Progress Pre-school GOLD helps kids keep up in this digital age

Let's admit it, the world we are living in is fast-paced. It seems that everything is done in a hurry and the latest gadgets help us do just that. With that, even our kids need to keep up especially when it comes to learning. With the full support of the family and the school plus a well-balanced nutrition, our kids can do it. This is one of the things I have learned from the recent Progress Pre-school GOLD media event that I attended last January 25, 2012 at the Top Shelf of Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street.

When it comes to a child's learning, focusing on IQ is not enough. “Intelligence is not just IQ but also memory, which is not just about remembering information but more importantly applying information properly,” says Dr. Maricar de Ocampo, a learning expert. Did you know that memories from the first eight years of life are stored as long term memory? Long term memory is not just made of happy memories but they also include the bad ones. This is why we should also strive to create happy, lasting memories for our kids to remember when they're older. To develop sharp memories, we need to help our kids open their minds to knowledge. Dr. de Ocampo suggested providing activities that require creativity and repetition. Kids should also be allowed to express their opinions on matters.

(L-R) Dr. Maricar de Ocampo, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Patricia Hizon
exchange notes on child learning and development.

Fierce and Fired Up this Year of the Water Dragon

The Dragon is the fifth and the mightiest member of the Chinese Zodiac. It's the favorite amongst Chinese experts because the dragon symbolizes all things mighty - ferocity, strength, dominance, and drive. To usher in the good fortune that the Year of the Water Dragon brings, the first and longest standing insurer in the country, Sun Life Financial Philippines will be staging two big and bright events on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. One will be at Binondo, Manila while the other will be at the Bonifacio Global City.

“We are inviting everyone to join Sun Life Financial in ushering the New Year with the sound of victory. Together, let us rattle the Sun Life Chinese rattle drums to awaken the Water Dragon and witness the longest (1,000 feet) dragon parade around the streets," says Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Daez-Lopa.

On buying contact lenses

Living in a truly modern and changed world, nothing should be too surprising, not even contact lenses for children which are tailored to cater to special needs. Just the other day, I read about the dangers of practicing bad hygiene habits for contact lens wearers but this can be avoided by listening to your optician and following his or her instructions closely. Whilst the benefits of wearing contact lenses far surpasses the little inconveniences that could arise, investing in a full set of cleaning solutions, contact lenses and the appropriate care kits could get pretty expensive and these might not be so convenient to get. Therefore, contact lens discounts would come in very handy indeed. Whilst you could get these by looking out for special promotions at your local optician, this could get tedious, or you might find it difficult to find something according to your prescription.

DIY Gift Bag (Repinned from Pinterest)

Here's a great gift-wrapping idea for you. Why not make a gift bag that actually looks like a bag? Nifty, eh? I think this would be perfect if you're giving gifts to your girlfriends or to your little fashionista nieces and godchildren. It's also easy to make. See the diagram below:

Source: joannanoelblog.blogspot.com via Mauie on Pinterest

Goodbye Soda, Hello Sunkist Orange Pulp!

This 2012, I decided to avoid carbonated drinks especially cola. I started having stomach cramps last year every time I drink cola and that was my signal to stop. We recently bought a juicer for our wedding anniversary and I'm in high hopes that I could also get the boys to avoid soda and choose healthy drinks instead.  But of course, I wouldn't always have time to prepare fresh fruit juice.  Good thing, there's the new affordable and yummy, Sunkist Orange Pulp.


I remember drinking Sunkist Orange as a child.  Meanwhile, Rap would always have Sunkist juices, those in triangular Tetra Paks, for his baon in school.  His favorite has always been mango, though.  I preferred buying Sunkist juices because they're affordable compared to other brands.  But even with the low price, Sunkist juices would still taste close to fresh fruit juice.

Sunkist Orange can now be enjoyed by  our family anytime because it's already available in 1 liter bottles.  What's even better is that it's filled with real orange pulp.  I was able to nibble on some of the pulp in my mouth.  I like juices with pulp, whether it's orange or mango, because it adds fiber that our body needs to get rid of wastes.