• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Nurture Parenting

On Taekwondo, Hearts, and Mommy Dionisa

Ideally, I would like all of my kids to participate in sports.

I think that being active in sports can help my children three fold.

1-Athletes are so busy with their sport, practicing, performing, and competing, that they don’t have time for monkey business.

2-In order for athletes to perform at their best, they are careful what they put in their bodies. They are good to their bodies because if they aren’t, they will see the difference in how they perform in competition.

3-Athletes hang out together. *Instant barkada* (Instant Circle of Friends)

However, all of this also means that I have to support the sport they choose, even if it leaves me just a little breathless when I watch. Ok, breathless is putting it mildly. I’m tense, I’m anxious, I cannot breathe, (this statement coming from someone who practices yoga)  I’m borderline full of angst, and on the verge of tears when I watch Diego spar in Taekwondo tournaments.

IMG_6470

Diego has chosen to follow in his Dad’s footsteps with his choice of sport. His Dad was a Black Belt in Taekwondo many years ago as a young boy. His Lolo is the President of the Taekwondo Association here in the Philippines. Clearly, it excites Nino to work out with Diego, to practice the forms, and even more importantly to bond while preparing for tournaments and promotion tests.

IMG_6474

Just this past month, Diego participated in his first tournament. This means that I watched while some kid tried to beat up MY son.  

I didn’t get up and stop the fight.

I didn’t grab the other kid by the collar and ask him why he was trying to hurt my son.

I watched as they each tried to score the maximum amount of points to win the match. 

I witnessed my son put up a good fight and win his first gold medal by one point.

IMG_6519

NOTE:  I am still learning about the point system. What I do know, is that the kids are almost always trying to kick each other in the head. If it weren’t for the protective gear that they wear, I think I would NOT be able to attend any Taekwondo event…EVER. (Hubby says that in HIS day, there was NO protective gear.)

IMG_6515

I have one more point to make here on this post…and it reminds me of this quote by Elizabeth Stone. 

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” 

I made that decision four times in my life. There are four pieces of my heart walking around outside of my body, forever. I didn’t know this fact when we got pregnant with our first child. I know and understand it now, in a very real, raw, and weepy way. 

Each of my kids will show me their talents and their interests as they grow up. I will support them in their endeavors on the court, the mat, or the stage. But as they each find their place in this world, I know it is my job to cheer them on, pick them up when they fall, dust them off and send them back into the world even if it means that a piece of my heart goes with them every time.

 

(Video taken yesterday, as Diego tested for his blue belt. Diego is wearing red armor.) 

Confession:  Even though Diego clearly has the upper hand in this match up, I was doing everything in my power to hold back the tears. I’m not sure if it’s the possibility that he can get hurt is what brings me to near tears, or if it’s the fact that the sport he has chosen is a complete contradiction of what I have taught him in my kids yoga classes. 

These realizations occur for me as my kids participate in the sports and activities of their choice, and because of Diego’s choice to compete and study Taekwondo, it’s no wonder to me why Mommy Dionisa clutches her rosary, praying for the safety of her son Manny Pacquaio while he fights in the ring. Of course, I know Diego is not in danger of losing his life while he fights his opponent on the mat, as a yellow belt. But the fear that my child can sustain an injury while I’m watching…powerless to protect him, leaves me silently praying that my heart will make it through each match, unharmed and no worse for wear.

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« Maleficent by PLDT Home DSL
Saving for School with Insular Life »

Comments

  1. mymommyology says

    June 8, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Aww Mish! I love the quote by the way!

  2. Janice / The Roller Coaster Ride says

    June 9, 2014 at 12:34 am

    Awww I feel you and I don’t even have a kid who’s an athlete. My girls are more into the arts and Ziggy’s still too young to engage seriously in sports. I already fear the day he might choose one like Taekwondo too.

    • michelle says

      June 9, 2014 at 6:57 am

      Diba? I love that he’s active. That he has found another sport he can excel in, (he’s really quite athletic) but I wish that it didn’t have to be a sport where someone wants to kick him in the head?! I feel like the stress of watching him spar is making my gray hair come out!!! hahahaha! Thanks for stopping by, Janice!

  3. leirs (@leirs) says

    June 9, 2014 at 9:58 am

    OMG!! just like you I want my daughter to be an athlete for those exact same reasons. Of all the the sports that I suggested I suggested a lot my daughter loves Swimming., I was actually suggesting tae kwon do ayaw at baka masipa sya.

    • michelle says

      June 9, 2014 at 10:54 am

      Swimming is actually a great sport Leirs!

      I’m hoping that Miguel finds a love for swimming. It’s a sport that he can grow with. Swimmers can swim all the way into their adult years…whilst soccer players like me give up on the sport when we are quite young. If I knew then, what I know now, I probably would have chosen swimming, golf and/or tennis as a sport when I was a kid.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂 xo

  4. Phenomenal Mama says

    June 20, 2014 at 10:13 am

    I feel you, Mish! My kids are competitive swimmers, and I get clammy everytime they are on the diving block. I don’t think I can take it if my son gets in taekwondo.

    • michelle says

      June 21, 2014 at 7:31 am

      Thanks for stopping by Tina.
      I LOVE the fact that both Gia and Diego have chosen a sport…I still have hope that Miguel will find his passion through swimming bc I know he’s so good at it. It just seems so unnatural to watch someone try and kick my kid in the head and not get up and do something about it? I mean-we will always be nervous when our kids compete…we feel everything they do SO deeply…but pain? That’s something I have spent the last 15 years making sure does not come my child’s way…and because of Diego’s choices…I have to watch him fight through pain, and live with the danger of him getting hurt every time he competes. We certainly can’t fight our kids’ battles (on or off the mat) for them, but I want to think that I can at least help them avoid pain as much as possible…This is not the case with Taekwondo! Breathe in. Breathe out…and let it go. (And pray as hard as Mommy Dionisa does every time her son steps in the ring.)

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Our Dental Experience at Affinity Dental, One Bonifacio High Street
  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...