St. Luke's Lay Fora

Aside from offering 50% discount on its services to celebrate their 107th anniversary, St. Luke's Medical Center has partnered with Parentin.tv and is bringing you the following talks for free:

The Painter's Wife Blog Giveaway

Eliza, of the blog The Painter's Wife, has teamed up with the entrepreneurs/mompreneurs whose products she had been raving about and is giving away THREE GOODIE BAGS (composing of at least P3,000-worth of fab products)!!!

The goodie bags will contain the following:

Goodie Bag #1:
PhP1,000.00 store credits from Swell Sweets
One (1) Sling from Next9
One (1) Onesie or T-Shirt from googoo&gaga

Goodie Bag #2:
PhP750.00 Gift Certificate from Chili Willy’s Texas Grill
PhP1,000.00 Store Credits from Babymama.ph
One (1) 3-Pc. Burp Cloth Set from Nursingmom

Goodie Bag #3:
Breastfeeding Accessories Set from Mama.Baby.Love (Jingle Jungle Sterilizer Bags, Jingle Jungle Breastmilk Storage Bags, Fabulous Mom Nursing Pads)
One (1) Nursing Cover and Pouch Set from Nursingmom
Five (5) Regular Servings of Caveman & Yeti Shaved Ice

You can join by blogging about it, tweeting about it, adding as Multiply friend, referring friends to the blog contest (so please, if you learned about the contest from me/here, don't forget to include my name "Mec Arevalo" as the one who referred you so I can get an extra entry point while you earn yours) or liking the sponsors' FB pages.

Just click on the link above to take you to the Painter's Wife's contest page!

Hizon's Cake

Hubs bought me an entire mocha cake from Hizon's for my birthday. This single-layer 12x16 cake costs P1,300 and would have to be ordered (you can call 524-8790, go to their bakeshop at 1197 Jorge C. Bocobo cor. Arquiza, Ermita, Manila or order from their kiosks in malls like Power Plant) beforehand. A smaller (square) one can sometimes be bought over the counter at P1,150 and a double-layer of this kind of cake will cost P2,500.

Their mocha cake is all cake and buttercream icing (even the flowers) with dulce de leche filling.

Another favorite cake from Hizon's is their caramel cake.

Their cafe restaurant at their Ermita branch also serves great food and provides a cozy ambience, perfect for dinner dates or key person insurance meetings. It used to be Dolphy's favorite haunt in his youth.

White Beach de Boracay Barkada Promo

Instead of debating with friends on how to pop a pimple, why not just plan a getaway to Boracay instead?

White Beach de Boracay is currently offering a Barkada Promo valid from October 15 - November 30 to those looking to have a break this semester break.

Enjoy 3 days and 2 nights stay at White Beach de Boracay and these three island activities (island hopping, helmet diving AND paraw sailing) for only:

(For QUAD sharing)
P 1,888 /pax (beach view room)
P 1,688 /pax (garden view room)

(For TRIPLE sharing)
P 2,399 /pax (beach view room)
P 2,099 /pax (garden view room)

For more information, contact White Beach de Boracay at their Manila Office No. (02) 359-8804; Boracay Tel. (036) 288-6103 and Mobile: 0905-473-2200.

Eden At Whitespace

The collections from Eden Maternity Wear are slightly pricey, for the middle-class at least. But there is a way to save on cost somehow.

Forget getting your orders delivered and just go to them at Whitespace tomorrow, October 03, 2010. They will be at the Whitespace Market between 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Not only can you skip the P150 or so delivery charge, you can actually check out their wares yourself and maybe even fit them.

What's more, they have a few broken pieces from their Bento Box set which they'd be putting on promo. You can choose any 2 pieces and get these for only P2,500 (instead of ordering the set of pants, skirt, tank top and sleeved top that composes the Bento Box).

So check Eden Maternity Wear at Whitespace and upgrade your maternity and nursing wardrobe (plus, their collection is equally flattering to non-preggos and non-mothers).

Whitespace Bldg, in front of Mead Johnson
# 2314 Pasong Tamo Extension
Makati, Philippines

Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run

Blue Water Day Spa, in its commitment to beauty and wellness is holding its first ever Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run on October 17, 2010 at the Seaside, Mall of Asia.



The Blogger Event
As part of their information campaign, Blue Water Day Spa invited bloggers last September 21, 2010 at Kabisera ng Dencio's at the Fort where they talked about the run and encouraged the bloggers to help create buzz for the event. They discussed what runners can expect as well as the logistics of the event. Made me wish I wasn't preggy and have to miss it, really.





We were encouraged to ask questions about the event, were treated to free dinner and singlets and some of us even got to take home raffle prizes from sponsors. I particularly thank Monterey for the gift certificates I won. Of course, we were also all enamored by Karylle and Boom, celebrity endorsers of the spa who are also joining the run on the 17th.

The BlueWater Day Spa Fun Run Blogger Event at Kabisera was sure fun, with a third of the attendees blogging runners/triathletes!

The Run
The BlueWater Day Spa 'Innovating Wholeness' Fun Run will be held at the grounds of SM Mall of Asia. Starting 4:30 AM, runners will be treated to a guided warm up. The race will officially start for the 10KM runners at 5:00 AM. 5KM and 3KM runners will follow.

Registration
Registration for the fun run will cost runners the following:
3KM – P500
5KM – P600
10KM – P700

This will entitle registrant to a race kit each which will include a Singlet, Towel, Race Bibs, Race Map, and Drawstring bags with lots of freebies (we're talking of the latest BlueWater Day Spa brochure, BWDS pin, vouchers, freebies courtesy of Alaska, Aquabest, Beach Hut, Eagle’s Wing, Luxe Magazine, Nature Valley, Spa Essentials, and Total Fitness Magazine). The loot bags, however, can only be claimed after one has finished the race.

Registration can be done in all BlueWater Day Spa branches:
2nd Floor Greentop Condominium, BPI Bldg, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Metro Manila
Email : info.ortigas@bluewaterdayspa.com
Tel No. : 724 - 04-26 . 727-84-20
Cel. No. : 0917.8156.659

Ground Floor Tropical Palms Condo
# 103 Dela Rosa St., Corner Perea St., Legaspi Village Makati City
Email : infomakati@bluewaterdayspa.com
Tel No. : 817-31-26 . 817-54-55
Cel. No. : 0917.881.00.92

Capitol Green St., Commercial Center Capitol Hills Golf Annex Old Capitol Hills Drive Old Balara Quezon City
Email : info@bluewaterdayspacapitolhills.com
Tel No. : 473-04-55 . 435-01-14
Cel. No. : 0917.5222.937

Space D. Ground Floor One Orchard Road, Eastwood City Cyberpark,
E.Rodriguez Avenue, C5 Bagumbayan Quezon City
Email : bluewatereastwood@yahoo.com
Tel No. : 702-82-90 . 975-24-99
Cel. No. : 0917.5808.358

# 238 Scout Bayoran Tomas Morato Quezon City
Email : bluewaterdayspa_tm@yahoo.com
Tel No. : 486-55-84 . 794-50-36
Cel. No. : 0923.7187.101

Interested runners can also go to these participating outliets for cash registration:
Time ( in SM Mall of Asia and Greenbelt )
Rox ( in Bonifacio High Street )
Columbia ( in Greenbelt 5 )
Rest Toe Run ( in Gateway Mall )

Prizes
Cash Prize structure for the race is (plus medal):
Winner for 10KM - P5,000
Winner for 5KM - P3,000
Winner for 3KM - P2,000



Other Perks
First of all, this is a fun run so it's less competitive and more about having a good time while embracing healthier habits. It's perfect for active families and friends.

Then, there are the celebrity runners like Coach Rio dela Cruz, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Boom Labrusca (who will be part of Usapang Lalake in Studio 23), Sam Milby (who's running his first race, join him at the 3KM dash), Fabio Ide, Karylle Tatlonghari (who may be doing the 5KM one) and Daniel Matsunaga.

There will also be the special participation of the likes of Senator Pia Cayetano, Kiko Rustia and Coach Alfrancis Chua. And dare I mention that there will be 40 Brazilian models (not sure if they're all male or a mix of genders) running the 5KM race as well?

Other stars are also expected to join as there will be a stage set up and food will be provided to the runners after.

Exhibitors like BED (Bar, Entertainment, Dining), Fuzion Smoothie Cafe, Citibank, Fruit Magic, Paul Calvin's, Tapa King, Eagle's Wings Enterprise, The Tides Hotel Boracay and Natue Valley among others are also sure to offer special treats to guests and participants. In fact, there will be an area that would seem like a bazaar for the exhibitors and other sponsors that would have stations there.

And yes, participants will be enjoying more treats on the day of the event!
Their site says to expect more surprises from the following:

Timex
Half Moon Asian Cafe
San Miguel Food Corporation – Hungry Juan, Magnolia Chicken Station, Monterey
Business World
Canadian
Gourmet Pao
One Health Club
Fruit Magic
Citibank
Tides Boracay
One Tagaytay
Urban Luxe Facial Center
Hero Sausages
Tapa King
Flap Jacks
Mines View Hotel
Gawad Kalinga Apparel
Phyten

Sponsors include Cath's In Style Fine Jewelry, Canadian Manufacturing, Columbia Sportswear, Beach Hut, Holy Seat, Half Moon Asian Cafe, Monterey, Hungry Juan, Magnolia Chicken Station, Mines View Park Hotel, 55 Eevnts Place and Spa Essentials. Their official bottled water for the event is Aquabest and event partner are Event King Corporation and Mercator Model Management Incorporated. Venue partner, of course, is SM Mall of Asia while media partners include Business World, Business World High Life, Dispatch, Herword.com, Luxe Magazine, Rogue Magazine, RunnerSpeak, Cablelink, Total Fitness Magazine, and Uno Magazine. Registration partners are ResToeRun, Timex and R.O.X.

Jazz Up Your Singlet Contest
Yep, there's more. Participants are encouraged to join the "Jazz Up Your Singlet" contest as part of the BlueWater Day Spa Fun Run. Runners can unleash their creativity by designing their singlets using any material possible (feathers, sequins, paint, etc). The only limitation is that the logo in front and the caption at the back of the singlet should remain untouched, and that the runner should really wear the singlet from start to finish of the race they're participating in. Additional points will be given to those who will use logos of the sponsors as part of their design. Consolation prizes will be given to 100 finalists and contest winners will get free special gift certificates from Blue Water Day Spa. All finalists will also get a chance to strut their designs onstage.

Criteria for judging of the singlets:
Originality of: Design – 25%
Creativity – 25% (use of decoration materials),
Adherance to theme – 15%
Overall Impact – 35%


So as you can see, this particular run may not be free but it does offer so much more in return. Just make sure to get to the place early and park within where SM has jurisdiction to avoid bad elements from messing with your property. Plus, don't bring unnecessary valuables anymore if you're leaving those in the car.

Carbo load the night before and maybe just eat a banana and hydrate before you head onto the race. You can have a proper breakfast later.

Portable toilets will be provided in one area of the grounds, but for preggos like me, it still might not be enough to come. They expect around 5,000 people to turn up so it will still be a major crowd to have to deal with for someone like me who will be 8.5 months pregnant by October 17. Still, the Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run is sure to be a great event for families and friends, even colleagues, to participate in. It's also sure to be a great opportunity for photographers.

Karylle is looking to place so 5KM runners be warned for she really isn't just a pretty face.

For questions about the BlueWater Day Spa Fun Run, you can e-mail:
secretariat@bluewaterdaysparun.com

Expo Kid II at Rockwell Tent this October

There will be an Expo Kid happening at the Rockwell Tent this October. The expo is from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and is hosted by Mommy Mundo. Check out the event listing by Mommy Mundo on Facebook.


print this flyer and get in for free!

Kabisera ng Dencio's

Kabisera ng Dencio's (Bonifacio High Street. Fort Bonifacio Global City 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines) is basically a more intimate and cozy Dencio's. It still features the Filipino fare that we all love about Dencio's but at a setting that is more for quiet talks, romantic dates and family gatherings filled with conversations.

It's for meals where you linger and really talk without the sometimes raucuous laughter (not to mention, bothersome cigar smoke) you associate with Dencio's as a haunt for people with drink in mind. Really highly recommended for its ambience, its great food, its friendly waitstaff and nearby parking.

Kabisera ng Dencio's is also perfect for blogger events like the one I attended because the second level can accommodate between 40-60 people nicely. It's also well-ventilated too (should have worn a poncho). I just failed to take pictures of the place since I arrived late and my camera wasn't charged.

Big and Small Sale

Just in case there are still women out there who haven't had their fill of advance Christmas shopping and nesting, note this sales which may be a good reason to avail of some payday cash advance:

Warehouse sale of Big & Small, Spin, HAB (maternity and more), and Orange Juice on Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m at Nutrition Compound, 2332 Pasong Tamo Ext.

There is sure to be a lot of great stuff there that are discounted and you can maybe buy some several sizes bigger just to hoard really great clothes for your growing kids.

Movement Facilitates Growth

Once upon a time, I had a P. E. professor who said that she's the youngest of a brood of ten and also the tallest. She said that was because, since she was the youngest, she was allowed to roam as she pleased because her parents didn't have time to mollycuddle her anymore.

The truth is, movement does facilitate growth which is why one of the best things parents can do for their kids who want, or can't wait, for them to be taller is to get their kids into exercise or sports (of course, some actually inhibit growth, like gymnastics). Kids who grow up active may not even think of ever using a human growth hormone supplement when they grow up since they'd have realized their maximum potential already through regular activity. Plus, human beings are still evolving so having taller kids and grandkids is actually the norm.

It also doesn't have to be rigorous exercise. Parents can just fly kites, throw Frisbees or jog together. Not all families need to be joining triathlons anyhow. Activity saves a child from obesity and depression too.

Poem Scarf by Eden

Bianca Araneta-Elizalde has written a wonderful poem for her children. "My Masterpiece" is then printed on a lightweight knit scarf and can be the perfect, perfect gift for your Mom or wife this Christmas, or to any mom you know.

It's a great accessory, sure to be conversation starters and a fab, fab way to keep you warm in the coming cold months. It can even cover your chest acne (if any), spills on your clothes or double as a breastfeeding cover while you nurse in public.

If you're not into wearing scarves, you can still use this to spice up your bag. Or like what I intend to do, have it framed for your living room (surrounding it with different pictures of your kids) or your baby's nursery.

The Poem Scarf come in 4 colors (Ink, Wine, Denim and Cocoa) and costs P800 each.

Inspirational Stamps and Cool Riddles

If you're looking for inspirational stamps, cool wordarts and riddles/quotes you can use for your layouts, just create with TLC.

The picture stamps are more Americana images but all the other content of this blog are really fun and funny. Creative parents can even use them as games for their kids or as educational tools to prompt reflection and imagination.

Last Friday of Storytelling at Fully Booked

Mommies can still bring their kids to at the 2nd floor (Children's Section) of Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street so they can enjoy storytelling and some arts and crafts. It's from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM and is very much free.

It sure would be a great way to start your weekend.

Great Mommy Gift

Either as a push present or a Christmas gift to your Mom or Mommy friends, Eden is now selling a Poem Scarf that is sure to be a hit with moms and dads alike.

It features a poem by Bianca Araneta-Elizalde entitled, "My Masterpiece."

For those who can afford, it could even double as unique baby shower invitations and giveaway. Or for people like me who don't really like wearing scarves, just have it framed to decorate your baby's nursery.

A Little Bit of Everything

Parties and reunions have already started. What's more, bazaars, trade fairs and other launches and events occupy our weeknights and weekends.

How do we survive the holidays without needing weight loss supplements after?

Simple really. Drink more water, talk longer and just sample a little bit of everything. Just get one cookie, one small piece of chicken, a teaspoon of stuffing and a sliver of pie. Don't get one whole serving of anything and certainly, do not get two.

This way, you won't really feel deprived because you get to sample everything. And if you really engage in talk (or rapt attention) in between food samples, your brain will register fullness more as you get to smell all the other good stuff without haing to ingest them all.

A little bit of everything. That's the key.

Parentin.TV Talk Series - Review

Suffice it to say that I should have been more than wary of the sponsors for this event. But I really also thought it would be just like most of the baby fairs we go to where sponsors are allotted some time to speak and promote their products. I guess, to them, that is just what they did. But since it's more of a talk supposedly, instead of a fair where attendees really mill around, we were sort of a very captive audience.

THE HIGHLIGHTS
Breastfeeding Talk
Nona Andaya of the Breastfeeding Clinic presented a really greatly summarized breastfeeding talk. She was able to highlight important key points, was very engaging and well, used some really graphic videos. Haha.



Sex Talk
Maribel Dionisio of the Love Institute also gave a really good talk on initiating and handling sex talk with your children, whatever age they may be. She also touched on the importance of communication within the family as a cornerstone of raising kids who are aware of what parents disapprove of and why.



Fashion Show
Let's just say, I salivated and drooled and coveted. There were a lot of maternity wear which will convert to nursing wear after so they'd be really great purchases. The mom models were all fab! It was a pity to be seated so far from the stage.



The Host and the Prizes
Tin-Tin Bersola Babao was very charming. And there were a lot of good prizes raffled off. A 4-month preggy mom went home with a newborn package (stroller, diapers, pillow set) while some moms got P5,000 worth of David's salon gift certificates. I got an Off Lotion loot bag (it wasn't much but it saved me some P200 at least).




THE LOWLIGHTS
Oh... where do I start?

Flyers said we could register online, which I did. Since I thought it was a prestigious event of sorts, I expected a confirmation of our slots. Maybe I'm just used to blogger events but I was concerned by the lack of confirmation so I found others to e-mail at Parentin.TV. I was texted by someone that they really don't send our confirmation e-mails but confirmed our slots.

I don't know how I'm going to word this properly without sounding like an arrogant, uppity person but come the day of the event, my husband and I were surprised with the crowd that greeted us. The topics for the day included cord blood banking and financial security, there was going to be a fashion show of nursing and maternity wear, and it was being held at St. Luke's Global (currently the most expensive hospital in the country, no matter how much they downplay that fact) so naturally we assumed it was going to be attended by mostly A and B crowd. I even dressed up nicely for it. So seeing really rowdy moms in slippers with their own mothers and all their children in tow was kinda a surprise.

Not having enough seats was also annoying. Lack of visibility of ushers for the occasion also didn't help. Tables were scattered with PSBank envelopes so we didn't know which places are still available... and yet, PSBank was also giving the same envelopes at the door. There was just no order nor system with the distribution of say, complimentary eco bags or snacks. There were too many people that the venue ended up being crowded... and kids were playing on the stage area.



Plus, most of the talks turned out to be hard sell opportunities. The most notable thing I got from it is that parents planning to send their kids to DLSU should prepare some P800,000 per sem 17 years from now and that only 16% of Filipinos save. Other than that, it was just one boring, self-serving pitch after another. I was even really disappointed to see the OB-perinatologist (Dra. Valerie Guinto) who performed my CAS doing the sales pitch for St. Luke's Global. No, she didn't extol the virtues of the Lazy Boy and Wifi and flat screen in their birthing room but she did take longer than usual on how St. Luke's is equipped with the latest and the brightest when she was supposed to be tackling obstetrical care.

What's even laughable about the whole thing is that she said it isn't that expensive to give birth at St. Luke's Global while I have it on good authority that one can expect to spend at least P120,000 there for just a normal, uncomplicated delivery.

Plus, I expect only 10-15% of the audience would be able to afford spending that much on a delivery, and not all those who can, will.



The same will echo in all the other talks. PSBank showed the current and projected cost of sending kids to top universities while about half of who attended will just probabaly send their kids to public schools. There was a talk on cord blood banking (P8,000 yearly fee) and insurance and the virtues of brown rice but the disconnect between the topics and the crowd was just too much.

I did use the word laughable already, right?

And I was actually worried for Tin-tin because although the turnout was spectacular, her sponsors might complain that they weren't able to deliver their target market.

Oh and the event started late and just went on forever. I was beat and we didn't finish anymore the last topic. And I may never attend another event like this with Parentin.tv again. In the end, I found it was just not worth my time, eventhough it was free.

Filipino Sign Language - Enrollment at CSB

From September 13-25, enrollment for the next batch of Filipino Sign Language students at the DLS-College of St. Benilde will be held from 10 AM - 5 PM. Just head onto the FSL booth along the hallway at the ground floor near the HRD office.

You can also call526-7441 to 47 local 131 or e-mail balizaj@dls-csb.edu.ph.

Semester will start late September to December. Yes, you may need some anti wrinkle eye cream after finishing the course, with all the squinting and eyebrow-raising you'll be doing as you learn to sign and be expressive but FSL classes are so fun and educational. Plus, the Deaf world is really illuminating.

Jun & Jun's Cebu Lechon & BBQ

Jun & Jun's Cebu Lechon & BBQ is located near St. Luke's Global City at the Fort, between Home Depot and S&R. My husband already told me that they tend to take their time, service-wise, but since it felt like the safest bet for lunch at the time, we still ate there last Saturday (Sept. 11).

The ambience was nice and the place wasn't packed, even at 12 Noon, as most diners head onto other strips in the Fort area. The waitstaff was okay but they were so unhurried and seemed so unconcerned to be considered accommodating. Plus, somewhere along the chain of command, our order of crispy lechon was forgotten. I was already really hungry and we were already halfway through our kangkong and rice when we thought the wait was just ridiculous and followed up the order... only to be told that the cook has forgotten to prepare it.

They did apologize but it was so weird for say, the waiter or the one who took our order (seemingly a manager or person-in-charge at that) to forget. I respect that they must have thought we were on a diet since they only served us rice and kangkong, but we were giving them pointed stares while waiting for the lechon, so they must have at least asked or checked if anything was amiss.

Good thing though that the lechon only took some 5 minutes to be crispy fried.

Unfortunately though, it was just so-so (and really salty, if truth be told). Even my husband (who isn't pregnant) had to really use a lot of vinegar for it. Even the kangkong was just so-so. And yes, I was too annoyed already to take pictures of the lechon.

The one time hubs ate there with his colleagues, he said it took two hours for their order to be brought to them, and 30 minutes into the eating before the lechon was brought to them.

So would I recommend the place? Certainly not, especially considering the price of its fares. Unless you have all the time in the world, maybe. You can have better-tasting lechon from the food carts/kiosks in food courts.

Super Kids Fair 2010 at SMX

Super Kids Fair 2010, a two-day event that started today, is the first early childhood education fair in the country. Sponsored by Wyeth and Promil among others, the fair ticket is P80 for both child and adult and features many activities (over freebies).

There's storytelling almost every two hours and also a Gymboree feature in the late afternoon. There are many booths with arts and crafts too as well as sing and dance presentations to entertain your child.

Tired parents can just rest at the modern sofas at SMX's lobby in the first floor. The fair is held at the 3rd floor.

Swap Baby Items at The Stork Exchange this September 18

For P299 (inclusive of food and drink) at M Cafe at Greenbelt 3 this coming September 18, you can swap your pre-loved baby items with other moms in a one of a kind shopping at the Stork Exchange.

Click here for more details.