May 2025 marked a beautiful and unforgettable milestone for our little family — not exactly a “graduation” in the traditional sense, but it felt like a big moment in our hearts. Our son Levi, who is currently in Junior Nursery in Imus, participated in his very first school performance. He danced onstage as a sparkling little starfish — full of energy, curiosity, and charm. And for us, his proud parents, that moment was pure magic.
No Cap, Just Confidence
At just three years old, Levi is already making us incredibly proud. The event wasn’t technically a moving-up ceremony since he’s still in Junior Nursery, but he received a certificate with the title “People Smart.” As soon as we read it, we couldn’t help but nod in agreement — our Levi is indeed warm, engaging, and always ready to make new friends. That recognition felt like a subtle affirmation of the kind, curious little boy he’s becoming.
Seeing him up on that stage, smiling shyly but swaying with confidence in his starfish costume, was a moment I’ll treasure forever. It brought back a rush of emotions — from the day we first dropped him off at school to all the times he proudly shared stories about his classmates, teachers, and the songs they were practicing for the performance.
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All Smiles, All Family
Daddy Ryan and I couldn’t help but tear up (just a little) as we watched him perform. We’ve seen how much Levi has grown this past year — emotionally, mentally, and even physically! The quiet boy who used to cling to our legs now dances in front of an audience. These moments remind us that time is flying, and every small milestone deserves to be celebrated.
After the performance, we were buzzing with pride and excitement. Of course, a celebration was in order.
A Sweet Deal at TGI Fridays
To make the day even more special, we headed to Alabang Town Center for dinner. But it wasn’t just any dinner — we dined at TGI Fridays, one of our go-to spots for family bonding. And guess what? Thanks to our BDO credit card, we scored a 50% discount on our meal!
I love a good deal, and this one made the feast even more enjoyable. We were able to savor our favorites — the classic Fridays burger, Jack Daniel’s chicken, and their signature nachos — at half the price. We even ordered dessert to share with the kids, guilt-free! The staff was super friendly, and we felt genuinely relaxed. It was one of those moments when time slows down and you’re just present — laughing, sharing stories, and indulging in good food.
A Full Day of Love
While we were enjoying dinner, our youngest, Hunter, joined us with his Ate and Lola. It turned into an even more complete family affair. Hunter, always curious and active, happily munched on rice and chicken soup and waved at everyone. We took turns entertaining him while sharing stories about Levi’s performance. It was such a heartwarming sight to see the two brothers together — one just coming from his first school event, the other joyfully tagging along.
We also talked about how proud we were of Levi and what kind of environment we want to continue creating for both of our boys — one that’s nurturing, encouraging, and full of memories like this.
Why These Moments Matter
In our fast-paced, content-heavy world, it’s easy to overlook days like this — days that don’t seem “major” in the grand scheme of things. But for us, it’s these tiny, in-between moments that make life truly beautiful. Watching our child perform onstage, grabbing dinner as a family, and even laughing over spilled juice or funny faces — these are the scenes we want to remember and document.
This is also why I’m more intentional now about blogging and vlogging our family journey.
These memories, as simple as they are, deserve to be remembered — not just for us, but for our kids to look back on when they’re older. I want Levi and Hunter to see how celebrated and loved they are at every stage of their lives.
Gratitude, Always
Looking back on this day, my heart is full.
We didn’t throw a big party or plan an extravagant getaway. We just showed up, cheered loudly, celebrated quietly with good food, and reminded our son (and ourselves) that every step forward deserves to be acknowledged.
Levi’s “graduation” — even without the cap and gown — was one of our favorite days this year. It reminded me that we don’t need a big reason to be proud of our children. Every little thing they do — a new word, a dance onstage, a certificate that says “People Smart” — is worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a parent reading this, I hope it reminds you to pause and enjoy the present. Document it, write about it, take pictures and videos even if they’re not perfect. Celebrate the small things because they matter the most.
And if you’re ever looking for a family-friendly celebration spot, especially with little ones in tow — TGI Fridays in Alabang Town Center is a win! Bonus tip: Use your BDO credit card for that amazing 50% discount.
To Levi, our little starfish — you lit up the stage, and you light up our lives every day. We love you so much, and we’re always, always proud of you.
