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."