The Joy of Parenthood to Go the Extra Smile

Being a parent, I believe, is truly a blessing. Not everyone will experience how it is like to be one. The joy it brings to an individual is simply indescribable.  I even Googled the word “parenthood” and found OxfordDictionaries.com defines it simply as “the state of being a parent and the responsibilities involved.” But for me, no dictionary can give the real meaning of the “parenthood” than the hearts of loving parents.

While I was browsing to hundreds of photos of the wonderful moments my wife Leah and I have shared with our son, I was brought back to those unforgettable worth-sharing memories of the last nine years and I was able came out a number of definitions to the word.  For me, parenthood is…

1. Not minding to carry a pack of diapers, a can of milk and a stroller to what should be a relaxing weekend family date.

2. Memorizing the theme songs of Adventure Time, Hi-5 and the Mickey Mouse Club House and other silly tunes to be able to sing along with our son.

3. Conceding to change the TV channel for another replay of We Bare Bears even if it means we will miss the last 5 minutes of another heart-pounding episode of our favorite drama series.

4. Smiling even when our shirts got messy with spaghetti sauce and ice cream because we allowed our kid to have it “his way.”

5. Praying that we can change places with our son whenever he is sick and we’ll be the one who are ill instead.

6. Waking up in the wee hours to change our child’s diaper even though we just slept for a few hours and needs to rise up early for work in the morning.

7. Experiencing the greatest joy in our lives even with the simplest things like every time our son says, “I love you, Mommy and Daddy!”

8. Making sure that we put on the best love for the most amazing gift that we ever received in life--- our son Charles.

We only want the best for our son. It is our joy to go the extra mile for him and see him wearing that big extra smile on his face. I am sharing the Hapee Kiddie Toothy Tales video about how to keep our children’s teeth healthy and have a great smile everyday.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO PLAY

Speaking of going the extra mile, allow me to share one of the best surprises we gave for our dear Charles. Back in 2014, two weeks before his 5th birthday, we asked Charles what he wants to get on his special day.

His immediate response was, “A police car!”

We wanted to make it extra special because almost every week, we would already go to the toy store and have him scan the shelves and display racks to find a new police car for his collection. At his very young age, Charles would tell us that he wanted to be a policeman someday “to help other people and put bad guys to jail.”

On the morning of his birthday, Charles wore his police costume that he used in the last Halloween party we attended. We told him that we will go out and meet his cousin Nico. He was clueless that we are actually going to  a police station for a one-of-a-kind birthday surprise.

 The birthday tarpaulin prepared by his Daddy.

But where's the birthday boy? Uh yeah, he's still on duty preparing the police files.

And catching a dude who just littered the street with empty wrappers of  Ding-Dong.

Now, it's time to go to the police station.

And meet with the Chief and some of his fellow police officers.

Eat cake.

 But of course, he has to blow the candle first.

                                       

Too bad, they can't party 'till  the wee hours because these men in uniform needs to be dispatched for emergency calls.                                 

But at least, he got his police car on his birthday.

And actually ride the police patrol car with his boys!

Special thanks to SP03 Edwin S. Sison, Desk Officer of Police Station 8 of Quezon City Police District and his fellow police officers for granting our little Charles' wish of celebrating his 5th birthday with his heroes.  The event was even featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer a week after. 

To our son Charles, we are very blessed to have you as our child. Just keep on giving us those extra smile and we assure you that we will forever go for extra mile in everything we do for you. Keep on smiling towards that brighter future, our Hapee Kiddie son!

Saving for your Child's Education

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prolific American writer, says it best why good education is important.  That's why as early as today, I have already inquired about tuition fees from different pre-schools in our area.

Well, my son Charles is just 3 years old and he'll be very for school by next year. Am I a little excited? This is the first time I'll be sending a child in school just to explain the year-long preparation.   

I also asked other parents about this and in the process I found out that school expenses are increasing every year.  Makes me wonder if my savings is enough to cover college tuition fees and other expenses. A friend suggested that sside from regularly saving money, one can also prepare by getting profitable investments that offer better returns. Invest in companies which have made a mark and have a proven track record in the industry, like Insular Life.

Celebrating 101 years of unparalleled and continuous service to old and new generation of Filipinos, Insular Life remains to be the largest Filipino life insurance company. With its Direct Marketing plans College Provider and Sure Cash for Kids, you are assured of a secure future for your child.

College Provider is a 5-pay educational plan that provides a college cash fund for your child at age 17. It also provides a life insurance benefit for your child equivalent to the college fund until he reaches age 21. On top of this, College Provider has a built-in waiver of premium payments, wherein the policy will be considered fully paid should the parents or the payor meet an untimely death or suffers from total and permanent disability. The policy will then provide a pre-college cash allowance equivalent to 10% of the face amount until age 16 to finance for your child’s elementary and high school education.

On the other hand, Sure Cash for Kids is a 5-pay, 15-year savings and investment plan for your child that offers guaranteed yearly cash payouts and lump sum cash benefit with built-in life insurance protection. Yearly cash payouts equivalent to 10% of the maturity value will be given from the end of the 5th policy year to the end of the 14th policy year amounting to 100% of the maturity value. A lump sum cash benefit equivalent to 100% of the maturity value will also be given at the end of the 15th policy year. Your child is also covered with a life insurance protection for 15 years with the face amount increasing to 200% on the 4th policy year up to the 15th policy year.

Saving for your child’s education is a top priority, so preparing for it now can save you from possible financial troubles in the future.  Address your child’s needs today. Call Insular Direct at 878-1818 local 5403 or 892-3171 or email us at idirect@insular.com.ph for more details on College Provider and Sure Cash for Kids.