The inspiration for that very first post came after we heard CJ’s heartbeat for the first time, which was during one of Conne’s early pregnancy checkups.

As we eagerly await for a new chapter to be written into our lives, one which sees our Julianna on board, the current chapter ends with a special twist and on a high note — because it ends with a scene depicting CJ, with childlike amazement, hearing his unborn sister’s heartbeat for the first time as well.

Yes, CJ, it does sound like a train.

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It took me forever to realize that, when life knocks us down or throws us a curve ball or two, the wisdom and experience gained from overcoming adversity are built up in trickles throughout the course of our lives.

Backtrack six years ago, I was struggling on a personal, professional and emotional level. But I now find myself a husband to a loving wife, father to an amazing son, stakeholder to a good company, and in control of my emotions (well, at least most of the time!). To top everything off, I woke up one day, while on an overseas trip almost 9 months back, to a blissful SMS message from my wife – telling me that I was to be a dad for the second time around!

One of the first questions that popped up in my mind: Was I ready for this new challenge?

Backtrack again, those six years saw four job changes (with odd jobs in between some), three house transfers, a thousand arguments with the wife, countless temper tantrums (with the occasional gadget “collateral damage”, to boot), questions on faith, a slew of loan payments that needed to be settled, forays into the business world, an investment gamble, and frequent, lonely, extended trips overseas.

Fast forward: I have a good job, we’re saving up for our dream house, arguments are few and far between, temper is in check (with zero collateral damage!), I have a strengthened belief in God, loans are settled, business is good, and investments are paying off. As for staying abroad, the loneliness didn’t kill me but only made me strong.

In retrospect, time allowed courage, wisdom, experience and a bit of luck to eventually stack up on my side. It allowed me and my wife to grow – as a couple and as parents.

So to answer my question, I can say with optimism that I’m up for the challenge.

And the geek in me says that the ongoing upgrade to Parent2.0 (ergo Daddy2.0) is on track.

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This is my first official blog entry for 2008. I’ve been busy with work and other stuff (read: PSP gaming, ha!) the past few weeks.

Conne and I agree that 2007 has generally been a good year for our family and we’re looking forward to this year, hoping that it’ll pick up from last year.

Our son CJ’s growing up real fast and, at 2, is showing signs of being mature, mentally and emotionally, for his age. We hope that his precociousness and sweetness keeps up for this year.

Conne’s career has taken off as well. She finally got the management job that she deserves, even at her young age. I’m really proud of her. I envy how she can adeptly handle a myriad of job functions, where most people, including myself, have trouble handling even just one. And don’t forget to add the task of being a mother to a “terrible twos” tyke. She’s a prototypical superwoman.

My mom has finally re-married and now lives in the US with her loving husband, Dan. We’re happy because we know that they’ll take good care of each other and that they love each other so much. We’ve also welcomed a new addition to the Catarroja (Conne’s family) clan courtesy of Perci and Cienne (Conne’s sister). They finally have a son – Isaiah – or Ice, as we fondly call him. “Kuya” CJ has a new playmate and we can see how much he adores his younger cousin.

And so, we thank the Lord for everything. 2007 has been a good year and with His blessing, we hope that 2008 will be a smashing success.

And we hope and pray that you and your family will have a great year too! Cheers!

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We’re about to face another exhausting round of Christmas shopping chores. Hmmmmm, I wonder how long my Christmas list will end up this year. ;-P

To start the mood right for the holidays, here’s a picture of CJ as Santa’s little helper.

Anyhow, may the upcoming yuletide season bring happiness to you and your family, just as CJ brings happiness to mine.

Cheers! Ho! Ho! Ho!

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The DFA has implemented a new passport processing system. Philippine passport applications and appointments must now be done online via the official DFA passport application website at http://www.passport.com.ph.

You will no longer need to bring passport-sized pictures since your picture shall be taken at the DFA premises. Here are the guidelines that you need to follow when having your picture taken at the DFA Enrollment Section: http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/guidelines-on-photo-capturing.

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We were finally able to apply for CJ’s passport yesterday, Friday, for our upcoming trip this December which was, as expected, accompanied by the usual hassles prevalent when applying for, or securing, any government license, certification or identification document.

We just found out that the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently issued new passport application guidelines, specifically on the new colored photo requirement where the photo of the applicant should be taken against a royal blue background.

We already had a passport-sized picture of CJ taken a month ago with a white background, the old requirement. And it’s a good thing that Conne checked out the DFA website to verify the requirements, otherwise she would have wasted a trip to the DFA office if she brought along CJ’s old pictures. And so we had a new set of CJ’s pictures taken last Thursday, his 2nd birthday.

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Update: Here’s a link to the new PASSPORT PHOTO GUIDELINES dated August 14, 2008: http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=234 and you can download the PDF file here: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/PHOTO%20GUIDELINES.pdf

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1. DFA Passport Appointment System

We were originally planning to visit Hong Kong Disneyland but might be rescheduling it this December in time for Conne’s birthday, or at least until our budget allows it.

Calling all “ninongs” and “ninangs”: “Yoohoo! Utang niyo!” :)

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CJ had a great time and was simply adorable in his Winnie the Pooh costume. Barely two years old, he had no idea what trick-or-treating was, well, he couldn’t even utter the words “Trick or treat!” But we really had fun watching him eagerly and clumsily rushing towards every house that we went to and knocking zealously at the doors. It’s too bad that we did the rounds a little bit late or he could have gotten more treats. But, all the same, we were really proud of our cute, cuddly and oh so adorable little Pooh bear.

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And after months of desperately trying to coax CJ into saying the words “Mommy”, he finally did it a couple of days ago! And now that he’s finally able to pronounce it clearly, he just can’t seem to stop uttering it. But who cares? It’s sweet music to my ears, most especially for Conne’s. :)

I’m so happy for both of them. :)

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