WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?

PARADIGM SHIFT

Nicolas said, "Mom, my classmate said she does not like me anymore." And victoriously he exclaimed, "That means she liked me before!"

What Do You See?
A young woman or an old lady?

"40"

Nicolas watched on DVD, U2's "Vertigo 2005 - Live From Chicago". He learned and sang a new song today, U2's "40". "I will sing, sing a new song..."

IMMACULATE CONCLUSION

During a sleepover, Savion and Nicolas were wondering about "the validity" of their cousin's existence. They had an animated discussion about the matter. Nicolas asked, "How can you be alive if your father is not married to your mother?" Savion added, "How can that be possible? Shouldn't your father and mother be married so that you will be born?" Nicolas wondered, "Yes. How can you be here?" The cousin replied, "Well, it's just that. I'm here. My mom and dad did not work out but I was born."

Savion and Nicolas still did not understand the situation. Their mother overheard the discussion and gave assistance and assured the cousin that, in due time, she will explain the matter to the boys. Savion excitedly concluded, "Wow! Your mom is one of the luckiest women in the world! She is like the Virgin Mary." And with a hint of disappointment he uttered, "I wish my mom were a Virgin too."

"The Annunciation"
by Fra Angelico

POOR POPE

On the way home from school, Savion informed me, "Dad, did you know that the Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world?" I told him that despite its size, the Vatican City is one of the wealthiest states in the world since every donation given to the Church by every Roman Catholic is a donation to the Pope, the leader of the church.

To stress my point, I reminded Savion and Nicolas that the money they give on Sunday service is a contribution for the Pope. Nicolas wondered, "But, isn't it for the poor?"

This Day In History
Pope John XXIII, born 1881
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_xxiii/index.htm

CO-EDUCATION

Savion talked about the difference of the boys and girls in his school. He said, "For the boys, it's 'Everest Violent School'." And shaking his head in disbelief, "For the girls, it's 'Happy Princess Land'."

SOUL SOAP

At bedtime, Savion asked these questions:

1) "Who is your priority? God, Mom, Nicolas or me?"
2) "Why does God prefer being with sinners?"
3) "When we confess, is it like the soul taking a bath?"

Savion's soap advertisement:
"GRACE" "The Soap for the Soul...Turn Black To White"

LITTLE LEGO FOLKS

Nicolas had a discussion with his friend about the way they play with their LEGO toy sets. The two friends told each other the consequences of "destroying" their LEGO sets. Nicolas' friend told him that after he followed the instructions and finished building a LEGO set, he could not dismantle it anymore. If he did, it meant, he will not get a new LEGO toy. Nicolas proclaimed that whatever he and his brother did with their LEGO sets - whether they built it up, disassembled it, mixed it up with other sets, built it up again - he and his brother would still get a new LEGO toy - "My brother and I can build and destroy and mix up our LEGO's. And we will still get a new toy from Santa Claus and my Tita Marlyn."
Nicolas' friend emphatically expressed his disbelief at this difference. He asked for an explanation. Finding the words to explain the glaring difference, Nicolas remarked, "Different strokes from different folks."

"LET IT BE"

These days we can easily get lyrics of any song by searching the internet. Gone are the days when we played back, paused and rewound an audio tape to get the lyrics of our current fave song. Most often we got the lyrics wrong. But still we sang to our heart's content.

Savion has been listening to Beatles songs. He told me that he tried his best to get the lyrics of his favorite song by (1) writing fast and (2) listening to the song over and over. He could not pause the song since he used an inexpensive MP3 player.

At bedtime, we sometimes sing this song instead of the usual prayer - "Let it Be... Let it Be..."

"ALWAYS HIGHER"

Savion was elected class president.

He gave the following as his acceptance speech:

Good morning.
Thank you for making me Class President.
Let us all help make our school the best school in the Philippines.
We have to help each other and help our teachers.
If we work as a team, we will be successful.
Let us all put the best effort in everything we do,
When we study, and when we play.
If we want to succeed and reach the top,
Give all effort!
Give all that we can give!
Work hard! Study hard! Play hard!
Always remember, our school motto – “SEMPER ALTIUS”!
Thank you.

THE PURPOSE OF SCHOOL

Nicolas' classmate asked, "Teacher, why do we have to go to school?" Nicolas raised his hand and volunteered an answer, "So that we will be civilized."

Image courtesy of Liora Grossman (www.lioragrossman.com)

THE PURPLE FLOWER BOY

Four years ago, Savion wore this purple flower costume for his school's Halloween costume event. This was his tribute to his grandmother, Lola Linda, who loved the color purple.

CHILDREN

CHILDREN

I love You my children
Cause You are so special.
For me I want to
Keep You forever.

Music & Lyrics: Nicolas Y. Garcia
(who turned 6 years old today)

CONSCIOUS

Savion and Nicolas narrated that they had much fun trying out their friends' scooters last weekend. Savion suggested that I get him a new scooter for their next scooter ride. I reminded him that he was given a scooter last Christmas and that it is still in good condition. Savion remarked, "But Dad, it's colored pink. I can't use that scooter with friends around." He concluded, "I am color conscious. I am grade conscious. I AM conscious."
I AM getting a can of spray paint tomorrow.

BATMAN

This is Nicolas' drawing of Batman and the Bat Signal. Take note of Batman's utililty belt - "Dad, look at Batman's belt." (pencil-drawn on scratch paper)

TIME TRAVEL

Nicolas talked about making a time machine. He stated, "I want to see the past but I also want to see the future. I want to see the future because I want to know who I will marry."

SUPER DREAMS

"I want to be a Songwriter, a Scientist and a Spy." - NicolaS

A SATURDAY MORNING STROLL

On this Saturday morning, Savion asked to be accompanied to a nearby playground where his brother was playing. Savion realized it was just a short walk to the playground thus he asked, "Dad, can we take a stroll instead? We hardly see you anymore because of work. Can we?." From the mouths of children comes confirmation.

SUPERHERO DRAWING for DAD

This is Nicolas' first superhero drawing. (pencil-drawn on scratch paper)

JUNIOR PICTIONARY

Savion, Nicolas and their mother Mimi played a game of "Pictionary" and this is Nicolas' first ever "Pictionary" drawing:

KINDA LIKE

Nicolas told his brother about a classmate having a crush on another classmate. Then he turned to me and said, "Daddy, do you know what 'crush' means?" I asked him what it meant. "Crush - is kinda like love..."

HEART DRAWING for MOMMY

 

"This is for you, mommy." - Nicolas

THE END OF CUTENESS

Savion remembered being told a year ago that when a child loses his first front tooth, it will signal the end of a child's cuteness. Well, this week he lost his first front tooth. And also this week, he had an eye examination. He now wears his first set of eyeglasses.

BEATING THE BULLY

The usually enthusiastic Nicolas was looking downtrodden. He explained that he was tired and was not looking forward to going to school because of the teasing he was getting from his classmates ("You're a scaredy cat" & "Patrice is your girlfriend"). We suggested not to mind the teasing. Nodding in agreement, his brother Savion said, "Nicolas, last school year I was bullied for half a year. But, I just did not mind them. I did not get affected." And brimming with pride, Savion added, "Now, I got their Respect."

GLOBAL TREE

"There are no strangers in the whole world.
Because the whole world is a family tree."
- Nicolas Garcia, 5 years old -

OLYMPIC TRIBUTE

This is Nicolas' drawing of the Great Wall of China after he watched the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (pencil-drawn on scratch paper)

POTTER'S DAY

Today, Nicolas finished his 1st Harry Potter book (read to him by Wilma) and he was able to also see his 1st Harry Potter movie, "The Sorcerer's Stone". This week, Savion finished reading the last book in the series, "Deathly Hallows" and is looking forward to seeing the last 2 movies with his parents. Today is Harry Potter's birthday, J.K. Rowling's birthday, Ignatius of Loyola's feast day and Savion and Nicolas' mother's birthday ("Happy birthday, Mommy.") Today is a magical day.

"PEOPLE IN TIME PORTALS"

Savion's Time Portals in Different Shapes

LEGO LET GO

I started my collection of LEGO Star Wars in April 1999. Kiko, who is now in his teens, remembers looking up at my shelves and seeing all the LEGO boxes and dreaming of one day assembling them. Today, the last of my Star Wars collection (Millenium Falcon) was assembled. When Kiko saw the box opened, he could not believe it. He remarked to his cousin Savion, "I can't believe your dad allowed you to open and assemble this!"
Toys were made for children. My toys...they are for my children.

Be it jewel or toy, not the prize gives the joy,
but the striving to win the prize.
Robert Bulwer-Lytton

CHILDHOOD DOESN'T WAIT

I had to prepare for a training session the next day. Nicolas and Savion both sensed my need to prepare for this session. But Nicolas asked, "Dad, I know you're busy. But is it okay if you just spend just 10 minutes with us before we sleep? " As I stayed with the kids, Nicolas fell soundly asleep quickly. On the other hand, Savion was still wide awake. He was very aware of the time as he said, "Dad, it's already 10:30 p.m. You can go now. We'll be alright." I stayed and told Savion that no training session will ever be more important than him and his brother. As he fell asleep a few minutes later, I remembered a poem my friend Cay sent me entitled "Childhood Doesn't Wait". It was sent to me a decade ago.

GUARDIAN ANGEL

This morning, a colleague's 2 year old girl had surgery to correct a broken arm. I told Savion about the operation. Savion said that, just for today, he sent his guardian angel to be with her.

MINOR PROBLEM

At a family reunion, the children were having fun going through the menu as they ordered their choice beverages. Wanting something new and different to drink, Momoy went through the menu meticulously. Momoy noticed a bottle of whiskey that the older family members were enjoying. Reading the label, he excitedly suggested to his 13 year old brother, "Kuya, puede ka na dito!" (Brother, now THIS one, you can drink.)

"WHEW!"

I asked Savion what he felt when his name was announced as the recipient of a year end school award (an award he mentioned he hoped to get). I asked him if it was a victorious "Yes!", "Yahoo!" or "Yeah!" for him.

Looking at his award he answered, "Sigh of relief."

TO LIVE OR DIE

Nicolas reflectively asked his nanny, "Ate, do you want to live or die?" His Ate replied, "Die." Surprised with his nanny's answer, Nicolas remarked, "What! Don't you want to have a husband and have a child?" He added, "Don't you want to have a baby cut from your stomach or come out from your "puwetet" (butt)? Why? Why die?"

ALL ON A SUNDAY

"I can't find hell!" exclaimed Savion.

I was concerned with the question until Savion clarified that he was looking for the word 'hell' in a 'Find the Word' puzzle titled "All On A Sunday" (words like heaven, gospel, creation, ark, etc.).

THANK YOU MOM

"Thank you mom for taking care of me and helping me in my homework. Maybe I will do some chores on Mother's day. Thank you for not putting me in the orphanage." Savion Garcia

ENDEARING GROSSNESS

Nicolas asked his mother to pick him up as he wanted to snuggle. He was very affectionate as he did a nose-to-nose act* like the way the Inuits (formerly called the Eskimos) express affection. Nicolas then asked his mother, "What if my booger goes to your booger?"

*The act known as Eskimo kissing in modern western culture is loosely based on a traditional Inuit greeting called a kunik. A kunik is a form of expressing affection, usually between family members and loved ones, that involves pressing the nose and upper lip against the skin (commonly the cheeks or forehead) and breathing in, causing the loved one's skin or hair to be suctioned against the nose and upper lip. A common misconception is that the practice arose so that the Inuit could kiss without their mouths freezing together. In fact, it is a non-erotic form of greeting that serves as an intimate way of greeting one another for people who, when they meet, often have little except their nose and eyes exposed.

REST HOUSE ARREST

Savion asked about the word "incarceration". I discussed with him the concept of freedom and it being taken away when incarcerated. I informed him about the difference of being inside a prison cell and being under house arrest. Citing Aung San Suu Kyi's* house arrest situation in Myanmar, I explained that even if she is not inside a prison cell, she is not free to leave her house without permission.

Savion remarked, "House arrest is not like prison. It's like a rest house, right?"

I smiled and did not get what he meant until he reminded me of our country's former President who was incarcerated not in a jail cell but in his personal rest house outside the city.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aung_San_Suu_Kyi

RAIN RAIN COME TODAY

Savion and Nicolas had fun playing all afternoon until it was time for Savion to leave for summer soccer camp. Nicolas had been ill for the past few days and had to skip camp to avoid a relapse. As Savion prepared to leave, Nicolas remarked, "I wish it rains so that I can continue playing with my brother."

Savion returned early from camp as the rains did come, canceling all soccer play. Their afternoon play resumed to the delight of Nicolas and Savion as well.

"Rain rain come today...Little Nicolas wants to play..."

THE BIG RED SIGN

Nicolas and Savion saw big red "Sale" signs in a store. Nicolas asked, "What do we do when we see those red signs?" Savion answered, "We have to run away so that we don't lose all our money."

NERD DEFINED

Savion asked his classmate, "Am I a nerd?" His classmate replied, "No. Because you don't wear glasses."

CONTROL PANEL

Savion trash-talked his brother saying, "In your face!" I suggested that he unlearn this trash-talk. He agreed but clarified, "Do you mean I should 'uninstall' it from my mind?"

JUNO'S CROSS

Juno's drawing of a crucifix he saw inside a chapel.

Juno is the 4-year old cousin of Savion and Nicolas.

GATES OF HEAVEN

After attending Palm Sunday mass and reflecting on the coming Holy Week, Savion remarked, "The gates of heaven are closed on Good Friday. Nobody can enter heaven and all are in limbo. But in two days they all enter and are happy."

KINDER KONSULTANT

For a job interview, I had to give a keynote presentation to a panel of experts. I asked some friends for tips and suggestions since I've never done a presentation before. Everyone contributed helpful information and for the next few days I practiced my script. On the day of the presentation, Nicolas kept asking questions and was extra attentive to my needs. He probably sensed the importance of the day and was aware of the situation. I playfully asked him for advice and he said, "Just be happy." - The best advice I got.

TADIAM

TADIAM
(The Nonsense Song)
by Savion Garcia

Ta ta ta diam
Ta di am ma da
Ta di am hakumatata
Di am badi ya badi, uh ah uh uh
Huh tada da ta di ya ma
Ta de yam, ta de yam mada,
Ta de yam mada, Ta de yam mada
Ta de ya m, ta dem mada da
Ta di ya m, ta di ya m mada
Ta di ya m mada,
Ta di ya mm, maaaada.

TOOTSIE POP

Savion received candies as a Valentine treat from his classmates. He got a couple of Snickers and Musketeers chocolate bars and also a "Tootsie Pop" which was new to him. He showed it to his brother, Nicolas, and both were interested in knowing more about this new candy treat. Savion asked his mother, "Mom, what's a Tootsie Pop?" Their mother answered that it was a variation of the Tootsie Roll candy. Nicolas interjected, "I know! It's a Bad Word Pop! You know, like in T.V. They say, "Tooooot" when they say a bad word."

HEART CARDS

BECOMING "A GAY"

Nicolas remembered having his haircut in a unisex parlor. He narrated and explained, "Dad, I saw 'a gay'. She had very long hair but her voice was a boy voice. A gay is a boy who wants to be a girl. I was confused but amazed." I asked him how one becomes 'a gay'. Nicolas confidently answered, "First, you have to brush your hair a lot of times. Then, you eat an ant**. And then you put on lipstick. That's it."

**Legend has it that eating an ant will transform one's voice and make it more beautiful; recommended remedy for aspiring singers.

Photo courtesy of
Salvador Natividad

SUPERFRIENDS

Nicolas discussed the superheroes he knew about. This is what he concluded about Superman and Supergirl: "Superman and Supergirl just like each other. They do not love each other. They're just friends."

EXPERTISE

Nicolas told his brother that he improved a lot in his badminton play. He was asked to assess his skill as a badminton player. Nicolas answered, "Now, I'm a 'medium' (his term for intermediate). In basketball, I'm a 'zero' (his term for beginner) and in singing, I'm a medium." He proudly added, "But, I'm an expert, in loving my mommy."

BOY INTERRUPTED

As Savion accompanied his mother at the supermarket, he saw a beautiful young girl with a flowing Sunday dress. He lowered his head as the young girl passed him but then did a quick 180 degree turn to look admiringly at her. His mother noticed what transpired and smilingly asked what happened. Savion sheepishly remarked, "I'm too young for that, right?"

His mother let it pass and saved 'the talk' for another day.

EVEREST SUMMITERS

"Another few weary steps and there was nothing above us but the sky. There was no false cornice, no final pinnacle. We were standing together on the summit. There was enough space for about six people. We had conquered Everest."
Sir Edmund Hillary
(July 20, 1919 - January 11, 2008)

"I have climbed my mountain, but I must still live my life."
Tenzing Norgay
(May 1914 - May 9, 1986)

"The Philippine Eagle has landed on the summit."
Heracleo "Leo" Oracion
1st Filipino Mt. Everest summiter

Savion with Leo Oracion

at Inauguration of Everest Academy Manila,
August 6, 2007

GIFTS FROM THE HEART

Savion got his mother a belated Christmas gift*. With a tinge of disappointment, Nicolas remarked, "Mommy, I wish I could also give you a Christmas gift. But anyway, you already have my heart**."

*"The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

**Cutout Heart by Nicolas

GREET TREAT

When my friend came home from work, his 5-year old daughter, Issa, was watching T.V. She was totally engrossed with her T.V. program and ignored his arrival. So, he called out to her, "Hey, Issa! You didn't greet me!" With a puzzled look, Issa turned to him and asked, "Why? Is it your birthday?"

GOODBYE HELLO (Series)

"Goodbye 2007. Hello 2008."

"Goodbye 2006. Hello 2007."

"Goodbye 2005. Hello 2006."

"Goodbye 2004. Hello 2005."