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“Parenteam” Language of Love for Children: Gift of Proper Nutrution

February 28, 2017, 11:17 pm
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As parents of this generation, we would like as much as possible to monitor and keep a tab on all our children's milestones.  Even if in our case, we’re both full-time working parents, we make sure we are still on top of the developmental stages of our kids.
Yes, I said WE.  That’s because I’m very blessed to have a husband that’s as hands-on as I am when caring for the children is concerned.  He knows that his role as a dad is not only as a financial provider, but as a provider of love, affection, play time and so much more.  We do have a solid “Parenteam”.  It’s a solid partnership I have with my husband in parenting our children.  This also allows me to have fulfill my other roles as a woman, not only confined as a wife and a mother at home.
We recognize the importance of our physical and emotional presence to our kids.  Parenting is not all about disciplining the children.  It’s also about spending quality time and ensuring they grow in a healthy and happy environment and are given proper nutrition.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Milk are non-negotiables when it comes to my children’s nutrition.  We’re blessed to have kids who don’t dislike these foods, in fact, it’s part of their daily food consumption, and we don’t have to force it to them.  They are growing healthily and strong as they go about their daily activities at home and in school.
As our little one continues to explore his physical capabilities through play, it’s important that we give him milk that will help him develop stronger bones and muscles.  Friso Four has been one of his allies in making this happen.  It’s a pro-digestion milk formula which uses LockNutri, a way of preserving the natural structure of protein, making it easy to digest and lessen the risk of constipation.  He’s never had problems in this department and I know how painful it could be for children to be constipated (I experienced this when I was younger.)

By making sure he gets the full nutritive value of milk, we as parents, are assured that he grows healthily which will allow us to experience more bonding moments together, just like how we did it with his Kuya.  Plus, by being the always-present-parents to him, he will grow up to be a happy, secured, smart, and confident child.
There are many languages of love we could express to our children.  One of them is gift.  Gifting is not only confined to toys or any other material items.  Giving them proper nutrition is also a gift we should always give.  As much as we want to be with our children 24/7 to protect them and ensure their safety, we can’t.  By giving them the proper nutrition, we can be assured that as they explore the world on their own, they are protected.  One way that gives us peace of mind when nutrition and protection is concerned is giving him milk every day.  We give our little one Friso Four.

How about you loves?  How do you show your language of love to your children through the gift of proper nutrition?  Do you also believe in the importance of milk in their nutrition?
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Krispy Kreme's Summer Workshops and Treats

March 12, 2017, 12:49 am
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A few weeks ago, my kids and I had an awesome time during Krispy Kreme's Summer Tease event in their newly renovated Bonifacio High Street flagship store in BGC.  The fun event gave us a taste of what's it going to be like during summer in Krispy Kreme.  They are going to host a series of Summer Play Dates, Workshops and events which are definitely something to look forward to!

Whenever school season comes to an end, as parents, we always look for activities for our children to be busy with.  Great news, because Krispy Kreme has FOUR exciting activities the whole family could participate in (yeah, us coffee-dougnut-lovers too!)
The kids and I had fun during Krispy Kreme's Summer Tease event
With Fleur and Anika
Wessie trying the Stack-A-Box challenge
This little one is enjoying his time in one corner. 
Wes getting his hand on DIY Doughnut-La-Pomme
He certainly has a way to keep our attention all to him that fun day!
First on the list is Krispy Kreme's egg-citing Easter Hunt on April 16, 2017 for kids aged 6 to 10 years old. Fun prizes and surprise treats are in store, making it the perfect play date for our kiddie fans.
With the Alice In Wonderland characters!
A busy corner with the kids
Second, Krispy Kreme will have its Summer Workshop open to 6- to 12-year olds and will be a combination of fun games and learning sessions. Students will get a chance to learn what it’s like to be on the other side of the counter by being Kiddie Baristas or Doughnut Masters for the day.


Third, Krispy Kreme will have a Summer Job Program for teens and college students who are aged 15- to 22-years old.  I remember when I was still a student, I've always wondered how it feels like working during the summer but never had a chance to do so.  So if you're a teen or a college student, here's your chance to take part of Krispy Kreme's month-long paid training!  Participants will be exposed and immersed in the doughnut and coffee business, arming them with skills and experiences to make their summer break fun and productive.
Fourth, Krispy Kreme's limited edition coupons will make the experience even sweeter because your favorite doughnuts and coffees will be offered in doubles and pairs! You may enjoy double treats and delightful pairings of its Original Glazed doughnuts, signature coffee, Baked Creations, and the new Doughnut Holes – round, bite-sized doughnuts that come in different flavors like Matcha, Red Velvet, Churro, Chocolate and more.
Wow!  All four Summer Treats by Krispy Kreme will surely make this school break memorable for us (doughnut and coffee lovers) and more especially for the kids too!

“Krispy Kreme always strives to create joyful memories for its customers, and as we know that kids, teens, and their families are regular guests of the brand, we want to offer an experience to them that will be both fun and productive even if it’s the summer break,” shares Sharon T. Fuentebella, Krispy Kreme Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer.  “Plus, with the double treats and pairings of favorites like the Original Glazed doughnuts that we have all come to love, we want to make sure Krispy Kreme is also able to help create delightful experiences families will treasure throughout the years.”

For ten years now, Krispy Kreme Philippines has been sharing joyful experiences to Filipinos with its innovative product offerings, a warm and cozy store ambience, and fun activities that are uniquely memorable Krispy Kreme moments. And with these exciting activities and sweet deals, Krispy Kreme fans are sure to enjoy double the fun this summer season.

So make sure you and your whole family drop by Krispy Kreme in its flagship store to enjoy all the Summer Workshops and Activities for kids and Double Treats and Pairings too!  For more information and updates, like Krispy Kreme on Facebook. follow them on Twitter or visit their website www.krispykreme.ph.

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2017 Easter Egg Hunting Events in Metro Manila

March 14, 2017, 4:33 am
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Summer is about to kick off in a few weeks and while moms and dads like you and me think of which workshop we're going to enroll our kids, I am also on the look out for fun Easter Egg Hunting Events in Metro Manila this 2017.

It's been my blog tradition (and I will do my best not to break it!) to share with you a roundup of egg hunting activities for our kids in malls, activity centers, hotels, and wherever there is one!  I like doing this for you my dear readers because I know how as parents we realize the importance of giving good and lasting childhood memories to our kids with these traditions and bonding moments.  But please also remember to teach the true meaning of Easter, that Jesus Christ has risen.

So without delaying further, (I know you're as excited as I am too with all the eggs with prizes you could get with your kids, and the food, and the fun!) here's the much-awaited and frequently requested 2017 List of Easter Egg Hunting Activities for Kids in Metro Manila:

BAYVIEW PARK HOTEL MANILA
WHEN: Arpil 16, 2017, 1:00 to 3:00 PM
WHAT: Easter Egg Hunting, Heavy Merienda for 1 Adult and 1 Kid, 
Food Carts, Character Emcee, Games, Face Painting, Photobooth, and Loot Bag
For more information like them on Facebook, call 526-1555 or email bookings@bayviewparkhotelmanila.com
FEE: Php 1,800.00 net

 WATERFRONT MANILA
WHEN: April 16, 2017, 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Alcuaz Function Room
WHAT: Eater Egg Hunting, Games, Activities, Prizes and more!
For more details, call (02) 526-1212 loc. 2419 or like them on Facebook.

 F1 HOTEL MANILA
WHEN: April 16, 2017
WHAT: Easteriffic Adventure Under The Sea
For more updates, like them on Facebook or visit www.f1hotelmanila.com/

 THE ORCHARD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
WHEN: April 16, 2017, 8:00AM to 12:00 NN at The Orchard Practice Range
WHAT: Fun Games, Booths, Bubble Party, and Egg Hunt
Fee: Php150 (Members) Php300 (Guests)

For more information, email marketing@theorgchardgolf.com or visit www.theorchardgolf.com
As early as now, establishments around the metro are preparing for their Easter events and egg hunting activities.  Make sure to bookmark this blog post and come back for additional event listings! If you have any leads or if you want your own event to be listed here, please email me at LDFandino(at)gmail(dot)com.  Have fun loves! :)
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4 Home Styling Tips With The New Carrier Slimpac Series

March 14, 2017, 7:30 pm
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We've had several home renovations already since 2012 because we wanted to make sure we use the space in the house as efficiently as we can.  My husband and I want a functional family space which will reflect both our styles.

In these renovations, we considered Style + Function and I'd like to add one more, Comfort.  With already three kids, it's important that the space we share as a family is one which we'll all be happy to be in, that we all look forward to coming home to every day, and one that is clutter-free and COOL so that we could invite family and friends over anytime even on humid summer days.

Id' like to share some personal tips on creating that mindful space for the family too.
  • On Style - Know what your personal style is and your living space should reflect it.  Get ideas or pegs from the internet like Pinterest and create a mood board.  Know what colors, to use and make sure these colors would set a good mood which should make you happy and relaxed.
  • On Function - I love making use of every space in the house while still ensuring that it's clutter-free.  I highly recommend that if you're customizing your furniture such as cabinets, drawers, or event sofa, make sure you could also create plenty of storage for those small items you don't want to be visible in the eye to avoid clutter.  For the room or kitchen, if you're customizing your cabinets, it would be better if it's ceiling-high so things are kept neatly.
  • On Budget - Renovating the house could get so addicting, once you start styling and mindfully creating functional spaces, sometimes we can't stop coming up with ideas to improve our spaces.  But remember, your additional ideas may also mean additional expense.  So the first thing to do, set a budget and stick to it.  Compare prices of materials before purchasing.  Lastly be conscious on your spending by listing down all your expenses in a simple budget sheet which you could do on Excel.
  • On Comfort - Style and Function are great but never leave out the most important thing, Comfort.  Install a powerful, dependable and cost-efficient cooling system in your living space to ensure that your whole family can still bond inside the house even on the hottest days.  A floor-mounted air-con is highly recommended. Choose a stylish and cost-efficient cooling units such as the Carrier Klarwind or for really large houses, the Carrier XPower 2.  This will ensure that your living space would not only look good but also "FEEL" good, now that's the Carrier Experience.
The New Carrier Slimpac Series
In the Slimpac Series launch which was hosted by Carrier's fitting brand ambassador Ms. Jenni Eperson, I learned through Irene Dee, Interior Designer, that your space and how you style your house should be connected with you and should bring total well being.  As shared by Psychologist Ichel Alignay, well being is "the wellness of one's whole being - emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual."  So it's important that when we do interior styling of our house, we take our total well-being in consideration.
One way of taking care of the well-being is to ensure that the comfort of the family is achieved.  How?  By having a dependable cooling system such as the new Carrier Slimpac Series.  These are half the size of the old stand up units and sport a minimal design that blends well with neutral wall colors and it comes in two models: Carrier Klarwind and Carrier XPower2.
The Carrier Klarwind has an innovative 270 degree swivel head motion that provides wider and faster cooling with reach of up to 20 meters away.  It's quiet, sleek, very modern, stylish, and cost-efficient too.  This inverter aircon comes in 2.5HP with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 18.0 as compared to 10.8 of other leading brands.  It has a Power Saving Eco which saves energy by operating at 25-30C temperature limit. It also features a 3 step anti-bacterial, electrostatic and carbon filter.  It also dehumidifies while providing moderate cooling through its auto swing mode.  Plus compared to a wall split type air-conditioner, this requires less maintenance.
The Carrier X Power 2 is recommended for bigger spaces like your mansion (hihi!) or an office.  It has the same features as the Klarwind at 3 horse power.  It's really a powerful cooling system because it can cool a room in 2 minutes.  It has an energy efficiency ration of 17.7 which is a lot better than other brands with the same horse power.

Aren't these new cooling system innovation great?!  Now is the perfect time to have your place assessed by Carrier Philippines for free because summer is about to begin (imagine the scorching heat of the sun permeating your homes - sweat, rashes, irritability!).  Book an appointment through their customer care hotline at 836-5555 or check their website www.carrier.com.ph for more information.  You may also follow them on Facebook for updates and future promos https://facebook.com/CarrierPhilippines/ and their stories via hashtags #SophisticatedComfort #TheCarrierExperience
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Belo Baby Is One Year Old Plus A Giveaway!

March 17, 2017, 12:50 am
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I'm excited for Belo Baby because they just turned one year old!  Happy Birthday Belo Baby!  This calls for a celebration! When I say celebration, a giveaway is definitely in order! Wink!
But before that, let me share with you our Belo Baby experience first.  Belo Baby's 1st anniversary also means it's been a year since they've been part of my and my children's bath time.

Here's my Wes from last year:
Here he is a year later, still a Belo Baby baby:
With so many kids products out there, old and new, the Belo Baby remains to be our staple bath essentials for the kids.  So much so that I also love using it on my skin after bathing.

WE LOVE BELO BABY
We love the Belo Baby line of products because it's guaranteed made from 100% natural ingredients and 0% harmful chemicals.  Because of this, meticulous moms like us are assured that it's safe to use for our kids and babies too
Did you know that baby's skin is 20-30% thinner than adults?  So this means their skin is highly permeable.  So nakakatakot if we use products that contain harmful ingredients like sulfates, paraben, Tertrasodium EDTA, phthalates.  These chemicals may strip off baby's natural moisture, breakdown skin's protective barrier, and leave it dry and irritated.  The long-term effects are scary actually.
That's why we only trust Belo Baby because it only contains natural ingredients which are:

  • Free from synthetic chemicals and toxins
  • Less likely to cause irritation
  • Generally gentler and safer than other products with artificial ingredients.

100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Cocoa Butter is an ingredient that contains antioxidant qualities that protect skin from the outside. It keeps the skin healthy by strengthening and deeply moisturizing it. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it also relieves common skin irritations like rashes.

Shea Butter is a known superfood for the skin, as well as the hair. It heals, protects, nourishes, and moisturizes skin from damage and dryness. Because it is natural, gentle, and soft, it is suitable for all skin types especially the delicate and sensitive skin of babies. It naturally heals common skin conditions of babies like eczema and diaper rash.

Sweet Almond Oil has the ability to lock moisture into the skin. It is also a good exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the development of healthier skin. It is generally safe for all skin types, including delicate baby skin.

What we like about BELO BABY:
  • We know it's safe for use on my children because of its 100% natural ingredients
  • It has a light and natural baby scent, not overpowering or irritating scent
  • Soap and Hair & Body Wash are both easy to rinse and leaves skin soft and still moisturized
  • The Face and Body Lotion is quickly absorbed by the skin and it's not sticky.  It's not-greasy (which is a no-no when weather is hot!  ehem, Summer na!) and leaves our skin velvety smooth and soft
  • Budget-friendly

BELO BABY GIVEAWAY
Want to experience a #BeloBabyMoment too?  Join my giveaway!  Belo Baby is giving away some  Belo Baby packages and you may be one of the lucky winners!

MECHANICS:

  1. Open to all who are Philippine residents only.
  2. Follow Belo Baby on Instagram
  3. Follow Mommy Practicality on Instagram
  4. Post a photo of you and your baby/child on Instagram and in the caption, tell me how you think Belo Baby may help you bond with your baby. 
  5. Use the hashtag: #BeloBabyXMommyPracticality 
  6. Make sure your post is public
  7. Comment below your complete name and the link to your IG post and your
  8. Giveaway will run until March 23, 2016.
  9. Winners will be announced on March 24, 2017.
  10. Gift packs will be couriered to the winners.
GOOD LUCK Loves! :)

For more information, you may search online for
#BeloBaby
Twitter: @belobabylove
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BGC My Street Lets You Rediscover The Joys Of Playing In The Streets

March 17, 2017, 7:04 am
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A few weekends ago, my fun childhood memories were brought back in an instant when I came to witness the launch of Bonifacio Global City's My Street, High Street which opened its streets to people to rediscover the thrill of playing outdoors.
Do you remember how an afternoon felt for you as child, sweaty and even dirty and all, but you came home all smiles because you played with your neighborhood friends in the streets?  How my husband and I always wished we could let our children experience the same without worrying about cars passing by or ill-intended people posing danger to our children.  Now we can!  Thanks to BGC who brings us back to a time where the street was the only place where we made friends!

ALL Sundays of the year which beginning March, 9th Avenue will be filled with larger-than-life games which both kids and the kids-at-heart alike will surely enjoy!

Look at all these games you and your kids could play:
Photo from Rappler
Chinese Garter
Tumbang Preso
Photo from Rappler
Giant Pick-Up Sticks
Giant Jenga
Giant Connect 4
Limbo Rock
Bumped into a playmate, Earth!
Snakes & Ladders
Inflatable Slide!
Would've loved to slide with son Wessie too!
Jack and the Giant Stones, ball was missing though - being played by other kids too! :)
I'm glad that BGC through this program, they are promoting healthy and active street life for our children.  In this digital age where game consoles, social media, and gadgets are everywhere and could instantly catch our children's attentions, I'm a happy parent that BGC knows that having fun in the sun is what will make children more active, learn social skills, build self-confidence, encourage communication, critical thinking, and simply have fun without being too dependent on any gadget.

Kudos BGC for My Street High Street!  I'm sure many other parents applaud you for this campaign!  See you there one of these Sundays loves! :)
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McDonald's Happy Meal Presents, Smurfs!

April 6, 2017, 9:18 pm
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My childhood days were filled with outdoor play, pretend play, eating sweet treats, and watching some of my favorite cartoon characters on TV, like The Smurfs!

And they are baaaack! And what joy it is knowing my children also love them like how I did when I was younger.  So like my boys, baby included, I'm sure your children will also find The Smurfs adorable! The good news is, The Smurfs toys are available at McDonald's!

So get ready for a fantastic adventure with McDonald’s new Smurfs Happy Meal toys! Collect all eight (8) Smurfs Happy Meal toys in vibrant colors for a fun playtime experience. Each toy features a specially designed Smurf house and two unique Smurf friends, including favorite Smurfs characters like Papa Smurf, Brainy Smurf and Smurfette, so you can complete your own Smurfs village.
Catch these adorable Smurfs Happy Meal toys as they arrive in all McDonald’s stores nationwide starting March 25. Each toy comes FREE with every purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal! Customers can choose from a Cheesy Eggdesal or 1-pc Chicken McDo during breakfast hours and 1-pc Chicken McDo, 4pc Chicken McNuggets, Burger McDo or McSpaghetti during regular hours. Happy Meals come with a choice of fries or corn and orange juice for a delicious treat!

Make your playtime extra magical with the latest McDonald’s Happy Meal collection. Share photos of your Smurfs village on McDonald’s Facebook page, or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.
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Dengue Vaccination Now Available in Watsons

April 9, 2017, 7:25 am
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As a mom of three, health is one of the most important things I prioritize.  One thing is for sure, we spend and save up on their needs such as education, groceries, clothes, and vaccinations.  My children's vaccinations are complete (and our baby is right on schedule) and if there's a new one that would fight against epidemics that may possibly affect my children, such as the scary Dengue, I make sure we have it administered on them.

I've shared on the blog and on my social media accounts the importance of applying insect repellents or putting repellent patches to shoo away Dengue carrying mosquitoes.  Why?  Because, Dengue is such a serious and scary type of flu which could cause death to the infected patient.  Now, I'm happy to know that Watsons, the leading health and beauty chain in the Philippines, announced the availability of dengue vaccination (Dengvaxia) in select Watsons stores nationwide.
Dengue Vaccination in Watsons
“As part of our commitment to improve the lives and health of Filipinos by making health care more accessible to them, we decided to offer dengue vaccination in our select stores nationwide. Dengue is a recurring epidemic in the country, that’s why we recognize the importance of protecting Filipinos against this deadly disease through the vaccination”, says Watsons Trading Health Director, Mr. Danilo Chiong.
Dengue Vaccination in Watsons
Mr. Danilo Chiong and Dr. Rontgene Solante during the Q&A portion
I attended Watsons' round table discussion last week and I'm relieved to know about the Dengue vaccination accessibility and how they put importance in improving the lives and health of Filipinos.  Here were some highlights of the RTD event:



Dengue is a recurring epidemic in the country and this deadly disease and there are more than 200,000 reported dengue cases in the country in 2016 with around 1000 reported cases leading to death. 3

Schedule of Administration of Dengue Vaccine Doses
The dengue vaccination, to be taken in three doses
  • First Dose: 0 months
  • Second Dose: 6 months after first dose
  • Third Dose: 12 months after first dose
  • val, can protect the individual from all four strains of the dengue virus. 
Who may be vaccinated:
This can be administered to people aged 9 to 45 years old.

Cost:
The dengue vaccination is the latest addition to the vaccines offered by Watsons. It will cost P4,000 per dose or P12,000 for all 3 doses, which is a reasonable price given the high incidence of dengue and high cost of treatment in the Philippines.  Good news to BPI and BDO cardholders, they are working on offering the vaccinations at 0% interest rate for 3 months installment.

Schedule of Dengue Vaccination in Watsons:
A doctor in the selected Watsons store will be available to administer the vaccination in the schedule below:

First Round:
  • First dose:April 30, 2017 
  • Second dose: October 29, 2017 
  • Third dose: April 29, 2018
Second Round:
  • First dose: May 14, 2017 
  • Second dose: November 12, 2017 
  • Third dose: May 13, 2018
About the Dengue Vaccination
Dengue Vaccination in Watsons
The dengue vaccination was launched in the country by the Department of Health (DOH) together with the Department of Education (DepEd), and later on was made available in medical clinics last year. Now, Watsons is the first retailer to offer it in the Philippine market.

The first vaccine against dengue, Dengvaxia, was created by leading multinational pharmaceutical company and an expert in the development of vaccinations, Sanofi Pasteur. The vaccine took more than twenty years to develop and has been thoroughly tested, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Studies of the vaccine included more than 41,000 people and were carried out in 15 countries including the Philippines. The results were fully reviewed by a committee of independent experts and has also been recommended by WHO.

In the Philippines, the DOH together with DepEd launched the much-awaited administration of the dengue vaccine through school-based immunization approach. This aims to vaccinate about one million Grade 4 pupils aged 9 years old and above enrolled in public schools in several regions of the country.1
Dengue Vaccination in Watsons
As of February 2017, the vaccine has been approved in 14 countries where dengue is endemic including Singapore, Mexico, Brazil and the Philippines.

The dengue vaccine has also gotten the endorsement of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) and Philippine College of Physicians (PCP).

According to a study by the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health, the vaccine is expected to reduce dengue cases in the country by over 24 percent in a span of five years.
Dengue Vaccination in Watsons
So if you are as paranoid about Dengue like me, then get yourself, your husband, and your kids (9 and up) vaccinated in select Watsons store today.

For more information on Dengvaxia Dengue Vaccine in Watsons,
visit their website at watsons.com.ph.
Like them on Facebook: Watsons Philippines
Follow them on Twitter: @WatsonsPH
Follow them on Instagram: @watsonsph

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Hands-On Parenting while Earning: H.O.P.E Summit 2017 Plus A Giveaway!

April 11, 2017, 10:15 pm
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Are you a mom or a dad?  Have you found yourself in the middle of changing diapers or during a pretend play with your toddler or during a pep talk with your teenager if you are indeed doing IT right?  As a parent, you think you are being too strict or too cool?  Are you giving enough attention to the kids even if you're at work the whole day or you compensate the time you're away from them with gifts.  Do you use time-outs?  Do you spank?  Do you yell?  Do you feel guilty sometimes?  Do you sometimes want to give up work and just stay with the kids at home because of guilt?

If yes, that's normal.  We're normal.  My take on this is, parenting per household is unique because our children are unique from other children.  Parent them the way that you think works best for you and for the family.  Surprisingly, there's also parenting-style-war going around and if you've been a victim (those who tell you you're doing it all wrong or giving unsolicited advice), DON'T MIND THEM.  You are your children's parent and you should know better.  But it helps if we listen and attend a summit or talk from parenting experts who are there to HELP and SUPPORT not judge or prove our styles are wrong.

Good thing, the #1 Amazon bestselling author and international speaker Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag is organizing a parenting event: Hands-On Parents while Earning or H.O.P.E. Summit.
Hands-On Parents while Earning or H.O.P.E. Summit 
April 22, 2017 | 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM 
Bulwagang Haribon, Insular Life Corporate Center
Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 
This whole day workshop on hands-on parenting and working smart in the new millennium seeks to inspire and teach parents how to marry hands-on parenting with earning for the family.

"I had been running time management, goal-setting and work-life balance workshops for decades," Gumap-as Dumadag, a consultant who has traveled around the Philippines and in other Asian countries to conduct workshops, shares. "I’ve always enjoyed and looked forward to these kinds of workshops because I know that every time I run these workshops, I’m making a big difference not only in the lives of the participants but also in the lives of their family members.”

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE H.O.P.E. SUMMIT:

  • Participants will be able to clarify their priorities and learn strategies and tips on how to live them out.
  • Parents will be able to come up with a list of new habits that they can easily and consistently implement after the workshop so they can be more involved in their children’s lives. 
  • Parents will discover ways to work smarter so they can free up more time in their schedules to bond with their children. 
  • Parents will be inspired by the stories of the featured moms and dads (guest panelists) in the H.O.P.E. Summit and learn tips and strategies from them on how to be successful in their careers/businesses while being hands-on with their children.
  • Parents will have an opportunity to meet and interact with other parents who also want to become hands-on parents while earning.
  • Have fun while learning.
  • Come out of the workshop more determined and committed to being a better parent.
Apart from the learning you will take home with you, you will also receive giveaways from some of the event sponsors. You also get a chance to win exciting prizes in the raffle like books published by Shepherd’s Voice Publication. Also the first 20 participants will get customized Hands-On Parent while Earning bags courtesy of My Little Ikbi.

GIVEAWAY:
Charged up to attend the H.O.P.E. Summit?  Here's one great news, I'm giving away ONE (1) Complimentary Ticket worth Php 3,000.00 to one you my dear readers.  It's so easy!

Mechanics:
  1. Beginning today until April 20, 2017, just post a photo of you and your children on Facebook, Twitter or IG (make sure it's public)
  2. In the caption tell me or share a quick tip on Hands-On Parenting while Earning that works for your and your kids.  
  3. Tag me on your post and include the hashtags #HOPESummit2017 #iHOPE 
  4. Copy and past the link of your post on the comment section below.
What past participants say about the H.O.P.E. Summit:
“It gave me the inspiration to become the parent that has freedom from corporate work while providing for our family through an entrepreneurial pursuit I am passionate about,” says Dennis Anguluan about the first H.O.P.E. Summit.
“I am inviting you to attend this second run of the H.O.P.E. Summit this 2017. I can guarantee that this is a must-attend seminar,” says Jenina Tuazon, a breastfeeding mom, blogger and a participant of the first H.O.P.E. Summit. “I am sure this is really worth every penny of your investment,” Tuazon adds.
The HO.P.E. Summit is co-presented by Full Life Cube Publishing and Events Services and Insular Life. The event is also supported by Payoneer, Kindermusik by Teacher Suzette and friends, Moringana by Organics Asia, Merry Macarons, Mom and Milly Educational Toys and KANSIS Made. Media partners include Experience of a super mommy, Lally’s Reflections, Mommy Bares All, Mommy Practicality, My Metro Lifestyle, My World by Mommy Anna, Roller Coaster Ride, Seminar Philippines, The Filipino Homeschooler, The Vine that Writes, Mums Daily PH and WhenInManila.com.

About Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag
TERESA GUMAP-AS DUMADAG is a Filipino mom who shares inspiration and wisdom through her books, articles, blogs (Mommy Bares All and When My Bridegroom Comes), talks, training programs and workshops. She’s the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller BREASTFEEDING: A Journey Worth Taking. She recently published her first children’s book titled Mommy Loves You Just the Same. One of her upcoming books is How to Be A Hands-On Parent while Earning. She works from home as a consultant for management, human resources and training solutions, a career coach and counselor and blogger. She is the President and Founder of Full Life Cube Publishing and Events Services (http://www.fulllifecube.com), through which she inspires and equips her clients to succeed in their businesses/careers while living out their priorities and life’s purposes. She does all these while homeschooling her two older kids and breastfeeding her youngest son who is now a toddler. Connect with Teresa through Twitter (@TeresaGDumadag) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/teresadumadag/).
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Biggest Data Plans, Now Made Even Bigger with #SmartPostpaidPlans

April 17, 2017, 8:46 pm
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You can take away anything in my bag except these three things: my mobile phone, my wallet, and kikay kit.  My wallet and kikay kit are self-explanatory ladies.  But, I couldn't stress how my mobile phone with an excellent network and data connection plays a big role in my life right now as a wife, a mom, a career woman, a blogger, and as an employer too.

Here are some of the reasons why:

Intentional Communication With Husband - My husband and I agreed from the very beginning of our love story that communication is key to our relationship.  We're not together 24/7 so communication through our mobile phones is important.  We use all communication lines possible to stay connected like calls, texts, social media PMs/DMs, lahat na actually.  On days talking is not possible we get updated through our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and even IG stories.  We even reciprocate double-taps on IG or on FB posts!  Not that it's a requirement, but I guess that's one or two forms of our language of love, affirmation and appreciation.  An excellent data connection is a must for us, if not, aaargh, it could get a bit frustrating.
It's A Mommy Thing - Have I told you I have three children?  Yes!  All boys and of different stages - A teenager, a young child, and a baby.  Each child has different personalities and needs, but all of them has the same need for communication time!  Hence, I rely on my phone heavily to make this possible.  My teenager commutes to and from school.  He comes home quite late due to his daily basketball training, which means, I worry about him more than ever (especially after his first hold-up experience while commuting) when he's not home.  I only get a sense of relief after being able to talk to him to know his whereabouts and tell him all my reminders and list of things-to-do through FB messenger.  Now, my 6-year-old son is the most clingy of the three which means I need to constantly communicate with him through calls and even through video calls using WhatsApp.  I also use the same online channels to talk to my baby's caretaker to send reminders and get updates on baby's activities.

I'm A Team Player - I am a working mom who goes to the office five days a week.  On days when I work outside or need to update my colleagues. my project partners, and my clients, I heavily rely on my mobile phone for this.  I use the phone to stay connected, to be on top of things, to finish projects, and to be collaborative with different people in the work place.  I communicate through calls, texts, and also through Viber.

I Need Some ME- Time for Balance - When going to the salon or the spa is not possible, I spend my me time streaming or watching my favorite TV series or blockbuster movies.  I rely on iFlix or Fox+ (you can have a 30-day trial by the way for FREE!) for this quick Me-Time fix which I get to do when waiting in line or commuting in a van or riding Uber using my mobile phone. Oh such a life saver my mobile phone!
I'm A Social Animal - I am online the whole day - from the moment I wake up after praying to give thanks to HIM for a brand new day, to right before we cap off the night.  I update my social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, my blog and I constantly check my personal email using my mobile phone.  This is why a BIG DATA allocation is a requirement so I may be able to get things done efficiently and fast.  While I'm happy with my network provider's data allocation, I know I can do a lot more with a BIGGER allocation siyempre.

I know, grabe my need for my mobile phone and a BIG data allocation, good thing the new Smart Postpaid Plan could cater to all these needs.


The New #SmartPostpaidPlans

The revamped Smart Postpaid Plans start with baseline subscriptions that come with superfast Smart LTE Postpaid SIM and bigger data volume. Even better, each plan comes with built-in features, such as unlimited texts to all networks; all minutes to all networks; and free access to Facebook Messenger, Viber and Whatsapp every month. You also have the option to add a handset to your postpaid plan, or subscribe to more services for a truly convenient build-your-own-plan experience perfect for your mobile lifestyle.

Smart’s new offers start at Plan 399, which now comes with 3GB data (up from the previous 1 GB data), followed by Plan 599 with 5GB data (up from 4GB), and Plan 799 with 8GB data (up from 7GB). Smart also offers Plan 999 with monthly 10GB data; Plan 1499 with 18GB data; Plan 1999 with 24GB data; Plan 2499 with 30GB data; and Plan 2999 with 36GB data – each with built-in call minutes to all networks, unlimited texts to all networks, and free access to Facebook Messenger, Viber and Whatsapp every month.

Now, starting with only Php 399 a month, you can build your very own Smart Postpaid Plan and enjoy the fastest LTE speeds.

I can see how the new Smart Postpaid Plans perfectly match my lifestyle needs!  And maybe it's time to also get my teenager his own postpaid plan!

How about you?  I know you want it too!  For more information, visit www.smart.com.ph/DataPlan or like SMART on Facebook for updates as well!
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How Moms Can Support Young Champs - My Son's Experience At The Jr. NBA Presented By Alaska NCR Selection Camp

April 25, 2017, 3:45 am
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It's tough being a mom of a teenager boy.  Raise your hand if you feel the same way (Yeah!  I see some imaginary hands up in the air right now!)  Let me share with you a little bit about him first.  He's my first-born and has always been interested in playing ball since he was one year old.  I saw his basketball potential when he started shooting balls in toy basketball rings continually.  So when he turned seven, we started to enroll him in basketball clinics.
Now he is a school basketball varsity player and we're proud of his achievement because he's always dreamed of this.  I can say that it's also product of years of summer basketball clinics, school training, and a lot of prayers, pep talks and goal setting with our son.  The road is not easy but it's doable.  We're happy he's into sports and he's doing what he's really interested in.  Basketball.  Malay natin someday he may be a PBA star diba?

Basketball has always been considered the unofficial national sport of the Philippines.  Just count the number of basketball courts – makeshift or otherwise – in any given city or barangay and you can surmise how popular the game is among Filipinos.  It is no wonder that more and more kids are picking up the sport at younger age just like my son.  In fact, right now, kasama na rin siya sa Barangay league to further develop his defense or shooting skills.
Just recently too, he tried his luck in the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 Manila Regional Selection Camp.  I'm happy that Alaska has again launched the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 to help nourish these young athletes’ love and skill for the game.  It's a perfect program to entice kids to put down their gadgets and pick up a sport instead so they could live healthier, energetic lifestyles.  And with the help of Alaska, have a nutritionally balanced lifestyle too!

Here are some highlights of the Jr. NBA NCR Regional Selection Camp:

More photos here:
Vital tests, skills tests, and drills test for all participants
The selected boys and girls who will advance in the National Training Camp in Manila on May 12-14
A partnership between Alaska Milk and NBA Philippines, the Jr. NBA Program aims to cultivate young athletes’ potential through a series of school and open basketball clinics, Regional Selection Camps, a National Training Program and the NBA experience trip.  It also seeks to help these young talents form the habit of getting the right nourishment by drinking milk and through leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

HOW MOMS CAN SUPPORT YOUNG CHAMPS:
And as moms, you can help your budding basketball player reach his or her star athlete potential. Here's how...

Demonstrate SPORTSMANSHIP.  Not every game your champ will be in will be as clean as a whistle.  Kids will be kids. So, don’t be surprised if they play rough sometimes.  Teach your son or daughter to be the “bigger” athlete by taking the high road.  If for instance, your kid’s team loses a game or an important point, teach him to refocus instead of losing steam.  Train him to reassess what he could have done better and how he can apply it next time.

Learn the game further with your kid.  Brush up on some Basketball 101 by going online, watching games or just asking other basketball fans.  Before you know it, you both can comment on the directions of the point guard, critique the flow of the movement in the paint, and observe how the team executes zone defense and triangle offense like the best of them.

Emphasize the value of TEAMWORK.  Do you remember when you were a kid and you didn’t want to follow rules or just wanted to be let alone?  Well chances are, your child will also have a spell and will refuse to go to practice.  Be understanding, yet firm. Tell him that he is a crucial part of the team and that he should feel privileged to be part of it.  Help him realize the importance of commitment and teamwork.

Cultivate a positive ATTITUDE. One of the mistakes most parents commit is that they pressure their child to perform well and win the game.  Don’t overburden your child by focusing on the outcome of their game. Emphasize to them that what is most important is that they are enjoying every minute of what they are doing. Allow them to discover the highlight of the sport and to fall in love with every aspect of the game because once they’re hooked, their dedication, passion and performance will follow.

Give time and space.  Big name athletes didn’t excel in their sport overnight. They practiced, practiced and practiced.  If you want your child to reach his potential, don’t be afraid to give him the time and space to practice.  Let him dribble away during his spare time, watch and rewind recorded NBA games, or even bring his basketball with him wherever he goes.  
Highlight the importance of RESPECT.  In professional sports, athletes are often pitted against each other. While your budding star athlete is still young, make him realize that his only real competition himself.  Show him to benchmark against his own personal bests and not see or tag other athletes as “the enemy.”

You also need to become a good example. Leave the coaching to the coaches.  Let’s face it, it’s hard to shake off the game even when you get home.  Stop yourself from over analyzing each move point by point or from criticizing your kid’s play.  Your job as parent is to be their quiet strength and their pillar of support – even when they lost the deciding point.  Be an encourager and not their worst critic.

Remember, the most powerful yet simple thing a mother can do for a young athlete is to provide unconditional love and support. Nourish your child in and out of the court. Ensure that your child gets the proper food and nutrition while undergoing training. This helps them perform better by powering up their bodies to function at its optimum and has the “fuel” needed to recover after training day.

Drink Alaska Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink. It has energizing nutrients namely, magnesium, calcium and potassium that keep young athletes' bodies in winning form.
And as always, be their number one fan by telling your kid you love them before or after every game, whether they win or lose.

With your love, support, and the proper training and nourishment, your son and daughter has the potential to make it to the big leagues.  Help them reach their dreams.

To know more about the Jr. NBA program, follow them on Facebook http://facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines.  For updates and promos on ALASKA, visit their website www.alaskamilk.com or www.playph.com
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Progressive Education For Today’s World - Montessori de San Juan

April 27, 2017, 12:41 am
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If you're a mom of school-aged kids, then you would also agree with me that looking for a school with quality education, that fits their learning styles, that tunes in to their needs is hard.  Research and school visits are musts if you really want to give the best for them.

Personally, I am convicted that solid learning do not come from pure memorization of historical dates, scientific facts, formulas, nor complex equations.  I've memorized them when I was younger and honestly, I don't use all of them.  So I'm thinking precious time was wasted on memorizing than REALLY learning about life skills and life itself by not touching base on my curiosity and eagerness to learn using all my senses.  Indeed, numerous studies have shown that years of learning through rote memorization and repetitive instruction is one of the main reasons why people lose their spark of curiosity.  And I don't want that to happen to my children.
I want them to explore, to quench their thirst for knowledge, to equip themselves with life skills which they will actually use in real-world -- to be successful adults.  Focus on the learning and not why and how we learn it because even creative thinking can become inhibited if we put emphasis on information and formula overload.

These are the things that traditional methods of education couldn't meet anymore, although they've produced some of history's most brilliant minds, it appears that the past two decades have seen a radical shift in terms of equipping students with effective skills for real-world success.
Sandy Arellano of the Montessori de San Juan School is a passionate educator and an advocate of this progressive type of learning. “I believe what is happening now is that schools and parents are too fixated on the effect, which is good academic performance,” she explained. “I can tell you through years of experience, however, that doing well in school is the natural result of a happy, motivated, and well-adjusted student. So why not focus diligently on the cause, rather than the effect?” Arellano further emphasized.
One of Montessori de San Juan’s core objectives: Address the drawbacks of traditional schooling that often result in lethargic, poor-performing children.  This could be achieved if there is MORE to LEARNING based on the individual student's learning pace and style by avoiding to have:
  • Over-scheduled students
  • Too much note-taking
  • Not enough attention to the actual lessons
  • Over-cramming information in a short period of time
  • An unreasonable amount of homework (which often goes unsupervised during the actual process of completion), and
  • One-size- fits all mentality for learners. 
Gosh, I remember the time when I was still studying, my stress level was over-the-top, I thought it was the end of the world.  There were unreasonable deadlines to meet which made me focus more on finishing the project than actually getting the essence of what I'm doing.  I was graded for my compliance and not what lessons I actually pick-up.

In the Montessori de San Juan School, "Our children have such a love for learning, and a genuine excitement to go to school and practice what they are taught, that they consistently end up scoring higher than their peers in standardized tests,” Arellano pointed out.
I believe in progressive learning style because learning is individualized and the non-standardized structure will help maximize their full potential.  I'm happy my children are also in a progressive school and I've seen its difference and the benefits to them.

If you are also a believer in this type of learning and still looking for a progressive school, let me share with you that Montessori de San Juan may be the school for your child because of the following reasons:
  • SMALL CLASSES: There are around 150 students from grades 1 to 12, approximately 12-15 students per class. A small class will help educators easily gauge whether your child is a visual, tactile or auditory learner, and from there, this is how teachers assess their approach to the students. 
  • ON LEARNING: everything is worksheets, modules, and hands-on activities related to the subject matter
  • IN THE CLASSROOM SETTING: Students are grouped in wider age spans, namely 3-6, 7-9, and 10-12. This helps them form relationships and bonds with kids of different ages.
  • AS STUDENTS GET OLDER: teaching method becomes semi-progressive, semi-traditional setup, adding textbooks into the mix. 
  • CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES: involve 90 percent application and only 10 percent discussion, so a lot of the kids are able to see the practicality and the use of the subject matter they are learning. Hence, direct applications to what they are learning are shown.

Due to numerous success stories regarding progressively educated children, Montessori de San Juan is gaining quite a reputation as an elite school. Despite this, however, the school remains grounded in its mission to cultivate students who love learning so much, and learn so well, that they will be able to learn whatever needs to be learned in the future. From all indications, it is fulfilling this mission remarkably well.  To learn more about Montessori de San Juan, contact 725-6306 or 239-1102, or visit www.montessoridesanjuan.com.ph
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Kamiseta Online Shopping Experience

May 3, 2017, 9:20 pm
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Those who know me could attest to how much I don't like buying clothes online. If ever I do, it must be from those selling clothes in free sizes or those who have physical stores where I've tried the clothes on first, which means, I already have an idea about their sizing. I have some fear of purchasing clothes online because most of the time, the clothes for sale look better on photos than in actual and worse, they don't fit well.

This changed when I tried shopping a few pieces from Kamiseta online: http://www.kamiseta.com/

And got this beautiful shopping box which contained my orders right at my doorstep.
To my millennial readers, Kamiseta is a large Filipino brand of clothing which retails fashionable casual apparel, accessories and cosmetics targeted at girls between the ages 18 and 40. The Kamiseta brand is fun, youthful and stylish.  It's been around since I was in high school a brand I love and I'm happy that it grew up with me!  And because it offers quality pieces of clothing, I'm not surprised it's still around!

Let me share with you, before I began looking for clothes I would add to my capsule wardrobe of mostly black, white, grey, navy blue, and denim, my greatest concern was HOW TO KNOW MY SIZE IN KAMISETA.  Grabe, although I know that a return policy is in place, still it's quite hassle to wait to receive my purchases, fit it, contact customer care channel for return, return the item/s, wait until the exchanged item arrives.  I don't want to go through that.

But Kamiseta didn't fail me at all!  Its size chart is LEGIT!  It's reliable and highly believable. Because honestly, I've tried the size chart guides of other online stores only to find out that mali pa rin the size of the clothes I got.  Just make sure you know your body measurements and follow the size chart.  Anyway, that made me jump for joy!


Let me share with you my #OOTD #MommyPracticalityOOTD posts on IG and on Facebook wearing my Kamiseta clothes:
KAMISETA LOOK #1
Kamiseta White Skirt: W-CAMIA W (Large)
This denim skirt is perfect for weekend wears or travel like going to the mall, supermarket or even on road trips.  Like what I've shared via IG with this piece I don't have to ever worry about pulling it down even if it's short or my skirt goes up a bit because there's a built-in shorts underneath! So even if I bend to pick up thrown baby toys or change diapers in my chic skirt, that's no problem!
Because it's white, I can pair with practically with any color!  But since I mentioned that I'm taking capsule wardrobe-ing seriously, I stuck to my black and white ensemble.  For this outfit, I paired my Kamiseta skirt with a striped black and white nursing top.

Take a peek into this skirt which fits comfortably and looks mommy-chic!
Surprised to see that there's shorts underneath to make it boso-proof (peeping-tom-proof)!
I love the ripped jeans details of my pristine white denim sexy summer skirt from Kamiseta
KAMISETA LOOK #2
Kamiseta Black Lacy Skirt: W - JELINE B (Large)
This lacy black skirt is a beautiful addition to my wardrobe and I love that it is so versatile. In this photo, I paired it with a white cotton shirt for office wear, and it actually works! This lovely skirt could transform into glam just by matching it with a sexy or more delicate piece of clothing making it perfect for an after-office cocktails or an evening event attendance. 
Here's a close-up shot of my beautiful Kamiseta skirt.
Don't you just love the lace details, it's very feminine.
Lace reminds me of romance, of beauty, and of history too.
My experience shopping online via Kamiseta.com:
  1. Wide and unique selection of clothes perfect For the Summer, For the Weekend and For a Date.
  2. Reasonably-priced. Each piece of clothing I got range from Php1,098.00 - Php 1,5000.00, are made of quality materials and indeed are practical shopping choices.  Why?  Because the quality and versatility of the pieces I got will last them years in my wardrobe and will never go out of fashion.  That's why I love shopping for classic designs and Kamiseta offers that to its customers.
  3. Size chart is reliable. I've stressed this point explicitly above!  I'm happy I didn't doubt Kamiseta's chart.
  4. Ordering is fast and easy! Just create an account or use your Facebook account to sign in, view the collection, choose what you like (size, color, number of pieces), add to your bag, and after you've done ordering, check your cart and click the check-out button.
  5. Secured payment system and dependable payment options. You may pay via credit card, direct debit, PayPal, bank deposit or through Dragonpay Payment Gateway.
  6. Beautiful Packaging upon delivery.  Delivery was done via Air21.  Free shipping by the way for purchases above Php1,000.00 and they deliver internationally pala!  Plus, I didn't worry at all if my order was received or when my order will be delivered because I got a notification of the status of my order via email.
  7. It FITS WELL!  I couldn't stress how this mom bod transform into a chic, modern, and fashionable woman.  Look at my shared OOTDs of my Kamiseta clothes, project kung project!

I must say, I'm a happy customer and I'll repeat the awesome customer experience! :)  

Before I forget, Kamiseta doesn't only retails clothes my loves, they also have colognes and soap available for purchase.  My husband liked the Powder scent on me, he smelled it on me after bath before bed time.  Could you guess what happened next?  That's another post.  Hahaha!  We slept soundly afterwards, kayo ha! :)
To experience shopping Kamiseta online, go to http://www.kamiseta.com/.  
For updates and promos, like them on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.  
You may also follow their stories via hashtags #ItsFunBeingAGirl #KamisetaPh and #ShopKamiseta 
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Mother's Day Gift Ideas Every Mom Will Truly Appreciate

May 9, 2017, 7:43 am
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There are so many gifts I wish to receive or think of as a mom which I could write on this post for the most celebrated occasion this month - Mother's Day. But only a few that if I receive from my loved ones, will I truly appreciate and cry buckets of tears of joy for.
Whether you are a mom of one or more than 4 kids, whether you work out of home, stay at home or work from home, we all get to a point when we get so exhausted like it's the end of the world.  Aminin mo minsan you just want to abruptly stop with whatever you're doing and wish you could teleport to another country of your desire, to a beach, to a salon, to a stage or to wherever and daydream that you're doing something else.  You just want to getaway for a while.  NOT THAT you don't like what you're doing as a mom.  But motherhood gets really exhausting most of the time.  We talented moms just make it "look" easy, but seriously, we're dying inside!

Please don't get me wrong, being a mother is one of the best things that has ever happened to my life, it's just draining.  I'm just as lucky as many other moms out there that my family knows exactly how to celebrate my motherhood on my day (wrote one Mother's Day celebration HERE.)

So for your moms, if you're the daughter or the son..
For the men, if you're the husband or the partner..
For you mom (yup that's us!)...

Here's a list of gift ideas Moms will truly appreciate:

  1. Love letters/cards and flowers- Kids and hubbies, please NEVER forget to write Mommy a love letter or make a DIY  Mother's Day card and make sure you insert it in the bouquet you'll be surprising her with.  I could actually suggest any material gift, but nothing beats the thoughtfulness, creativity, the effort you bring in making something out of nothing.  Mommies will cry buckets of tears when she sees something made by her kids.  Believe me, I've cried gallons and gallons of tears.  The bouquet is a bonus.  It could be a santan or any flower you picked outside, tie it together to make it pretty.  Moms love this, trust me!
  2. Breakfast in bed - Moms wake up pretty early to prepare kids in school, to prepare/serve their husbands and themselves in the morning, so why not reverse the role this time.  Mother's day usually falls during school break, so kids, it's your turn to return the favor even for just a day. Dads, partners, husbands, please initiate this simple but meaningful activity.  Cook or serve her favorite breakfast.  
  3. Do mommy duties for her- So you started serving her breakfast, if you're not planning anything for Mother's Day, then why not make her feel celebrated the whole day by doing her duties at least for a day. If you can't, just don't let her do anything, let her relax.  She deserves at least a day off right?
  4. Massage/Spa date- Speaking of gift of relaxation, aside from not letting her do anything, give mommy a Spa GC or massage her yourself (kahit feet nga lang and head, ok na eh!) so she could finally have her tired and crying muscles be treated to a good rub.  To us tired mommas, it's one of the best feelings in the world.  FYI to those who want to massage their moms/wives themselves, we feel pain at our backs, neck, and feet!
  5. Salon Day - If you've got a little budget, spend for her manicure, pedicure, foot spa, hair color or Brazilian blowout.  If you have no budget naman, just letting mommy have her day off to go to a salon is in itself a great gift.  But remember, NEVER RUSH Mommy who's on a salon time, never ask what time she's coming home because even if you don't tell, moms know you want her to come home soon and take care of household stuff.  Don't worry, moms are intelligent, they know they can't be out too long because you still rely on her heavily.  She'll be home in time.  Just let her.
  6. Hotel Staycation - There are so many hotels right now which are offering Mother's Day Promo if you plan to celebrate while staycationing.  No need to go on a road trip or spend for airfare.  You can have a vacation in the metro to treat Mommy.  Just make sure you still do #1 and #3 on this list.  Let me share with you how we did this last year through THIS POST.
  7. Mommy Retreat- If there's an available spiritual or mommy retreat such as what Mommy Mundo is offering: Mindful Mom Retreat, register her for that.  It need not be on Mother's Day itself, it could be some other day, just make sure you let her find herself, give her body, mind and soul a break.  She will truly appreciate this!
  8. Lunch or Dinner - There are also many on-going buffet promos online (I usually go to Deal Grocer, Metrodeal or look for promos via Facebook) where prices are slashed half its original price.  If you prefer not to dine out for economical reasons, of course cooking for Mommy her favorite dishes at home (plus setting the table for her and putting the fresh flowers in a vase you gifted her with on the table too) is itself already a big treat!  Make mommy feel like a real queen on her day!
That's a whole lotta list actually.  You know what, mostly, these gift ideas speak loud and clear languages of love through affirmation, appreciation, gift, service, and touch.  You know your mom or wife better, you'd know which one would make her happy.

The most important thing is, make Mommy feel special, appreciated, remembered, celebrated and loved.  You have no idea how exhausting 365 a year moms are just by fulfilling the roles that were assigned to her and which she lovingly accepted.  I would,. because I am also a tired-bordering-crazy-and-stretched-out-but-still loving mommy to my three handsome boys (plus one, the panganay, my husband), I'm proud of it and will never trade it for anything else in this world.

MAY 14, 2017 is Mother's Day here in the Philippines, don't forget that loves!  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY in advance to all my mommy readers and to your Moms as well.  

~How about you?  Do you have anything to add to my list?  Write them on the comment section below. =) ~
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Family Friendly Hotels (With Pool) On Your Next Staycation

May 11, 2017, 2:20 am
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Two long weekends had already passed, one was Holy Week and the other was the ASEAN Summit/Labor Day weekend.  And here I am, too late a hero to be posting about this just now.  So forgive me loves, but there will be more long weekends, occasions (or none), and stressful week in the full stretch of the year when you'd feel you want to have a quick getaway without going too far from the metro.  What am I talking about?  A well-deserved hotel staycation!

I've compiled a list of the hotels my family and I actually stayed in.  My choices of hotels passed the following criteria:
  • Should have a swimming pool
  • Should have two (2) Queen or Double beds or One (1) King Bed
  • Should have breakfast
  • Should be reasonably priced
  • Should be available (of course)
  • Bonus if with extra mattress, with cot, with massage, with a view, etc.
So here goes my list in no particular order.

1.  B-Hotel QC - Staying in B Hotel QC was a unique experience for us.  We were fascinated by the hotel's modern, chic, minimalist, and industrial look.  Room essentials were complete.  The bed was big enough for a family with two kids, sheets and pillows were soft which ensure guests get a good night's sleep.  I almost didn't want to get up!  Pool was not very big, but there is a pool!  Our breakfast was awesome!  Cleanliness was unquestionable too which pleased me and my meticulous family.  Staff were courteous, respectable, had the initiative to offer assistance whether needed or not, serve its guests politely and sincerely, and were efficient.  Pasok sa banga the budget too especially if they have a promo.

Read my complete review here: B-Hotel QC Review
2. Best Western Plus Antel Hotel - The one-bedroom suite we booked is perfect for 2 adults and 2 kids.  The room has one (1) Queen-sized bed and a sofa bed for the kids.  YOu may request for extra pillows and blanket at no cost.  Kitchen and dining are available should you decide to cook or heat food.  Air-conditioning is good as well plus no fighting over channels between parents and kids, there are two cable televisions in the suite.  Buffet breakfast is also included in the package!  For entertainment and activities, there are three large swimming pools, a play ground, and a gym.  Spa is also available at the ground floor.  A supermarket is just across the hotel so if you need last-minute stuff for your stay, it won't be a hassle to go out.  Restaurants are abundant, there are so many to choose from.  A. Venue mall and Century City Mall are also walking distance from the hotel.  If you're bringing a car, parking is free!  With all these and more, staying at Best Western Plus Antel Hotel is worth it.  Your stay will definitely be a comfortable and a relaxing one.

Read my complete review here: Best Western Plus Antel Hotel (Serenity Suites) Review

3. Luxent Hotel QC - We were highly satisfied as Luxent Hotel was able to meet our hotel expectations.  It's not only a business hotel, but it certainly is family-friendly. The Superior Room has complete amenities and we weren't charged for anything extra we requested.  It's spacious and it's a good choice for family guests staying in.
Vestibule to welcome guests going up the rooms. :)

They boast of their "Aquatrim" Swimming Pool
The facilities and amenities are well-maintained and complete.  They have a reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, soft pillows and sheets, and cable TV.  Their swimming pools are clean.  Rooms come with breakfast buffet for 2.  I appreciate their Bread Indulgence Corner at the ground floor for times I just feel like having a bread or cookies for snacks.  The staff are all friendly, accommodating, competent and genuine. Lastly, they have BACON! :)

Read my complete review HERE: Luxent Hotel QC Review

4.  Privato Hotel, Pasig - For the price that we got our weekend stay, our stay was so much worth it!  No corner in this pretty boutique hotel isn't well-kept.  For a not so big hotel, their choice of modern minimalist design and ambiance makes the hotel optically spacious.  Staff were all courteous and efficient, plus they always smile making their guests feel really welcome and almost close to home.
The hotel facilities are quite complete, they've got the essentials their guests may need.  Price is indeed reasonable and perfect for like me who loves to get the best out of life without spending too much to achieve it.  There were some misses like serving not-too-warm breakfast and the pool being too cold, but their other hits overcome the misses immensely.  Accessibility to transportation, nearby convenience store, commercial complex, and restaurants, is not a problem at all.

Read my full review HERE: Privato Hotel Pasig Review

5. The Bellevue Hotel, Alabang  I loved our hotel staycation here.  There's luxe in every corner of The Bellevue Manila hotel.  The staff especially at the Signature Club every morning, was friendly, efficient, kind and courteous.  Our room was comfortable, I never knew I could sleep so long and so soundly - truly an escape from my daily working-mom life.  SPA experience was awesome!  Food was excellent in all the restaurants we dined in (Cafe d' Asie Restaurant and Phoenix Court).  Their facilities are complete.  The swimming pool was huge and we all enjoyed our time there!
The Bellevue Hotel, Alabang Review

6.  F1 Hotel Manila, BGC, Taguig City - I could say that F1 Hotel Manila is definitely a family-friendly hotel.  The one-bedroom-suite we stayed in is spacious and comfortable.  Staying there as a guest felt like my needs were attended to.  Food?  One of the best breakfast buffets we've tried!  They have a wide selection of food all day!  There are also a total of three swimming pools which we loved lounging at in the afternoon. you definitely get your money's worth if you decide to stay here.  We'll be coming back here next month and we're all so excited!  Overall, we were highly satisfied with our family staycation.

Read my full review here: F1 Hotel Manila Review

These are just some of the hotels I already featured on the blog which I highly recommend to families who are looking for kid-friendly hotels around the metro. I'll be adding more to this list or maybe do a part 2 as our family keeps adding new staycation adventures to our memory box.

I think this post is timely since Mother's Day is coming up, why not surprise Mom and check these recommended hotels for a weekend she'll truly enjoy!

Have a great hotel staycation loves! :)
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Complete Your Back-To-School Shopping At SM Stationery

May 21, 2017, 6:00 pm
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Summer isn't over I know but getting ready for the school season has already started.  Enrollment has been going on since last month and speaking of which, I haven't enrolled my kids!  And yet, I'm already excited to do back-to-school shopping!  It has been my favorite activity since I was a child myself.  I just love the smell of school supplies and new notebooks.

I've never seen this back-to-school task as taxing nor exhausting at all.  What makes it stressful is the crowd and going to one bookstore to another because there are missing items or the brand and type of item your child prefers aren't there.  Plus, if you have more than one child (like me, ehem), practicality is a consideration when shopping.

I discovered that there's one place to go back-to-school shopping to which meets my criteria: one-stop shop and practical choices: SM Stationery!
When I visited SM Stationery in SM Makati, their shelves are stocked completely with school supplies my kids would need such as notebooks, pens, pencils, pencil cases, crayons, bond papers, bags, and many more!  See, you don't need to go bookstore hopping because you'll find everything you need in one stop.

Just like grocery shopping, you save a lot when you buy anything in packs.  It's like wholesale buying.  Just like this pack of 5 writing notebooks.
 When I was looking around, I saw this awesome offer!  It's an All-In-One-School Pack which is available for Grades 1 to 6!  I think it's a great idea to pack everything a student will need, so you just grab your backpack (which comes with it!) and go!
For only Php 399 you get a back pack with the school supplies you'd need such as bond paper, oslo paper, folder, pad paper, notebook, pencil, ruler, scissors, glue stick!
These are some of the available school backpack designs you may choose from!  Pretty neat huh?  Now let's take a closer look inside the bag.
If you need for notebooks for your children, notebook packs (spiral or sewn type) are also available for purchase at low prices compared when you buy them individually.
For the preschoolers, SM Stationery also has Creative Kits or packs from Crayola and Lil Hands.  This is one of the things I got excited about back-to-school shopping when I was a kid myself.  All these colors of crayons and new watercolor, the paint brush and the clean sheets of paper!
This Li'l Hands Creative Kit contains a drawing book, an art paper set, coloring pens, scissors, watercolor, jumbo pencil, and crayons.
This is another variant of the Li'l Hands creative kit.  See that giant watercolor tempera, yaaas!
Crayola has its own version of the creative kit.  Their kit contains Crayola Twistable Pencil (I remember my first-born used to bug me to buy him all Crayola Twistables!  If this pack was available then, I would grab this fast!), Crayola Crayons 16's, Crayola Broad Line Markers, Crayola Classic Color Markers, and 1 Coloring Sheet.

SM Stationery now carries its own line of school paper supplies with Low Price.  Galing lang that you can find anything you need for your student child from pre-school, grade school, high school to even college.  My high school student son needs pads and other paper types and I usually buy him those in packs or sets, guess what?  SM Stationery also has it!  Lookie: 
Aminin mo, when you were a student yourself, you're guilty of asking your classmates for a piece of paper when it's quiz time right?  Well, with this SM Stationery Low Price Packs of paper, your child will have aplenty.  Siya na ang magsheshare sa classmates niya!  This package includes 1 intermediate pad, 1 crosswise pad, 1 lengthwise pad, and 3 1/4 pad.  
My now Grade 1 son needs arts and crafts paper such as poster and construction paper, Low Price SM Stationery also has them!
And for all other paper needs such as graphing paper for high school an college students, bond paper and oslo paper as well!  Compared to prices from other bookstores, their is a bit cheaper but of good quality!  Practical shopping indeed!  Check na check for me!
And after all the notebook and book purchasing, one of the tedious parts of back-to-school is covering!  But don't fret, book covers by the yard and pre-cut (I buy this, less hassle to cut, plus it comes in perfect sizes!) are also available in SM Stationery!  What's unique with their book cover is that it has a paper core, others don't.  Which is a nice feature for me, simple lang pero it works lots of wonders because your book cover won't easily get folded or You really don't have to look anywhere else but stay here for all your needs diba?

By the way, I've mentioned earlier, SM Stationery also carries many different brands plus school accessories like pens, pencils, coloring materials, pencil cases, totes and bags too fitting for every student's diverse personalities!  Look at all these!
In fact, SM Stationery is not only for the students but for office millennials, artsy-fartsy individuals, travel-lovers, techie guys, actually, it's for everyone who each has different tastes!
I am such a paper and pen kind of person and even in the event of everything digital, I still believe and still love jotting down everything!  Listing all my dreams, my to-do-things, my bills, my shopping or grocery, payables, and many more!  So this paper section to me is pure bliss!
See, who would've thought that SM Stationery at the SM Store has all these?  May it be complete back-to-school shopping or shopping for gifts, you can find something interesting at SM Stationery.

One practical tip by the way when going shopping, make sure you have a checklist of what you just need to shop for, to save time and to remain within your budget.  Because if not, with all these wonderful items at SM Stationery, you couldn't help but just put stuff in your shopping basket!  I meant that in a very good way!  Hahaha!

For more information and promo updates on SM Stationery, visit their website, ww.stationery.com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Have an awesome back-to-school shopping!



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Bathroom and Baby Hygiene Tips With Sanicare, The Hygienic Choice

May 24, 2017, 12:38 am
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Being a mother of three just simply means I've gone through some tough, sensitive, and overly protective newborn care three times in my life.  I think you would agree most moms of newborns, whether you've had just one or more than three babies, are OA when it comes to personal hygiene and cleanliness (spell disinfect anything and everywhere!) of the surroundings.  We all know how sensitive babies' skin and immunity are when it comes to dirt, germs, allergens, and viruses coming from poorly kept things or environment.

That's why it's important that strict personal hygiene is practiced and passed on to our kids so that more than just looking well-groomed, we keep them off illnesses caused by germs.

With this, moms should also pick dependable hygiene products that are tough to do the job but gentle on our skin and especially of our babies.  I'm glad that I found one brand which carries most of the hygienic products I need to keep me and my baby safe and the surfaces clean - it's Sanicare.
Sanicare is The Hygienic Choice, my personal choice, when it comes to products for personal hygiene which I use in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining and living area, and also for my baby.  With its line of tissues, paper towels, and other hygienic products such as underpads, cotton, wipes, and toilet seat cover, I know my family, is kept safe and clean.
MY BATHROOM PARTNER PLUS SOME MOM TIPS
They say the bathroom says a lot about the person who lives in the house right?  So when it's dirty or even when tissue/toilet paper is missing, parang you get an impression that the owner doesn't put hygiene as one of his priorities.  That's why I try my best to clean the bathroom myself regularly, stock my bathroom with paper and cleaning products.
How now if you're using public toilet diba?  I’ll share with you what my mom taught me.

1) Make sure you always bring a toilet paper/tissue paper with you(to dry what's wet!) - Since I discovered Sanicare, lagi ako may dalang Sanicare Handy Pack or yung Sanicare Baby Wipes in my bag.  At home, Sanicare Eco-layer Bathroom Tissue is what we use.
I like it because it's thick yet soft and gentle on skin.  It has a nice and unique design too, lakas maka-Donya-feels.  Plus what I like about it is that the bathroom tissue is made from both virgin pulp and recycled-grade paper pulp which not only aid in keeping things clean but also cares for the environment.
2) Never sit on the toilet, just squat; I've always practiced #2 item eversince she preached it.  I've squatted for as long as I can remember, kaya siguro medyo toned my behind growing up. Hehehe!  Buti na lang uso na ang toilet seat cover ngayon! Lalo na when I travel with the kids, we bring Sanicare Disposable Toilet Seat Cover with us.  It's made of paper shaped like a toilet seat with a really nice design.  It protects the user from germs resting on toilet seats especially in public restrooms.  Now, there's no need to torture the leg and thigh muscles squatting.
3) Always wash your hands.  Lastly, washing the hands is important sobra!  Just by simply washing your hands properly, you stop yourself from getting infected with viruses or if you already have the virus, you stop it from spreading.  Dry the hands using the dryer or paper towels. Sanicare's Paper Towel is thick and strong which doesn't easily tear but isn't rough to touch.  I like that it's made from 100% virgin pulp, with no artificial whiteners and elemental chlorine.

Simple pointers lang diba?  But they go a long way.  Small tasks to do, but they all matter!

By the way pa-sideline about paper towels muna.  I love paper towels because of its versatility, that's why it's always on my grocery list.  It can be used in all parts of the house for surface cleaning, the bathroom, bedroom, kids' play room, dining and living area, and especially the kitchen.  I use it when frying food because it drains the excess oil from the pan.  See?
Now let's move on to my favorite topic, Baby Hygiene.

THE BABY HYGIENE DEPARTMENT
Well, everything I know right now comes from my mom, from my trusted mommy circle, and online researches as well.  since I've dealt with newborns, infants, toddlers, and small kids, three times in my life, I can share a thing or two about this cutie patootsies' hygiene.
1. Bathing- It's important to bathe newborns every few days after the umbilical cord stump dries up and falls off.  Fill tub with warm water and use mild bathing products for the little one.  On days when baby isn't bathed, wet a large cotton ball and wipe baby's face, head, neck, arms, legs, and feet. Make sure you pat dry baby as quickly as you can to protect him from getting cold.
Sanicare has Jumbo Cotton Balls which is made from 100% soft and pure cotton that's perfect for babies covering larger surfaces.  When baby gets bigger, like mine, bathing should be done daily, still using mild and natural baby products.

2. Cleaning Bottoms - For newborns, use Sanicare Jumbo Cotton Balls when cleaning their bottoms at home. Large coverage, one or two would do wonders.  You may also use baby wipes (make sure it's gentle, alcohol and paraben-free like Sanicare) if you want more convenience. For older babies since coverage is bigger, it's time to use baby wipes to ensure bottoms are cleaned completely.
I personally use Sanicare Baby Wipes because it's thick but has a soft and cloth-like patterned texture that's good for thorough cleaning.  It's unscented and safe for use on baby's skin.
3.  Cleaning Ears, Belly Button, and Nose - Cleaning these areas could be very delicate and sensitive.  For example the ears, it's not recommended to clean it on a daily basis.  As adults, we used to clean our ears up to the inner canal, that's bad pala!  Because the ear wax tends to be pushed inward creating a large lump of dirt inside and cause irritation or worse infection.  Lalo na sa babies and small kids, just clean the outer area when needed.  The cotton buds available in the market doesn't have a stopper which Sanicare has!  Ang galing, when I tried it on my ear, the stopper indeed inhibits the tip from entering the ear canal  (sometimes kasi aminin natin we like cleaning hanggang dulo, it kinda feels good diba!).
For babies and small kids, this feature of Sanicare's Large Cotton Buds is highly recommended to avoid eardrum piercing and limit penetration.
For nostrils and belly button, use Sanicare's Mini Buds which come in a perfect size to fit the buttons and remove dirt in nostrils gently.  The small tips could clean these areas more thoroughly compared to regular cotton buds.  For the belly buttons of the cute ones, drop an oil first prior to cleaning.  It will help loosen the dirt accumulated inside.  For the nose, Sanicare's Mini buds will help in pulling out the filth without damaging the lining of the nose which could cause bleeding.

4. Changing Diapers- Make sure you check baby's diaper (cloth or disposable) if it's already loaded and change it quickly to avoid irritation on baby's sensitive skin.  Whether you're home and especially when out and about, it's best to use a baby underpad.  To ensure the underpad is always clean and fresh, use Sanicare Baby Underpads which has a silky soft surface that won't irritate baby's skin.  It's also leak-proof and its large size is perfect for protecting baby when changing in public places.  It's a changing table and diaper bag essentials.
So there goes my personal hygiene tips in bathroom use and also how I keep baby clean everyday, with the help of the my personal hygienic choice, Sanicare.  Naku magpapasukan na nga pala and one of the little kids' school requirements is to bring a hygiene kit diba?  Don't forget to include Sanicare line of products to keep them clean and also safe.  Sanicare is available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

For more information about Sanicare, like them on Facebook: https://facebook.com/sanicare.ph or follow them on Instagram https://instagram.com/sanicare_ph/.

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Review Of Our Stay At Waters Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan

June 2, 2017, 1:53 am
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Last Holy Week, the family went on a beach trip up north.  We're a bit tired of always heading south whenever we plan an out of town beach trip because of the heavier traffic that side.  I'm glad we let go of the white beach requirement and decided to have Bataan as beach destination because it was worth our almost four hours road trip.
It's a special beach trip to our family because I wasn't able to go to a beach last year due to my sensitive pregnancy AND it's the first beach trip of our little baby.  AND it's also our first trip to Bataan as a family!
There were a lot of recommendations which we considered but we sure did make a right resort choice when we selected Waters Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan.

Here's why:
View from a room in the second floor.  There's a wide grass area, the pool, eating area at the left side, and the beach!
There's a gated space in front of the resort facing the beach for events.  They are open to event bookings too!
The pool is divided to kiddie and adult deep.  It's covered by canvass to protect guests from the sun's heat.
If you come from the beach going back to the hotel, a concrete tub filled with water and dipper is provided so you could wash off the sand.  I like it that the owners/management thought of this idea. You come in your room clean.
The green grassed area balances the whites and the blue hues.  I love it!
The pool is cleaned every day before they open it to guests in the morning.
Aaahhh sunset. :)
Do you agree that we made the right decision to spend a weekend here?  The photos of the place already look serene, calm and relaxing.  What more when you're actually there?  If you would ask me to compare it to Boracay, it's incomparable.  Boracay is Boracay (white and super fine sand).  It's closer to Laiya, Batangas but Bataan shore doesn't have white sand.  It's grey but it's clean and peaceful.  By peaceful, I meant no loud videokes, no bar or tugs-tugs music, and no happy yelling from tipsy liquor drinkers, to think that we stayed there during one long weekend.
OUR ROOM
There are two types of room accommodation in Waters Beach Resort: Standard and Family.  Standard has two queen-sized bed which is good for four adults and two kids provided the kids share the beds with adults.  There's enough space for an extra mattress if you're sleeping in more than four adults.  Bathroom essentials are complete like bath towels, hand towels, dental kit, soap, shampoo, lotion and toilet paper.  The Family Room has three queen-sized bed perfect for six adults and with the size of the room and beds if attached together, you could sleep in three to four kids.
Air-conditioning is alright it's important to make sure the sliding door opening to the pool/beach area is always closed.  There's TV, mini-ref, and coffee/tea maker as well.  The bathroom is basic but clean.  It has hot and cold water, a rainfall shower, and bidet!  Here's my little one taking a bath after his time of his life at the beach and the pool.
The inflatable tub is not provided by the resort, I bought it via Shopee app and I am extremely happy with my purchase.  I should say that it's a practical and super worth-it travel essential when baby is in tow and you're not sure if there's a bath tub or not.  It's anti-slip, it's inflatable, easy to carry and store, and the most important of all, it keeps baby safe while bathing during travel.  I love it!
Each room has a balcony with a table and chairs such as that in the photo for morning coffee or afternoon R&R or night cap with hubby or wife. OR use it for hanging wet clothes until they're dry!
See the other room facade?  Each room comes with a balcony that has a pool and beach view.  So no matter which room you're assigned, you get to appreciate the stillness of the shore just before the sunset and watch the same sun bid goodbye to the day.
The color white is a symbol of peace and I love that the resort used white paint on its building facade, grills, room walls, and staircases. It's tranquil and cool to the eyes which adds to the relaxation of all senses during your stay there.

Oh and by the way, aside from the food that is available in their kitchen menu, you could bring food for grilling or cooking.  Griller, stoves, pots, and pans are available for use.  Just bring your cooking oil, condiments, plates, bowls, etc.  You just have to pay a corkage fee.

THE POOL
Swimming time in the pool or in the beach are two of the things we came there for.  As I've mentioned in my other blog posts on staycation/vacation, one of my considerations for choosing a hotel to stay in with the kids is the existence of a swimming pool.  Alas, Waters Beach Resort has a good size of a pool facing the beach.  The pool side has a number of beach lounge chairs and tables to chill or sun bathe on if not dipping yet.
I love the sight of the beach by the pool, it's so relaxing.  Of course what makes this view more lovable by me, is my husband and my little one enjoying their swim time!  It was a first for my baby so this moment meant so much to me! :)
Meet the Santoses by the pool.  By the way, the pool is covered by layers of canvass to protect guests from the scorching heat of the sun.  
Let me also share with you one of the best inventions in the outdoor activity department for babies: The Neck Floater.  Oh em geeeeee..... just look at my bebe enjoying his time moving around in the pool.  With supervision, baby could be left swimming by himself.  Watch in amazement while he kicks and moves his arms, tilt his head a bit (as if going for the backstroke!).  Galing!  I bought this Mambobaby Neck Floater on Shopee by the way.
THE BEACH
The Waters Beach Resort was fully booked at that time but still their beachfront wasn't crowded.  I guess it's because there's a lot of space in resort.
I love this one-piece swimsuit I bought in SM Store by the way.  It hides what mommies want to be hidden.  It's sporty at the back and feminine in front, which strikes a good balance.
OVERALL REVIEW
Since I've never been to other resorts in Bataan, I cannot compare it to other nearby resorts, there are too many actually.  But if I compare it to others I stayed in Laiya, Waters Beach Resort is actually at par and could be even better (than a few) in terms of facilities, room/resort space, cleanliness, and ambiance.  Room amenities are complete.  Your stay will be welcomed warmly by their friendly and courteous staff.  You definitely get what you paid for.  If you're looking for a quiet destination that's family-friendly and not located in the south, then I highly recommend Waters Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan.

For room rates, other inquiries, and reservation, you may call the owner Ms. Dell Waters at  0918-4581236 or like and message them also on Facebook.


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My 8 Realizations About Breastfeeding And Some Quick Tips

June 16, 2017, 2:02 am
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Hi there!  My youngest is turning one year old next month and I can proudly say that he's exclusively breastfed as I write this.  It's a decision I made with my husband and I'm happy he's very supportive of this route because it's every breastfeeding mom's ultimate wish to have their husband's full support.
But getting to where I am right now was not an easy feat for me.  There were a lot of pains, sacrifices, semi-embarrassments, lifestyle adjustments, mental and emotional stress, and physical changes to get to the stage I am now.
I think in my blog, I've written about this topic once or twice pa lang.  I wrote about my experience on breastfeeding the first few months of my baby's life, my breastfeeding essentials, and my painful experience when my baby was confined due to my spoiled breast milk.  And since then, I carried on my breastfeeding journey and shared about it through my Instagram photos or stories.  You may view some using this hashtag on my Instagram Account: #MPBreastfeedingJournal#MPBreastfeedingJourney

I'm no breastfeeding expert and I don't know if this is right or wrong, but I've set sort of an end goal to my breastfeeding journey.  I said to myself and to practically everyone who asked, that I'm giving it a YEAR.  And time flies indeed really fast because that timeline I've set is coming in a few weeks from now.  It's tearing me apart, should I continue, should I stop.  I feel guilty if I would stop but ONE YEAR of exclusive breastfeeding is already great and a milestone to celebrate!  I'll let you know once I cross the bridge.
For now let me share with you my thoughts and experiences on breastfeeding.
  1. It's a choice.  Oh yes, it definitely is.  A mother or an expert cannot impose to another mother how she plans to feed her baby.  Para sa akin, having breast milk is indeed a blessing!  I can say I am blessed just enough to feed my baby and give him the nourishment he needs while growing up from newborn to an infant.  It's a choice I made with my husband to embark on this journey.  It's a choice I carefully made to endure some pain (sometimes on my breasts at my back, etc), adjust my lifestyle, and whatever breastfeeding would require me to be.  Not all moms have milk.  Not all moms who have milk want to do it.  Not all moms who have milk and breastfeeds are able to do it with a breeze.  I can say, to each her own.  It's a choice.  Whatever a mom's choice is, as long as baby is well-fed and of course loved, it wouldn't make her less of a mother.  Right?
  2. It is a solid commitment. Waahh!  Totoo super!  I work full time and still exclusively breastfeed.  Some say superwoman.  No.  My ONE year breastfeeding goal is what kept me going and kept me committed to this choice, this journey.  It's not easy.  For a working mom like me, imagine my daily routine:  Direct latch at home - Bring office bag and breast pump to work - Pump three (3) times a day - Store breast milk properly in the office - Bring home the bacon the milk - Store in the ref (transfer to bottles) - Clean and sterilize the breast pump accessories - Direct latch at home.  REPEAT for five days.  There were days that I had to pump in my post because the lactation room is blockbuster full, pila balde!  There were days I had to pump during meetings kasi puno na talaga and I cannot defer my pumping schedule.  There were days I attend an event and had to request a quiet corner to pump.  There were days I missed on a pump schedule and feel guilty or pain in my breasts.  You get what I mean?  If you're committed to breastfeed you really have to adjust schedule, sacrifice some normal activities to give way to your new normal, be extra clean because you're going to handle your baby's food, and just stick to your goal to make it all happen.  This commitment also sometimes may cost you to buy supplements, lactation treats and anything that will help you boost or at least sustain your milk. 
  3. Experience differs from one mom to another.  I couldn't stress this any further.  Every dede is different from another, to say it bluntly.  Some over-produce, some (like me) just enough or struggling to get enough, and some, drops na lang per mommy-boobie.  So if you have breastfeeding kumares who are nailing it and producing more than 20 oz a day, don't feel bad about yourself.  The mere fact that you've committed to breastfeeding and is producing the liquid gold is enough to say that you're doing your best for your baby and giving him/her the best.  And when you feel bad, just think of this, my right breast is gigantic while the left is an average,  My breasts are lopsided. As in super halata and there are times I really feel bad looking at the mirror and staring at my breasts, I know that this phase too shall pass.  At least, my baby gets the best nourishment from me.  Yun na lang.
    4. Thankful for a supportive company and colleagues.  Here I am, pumping in my post. and it's okay. 
  4. It is easier when you have full support of family, friends and colleagues.  I am happy I'm blessed with a supportive environment.  My husband, my dad and sibs, my in laws, my friends (both married and single), and lalo na colleagues are supportive of my decision to breastfeed.  Imagine at work, I had to be late at times in meetings because pumping is not yet done.  I also excuse myself three times a day to pump.  With supportive people around you, not only you get to adjust with your new normal, but they too.  Imagine if I don't have their approval, paano na?  I might just leak in meetings or feel so guilty for excusing myself to pump or feel embarrassed. So I really wish this for all breastfeeding moms!
    5. Breastfeeding in a salon and many other public places and it's all good!
  5. It is now widely accepted publicly and digitally.  Oh yes!  I feed my baby in restaurants, in cinemas, in just about anywhere na maabutan ng gutom my little one because he's hungry for crying out loud.  I don't wait til I get to the nearest lactation or nursing room in the mall.  I practically strike anywhere.  Though there's still a percentage of the population who find breastfeeding in public a taboo, I really don't care. hahaha!  Well, I bring a nursing cover with me everywhere so I could discretely breastfeed.  My husband is quite conservative as well and he's not comfortable for other people to pleasurably (LOL!) view my booby skin.  Digitally, it's widely accepted.  You'd see blogs, websites, online communities, groups, online shops, forums, and classes on everything breastfeeding.  Compared to a decade ago, ibang iba na ngayon.  That's why it's easier to feed just about anywhere right now because there's a higher level of awareness and acceptance on breastfeeding. Hello, mga artistas nga diba?  They proudly post about it online.
  6. It helps you with attachment parenting.  My little one is the most attached among his brothers at his age and I can feel just how much he adores me and NEEDS me.  I guess it has a lot to do with the scent of the breast milk on me, the precious direct latching moments, and the skin-to-skin closeness during breastfeeding.
  7. It saves you thousands of pesos. This is so true.  Need I say more?  Want to be practical or economical or you're very budget conscious?  I suggest you also breastfeed.  Let me do the math (kahit hindi ako magaling sa math, slight lang.)  If let's say conservatively, a can of milk which usually lasts a week would cost around 900, then in a year of breastfeeding, I had saved a total of (P900 x 4 weeks x 12 months) = Php 43,200.00.  Not bad!
  8. A well-performing breast pump extends a working mom's breastfeeding journey. Choose wisely.  Naku, I've heard a lot of both horror and beautiful stories about a breastfeeding mom's relationship with their breast pumps.  I hear about these stories from the lactation room in the office, from forums and groups online as well.  More than 70% of the stories from moms use and are all praises about their Medela breast pump.  I am a part of that joyful percentage!  I've flooded my IG stories, my IG feed, and my Facebook page as well about how much I looooove my Medela Swing Maxi double electric breast pump (for all of you asking, I got it from The Parenting Emporium).  The choice of breast pump for me shouldn't be based on the price or on the level of force to suck out all the milk in your breasts but leave you injured or in pain.  Important: Your choice of breast pump should be based on 1) Quality; 2) One that mimics the natural sucking motion of your baby; 3) Has personal fit of breast shields available for you - again, not all dedes are the same hehe! (Read #3); 4) Has a friendly and even very personal customer servicing and caring; 5) Has FREE breast pump cleaning during its warranty period; and 6) Yun nga, should have a warranty.  Medela breast pumps bought at The Parenting Emporium passed all these 6 personal qualifications.  I had a great experience when I went back to have my pump checked when I noticed that the other side isn't working optimally (not pumping enough).  Thorough diagnosis was done and the tubing was replaced without any charge!  And if your pump motor needs to be fixed, they will let you borrow a working unit!  Grabe the full support of The Parenting Emporium to breastfeeding moms, they even have series of Breastfeeding Class!  I'll share more about this on another post.  Anyway, a breast pump could actually make or break your breastfeeding journey (especially if you're a full-time working mom like me who heavily relies on breast pump in the office to produce breast milk).  A good breast pump is definitely a great partner in your journey.  A good breast pump will help you prolong your breastfeeding timeline even if there may be many challenges a long the way.  I'm happy with my choice of breast pump, the Medela Swing Maxi double electric breast pump.
My trusted Medela Swing Maxi Double electric breast pump
Notice that my left and right outputs aren't the same?  It happens, it's normal and it's okay.  Here's my ever dependable Medela Swing Maxi double electric breast pump which I bought from The Parenting Emporium.
In this photo, I used HoneySuckle breastmilk Storage Bag available at The Parenting Emporium too.  But I've also used other brands such as Avent, and SunMum,
Soooo, now that my little one is turning one in a few weeks, let me sum up my exclusive breastfeeding journey in one word: FULFILLING.  I feel so fulfilled as a mother that I know in my heart and my mind that I am giving the best nourishment, the best milk there ever will be in the universe to my baby, that I am giving him a miraculously produced milk from my own body.  Nakakakilabot because it's God's gift to us mothers, to be able to feed our babies with a personally designed milk for them coming from our very own bodies.  That's how breastfeeding has been for me and still is as I write this and I feel joy in my heart right now that I am able to share my journey with you all.

QUICK MOMMY TIPS TO BREASTFEEDING:
Before I end my post, here are some of my quick tips lang to moms who want to breastfeed or is already breastfeeding, NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF to another mom.  Each breastfeeding mom is different from you and me and comparing ourselves to others would sometimes just make us feel down.  So please don't.  

Just stay committed to breastfeed, eat well (you may try lactation treats such as Mommy Treats!), drink a lot of water and eat more soup-based food, take malt-based drinks/food (there are a lot available in the market in forms of chocolate drinks or treats) GO for fresh Malunggay or malunggay capsules (I take Mega-Malunggay by V-Pharma for those asking), proper storage and expiration of breastmilk should be strictly observed (I learned this the hard way, huhuhu!), direct latch more often if you can, stay stress-free as much as possible, and lastly, celebrate yourself for doing this for your baby!

HAPPY BREASTFEEDING!!!! :) 
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    When Repelling Isn't Enough, Use ADVANCED Aerosole

    June 16, 2017, 11:14 am
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    "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Kaaaaaa..." is not a song I want to sing to mosquitoes pestering us this rainy season!  Ang dami nilaaaa... and I HATE mosquitoes sobra!  In somehow the same intensity, I also hate roaches and flies.

    Ang nega ng starting statement of this post, pero sige, who loves them?  May kilala ka?  Hahaha!

    This rainy season, there are a lot of diseases and allergies that may rise and one of the common and fearful diseases is Dengue.  And where do you get Dengue?  From Dengue-carrying mosquito bites.  It's something I'm serious about especially I have kids.  I think everyone should take this seriously whether you're a parent or not.  It poses a risk on our health which could even cause death.  Nakakatakot talaga.

    The mosquito eggs kasi are laid in water, lalo na in stagnant water.  This happens a lot more when it's the rainy season because we sometimes don't notice the water filled and stagnated in some containers outside our homes.  I've done everything I can in my powers to repel these disease carrying mosquitoes.  I've used insect repellent lotions, citronella candles, citronella oils, insect repellent sprays, insect repellent patches, to prevent mosquito bites.

    But to repel is not enough for me, both mosquitoes and roaches, and even the pester flies.  I need to get rid of them.  But I cannot always clap without rhythm in the air and catch the mosquitoes to kill them.  I also cannot always hit roaches with the nearest footwear I could get my hands on and hear the splat of its roach juice.  And I cannot always roll a newspaper to swap the irritating flies whenever I'm in the middle of a meal.  Nakaka-stress yun!  Plus kadiri too diba?

    Buti na lang I now have a license to KILL!!! The license was given to me by ADVANCED Aerosol Multi-Insect Killer and ADVANCED Aerosol Mosquito Killer.
    I don't know if you'd find it weird but I take pleasure in seeing these dangerous and filthy insects eradicated - as in DEAD.  I've long stopped using aerosols because it smells awful when sprayed into the air or the corners of the house.  Some brands promise to be odorless, but actually they're not.  Since I have kids, the scent of chemical may also be dangerous to them.

    With ADVANCED Aerosols, odorless talaga sila!  Amazing lang.  There are two variants by the way, one is solely dedicated to killing mosquitoes.  This is the one that comes in yellow cover/top.
     The other one with blue top is an multi-insect killer.  This one's a tough weapon against the pests like cockroaches and flies and also effective against mosquitoes.
     I call these my lifesavers, my weapons against these unwelcome pests inside the house which may endanger the lives of my family, lalo na mga kids.

    There are four things I like about ADVANCED Aerosoles and these are:
    #1 It's the FIRST real Odorless Multi-Insect Killer that began the odorless fight against mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies.  It is tries and tested to be effective making it the trusted choice by many when it comes to eradicating insects.

    #2 It's FAST in knocking out and killing the insects because of its fast-acting ingredients which delivers 100% knockdown against disease carrying mosquitoes (Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya) and cockroaches (Sepsis, Leprosy, and Diarrhea).  One session of spraying of ADVANCED at home, you'll see the knocked down insects on the floor.

    #3 It's ODORLESS.  One of my fears using insect sprays is the foul odor of the chemical.  But when I tried ADVANCED the first time two years ago, wow, it's a real deal odorless talaga. It's proven to be a powerful weapon against dangerous insects without the irritating smell which is offensive to our sensitive noses, especially the kids.

    #4 It's BUDGET-FRIENDLY - Practical moms would agree that we want a product that is proven to be effective in doing its job without hurting our pockets right? Well for insect killers, this is a perfect choice.  Compared to other brands, this is very economical which comes in different sizes: 600ml, 500ml, and 300ml.  Swak siya talaga sa budget!

    Tips for using ADVANCED Aerosole:

    1. Shake well before using.
    2. Spray directly at mosquitoes/roaches/flies or into the air.  I say the most common area they hang out are in the bathroom, the laundry area, and garden.  These areas are damp, mosquitoes favorite place.  For cockroaches, they could be found in dark like the kitchen, under the refrigerator or stove, in cabinet voids.  So spray there!
    3. For best results and longer lasting effect, close all doors and windows before spraying, then wait for 30 minutes before re-entering the sprayed area.
    4. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
    5. Don't spray near humans, pets, food, and utensils.  
    6. Make sure you wash hands thoroughly after spraying.
    7. Store properly away from children's reach and in a dry and cool place.
    8. It's flammable so don't throw empty can into fire.
    So there mommies, you now have a license to KILL with Multi-Insect Killer and ADVANCED Aerosol Mosquito Killer. Available in leading supermarkets nationwide.  For more information about this product, visit www.neumannphilippines.com or email customercare@neumann.com.ph.
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