Expo Mom 2011 on May 7

It's almost Mom's Day and what better way to celebrate our special day than heading over to the Rockwell Tent for Expo Mom 2011 on May 7!

Mommies will definitely love Expo Mom because it's a trade expo, all-day workshop, shopping destination, mommy party, family occasion, mompreneur lab, all rolled into one!

In here you will find the latest in mom and baby products and services both produced locally and internationally. It's not like a regular bazaar because, throughout the day, various talks and workshops will be held. Activities include:

• Laughter yoga
• Modern Mom Fitness - Healthy bump and beyond
• Prenatal Stimulation - How to have a healthy baby
• Solo Parenthood
• Creative meals
• Time Management for busy moms

Alongside with these activities is the celebration of Mommy Mundo's 10th Year Anniversary, the formal launch of the Mommy Mundo Privilege Passport, and the formal announcement of Expo Mom's going nationwide (Cebu & Davao).

No need to worry about the little ones while going around the area during the event. There's The Mommy Room which is a breastfeeding lounge and diaper changing area, an inflatable play place courtesy of Fun Ranch, and a healthy snack area as well. Ooops, let's not forget Daddy! Of course, he should be in the family photo that will be shot in the Expo Mom Portrait Area photo booth.

There's also a Resource Corner for Lamaze and prenatal classes, breastfeeding and OB consultations, single parents support, kids with special needs, the MomShare volunteer booth, and the Mompreneur Manila booth.

Entrance fee is only Php 25 which will go entirely to MomShare outreach. Expo Mom discourages the use of plastic so better bring your own reusable shopping bag.

For further info, email inquiry@expomom.com or visit www.expomom.com.

Expo Mom is produced by Mommy Mundo and PACE, co-presented by GlaxoSmithKline, Mommy Matters. Supported by Cordlife, Philam Life, Cycles, Cradle, Flip Video, Cisco, Havaianas, Del Monte Quick n Easy, Avent, Lactacyd Baby Bath, Citibank and RCBC. Media Partners are Lifestyle Network, MomsToday, Smartparenting, Working Mom, Baby Magazine and Mommy Mundo publications Urban Mom and Mommy Pages.

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Aling Ely's Cottages (La Luz Labas)

We spent Maundy Thursday at Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. Since it's the peak season and I was only able to make our travel plans the Saturday before Holy Week, we were left with no choice but to book in one of Aling Ely's cottages.

I came to discover Aling Ely's cottages (now more popularly known as La Luz Labas) from a travel blog. The post was made way back in 2007 when the place still looked great. So I called up Aling Ely who was able to give us a small non-aircon nipa hut which is good enough for the four of us (I, the boys, and my mom-in-law). I found it expensive at Php 3,500 a night.

Still, it was cheap considering that we can bring and cook food in our own little cottage. The high-class resorts in that area implement a "forced buffet" policy wherein you are obliged to pay for your meals at around 1k per head. At least, I was spared from building a propane fire pit for our camp which was my last resort should there be no cottages left for us to rent.

Aling Ely's cottages are not for travelers who expect the best facilities. Although some of the cottages are big and have aircons, they are still no-frills nipa huts that are just ok for spending the night. They are perfect for large groups who want to spend less on accommodations and more on food since they'll be spending most of their time in the beach. Aling Ely is not strict with the head count. The nipa hut beside us even had camping tents set up outside their hut to accommodate some of them.

However, I do not advise staying in the area if you're looking for a peaceful and quiet retreat away from the city. The huts are too close to each other so expect noise and loud music from your neighbors. If you're interested, Aling Ely can be reached through 09206192060.

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Enrollment is nearing

The last week of April is almost done which means it's almost enrollment time in my boy's school. Although we won't be paying his full tuition this year because of his academic scholarship, we will still need to pay the miscellaneous fees, books and other school supplies. Not to mention that we also need to buy him new pairs pants and a couple of undershirts.

Since we only have one child, we only count on my husband's mid-year bonus to cover the expenses. Even my son is aware of that so he strives so hard to get the gold medal so that we won't have to pay for his tuition. For this year, I think we saved more or less 50k because of his scholarship.

I can't imagine how moms of 2 or more kids feel whenever it's enrollment time. I just wonder how they raise enough funds for the coming school year. Do they buy gold bars and sell them at a higher price? Do they still receive funds from their educational plans?

Are you still sending a child to school? How do you raise funds for his/her enrollment?

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules | The Mom Bucks Technique

Are there parents out here who are crazy for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? I know I am and so is my sister. We actually beg my son to let us borrow his Diary of a Wimpy Kid collection. The book isn't just for kids, I tell 'ya! It's hilariously funny but, at the same time, it just makes you realize how important family is even when you think yours is dysfunctional. Uhm, yeah, I think mine is hahaha!




The second installment of the book promised to be as comic as the first one. But this time around, the story did not only revolve on Greg Heffley's wimpy existence in school. There's sibling rivalry between him and big brother Rodrick and his mom, Susan, who tries her best to bond her boys closer to each other by her very own "Mom Bucks" technique.

The "Mom Bucks" system is actually simple.For every hour of quality time that they spend with each other, each gets a buck from Mommy Susan. While Susan thinks its the best for her boys, dad Frank thinks otherwise.

Discover how the "Mom Bucks" technique turns out by catching Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules in theaters starting this Black Saturday, April 23, 2011. This is from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

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Camping With The Boys

We finally bought a camping tent! It's not one with the expensive brand really but I think it's sturdy enough to last for years. The boys are actually excited that they brought it with them to UP Diliman while I was at iBlog 7.

We're planning to have a road trip this Lent. The original plan was for us to have our Visita Iglesia while on our way to Ilocos Norte but I figured that my husband will probably be too tired to go to work after the trip so we decided to go to Batangas instead. I found a few resorts that can accommodate campers but I haven't found the time to reserve yet.

How I wish we have a motorhome so camping trips like this one won't be a problem at all. Oh well, we still have lots of years to wait until we can afford a motorhome and a motorhome insurance.

Any camping site suggestions that's just near Manila?


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Lucky Graduated From College

After four long years, my youngest brother Lucky finally graduated from college. I know that my parents are proud that all five of us received college degrees. I am even more proud because I helped send my youngest brother to college from my freelance writing income.

Woohoo! I can finally use a huge chunk of my income for things I've been meaning to buy for myself and my boys. Guess what? As a "graduation gift" for myself, I bought myself a spanking new Samsung Galaxy Tab. I still can't afford an iPad, teehee! At least I paid for my Tabby Cat in cash *winks*.

I have lots of things in my "To Buy" list. First of which is the Speedlight SB-600 flash for my Nikon which I've been meaning to buy before the Samsung tablet sale. I'm also saving up for an overseas vacation for me and my boys. Hopefully, I will also be able to buy a few chamilia jewels for myself. Aaah, all of these in the right time. It just makes me feel more motivated to work harder.

Congratulations to all members of Batch 2011!


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Piano Lessons at Tri-World Piano Centre

Rap started with his piano lessons last week and today is his third lesson. I already taught him the basics a few years back and I'm glad he did not forget everything. He's relearning how to read notes again but I'm confident that he'll be even better than me because he constantly practices at home.

Rap goes to Tri-World Piano Centre in SM Megamall twice a week. I paid Php 5,500 for 12 lessons (plus 1 free lesson) and Php 140 for his piano book and music notebook. So far, I'm contented with his 1-hour lessons because not one minute is spent idle. He even gets to do some "piano homework" aside from his Kumon worksheets.

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NumberWorks’nWords offers Math and Reading fun for your kids this summer!

For kids, summer is the most awaited day when they can finally say goodbye to homework and hello to countless hours of play.

For moms like us, however, summer is the perfect time for kids to learn new knowledge that can help them in school. I can almost hear our kids yelling "Noooo!" in unison, LOL!

But you know, with so many learning programs out there, learning this summer can be fun and one of the places that offers fun learning is NumberWorks’nWords.

NumberWorks’nWords has an individualized system for Math and Reading. Adding to the fun in the learning process is the center's purpose built computer software that is designed to meet each student's learning need.

See their rates below:

Registration fee of Php 500 (inclusive of NumberWorks’nWords bag and pencil case)

Preschool
4 lessons for 4 weeks = Php 1,800
8 lessons for 8 weeks = Php 3,600
12 lessons for 12 weeks = Php 5,400

Grade School to High School
4 lessons = Php2,000
8 lessons = Php 4,000
12 lessons = Php 6,000

College +++
4 lessons = Php 2,200
8 lessons = Php 4,400
12 lessons = Php 6,600

Visit a NumberWorks’nWords near you. Choose from these branches:

Alabang Branch
2F Casa Vicente Building,
Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
(02) 772-4655 or (02) 807-6294

Greenhills Branch
2F One Kennedy Place,
Club Filipino Avenue corner Ortigas Avenue,
Greenhills Commercial Center
(02) 470-9021

Katipunan Branch
Unit 305 Prince David Condominium,
Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights,
Quezon City
(02) 442-5547

Market! Market! Branch
5F, Market! Market! Mall,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(02) 846-6268

All centers are open from Monday to Saturday. You can contact the central office at 09178446969 (0917-TGI-NWNW) or your branch of choice for more details. You can also visit www.numberworksnwords.com.ph


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Chlorella Growth Factor is more than a growth enhancer

Below is a photo of me and my boy shot during his Recognition Day a few days ago:

He's just ten years old and he's almost as tall as my five foot frame. I am actually happy of the thought that he may grow as tall as his uncles. Let's admit it. In our society, height is a big issue for men.

I have been giving Rap his chlorella growth factor (CGF) vitamin supplements since preschool. We've actually tried both Cherifer and Growee which both has the chlorella growth factor. However, as my boy got older, he liked the taste of Cherifer syrup more than that of Growee. Cherifer is a bit more expensive, though. Nevertheless, we may still continue giving him Cherifer because the brand is also available in capsules for tweens and teenagers.

But do you know that chlorella growth factor is more than a growth enhancer? More than helping our kids get taller each day, chlorella growth factor comes from the single-celled chlorella algae that helps the body take in more chlorophyll to cleanse the blood, strengthen immunity, and repair tissues. Once extracted inside the body, chlorella growth factor provides the body with natural energy to rebuild cells which also boosts growth.

There's a running joke inside our home that my husband and I may be speaking to our son with our heads up in a few years. Well, I do hope so. My youngest brother, who's also got his fair share of CGF is around 5'10". Never mind if I need to shop for library step stools where I can stand on as long as my boy grows as tall as his maximum height potential.

Are your kids also taking chlorella growth factor supplements? How is it working for them?

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Magnolia Frozen Delights will make your summer cool!

We had a Magnolia Ice Cream man in our school when I was in grade school. Mang Mike, as we fondly call him, became a school icon of sorts and his name comes up every time I get a chance to chat with former classmates and schoolmates. I often bought Twin Popsies from him because it was the cheapest my measly allowance could afford. But when my budget allows me, I'd go for the Pinipig Crunch!



If you are a child of the 80s just like me, you'll definitely be familiar with Magnolia Ice Cream Frozen Delights. Magnolia Ice Cream is, once again, introducing its line of Frozen Delights this summer. I and my boys were blessed to have been invited to the Magnolia Ice Cream Summer Bloggers' Party held last Friday where we had the chance to taste these cool and yummy frozen treats!

My boys with their Magnolia Ice Cream Spinner cones and the
Magnolia Ice Cream gift checks they won in the raffle.

Five Magnolia Ice Cream Frozen Delights were introduced to us that night and these are:

• Popsies Ice Lolly - Comes in "Choco Cool" and "Orange Chill" and which are sold at only Php 10 each.
• Fun Bar Surprise - With "Cool Bubblegum", "Cotton Candy", and "Choco Loco" flavors which will surely be the fave of kids and kids at heart for only Php 10 each.
• Sweetie Bites - Enjoy "Cookie Craze" annd "Cheesy Bliss" ice cream on sticks for only Php 11 each.
• Pinipig Crunch - "Vanilla Crisp" and "Sweetcorn" coated ice cream with delightful rice crispies sold at Php 13 each.
• Spinner - "Chocolate" and "Vanilla" ice cream cones with chocolate ripples sold for only Php 20.

Don't fret. You'll also get to taste these Magnolia Frozen Delights. Aside from getting them in you local supermarkets, you can also buy them from Magnolia Ice Cream peddlers who will be sporting this uniform:



So cool down this summer with Magnolia Ice Cream Frozen Delights. To be updated with their latest products, don't forget to visit the Magnolia Ice Cream website and the Magnolia Ice Cream Facebook page.

Check more of the photos from the party here.


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