birthday greetings and treats

First, I would like to thank all my friends who greeted me. Ladies, you truly made my day so special. Dhay Fe, thanks for the advance sms and the ecard. Dhay ams, thanks for the call from France, Vicky, thanks for the ecard and special feature in your blog, Lucille, Kookie, Amor, Ligaya, Melin, Carlots, thank you for the thoughts. A very special thanks to my inaanak who really pose for her ninang. Barbs, thanks for the post and the bounties. here is my inaanak, the handsomest among the inaanak. Another special thanks to the labor love number from Alhambra, ala Celine Dion birthday song, dhay Fe thanks for the gesture of warm friendship and love. I would like to thank my colleagues in school for a huge surprise birthday cake, chocolates, red roses, greeting cards and lots of kisses. Feel so blessed on my birthday with all the pamperings. A big thanks to my Steph, Colleen and Alex for the birthday treat in Westin Hotel. We dined Italian dishes with a champagne toast from the three of them. They got excellent foods, I got a lobster with asparagus on fresh cream sauce. My husband wants me to indulge myself as it's my special day Just a lovely evening with my family. This year our precious daughter is with us and a wish come true. The pampering did not end in Westin, received flowers and unexpected gifts from family and friends. Barbs has sent a beautiful set of bracelet and necklace.
And here I am, in my pyjama still all smiles without my makeup on my new short hair. I really can't ask for more. Friday is our day of celebration with friends and kids. It will be in Dejavu Café and Lounge. Just click on the photos for a clearer view. Come join us if you can. Cheers!!