5 Tips on Getting the Right #EducationalPlan

One of the most important things a parent should do is to ensure that their children receive the best education that money can buy.
As parents, we must make sure that we are financially stable enough to put our children through school.
And we must also acknowledge that our children's dream university or college might be more expensive than we’d expect, especially since education costs have been rising every year.
Hence, planning ahead and making investments for our children's education, through an education plan, is very crucial.

As such, getting your children (or your future children) an education plan should be one of the first things parents should aim for, aside from being able to provide for the family.
However, before getting one, parents must know and understand the features and benefits of an education plan, as well as the expenses that go along with it.

How To #Meditate Your Way to Health, Success and Happiness

What do Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Michael Jordan and Lebron James have in common? They’re all incredibly successful, hard-working and geniuses in their field, but many people don’t know that they all practice meditation.

Oprah said that meditation has made her “1,000 times better”.
Michael Jordan and Lebron James, both famous athletes, practiced meditation to sharpen focus and improve concentration.

Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was a well-known meditation practitioner.
As stated by his biographer Walter Isaacson, “Your intuition starts to blossom and you start to see things more clearly and be in the present more. Your mind just slows down, and you see a tremendous expanse in the moment. You see so much more than you could see before. It's a discipline; you have to practice it.”

Meditation is the process of reflecting on your mind.

UnBeaTEN : Beauty Elements Ventures Inc. Celebrates 10 Glorious Years With #KojieSan

Being able to witness the grand and momentous event of KojiSan at the Sofitel Ballroom was something exceptional and out of the ordinary. Although I've learned only a fragment of how they've catapulted the brand KojieSan to stardom that started out just from selling fashion slippers, I cannot help but admire the perseverance in helping women look their fairest and be at their best. They've built an extensive network that all can benefit from.

US-Based #VenturaFoods Now in the Philippines, Asia Pacific Region

The leading manufacturer of custom and branded oil, shortening, margarine, mayonnaise, sauce and dressing in the United States- Ventura Foods - which currently supplies many Quick Service and Fast Casual Restaurants in the United States and many other countries around the world ,has expanded to the Philippines to cater to the ever growing needs of the industry here and the rest of the Asia-Pacific Region.

This is welcome news to the food service and restaurant industry, which is experiencing robust growth, and demands high quality products to offer a public with increasingly discriminating tastes.

Ventura held a successful exhibit at the recently concluded WOFEX (World Food Expo) in August 2016 at the World Trade Center Manila where clients were able to sample the kind of products the company can offer.

#VenturaFoods’ Secret is The Sauce

Ventura Foods is indeed the leading manufacturer of custom and branded oil, shortening, margarine, mayonnaise, sauce and dressing in the United States as the company currently supplies many Quick Service and Fast Casual Restaurants in the United States and many other countries around the world.

Their presence in the Philippines is expected to gain them a foothold not just in the expanding dining scene in the country but in the whole of the Asia-Pacific Region.
One of their main strengths is that they specialize is custom made products.

Filipino-Made Dishwashing Brand #MIGHTYMOM is The Top Choice For Most Moms

I believe that I've changed drastically since I became a mom as I'm making my life more local in the ordinary, with the continual task of cutting out foreign goods, specifically China-made products.
Yes, I may be half Chinese, but I seriously seek now non-China things. Chinese products are dirt cheap, but quality is zero and unsafe. With all those toxic and disease-causing substances. UGH.

Though most Filipino folks I know would still run out to their favorite retail stores and fill up their shopping carts with lots of cheap stuff made in China, I do otherwise.  No longer contributing in the destruction of the Philippine economy. 

I'm slowly reintroducing safer products back into our lives and becoming mindful with what I purchase. I make sure everything I buy now is made in the Philippines.  

I'm extremely thrilled about the opportunity to learn about this dishwashing liquid I only see in grocery stores.

#NoBodyLikeJames Reid in the new Century Tuna campaign

At last!
That large, intriguing billboard on EDSA that kept everyone guessing—and has set the internet and social media abuzz as to who the hunk with those luscious lips behind it actually is—has finally been revealed!

Yes, James Reid is the latest endorser of Century Tuna featured in a traffic-stopping EDSA billboard and a sizzling new television commercial, now airing, that teasingly highlights his totally hot and chiseled bod.

How To Raise An Independent Toddler One Step At A Time

Get creative and make routine tasks like eating with a spoon and fork or brushing their teeth fun

Is your baby now a toddler?
Now’s the time to teach them to do things on their own.
As a parent, you have the privilege of helping them further enjoy their toddler years by teaching them to be independent and fully capable to do simple tasks on their own.

While teaching energetic toddlers may not be a walk in the park, incorporating a good dose of fun will always do the trick.
But first, you have to set an example for your child.
Toddlers often mimic what their parents do, whether on how to use a spoon and fork, how to drink from a glass, or how to brush their teeth.
Make sure they watch you when you do these things – or better yet, allow them to do these things with you – so that they can copy you.

Make everything fun.
Create fun step-by-step guides for properly eating with a spoon and fork, for example.
You can use music or rhymes, whichever works.

When brushing teeth, funny faces or catchy songs may just be the trick you need.
Use a catchy nursery rhyme to signal that it’s time to brush their teeth.
Establish that it should be a routine – after eating, they should always brush their teeth.
Remind them that they need to do it to have healthy teeth in the future.

To make your child’s brushing experience light and enjoyable, also make sure that you are using the right toothbrush,

Robinsons Supermarket's 4th Leg of #RoutetoWellness, Launched in Eastwood City

What I love about Robinsons Supermarket is that they are always searching for new and fresh promotion ideas, plus they partner only with the best brands in providing quality engaging creative family fun. They sure know how to motivate and increase their consumer count. 

Robinsons Supermarket's 4th leg of Route To Wellness festival was a fun event indeed with not-so-challenging obstacles and more.

The Wellness Theme Park was held in Eastwood City last August 6 to launch the "Celebrate" promo. 

#KissAgingGoodbye Promo : WIN as much as P200,000 worth of shopping points only at #WATSONS

Defy your age with WATSONS products.

I remember so clearly a few years back, when I was stopped at the entrance and ID’d upon entering a casino. I was with my husband and was having second thoughts whether to ask the guard what my age was after seeing me. Dumbfounded, he only said he thought I was in college. Hubby and I ended up having a good laugh about it.
Do you have a similar experience when someone mistook you for a college student or a teen even?

Things like that still happen to me quite a lot. People often think that I am considerably younger than I am but I don’t get offended really, I always take it as a compliment of course!
Recently, when booking a car, I sometimes asked the driver to guess my age. Their answers tend to vary somewhere from 20 to 25 - I'm usually the college student or an unemployed intern.
Their reactions are quite fascinating when they learn about me already being a mom of 3 and in the mid 30s.

The #Samsung Curve It Up Promo is back with bigger offers, grander discounts

Back by popular demand, the Samsung Curve It Up promo brings grander and more generous treats for everyone’s viewing pleasure.

Knorr Launched #LutongNanay Campaign + Yummy Sinigang Recipes!

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it." 

Julia Child's words have stayed with me and became sort of my mantra (after seeing her in a movie a few years back) not just in cooking but for my everyday struggle.

Now that I'm in my mid 30s, I'm thinking of what cooking has meant to me really over the past years. Cooking made a tight connection between me and the people I loved and cared for and has indeed provided a creative outlet. I found out that cooking and my kids have always been my passion, taught me so much and maybe saved in me in some ways.

Whenever I see happiness and contentment on my kids' faces as they enjoyed, cleaned, attacked a well-prepared meal, that was love to me.

What's Inside The Mind Museum's #DinoPlay

Like the others, the fascination with the largest creatures that once roamed the Earth started when I was about like 7 years old and my dad brought home this awesome children's encyclopedia collection. You know, those you can buy from persistent salesmen in suits in malls. But I loved the books nonetheless.
I can still see the scene clearly in my mind's eye, him giving me the book showing a weird monster with a row of whatsoever protruding from its back. I also remember him letting us watch an animated dinosaur film he used to rent out from a video store.

I used to have an odd obsession after watching Jurassic park in cinema that might simply just be the result of seeing it a billion times. Simply one of the movies I could not get over.
As a kid, just as now, intrigued about the idea of what the world was like billions of years before us came along. The desire to know of their past lives has never left me.

Sale Alert : #AranetaCenter Malls to hold QC Day Sale on Aug 19-21

In celebration of the 138th birth anniversary of President Manuel L. Quezon, the Araneta Center is holding a Quezon City Day Sale on August 19, which will extend until August 21, Sunday.

Head over to Gateway Mall, Gateway Tower Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and SM Department store this Friday, and enjoy store discounts up to 70% on selected items!

#HooqHangouts Presents DC's Legends of Tomorrow

Have you been to an outdoor cinema?
Thanks to Asia’s first and largest video-on-demand service - HOOQ, and Globe LIVE, I was able to experience recently at the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio Global City, the biggest outdoor cinema in the Philippines for the screening of the premiere episodes of one of the most talked about superhero series-- DC's Legends of Tomorrow.

And no, it was not frustrating at all.

Event Alert : #ToyKingdom's Amazing Toy Expo 2016

Toy Kingdom once again brings the most amazing gathering of toys in the Philippines in its Toy Expo 2016 at the 2nd Level of the SMX Convention Center from August 19-21, 2016.

#Giordano releases second Ultra Electromagnetic #VoltesV collection

Following the success of the first collection, Giordano’s Voltes V collection is set for an ultra-electromagnetic return this August.

Featuring vintage poster-inspired graphics in relaxed and timeless silhouettes, pieces in this collection will surely appeal to those who enjoyed the classic series in the 80s as well as their children now.

Jewel in the Palace star is #HuromSlowJuicer Ambassador

Lee Young-Ae is back.
Filipinos might know her better as Dae Jang Geum, her character in “Jewel in the Palace”.
It was a watershed moment for Philippine TV as the first Korean teleserye that captured the hearts of Filipinos everywhere, and thus started a trend that continues to this day.

After the tremendous success of this series, Young Ae chose to step back from the limelight, but this year she is returning to a new drama, which has caused much excitement in the entertainment world and among her multitude of fans.
Along with her acting comeback, she has become the ambassador of Hurom Slow Juicer.

#BrillanteMendozaFilmFestival Featured Taklub at SM City Masinag

In the world of movie, there are people who are really driven, like the brilliant filmmaker and film-director, Brillante Mendoza.
There is no denying about his desire to be in charge, from where to place the actors to how to organize everything so as to best convey the writer's objective.
He wanted control and authority for his visions and great written works to come to life.

As you all know, Direk Brillante Mendoza is the first ever Asian to win the prestigious best director award at the Cannes Festival and most recently, his latest film Ma'Rosa was in the main competition of the same festival in which Jacklyn Jose obtained the best actress award.
He also made history by directing the recent SONA of the newly elected president Rodrigo Duterte.

#CheckTheLabel : Knowing What's Best For Your Child

We're almost in the mid school year but the to-do list is still never ending for us moms, especially what to give for the kids. Yes, a hectic time indeed for them, and for their tummies.
Being a mom is difficult, since we all want to give our children a strong nutritional foundation. But how are we going to do that, really?

Of course, mothers know best but sometimes, even mothers need help when it comes to making the right decisions for their child, especially when it comes to their health. It is normal for moms to seek child care advice and parenting tips from experts as well as from family and friends with parental experience.
However, there will be instances when they would end up more confused and less confident to make a decision after hearing varying recommendations or contradicting views.

It's All About Fun, Food, and Fitness at the #JeunesseAnion Media Launch

I remember during my first year in college, our PE class only offered sort of dance and aerobics. I seriously couldn't imagine myself doing those things because the universe has blessed me with two left feet. My feet have never been in tune with music, in fact , I've always prided myself on how much of NOT a dancer I was. However, one thing I couldn’t deny was how much I loved the music. If you're a reader of my blog, you know that I grew up in a family of music lovers and usually we gathered around the sound system listening to classics and singing our hearts out.
I’d just sit and watch others do their moves and thought that maybe it's time for me to attend a legit dance class and sign up. I decided to join the Glee Club instead.

Zumba was supposed to be on my list this year. I’ve been itching to try it out but it’s not within my budget and I couldn't find a good studio spot that is conveniently located. Traffic is horrible so I refuse to do any of the Zumba classes where I can mostly feel the traffic and make me horrible.

I was also considering doing it by DVD at home, along with my 3. But laziness ever since has prevented me to do anything productive whenever I stay at home. It's too difficult to shake it off, really. I sleep so often while my kids are in school during the day, but I stay up so late at night doing nothing.
Yes, I'm THAT healthy.

Maybe the universe wanted my body to be in good condition for I got an invite to join a Zumba event. Impeccable timing, I know!

5 #WarnerTV tips on how to become an ‘American Ninja Warrior’

If your childhood dreams include becoming a ninja warrior, then this is the show for you.
From August 15 on Warner TV you can revisit that dream and root for your favorite contestant in American Ninja Warrior (ANW).

Based on the long-running Japanese show Sasuke, ANW is an action-packed series that follows competitors as they tackle a series whole slew of challenging obstacle courses across the US.

Denim and Blues Collection Now Available at #Surplus

Denim, as timeless and authentic as it is never fails to surprise us with its new style possibilities. Designers like Jonathan Anderson (J.W.Anderson), Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel), and Nicolas Ghesquière (Louis Vuitton) have reinvented the denim as sexy, cutout slip dresses, striped boyfriends, and denim-as-swim in their collections. Ralph Lauren, on the other hand, goes for boardroom blues, redesigning denim as a three-piece suit.

The young and the stylish quickly picked up the trend with Bella Hadid looking runway ready with a distressed style, and Hailey Baldwin playing it cool in cut offs.

At Surplus, Denim is everywhere - think dresses, crop tops, cut offs, tunics, skirts, jackets and joggers with a whole new attitude.

Be a certified Q Grader at The Barista & Coffee Academy of Asia

Judging by the amount  of coffee shops and other restaurants that serves good coffee, there really can’t be any adult in this great big world that has never tried coffee.

Now, if we are to look beyond those coffee beans and grounds we see in these  coffee shops around town, and wanting to learn and appreciate more about what goes inside those mugs and cups, the Barista & Coffee Academy of Asia is the center that teaches one to look beyond the cup.

Short courses are being offered by the BARISTA & COFFEE ACADEMY OF ASIA on Brewing Practice, Barista 101, Brewing Practice, Coffee Business Management, Menu Development, Café Operations. High Tea, and Cocktails this August.

#CourageousCaitie's Legacy Continues Through 'A Journey of Hope'

Araneta Center, together with Courageous Light, remembers the purposeful life of the late Caitlin Lucas, also known as Courageous Catie, with a photo exhibit entitled “A Journey of Hope” happening on August 6 to September 3, 2016 at the Gateway Mall Activity Center and Gateway Gallery.

Netizens remember Caitie as the courageous 3-year-old who battled juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare cancer of the blood affecting infants and toddlers.

#ViaVenetto Introduces Bags with an Attitude

A handbag is not just a bag. It’s a fashion statement, an extension of her personality.
A woman’s choice of a bag and the way she carries it easily conveys her mood for the day –fierce, elegant, haughty, dark, demure, loyal or playful.

Via Venetto, the artisanal shoe brand known for its fatto a mano (handcrafted) masterpieces, presents finely crafted bags in fabulous designs, materials and textures that perfectly captivate a woman’s ever-changing personality.

#Philam Stories : Generosity From Across The Seas

Among the notable traits that Filipinos possess are generosity and helpfulness.
Wherever they might be, Filipinos aim to aid their fellow countrymen by donating to charities or by sending money overseas.

This is made possible through Give2Asia, which is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, USA, that serves as a conduit to bridge resources from Filipinos abroad who want to donate to noteworthy programs that benefit fellow Filipino-Americans in Asia.

(L-R) Give2Asia President Birger Stampherdahl
and Incoming Chair Mr. George Sycip
with Philam Foundation President Max Ventura

#Goldilocks Missing Cake Finally Found!

Remember early last June, when Goldilocks billboards in key areas of the metropolis simultaneously displayed a giant 50th Anniversary celebration cake which was truly attention-grabbing, featuring a delightfully decorated mocha cake with a number 50 candle topping it off but gone missing roughly a week later?
Countless people were perplexed when these cakes literally went missing, leaving a gaping cake-shaped hole hole right in the middle of the billboards. Discussions and theories flew left and right on social media, with news reports in mainstream print and television following suit. People wanted to know… where was the Goldilocks 50th Anniversary Cake?

After a long search, it has finally been found!

Getting to Know #JulieAnneSanJose and Her 3rd Album "Chasing The Light"

I got a chance to meet Asia's Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose at her recent BlogCon held at GMA7. I'm not really part of the entertainment bloggers but I've sort of seen her star rise in the recent years and her supporters have always been proud of her. She is said to be the fastest selling young artist, along with her previous albums that received highly positive reviews from critics and stayed at the top spot.

After signing an exclusive recording contract with GMA Records, she's been branded as the unstoppable one ever since, plus now a certified Diamond Record awardee.
When an opportunity presented itself to her, she would always jump at the chance. Now, Julie Anne's 3rd album under GMA Records "Chasing The Light" is on its way to stratosphere, and her growth as as artists continues as she becomes more involved in the song writing process.

"Whatever is supposed to happen, will happen.", her motto in life to make everything get into place.

#Starbucks Introduces New Refreshing Frappuccino® Flavors

Someone asked me about the things that make me happy. The simplest things increase my personal happiness like going to coffee houses, buy my favorite drink, and then people-watch. Those littlest things bring me great joy from time to time.
On weekends, me, the kids and hubby would drive around and seek out different coffee shops to visit. Recently, I found out that our favorite coffee shop - Starbucks - opened near our place. The branch is bigger than the one inside the mall.

You can imagine how excited we were when we realized that it is open 24/7 and now it'll be so much easier for us to just grab and go their best-sellers, as well as their new creations like the new Starbucks Frappuccino® flavors – Mango Fruit Jelly Yogurt and Strawberry Fruit Jelly Yogurt!

Movies for AUGUST 2016 :)

Every end is a new beginning.
July for us has been a rollercoaster ride. Yes, there were great moments and a few low points like the passing of a very good friend. But as they say, every end is a new beginning. I'm facing this new month with positivity and happiness for life is too short.
We should enjoy and have fun. Forgive friends. Love by heart. Laugh out loud. Do everything that makes you smile, like watching feel-good movies!
I cannot wait to see Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christina Applegate party together on the big screen. It will definitely leave a mark although it is a comedy genre.
I'm also excited for Suicide Squad and Disney's BFG. Cinemalaya movies are to be shown this month as well.
So, enjoy and see you at the movies :)

AUGUST 3

'Spanish Colonial Cuisine' #CAZUELA Opens in Ortigas

I decided to spend my Monday morning at this place with fellow bloggers. Sort of a different approach in dealing with the Monday Blues instead of not thinking about it. My Mondays usually go all cooped up with the kids, struggling not to cry and whine at the same time.
But not this time. Nope.
I thought, hey, why not put food into perspective to tackle the Monday Blues?
We started early, about 9am and I got there at the earliest trying to escape the gridlock I was about to encounter on the Ortigas main way. The place was highly recommended as a good hole-in-the-wall just near Megamall if you're looking for a place that isn't your usual hangout.

Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista: Lampara Storytelling Competition 2016 Returns

Do you have children and students who love reading stories?
How about those who love telling stories?
Sign them up for Batang Lampara, Batang Kwentista Storytelling Competition 2016!

Good Food,Fun Night at #AMPRDigitalAppreciationNight #CuoreBistroandLounge

The truth is, food is just absolutely better after 6pm. Why is that? Especially when you're in Makati city, the location truly has a surplus of places that serve long into the night, but still quality is not compromised and has only improved over the years. If you're looking for places to hold special occasions or just hanging out for a late-night food session with friends, go to Makati.

When I got an invite to be part of AMPR's Digital Appreciation Night at Cuore Bistro and Social Lounge, honestly, I was hesitant to go for it was the first time I heard of the place. But I'm glad I did go.