Gifts for men

How was your Christmas? I had a busy one if you'd ask me. Shopping for Christmas gifts wasn't a breeze as well because I really had a hard time finding gifts for the men in my Christmas gift list! Let's admit it, there are lots of gift choices for women as compared to men.

My gifts to my brothers were boring - shirts and perfume. For my dad-in-law, we bought a dragon jade figurine. I really didn't know what to give my dad so I just gave him a mug and put cash inside it! My sister, on the other hand, gave coffee tumblers to all the boys in the family and a rechargeable lamp/fan to my dad. A male cousin of mine gave him that cowboy hat which he obviously loved. I hope to make it up next time with retirement gifts.

Did you also encounter the same Christmas shopping ordeal?

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Rap's Savings

We started giving Rap lunch money as soon as the school year started. I was half-hearted at first because I doubted his ability to responsibly handle money. Aside from that, I was afraid that he'll buy things on a whim from his extra money. Of the 100 pesos I give him, he only gets to spend 75 for his snacks and lunch.

Well, I was wrong. Giving him his allowance taught him how to save money. He's become thriftier and a bit bordering on stingy, actually. To date, he now has more than 3 thousand pesos in savings. We'll be opening his own savings account soon and I hope, with that, he'll be more motivated to save. He also told me that he wants to buy a Pioneer Sparxx Max card that comes along with the Private Iris comics. Although he really saves money to buy Marvel graphic novels, I still love the idea that he's spending his own savings for that.

Do you give your kids allowance? How do you encourage them to save?


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Beat the last minute Christmas shopping stress

It just hit me yesterday that it's only less than a week till Christmas! To tell you the truth, I haven't finished my Christmas shopping list, yet! Not only did I find it hard to have time to shop, I also felt less enthusiastic to do so after Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City this weekend. But you know, we'll still give gifts to our loved ones even though I cut our Christmas budget in half to allow me to donate for the typhoon victims.

How do you beat last minute Christmas shopping stress? Here are some of the ways that can help:

• Shop online for gifts. Not only do you save a trip to the mall, you might also find better and more affordable deals online. A friend living in the US saves babies r us coupons and orders items online while staying at home and taking care of her baby. How cool is that, huh?
• For those who are working, utilize your office lunch break. This is especially true if your office is near a shopping mall. Meanwhile, due to the limited time, you'll have to make several "lunch break shopping" trips to finish your whole Christmas shopping list.
• Shop on Christmas Eve! Ridiculous as this may sound, most shoppers are already done with their Christmas shopping come Christmas Eve. Supermarkets are more crowded during this time so it's the best time to hit the department store and other shops. By the way, watch out for last-minute discounts!

How's your Christmas shopping list so far? Are you already done wrapping the up?


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Get National Geographic Little Kids with every Smart Parenting magazine

When I was little, I would only get a chance to read National Geographic issues in our school library. I would browse through each page admiring the photos and reading the featured stories about animals and places in the world which I may never get to see in my lifetime. Because I was still young, most of the words looked complicated and I often did not understand everything. Now, National Geographic publishes a version for the younger generation - National Geographic Little Kids. Best of all, it comes free monthly with each Smart Parenting magazine!

“We know that moms always have their kids in mind even when they make purchases for themselves. That’s why we launched National Geographic Little Kids—to give moms the total package when they buy Smart Parenting,” says associate publisher Melody Lalata.

As you can see in the photo, the first issue of National Geographic Little Kids feature penguins. Moreover, the magazine is filled with fun facts, games, puzzles, and fun activities that kids will surely enjoy.

Smart Parenting and National Geographic Little Kids are available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide for P125.

For more of Smart Parenting online, visit www.smartparenting.com.ph and become a fan on Facebook via facebook.com/smartparenting.ph.

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Pinoy students get laptops via the e.Studyante program

I usually don't allow my son to use his laptop on school days. However, I find it difficult to impose this rule nowadays as he often needs to do Internet research for his school projects. He also works on his articles for their school paper and his reports for his other subjects using the computer. He prints and submits school requirements almost everyday especially now that he's in the 5th grade already.

The Internet has now become an indispensable learning tool for students. I should now, since I work for WikiPilipinas, Vibal Foundation's digital encyclopedia dedicated to Pinoys.We may not acknowledge it directly but kids who have direct access to the Internet at home are a step ahead of those kids who are "computer-less" and "Internet-less." Yes, we have textbooks and we also have public libraries that provide much-needed information but information on the Internet is delivered faster and, most often than not, it is more updated.



Thus on its 75th year, P&G, makers of our trusted Safeguard, Tide, Pampers, Downy, Ariel, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Joy, Rejoice, Whisper, Olay, Gilette, Vicks, and Ambi-Pur, realized the importance of helping less-fortunate school children have access to computers and the Internet. Through its e.Studyante program, P&G has partnered with other institutions to fulfill its goal of providing one laptop per child or a total of 1 million laptops by its centennial anniversary.



Students from the Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School in Tondo, Manila were the first ones to receive the free XO laptops. Moreover, P&G employee volunteers helped them use their laptops for the first time. They even sent an email to no other than President Noynoy Aquino himself.



According to Chad Sotelo, P&G Country Marketing Manager, they will be distributing a total of 400 laptops to five schools in the country in the next few months. To reach the goal of 1 million laptops, however, the company asks the public to support the e. Studyante program by buying specially marked P&G promo packs of the brands I enumerated above. A portion of the profits generated from the sale of these promo packs goes directly to the e. Studyante program.



Meanwhile, Smart's Public Affairs Group head, Ramon Isberto, reaffirmed their company's support to the program by providing Internet connectivity that will surely help the student beneficiaries in their studies.

I hope that you can choose to buy these specially marked P&G promo packs on your next trip to the supermarket. I have witnessed the happiness, not only of the students, but also of the school officials, during the turn-over ceremonies. The principal even said, "Ngayon, magkakaroon na tayo ng computer laboratory!" (We will now have a computer laboratory.) Apparently, these kids do not have computer classes when the subject is already a given in private schools.

For more information about the e.Studyante program, you can visit the e.Studyante Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/e.StudyantePH. You can also watch the video below:



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Let your pre-shooler shine in singing with Promil Pre-School and the Center for Pop

Music has always been one of the major things that helped me bond with my siblings. All of us can sing and (except my sister) can play musical instruments. I still remember back in grade school when I, my Ate, and my younger brother sang "That's What Friends are For" together with another schoolmate. We didn't have the finances to support our training in singing but we got our free vocal training by being part of the school choir.

So when we noticed that Rap can carry a tune, my husband and I made it a point to use part of our family budget for his voice and piano lessons. We started this by enrolling him in musical theater classes when he was 5 years old. Last year, we enrolled him at the Center for Pop for voice and stage performance lessons and, this year, he's taking private piano lessons.

Rap's performance during CPMP's Billboard Show last year.

The pre-school age is the best stage to nurture a child's musical gift. In fact, Ms. Cecile Tamura who is Vice President of the Philippine Association of the gifted supports this fact by reminding us how children are like sponges. They absorb everything that we teach them.



Furthermore, she advises parents to be on the look-out for signs that indicate musical talent among young children. These are:

• Noticing off key music
• Remembering melodies
• Singing in tune
• Fondness for playing musical instruments in playschool
• Rhythmic ways of moving and speaking
• Humming to themselves
• Tapping rhythmically while working
• Sensitivity to environmental sounds (ex. waterfalls, rain on the roof, etc.)

It's best to develop this gift once parents notice these signs in their children. Like what we have done with Rap, Ms. Tamura advises parents to enroll these musically talented kids in music lessons to further hone their skills.



Meanwhile, Ms. Weng Lauron, Training Head of the Center for Pop Music Philippines believe that kids who start young in singing get along with peers and have higher self-esteem. They also do better in reading, motor coordination, concentration, and cooperation. Not to mention that they also learn while having fun!




At home, parents can help nurture their child's gift in singing through simple family bonding activities such as singing with the videoke machine, singing along while doing chores, or even singing in the bathroom while taking a bath.

Lastly, it is important for parents to provide proper nutrition so that the bodies of these young singers can keep up with the demands of their training and singing activities. Promil Pre-School helps kids shine during the pre-school years because it contains Nutrissetials which contains Iron, DHA precursor, Iodine, Zinc, Vitamin A, Niacin, Potassium, and Biotin. It also has the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats that gives active pre-schoolers much needed energy. Plus, it has carotenoids that enhance immunity, and lutein which is good for the eyes.

Have you seen signs of musicality in your child? What have you done to develop his/her gift? Hope you can share your experience, too!

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Ugly Christmas sweaters, anyone?

I was under the impression that Christmas sweaters are one of those infamously popular Christmas gifts. I remember one scene in a Harry Potter movie (not sure what installment that was) when Ron received a Christmas sweater from his mum and he did not like it. Well, guess what? These supposedly "ugly" Christmas sweaters are selling like hotcakes online!

Photo: “birfday party-1-7” by Emily Killian Molina, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved

Apparently, ugly Christmas sweaters are selling for at least 18 USD to as much as 80 USD as the sweater becomes uglier and more embellished. Now, that makes me interested in homemade knitting gift ideas, haha! Ugly Christmas Sweater-themed parties are to blame for the sudden craze, the online sellers say. Who knew making fun of Granma's Christmas gift would be such a hit, huh?

If you've got a lot of time in your hands for crafts, better buy a invest in a knitting set now so you can practice making ugly sweaters for next Christmas. Don't forget to make one for me! I'd love to throw an Ugly Christmas Sweater party next year with friends!


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FILIPINO 5 Pagsasanay Para sa Ikalawang Katlong Taong Pagsusulit

LSM Grade 5 Filipino 2nd Trim Exam SY 2011 -2012

You are free to download and 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. You may need to create a Scribd account or access Scribd through your Facebook account to be able to download or print the document.

The contents of this reviewer should only be used for personal purposes. I would also appreciate link backs to my site.

Nilalaman:

• Panghalip: uri, kailanan, at panahunan
• Pandiwa: uri, aspekto, at pokus
• Pang-uri: uri, kayarian, kaantasan
• Parehong baybay at bigkas, magkaibang kahulugan
• Klino
• Analohiya
• Denotasyon at konotasyon
• Idyoma
• Piskyon at di-piksyon
• Opinyon at katotohanan
• Pagbabalangkas
• Pangunahing diwa
• Bibliograpiya

The worksheets I am posting were either used by my son or the students in my tutorial sessions. 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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A visit to the Meralco Liwanag Park

The Meralco compound is once again dressed up for Christmas. I just love looking at the building and its vicinity at night every time we pass by. Since it's just near my husband's office, we easily found the time to go inside the compound and look around.


Although there weren't much to see, we still had fun going around and taking photos. Entrance is free, anyway, and I'm glad that Meralco opens up their place for the public every Christmas.


The kids will surely enjoy playing in the lighted houses. There's also a train (although it's being repaired the night we visited) and the electric jeep that can take you around the whole compound. There's also a Christmas bazaar where you can buy food and gift items.


The Meralco Liwanag Park opens from 7PM to 10PM on weeknights and 7PM to 12M midnight on Saturdays. Just bring an ID to leave with the guard at the gate for you visitor's pass. And oh, don't forget to bring hats for the kids since it's already cold at night and they may catch colds. I even saw babies wearing fleece jackets already the night we visited because it was cold and windy.

By the way, you can find the Meralco compound along Ortigas Ave., in front of the Shell station along the corner of F. Ortigas Ave. (formerly Emerald Ave.)

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Lazy "Ber" Months

To be totally honest, I haven't been exercising since September. I know that there's no excuse for that but my work really got in the way. I haven't danced like I used to and my only rest is sleep. I know I've ballooned back to my starting weight and it just depresses me more.

The holiday season sure has its perks and disadvantages. The weather is cooler and it makes me want to stay in bed more. The Christmas parties and gatherings are also around the corner and there will be a lot of eating for sure.

But I'm getting there. I'm organizing my tasks to give me free time for my morning exercise. I hope I can have extra money to buy myself a new pair of Adidas fluid tech training shoes for running and walking. Right now, I just have my Crocs. I'll also be exercising with Wii Fit and dancing Just Dance again. I am decided to be fit this 2012.

Wish me luck!



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HEKASI 5 2nd Trimester Exam Reviewer

Grade 5 HeKaSi 2nd Trim Exam SY 2011 -2012

You are free to download and 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. You may need to create a Scribd account or access Scribd through your Facebook account to be able to download or print the document.

The contents of this reviewer should only be used for personal purposes. I would also appreciate link backs to my site.

Nilalaman:

• Mga salik na bumuo ng damdaming makabayan ng mga Pilipino
• Kilusang Propaganda at La Liga Filipina
• Pamahalaang Militar at Pamahalaang Sibil sa Panahon ng mga Amerikano
• Mga pagbabago sa panlipunang pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino sa pagdating ng mga Amerikano
• Pangkabuhayang pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino noong panahon ng mga Amerikano
• Pamahalaang Komonwelt
• Pagbabago sa lipunan at mga programang pangkabuhayan noong panahon ng Komonwelt

The worksheets I am posting were either used by my son or the students in my tutorial sessions. 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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Wonka Imaginarium at the Shangri-La Plaza

Rap loves eating Nerds and will save money just to buy a box once in a while. My husband and I found the candies weird-tasting at first - one flavor annoyingly sour while the other , super sweet. But once mixed, the colored pellets have this delightful fun taste that will make you want more.

Wonka candies overload!

Weird, yet fun! Very Willy Wonka, don't you think? Willy Wonka is the fictional candy factory in Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and The Glass Elevator. Charlie wins the chocolate factory after getting a golden ticket from his Wonka chocolate bar and besting 4 other kids in Wonka's one of a kind contest. Read the books, they're funny even for adults I tell ya! There's also the Charlie Depp movie which is perfect for a holiday movie marathon at home with the kids.

And speaking of the holidays, Candy Corner Philippines, in partnership with Wonka, brings Wonka to life through the candies exhibited at the Wonka Imaginarium at the Shangri-la Plaza mall from December 1 to 4, 2011. (Please see the schedule posted on the Golden Ticket above.)

A large Gobstopper-eating grasshopper!

Inside the magical closet.

Learning magical spells.

Dreams written on paper and posted to form the rainbow.

Want a Golden Ticket to go inside The Wonka Imaginarium? All you have to do is buy at least Php 100 worth of Wonka candies at the Wonka Imaginarium candy booth or at the Candy Corner store inside the mall and you're all set and ready to enter this magical land! Enjoy the Wonka Imaginarium with the whole family this weekend. Have fun!


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Easy money-making ideas this Christmas season

Welcome to the crazy month of December, hahaha! December is always a crazy month for busy moms, don't you agree. Tis the season of shopping, parties, and gift-giving. But this is also the time of the year when we worry about the holiday traffic, our bulging waistline, and of course, our Christmas budget!

Enterprising moms need not fret because December is also the best time to earn more moolah! Below are some easy money-making ideas to help you this Christmas season:

Baked sweet treats. Do you enjoy baking for the family? Why not bake treats for selling this Christmas. Cookies and brownies are always the way to go because they are easier to make and pack. This business will surely continue after the Holidays especially when you get a lot of satisfied customers. Might as well have a rack card printing provider in mind for your flyers even this early.

Repacked chocolates, nuts, and chips. My cousin, Ate Einna, is a full-time office employee but she earns from her repacking sideline. She buys nuts, cornicks, and other snacks in wholesale from a supplier either in Divisoria or Paco and repacks them for selling. She often sells them for Php35/container of 3 for 100 bucks.

Be a personal shopper! Not a lot of people have time to brave the crowds in Divisoria or Baclaran especially during the holiday rush. If you're great in haggling and finding deals and you know the best places to buy inexpensive gift items, then be a personal shopper to those who aren't! Start with your friends or family and slowly build your clientele. Charge them per day for your services exclusive of the transportation expenses.

Gift wrapping services. I'm not really a fan of gift wrapping services in department stores. Yes, they're free but I don't find the wrappings attractive. Plus, you'll have to fall in line and wait for hours before you get your gift-wrapped item. I am blessed that the houseboy also has a skill in gift wrapping so I have him gift wrap what we buy and just give him a bonus for his efforts.

These are just a few of my tried and tested money-making ideas this season. Do you have some to add to the list? Hope you can comment and share them, too!

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