Author: Em Alcantara


Apr
2025

Miracle Baby

categories: Parenting, Pregnancy Chronicles, Uncategorized

When I turned 40 two years ago, one of the first things that came to mind is perimenopause. I remember my mom kept reminding me and my sister to watch out for symptoms as soon as we turn 40.

So I did, and it came at a time when we were also preparing for Mommy’s treatment as her diagnosis came a day after my birthday. I immediately thought of our food intake, our lifestyle, arrangements at home and mom’s after-surgery care and chemo treatment plan.

The following year, we dedicated to changing our diet, leaning to more whole foods and vegetables. As the main caregiver, I had to also adjust my work schedules, homeschool routine of my daughter, and household set up as we take care of mom. I also began losing weight, not that I was meaning to, but my friends got to notice it first. I then find myself including swimming twice a week as part of my physical and mental exercise.

That lasted for the first half of last year. The latter half began with the great news–we got pregnant. At 40 turning 41. I was confused, amused, afraid, overjoyed, and very, very grateful for this blessing–a prayer item that could have lasted forever. Never expected for it to come true anymore because of our ages.

It took a while for me to tell friends and family about the pregnancy. Maybe I was just being very careful, because I am aware of the risks of geriatric pregnancy. And only on my third trimester, particularly the ninth month, did I really feel I was pregnant, with all the symptoms and complications presenting themselves one by one.

That I was able to share this journey with our teenage daughter also was very special. She was at first in denial and in total shock, but when we have all finally embraced this child, it was a truly heartwarming feeling for our family.

Our baby is a testament to God’s goodness. During pregnancy, I had a lot of monitoring being done. Blood glucose, blood pressure, blood tests, name it. I had to restrict myself to no sugar, no salt, no fat diet. Had to take medicines and insulin. The routine is tiring, not to mention expensive, but when I think of the baby, I get back on track.

Thankfully, I was able to work all throughout the pregnancy. Together with my daughter, sister, and niece, we had a quick vacay to Hong Kong. I got to travel for work in various locations, and even had to go to weekly rehearsals for a concert. I sang, taught, gave workshops until before labor day. Never a day that I felt morning sickness or any “lihi.” I really cannot do anything with my cravings though since I am under a strict diet.

My husband was planning a party to welcome the baby. I kept on pushing back the day of the Baby Shower (Sprinkle, as per my sister), because I or some of my family and friends were busy, and also, I was kind of unsure whether I really wanted it, cos I was so scared of my conditions. But I am very thankful to my husband for doing all of the preparations for it, along with my family and friends, and the event turned out truly heartwarming and fun, not to mention, overflowing with food, gifts, and love.

Equally grateful are we because of hand-me-downs! I posted, unashamedly, on my Facebook, to ask who can gift us with hand-me-downs cos we would be happy recipients. First to respond was my cousin, whose daughter gave birth a few months earlier, so most of the newborn clothes we got from them. A number of friends also gifted us with clothes, blankets, even a crib and booster seat! Saved us a lot of money to buy new ones. And just right for our “declutter” theme at home.

Then came my 38th week pre-natal check up. I already knew the doctor wanted me to deliver the baby at this week, so she immediately ordered another ultrasound. And because my amniotic fluid went on overdrive, all the more she wanted the baby out so as to avoid complications. I got admitted that evening, was given inducing gels, and after 12 hours, baby came out normal, without epidural, and me screaming the pain off the entire time.

Marcella is beautiful. And strong. We both were at that time, and I was so overjoyed with this achievement, same feeling with birthing our firstborn. My husband was allowed to enter the delivery room for photos and to see his new princess.

Ate Aria was equally excited to see her Ading (younger sibling). We made sure to catch on video her reaction in seeing the little baby she has loved and witnessed growing inside my womb.

What a miracle, what a gift, what a lesson this pregnancy and birth has taught me. This is just the beginning, and we are excited for what life has in store now that we are a TEAM of four.


Mar
2025

Dearest Schatzi,

categories: Church Life, Parenting, Pregnancy Chronicles

Ite ad Ioseph (Go to Joseph).

With our current situation, this is the best thing we could do, to pray to St. Joseph as the head of the Holy Family and for us as soon to be parents of a newborn given our advanced ages.

We’re counting a few more days and we still cannot believe all of these are happening. But just the same, I am looking forward to tread this newborn phase again with you and our beautiful Ate Aria. March is so lucky to have the best father–faithful, caring, loving, smart, and funny.

Isn’t it great to be a girl dad? I think it really suits you. Of course, we wonder what if our second born is a boy, but whatever the gender is, I know you will be the best dad to our children.

My prayer for you is to always have good health, mind our food intake, exercise, and continue to be funny. I also pray for strength for us both to take good care of the household and the children, and to continue doing good in our work, at church and our choir, your martial arts practice, and to have more time for our family and friends. Lastly, I pray that the house will be filled with even more music, now that we will become a quartet.

We love you, Daddy! Let’s continue to go, grow, and glow in this parent-of-two thing.

Love,

Mommy Schatzi <3


Mar
2025

Mom of two

categories: Parenting, Pregnancy Chronicles

Less than 40 days until my husband and I become parents of two. And Aria becomes our firstborn and Ate (eldest female sibling) of the family.

The idea was farfetched, until the middle of last year. While I was doing caregiver duties for my mom, and preparing for perimenopause, God granted us another child at the most unexpected timing. And here we are, barely a month from now I shall be giving birth, 15 years after our firstborn.

Who gets to be a new mom at 27 then again at almost 42?

A lot have asked, was this planned? Why did it take so long? Honestly, I cannot answer that. Who can, anyway? All I know was I was listing this as a prayer item during our family’s annual planning at the beginning of each year. I might have not listed this in 2024 though, cos I was preparing for perimenopause and focusing on the start of mom’s chemotherapy. As Scripture says, the Lord know what’s best for us, and that He will not give anything that we cannot handle. I better keep on clinging to that verse.

I had a lot of doubts, fears, and anxieties the moment I found out I was pregnant. Of course, I am in my 40s already, and hearing stories of other moms bearing children at this age, I knew we were at risk, both baby and I. This was the reason why I was mum about being a mom during the first trimester. I only told a few people, and I was so hesitant to talk about the pregnancy, because of all the monitoring, check ups, and medicines I had to take. I prayed, did my part to take care of my food intake and overall health, before I felt it was ready to tell the world about this miracle. It took me five months before I got to announce.

But this baby is so much loved and taken care of, and I really feel it cos she made me a stronger mother. This one, even in utero, is teaching us three important things:

1. To mind our food intake. Not only me, but my husband and daughter joined in this change. We shifted to whole foods, lessened intake, eradicated everything artificial in our pantry, stopped drinking store bought drinks, no junk and fast foods. It did us wonders–weight loss, better looking skin and less to no acne, more energy throughout the day.

2. To declutter. We have decluttered boxes and boxes of clothes, garbage, and excess stuff. A lot has been donated to two institutions whom we think can benefit from these items better. Still a lot of cleaning up to do, and it’s only a month to go so we have to move it, move it!

3. To not waste time. My husband realised that time is too precious, especially for him raising another child in his age. It’s as if this is our firstborn again, and I agree very much. So much that I was able to convince him to attend a class for newborn parents for us to get refreshed on taking care a newborn.

    So here we are, counting the days til I give birth yet again. But still have loads of work to finish at home, for church, and teaching duties. Sadly, for the first time, I will be missing Holy Week at church, cos this week is my due date. I know I’d miss the outside world again when I give birth, so I am trying to see as much shows and concerts, meet as much friends and family, and finish as much work I could.

    I can’t wait to be a mom of two. Lifting up our two children to the care of the Lord, Señor Sto. Niño, St. Raymond Nonato, and Our Lady of La Leche.

    St. Ariadne of Phrygia and St. Marcella of Rome, pray for us! Pray for our beautiful treasures, our children.


    Feb
    2025

    To our Ate Ariadne

    categories: Uncategorized

    Dearest Ate Ariadne,

    If there’s anyone who’s very excited about M’s birth, it’s you. And it was the complete opposite eight months ago.

    I clearly remember how aghast you were when we told you as we were driving to the hospital to confirm Mommy’s pregnancy. I wasn’t sure if you were happy, or worse, sad, about my pregnancy. I wasn’t so sure if it was indeed the right time to tell you, as it was a few days before your birthday, and we were busy preparing for your party.

    It took days, or some weeks, before you finally somehow accepted that you are about to have a younger sibling. 15 years apart sure is extreme and unbelievable for some, but we know, deep in our hearts, that this was all the Lord’s perfect timing. And maybe, God wanted us to have a baby at your age, so that you could better appreciate seeing your Ading grow from my womb and seeing the world for the first time.

    And when we found out the gender, it even got easier for you to finally accept your new role in 2025: an Ate to your beloved Ading Baby M.

    Ate, as I have been praying and telling you, I am confident that you will be the best Ate you could ever be. That you will be the best role model for M. I will never stop praying for you, I will, even more, pray for the both of you, cos you are both a gift and a responsibility given to us by the Lord to take care of, raise well as good Christians and Filipino citizens.

    Daddy and I are so so proud of you and your achievements. And we are confident that you will have more of those in the months and years to come. Just always remember to dream big, work hard, and pray faithfully.

    I am so grateful to you for always holding Mommy’s hand especially on challenging days. Thanks for always checking on me, especially what I eat. Now, there’s going to be two (noisy) kids at home, calling on Mommy and Daddy incessantly, hopefully not at the same time all the time. For sure, our home will be filled with sunshine, love, and even more music.

    I love you, Ate Aria! God bless you and keep you always.

    Love,

    Mommy


    Feb
    2025

    Name Game: Naming our second child

    categories: Pregnancy Chronicles

    As with our firstborn, naming our second child took quite a while, and I had to list down a very long list for our review. Three heads are now thinking instead of two, and yes, we had to break a tie somewhere along the decision making.

    Primary criteria for us is seven letters, easy to spell and pronounce, and fits our middle name and surname. Another criteria is that it came from an opera, and perhaps something biblical or saintly. But sometime December, I was able to talk with a priest during the event for elderly priests and he had one stern reminder: make sure to give our child a Christian name.

    As soon as we found out the gender, it was quite easy for us to decide. We’re having another beautiful girl, who we just saw during the 3D and congenital anomaly ultrasound. We had to break a tie between Musetta and Marcella, both opera characters, though Marcella is eight letters (we wanted the Italian variation so hence the spelling). I remembered the reminder of the kind priest, so we settled for Marcella, not after days of breaking the tie between my husband and daughter, who were on opposite ends.

    So, there. Our second child shall be named Marcella. Marcella is Latin of origin, and means warlike, martial, related to Mars, and strong. Indeed our baby is, as we are facing a lot of challenges with this pregnancy.

    I chose the nickname, March, though she is due on April (conversation starter there!). And yes, it is a name of an opera character by Umberto Giordano and a name of a saint, Saint Marcella of Rome, whose feast day is January 31, same with St. John Bosco. Likewise, Marcella is special because our daughter has made a character for her PH Girls comic series, Mal, or Marcela Castio Florence, since before the pandemic began.

    From Formed:
    St. Marcella was born in 325 AD and died in 410 AD, around the time of the sack of Rome. During this tumultuous time in Church history (between the Council of Nicaea and the sack of Rome) St. Marcella befriended St. Jerome who wrote several letters to and about St. Marcella. Through these letters, we learn of a woman of the Church who modeled virtue and walked the path of Christ to the end. Eventually, St. Marcella died of wounds she received during the sack of Rome.

    Video discussion about Saint Marcella here: https://watch.formed.org/videos/who-is-st-marcella

    Aria named herself and you can read the story here: https://www.touringkitty.com/2010/07/22/how-our-baby-named-herself/

    Saint Marcella of Rome, pray for us!

    ~ Touringkitty


    Jan
    2025

    Parenting, once more from the top

    categories: Uncategorized

    M came in a time we weren’t really expecting any other children anymore. And at this very moment, we count three months, give or take, before the newborn says hello to this crazy world.

    We entered 2024 committing to take care of our mom and fighting the Big C with her. And yet, the Lord gave our family another blessing, or maybe another challenge–to be parents once again to a newborn, given our advanced age. Our priest and pastor friends would joke that we were like Abraham and Sarah. Funny as it seemed, the age we can really now feel, with the sicknesses that comes with it.

    It was a bit difficult for me at first to share that I am pregnant at 41. Apart from the high risk pregnancy, there came back my hyperthyroidism, which made diabetes and hypertension say hello from the corner. So I am closely monitored for all of these, and I had to ensure that baby and mommy are fine, that we got past the crucial first trimester, and that I feel good when I tell the world about this pregnancy. Of course I had to tell people at work and at church and clients about my situation and what they can expect when working with me, and finally, after five months, I was able to tell the world about this lovely blessing.

    The moment I told social media about my pregnancy, the more I felt bigger. Imagine four months in and I can’t feel anything in my tummy, which made me super worried! But after the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, I must say I was relieved and truly truly happy with the fact that yes my husband and I are still able to bring in another child into the world.

    Along with this of course, is the endless preparation for welcoming a newborn. I was even looking for classes since I feel like I’d be needing a refresher. A breastfeeding class would be nice, but Aria reminded me that I can give a workshop to myself as a peer counselor, so I might organize one soon. A lot of friends are also pregnant so a breastfeeding class would sound nice.

    So, how do we do this, again? In this Gen Beta age? I asked for some tips on what do I need for the newborn, and I got one good advise from a fellow korista and breastfeeding advocate–the newborn only needs the mother, nothing more. We’ll start with that.

    Two days more before the Feast of the Santo Niño, so we’d wish to offer our children, A and M, to Señor Santo Niño, the Christ Child, and may He hold our children so closely to Him, so they can be of good use to humankind and to society, and that they can grow into the persons the Lord intended them to be.

    So help me, God!

    ~ Touringkitty


    Oct
    2024

    Early Christmas treat with Philippine Ballet Theatre’s ”The Nutcracker“

    categories: Uncategorized

    Philippine Ballet Theatre’s ” The Nutcracker “ will open on November 30, 2024 at Samsung Performing Arts Theatre

    Early Christmas Present

    The Philippine Ballet Theatre received an early holiday gift that will keep the celebrations alive: PBT has been named the first National Performing Arts Company for ballet and contemporary dance for the years 2024-2029. This designation is in accordance with The National Performing Arts Companies Act (NPAC), which was enacted as Republic Act No. 11392 on August 22, 2018. This incredible honor was confirmed after a thorough series of deliberations and screenings. Ultimately, the company emerged victorious, thanks to its wealth of Filipino repertoire and a proven mark of excellence. PBT is approaching the challenge of maintaining national status with passion and unwavering focus. This milestone also brings a stronger support system for their artistic vision.

    Stepping into the Holiday Season

    One of PBT’s first decisions as NPAC for dance took shape on September 16, 2024. The indefatigable Anatoly Panasyukov from Russia returns as PBT’s ballet master. Born and trained in Russia, Anatoly graduated cum laude from the Bolshoi Ballet School. He has performed as a dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow and as a principal dancer for the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, as well as the Moscow Ballet Theatre of Classical Dance. While the younger generation of dancers may not be familiar with him, Anatoly is a household name in the dance community. He held the position of Ballet Master at Philippine Ballet Theatre from 1995 to 2020, a tenure briefly interrupted by the pandemic. With his stellar career and extensive teaching experience both locally and abroad, Anatoly’s return is anticipated to revitalize the company. He will also take the stage as PBT’s resident character dancer as needed. As Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario succinctly stated, “Anatoly is finally home. Our family is now complete, and we are ready for the holiday season.” He is truly regarded as the best Christmas gift the PBT dancers could receive this year.

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    Well-Seasoned Feast

    Anatoly will join a brand-new cast debuting in *The Nutcracker*, where he will portray the mysterious Drosselmeyer. Sarah-Filippa Belgica will debut as Clara, alongside Sophia Martina Marie Lourdes Tiangco. Interestingly, Belgica and Martina are both PBT “babies,” having first danced on stage as party kids in the Philippine Ballet Theatre. Joanna Galeste, a homegrown talent, will debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy, alternating with Eloisa Jessa Tangalin. The role of the Nutcracker Prince will be played by Jimmy Lumba, alternating with Matthew Davo. Despite being a holiday staple, Philippine Ballet Theatre’s *The Nutcracker* is always infused with something new. This version, based on Gelsey Kirkland’s 1995 staging, features updated choreography by Ronilo Jaynario to the classical music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Adding even more flavor is Anatoly’s unique brand of storytelling. Seasoned to perfection, it promises to be a feast for the senses.

    Closing the season with a magical tale about Clara’s journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, PBT’s *The Nutcracker* promises to be a vibrant spectacle. With generous support from Philippine Airlines as their primary partner, *The Nutcracker* will open on November 30, 2024, and run through December 1, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketworld or through the PBT Secretariat.For reservations and inquiries you may contact the following, (02) 8671 1697 | (0968) 870 8887 | (0912) 945 5151 | secretariat@pbt.org.ph

    NUTCRACKER

    Brief Synopsis

    On Christmas Eve, Clara receives a magical nutcracker doll from her godfather, Drosselmeyer. As night falls, Clara is swept away into a fantastical dream when her toys suddenly come alive.She witnesses a battle between her Nutcracker Prince and the Rat king and by stroke of look she saves the Price. In gratitude the Prince brought Clara to a journey to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of the Sweets. A nightmare turns into a beautiful dream. But was it really a dream?

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    Sep
    2024

    Last day of the first year of the fourth decade

    categories: Uncategorized

    As I end the day and wrap up my tasks, I can’t help but reflect: Why me? Why this life? Why this situation?

    But as the beloved St. Padre Pio always reminds us, Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry. Easier said than done, right?

    Today is his Feast Day, too. Spent the entire morning cooking, meal prepping, and washing loads of dishes. Pretty much sums up my every day for the past months. Had to take the daughter for a check up, do some errands after which, and heard Mass with dear friends. I had a great day, as a matter of fact.

    I have had a lot of worse days, especially in the past 365 days. Some days I am just feeling so overwhelmed, excited, accomplished, deadlines, etc.

    It was a good day. And I pray for many many more in the next 365 and beyond.

    Time to eat that sugar-free cake tomorrow!


    ~ Touringkitty


    Mar
    2024

    Hi!

    categories: Uncategorized

    Or maybe… Hi? Whoa long time no blog!

    Yes, I’m still here. And in the past few months…

    – I turned 40
    – I turned into a caregiver
    – I am still alive, and for that alone, I am grateful.

    What’s up this year? Who knows! Cos I don’t. I just let life go on, from now on, making sure to always have time to reflect and thank the Lord for whatever has been happening, and be as close to the people who truly matter. It’s enough for me, at least for now. Hope you are happy and well, dear reader!

    Until the next! I am not posting as much on my socmed accounts, but you know where to find me!

    ~ Touringkitty


    Aug
    2023

    White hair

    categories: Writing

    As I combed my Simba-like hair after my skincare routine, I saw a long strand of white hair. Make that sparkling silver. It was so sparkly, complete standout from my jet black messy wavy hair.

    As a child, I earn a few coins by plucking out white hair from Papa’s head. What’s even funnier is I use two coins to pluck the tiny ones out. On the contrary, I was told not to pluck out white hair should I get one already, cos this would cause more white hair to grow.

    And so the day came. I was checking out that strand, pondering about this childhood memory, and without thinking twice, plucked it out.

    Questions flood my already busy brain: Was I not afraid to have more white hair? Do I want to hide the white hair with hair color? How many more could be there already?

    But the one million dollar question was: Am I not afraid to get old?

    Yep, life has gotten into the equation. And for now, it’s simply a matter of accepting that in less than two months, I turn 40.

    Wait, was it just yesterday that I turned 30? Oh well, I definitely enjoyed this decade! This had more travels, performances, and a variety of performance and teaching opportunities, even when I had my family already, compared to when I was in my 20s.

    I’ve always wondered how I’d look and be like at 40. Well, who knows and who cares, anyway! All I know is that I am happy and content more now than five years ago and ten years ago, where I met bullies in the workplace. But, no regrets! I learned a lot–one is to avoid being with people like them.

    White hair is definitely a symbol of wisdom. And there is wisdom to aging, experiences, and learnings. Always.

    ~ Touringkitty (back to rambling on the blog!)