Neo’s 4th Birthday Celebration

My darling little, no-longer-a-baby, boy turned four years old last December 8.  Hooray, we already have a preschooler.  But on the other side, I feel so sad that my Neo is no longer a baby.  Time flies so fast.  Really fast.  

I wish I could stop, or maybe slow down, the time to savor his entire baby to toddler moment a little bit more.  Much as I am so proud of all his milestones and progress, there will always be a time of the day when I stop and think that how did all these things happen in a blink of an eye?  When did my baby, who knows nothing but sleep, eat, and poop, learned the art of recall?  How did he learn to remember that when he was 2 years old, we gave him a Pocoyo party?  Or the Thomas and Friends party he had when he was 3 years old?  This little guy amazes me more and more each day.

And because he recalls all his past birthdays, save for his first one, he now have a standard on where he based his 4^th birthday celebration.  The hubby and I don’t really have a plan for his birthday because 1) we are busy workwise and 2) Neo is already 4 years old so we don’t think a party is something of a necessity.  But then, our little boy started telling us he wanted a Mcqueen themed celebration AND he wanted to blow his cake in his classroom.  No parent will have a heart to say no to a request like that, right?

So a week before Neo’s birthday, we searched for Mcqueen decors we could use around the house and we had a hard time.  Apparently, Lightning Mcqueen is no longer the fad for boys during birthdays.  It’s either Avengers or Jack the Pirate.  So a day before Neo’s birthday, we scoured World Bazaar for Mcqueen toys we can use as cake topper and printed birthday banner for Neo.

We had two small celebrations.  One in Neo’s classroom where we brought Jollibee meal for the kids, teachers, and staffs, and a small cake where he blew his candles after his classmates sang him a birthday song.

The second small celebration is in our home.  We served home-cooked food.  We decorated the place with balloons and a small highway (made of black cartolina and double-sided adhesive, an idea I got from Topaz Mommy). 

My little boy was a happy kid on that day.  And as parents, my husband and I, are happier.  Happy Birthday Neo!  Please don’t grow up so fast, anak.

Merry Christmas!

An Afternoon of Pampering at UPHDS MedSpa

Last November 30, I was invited by UPHDS MedSpa to try their services through Mommy Bloggers Philippines.  The invitation couldn’t be of better timing as I just finished our 10K run for Race for Life 2015. 

My appointment was scheduled at 12pm.  I brought the hubby along so I wouldn’t have a hard time using the public transport (as we came from Cavite).  We didn’t have a hard time finding the place.  UPHDS MedSpa has a very strategic location.  It is situated at University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center at Las Pinas along Alabang-Zapote Road.

I was then welcomed by UPHDS MedSpa’s staffs.  They asked me what type of services I would want to avail.  I initially thought they already have lined-up services for me to try, but I was informed that they were quite tight on schedule that day since it was a holiday which I understand naman.  UPHSD MedSpa needs prior reservation for any services you want to avail.  You might have a hard time if you will just walk in.  You can call 02-874-8515 local 449 and 450 for reservations.

Lancaster New City’s Christmas Light Show

Last Saturday, I was invited by Lancaster New City to experience their Christmas Light Show, and because I live near the area and Christmas Light Show is something I know my little boy would enjoy, who am I to say no?

Just a brief background, Lancaster New City is Pro-Friends’ (Property Company of Friends) flagship development.  It sprawls in a vast area of more than 1,4oo hectares.  I would pass by a certain area of Lancaster New City to and from my daily work commute, but this is the first time I was able to tour the place.  I say a certain area because Lancaster New City’s 1,4oo hectares span across the municipalities of Kawit, Imus, and Gen. Trias in Cavite.  

Before the start of the Christmas Light Show, we were given a chance to tour the whole place.  A vast majority of the area is allotted for residential properties.  With its location only 6.5km away from Cavitex Kawit Toll Exit, it’s a very ideal place to LIVE.  

Some of the beautiful model houses we toured.

Part of the tour was visiting St. Edward’s Community Schools, a school that offers quality, affordable, and progressive type of education.  Community schools because all schools are strategically located within the residential area so children can easily walk to school to LEARN.

Still in its early stages of building, is the SunTech iPark.  It will be 10 2-storey buildings where residents can have the option to WORK minutes away from their homes.

This is the back portion of The Square at Lancaster.  The building being constructed is SunTech iPark’s building one.)

Already operational is the Square of Downtown Lancaster where residents don’t need to travel to shop their groceries, eat in restaurants, pay their bills, and PLAY with their kids as the Square offers it all.  Special celebrations can also be enjoyed at Leighton Hall, a community center. 

And of course, who can miss the very beautiful Church of the Holy Family where Sunday masses and religious activities are held.  From weddings, to baptisms, even a minute of PRAYer can be done in this church.

Now, back to the Christmas Light Show, a new and exciting Christmas demonstration where Pro-friends delivers a happy Christmas experience to Lancaster New City residents and their friends.  It offers 3 main attractions: the Christmas Light Show, Bazaar, and Banchetto which was established to bring delight to the children and young-at-heart.

Live, Learn, Work, Play, and Pray

The Christmas Light Show at Lancaster New City can be enjoyed by families every weekend from November 28 to January 3 from 6pm to 10pm.  Families and friends may enjoy 20-minute light show with 30-minute interval per show.  The area is designed with colorful Christmas decors where you can take pictures and selfies.

The Bazaar and Banchetto is opened during weekends from 10am to 10pm where families can eat good food and delight in some Christmas shopping.  And you can also take part of the Simbang Gabi which will be held at The Church of the Holy Family from December 16-23.

My little guy enjoying the place.

You can view a snippet of what you can see at the Christmas Light show below.  And yes, because Lancaster New City is a Family Friendly City, I brought my family along. J

www.lancasternewcity.com.ph

www.facebook.com/lancasternewcityofficial

Race for Life 2015

Race for Life is a fund raising activity for Real Life Foundation.  Real Life Foundation is a foundation under Victory Church (Every Nation Philippines).  One of its main purposes is to help children pursue their education.

The only picture I have with Real Life Foundation banner – and nakapikit na, may photo bomber pa. 

We are a member of Victory Church so we wanted to help and we love to run.  We were a bit late in registering, some 2 weeks before the actual run, and thus, I was unfortunate to get a bigger-than-my-physique shirt which is quite uncomfortable while running.

The race bib and shirt included were inserted in a brown envelope with a print of RUNRIO.  I was quite disappointed with the race kit.  This race is the most expensive race I have registered to but the race kit was the simplest of them (Php1ooo for 10k).  I then found out that 50% of the proceeds will go to REAL LIFE Foundation, so I feel better na.

The race kit. 

The race was set on November 30.  We chose to run 10K this time.  Gun start for 10K is at 5AM.  We arrived at SM Mall of Asia minutes before 5AM and we had a hard time with the parking.  We were able to run at 5K gun start.   This race has the most number of runners of all the races I joined.  15ooo registered runners.  Wow.

The run started at Seaside area (Vikings MOA area) going to Senate back to Macapagal road going to World Trade, then going to CCP coursing Roxas Blvd up to Quirino and back.  If you are familiar with the place, you’d instantly know that the race area was quite smelly. 

But with all the issues I had, I honestly have so much fun in this run.  This is because I get to help while doing something I like.  And I’ll be running again next year for Race for Life 2016 J

Another race finished! 

Divisoria Christmas Decors Shopping

Neo is 4 years old.  He is no longer a stranger to what Christmas means to kids – that is gift giving and Christmas decors.  As early as October, when a lot of areas (from our neighbors to the malls to wherever we bring him, even in television) have been putting up Christmas decors, Neo would always bug all of us that it’s pasko already, and he’ll be grabbing our Christmas decors stocks under the stairs. 

Because we were all busy with work, decorating our house went below our to-do list.  Christmas décor shopping was not a priority.  I would browse at malls for Christmas decors – particularly Christmas tree - but would not buy one because we weren’t decided yet to get one.  We will be using it for years so we needed something that’s durable.  So when we finally decided on what Christmas tree we wanted, the malls no longer has stock for it L

That is when the hubby and I agreed to visit Divisoria.  We were up so early so as not to get stuck in traffic.  We parked at the Lucky China Town.  Parking rates before mall hours is Php1oo for the first 3 hours and Php5o each hour after (if it’s mall hours: Php5o for the first 3 hours and Php2o each hour after).  The hubby wanted a secure place to park the car because he’d rather pay the parking fee than pay the damage of parking unsecured.

We toured Divisoria in finding the perfect Christmas tree for our home.  And I was really glad we did.  Why?  The Christmas tree I was eyeing at the mall is a 7ft needle type green-colored tree.  It costs Php3,899.oo at the mall.   We were able to buy the same kind of tree at Divisoria for only Php1,4oo.oo! J 

Christmas Trees in different variants, colors, and sizes.

And thanks to saving a lot from the Christmas tree, I was able to buy some Christmas decors too.  And since I saw a lot of Michaela outlet stalls at 168, I decided to buy something for gifts well.  But of course the little boy got a treat too J

Here’s our shopping lot that day.

7ft Needle Type Christmas tree costing Php1,4oo.

Garlands (Php13o per bundle) and poinsettias  (Php15o-2oo for 12pcs).

Christmas tree decors at 3 for Php1oo.

Michaela loots.  Sorry, can’t show the exact thing because I’m giving it as a gift.

And our Christmas tree J

The little boy just wanted a picture beside the tree.

Happy Holidays!

Happy 4th Birthday, Neo!

Four years ago, our house was so still and quite.  Now it’s chaos everywhere.

Four years ago, our house was so clean and it looks so pure.  Now its toys and food crumbles everywhere.

Four years ago, I shop for my clothes, shoes, bags, and all for me.  Now I go directly to the kids section and find something for little boys.

Four years ago, I don’t bother if the refrigerator has food or not, we can always eat out.  Now, our refrigerator is full of everything a little kid would need and want to eat.

Four years ago, I choose where I want to eat whenever we’re out.  Now Jollibee and McDonald’s is where we eat most of the time.

Four years ago, I love to take on any daredevil and dangerous activity because I want to experience it.  Now I need to think twice and a lot more times, because I cannot be risking my life or health.

Four years ago, I don’t mind if I am home early or not.  Now I make sure to go home as early as I can because someone’s waiting for my arrival.

These are just some of the changes I experienced since four years ago.   Because four years ago, my life literally turned upside down.  But I am not complaining.  The reason of the change has made me so happily blessed.  I cannot ask for a better blessing.  Thank you, Neo, for coming into Mama’s life and making Mama one blessed person.  Happy Birthday!

MBC-DZRH DESISYON 2016 Pre-Election Survey

If you are a follower of my blog, you’d instantly realized that I wasn’t able to blog as often last November.  The reason is the above title.

I work for a big broadcasting company here in the Philippines.  Since 2004, the company has been doing election surveys and since I’m one lucky woman, I am tasked to spearhead this election’s series of surveys (so if you feel that I'm MIA again in the blogging world, you already know what I'm busy about LOL).

We covered the whole of the Philippines and included all regions and provinces.  As far as I know, we have the most number of respondents equating to 7,436 (with NCR at 953, and the rest of the Philippines at 6,483) with the lowest margin of error at +/- 1.14%.

Without further ado, here are the survey results from our Desisyon 2016 Pre-Election survey 1^st Wave.

Here are the downloadable links for per region report.

President

Vice-President

Senator

For detailed PR post, you can check out this website: www.dzrhnews.com.

For more information, check out ORB's section on work and job resources. 

Press Release: The Linden Suites

With the numerous hotels in the metro, The Linden Suites stands out as one that offers business or leisure travelers’ world class accommodations and outstanding service.  The functionality and elegance of one of the top hotels in Pasig City is known for having spacious guestrooms.   It currently has 12 types of suites (Deluxe Room, One Bedroom Suites, Two Bedroom Suites, Three Bedroom Suites, and Penthouse Suites), guests also have recreation, dining and health facilities for a well-rounded and relaxing stay. 

The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, all day dining and room service, function spaces that can accommodate small and medium size groups are also available for business meetings and social events.  The Linden Suites is continuously enhancing its facilities such as with the newly refurbished suites complete with kitchen facilities, posh lobby, indoor heated swimming pool and more.  Located in Ortigas Center, major shopping malls and other leisure establishments are easily accessible.  Their in house dine establishment, Mesclun Restaurant And Café offers world-class international cuisine   Guests can unwind at The Linden Suites Health Club which has a fully equipped gym, temperature-controlled indoor pool, jacuzzi hot tub, and a sauna and spa massage. This holiday season, The Linden Suites is offering you the Suite-est Holiday with these special rates.

The Linden Suites 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center,  Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, Philippines Tel: (63 2) 638 7878 Fax: (63 2) 638 7877 | (63 2) 631 6547 Sales@Lindensuites.Com Reservations@Lindensuites.Com

Dengue Prevention

It has been over three months when Neo’s school required them to wear pants whenever they go to school.  No more school uniform.  They can only wear PE Uniform (as it is made of t-shirt and jogging pants) and on some days t-shirt pairing with maong pants.  This is what they call “Dengue Uniform”.  Why?  It is because Cavite has been on Red Alert on Dengue for over three months already. 

Being a paranoid mom, and a firm believer of the proverb “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, I put up all measure to ensure that all of my family members, especially Neo, protected against the deadly dengue.  I’d rather spend a lot on preventing my love ones in acquiring dengue than exhausting all my energies trying to cure them from the disease.  

So what are the different things I did (bought) to help us fight dengue?

Mosquito Patches – even before the dengue red alert, I am a fan of mosquito patches.  I am not sure what’s with Neo, but this little boy is very attractive to mosquito (and all things insects).  He gets bites out of nowhere.  So I love sticking mosquito patches in his clothes, and the cute designs don’t hurt either since he likes them J

Insecticide Sprays – I am a user of insecticide sprays for as long as I can remember.  And I’m not very particular with brands.  As long as the insecticide spray is odorless, I’m good with it J

Citronella Sprays – This is something new I saw in the grocery.  It is something I spray around the house so mosquitoes won’t love our house.

Mosquito Mat – This is also another one I saw in the grocery.  But we only use it during evening.  Just plug it like an appliance (it doesn’t smell so much so I’m not sure if its effective or not).

Citronella Plant – Being a paranoid mom, I also bought a citronella plant.  We replanted small plants to display it at home, but unluckily, it died.  So we just planted one outside and from time to time, we chop off some leaves, mince it and put it in a small jar.  The small jar with minced citronella leaves resides in our pantry.

I am not a fan of anti-mosquito lotions, but when Neo was still a toddler, I normally slather him with it.  I think I should bring back the habit.  How about you?  Can you suggest some more tips to help me fight dengue within our household?

Happy Wife, Happy Life

It’s November again, the time of the year when Leo and I would attend the yearly marriage seminar sponsored by our church, Victory Dasmarinas.  This year’s marriage seminar is entitled “Happy Wife, Happy Life” – and that is because our speaker was none other than Chinkee Tan, the wealth and life coach.

Even though both Leo and I were dead tired the night before (I just came back from official work travel to Cagayan de Oro and my patient husband fetch me from NAIA after 2 hours flight delayed), we were all set to attend.  We were a bit late but my parents saved both of us a seat.

Chinkee Tan generously gave us advice regarding marriage.  He tackled all about the myths of marriage, the dos and donts, and a lot more.  The seminar was set for 3 hours only (very bitin).  But with all the points Chinkee discussed about marriage, all I remembered are the three points he focused on as the reasons why marriage fails.

Lack of Communication – At the beginning of the seminar, Chinkee asked the audience on what they can say as the perfect marriage.  Most of the participants answered: a perfect marriage is one with a lot of good communication.  Men and women are created differently.  The only way we can meet halfway is by communicating.

Lack of Intimacy – Intimacy equals to S-E-X.  Yes, this is a very vital part of any marriage.  And I don’t think it needs any more explanation.

Lack of Money – More than 50% of failed marriages are due to lack of money.  

Our marriage isn’t perfect – far from it, actually.  We fight and we argue because we are not perfect individuals and because we were brought up differently.  But putting God in the center of our marriage has not only helped us, but became the binding force of our marriage.  Attending marriage seminars yearly also helps us understand each other more and reminds us how we may not be perfect individuals but are perfect for each other.

Colorum Hulihan Diaries

If you live in Cavite area, more or less (or maybe daily) you have already ridden a colorum vehicle – either bus, jeepney, or vans.  No matter how good a Filipino citizen we want to become and not patronize illegal (because colorums are illegal) there will be a time you will because of a lot of reasons – convenience is one of them.

Now, I admit to be commuting to work most of the time, lately through a colorum vehicle.   And there are a lot of times that these colorum vehicles will have their own unlucky day and be caught by authorities (LTO, LTFRB, TMO, etc.).  Let me recount to you the times I was unlucky enough to be riding in one of those vehicles.

Hindi pa nakakadalawang ikot ang gulong.

Isa ako sa pinakaunang pasahero ng van at dahil hindi aandar ang van ng hindi puno, nagantay ako ng 20-30 minutes.  Nang mapuno ang van at ready ng umalis, hindi pa nakakadalawang ikot ang gulong ng colorum na van, hinarang na ng LTO.  Inutusan kaming mga pasaherong bumaba ng van.  Nang tanungin kung san kami sasakay na, patay malisya si kuyang LTO personnel.  Ang Ending: Hinuli si kuyang driver at kinuha ang lisensya nya.

Ang suhulan

Habang binabaybay ang kalsada, pinara ang colorum na van ni kuyang TMO.  Konting usap, konting daldal, para hindi na daw maabala ang lahat, natapos sa Php3oo na suhulan.  (Palagi itong nangyayari sa king sinasakyan).  Ang Ending:  tuloy sa byahe minus lang ng Php3oo sa kita.

Ang Sermon

Habang binabaybay ang kalsada, pinara ang colorum na van ni kuyang TMO.  Hiningi ang lisensya ni kuyang driver ng colorum na van.  Walang maibigay na lisensya si kuyang driver dahil nahuli na sya at traffic violation ticket na lang ang meron sya.  Tinawag ni kuyang TMO ang head office nila.  Si kuyang Head Officer ng TMO nag simulang magsermon kay kuyang driver.  Nagsimula ang sermon sa tamang hangaring makapaghatid ng pasehero sa lugar na pupuntahan pero maling pamamaraan napagitnaan ng sermon sa mga aksidenteng hindi sinasagot ng insurance dahil colorum at natapos ang sermon sa pagpapaubaya at hindi paghuli pero sa susunod  na mahuli ay iimpound na.  Ang parting words ni kuyang Head Officer ng TMO:  matigas ako magsalita dahil Batangueno ako, pero pusong mamon talaga ako.  Ang Ending:  pinaalis kami ni kuyang TMO para ihatid ang pasahero sa dapat puntahan pero dapat gumarahe na pagkatapos.

The Chase

Gamit ang two-way radio, nabalaan na si kuyang driver ng colorum na van na may operasyon ang lto o ltfrb sa Macapagal Blvd.  Pagdating ng Macapagal Blvd, pinara ng LTFRB personnel ang colorum na van, hindi naisip ni kuyang driver na tumigil, kundi pinabilisan ang takbo, zumigzag sa mga posteng ginagawa para sa NAIA flyover, nagcounterflow, umikot pabalik ng Coastal-Cavitex at naabutan ng humahabol at nagwawangwang na LTFRB mobile sa may traffic light.  Hindi ko na nalaman ang ending dahil bumaba na ako sa inis kay kuyang driver – malamang maimpound ang colorum na van at makasuhan si kuyang driver sa dami ng traffic violations nya.

The Legal Franchise

Habang binabaybay ang kalsada, pinara ng TMO ang van.  Hiningi ang papeles ng UV Express.  Binigay ni kuyang driver.  Chineck ni kuyang TMO – kompleto at malinis ang papeles.  Ang Ending:  viola!  Tuloy ang byahe.

The moral of all my stories and experiences is to ride only on vehicles that are not colorum and has complete and clean franchise – if that kind of vehicle is available. 

A Creative Afternoon at Monster Art

Monster Art Creative Learning Playground is a drop-in art and craft play space located at SM Dasmarinas.  It’s a place where children can have fun while they create art.  This wonderful art place was founded by Meely Wang, a Malaysian Chinese.  

Neo and I were invited to try this art place last week.  Because SM Dasmarinas is where I normally go and do my grocery shopping, I dropped by Monster Art by myself.  Diane, Monster Art’s supervisor, greeted me and introduced their products. 

Currently, they have two main products that kids and kids-at-heart can try: the sand art and the scratch art.  Both arts are very easy to do, and kids will definitely enjoy doing it.  Sand Art is done by three easy steps: peeling the sticky area -> pouring colored sand in the sticky area -> repeating the process until done.  The Scratch art is done by one easy step too: Tracing the coated surface by scratching. 

They offer different art products too, like desk calendars you can design your own, sand art clocks, etc.  You can also buy do-it-yourself sand arts so you can do it at home.  Products are surprisingly cheap and easy to do.  They also offer packages for parties (so kids get artistic and busy).

And since I want Neo to try the arts, I brought him the next day.  He was asked to choose the design he wanted to do.  The little boy was very eager at first to try the sand art and scratch art, but he was too besotted by the colored sand that in the end, it was Mama who finished his sand art. 

Good thing, he did the scratch art all by himself.

It was a fun afternoon and I wanted Neo to do this with his Papa (because it’s a very nice bonding activity) that we bought him a sand art to try at home.  J

Monster Art Creative Learning Playground

Lower Ground Floor, SM City Dasmarinas

Facebook: MonsterArt.PH

09177298315

Blogapalooza 2015

Blogapalooza is an annual event focused on helping brands and bloggers to get to know each other.  This is an event where as many as 5oo registered bloggers unite and get to be familiar with different brands.  This is my 3^rd time to attend Blogapalooza that happened last October 25, Sunday at One Esplanade.  You can read my first and second experience here and here, respectively.

And since this is my third year in a row, I already had an idea what to expect and what not to.  What I expected was to get to know different brands and mingle with different bloggers I know online. 

So what can I say about Blogapalooza 2015?

·         Venue:  Blogapalooza 2015 is more different than the Blogapalooza 2013 and 2014 as both were held at SM Aura SMX.  As for Blogapalooza 2015, it was held at One Esplanade, a slightly smaller venue than SM Aura SMX.  Though the place is not crowded, you can really feel the difference on both venues.

·         Theme:  Blogapalooza 2015 is now a themed event  and thus, the brands are more creative with their booths.  The two previous Blogapalooza I attended don’t have a theme and the brands’ booths are just lined up like in the bazaars. 

“Seasons” is this year’s theme.

·         Brands:  Blogapalooza 2015 has fewer brands compared to Blogapalooza 2014 (which by far has the most number of brands participating, in my opnion).  But I felt all the same interactions: only few (I can count by both hand) brand representatives are willing to explain and let bloggers be acquainted to their products.  Most of the brand representatives just let bloggers register and give us tokens in the form of ballpens, pins, etc.  Some would let bloggers play the games they prepared without even explaining the product/brand they have.  They took time explaining the games, not the brands L  Sana they focused on their brands.

I won a game by Victoria Court, one of the brands present at the event.

·         Bloggers:  According to Blogapalooza’s website, more than 600 bloggers registered.  Higher than the past Blogapaloozas I attended.  But the venue was not really crowded, even though it was small.  It must be because the brands are few so some bloggers, like me, didn’t stay too long.

Ace Water Spa was one of the brands who gave out generous freebies. 

·         Food: Blogapalooza 2013 had a catered food, thanks to Congo Grille and Karate Kid who sponsored the lunch.  Overflowing coffee was also served.  For Blogapalooza 2014, Yellow Cab was very generous in sponsoring pizzas.  I was so stuffed fvrom morning to evening because Yellow Cab didn’t run out of pizzas for everyone.  Krispy Kreme was there too to give donuts.  But for Blogapalooza 2015, I wasn’t able to grab a bite (even a small one).  I think there’s a booth that offers free taste of lechon for bloggers but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to taste it. L

That’s my takeaway on Blogapalooza 2015; which is like a comparison of the previous Blogapaloozas I attended.  It’s not the best Blogapalooza, but I’ll surely be going to the next year pa din J