My granddaughter started when she was four years old taking ballet lessons, (Not her idea) But, I was at all her recitals no matter how exciting they were. But she was cute and tried very hard at it. It just didn’t work out. (Sadly no beer was sold at ballet recitals)
Her next foray was into music and which was the Violin that came and went so fast I never even made it to her debut performance. But I would have gone! (I’ll bet there was no beer too)
My daughter was racking her brain for a new activity for our little girl to get involved in. I asked our daughter; “Do you still like to swim?” And of course she did,
I had taught her and her sister to swim years ago when they were young, by first eliminating a fear of water. I let them splash in the shallow end until they asked me to show them a stroke. Slowly they improved and now both are now strong swimmers. I really taught them very little, they learned on their own, with only a little encouragement and guidance from me.
Now for my granddaughter (Heather Colleen Sanguyo) or nicknamed (AKA) Ling-Ling. I asked my daughter if Ling could swim. “No daddy she is much too young.” She claimed, to which I explained that a newborn infant can learn to swim, and showed her some U-Tube videos.
Swimming lessons started that week for (AKA) Colleen (Her school friends have problems saying HEATHER is why they use Colleen) after she learned to swim, she took to it like a duck to water. (Oh that was a terrible example) But now they found she was a natural and was very fast. She can burn up a swimming pool, but prefers open water. And has been swimming in competitions since age five, and now is a major Gold Medal winner at age fifteen.
Three major Philippine Universities are recruiting her to attend their school on a full ride. Since I have paid for her private school since day one, it is nice that someone wants to help me with her higher education that I don’t have to pay for, Oh that is a wondrous thing. I know it will cost me something, but that is fine with me. I’ve paid to educate (With Bachelor Degrees) my two daughters, and three nieces and nephews. That was something I wanted to do and could well afford it. I have no regrets and would do it again. It is still a couple of years in the future, but do I really want her so far away in Manila? I hate going to Manila, but I guess I’ll learn to like it! (I know her mother will be in Manila, so I guess I’ll be renting an apartment for them. (Wait and see!)
Her mother (YoHanna) said I spoil her, and I smiled and asked how her childhood went? She has yet to ask me to stop.
Our other Daughter lives in Jacksonville Florida with her husband (A hell-of-nice guy) and my Grandson (Jaden). I’ve found a way to spoil him also, I signed her up with Navy Federal Credit Union, and can spark her some money on line in two minutes. I’ll see something I think he should have and send the money and tell her what I’d like for him, leaving her the option to alter the present if she feels like it is unsafe for him.
No racing bike yet, he’s only six years old. He named me Daddy-Bow, because his name is Jaden and I’ve always called him Ja-Bow. He is a Lego man, and has a very large collection that I’ve gotten for him, A Red Wagon with the Wooden Slats on the side that all young boys must have. A rite of passage!
He only speaks English, as that is what Ymir Thea (His Mom) wanted as she knew they were moving stateside. He is an American Citizen as his Dad was naturalized 15 years ago. But he told his teacher that he is an American and not a Filipino. His dad tried to explain it to him his heritage, so now he’ll tell you he is an American, of Filipino decent. You can blame me for that, as I am an American of Irish decent, as were my parents.
I am repelled by any person who will tell me they are a such and such American putting the American title last. But I was always a thick head about things like that.
My Granddaughter is pure Filipina with a tad of American/Irish decent. And I’m also very proud of her.
I know I’m being braggadocios but my friends who are grandparents reading this, will understand, and those who are not grandparents yet, will understand what I\m saying when it happens to them.
Wow a scholarship in the Philippines, who would have thunk that?
Hi Paul –
If I were to be asked which of the 3 top universities in Manila Colleen should attend on full swimming scholarship, I’d have to say De La Salle University (the other two being, Ateneo de Manila and the University of the Philippies). I am not just being partial to De La Salle because I went to grade school there, but, it’s because the school’s academic credentials are well known and proven.
Another good thing about going to De La Salle when you are planning to rent an apartment in Manila anyway, is that De La Salle owns a decent, clean and relatively inexpensive hotel within walking distance of the university that may be available on a monthly basis. The hotel is called, “Hotel Benilde Maison de la Salle”, and is run by university students attending the university’s hotel and restaurant courses.
I can tell you that it will be tough to find a decent apartment in Manila unless you are ready to spend big bucks, and, even if then, it will probably be a far jeep or Metro commute to the university, whichever university you choose. Manila is THAT crowded.
My family owns an apartment rental in Pureza, Sta. Mesa, located just outside the sprawling Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), but I could not imagine Colleen staying there. Let’s just say that we adjust the rent accordingly to make them affordable to parents of students from the provinces who could not otherwise afford the REAL rent.
Best wishes to Ling-ling!
John;
Two of the schools mentioned are on the list, I can’t remember the third one. As ir is a couple years off. Another school has been mentioned but it is in Bagio. Again I don’t know the name, but here Uncle is a medical Doctor. in the area.I will pass to her father the information you provided on the schools in Manila.
Good luck to your grand daughter in swimming. One of my church colleagues is the former Philippines Olympian (Akiko Guevara). Am sure she can meet her as she is very active in swimming competitions. She is a coach and rep for speedo. Can look her up on Google.
Don;
One of Colleen’s hero, she is very active in the program, I was told that even I have met her. I’ll take their word on that, as I’m met hundreds of people at her swim meets. NO Relation to my Thompson family Olympian champion swimmer’s full name is Gillian Akiko Thompsons-Guevera,. Thanks for asking me to google, if I see her again I’ll ask about that.
Congrats Paul. Great article and it is good that kids swim at a very early age. When I am at the beach I help those that want to learn to float and I am still trying to teach my wife to swim and she is better, the kids lean fast and leave me behind so that I can roll over and float in the Bay and nap hoping that a big fish does not take a bit while I dream.
Luke;
As I said I don’t believe you can teach anyone to swim until they lose their fear of it. The Navy’s plan of toss them into the deep end, just caused the recruits to fear it more. They had us swimmers to help the non-swimmers at the close of the training day. Going to a pool and swim for two hours, hell yeah. The guy I was working with never got over the fear of the water, so I told him to carry his life vest everywhere on the ship. (LOL)
Remember if the ship sinks, you only have to get as far as the nearest life raft.
I talked to my son the first week of BUD/S. He was gushing about drown proofing. This is where the instructors your hands behind your back, tie your feet together, and then throw you into the pool. My first reaction was that if I did that I’d still be in prison for attempted murder. Truly sink or swim teaching. I like your way much better. Good luck to your grand-daughter on going to a university.
Hi Paul. isn’t that the role of us Grandparents to spoil them as much as we can. My 7 year old Granddaughter is in to Gymnastics and is already on the club team representing the city. We have six Grandchildren so we cannot do as much as we would like. But we have been to dance concerts etc. Enjoying there company spending time with them or on the internet is greatly enjoyed. We have just taken 3 of them to school this morning. Well done to Heather Coleen. You will be proud Grandparents.
Marjorie;
Spoiling my grandkids is my job, and I like my job as I see that you do too. I was working at sea when my daughters were growing up. When I came home loaded with gifts and all the places we went, I tried to make up for it. Now they understand because they are raising their kids now and understand.
But they are fun to be around, and make me feel younger..
Paul,
I know you are very proud of Colleen for what she has accomplished. The 2 years will be here before you know it. Driving in Manila is not all that bad, but the reward of seeing Colleen perform is well worth it.
PapaDuck;
Very proud of her and Jaden in Florida grandkids are my reason for being. I’m hoping she’ll pick the school in Baguio which I wouldn’t mind visiting. But wherever it is, if my health is good I’ll be there. Lately I’ve miss some competitions because traveling is uncomfortable.for me.
But I will provided what ever is required to better the life of my grandchildren, I had a great life, but still want theirs to be better.
Great story Paul: there is nothing like seeing our kids and grandkids be successful. With kids, I think, you dangle activities down like fishhooks until they find one or two they really like. My son took violin lessons for about three weeks in 6th grade and other things about the same duration until he found his niche. Congratulations to the parents and grandparents. She truly wouldn’t have done it without your praise and support. -Rob
Rob;
She is a self starter but all kids like a little encouragement, The pool swim which she excels at id well and good, but open water where she can swim outside her age and gender restrictions is her best. Some boys get a little upset when she passes them, but the whole group remains sportsman (Woman) like. You should see those kids eat at the end of the day.
Sounds like you are feeling better. If you must go to Manila, why not stay with us in tagaytay. We are only 2 hours from Manila. We would as always enjoy your company. You guys are always welcome here.
Dennis and Susan Glass
Dennis;
Thank you for that wonderful offer, we’ll see what her future holds we are still a couple of years away. But if she has a meet up that way, we will give you a shout!
Good deal Senior Chief.
Daniel;
It works for me! (LOL)