Sign Up Your Kids to FitKids Dance and Yoga

FitKids believes in empowering our children to start living healthy lives as young as possible. There is no better way to introduce them to a healthy lifestyle than now, while they are still young and have not yet developed unhealthy habits.

Check out these dance and yoga classes coming up at Camp Start Mandaluyong and Playworks SM Aura this August and September. When you sign up your kids, you get special deals and treats from their partner brands like Pure Nectar by Fruit Magic, Onelife Studio and DelightPH. See details below.

1. Dance Classes at Camp Start:

- When: August 12, 19, 26, and September 2, 2017 (4 sessions, every Saturdays) 

- Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am 

- Venue: Camp Start- Sikap Street, 614 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong 

- For ages 2 to 7 

- Fee: P1,500.00 per child 

- Contact: 0917-5138377, Email: fitkidsph@gmail.com 

- In Partnership With: Pure Nectar (by Fruit Magic)

Treat: When you sign up, just mention my name and you get P200 worth of Pure Nectar Fruit Magic gift certificates. 

2. Yoga Classes at Playworks SM Aura

- When: September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, November 4, 11, 2017 (8 sessions every Saturdays) - Time:1:00 pm to 2:00 pm 

- Venue: Playworks SM Aura Campus- 6/F SM Aura Tower 

- For ages 1.5 to 7 

- Fee: P5,000.00 per child 

- Contact: 0917-5138377, Email: fitkidsph@gmail.com 

- In Partnership With: Pure Nectar (by Fruit Magic), OneLife Studio, DelightPH

Treat: When you sign up, just mention my name and you get
- Php200 worth of Pure Nectar Fruit Magic gift certificates.  

- A free assessment at OneLife Studio and a 10% off on published rates (except for First Timer promos, Easypay packages, and cannot be used in conjunction with other promos) 

- 10% discount on any regular-sized bottle from DelightPH Homemade Dips (Facebook: /delightph, Instagram: @delightph) 

- First 5 enrolled Subscribers will get 5% off from total fee of yoga class (P4,750 instead of P5,000)

So fun! And hope my kids and I get to meet you in class!

Making Yum Memories with Alaska

Bed time is when we really get to spend quality time with Berry, Xavi and Tepper. 

Our routine usually goes like this: they take a bath after dinner, we read books or watch a show on TV before bed, they drink a glass of milk each, brush their teeth and then we say our evening prayers. This is also the time when they get to share with us the things they are grateful for that day. 

It is also usually sumbungan time amongst them - who annoyed who, who tried to grab someone's book or toy, and all the other highlights of the day.

Luckily, there are days when I get pockets of time where I have no meetings or errands scheduled, and I get to supervise their activities myself. Like when we get to do arts and crafts with them. 

A couple of days back, Alaska Milk sent us an art kit with tumblers and some art supplies. I got Berry and the boys to paint a personalized tumbler. 

Watch this video and see how Berry craftily spent one lazy summer afternoon. Not only did she get entertained, she felt so accomplished with her work, she wanted to use her tumbler and drink milk right away, and it was not even bed time yet. 

 

Days earlier, the boys got to do their own tumblers as well. So fun!

Here's Tepper proudly showing off his finished work!

Xavi is the biggest milk drinker among our kids. He loves milk not just because it's nutritious and will make him grow tall, he actually thinks it's delicious! That's Alaska Powdered Milk, of course ;)

For more about Alaska Powdered Milk, visit their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/alaskamilkphilippines.

Our Sige Sabado Day + Win a Trip to Legoland Malaysia from Breeze

What was it that was said about conquering fears? That you just go ahead and face it head on, right?

Well, that's exactly what I did with Berry & Xavi.

We received a Sige Sabado Playbox from Breeze, filled with crafting supplies enough to last us many Saturdays, and the dare to say "YES to Learnings, YES to Stains!"

But, uhm, we all know that moms hate stains right? It's like our biggest enemy. There's something heartbreaking about seeing grass stains on your son's Gap skinny jeans, or spaghetti sauce dribbling down a pretty smocked dress from Gingersnaps.

Actually, make that spills, sticky goo, or virtually anything that comes from a fun, active childhood.

of course I freaked out, but thank goodness for that Sige Sabado Playbox reminding me to pull myself together and just be a Sige Mom!

But I gamely allowed the kids to open the box, and discover for themselves the mess they can make, I mean the fun that they were about to embark on.

We started off by filling a pot with soil and planting monggo seeds, so they can learn about how plants grow from seeds.

But since it will take days for us to see results, we moved on to the next thing - painting a Harlequin mask!

Masks freak me out too, not as much as stains, but they do. But hey, "Sige ng Sige" dapat!

 should have been a harlequin print, but accidentally colored the white parts, sige lang ng sige!

Berry: I don't want to put the mask on my face, Mom! 

Me: Sige lang, just do it! (Heeheehee)

It turned out pretty nice, if I may say so. Pretty enough to bring to a Venetian Ball perhaps? Haha.

If there's one thing that best represents facing one's fears, it's this mask.

We opened the Sige Sabado Playbox that might as well be Pandora's Box of stains.

We chose to do a Harlequin mask that gave me the shivers while Googling for inspiration (maybe it's from watching too many horror films).

We forged on even if paint was dripping into spaces it shouldn't be dripping into - and you know what?

It was fun!

As for you Dear Readers, why not share your Breeze Sige Sabado moment by uploading it via the Sige Sabado app in Breeze Philippines' Facebook Page? You might just win a trip to LEGOLAND Malaysia! For more details visit Breeze Philippines on Facebook!

Celebrate Easter at Blue Leaf BGC & Aseana

This Sunday, Go Easter Egg Hunting and more at The Blue Leaf McKinley Hill in BGC or at Aseana near MOA!

Tickets are Php600 for kids and Php400 for adults and available at The Blue Leaf, Kiddie-party.com shops in White Plains and Wilson Greenhills or via email at kiddieparty@yahoo.com

For more details, or to book The Blue Leaf for an event, visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/theblueleaf or their website, http://theblueleaf.com.ph

Kiddie Tab on Kids and Technology

Can't seem to manage your kids' use of the iPad?

Well, you don't have to banish it from their sight ever. Exposure to technology is not something to be feared. In fact, studies have shown that kids who use computers exhibit greater gains in intelligence, structural knowledge, problem solving and language skills compared to those who don’t.

“Media is not the enemy,” says Dra. Angela Halili-Jao, head of child and adolescent psychiatry of the UP Manila College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital. “Our children—and grandchildren—would benefit more if we viewed technology as an ally—an aid to learning and the acquisition and mastery of developmental skills.” 

In that case, why not consider getting a more age appropriate tablet for them instead?

Michal Cruz- Ladioray, Head for Strategic Partnerships, of Lifeware Technology, Inc. shared that more and more parents hand over their personal tablets to their children for gaming. “We saw this as an opportunity to encourage parents to introduce technology to their children not just for technology’s sake, but as a tool to improve or develop their kid’s learning. This is where we got the idea to set up Lifeware Technology, Inc. to focus exclusively on products and solutions for education, even for young kids.” 

Enlight Kiddie TAB from Lifeware Technology, Inc. is an 8" proudly Philippine developed educational tabletmodified to ensure a safe, secure, and controlled environment for children 3-8 years old that allows them to learn at their own pace. 

It is loaded with lots of kiddie educational content and learning modules all designed to make learning fun, fast, and effective.

Kids learn the fundamentals of reading, counting, writing, and so much more, with pre-loaded interactive storybooks, songs, and games developed to ensure the most enjoyable learning experience possible for them, and the most worry free and convenient way for you to supervise your child's digital learning process. Through parent control features, you can in fact limit the length of time your kids use their Kiddie TAB by setting the time lock.

Of course, Dr. Halili-Jao encourages parents to supervise their youngsters’ digital play. “They need to ensure that children also have time away from the computer to pick up social skills, explore creativity and survive without a gadget.”

Kiddie TAB is available at select Toy Kingdom stores, and inside Toy Kingdom Express inside The SM Store branches.

For more on Kiddie TAB, visit http://www.kiddietab.com, like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kiddietab and follow @KiddieTAB on Twitter.

Bonding over Ice Cream Cake + An Ice Cream Cake Kit Giveaway!

In the winter of 2008, TIME Style & Design, a supplementary issue of TIME magazine, focused on the changing definition of luxury and the thing that stuck with me most was Maira Kalman's definition - "The only real luxury is TIME."

I think any parent would say the same thing, that every moment spent with our kids, it doesn't matter if they are screaming or wailing and you just want to get the hell out of there, is time well spent. Sometimes when I have to be out and I leave the kids at home, I still end up in a rush to get home and cuddle with my kulit babies. Yes, even if at the moment that I stepped out earlier, I was raring for some "me time".

It is not so much the length of time spent with them that matters though. It is the quality of time spent with the kids that becomes the stuff memories are made of.

Like our trip to the Selecta ice cream factory in Pasig two weeks ago. On behalf of Selecta, Nicole Jacinto invited us over to meet brand managers Earl Keh and Karen Sangalang, who talked to us about their well-loved ice cream, the country's #1 ice cream in fact.

To everyone's delight, Earl took us on a tour of the factory, as seen through the viewing deck. The kids were so excited! Unfortunately there was no production at the time, but at least they got to see where ice cream is made.

The most fun part was when we got to make ice cream cake.

Berry immediately went for the spoons and could not wait to dig into this tub of Selecta Super Thick Classic with chocolate, mantecado and mango ice cream. I am pretty sure she wanted to eat the ice cream, not really make ice cream cake haha.

Amanda Griffin-Jacob was there to personally show us how to make our own ice cream cake and after watching her intently, Berry confidently layered the graham crackers after I scooped out the ice cream.

It really was so easy to make. We started off by layering the casserole dish with graham crackers and scooping out the chocolate ice cream and spreading it evenly in the best way possible across the bed of graham crackers.

We then covered the chocolate ice cream with graham crackers and proceeded to layer and spread mantecado ice cream over that. Added another line of graham crackers....

And topped it off with mango ice cream. Note that this is quite a challenge especially if the ice cream is frozen hard. I ended up with thicker than usual ice cream layers because it was a struggle for me to get the spoon to cut through the ice cream. But then again, the creamier and richer, the better right?

We went back to the candy buffet where Berry decorated her ice cream cake with marshmallows, candy coated chocolates, sprinkles, jellies and fruits.

And this was her design. Tadaaaaa! Yes, she laid out everything all by herself.  Oh and here's a tip - for best results, refrigerate overnight. So the ice cream gets to harden again and you can slice it neatly.

Here's a view from another angle. I can't get over how Berry just thought of this design on the spot.

Now here's a cross section of the ice cream cake. This isn't the one we made though. We got to bring home our ice cream cake, and this was the version that we got to eat right there and then. The verdict? So good! I can't believe how easy this is to make, a three year old can actually do it by herself. With a little help from mom or dad of course.

As for the beam on Berry's face after everyone oohed and aahed at her ice cream cake? Priceless! In fact after we left, Berry wanted to go back to the Selecta ice cream factory so she can make more ice cream cake. Thankfully, its as easy as buying a tub of Selecta Super Thick Classic, a pack of MY San Graham Crackers and we could easily do the same at home.

Now, as for you dear readers, listen up. Selecta is giving away ICE CREAM CAKE KITS which is a box filled with a tub of Selecta Super Thick Classic and 2 packs of graham crackers to 2 of my readers, so you can make ice cream cake at home too! I promise, the kids will love you for this. Here's how to join:

1. Email me a photo of your family showing how you bond with your kids. It can be as simple as watching movies at home, eating out, or traveling to a different country. It really is up to you! My email is manilafashionobserver@gmail.com and the subject is: Selecta Ice Cream Sarap ng Weekend x "Your Family Name"

2. Leave a comment on this post so I know that I should expect an email from you.

3. I will choose a winner by Sunday, June 16. I will make arrangements to have the ice cream sent to your home by the coming week so that by Friday, you can look forward to making ice cream cake with the kids.  For sure, sarap ng weekend!

Can't wait to see your entries!

UPDATE: Congratulations to the winners: HEILYN NGO & MELISSA SIMEON! I am sure you will enjoy making ice cream cake with the kiddos! =)

It's a Breeze with My Masterpiece

In a perfect world, everything is like a scene out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Gorgeous family. Clean, crisp clothes. Not a strand of hair out of place. It's like they got everyone from wherever it was they were coming from - the boys from the polo field, the kids from the shore, the women from the tennis court, and quickly assembled themselves just outside their Hamptons home for a quick family photo. 

But the fact of the matter is, real life is nowhere near as perfect. There would be sweaty shirts, beer bellies, grass stains on the little boy's jeans, ice cream drips on the little girl's white dress. And at least one sullen-faced family member who hates having his/her photo taken. Haha.

Now getting a gorgeous family isn't that easy, especially if gorgeousness is not in the genes. Ahahaha. It's either you adopt some pretty darn good-looking kids and get them to marry good-looking partners so you get a gorgeous family in this lifetime or spend a fortune getting everyone's noses fixed. But man, how superficial is that? It's just like telling your kids not to play with paint, or roll in the grass so they don't get dirty. 

I think that's the point Breeze and My Masterpiece was trying to drive at when the SoMoms were invited to a fun day of yoga, art and swimming in Nuvali.

The kids & moms did yoga with Teacher Anna

The kids about to make a rainbow wheel with Teacher Kara

Berry how fun! Oh look, orange paint about to drip on your white pants! Ahaha! (read as nervous laughter)

The rainbow wheel, almost done

Berry & Gabbie inside the SoKids' masterpiece! Sige sa Mantsa!

Did the parents & kids have fun? You betcha!

"I want to go back, Mommy!" Berry told me on our way home. Well, our Nuvali activity was just a one day thing, but we will be seeing more of My Masterpiece. Apart from their ongoing activities for kids, they host kiddie parties and prepare activities for the young guests. In fact, we are getting My Masterpiece to host Xavi's 1st birthday party. Judging by how Berry became a big fan of yoga in a single session, I just know Teacher Anna & Teacher Kara could keep the kids highly entertained. You might want to consider them too for your own parties?

You know, when we got home that afternoon, all that Berry would talk about was the yoga poses she learned from Teacher Anna, and how very, very happy she was that she got to spread paint with her hands. Small pleasures that we can actually do at home, any time. Did I just say any time? 

Yes kids. Bring on the paint! Stomp on puddles! Roll in the mud! Swim in grape juice! Grab those Sharpies and draw on our bed sheets! But not on Frette and Pratesi sheets, honeys.

I was just joking about the sheets part. Smother us with stains! Experiential learning ba kamo? Sige lang ng sige!

*Uy, Yaya, itago na ang Sharpies!*

Mommy Mundo Expo Kid 2013

Mudrabelles (ala Karotitay)! Watcha doin' this Saturday? I suggest you check out Mommy Mundo's Expo Kid Year 5 happening tomorrow at 500 Shaw Events Pavilion on Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong! (see map below for directions)

I am going to be there with Berry, because there's plenty of fun for kids in store. Xavi might pop in for a quick visit too! So we hope to see you there!

The event is open to the public with a minimal entrance fee of 20 pesos per person, but you may also get in free if you pre-register by emailing registration@mommymundo.com. Entrance fee proceeds will benefit MomShare outreach projects.

So what's in store for you when you go?

Expo Kid 2013 will feature major interactive activity areas for kids where they can try out crafting stations from Craft MNL, check out the fun learning modules on Jakenpoy.com, music, arts and sports activities from Kids Klub as well as Crayola. There are more booths from other activity providers from all over Metro Manila, as well as a shopping bazaar which is Mommy Mundo’s trademark mompreneur market featuring more than 40+ booths onsite (hint: Grandma's products, Vapor Soove, Aquasana and Boogie Wipes will be there), and more!

• Onstage program featuring the following: Talented performances and demos from Kids Klub such as Julie Borromeo Performing Arts, New York Musical Theater Lab by Miguel Braganza, My Talent by Audie Gemora, the Philippine Gymnastics Academy, Taekwondo by Coach Donnie Geisler, Mathemagis - Singapore Math, KidzArt, Aikido, and Kindermusik by Teacher Suzette & Friends. 
• A multi-arts show from My Masterpiece Movement 
• Informative talks for moms courtesy of the Learning Basket and Wonderworld Toys: Celebrating your child's milestones. 
• Fun and educational demos will be facilitated by Jakenpoy.com and CRAFT MNL featuring screen printing Demonstration and Heritage Craft.

Expo Kid 2013 is set to be a kids’ haven and a great way for parents and kids to discover what activities to get into this summer!

This event is produced by Mommy Mundo, the go-to resource for active and modern moms. Co-presented by PACE, Mommy Matters. In partnership with Jackenpoy.com, CRAFT MNL, Crayola& Kids Klub with the participation 500 Shaw Events Pavilion as our venue partner. Supported by Cycles&Cradle, Parteiziet and Crystal Clear. Media partners, Manila Bulletin, Sense & Style, Smart Parenting, the Style Weekend, Working Mom, Lifestyle Network, Urban Mom, www.mommypages.com.ph and Crossover 105.1 FM.

Underwater World in Sentosa

A few weeks ago, we hied off to Sentosa to bring Berry to Underwater World. Parents, if you are not planning to spend the whole day baking under the Singapore sun but want to bring the kids somewhere interesting other than the zoo or the beach, this is the place to go.

For one, the oceanarium has a/c, and you can spend a good afternoon in there checking out all sorts of underwater creatures. Underwater World Singapore is home to 500 marine life from 250 species from around the region and is said to be Asia's largest tropical oceanarium.

Berry calls the weedy scorpionfish, the "Yuck! Scary Fish"

Touching a friendly goldfish

Blue spotted stingray

Who wants to eat a Japanese Spider Crab? In chili or black pepper sauce? The body can grow up to 16 inches and the whole crab can weigh up to 41 lbs. I guess one crab can feed a family of 4?

While we were expecting something bigger, maybe because we've been to the underwater aquarium at Sea World in Orlando, the 83-metre-long moving travelator/underwater aquarium is good enough. Berry was enthralled seeing all these sharks and fishes up close.

Yes, I was showing Berry that shark on top, which was literally right above us!

We also took Berry to the Dolphin Lagoon to watch the pink dolphins and seals do their tricks.

Berry watching the show. Dada took mostly pics of Berry and hardly any of the dolphins and seals, heehee!

Don't be jelly-fish! When you're in Singapore, go and check out Underwaterworld yourself!

Underwater World
80 Siloso Road
Singapore 098967
6275 0030