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

What Not To Do During Moving Up Day

Yesterday was Brianna's school's Moving Up Day presentation general rehearsals. As much as I wanted to focus on the fact that Brianna did a great job in the rehearsals, there were some annoying things I noticed which I am pretty sure a lot of parents (and yayas) were rehearsing for the event itself that they shouldn't.

Since it is Moving Up Day season, here are things I think you should avoid doing during your kid's graduation day:

1. Sit on a chair where someone else was sitting. I guess this just all boils down to scarcity thinking. In an auditorium as big as the main hall of Tanghalang Pasigueño, there'd be a huge number of empty seats especially for a preschool with a student population of about 60. If you saw someone leave their seat, don't assume they won't be back unless they haven't come back for, say, 15 minutes...maybe not even because the line to the restrooms tend to get pretty long.

2. Block the view of someone else. I guess with us being proud parents and all, we tend to take as much video as we can of our little darlings. What I am trying to say here, though, is for you to just be aware of your surroundings. If you feel you're blocking another parent's view while trying to find the perfect angle, adjust accordingly.

While we're on the subject, don't...

3. Use your iPads for taking photos and videos. Yes, I am hating specifically on iPads right now even if I, myself, have one. If you own one of the iPad units that have huge screens (iPad2, 3, iPad Air, etc), never ever EVER use this huge chunk of a gadget to record your kid's precious moments. Believe it or not, some people don't really want to watch their kids through a mobile device's screen.

4. Talk on the phone. Okay, maybe you can do this if you keep your voice low enough to not disturb everyone around you. If not, head on over to the nearest exit because no matter how loud Tomorrow's blaring through the speakers, you'd still probably disturb a mom who has super hearing powers nearby.

And lastly, don't...

5. Gossip about the kids. The women I heard talking didn't talk about Brianna but it still made me sick. It doesn't matter if the poor boy has a hideous costume or if the little girl doesn't exactly look like a movie star. Never EVER gossip. It's generally a horrible thing to do, let alone do it to kids! Just. Stop.

You'd think adults would know and master respect by the time they hit a certain age but I guess some of them haven't had the time to grow up yet.

-End of rant-