Haiku #2

Haiku # 1

Start your own New Christmas Traditions!

Published in Northern Living / Southern Living Magazines (Print) 2012
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Start your own New Christmas Traditions!

by Alan & Ching - R. de Luzuriaga

Television shows and shopping malls have started to remind you that the yuletide season is coming. As we ponder on Christmases past and the great times we had with our families, we cannot help but yearn for equally meaningful and memorable ways to celebrate the coming holidays with our loved ones.

There are many wonderful Christmas Traditions. The Christmas tree, donating to charities, a visit from Santa, and Christmas programs are but some of the usual practices that have been enjoyed by countless families.

For those who would want something different, here are some new ways to make your own Christmas Traditions.

1. Welcome a less fortunate family into your home. - Many families give to charity, volunteer in feeding programs and throw parties for the less fortunate. This Christmas, why not make it closer to home. Invite the family of your household employee or community worker over for a Christmas lunch, complete with gift-giving and other activities. Make it a different family every year. You and your children would give a whole family immense joy on this occasion as well as give you heart warming memories as the years go by.

2. Eco-friendly and money-saving Christmas decorations - Instead of spending on decorations, re-use materials to make your home festive. Assign each family member an area to decorate (ex. Mom - living room, Dad - dining area, Children - garage, patio, kitchen, etc...). Make sure that everyone uses only existing household materials like newspapers, magazines, bottles, jars, candles, cartons, cans, cardboard, etc.. ( you're allowed to buy glue and adhesive tape) to create decorations such as Christmas trees, wall decor, wreaths, a Christmas Belen, lanterns and the like. Guests during the Christmas season will marvel at how you and your kids decorated your home for the holidays - the creative and environment friendly way.

3. "Translate your favorite English Christmas Carol to Filipino" - Singing is part and parcel of Filipino celebrations and Christmas is no exception. The use of sing-along machines as well as the ever dependable guitar, make Christmas day a musical experience for many families. To create something different than the usual karaoke night, why not create some semi-original numbers from the staple Christmas classics. Translate your favorite English Christmas Carol into Filipino or the native family dialect. Performing such novelties will surely make the Christmas program something you will not easily forget. And who knows, you even might perform these "originals" in the family reunion.

4. Capture it on Video ! - The digital video camera has been an indispensable tool to capture memories for many families. But, it can be more than just a way to preserve those delightful moments when the kids open their gifts and shout with glee.

Using the video camera and editing software in creative ways can make Christmas celebrations truly remarkable and memorable . Try some of these out.

A) Instead of forcing your chubby Uncle to get all made up to play Santa Claus, (Kids aren't fooled as easily nowadays, anyway), make a video of Santa climbing down from the roof and placing gifts under the tree ( make sure the children are all asleep when doing the video shoot). Show these to the kids when they wake up, right before gifts are handed out and it will add magic to their Christmas morning.

B) Gather the old Videotapes, video disks, and scanned photos, of the yearly Christmas celebrations and edit the highlights in one video show. Seeing how your family celebrated the occasion through the years will give everyone a smile. Don't forget to take a video of the coming celebration and edit it in for next years gathering. Do this year after year after year, and see how the family and the kids have grown as time goes by.

C) Make a Christmas Video greeting and post it in Facebook or email it to your family and friends. Not only will it be cheaper than sending greeting cards, it will also add a special touch for those who receive your on-cam holiday greeting.

5. Hold a Christmas Master Chef competition - To prepare for your Christmas feast, let everyone pitch in by making a Christmas dish - from a simple ice cream sundae that the kids can make to Mom's special salad. You can pick a a Food Theme if you like - Filipino Food, Dessert, Anything goes, etc... and let Grandpa and Grandma be the judge. The winning dish earns bragging rights and gets to be a regular dish every Christmas to be prepared by your very own family's Christmas Master Chef 2011!

6. Family Christmas Run or Bike trip- Get physical and prepare for those extra pounds to be gained later in the day. Wake up to an early Christmas morning and see the sun rise while going on a family fun run around the community. For those who prefer biking, hop on those wheels and start on an early family bike trip to your favorite trail. Don't forget to wear Santa hats / helmets to mark the occasion.

Christmas is all about love and family. And the best way to celebrate it is by making your own Christmas Traditions to be shared and handed down through generations.  

Holiday Stress Busters!

Published in Northern Living / Southern Living Magazines (Print) 2011
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Holiday Stress Busters!

by Alan & Ching - R. de Luzuriaga

It is every bit ironic that the Christmas Season - the time that is meant to remind us of love, family, peace and harmony, is the same period where people get all worked up and stressed out. Most Filipinos take the Christmas activities very seriously. Traditions and practices unique to the "Diwa ng Pasko" ( Spirit of Christmas) make the season ( and usually, even the month after, when the credit card bills arrive) even more hectic, busy and stress-filled. In order to make this Holiday period more relaxing and enjoyable, try out these suggestions to make your celebration worry free.

1. Plan your budget. - Spend what you can afford. Keep those credit cards locked up. Whether it is for the Christmas party, or for gifts, keeping it simple and affordable will bring the same fun and enjoyment to everyone. For a more organized and detailed plan, use free spreadsheets like CALC in OpenOffice ( www.openoffice.org ) or free cash management software like GNUCASH ( www.gnucash.org ) to track those expenses. Remember, the first Christmas was held in a lowly stable, and you are only obliged to give expensive gifts if you happen to be one of the three Kings.

2. Schedule it & make a list. - It doesn't matter if you use a pad, an organizer, or a smart phone... fix that schedule and you will avoid mix ups on those important activities. Write down not only the things you need to do, but also your gift list. Jot down ideas on what to get them and cross them out once you have wrapped up the goodies. This will also help you spend less time thinking and looking, when you get to the store.

3. Shop early, Start now ! - We start our Christmas shopping in January. Seriously. This might be too extreme for some, but if you happen to see something appropriate and specially "On sale" for a friend or family member, why not buy it and place it in a special "Christmas Box or Cabinet". Make sure to label the gift so as not to forget who it is for, as well as cross it off your list. With 11 months to do your shopping, not only will it be un-hurried, but you will also get the best prices for the items on sale. Check your "Christmas Box" when the season is about to start and be amazed how much shopping you have already accomplished. Start now!

4. Learn to say NO! - Not only does everyone throw a party, but you get an invite to each one. To keep your sanity, think hard on which affair matters most to you, personally and professionally. Make time for these important functions and decline - with a heartfelt thanks - those other gatherings.

5. Pick a Gift theme. - In order to avoid heading to countless malls and stores (think of the horrendous Metro traffic) to pick that right gift for the right person, why not decide on a theme for all the gifts you plan to give. Personalized items - towels, mugs, pens, T-shirts, jackets - enable you to order all the items in your list, in a single store. Food items can be ordered in one pastry shop or fruit baskets from a single stall owner.

6. Work - the stress - Out! - Nothing gets rid of unwanted stress and worry like a good workout. Whether it be in a gym, a treadmill at home ( we recommend the TRX Suspension Training Kit - www.trxtraining.com ), or a run and bike ride in your community, sweating and stretching is a sure way to beat those stressful moments when they cannot be avoided. Make time for it during this holiday break.

7. Outsource your Kitchen. - Gone are the days when Moms would slave away all day in the kitchen to have something scrumptious for the Christmas table. Many restaurants and caterers are open on Christmas morning ( and even in the afternoon, for some). All it takes is a phone call to have that hearty feast ready for your family and friends. It is best to order days in advance.

8. Rest & Relax. - Sneak in a full body massage at home or a trip to the beauty salon / barbershop for some rest and relaxation between all those hectic activities. The time off will result in a more pleasant time not only for yourself, but for your kids and relatives as well, when they see you all calm and serene amidst all the hustle and bustle.

9. Be a Manager and delegate. - We always think that we need to do things ourselves to get the best results. That may be true in many cases, but why strive for perfection all the time. Sometimes, it is those little flaws that make the celebration more exciting and memorable. Learn to pass on some of the responsibilities to your spouse and kids, as well as to co-workers and friends. You'll be surprised how willing they are to help, and may even be flattered that you asked for their assistance.

10. Count to ten & breathe. - When the cork is about to pop or when the kettle is simmering, don't lose it. Remember that all problems have a solution and all annoyances will pass. Count to ten...slowly...and take deep breaths with it. And when the stress reaches its boiling point, ask yourself...What could be the worst thing that could happen? You'll be surprised that it is not as bad as you think.

Last piece of advice....think happy thoughts. Christmas, like every moment of our life, is what we make of it.

FIRST TIME SCHOOLERS

Published in Northern Living / Southern Living Magazines 2012

FIRST TIME SCHOOLERS 

by: Alan & Sylvia de Luzuriaga

It's a tough world for kids.

In their first few years, they get doted upon as if the whole world revolves around them, making them feel safe and secure, until, the dawning of the age of preschool.

All of a sudden, they get thrusted into a scary world full of strangers with tons of things to do.

And that's when the tears flow, the shouting erupts and the tantrums start.

But, there are some ways to turn the frustration and confusion of first time schoolers into moments of love, affection and support.

According to Jennifer Wana - author of How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child: The Ultimate Guide to Finding, Getting Into, and Preparing for Nursery School, preschool time can be an exciting time for the whole family. We just have to make sure we know the correct WHY, WHEN, HOW, WHAT & WHERE of our first time schoolers' experience.

WHY - Why do we need to send our kids to preschool?

For one, it helps them form relationships that help their emotional and social development. It trains them to be independent and gives them a feeling of self worth. It also gives them the confidence to make their own decisions. Schoolwork develops their language, cognitive, math, literacy and motor skills. And lastly, it prepares them for higher academic levels.

Of course, activities at home can also provide them with many lessons and skills . Which is why it is important that we also know the WHEN.

WHEN - When do we need to send our kids to school?

There are parents who start early and send their kids to school at the age of two. However, other parents prefer to follow the norm of four or five.

So what is the ideal age for your child? It's time to get to the HOW and find out.

HOW - Preparing your kids for preschool is also the best way to find out if they are ready or not. Before the school year starts, you will need to have your kids evaluated by a school (not necessarily the one you will eventually choose) .

The results of the evaluation will help you know what to do. You have to talk to your kids about the new experiences they will be having. In the summer months, introduce them to group settings like summer classes. Visit the school they will be attending so the place won't be that "new" and "strange" once school starts.

A wonderful suggestion by Ms. Wana is to use school terms inside the home. Playing with their clay set becomes "Art Time" and having their merienda will be "Snack time" or "Recess". Another good tip is to read books and watch movies about first time schoolers that will put your children at ease.

Recommended Books:

• The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn
• My First Day at Nursery School, by Becky Edwards
• What to Expect at Preschool, by Heidi Murkoff
• I Love You All Day Long, by Francesca Rusackas

One last but vital advice is this. NEVER talk about concerns and worries in front of your children. You would not want to give them ideas that school is a place that they should be afraid of.

Now that you know what to do, you can start choosing WHAT kind of school you will be sending your children to.

WHAT - What kind of preschool education is right for my kids?

All schools fall into two categories – "Child Centered" or "Teacher Directed".

According to Babble Parenting Guides ( http://www.babble.com ), "In a child-centered classroom, children choose what activities they want to do and when to do them. "

"Teacher-directed classrooms have a more structured feel, as teachers tell the children what activities to do and when they will do them."

All other teaching styles or methods such as Play-based, the Montessori method, the Reggio Emilia approach, the Waldorf philosophy, and the traditional school method all fall under these two above-mentioned categories.

It would be worth any parent's time to look into these various systems and approaches as they all have their own advantages.

Once you have chosen which kind of schooling you prefer, the last step is the WHERE.

WHERE - Which school do I send my kids to?

First thing parents have to do is to check out the school. Bring your kids along. Watch their facial reactions as you go around the school and make sure to ask them what they think. They are never too young to know what they like or don't like.

For those of us in Metro Manila, it is also important to consider the traffic situation. The time spent traveling and being stuck in traffic, specially if your kids are running late, might just make everyday stressful for your kids. This would dampen any learning experiences your children could potentially receive on that day.

It all boils down to knowing what we want for our children, and preparing ourselves and our kids for their voyage through the world of learning and life.

KEEPING THE LOVE WITH "COMING OF AGE" KIDS

Published in Northern Living / Southern Living Magazines (Print) 2011 
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KEEPING THE LOVE WITH "COMING OF AGE" KIDS

My son, Luke, turned eight years old this year. Being the youngest of my two sons, he was always used to being the "bunso" or youngest, and relished the part, most specially when he wants to get his way with me, his mom and his "kuya" (older brother).

It was then a pleasant surprise when he started reminding everybody that he wasn't five years old anymore, that he was a grown up eight year old and that he should be allowed to do some things by himself, particularly ....walk along a street or in a parking lot area, without anyone beside him (he hates it when we hold his hand); go inside a public restroom cubicle alone; talk to older girls without his mother looking over his shoulder and eavesdropping on the conversation.

We got the picture.

Our eldest, Noah, just turned into a teenager himself. He adapted very well into the role of an older brother since he was five, and his independence and maturity was no surprise. But turning thirteen, was also quite significant for us as it was for him. Sleep-overs and going to his favorite mall shops without us is happening more often.

So does this mean our babies are all growing up fast and there is nothing we can do to keep them close? Or will the coming years be filled with an endless tug of war between youthful independence and parental control?

Not at all, not yet anyway. Here are some thoughts, for both Mom & Dad, as well as growing boys and girls, and teenagers, on how to make the most of "coming of age".

For grown up kids and teenagers:

1. All you need to do is ask. - It's in the nature of parents to protect their young. But it is also our dream to see you independent and capable of fending for yourself. We just don't know exactly when you need us to back off and let you fly. So you'll have to tell us, and despite our protestations, we will give you the space to spread your wings. But we need to know when, and where, and how. Help us out.

2. Don't be afraid to fall, or make a fool of yourself. - As you turn seven, or eight, or thirteen...you will be finding the need to try out new things, without the help of Mom or Dad. Buying stuff, crossing the street, and most definitely, when talking to the opposite sex .... do not be scared as we will be always there to catch you or pick you up. And no matter what other people might think, you will always be the best and most wonderful child to your parents.

3. What is the worst that can happen? - When you are trying out things for the first time - joining a new group or club, first time at camp , or again, when dealing with the opposite sex, - your imagination might always get the better of you, telling you that things may turn out to be a disaster. But, instead of fighting it, do think about it. Always ask, "what is the worst that can happen?", and you will be surprised that it is not as bad as you imagine it to be. And even if it does happen, you will realize that life will go on anyway, so you might as well go and do it.

4. You will always be Mommy and Daddy's Baby.- Even when you feel all grown up and ready to take on the world, I bet there are times that you wish you could snuggle up to Mom and Dad when you're sleepy, or just give them a hug 'cause you feel like it. I will let you in on a secret - Mom and Dad love it. So go ahead and do it. Hugs, snuggles, and even kisses, will always be a welcome.

5. Let us in, sometimes. - With "coming of age", comes the need for privacy. We know we have to keep out of your stuff, or not read the text messages on your phone, and stay away from your computer. But it would help if you keep Mom & Dad in the loop. It will help us understand who you are as a person and how to treat you best ( specially if you need something ).

For Mom & Dad:

My wife, Ching, and I, have found a few tricks to keep our relationship with our boys as tight ( or even tighter) than ever. It's all a matter of making the time and putting in the effort in giving our kids the independence they want but still be the best friends they can ever have.

1. Look for common interests. - Noah and I share a passion for comic books and science fiction stories. I always make it a point to ask him to tag along when I go to comic book stores or when I get some new sci-fi books or DVDs. Common interests are not limited to fathers and sons only. Fathers can find common things to do with daughters the same way mothers do with sons. If you haven't discovered it yet, just make a list of things you like to do and run it through them. You'll be surprised.

2. Set up a regular date in your favorite diner.- Although food, any kind in any place, is definitely something you and your kids enjoy together, there will always be that one special restaurant where your kids feel special. Be it the food, the ambience, or even the free toys that come with the meals. Make it a once a month habit that your kids will always look forward to.

3. One-on-One time. - For those with more than one child, spending time with one particular son or daughter, away from the siblings and your husband or wife, is a way to make the child feel special. It could just be a stroll in the park, or a bite to eat at the mall. The time and attention you spend with one particular child will enable both of you to focus on each other and strengthen the bond between you two. As with the dining, make it a regular thing that your son or daughter will surely look forward to.

4. Make ordinary trips a special time together - I bring my two boys regularly to the barber shop, sometimes together, sometimes one at a time (depending on their hair growth and their hairstyle preference). For my teenager, Noah, we sometimes use this occasion to go for a walk, going to and back from the barber shop, instead of using the car. The 30 minute leisure walk enables us to talk about anything under the sun, grab some ice cream, and get some exercise as well. My eight year old, Luke, always looks forward to the trip to the barber shop ( he used to hate haircuts) since he knows we always pass by his favorite novelty item store going home.

5. Always have space in your bed. - Stormy nights or a really scary horror movie might just convince your grown up kid or teenager into sneaking up onto Mom & Dad's bed. It is nice to let them know that they are always welcome to snuggle up and have sweet dreams anytime they feel like it. Their is nothing like a warm embrace while sleeping to let them know how much you love them....forever.

No matter what age they are, and how independent they grow up to be, the love between parent and child will always remain as long as we say it and show it the best way we can. As our family's favorite children's book says... " I'll Love You Forever, I'll Like You For Always, As Long as I'm Living, My Baby You'll Be".

DADDY'S DAY OUT!

Article written for Hinge Inquirer Publication Magazines (Print). - Northern Living ; Southern Living 

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DADDY'S DAY OUT!

Great Father's Day treats for the month of June.

by: Alan D. R.de Luzuriaga

CELEBRATING FATHERHOOD

The first Father's Day celebration held in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910 was thought of by Sonora Smart Dodd while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in her church. She immediately thought of her father who lost his wife and had to raise six children on his own.

Ms. Dodd wanted to honor fathers like William Smart, and was able to convince people to go to church on that day wearing roses: a red rose to honor a living father, and a white rose to honor a deceased one.

Since then, Father's day is celebrated in most countries, the Philippines included, every 3rd Sunday of June.

This month, Fathers who have shown their dedication as responsible providers and loving Dads can look forward to more than roses to honor and celebrate the occasion.

To Dads, new and experienced, here are some wonderful ways to treat yourself this month.

4 Ways to Celebrate Being the Man of the House!

1) Dad on the Run - Give your body a much needed workout by joining a marathon or a fun run in your community. Let the wife & kids tag along to truly make it a memorable family activity.

(For SOLI)

• Join the 2010 Philippine Independence Day Marathon on June 12, 2010, 4.30 a.m. at the Fort Bonifacio Global City. Featured events are 5k/10k/15k/ and 21k runs. REGISTRATION FEE is PHP 300 (Inclusive of  singlet, race number and certificate). You can register at the following :

CIE - Makati, Gold Tower 107 Palanca St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

ROX - Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

Contact: Mitch (632) 888-0909 ; Ces 750-4555 ; Malou 0922-8481494

(For NOLI)

• You can join the Freedom Run 2010 on June 13, 2010 at the Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City. Featured events are 3K / 5K / 10K / and 21K runs. This event is for the benefit: St. John the Baptist Educational and Scholarship Foundation in San Juan.

Registration Fee:3K (P450.00), 5K (P500.00), 10K (P550.00), 21K (P600.00)

Registration starts from April 30 to May 29, 2010

Registration Centers: (April 30 – May 14) - V-Mall information Booth, Greenhills Shopping Center.; Toby’s Glorietta 4, Makati City.; Toby’s, Mall of Asia, Pasay and North EDSA. Race kits may be claimed from May 30 – June 6 at the Tiendesitas Tent Lobby, 12 NN to 8 PM . For those in the Greater Manila Area , an additional P100.00 can be added for race kits to be delivered straight to your doorsteps. For inquiries, please call 8975008 or 09228367990 and look for Ana Salas.

• You may also participate in the OCAI Run 2010. This inaugural fun run for humanitarian projects and south pole expedition is happening on June 27, 2010
  at the Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Featured events are 3K / 5K / and 10K runs.

Registration fee for this event is Php 400. Registration period is between April 30 to June 20, 2010 at all Mizuno Stores

2) Gadget Time - Dads will never be the delightful little boys that they really are without their big boy's toys, gizmos and gadgets. Bringing home the bacon every single day becomes all worthwhile when Daddy gets to work and play with these wonderful stuff:

a) Nooka time - Be soft and sexy for the wife, bright and bold for the office gang. And tell the time in a way only you can. Express your mood with the Nooka Zub 20, the polyurethane band Nooka watch.

The Nooka Zub 20 Zot displays the hours as a progression of 12 dots. This design feature allows the watch to display the month on the same display with the date in the seconds window. Features chronograph and alarm 38 x 38 x 8mm / 20mm wide band. Water resistant to 3ATM. Price: Php 6,700.00

Nooka watches are available at : Rafael Jewelery, Level 2, EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City, Tel. # (+632) 636 3398 and at : My Diamond, Level 2, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City, Tel. #(+632) 757-1086

b) Lights, Camera, Action - Release the hidden Speilberg in you with the Flip Mino HD. Weighing only 3.3 ounces, the Mino HD features a super-slim design that fits in any pocket. You can start recording within 3 seconds of power-up and with a simple one-touch recording, making HD videos are easier and more fun than ever.

The Flip Mino HD Captures 1 hour of those incredible family moments in HD video on a 4GB built-in memory. No need to worry about battery charging as its internal lithium ion battery recharges through a built-in USB arm.

Once you shoot your cinematic masterpiece, the built in FlipShare software makes it easy to email videos and upload them to Facebook™, YouTube™ and other sharing sites.

The Flip Mino HD is priced at Php 9,900.xx at GOGADGETS , Unit 309, 3/F, computer Graphics Inc. Bldg., # 23 Gilmore Ave., New Manila, Q.C. Tel. # 727-8611

c) iPad : the Ultimate Treat - Definitely, the ultimate gift to oneself is the gadget that everyone wants to get their hands on. The iPad. With it's Multi touch 9.7 inch display and 150,000 Applications available, the iPad is the best way to experience the web, video, photos, music, email, facebook, twitter, and so many more stuff you cannot do on any other device.

Although available in the United Sates since April of this year, the iPad is coming to the Philippine shores at a convenient Apple Premium Reseller near you. Or you might want to check out the online Apple Store - Philippines at : http://store.apple.com/ph

3) Spa Service- After taking that gruelling run or work out, reward yourself with a relaxing massage treatment. And since most Dad's are not too comfortable going to Spa's, the perfect solution would be to call up a Home Spa service. Home Spa services provide therapeutic massages for those aching muscles and weary bones.

Call up:

Massage R' Us : Try the Full Body Massage - Php 250 / Hour

Muntinlupa / Cavite/ las Pinas / Paranaque - Tel.# 3844003; 7073687 or Mobile: 0918-8273529

Makati / Taguig - 387-9999 or Mobile: 09209673529

Total Therapy: Try the Ultimate Relaxation Massage- 75 minutes-Php 275.xx

Makati - 5127457 / 9074740 / Mobile: 09163506300

Ortigas/Q.C. /Greenhills: 572-3104 or Mobile: 0908-1476655 / 0922-8868258

4) Chill & Relax - Since it is your day, you can opt to spend it with rest and relaxation in mind. Grab that book on the shelf that you always wanted to read, explore your neighborhood once more by taking a short hike or just lay back and catch a DVD or listen to those favorite tunes in your MP3 Player.

This June, enjoy being a Father in so many different ways. But most of all, the best way to celebrate being a father is to spend it with your kids. As the saying goes - "Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a Dad."

Sidebars:

a) Great Father's Day Dining - Nothing makes Dad's smile so sweet on their special day than a hearty and delicious meal. Surprise your Father with a family treat in one of these culinary destinations.

Pepper Lunch- Treat Dad to some sizzling fine steak cooked before his very eyes with Pepper Lunch's proprietary electromagnetic hot plate. Visit : www.pepperlunch.com.ph

The Power Plant Mall, Concourse Level , Makati, Metro Philippines Tel: +63 2 895 3164 Fax: +63 2 895 6185 Hours: 11am - 10pm

Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Garden Court Level Tel: +63 2 634 3231 Fax: +63 2 631 6410 Hours: 10am - 11pm

Alabang Town Center, 2nd floor Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Tel : +63 2 856 7062 Hours: 11am - 9pm

Greenbelt 5, 2nd floor - Phase 1 Makati Tel : 482 4319 , Hours 11am - 9pm

Cafe Año - Discover the old world charm with your Dad, where the food is delicious and the place is quiet, soothing and calm. Located at Westgate Alabang, Cafe Año offers a Sunday Family Buffet for Lunch and Dinner: Php 350.00 per Adult & Php 175.00 for children 6 years old and below. Address: 807 – 808 Westgate Precinct, Westgate Center, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa. Tel.# 771-1281, 771-1282 (telefax) Restaurant hours: 7AM – 12MN Sunday – Tuesday, 7AM – 2AM Wednesday – Saturday (Happy Hour from 4PM – 8PM daily)

Sango - For those Dads who crave for a good burger treat, bring him to Sango - The Burger Master where American Burgers turn Japanese. Sango is where your father will be treated to a new kind of gastronomic treat and where the service is fast and efficient. Visit www.sangoburger.com

Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Phone no: 5563182 5563185  Mobile no.: +63 9237041723 +63 9228852790 

Rm. 5 GF, Creekside Mall, Amorsolo St., corner Herrera St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Phone no: 8300391 8894445  Mobile no.: +63 922-8852772 +63 923-2805796 

South Supermarket Alabang Zapote Road, Phone no: 7712201  Mobile no.: +63 922 885 2248 

6 level Shangri-La Plaza Mall , Mandaluyong City, Phone no: 6820377  Mobile no.: 0922-885-2325 

Zong - With its truly authentic Cantonese fare and Zen dining ambiance, Dads will enjoy the good food and relaxing experience. Truly a place where dining is redefined. Visit: www.zong.com.ph . Restaurant hours: 11AM to 3PM, 6PM to 11PM daily

Westgate, Filinvest Corporate City 771-1428, 771-0864

Bonifacio Global City 889-0472, 889, 0479

Paseo De Sta.Rosa, Laguna 0928-4509484

Centris Walk, Quezon City (Soon to Open)

Mamou - Claiming to be a home kitchen, Mamou is being too modest. Although definitely not a fine dining restaurant, the food is extremely good and "reminiscent of hearty, comfortable home-cooked meals of a different era". Treat Dad to Mamou's steak dishes that are said to be truly brilliant.

Serendra, Fort Bonifacio 856-3569 , 0917-8162668

3 best things about Fatherhood:

1) Fathers not only pass on his family name and bloodline to his children. More importantly, fathers pass down a legacy that he hopes will be passed on to succeeding generations. Values such as hard work, honesty, caring for others and many other ideals embraced by fathers are lovingly passed on to their children and to their children's children.

2) Sharing Fatherhood with a Great Mom. Fatherhood is the other half of the parenthood team, taking equal responsibility for the upbringing of children. From making life-changing decisions to simply spending quality time with the kids - like walking them to school, playing in the yard or preparing their food. It is this special partnership that makes fatherhood so special.

3) Is that Fatherhood is Hard ! The greatest thing about being a Dad is how mundane things are simply, never that mundane. Simple things like reading a bedtime story, watching a movie or or washing the car with your kids are always an adventure. Before being a Dad, we always thought our lives were complete. And were we wrong about that. Each day is waking up to a whole new and different world and that's what makes being a father great! 

Draft of Chapter 6 - NOAH & LUKE – TALE TRAVELLERS by Alan Mark De Luzuriaga

Draft of Chapter 6 - NOAH & LUKE – TALE TRAVELLERS by Alan Mark De Luzuriaga

JACOB - LORD OF THE GREMPIRES

Noah & Luke was never as scared as they were now. They would always pride themselves in being brave. Against monsters and creatures, real or imaginary. But this was different. They did not only know where they were, they also feared that they would get stuck in this place and never get to see their parents again. Never be able to find them. And if they could not even get themselves out of this fix, how in blazes do they even get to rescue their mother and father.

Mark & Sylvia just disappeared from their very presence. One moment they were there, and the next, they were gone. Where they went and if they were taken, no one knows.

Noah and Luke took it upon themselves to save their parents from whatever evil it is that took them. They have gone into this quest knowing full well that it was dangerous and that they could not be sure if they will end up dead or even worse, erased from the tales of Libris.

The book, "Jacobi, Lord of the Grempires",  was one of the scariest books that they have read since they were a child, and it was a good place to start as any. So they picked up the book, as they were instructed by the Lord Arkivist, and "hurled" themselves into the story.

They found themselves in a dark world, unsure of the surroundings.

"It must be night time", Noah muttered.

"Well, I sure will be freaked out if this was daytime", Luke answered back. "Do you have the book with you ?"

"Of course", Noah countered, showing Luke the object in his hand.

" What in blazes is happening to the book? Luke screamed.

"What do you mean?", Noah replied.

He could not believe it even if it was happening right before his eyes. The cover of the book, which showed a picture of a Dark overlord surrounded by a mob of blood soaked Gremlin liked creatures, was fading into some sort of bright light. And instead, the image of a Dove and a Horse, the same illustration used in their parent's used book shop, was imprinted on the cover with the title -  Noah and Luke's Not So Used Books.

Of course, Noah realised. The same book that brought them here was transformed into a book that would bring them back to their home and sanctuary.

He readily explained this to Luke and his brother calmed down with the realisation that they were not as helpless as they thought they were.

" Do you mean that we can go back anytime to the bookshop? "

"It seems that way." said Noah.

"Well then, we should be on our way and see if this is where Mom and Dad disappeared to."

Noah nodded and they trotted on to the direction they were facing to having any idea where to go anyway. After walking for an hour or so, they saw some lights dancing up ahead. It looked like flames on torches, or so they hoped. Torches meant that there were occupants in the area that could point them to the right direction. They only hoped that it was a friendly group they would encounter.

"Wait a minute" said Luke. "I think we should stop and make sure that they aren't Grempires."

"Don't you remember the story at all? Grempires don't live on flatlands. They stay on mountains and live in caves. These are surely Wolfmen."

" I just want to make sure, that's all", Luke answered back. " If I remember the book correctly", Luke said with a bit of sarcasm, " Those Grempires not only suck the life out of you, but they chew on your flesh and bones as well".

"You got that right", Noah uttered under his breath.

"We better move in slowly then, and remain undetected. Follow me".

Noah then started to walk slowly, with a slight crouch towards what seemed to look like a camp site of sorts. Luke followed him quietly. This was one of the few times Luke followed his older brother without any resistance or snide remark. The thought of Grempires reminded him that now is not the time to engage in any sibling rivalry.

The two brothers gently crept up to the edge of a  hillside, looking down on the campsite below them.

Draft of Chapter 1: NOAH & LUKE – TALE TRAVELLERS by Alan Mark De Luzuriaga

Draft of Chapter 1: NOAH & LUKE – TALE TRAVELLERS by Alan Mark De Luzuriaga

 “ All stories are real. In other realities, our lives are their tales. Our words and actions  are the stories they read in their books and dream about in their sleep. “
----------------------
The door chimes rang as the door swung open. The sign hanging by the door swaying with the wind as a customer left with a bag full of used books. The N&L trademark distinctly shown in the paper bag holding it. The same logo swaying with the doorway sign. A Dove and a Horse, wonderfully drawn to spell out the names Noah & Luke. Mark & Sylvia named the shop after their two boys. The used-book store - NOAH & LUKE'S NOT SO USED BOOKS - opened two years ago and served as a home and sanctuary for the Barrett family ever since they transferred from River County.

Mark & Sylvia were busy attending to the steady flow of customers. The difficult economic times forced many folks in the community to opt for used-books. Text books and paper back fiction have become more expensive through the years and the rising unemployment made the used-book business thrive.

Luke, an eight year old precocious kid was playing on the floor in between the back shelves, his two action figures fighting each other. His older brother, Noah,  was seated in one of the stools, reading his digital e-book reader with serious focus.

Both are home schooled children and spend much  of their day inside the bookshop, either doing their school work or just hanging around while their parents work.

The door chime rang once again. After a few moments, the Desk Bell rang, and rang again.

Noah raised his head and saw a customer waiting impatiently for someone to attend to him.

"I'm sorry, my parents must have taken a break", Noah said to the customer politely, although he never saw the cashier desk left unattended before. Noah knew how to transact a sale and proceeded to ring up the customers orders and collect the payment.

"Mom, Dad, where are you? Noah called out the moment he heard the door chime ring as the custom left.

There was no answer. He called gain with a louder voice.

"Luke, can you check if Mom or Dad are out the back. I can't leave the counter".

"Okay", Luke said grudgingly as his playtime was interrupted.

A few minutes later, Luke came back saying they weren't there. Noah asked him to check upstairs. The Barret family lived on the second floor of the bookshop. A few minutes passed and Luke came running down saying they were not there either.

Noah was starting to get worried.

LOST SOUL

by Alan de Luzuriaga

(A song ; originally written as a poem - 1993)

Why do I feel lost

Whenever I'm alone

Why do I feel blue

When I am on my own

Listening to the Radio

Spew out songs of love

Words of comfort

Like raindrops from above

I don't know what to do

Don't know what to see

What is it I am looking for

O what I am to be

I gaze out to the heavens

Hoping that I'd find

Whatever I am looking for

My soul, my piece of mind

 (Image from "Lost Soul Project / 

louises-sketchbook.blogspot.com" )

Sleepless

SLEEPLESS

by Alan de Luzuriaga

(7/15/1993)

Eyes blinking

Lights glimmering in the

Wee hours of consciousness

Wind

Blowing through the room

In a force so shattering

Papers, laid across the floor

With printed names of friends

So long ago

And now so remembered and heard

We are here

In frames of glass

With thoughts

Unknown and unsaid

With stares of uncertainty

Into those who look

Look and see

Square Images

And Square memories

Waiting to be embraced

For Eternity

That has yet to be

(image from: lukepraterswordsalad.com ) 

Noah's Birthday Poem for Mom

Noah wrote this for his Mom for her birthday:

A cool shade underneath the baking sun
A benefactor of joy & fun
A special smile when you are feeling sad
A soothing voice, to calm you when you're mad
A true inspiration to us little ones
So forgiving and kind, even when we're punks
Dear Mother, you are our light
We thank you for teaching us wrong from right.

We love you Mom! - Noah & Luke

AWESOME ARACHNIDS by Noah S. R.de Luzuriaga

This was given to me by my son, Noah for my 45th Birthday.

AWESOME ARACHNIDS by Noah S. R.de Luzuriaga 

 Max ran through the dark hallway, wondering where he was and where the spiders were. There was almost no light in the hallway, but Max knew that they would still know where he was. The entire building was very creepy, but with the addition of the spiders, it was a nightmare. Max Peterson was absolutely terrified of spiders, ever since he was five years old. Max was a normal ten year old kid, except for his arachnophobia. When he was five, a spider crawled onto his arm while he was sleeping. Max woke up and saw it crawl across his skin just before the spider painfully bit into his arm. His parents brought him to the hospital because they thought that the spider was poisonous. It wasn't, but Max was still very scarred by the whole event. He had come to the old decrepit waste disposal plant on a dare from his friends. The disposal plant was a remote location, far enough away from the town where he lived, but still within biking distance. After thirty minutes of biking with his friends, Max and his buddies walked to the plant and entered through the broken down front door. Max was told that he would have to head to the center of the plant for the dare to be finished. Upon going through the front door, Max and his friends heard a soft pitter-patter across the floor. To Max's horror, the sound came from dozens of spiders. The spiders were unnaturally large. They weren't the size of Godzilla, but they were larger than any other spider known to man. These things were like eight-legged dogs. Max's friends ran for it, but Max couldn't bring himself to move, due to his arachnophobia. When he finally came to his senses, the bloodthirsty spiders were close enough to bite him. Since the spiders were blocking the front door, Max had no choice but to run through a dirty and completely dark corridor. Max tried to see if any of them were in front of him. As far as he could tell, there weren't any spiders in front of him. However, he heard the soft pitter-patter noise again, coming from behind him. Max ran for it, not noticing one spider crawling on the ceiling above him. As Max was running, the spider on the ceiling dropped itself directly onto Max. It was like the others, large, and with hair like a tarantula's. Its gross mandibles reached forward, eager to bite poor Max. Max wrestled with the freak of nature and managed to toss it away. It continued to chase him, always trying to bite Max, as if it were possessed. Max ran as if the hounds of hell were chasing him, and in his mind, they were. The lone spider jumped at Max, its eight limbs spread wide, hoping to trap the boy. Max was knocked to the ground. He desperately reached for anything that could help him. Fate must have smiled on him that day, because his hands managed to grab a loose brick. Max pummeled the spider in the face with the brick, not stopping until its head was a puddle of goo. The rest of the spider horde finally caught up with Max, so Max began running again. Max did not stop for anything, which was a shame, because if he had stopped running forward, maybe he would have noticed a hole in the floor just in front of him. As Max stepped on the hole, he fell. The entire floor in that part was quite fragile, so it all crumbled down as well. When Max came to, he found himself in a strange hollowed out cavern. "Spiders must have hollowed it out", he mumbled to himself. Max started walking through the dark, creepy cavern, wondering if he would be able to get out. Suddenly, he heard a spider behind him. Strangely, he didn't hear the soft pitter-patter sound to which he was terrified of, instead, he heard loud footsteps, as if something large was behind him. Max was afraid to turn around. Inch by inch, he faced the monster. It was a monstrosity. It looked very similar to the other spiders, except for one small factor. It was huge. This creature was the size of a car, and could easily devour Max whole if it wanted to. And it certainly did want to. The giant spider lunged at Max. Thing is, its size made it slower than its lesser arachnids, thus allowing Max to barely jump out of the way. Angered at having its prey escape her, the spider turned to face Max, who was scared out of his mind. Stay strong Maxie, he thought to himself, barely holding back tears of terror. That was what his dad always told him whenever he was having trouble overcoming a challenge. This was quite possibly the biggest challenge he would ever have to face in his entire life. The spider grabbed at Max, but it only managed to get a hold of Max's hoodie, which Max immediately took off. Unfortunately, the spider had managed to corner him, and he couldn't dodge to the right nor to the left. So he did the only thing he could. He went under it. Max managed to execute a roll underneath the spider which would have probably made a lot of Hollywood stunt-men proud. He dashed off to the other end of the cave, where he originally fell. Max saw that a lot of the floors above were unstable due to the hollowing of the cave. He immediately came up with a plan, and he prayed to God that it wouldn't kill him. The boy picked up a stone and threw it at at the spider. For a second, he hoped that he would get a David & Goliath moment, but no such luck. The spider charged at him, as fast as it possibly could. Max jumped out of the way in time, but the spider was not able to stop itself from ramming the already unstable wall. Max heard the debris fall before he saw them. Several pieces of concrete and rock were falling, mostly on the spider. Unfortunately, a lot of rocks also began to fall towards him. "Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!" he screamed, as the debris fell. Ryan and Josh, the two friends of Max who got away earlier, ran to their local police station, and they told the cops everything that happened. At first the cops were skeptical. Who would believe that a bunch of vicious man-eating spiders existed? They did send a number of cops over to the abandoned plant when they learned that Max was there. Josh and Ryan went back to the plant and helped the cops search for Max. The police were shocked to see that the spiders did exist, and they promptly shot each and every one that they could find. Eventually, they found the part of the building where the floor was collapsed. After calling in some backup, they managed to use a piece of rope to head into the cavern. They saw the dead Mother Spider, along with a human body. "Max!" shouted Josh and Ryan in unison. They helped him get to a sitting position. Max's arm was broken by the fall of debris, and his head was bleeding. The cops got him into an ambulance. While in the hospital, Max thought about what just happened. I just went through hell, he thought. I've gone through my own personal hell and I survived, realized Max. He looked at himself. His arm was in a cast, his head was bandaged, and he was sore all over. He had come really close to crying like a baby, and he peed his pants once or twice back at the plant. But he survived. And what's more, he vanquished the spiders. Max slept like a baby, knowing that now he and everyone else would be safe. Then again, whoever said that all the spiders died?

Poems by Noah S. R.de Luzuriaga

A View on Humanity

Caretakers and killers
Creators and destroyers
A swarm of ants viciously attacking
A colony of termites creating a home
Sturdy as rock in the past,
only to grow weaker over time
Thriving and expanding,
as well as evolving
Always trying to rise higher,
To shoot for the stars
Despite that,
they continually destroy themselves
They are neither predator, nor prey
They are both,
In a strange sort of way.




I Hold These Truths To Be Self-evident:

Children will always prefer play over work.
Life without end is horrible.
Humanity cannot survive
if there is too much hate and greed.
Dogs are cute.
There will always be
pureness and corruption.
Death is always at your door;
Before opening it,
Live life as best as you can.




Untitled

To be like Jose Rizal is what I want,
To serve the Philippines and my people
By showing them the atrocities
Of our corrupt leaders
and other evil men.
To fight courageously
and without regret
even if I'm about to be thrown
to the hungry lions.
To stand and fight
For the sake of my country
And for its people.




A Story

Like a butterfly, she magically flew into the
clouds and entered the heavens, literally. Mark
saw all spirits ascend like that. He was born
with the gift to see spirits, even those that
don't stay on earth.

Mark began to walk home from the funeral. He
passed his friend, Jim. Jim gave his
condolences, the ordinary thing people would
say to those who lost loved ones. After that,
Jim disappeared like all ghosts can.

Mark went to his house's porch, turned the
key, opened the door and entered. He sat on
the couch and shed a few tears.

I wish she could stay with me, thought Mark, then
thought better of it. Mark saw several ghosts
trapped on Earth because of things they did in
their life, unlike Jim who stayed on purpose to
watch over his son. Mark felt somewhat glad
that his dead wife, Lucy, managed to get to
heaven.

He looked at the carpet where Lucy had a heart
attack.

"I love you, Lucy," said Mark to his wife in heaven.

"I love you, Mark."

END


Noah is 12 years old. He is currently homeschooled.

A MAN NAMED PEACE by Noah S. R.de Luzuriaga

A Man Named Peace by Noah S. R.de Luzuriaga 

 Harry was sitting in his small house, completely bored. Suddenly, his doorbell rang. He stood up and walked to the door. He opened it slightly to check who was outside. There was no one there. However, a small blue box , as blue as his eyes, lay on the floor. Harry picked it up and saw his name written on the blue cardboard. He shook it a bit, and heard nothing inside. He opened the cover and saw a little folded note. He unfolded it. It said, Move left now. Although suspicious of the note, Harry did that. Instantly, a big metal thing, that looked like a gigantic bullet, crashed through his roof and landed to his right. Oh my God, that thing would have hit me, he thought. A few seconds after that, Harry decided to investigate. The metal thing had a greenish color, unlike any metal he had ever seen. Harry then heard a ticking noise. He recognized the sound somewhere, but he couldn't remember exactly. At that moment, he recalled where he heard the ticking: in action movies, seconds before a terrorist bomb exploded. Harry ran out of the house as fast as he could. In about thirty seconds, an explosion tore apart his house along with other houses on his street. Harry barely had time to grasp all this when hundreds of completely circular spaceships appeared. Most of them went off in other directions, but two landed near the smoldering remains of his house. Two big robots went out of both ships. They stood near Harry's burning house, staring at it. Harry was then grabbed by a large, cold hand and felt a needle poke his neck. He did not have time to feel anything before darkness swallowed him. Harry woke up inside a round room. There was another one of those robot-thingies in front of him. While the torso, arms and legs looked like Terminator robot parts, the head was just a big dome filled with glowing green light. Harry prepared to fight or flee, when the thing emitted a strange sound. It wasn't like anything Harry expected it to say. It was like the sound you get when you move around microphones too fast. The strange sound stopped, and the robot reached inside a table ( that was floating, much to Harry's amazement ) and took out a syringe. It wasn't like anything humans used. It was more mechanized and electronic. Suddenly, the robot grabbed Harry's shoulder, spun him around, and stabbed the back of his head. This time, Harry felt the pain. “What is it with you and needles!?” asked Harry angrily. “Can you hear me now, Harry Ripley?” asked the robot. “Wait, you can talk normally?” asked Harry. “I injected a translator into your brain. My species' language is now automatically translated into your language,” said the robot. “What are you?” “We are the Fleshless Ones. I am not sure what your brain is telling you right now, but our kind is named because of our non-organic bodies that house our souls.” “Souls?” “Yes, souls. My kind has learned that all organisms are connected through a substance called a soul. They contain every bit of information about that organism. What it is, what it does, its past, its present and, most importantly, its future.” Harry tried to take this all in. He then asked something. “Why am I here?” “Because the human race needs you.” Harry was confused. Harry suddenly thought of the movie, Terminator, again. “I don't get it. Why did you try to kill me?” “I was not the one who tried to kill you. I was the one who sent you the message.” “Why did you save me then? And what am I doing here?” “Because my kind saw your soul and we saw that you would lead a resistance against my kind in the near future.” “Wait, if that's a bad thing for you guys, why are you trying to help me?”. “I and others like me did not want this war. Our world's leader, the Queen, said that we had no choice. We stripped our planet of its resources and we needed more. Your planet seemed to be an excellent choice. However, we needed to eliminate the human race first. The thought of committing genocide is unacceptable to me... to my soul.” “Why did you read my soul? What did you do, check every single human soul on this planet?” “No, we saw this fact in the future of your commander-in-chief, Barack Obama. He said that the fate of humanity was in your hands. Our ruthless Queen then searched for your soul and saw you as the resistance leader.” Harry was amazed that he knew the president. “How come this Queen didn't see you help me in the future?” “I managed to sabotage the machine that could read souls. That way, the Queen can't see what you or I will do.” “A machine? You need a machine to read souls?” “Yes. It is a gigantic supercomputer, capable of tapping into the soul web on a universe-wide scale. We call it the Soul Data Viewer.” Harry took a deep breath and tried to make sense of it all. “What's your name?” asked Harry “Name?” “Yeah, what are you called?” He paused for a moment. “Call me...Peace”. “Alright, err, Peace, what happens now?” “We fight, of course.” Peace gathered some of his friends and they formulated a plan. They received news that a new machine that could read souls was going to be built. Once again, Peace had to sabotage it. He also told Harry to help. “This mission will provide you with valuable experience in the future.” he said to Harry. The mission seemed simple at first. One friend of Peace would cause a diversion, while Peace and Harry would infiltrate the oval facility containing the soul reader. The first part went off without a hitch. Many patrolling guards left to investigate the diversionary explosion several streets away. Harry and Peace entered the circular facility and used bombs that were capable of short circuiting the robot bodies to knock out the guards. Freedom collected a map off one guard's internal database. “The machine is underground. We will have to go there and use this bomb.” Peace took out a bomb that looked like a square. After traveling through several corridors, the strike team went into an elevator that sent them underground. Upon opening the door, they saw a huge machine in the center of the gigantic room. They stepped forward but instantly, a bomb flew that exploded just like the bombs they themselves used earlier. Every one except Harry fell to the ground, stunned. A sleeker, thinner Fleshless One surrounded by a heavily armed Fleshless squad appeared. “You must be the supposed leader of the human race. You are just as pitiable as I imagined,” said the person Harry presumed to be the Queen of the Fleshless Ones. That is so cliché, thought Harry. He quickly grabbed the cube bomb and rushed to the machine. The bodyguards fired at him and one shot him in the leg. Bleeding and hurt, Harry knew that he could not get away. At first he thought of giving up, when he suddenly had a vision of the human race extinct and the Earth stripped of resources. I can't let that happen, he thought. Even if I die, as long as this machine goes with me, the human race will still have a chance. He quickly twisted the bomb, as if it was a Rubik's cube, and threw it at the machine. “No! You'll-” The queen did not have a chance to complete her sentence. The bomb was not in fact a fiery explosion but more of a concussive blast, which was strong enough to rip the soul reader into unrecognizable shreds of metal. It also threw Harry back into the elevator so hard that he heard several of his bones break and he saw his blood flow. With the last of his strength, Harry pressed the “up” button of the elevator. Darkness swallowed him again. He woke up inside Peace's ship, bruised but alive. “If you're wondering why you're alive, my friends rescued you.” Harry turned to face Peace, who seemed fine. “They managed to extract both of us from the ruins. One of them managed to heal you, but I am not so lucky.” “But you're alive.” “Not for long. During the explosion my suit got damaged.” said Peace. “What does that mean?” “My race has no physical organic body. Without these suits, we would be nothing but pure souls. Also, without these suits we would dissipate and die. I don't want to die slowly. My choice is to remove my suit now.” “Isn't there any way to save you?” asked Harry who was becoming quite distraught at what he was hearing. “I'm afraid not. However, I know you won't give up, no matter what our leader throws at you. Goodbye, Harry.” Peace then pressed a series of buttons around his robotic neck. A hiss was heard as oxygen entered the dome head. The glowing substance that was Peace's soul drifted outside the dome and started to die out. Suddenly, Harry stood up and repressed the buttons, causing Peace's soul to drift back inside. “What are you doing!?” asked Peace as he went back into his body. “You need an organic body to survive right? Is it possible for you to enter my body?” Peace looked at Harry's blue eyes. “It is possible, yes. But we'd have to share your body.” “ I can live with that.” Peace then opened his dome again and his green colored soul entered Harry's body. For the third time in a row, Harry fainted. He woke up to Peace talking to him. “Are you okay?” asked Peace, who was inside Harry. “Never better,” replied Harry. “What do we do know?” asked Peace. Harry said, “We fight, of course.”