Hello, dudes! Summer is officially here! And the sun's heat seems like scorching our back, and we can't help but think of a getaway to temporarily refresh us from a very hot climate. By the way, how do you spend your Holy Week? Us? My family and I went to Camp Philips Bukidnon - the focal point of Del Monte Plantation - which provides lots of jobs to its immediate community including my brother. Camp Phillips's climate is cool the entire year, so it is a must-see destination for everyone when it is hot and dry.

How to get to Camp Philips from Davao City?

We left Wednesday early dawn to avoid congestion at Ecoland Terminal. It took us 8-hour trip getting to Camp Philips via Rural Transit Bus. Yes, 8 hours! That long, which made our butts and feet cramp due to prolonged sitting. Just imagine, carrying a 2-year-old toddler and with all the baggage along, huh, It was super dooper exhausting. Ok back to my story hehe. So we dropped off in "ALAE", one of the barangays of Manolo Fortich, also a stopover for buses and vans.  Then, we rode a jeepney going straight to Camp Phillips,  approximately 10-15 minutes. So before I will tell you what happen next to our adventure, first, I'd like to share with you our expenses.



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Finally, we arrived safely to my brother's house Wednesday afternoon. Ronan and I were totally drained so we decided to spend the rest of the day to relax in order to get extra energy for the next day adventure. On following day, we woke up very early to take a walk around Camp Philips along with my brother's wife and her children. Everyone was excited, especially Ronan.  Every time we passed by a nice view, we took pictures.

At the main entrance of Camp Phillips, you will see this signage - WELCOME CAMP PHILLIPS!

One can look around the camp without seeking any permission from Del Monte. However, taking picture of houses is strictly not allowed because of the previous NPA attacks. Since then, the camp was surrounded by numerous security guards (they called them Kadre) to secure the place.

Upon entering Camp Phillips,  you will see the biggest replica of pineapple, perfect spot for picture taking.

Picture taking in front of Del Monte Pineapple field.

Ok, I ran out of ideas what to write on my blog. But when I pondered upon Chesska's activities all this day - running back and forth tirelessly; cluttering our sala (living room) with toys of any kind; watching her favorite music videos;  munching her favorite snack, etcetera, instantly,  I came up with bright ideas (ting!) what to write. Since she's already two and obviously a big girl,  there are a few random things about Chesska that you should know:

1. She is a risk taker. 

I'm unsure if other babies/toddlers do the same. But Chesska is a risk taker. One time, she had tried putting her fingers over the lighted candle despite my previous orientation of "HOT". (It was brownout then, that's why we used a candle). She had also tried banging her head (in slow motion) on the concrete wall, finding out how painful it was.  Have her fingers caught in between every time I closed the door. (fortunately, I was always in alert mode to stop those from happening )

 Warning. Don't allow your child/ren to do the same.

2. She never smiles to new people. 

I bet. If you are new to her sight, she will never smile at you.  Even if you throw candies and confetti trying to amuse her. She would just sharply stare at you from head to foot until you melt. Promise!

3. She has a good memory. 

At age 2, she can already identify the parts of her body; count and identify numbers from 1-10; almost memorize and identify ABC (but getting there); sing a few lines of a certain song; tell her name and age in complete sentences when being asked;  perform dance steps from famous dance songs (Waka(2x), Kiyomi, Gimmie2x, Loca, etcetera)

Note: The paragraphs in italic written below are updated one month after this post for the sake of recording my child's progress.

At age 2 years and 3 months, she can completely say our complete address, and finally, sing ABC song with confidence. Though I don't expect the correct pronunciation of the words, I can tell that she say and sing them correctly.  She continues to surprise me every day and makes me even prouder of her.

4. She is also Kikay (fashionable) - Pictures coming soon! 

Unknown to many that Chesska is also Kikay. Yes, definitely she is! She loves tinkering her closet; and picks clothes herself to wear. Any clothes combination will do. Swimsuit with leggings underneath. Sleeping wear with a skirt. (fashionably fierce!)

5. She is cranky.

When pressed toys get malfunctioned, she will throw them away. When building blocks toys suddenly collapsed after piling up, she will freak out.  I can tell that she wants them fixed or arranged without mistakes.

6. She is a breastfeed addict.

I know it looks awkward seeing a toddler, as half of your size, breastfeeding to his/her mom. But not with Chesska. She likes breastfeeding better than formula.  Isn't it healthier seeing a baby breastfeeding than holding a cup of cola?

7. She is a fruitarian. 

One of her favorite food trips is munching with fruits. Banana, apple, papaya, guyabano, mango are among the fruits she likes most.

8. She is well-behaved when outside of her territory.

Don't get me wrong. But most kids are very hyperactive and naughty when in certain venues or events (birthday party, public places, malls, etc.) But I'm proud that Chesska is opposite. She will just behave and observe what has happened around her.  But when in the house, she's mobile.

9. She cannot sleep without her pillow.

Pillow is her favorite buddy. Anywhere she goes, or before she sleeps, she will bring her pillow along with her. But I promise her to buy a new one, replacing her saggy and old pillow. (lol)

10. She is a Papa's Girl.

I envy my husband. Chesska is much closer to her father than me. As we all know, fathers are "spoilers",  while mothers are "antagonists" (Kontrabida) again.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post, and I'm pretty sure that some I have listed are your baby's character/s too. I wrote these things so when Chesska is older, she'll read this, and become proud or maybe surprise of herself.