Voice Lessons: How early is early

My daughters Mikaela and Helenia were gifted with beautiful voices. Unlike kids their age, they favor American Idol, Glee, and Victorious over any other kiddie’s shows.  Right from the time they learned how to talk, they were able to sing while they’re playing and I’m proud to say that our house is constantly surrounded by music. When they were babies they easily learn to carry out a tune. At age 3, Helenia was able to sing Pangako by Regine Velasquez, at age 4, she was able to sing Won’t Go Home Without You by Maroon 5, and by age 6, she was able to sing all the songs listed in the Myx Charts, and when she turned 7, we gave her formal voice lessons.

However, according to her voice coach the ideal time for voice training is at age 10. This is the time when the child has a good control of air supply so as not to strain the vocal chords. Helenia was denied at first but as soon as Helenia began to sing, it was obvious that she had a good voice that was way beyond her years. And so she was accepted.

During her first lessons, she was given ear-training to help her stay in tune. She was also given breathing exercises, even facial stretching exercises. She was also taught the proper way to take care of her voice. Aside from having fun and not losing interest, the main goal for young kids who sing a lot is to prevent them from straining their voice. Whether she’ll be a singing star or not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is I am thankful that I was given talented daughter and hearing her sing is priceless even if she do it in the bathroom. 

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happines is:

1. Helenia’s recognition day. Another medal to add to her collections (Oh well, I’m being conceited)
2. Tiring but enjoyable quick 2-day vacation at La Union
3. Lots of pasalubongs from Star.
4. Free movie tickets from Nuffnang, got to see a movie again tomorrow
5. Having my internet shop transferred to a nearer (and cheaper rent) place.
6. Summer vacation for the kids.
7. Audit is over. Thank God. I hope I can have time to update my blog.
8. Newly bought dumbbells and the thought of going back to running again.
9. My Siamese cat.
10. My daughters are back to singing again and come April they’ll have their formal voice lessons.

To know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

Taking It To A New Level

Estanley wanted me to learn how to cook. He believed that I’m the one who doesn’t need much effort to make a dish tastes good. In fact, he believed that I’m a good cook. It’s just that I’m lazy doing the other duties like I hate going to the market, I hate washing a lot of dishes, pots, and pans, that I love eating out more. But Estanley just wouldn’t give up. In December 2011 he bought a Lagermania oven for me to learn how to bake. It’s been more than a year but I haven’t used it yet! Well, I still cook a lot of usual stuff like our favorite sinigang, kaldereta and karekare which I had perfected. But Estanley wanted more. He wanted me to cook fancy foods! The kinds that he saw on Master Chef! Haller kamusta naman ako? But thankfully, my daughters were there to inspire me to learn how to cook again. Last time I asked them out for dinner they refused and told me “mas masarap ka pa magluto dun”.

So, I therefore conclude that it’s really time for me to take it to the next level. I’ll learn how to cook again. And it’s a sure less expensive way to bond with my kids that eating out, would you think so? And for my cooking stint no. 1, here it is.

Carbonara

Ingredients:

250gms Fettuccini pasta, cooked

1 tetra pack (250ml) all purpose cream

1 small can mushrooms, sliced

Bacon, sliced

3 tablespoons Olive oil

1 Onion, sliced

1 tablespoon crushed garlic

1 cup Chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1.       Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic and onions.

2.       Add bacon and cook until brown.

3.       Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.

4.       Add chicken broth and all purpose cream; bring to boil under medium heat.

5.       Add salt and pepper to taste, stir constantly for 30 seconds until creamy.

6.       Blend through cooked pasta.

Carbonara is best served with garlic bread and iced tea. Enjoy!

Live Your Style with adidas NEO

Personality is how I express myself. It started when I came to know who I am and show it to the world.

I am a mom. In fact I am a cool mom. When something exceptional catches my eye, I buy it. Anything pink and shiny and has ruffles attracts me. I wear clothes that I like even if it’s out of fashion already. I just match it with my favorite shoes and my mom’s watch and I’m ready to go.  I guess I passed it on to my kids. They wear what they like and love their style and choice of colors and they wear them with delight. Our family got matching clothes, when we go out we wear the same colors. And it’s fun! We never really care what others may think as long as we’re happy with how we look. We can be whoever we want to be. It’s not important how people judge us with how we look. What matter is we have confidence in ourselves and what we’re doing doesn’t hurt anyone.

Embrace fun, spontaneity and the unexpected twists in fashion when the adidas NEO Label Spring 2013 collection hits stores in January to March.

Living a carefree journey that lets teens make their own style, NEO will capture attention with unique and innovative fashion and design twists on Spring merchandise. Products have multiple purposes or added value.

NEO will release a fresh product offering each month, spotlighting a fashion trend interpreted in a different way. In March patterns are the highlight, featuring vibrant waves of colour, with subtle patterns that appear to be one thing but on close inspection reveal another. These will include camouflage prints and edgy takes on adidas NEO slogans with a focus on windbreakers and shirts. Sporty, street and lifestyle footwear silhouettes with strong colour and graphic links create the look.

NEO footwear is available in SM and select Robinson’s Department Stores nationwide.