Kumusta, mga ka-DadBuhay!
Another busy, heartwarming, and let’s be honest—nakakapagod—week has come to a close. If you’re a parent juggling work and family like me, you know how fast days can fly by. Here’s a look at what happened this week in our little corner of Reading, UK.
Saturday: Pirouettes, Cotton Candy, and School Spirit
Our Saturday kicked off with my eldest daughter’s ballet class. It’s part of her weekly routine, and even though it means early wake-ups on a weekend, seeing her try her best at every plié and twirl makes it all worth it. It’s also a proud parent moment to witness how far she’s come since she started.
After ballet, we headed straight to her school fair—and wow, it was packed! The school transformed into a mini festival. There were food stalls, games, and activities everywhere. As parents, we were basically in “follow mode” as our daughter led the way, excitedly introducing us to her classmates and dragging us to every game booth. It was great to see her confidence and how at home she is in school.
Sunday: Quiet Reflections and Waterfront Vibes
We started Sunday with our usual family mass, a grounding moment before the week ahead. Afterward, we decided to take advantage of the sunny weather and had lunch at The Dock and Waterfront Bar & Café, just a few minutes from home.
Located right by the Thames & Kennet Marina, it’s a picturesque spot where we enjoyed a peaceful lunch while watching boats and yachts bob on the water. Yung panganay loved spotting the different kinds of boats, while kami naman ni misis took the chance to just breathe and enjoy the breeze. Parang saglit na bakasyon kahit nasa bayan lang.
But oh—the UK heatwave this week? Grabe! Four straight days of scorching sun and no air conditioning at home. It’s times like this that you really feel the difference between life here and back in the Philippines. At least sa Pinas may bentilador sa bawat sulok o may Aircon kung nakakaluwag. 😅
Midweek Hustle: Work Shifts and Family Check-ups
Normally, I’m in the office from Tuesday to Thursday, following our company’s RTO (Return to Office) policy. But this week, I went in on Monday instead, because I had to be home on Wednesday for two important reasons.
First, our youngest daughter had her development assessment. As parents, these check-ups are crucial, especially in their early years. The nurse told us she’s a bit small for her age, but honestly, we weren’t surprised. Both my wife and I were also on the smaller side when we were kids—so no worries! As long as she’s active, happy, and hitting her other milestones, we’re all good.
Second, my wife had her GP appointment the same day, so I had to step in full-time with the kids. This is why I always remind fellow dads—don’t skip these moments. Our presence matters, lalo na sa health-related concerns.
Friday Feels: Sports Day and Logged-In Dad Duties
Friday came with one of my favorite events of the year—my daughter’s school sports fest. As much as I was swamped at work, I made sure to log off for a bit so I could be there for her. I watched her run, play games, and give her best—and I cheered like her number one fan (because I am!).
After the event, I jumped back online and resumed work. This balancing act is tricky sometimes, but it’s worth every second. These are the memories our kids will carry with them—and I want to be part of all of it.
Work Update: The Juggling Act Continues
On the work side, things are hectic. I’m currently managing 14 projects of my own—and this week, I’ve also been backing up 6 additional projects for two of my colleagues who are on leave. That’s a total of 20 projects. Twenty!
It’s not easy, but I’m grateful. The flexibility of remote work, supportive colleagues, and my family as my daily motivation — it all helps me power through the chaos.
Wrapping Up: The Life We Prayed For
This week reminded me again how full and blessed our lives are. It’s not always smooth or easy, and yes—sometimes it feels like we’re barely keeping up. But in between the schedules, meetings, appointments, and errands, there are moments of joy that make it all worthwhile.
The sound of ballet music on a Saturday morning. The smile on your daughter’s face when she sees you cheering. A quiet meal by the water with your family. These are the moments we live for.
Thanks for reading and journeying with us through another week of our DadBuhay.
DadBuhay 
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