Win a Christmas Booth at The Grand International Importers and Exporters Christmas Bazaar

The Grand International Importers and Exporters Christmas Bazaar this year will be happening on November 11 to 20, 2011 at the World Trade Center Hall A. Ready your wallets for a wide selection of products for your Christmas shopping needs. There will be merchants offering Christmas decor and figurines, jewelry, clothing and accessories, leather goods, toys, gadgets and collectibles, furniture and handicrafts, works of art, health and vanity products and so much more

Are you an enterprising mom or dad? Do you want to be a part of The Grand International Importers and Exporters Christmas Bazaar this year? Why not refer one of your entrepreneur friends to be one of the merchants of the bazaar. One successful referral earns you one raffle entry for the chance to win a Christmas booth valued at Php 60,000! Parentin.TV will be awarding 2 lucky winners! See the mechanics below:

Please click the image for a larger view.

I already have a friend in mind to refer. I hope her response is positive so I can start searching for jewelry making tools at beadaholique and beads at Quiapo for the ladies accessory projects I'm planning to sell this Christmas.


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Practicing Disaster Drills At Home

How has Bagyong Pedring affected your family? We are lucky that the worst we got was only the ripped vinyl canvass covering our veranda. I hope everyone was kept safe and dry despite the power outtages that happened in some areas.


Water from Manila Bay rolled over towards Roxas Boulevard and nearby areas.

I was watching the news this morning where a post-Pedring assessment was featured. I realized that I have prepared 6 disaster must-haves and we have already agreed on a meeting place should we get separated but we still haven't got the time to practice a drill. What good is a plan if we haven't practiced it, don't you agree? I really felt foolish for not even thinking about this sooner. My boys have building drills over at school and at the office but we don't have one at home, toinks!

We'll be practicing one the soonest time possible. I'm currently devising the steps that we will take and here are the ones on my list, so far:

During a typhoon:
• Every member should immediately have the emergency supply or gadget that's assigned to him/her and keep it within reach.
• We will each have an appliance to lift and bring to the 2nd floor of our home just in case there's flooding.
• The pets will be sent in the house and up the veranda if there's flooding.
• The houseboy will be in charge of shutting down electricity should there be a need for it.
During an earthquake:
• No matter where we are in the house, we should keep ourselves safe under the table, bed, or under the door jamb.  I already told Rap before that it'd be better if he covers himself with pillows to protect him from falling debris.
• Each will go to our agreed meeting spot only after the earth stops shaking.
• Each will grab his/her pre-assigned gadget/supply to prepare for a possible aftershock.
During a fire:
• If the fire happens at the ground floor, our escape route will be through the veranda where we can reach the extension's roof and go down through the main gate.  The, we'll meet in our agreed meeting spot.
• Each should grab his/her pre-assigned item only if the situation permits.  I constantly pray that I can, at least, get our important documents because I still haven't got a metal safe for it.

What do you think of my list? I would appreciate your suggestions!


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Promil Pre-School Helps Pre-Schoolers Shine in Dancing

Read this post to find out how you can win a Promil Pre-School gift pack!

Do you encourage your kids' dancing talents? Let me give you a pat on the back if you do! Most parents don't see the importance of honing dance skills in children. What they don't know is that dancing teaches kids a lot more besides how to move to the music. Promil Pre-School believes that the pre-school stage is the best time to nurture this gift. Moreover, apart from giving the essential nutrients needed during this time, it is also important for parents to develop their kids' talents.



Cecile Tamura, VP for Parents of the Philippine Association of the Gifted and mother of Promil kid Cy Tamura who, at the age of eight, composed his first musical libretto entitled The Magic Staff, strongly believes in multiple intelligence. Dancing is under bodily-kinesthetic intelligence which is as important as all the other intelligences (logical-mathematical, spatial, linguistic, musical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, naturalistic, and existential).

Kids who are fidgety (malikot) and do not excel in school may just be gifted kinesthetically. Gillian Lynne, choreographer of Cats and Phantom of the Opera in Broadway, was one such child. So was Isadora Duncan who is considered as the mother of modern dance. Mrs. Tamura is positive that dancing develops discipline and character in kids. Come to think of it, it does takes discipline to be able to master and memorize dance moves. Dance training also encourages self-confidence that will definitely be needed in the growing up years.

Regine Tolentino, actress, host, dancer, and dance instructor, supports this premise. In fact, she is a living testament that encouraging kids to dance helps make them be successful in the future. She believes that dancing and performing has trained her to be confident in speaking to other people. Of course, we know how excellent and spontaneous she is as one of the early Filipina MTV VJs and as TV host. She also taught her daughters to dance which is the reason why she set up her own dance studio. Now on its 9th year, the Regine Tolentino Dance Studio teaches students from four years old and up.

Before the event ended, I and the other attendees got a taste of how Regine teaches her students in the studio. I danced the ballet, hahaha! I'm glad that I did not make a booboo and fall on the floor!

Thanks to Women's Central for the photo!

I'm giving away two 180g boxes of Promil Pre-school plus 1 watercolor set to one lucky mommy/daddy! Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget I embedded below. Good luck to everyone!

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Spring cleaning my computer

My laptop is my work buddy. If anything goes wrong with it, I will lose all my precious data which will also affect my work as a freelance writer. This is why I make it a point to take care of it. Then again, one of the things that I keep putting off is spring cleaning because I always have work to do. It was only this weekend when I finally had the time to clean and take out the garbage, so to speak.

Below are the steps I took:

• Dusting and cleaning my laptop's body. I used a cotton cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe its surface. Then, I used a vacuum cleaner (mine has a dedicated spout for computer cleaning) to suck all the dust under the keypads.
• Backing up and transferring old files to my external hard drive. I'm glad that I still have a lot of space in my 500 GB WD external hard drive. I transferred all the old photos and documents and deleted them from my system afterwards.
• Performing a full system scan. I have a scheduled quick virus scan every weekend but I rarely perform full system scans.

My computer is now ready for another round of toxic writing tasks. I hope I can already afford to buy a document management software so I can save all my stuff because it will only take a few months before my external hard drive reaches its limit.

How about you? When was the last time you got rid of the clutter in your computer?

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Rap's New Toy, Casio LK-270

Rap is going to have his first piano recital by November this year. He started learning how to play the piano last summer and now he's on his 2nd level. The piano keyboard he was using was actually his lola's and only had 49 keys. After finishing the beginner's level, he started to influence us to buy him a bigger one. Luckily, I found one on sale at SM Megamall's SM Appliance Center last weekend.

This unit has 61 keys and has over 150 tones and rhythms. My boy loved it because he can insert sd memory cards in its slot for recording. He can even download midi tracks from the internet for him to play and learn on his new piano keyboard. I, on the other hand, loved the fact that it only cost me Php 13,994 or Php 1,166 monthly for 12 months!

Rap has been having a good time practicing his recital pieces after school. He doesn't know that I also practice in the morning when he's not home. Today, I just finished re-learning how to play "Annie Laurie" which I already played when I was younger. I think I'm going to start playing the piano again with Rap's new toy.


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Teaching kids management of time

In this busy world we live in, it is but essential to teach kids management of time. If I haven't taught my boy how to manage his time wisely, I'd probably spent every waking minute nagging him to hurry up and finish what's needed to be done. Probably, that's also what has motivated him to manage his time wisely, haha!

But seriously, kids are never too young to learn about management of time. When Rap was a toddler, we follow a daily routine to have him get used to a schedule. Everyday, upon waking up, he knows he should have breakfast and take a bath first before he can watch his cartoons or play on the computer. I also remind him that he only has a specific time frame for his activities. He still can't read time during those days but he knows that it's time for lunch when he has already watched his daily dose of Playhouse Disney morning programs. After lunch, he knows that he's gonna nap in a while so he can wake up after a few hours to play with his friends in the park.

Now that he's already in 5th grade,I've become more strict in having him schedule his daily activities. Just imagine, he leaves our house at 5:30 am and returns at 5:00 pm (that is, if he doesn't have extra-curricular activities). Sometimes, he has too many school work and quizzes to review for the night. He's now used to list his TO DO tasks in his task board which I set up in his room. Aside from that, he has their school diary. I also bought him post-its to help him be reminded of his activities.

You'll have lots of time for yourself once your kids learn how to manage their time, believe me. Then, you can reward yourself with a michael kors watch for a job well done.

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Wall Candy stickers light up Rap's room

I find joy in decorating my son's room. It's in his room that I unleash my playful creative side. Remember the last time, we made a DIY stencil project in his room? This time, for the ceiling, I used Wall Candy stickers.




I found Wall Candy stickers more convenient and easy to use. The stickers have a special adhesive that's designed not to damage walls. They are also removable and reusable so you can change or transfer the stickers anytime you want. Most importantly, they are non-toxic, lead-free, and have passed the European Safety Standards so they're perfectly safe to use in kids' rooms!

Installation is as easy as A-B-C. First, I asked my handy-dandy alalay to clean the ceiling with a dry rag to remove dust and dirt.


Once the area has been cleaned, the alalay started to stick each decal one by one. The most effective style is sticking only one small part of the decal and then, with the rag, smoothing it little by little until the whole sticker is attached to the wall. This style guarantees no bubbles and creases.



I was supervising the alalay the whole time because I wanted each piece to be spread across the whole ceiling of my boy's room. The space stickers we used are glow-in-the-dark and my boy now has a fun time "stargazing" during bedtime!


Wall Candy stickers are available through the Wall Candy Multiply site (http://wallcandy.multiply.com). There are five collections available: Nursery and Kids, Modern, Decor, Chalkboard and Whiteboard, and Glow in the Dark. There are new unique designs every month so make sure to check the site out every now and then.

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Glee The 3D Concert Movie (Rated GP)

My boy and I had a movie date last night. I was invited by 20th Century Fox to the movie premiere of Glee The 3D Concert movie at SM Megamall and I brought Rap with me. We are both fans of Glee and have watched Seasons 1 and 2 together that's why we were very excited to be part of the advanced screening. Since it's given the General Patronage (GP) rating by the MTRCB, even small kids can watch the movie. In fact, there were lots of little Gleeks last night!

Glee The 3D Concert Movie was filmed during the cast's tours in the States so moviegoers will definitely feel the euphoria that the concertgoers felt during the concert. Moviegoers have an edge, however, because the film is in 3D which made the performances bigger and livelier. Director Kevin Tancharoen collaborated with Avatar's James Cameron and Vince Pace to guarantee the movie's unparalleled 3D experience.

Infused in the film are fan testimonies of how the series has changed their lives. One's a dwarf cheerleader, another one has asperger's syndrome, and the other one's gay who has learned to come out in the open. Even adults like us can surely relate to them because, I'm sure you'll agree with me, high school can be cruel especially to people like them.

There are also surprise numbers that a certified Gleek wouldn't want to miss. Clue: she was their substitute teacher when Mr. Schue got sick. You'll also get to see the adorable mini-Warbler, Fil-Am Kellen Sarmiento. Ooops, now I'm spilling too much info already!

Who's my favorite character? It would still be Britney S. Pears! She's so hilariously funny in the concert movie and she's the best dancer in the group. Ah, one of my many frustrations in life, LOL!

Bring the whole family to watch Glee The 3D Concert Movie when it opens in theaters on September 21. Exclusively released in 3D digital screens by 20th Century Fox thru Warner Bros., the movie will only run for two weeks in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, GenSan, Tagbilaran, Pampanga, Angeles and Baguio. Don't forget to wear your Glee-inspired glasses (even those cheap sunglasses will do) for that ultimate Gleek look!


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Happy 2nd Anniversary, ParenTIN.tv!

Last weekend, I was lucky to have been part of a select group of mommy bloggers who were invited to celebrate ParenTIN.tv's 2nd anniversary.


After meeting up with the other mommy bloggers (some of them I only met for the first time), we settled ourselves inside the Amberley Room of Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. We were then treated to a sumptuous buffet which we devoured while chitchatting away through lunch.



We were then welcomed by no other than the mommy behind ParenTIN.tv, Ms. Tintin Bersola-Babao. It's exciting to know that, after more than 40 parenting episodes, 11 successful events, and more than 2,000 members, ParenTIN.tv is moving forward to its 3rd year with lots of great things in store for its members.

For one, ParenTIN.tv episodes are now telecast over at the Knowledge Channel (Skycable Ch. 42). Catch the show every Sunday at 8 p.m., Monday at 7:20 p.m., Wednesday at 8:40 p.m., and Saturday at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 9p.m.. Moms can expect new episodes about developmental milestones, toddler tips, and celebrity interviews.


Since Christmas is just around the corner, the site is helping mompreneurs earn extra moolah for the holidays by launching a promo where enterprising moms can get the chance to win a free booth at The Grand International Importers and Exporters Christmas Bazaar at the World Trade Center. All one has to do is to turn in a successful referral. The bazaar is happening from November 11 to 20, 2011 and a booth costs Php 60,000 so you'll be saving a lot by getting a free booth. You can send an email to t.bersola_babao@parentin.tv for inquiries.

By the way, ParenTIN.tv is looking for teen bloggers. If you have a teenage son or daughter who blogs and would like to be write for ParenTIN.tv, have him/her email his/her articles to hello@parentin.tv.

Part of the program that day was the awarding of prizes to winners of ParenTIN.tv's recent contests. The site regularly holds promos and contests so better sign up now to be able to join them.

Harrich Jean Agbisit and Mommy Hilda for the ParenTIN.tv Toddler Photo Contest

Mommy Bedalyn Aguas receiving her prize for the online quiz.

Us mommy bloggers also gave Mommy Tintin our gifts for ParenTIN.tv's 2nd anniversary. I was a bit embarrassed when she called me for a photo. OMG, I only gave her a mug and a card, kakahiya! Then again, I am truly happy that she liked my simple gift.


Then, we spent time listening to the meaningful talk of Vanessa Garon, daughter of Bob and Emy Garon of the Golden Values School and The Nazareth Formation House, about internet addiction and violence against children. I'm going to write another post about that, don't you worry.


We also learned vital information about the benefits of regularly drinking water and preparing a healthy banana-mango shake with malunggay powder from Zonito Torevillas-Tamase of Golden Style Cafe. (Watch out for another post about this!)



Then, we were introduced to the new Smart Steps products. I'm sure you'll love their line of baby laundry detergent, baby fabric softener, and bottle cleanser because the products are guaranteed hypoallergenic and do not have harmful chemicals that can harm babies.



Lastly, we were sent up to tour Eastwood Richmonde Hotel's rooms and facilities. By the way, the hotel has a direct entrance/exit point to and from Eastwood Mall which makes it so convenient for travelers and or even just for a weekend family getaway within the city.




Wanna be a part of the ParenTIN.tv community? Sign up HERE and be updated of their latest episodes and promos! Thanks again to Ms. Tintin Bersola-Babao and to the people behind ParenTIN.tv for inviting us mommy bloggers to celebrate their 2nd Anniversary.

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LSM 1st Trimester Exam Reviewer for Grade 5 HEKASI

LSM Grade 5 Hekasi 1st Trim Exam SY 2011 -2012

You are free to reprint it should you find it useful as long as the watermark is left unaltered. You may click the title above this embedded document to be redirected to the Scribd page. You will then see the download/print button to your right. The contents of this reviewer should only be used for personal purposes. I would also appreciate link backs to my site.

Contents:

• Mahahalagang detalye sa buhay ni Jose Rizal
• Araw ng Kalayaan at watawat ng Pilipinas
• Pamamaraan ng pamamahala at kalagayang panlipunan ng ating mga ninuno
• Edukasyon at pananampalataya ng mga ninuno
• Pamamaraang pangkabuhayan ng ating mga ninuno
• Pamahalaang itinatag ng mga Espanyol
• Ang Katolisismo at pananahanan ng mga Pilipino sa panahon ng Espanyol
• Edukasyong kolonyal sa buhay ng mga Pilipino

The worksheets I am posting were either used by my son or the students in my tutorial center. As such, the course guides that were used in making these reviewers were only the ones issued by their respective schools.

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LSM 1st Trimester Exam Reviewer for Grade 5 Science

LSM Grade 5 Science 1st Trim Exam SY 2011 -2012

You are free to reprint it should you find it useful as long as the watermark is left unaltered. You may click the title above this embedded document to be redirected to the Scribd page. You will then see the download/print button to your right. The contents of this reviewer should only be used for personal purposes. I would also appreciate link backs to my site.

Contents:

• Observing and inferring
• Recognizing controlled, independent, and dependent variables in an experiment
• Predicting by interpolation and extrapolation
• Interpeting data through tables and graphs
• Steps of the scientific method
• Parts of an experiment write-up
• Common laboratory apparatuses
• Parts and function of the cell
• Reproductive system: parts and functions
• Process of fertilization
• Bodily changes in puberty
• Proper care of the reproductive system
• Respiratory system: parts and function

The worksheets I am posting were either used by my son or the students I tutor. As such, the course guides that were used in making these reviewers were only the ones issued by their respective schools.


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LSM 1st Trimester Exam Reviewer for Grade 5 Filipino

LSM Grade 5 Filipino 1st Trim Exam SY 2011 -2012

You are free to reprint it should you find it useful as long as the watermark is left unaltered. You may click the title above this embedded document to be redirected to the Scribd page. You will then see the download/print button to your right. The contents of this reviewer should only be used for personal purposes. I would also appreciate link backs to my site.

Contents:

• Pagtukoy sa iba't-ibang kayarian ng salita
• Salitang magkasinghulugan at magkasalungat
• Paglalahad ng opinyon at katotohanan
• Pagtutukoy sa mga parirala at sugnay
• Pagkilala sa mga pamatnubay na salita
• Sanhi at bunga
• Pagtukoy sa mga payak na pangungusap
• Pag-uuri ng mga pangungusap ayon sa pagkakabuo
• Pangungusap na walang paksa
• Sawikain o idyoma
• Paggawa ng plot diagram
• Pagbubuo ng talata
• Pag-uuri ng mga pangngalang pambalana
• Pagbibigay ng naiibang katumbas na kasarian
• Tayutay
• Pagbibigay ng pangunahing diwa

The worksheets I am posting were either used by my son or the students in my tutorial center. As such, the course guides that were used in making these reviewers were only the ones issued by their respective schools.

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Science Project: Lung model

Rap is now in 5th grade and I swear his science projects are getting harder each year! Nevertheless, however toxic it may seem, I also enjoy helping my son with his projects. His latest project for this trimester is this lung model made of a plastic bottle, plastic straws and balloons.



You don't need to be a specialist in Radiologic Technologist Jobs to be able to do this. The only major challenge that I had was creating a Y-shaped tube out of the large plastic straws connected with plastic adhesive tape. Basically, everything will just be assembled to make it look like so. Everytime the rubber base is pulled, the "lungs" expand and deflate.


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GIVE-AWAY ALERT: Fight Dengue with DEET-free Guard Insect Repellent

It's on the news everyday - dengue fever in the Philippines is on the rise.  In our region alone (CALABARZON), there are already 6,488 cases as of the second week of August 2011.  In Pasig, which is the city next to our town, 707 dengue fever cases have been indentified.  I know I have protected our home from dengue fever-causing mosquitoes but how sure can I be that my boy is protected when he's not at home.  That's when I discovered this DEET-free Guard Insect Repellent.

Why I choose a DEET-free insect repellent

I edit dozens of medical articles a day for a living and that made me more aware of what DEET can do to the body.  DEET or diethyltoluamide (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), was developed by the US Army back in the 1950s to protect soldiers assigned in malaria-infested areas.  It is a plasticizer and can damage rubber, plastic, and vinyl materials.  Overdose of this substance can lead to itching, vomiting, bradychardia, and hypotension.  Just imagine what this can do to kids.

Why I choose a Picaridin-based insect repellent

 Picaridin or Icaridin offers the same protection that DEET can provide when it comes to repelling mosquitoes and other insects.  In fact, according to the World Health Organization, picaridin is often superior to DEET minus the irritating effects to skin.

Below is an infographic that compares DEET and Picaridin:

Click the photo for a larger view.

Why I choose Guard Insect Repellent

I choose Guard Insect Repellent because it is the only insect repellent in the Philippines with picaridin which is safe for kids ages one year and up. I love its fresh powdery scent and it doesn't leave a sticky feeling on the skin which is best for a tropical country such as ours. Lastly, it is so affordable at only Php 44.50 for a 25ml tube, Php 68.50 for a 50ml tube, and Php 122 for a 100ml tube. They even have a trial sachet sold at onlly Php 6.25!

Win Guard Insect Repellent gift packs!

I'm giving one (1) lucky reader and two (2) of his/her friends the chance to try Guard Insect Repellent. Up for grabs are 3 50ml tubes of Guard Insect Repellent in their cutie pouches. Here's how to join:

REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS:

Share your anti-dengue fever tip/s to parents by leaving a comment to this post.
Kindly include your name, email, and the links to your tweets and FB posts. You can always edit your comment to add any additional links should you post/tweet more than once.

For 1 extra raffle point:

Like The 24-Hour Mommy (http://www.facebook.com/The24HourMommy) and Guard Insect Repellent (http://www.facebook.com/GuardInsectRepellent) on Facebook. Then,click the Facebook Share button at the beginning of this entry and tag us with this post:

"I, @Guard Insect Repellent, and @The 24-Hour Mommy say NO to dengue fever!"

Please be reminded to set your privacy setting to PUBLIC. Only 1 entry a day per reader.

For 1 extra raffle point:

Tweet about this give-away by clicking the Tweet This button at the beginning of this entry and adding @mauieflores at the end of your tweet.

Only 1 entry a day per reader.

This give-away is open to Philippine-based readers only as I will be shipping the Guard Insect Repellent gift packs. I will only be accepting entries until September 15, 2011 12 noon. The name of the winner will be posted in The 24-Hour Mommy Facebook page.

Guard Insect Repellent is available in Puregold Price Club, Robinson's Supermarkets, Rustan's Supermarkets, Shopwise, Waltermart, and leading drug stores nationwide. It is a product of Consumer Care Products, Incorporated. You can visit http://www.guardinsectrepellent.com for more information about the product.

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