I am an #LHKid.

What's your LH experience?

Whenever people ask me what school I graduated from, I always respond with a loud (albeit mayabang) "La Salle!" I mean, it has been my dream since I was a kid, after all, to become a Lasalista. It's an automatic response, probably because that was the last school I've graduated from but it hasn't occurred to me 'til just now that I wouldn't have finished my studies in La Salle without great academic foundation.

File Photo from LH Montessori High

LH Montessori High - previously known as Little House Montessori, Inc. - is the school that provided me with the academic foundation I needed. I know that all schools (probably) have the same curriculum but the way that the teachers from this cozy little school in the heart of Fourth Estate Subdivision in Sucat, Parañaque has really helped me retain most of the lectures in my head...and to be quite honest, a whole lot of other things, too. I still know way too much teeny tiny bits of information from grade school up until now.

Not only has LH given me a strong foundation that have led me to graduate from my dream school, it's also the place that witnessed a lot of my firsts:

The first time I realized that I can never take a pretty candid photo.

The first time I got married.

The first time I realized that I eat like a guy.

The first time I met the "real" Santa.

But seriously, though, LH was the first institution that has taught me to be nationalistic. That the Philippines is my home and despite everything bad that's been happening to it, I should still be proud of the way it stands up after every knockdown. I would like to think that this school has awakened my love for Philippine history and the sense of pride I get whenever Pinoys get recognized outside of the Philippines, no matter how small their achievements are.

LH was also one of the greatest influencers when it comes to my spirituality. Although I am not a devoted Catholic, I am highly spiritual. I believe in God and I talk to him all of the time like He's my barkada and I would like to thank LH for refraining from imposing (their) religious beliefs to their students but still encouraging them to build a relationship with whoever they believe in.

The LH grounds also bore witness to what little talent I have. They helped me hone my volleyball skills as they've allowed me join the school's varsity team two years in a row. The year-round activities also helped me develop my dancing skills, since almost all presentations included a dance number.

Now that I am well into my adult life, LH Montessori High remains a huge part of me. The greatest friends I could ever ask for:

and - in a surprising turn of events, believe me - the love of my life:

all came from the very same school I spent most of my childhood in. It couldn't get any better than this.

As a mom (finally, huh?), I would want Brianna to have the same academic foundation I had as well as the support group that I've formed from this school. If God were to give me the opportunity to move back to the South now, I would, no doubt, enroll her to LH Montessori High. I've experienced it first-hand and I definitely recommend it to everyone.

File photo from LH Montessori High

LH Montessori High has a team of competent and passionate teachers whose purpose is to provide quality education to the students. With a teacher-student ratio of 1:25, you can be sure that the teachers will be able to give your child his/her undivided attention at least once a day. They offer summer classes as well as tutorial programs for students who need it.

File Photo from LH Montessori High

The LH teachers also give justice to the term "second parent", giving out sound advice to confused teens as well as support the students in their personal and academic endeavors. I studied in traditional schools in high school and in college but the care that my teachers at LH gave us was the greatest I felt. They were always there through the good times and the bad times and they continued on to become our friends as we ventured out into the real world, still offering us their encouragement every step of the way.

If I were given the chance to go back in time and choose a different school, I wouldn't take it. LH Montessori High was my home for 6 years, 1996-2001. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am Ale. I am a full-time mom, a full-time employee (yes, it's possible), and a blogger. I am a proud alumna of LH Montessori High, Grade School Batch 2001. I am an #LHKid.

For more information about LH Montessori High (Enrollment is on-going!):

Address: 39 Press Drive, Fourth Estate Subdivision, Sucat, Parañaque City

Website: http://lhmontessorihigh.edu.ph

Facebook: http://facebook.com/LHMontessoriHigh

Phone number: 826-1485, 829-6739

E-mail address: info@lhmontessorihigh.edu.ph

Day 2: #TeCasIlocosTour2015

I know I took a hella long time since I last posted about our Ilocos tour back in January but better late than never, right? Hihi!

We woke up really early January 16th for the second leg of our tour. We stayed at one of the resthouses along Saud Beach in Pagudpod. It's not much of a room, but that's to be expected in a place along the shoreline. I mean, you wouldn't spend much time in the room anyway.

We drove half an hour from the place we were staying at to visit the Patapat Bridge when we saw this pretty rainbow.

And then, the Patapat Bridge...which they also call the Patapat Viaduct.

Fun fact: The shoreline at the foot of Patapat Bridge is literally the edge of the Philippines. I would've taken a screenshot of the Google Maps app to let us know where we were but we were all Globe subscribers and Globe didn't have reception in the area. As in the whole of Pagudpod...I think. Haha!

After Patapat Bridge, we went to Paraiso ni Anton.

Paraiso ni Anton - also known as Calvario de Patapat - is a small waterfall that's believed to be magical. People who want to heal themselves or to prevent any sickness would drink or bathe water from this waterfall. Of course, I had Brianna experience this:

I just have to mention: I love Ilocos not only because it is the most beautiful place I have been to but also because their pasalubongs are really cheap! Their souvenir shirts cost PHP150 each and the quality of the shirts are great! I mean, I remember seeing shirts in Bora with the same price but the shirts would, like, melt after a few washes. But the Ilocos souvenir shirts? Pwedeng ipanglakad! The designs are classy, too!

After that miraculous waterfall, we headed to Blue Lagoon, the Boracay of the North but we just had to pass by the Timmangtang Rock - which I don't have photos of because the wind was blowing hard and no way was I risking getting sick during the trip - and the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations:

Pagbigyaaaaaaaan...

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formations was a very beautiful place and it gives a great view of the West Philippine Sea. It was quite gloomy the day we went there but the view still took my breath away. The rock formation itself, too, is something else:

We headed to the Boracay of the North for a little beach time and for lunch.

The shoreline of Blue Lagoon was where the 1980 movie starring Brooke Shields with the same title was shot. Of course, the name of the movie was where the place was named after.

Brianna is so addicted to the beach that she still went to play on the damp sand despite the very very very cold air.

We had food cooked by the locals who live by the beach. It cost us around 500 to have a kilo of crab, a kilo of shrimp, a whole clump of puki-puki (tortang talong but soooooooo much better than the way !), and like 5 kilos of rice cooked for us. The fee also included plastic spoons and forks, and paper plates and cups. Not bad, eh? You'd think I'd taken photos of the boodle table but noooooo. Everyone was so hungry, including me, that our phones hadn't made it out of our purses 'til we got back to the van.

We then headed to the Kaibigan Falls after but Brianna and I stayed behind because she was too tired, she fell asleep the moment we sat in the van. When they got back, they all were raving about how majestic the falls was, I was so jealous.

That was our last stop for the day and we headed back to Saud Beach for more beach time...

...and of course, take a photo of the sunset.

That ends our second day in the beautiful province of Ilocos. Day 3's packed, like day 1 so I might be writing it in 3 parts again. Hihi.

5 Selfish Things I Want Right Now

Ever since my daughter came into the picture, I haven't had a single time-off from anything. I am so so so thankful for having her in my life, don't get me wrong, because I wake up every single day thanking God for giving her to me. I guess it's safe to say that all moms have this feeling in their hearts for their children that the phrase "I never knew I could love someone this much" takes on a whole new meaning.

Becoming a full-time, work-from-home mom was my sole decision, too, and no matter how tempting being a career woman is, I wouldn't trade anything for the non-stop snuggles from my daughter. It's just that there are times when I want for it all - or at least, some of it - to be just about me. (To be quite honest, those "times" are usually around when I'm nearing my period. PMS galore!)

Here are 5 things I usually want whenever my selfish self comes by to say hello:

1. Quiet, alone time (!!!).

Taken way before selfies were a thing. Obvious naman sa quality ng camera. Haha.

I can't remember the last time I went into the shower without having to step out a few minutes after because my toddler can't stop asking for a bowl of cereals. I'm not even asking for much here - although, a trip to the coffee shop without getting guilty over spending half the day there like I did in college wouldn't hurt at all! - just a few minutes inside the loo without anyone knocking, asking for Coco Crunch, would be real nice.

2. Shopping spree.

At the SM Megamall Sale back in 2010, with Jake Cuenca photobombing.

Since I am also a full-time, work-from-home employee, I still get paychecks. Although it's not actually enough to sustain the lifestyle I've grown used to, I still manage to make it work. But sometimes, I just want to just splurge for myself. Like buy a new Macbook Pro or a hell lot of bags or maybe buy all the Ritz Sour Cream Crackers my money could buy. It's been a while since I actually got something for myself that I just want and don't really need.

3. Go out without guilt.

Downing tequila shots like nobody's business back in 2009.

I used to be a heavy drinker before I had Brianna. I'm not proud of it but there were times when I didn't know how I actually got home because I was so drunk. Although I am not planning to get totally hammered anytime soon ever again, it would just be nice to actually go out of the house - without my daughter - without the guilt hanging over my head like a dark cloud.

4. Go on spontaneous trips.

On a jeepney en route to Batangas. Ecstatic but real sleepy.

I would love to go on a spontaneous trip again. Like, "Tara, Baler?", pack my bags, and leave within 30 minutes. Being a mom (single, work-from-home) entails careful planning when it comes to trips. You can't just withdraw a couple thousand Pesos from your bank without thinking of its repercussions in the future. Dropping everything - ballet classes, lolo's birthday party, what-have-yous - isn't that easy anymore now that I have someone in tow.

5. Sleep.

Taken in 2006, the time when I got enough sleep.

I get to sleep, yes, but I haven't slept straight since 2011. I still live with my parents and Brianna and I share a bed. Everytime my daughter makes the smallest movements or sounds, my eyes would automatically open. I can't remember how complete sleep feels like. One night of uninterrupted sleep, that's all I ask.

How about you? If your fairy godmother were to grant you something selfish at this point in your life, what will it be?

Day 1, Part 3: #TeCasIlocosTour2015

(You can read Day 1, Part 2 of our tour here.)

Before heading to Pagudpod, we passed by the Cape Bojeador Light House and the Bangui Wind Mills. On our way to Cape Bojeador, we stopped over at this place that sells salt. Some of us went down to see how salt from Ilocos are made but most of us stayed inside the van because we were parked on the side of the road and we didn't want to be like that roadkill I mentioned before.

After that, on to Cape Bojeador, which was breath-taking. I don't know why old buildings have this kind of effect on me.

It was raining when we got there so we didn't spend much time there. Although there wasn't really much to see there. The view, though, oh my gosh:

This photo was taken by a foreigner, probably a Swedish guy. After taking this shot, he asked us to take one of him and his Filipina date. They were so cute, they kept on laughing the entire time.

After that last shot, we literally ran to the van because it was beginning to rain hard. We then went to the Bangui Wind Mills. We didn't really get to enjoy the place and take loads of pictures because by then, the rain was pouring down hard on us. Brianna was also too tired by that time so we stayed in the van while she slept. The warriors that were my family and the Castañeda family went through with their picture-taking session by the wind mills:

They were shivering when they entered the van. They were too wet because of the rain/mist from the sea and the wind was blowing so hard at the same time. We had to turn the air conditioning unit of the van off for a few minutes so they could recover from the cold.

After their chilly Bangui Wind Mills experience, we headed to the Saud Beach in Pagudpod where we settled and ate early dinner in - SUPER SARAP NG FOOD OHMYGOSH - so we could sleep early.

Our first day's quite tiring. The trip from Manila to Ilocos itself is tiring, add that to the full itinerary we had and that will equate to an early night in. If you will be booking with the agency we booked with, N.E.C. Tours, you most probably will have the same itinerary.

Our second day's quite chill, though...

Day 1, Part 2: #TeCasIlocosTour2015

(You can read Day 1, Part 1 of our tour here.)

After visiting Paoay Church, which is so beautiful, we went straight to the Paoay Sand Dunes. This part, I enjoyed way too much!

I asked our driver/tour guide from N.E.C. Tours if I could let Brianna ride the 4x4 but he said that small kids aren't allowed to experience the 4x4 ride through the sand dunes as a safety precaution. They are right, though. Those dunes are wild! For me, at least. Hihi.

We had to force my sister to ride with us - she's malulain - to cross another thing off her bucket list. Good thing she came with us because it was too much fun!

We rode this monster to the sand dunes:

I don't know why but I find its name funny.

And then we were off! All the slips and slides in the dunes felt like rollercoaster tracks but crazier. Maybe it's because we didn't really know where we were all going.

All the "tracks" look like this. Mej nakakastress nga.

We kept on teasing my sister, Jan (the one wearing glasses), by screaming even before the drops. It was so much fun because she kept on saying "Nasstress ako!" Yes, we love teasing her.

When we got to the spot where we'd sand board, the kuya manongs asked for our cameras and he took our photos on the sand:

Kuya Manong: O ayan, ma'am, sir! Mukha kayong nasa Dubai.

Mandatory jumpshot with the West Philippine Sea at the background. I don't know why we allowed for this to happen but to be honest, it was fun to shoot. Hihi.

One last photo before sand boarding.

After taking waaaaay too much photos - I think - we all gave sand boarding a try:

(Clockwise) My brother, Carlo, my sister, Jan, Tita Titat, and Jocas who were family friends.

I tried sand boarding down the Paoay Sand Dunes twice because...

I WIPED OUT (eh?) THE FIRST TIME I TRIED IT!

But on my second try,

I WAS SUCCESSFUL! WOOH!

After sand boarding, we went back to the parking area/admission area but not without passing by the famous Himala spot:

In fairness, may eye for photography si Kuya Manong.

Gusto ko 'tong i-post kasi emote na emote kami ng kinakapatid ko. Hehe.

Apparently, they shot some scenes of Nora Aunor's movie, Himala, in the actual spot where these letters are standing.

Lula pa more!

On our way back, we experienced the highest drop in the sand dunes but we made it back alive. A little rattled but alive nevertheless.

After the sand dunes, we went to what they called the Malacañang of the North.

The Malacañang of the North's facade.

Our group's photo - minus my mom - in front of the double doors that lead to the house's receiving area.

The Marcoses' backyard. So pretty.

This is where the Marcoses lived whenever they went home to Ilocos during Ferdinand Marcos' term as president. It is a huge piece of land and it also covers a part of the lake behind it. Our tour guide told us the name of the lake but I was too busy resting that I drifted off for a bit.

The house is now a museum and they tour everyone around the house. Brianna and I didn't join the tour because we were looking for food and water. They served empanadas there but Brianna didn't want that so we had to get back on the van to get food. When we came back, we took a look around on our own. I don't really enjoy house tours in general but these dolls really bothered the wits outta me:

These were the Marcos sisters' dolls. Too freaky, if you ask me.

After that, we went to Macy's Diner for late lunch (at 2 in the afternoon!) in Laoag after. The food was awe-some. They serve diner food: burgers, fries, milkshakes, etc. I love the whole vibe of the place. It felt like we were inside an Archie comic or the movie Hairspray, complete with the jukeboxes, neon lights, and black-and-white checkered floors. Too bad I don't have a photo of the place except for this one because I was way too hungry to take photos. We had to leave, too, right after lunch because we were running late. The sun might've set by the time we got to the Cape Bojeador Light House and the Bangui Wind Mills - which I will talk about in detail on my next Ilocos post - if we didn't leave right away.