Breastfeeding Uncovered brings Jack Newman to Manila

LATCH, Inc. (and all other breastfeeding advocacy groups) has been working so hard for the past few months because the breastfeeding Rockstar is coming to Manila this August.

Thus, we are inviting interested doctors, nurses, advocates, parents and community groups to attend this momentous event.

Those who might want to distribute flyers/brochure prints to their clients  can contact the e-mail address in the picture.

To register for the event, just visit the event Breastfeeding Uncovered registration site. Early registrants need only pay P1,100 (as opposed to P1,500 if you buy your tickets at the door on the day of the event).

Intentional parents out there might also want to forward the link to this post or the event page to their pediatricians and other family doctors. The more doctors in other fields to attend, the better breastfeeding support families will get.

The more government leaders to send representatives, also the better.

Mark your calendars!
BREASTFEEDING UNCOVERED with JACK NEWMAN

Augusto Barcelon Auditorium
Ortigas Avenue Pasig City, Metro Manila
Philippines 

Saturday, August 31, 2013 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PHT)

Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training in Cebu

I won't have the right words to describe how much I am indebted to and how greatly I admire the Arugaan lactation experts so suffice it to say, they are very good and very community-based. They are aware of the concerns of families from all walks of life, which makes their approach very practical, realistic and achievable.

So, for those based in Cebu... how about helping breastfeeding advocacy over there by training under these fine people? When I shadowed their training of community health workers, I witnessed people converted and transformed, and I have every hope they will be able to generate the same response there.

Mommy Mundo Christmas Bazaar 2012

As if we really need more reasons to shop and empty our pockets out... but anyway...

Mommy Mundo is holding its Christmas Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent this coming weekend, Nov 24-25, 2012.

It may not be the place to look for marshall haze 40 guitar for your little achiever, but there are enough wooden toys from WonderWorld Toys, or really pretty dresses by Dizzy Dress, and even prettier bows from Celestina & Co.

Looking for cheaper breast pumps? Babymama is the booth to visit.

What about pregnancy and maternity clothes that are fab and comfy? Then, proceed to Mama.Baby.Love's booth and look through slings and cloth diapers while you're at it.

Download and print this map and have the vendors sign it when you visit their booths. When you complete at least 20 signatures, just submit the form at the exit, and get a chance to win wonderful prizes (Baby 1st Stroller, Mommy Matters nursingwear, Havaianas flipflops, and more:) at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar raffle draw!

For a list of exhibitors and other things one can expect at the expo, click here.

Robinsons Warehouse Sale 2012

Looking for  tv stands with mounts? What about little kitchen helpers to make for better food presentation? Christmas gifts to beloved kids perhaps? Fabulous outfits? DIY kits for home decorating?

Or just a reason to shop for any bargain?

Well then... the Robinsons Warehouse Sale 2012 event poster is already making the rounds. Here's what they say that you can expect:

Get up to 70% off on these participating brands: Toys "R" Us, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, Ben Sherman, Robinsons Appliances, Robinsons Department Store, Handyman, True Value, Saizen, Howards and Mini Stop! Plus more exciting deals at the Robinsons Metrobank Warehouse Sale 2012!

 Simply present your Robinsons Cebu Pacific MasterCard, GO! MasterCard or any Metrobank credit card to enter and enjoy the big discounts and deals!

Now, I know those days aren't pay days yet for most people but I guess that's where emergency cash and wise use of credit cards can help you purchase necessities (and maybe a few nice-to-have's) at cheaper the cost.

I am inclined to go just to see how much gets slashed on wooden toys at Toys "r" Us :)

Fastened Things are Safe Things

One thing people keep forgetting when they decorate their homes is to fasten and/or secure their big furniture.

Take for example high shelves or big display cabinets. Even if you're not in an earthquake-prone area, an errant child can just as easily topple these over with a stubborn pull. Best to make sure to fasten them, using some hex head cap screws  or at least secure them with other items (like a storage chair or low shelf) so that if they do fall, there will be that gap to make sure no one will get really hurt.

You also want these items to help boost you up, in case you need it, and really hold whatever is put in them instead of leaning this way and that (and yes, best not to put heavy things on top shelves).

Do a quick inventory of your things and see how better you can secure your home from your own furniture.

Dainty Ashley Hair Trinkets

If you're looking for quality hair trinkets for your baby fashionistas, or just really huge flowers on headbands or blooms on bare feet (just some ballet birthday ideas for you), then Dainty Ashley is the shop you are looking for.

Making hair/head decorations for little girls as a business is the result of blessing a crafty, creative momma with a baby girl. What else is she to do, right?

I also love it that Mai, the creative genius behind Dainty Ashley, has named her designs after daughters of friends. I keep kidding her that she's the bane of moms of daughters because they wouldn't be able to resist her wares.

Check out her upcoming collections!

 

Shop, Feast, Play and Unwind at Balik Bukid Part 2

Last May 24's Balik Bukid Country Fair saw people borrowing local mats to use for picnics, shopping for organic products (from produce to scented products, even toys), buying plants for urban farming, stocking up on naturalist medicines and just enjoying everything that's fresh and fun there to do and sell.

Good thing there's a part 2 happening on November 17, 2012. Entrepreneurs wishing to sell their organic products can contact balikbukid at gmail dot com while families can rally their friends and clan to have a family day at Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate.

3-Day Training on "Healing Ourselves from Medicine"

Healing Ourselves from Medicine is a book by Joaquin Tan, renowned Philippine anthroposophist. This is a book description I got from Amazon of the book:

Healing Ourselves From Medicine, based on thirty years of practical experience, provides a detailed working manual for the application of the principles of an anthroposophical approach to medicine that can be utilized by anyone. At the same time, it clearly explains the philosophical underpinnings of this unique approach to self-healing. This writing will prove to be an invaluable aid for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of human health and illness. “Humanity is at war with itself. On many fronts, humans are fighting each other in a silent but raging and devastating war. Medicine is a key battleground in this conflict. On one side stand the forces advocating for the full mechanization of the human being—looking at old age as a disease, and damaged organs as mere body parts that can be replaced with other similar body parts. On the other side stand humans who want to advance a more profound, dignified, and spiritual view of the human being and the healing process. In this epochal conflict, Jake Tan has clearly placed his future with the forces that would resist the mechanization of humanity. Jake is bringing an important message that deserves to be heard, especially in a time when humanity is making fateful decisions that will determine the future direction and condition of subsequent generations. Will we choose to mechanize ourselves and solve the ‘problem’ of ‘illness’ and ‘old age’ by attempting to transfer human consciousness into the bodies of super-intelligent machines? Or will we view biological ‘defects,’ illness, holistic health, and death as essential for the spiritual evolution of humanity? In the end, you, as readers, will also have to make a choice. May Jake’s book help guide you in making that choice.” - Nicanor Perlas, Author, Shaping Globalization: Civil Society, Cultural Power, and Threefolding, and Recipient, The Right Livelihood Award

The seminar is sure to cover basic anthroposophical beliefs about the human body and diseases as well as managing common illnesses and using food (local and organic) as cure.

This is great for parents (with those trying to conceive, pregnant ones and ones with small chldren to benefit the most)... people looking for a different  way to heal... people into natural healing... or people curious about homeopathy and maybe even organic farming :)

"Healing Ourselves From Medicine" (a 3-day training with Joaquin G. Tan) September 28-30, 2012. Organized by Spread Organic Agriculture in the Philippines. See poster for details or contact Sandy Itchon at 2167016 / spreadorganicagriculture@yahoo.com.

15-DAY INTENSIVE BEGINNER’S COURSE IN WALDORF/STEINER EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 2013

Premier Philippine anthroposophists Jake and Bella Tan have just released the schedule for their "15-DAY INTENSIVE BEGINNER’S COURSE IN WALDORF/STEINER EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION for next year (2013)".

The course starts on January 17 and will be held every Thursdays-Saturdays thereafter for 15 sessions and will cover introduction to anthroposophy, Waldorf Education and activities integral to Waldorf Education (like playing instruments, wet on wet painting).

The course will most benefit teachers, parents, individuals interested in self-development or people at crossroads and wondering what to do next.

I took this course early this year and I credit it with a lot of changes that happened to me, and pursuits that I am into now. Yes, life-changing is how I will describe it. A lot about anthroposophy resonated in me... and it has helped me become a more intentional parent which is why I highly recommend it to everyone who can keep an open mind.

For more information... click on the  poster for details or contact us at rstep07@yahoo.com.ph / 3715688 / 09178386315. Thank you!

Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath Cares for Mommy’s Skin Too

Last March 12, Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath invited mommies to have a rare chance to chat with Mrs. Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo on Facebook . Aside from mommy tips and advice that were swapped, the celebrity mom also reminded all the other moms about taking care of oneself and how easily it can be incorporated in activities we do with our kids. We often do forget about us, don’t we?

It was very timely really since summer heat often means more bath times for little ones as they tend to sweat more and are usually engaged in outdoor activities this time of the year. One big question from a mom of boys with sensitive skin though is this: how do you keep giving them baths without running their skin dry? And how do you also keep having fun with them while also keeping your skin moisturized?

Happily enough, the answer is Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath, which give the best gentle care by nourishing the skin with the goodness of milk and Vitamins A & E.

It is really a common activity in our home, me putting my boys in their respective tubs to cool them down during the day for their afternoon nap, and as part of our bedtime routine. The downside of that usually means getting wet myself, or really sweaty, so I almost always end up showering too. A practical approach to this is to use a product that is gentle enough for my sons’ skin but can also provide all the moisturizing I need. And since it’s not a hygienic habit to share soap, Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath as a communal liquid soap makes sense. Thus, when I was approached for this sponsored post, I didn’t even have to think twice about saying YES.

Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath thanked some of those who joined the live chat by sending token gift packs. I actually gave mine to a cousin who just gave birth (along with other newborn necessities), figuring that it’s something she will super appreciate since she has two other kids she can share the products with. For those who weren’t able to take part in that first live chat, videos at the Johnson's Baby Philippines Facebook Page are posted of Judy Ann’s personalized answers to some questions raised during the live chat, as well as more tips and tricks to having great skin. Do like and share! Spread the word that aside from water play, Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath is another thing that mommies and babies can also share.

STEINER/WA​LDORF EDUCATION SEMINAR AT NCCC MALL, DAVAO

I will just copy-paste my friend's letter of invitation to all those interested in learning more about Anthroposophy, Homeopathy and Waldorf Education :) I really recommend this to parents and educators.
==============

Dear Friends,

To create a sustainable society of international understanding, tolerance and peace, there should be a new understanding of what is possible in education. Administrators, teachers, parents, and Education students interested to develop their teaching and parenting capacities are invited to join a two-day seminar on the world-renowned Steiner/Waldorf-inspired "balanced education of the head, heart, and hands." To talk about this pedagogy – adopted by more than 1,000 schools in more than 60 countries since 1919 – are Bella Tan and Jake Tan from Rudolf Steiner Education Philippines (www.rstep.org.ph).

Trained in Australia in 1989, Bella C. Tan was one of those who introduced Steiner-Waldorf Education in the Philippines in 1992. She co-founded the first Steiner-Waldorf school in 1994, initiated the Parent-Toddler Program in 1997, and co-founded Michael Playgarden, the first full day co-parenting center in 2006. Bella has conducted teacher training and related courses not only in the Philippines but also in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and China. She has also written two children’s books.

Joaquin G. Tan trained in acupuncture (1989) and in Anthroposophic Pharmaceutical Preparations and Medicine in the WALA GMBH, Bad, Boll, Germany. He attended the English Course in Anthroposophic Medicine, Arlesheim (1992). He co-founded the first Waldorf kindergarten/school in the Philippines and served in its Board of Trustees (1994-2002). He is the author of the book “Healing Ourselves: A Guide to Creative, Responsive & Self-Reliant Medicine” (1995) and “Healing Ourselves from Medicine” which was released internationally in 2011. Jake has conducted lectures on the wellness and healing as well as the health and nutritional aspects of child development in Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.

The two-day seminar is organized by Tuburan Institute, Inc. at the Food Cove Function Room, 2nd floor (at back of the Food court, beside Mall Admin Office), NCCC Mall, corner of Matina and Ma-a, Davao City. Specifically, the two-day workshop will cover the following topics:

• Childhood and Development
• The 12 senses
• Nature of Conception, Pregnancy, Birth
• Health and Nutrition of the Developing Child
• Imitation and Good Example: Role of the Adult
• Dreamy Consciousness of the Child
• Education of the Will

The daily sessions will begin at exactly 9:00 am and end at 4:30 pm. Lunch break will be from 12:00 noon till 1:30 pm. Participants are requested to come on time and bring their own pen and notebook for taking notes. The course fee is Php 500 for the two days and does not include food and drinks. The course fee can be paid through the following:

1.) Account number: 2141021748 Account Name: Tuburan Institute, Inc. Bank: BPI Matina branch
2.) Astanah Spa, Juna Avenue, Davao City (landmark: accross Values School beside Lispher Inn)
3.) Jayma Law Office, 2nd Flr. Paseo de Legaspi, Crossing Legaspi St. and Rizal St., Davao City (landmark: above 147 Beer Avenue resto-bar)
4.) Door 5, Ma-a Plaza, Km. 5 Ma-a Road, Ma-a, Davao City (beside Deeper Life Academy)

Participants are requested to bring their deposit slips or acknowledgment receipts and present them during the March 3, 2012 registration. In case participants prefer paying at the venue on the first day of the seminar, we would like to request to be informed before March 1 of your attendance. This is because the venue can accommodate only 200 participants at a time and we would like to ensure everyone can be comfortably seated.

Thanks very much!


Maya Flaminda J. Vandenbroeck
Organizer
Team Tuburan Institute, Inc.
Contact:
mienmaya at gmail dot com

Support System After Birth

First time pregnant moms usually get overwhelmed with the things they have to prepare and prepare for in time for their delivery. Most of the time, moms get preoccupied with shopping for the initial layette and getting their documents concerning health insurance (Philhealth) and maternity leave/benefits in order. Of course, there's also that pressure of coming up with the money for the delivery and thinking up the perfect name while keeping oneself relaxed and healthy. And yes, some mothers also prepare by attending parenting seminars.

However, a lot of moms or prospective parents still miss one important thing: preparing their support system once the child is out. This can be especially crucial in the event of a very difficult labor or unexpected complications in both mother and child. Personally, I had an easier time post-partum with my first, but my second got me looking for depression rehab treatment centers because the melancholy lasted for months and seemed never to end.

So, as early as the minute you find out you're pregnant, make it a habit to dialogue with your partner to help you feel more able to communicate post-partum blues. Also, ask for help from family, and maybe some friends, for help in the early days, if you won't be hiring a helper to help you out. Just know that you may have many people sharing your home with you and still feel all alone after, especially if you cannot ask help from them. So, yes, ask help from them while you're still pregnant so they can help you recover faster.

Consider it as part of your birth plan.

Hong Kong Tips for those Travelling with Babies and Kids

PLANNING YOUR ITINERARY

1. Choose your hotel location with care. Check its proximity to restaurants, groceries and transport stops.

2. Arrange your itinerary by plotting must-visits in the same area. Utilize Google maps for directions and distance/travel time approximations. You might not know it but taxi cabs may be refusing you, not because the drivers do not understand your English but because your destination is too near for them to be bothered.

3. Don’t plan too many things in one day and come up with a flexible IT. Going around with kids will cause delays and you want to really enjoy a place, not just go through it.

4. Don’t schedule a trip to Ocean Park and Disneyland on consecutive days as both amusement parks will require a whole day and lots of walking. Better to also schedule a trip to Ocean Park first, when you’re less tired from all the walking you will be doing in Hong Kong, and so the kids can go home with the last impression of Disneyland.

5. Consider going to free or not-so-expensive attractions in Hong Kong too: Nan Lian Garden, Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Science Museum, etc. (here is a list of parks)

6. Save on ticket purchases by getting them at discounted rates at kiosks near your hotel.

WHAT TO BRING

1. Consider bringing a bigger luggage bag to accommodate all your things and your prospective shopping. If you're leaving your luggage at HKIA or Ngong Pin, they will also charge per bag. If you're going to leave your bag in your hotel, it will at least be just one huge bag they need to watch for you (ours just roped off the bags in the lobby, so one bag was still easier to keep an eye on). Just having one huge bag also allows whatever free hand you have to hold onto your child's.

2. Hotels may provide shampoo and soap but if your skin is sensitive, better to bring your own products.

3. Print destination addresses in English and Chinese, if you can, to make it easier to ask for directions. Once you get to Hong Kong, utilize the free maps you can get from HKIA or your hotel to go around and asking for directions.

4. Hong Kong is generally stroller and wheelchair friendly as there are a lot of special lanes/ramps if you can't take the stairs. However, it may mean having to go the long way for elevators. Bringing a stroller may also mean having to fold/unfold it when going down MTR stairs, buses, etc. Read To Bring or not to bring strollers to Hong Kong.

5. Everyone should wear sunscreen when going out, wherever you are, but especially kids in HK... even during cold months. It's easy to get sunburned there without you noticing.

6. Bring the usual medications your child might need (paracetamol, antihistamine). If you didn't, Watson's generally delivers.

7. For families with diaper-wearing kids, it's up to you to bring diapers to HK or just buy there. However, prices may be higher in HK and there may be sensitivity issues with your child. This also covers formula and baby food and baby soap/wash. But if you don't want to bring any of those, HK has enough groceries to provide what you may need.

8. Bring extra clothes for the kids especially if going to Disneyland and Ocean Park. Plan your visit in these parks because most kids get sick after being out in the heat then entering an air conditioned show/attraction. Pack these extra clothes together with other changing implements so you just have to get one bag when needed. And during the summer (which is also their rainy season), bring foldable umbrellas (but make sure the umbrellas are in your checked luggaged at the airport).

9. If you're bringing baby food, either pre-pack in disposable containers or bring all the things you may require for each feeding (water, extra spoons). Typical noodle houses/restaurants don't really give mineral water for free and may serve food that used preservatives, processed ingredients or msg. Some noodle houses may also serve spoons of questionable cleanliness.

10. Extra batteries for your gadgets or your chargers. The humidity in HK reduces battery life to half (or even 1/3).

11. Loaded cellphones, in case we will need to text each other, and roaming instructions depending on your cell network. P25/sms when you text (people from the Philippines can text you at P1/text lang).

12. Money in HK dollars (so you can immediately pay for Octopus card or Airport Express... half of your intended budget) and US Dollars

13. Water bottle for each person. Buy water in gallons at the grocery or replenish your bottles at your hotel. You can easily buy water from 7-11 but it will naturally be more expensive.

DURING A FLIGHT
1. It helps infants' ears if they're breastfeeding/bottle feeding as the plane takes off and descends. It helps toddlers if they're chewing on something or drinking, or yawning, or you can cover their ears with your hands. If you're flying with a child that has colds, ask your pedia if you can give a decongestant to avoid earache.

2. Depending on your carrier, you might not be offered snacks/meals so bring your own for your kids. You may also want to bring 1-2 toys or books to occupy them during the 2-hour flight. If you can, keep them awake before the flight while at the airport so they'd nap during the flight.


GOING AROUND HONG KONG
1. Main attractions like Ocean Park and Disneyland have nappy-changing areas but not all establishments in the general HK area all offer a changing room or even toilets. So, don't wait till the last minute to change your child's diaper. Don't wait till the last minute to have your kids pee.

2. Consider having your young child wear diapers even during the day since it’s not always easy to find toilets in the city.

3. For babies, a sling is a lifesaver.

4. You may be tempted to get a harness for your child (and with the crowd in HK, it's logical to be scared you will lose your child). Be prepared to be stared at if you will use one. However, if your child can already walk, the harness might just be a hassle as it gets tangled up with other people when your child starts running around. Hold his hand instead or put him in a stroller. You may also consider putting your hotel's calling/business card in their pockets (or a printed ID with your contact info and temporary address in HK).

5. You can breastfeed anywhere, especially if you have a nursing cover. But you may have to go to the classier hotels if you want to pump. And you would need a cooler with ice pack if you're storing your milk. You need to stay in a hotel with your own ref (with a good freezer) if you're storing your milk to bring back home.

6. There's an Octopus card for kids so avail that. Kids 3 years old and below ride free in some buses so research/ask the driver.

7. You will not go hungry in Hong Kong because there are different types of dining available everywhere, all the time (well, until really late at least). However, although the familar fast food chains are to be seen there, they will taste a little (to a lot) different from what we have here. So, just bring enough snacks as emergency stash but there is no need to panic buy kiddie treats.

Gift Ideas for Births, Baptisms and Birthdays

Say, you have been invited to a christening or birthday party, or a baby shower perhaps, what would be a great gift idea?

Forget the usual feeding bottles and onesie sets being pushed in department stores. Mothers nowadays are more particular about their feeding options and few want their precious ones dressed like all the rest of babies out there.

For baby showers, here's a really helpful starter list:
~ digital baby monitors
~ newborn and sized-small diapers (Prokids, Drypers and EQ Dry)
~ tubs and tubs of wipes (unscented)
~ hypoallergenic skin cleanser/soap like Oilatum, Cetaphil, Physiogel, Aveeno or Mustela
~ CD of lullabies and soft music (or even Mozart)

For baptisms and birthdays, feel free to give:
~ toy chests, both wooden or plastic ones
~ book shelves
~ books
~ wooden blocks and other such toys
~ towels (a lot of people give receiving blankets or hand towels, few ever think of giving baby/kiddie towels)
~ intentional, age appropriate toys (around 3 years old, they can already benefit from play dough sets, or brick sets... kids will also benefit from cook/chef sets)
~ arts and craft materials

So, next time you go shopping, skip the generic gifts and show your relative or friend that you are really thinking of them with your thoughtful gift.

Play Pilipinas - The First Ever Play Festival in the Country

Advocating play in this time of structured socialization in the young, handy electronics and city living, Play Pilipinas has combined forces with the international community to bring to Filipinos the first ever Play Festival to be held in the country.

Happening at the SMX Convention Center (Mall of Asia, Roxas Boulevard, Manila) on October 21-23, 2011, the festival will be composed of three parts:

1) FORUM
~ For P10,500, educators, school owners, play advocates and homeschoolers can attend the 3-day conference and learn from esteemed local (e.g. Dr. Honey Carandang, Dr. Maria Teresa Gustilo-Villasor, etc) and international (Marcus Veerman, Anita Bundy, etc) speakers who are experts in the different aspects involving and affecting play. The conference fee includes a DVD on children's play, an exclusive magazine, the conference kit and snacks.

~ For P1,000, mini-workshops are available to educators and intentional parents who want to acquire certain skills or knowledge on various aspects of play. Examples of topics to be covered are Keeping Playtime Safe (by Toni Tiu of wifelysteps.com), Ideas for Outdoor Play and Integrating Play in the Curriculum.

Play Pilipinas Registration for the conference/mini workshops will CLOSE on 30 September 2011. Please send your forms to reserve a slot - be it for the forum or workshops to playnow@playpilipinas.org or fax via 02-634 0416.

2) FAIR
What is a fair without shopping? And what things will facilitate active play in our young? Well, here's what Play Pilipinas will have enticing you at the festival:
• TOY FAIR: A toy fair with over 50 booths, each featuring the latest tools and toys for active play. Organized by age bracket.

• BOOK AND MAGAZINE FAIR: A veritable showcase of the latest and best titles covering play and child development.

• CHILDREN'S NUTRITION FAIR: A taste of the kind of food that makes for fun, delicious and healthy eating for kids.

• CHILDREN'S FASHION FAIR: An exhibition of outfits fit for active play and other children's activities.

• SCHOOL FAIR: A venue for schools or institutions to showcase their programs and the ways they integrate play into their curriculum/activities.

• WORLD TOYS EXHIBIT: An exhibition showcasing toys and games from around the world.

3) WINNING PLAYGROUND DESIGNS FOR YOUNG ONES
~ Play Pilipinas held a playground design challenge that invited everyone from the country to "design creative and inspiring playground structures and spaces that will give a sense of place, wonder and fun to entice children, teens and adults to play outdoors." The top five finalists will have their designs installed in the SMX premises for fair guests to enjoy.

~ Another installation that should get fair guests interested is the playground design chosen by President Obama for his daughters (so yes, fair guests will have 6 playgrounds to frolic in).

Entrance to the Play Festival is P100 each, regardless of age. This entitles you to 2 and 3 and some of 1 (Kitchen Playtime talks at Workshop Room Hall #4, for example).

All proceeds will benefit Project Brave Kids, an organization helping children with cancer, and their families. (so yeah, P100 won't be too much to ask... think 6 playgrounds!)

For more information or to download forms, just check out their website:
http://www.playpilipinas.org

For updates about the event, LIKE their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/playpilipinas

See you all there. Let's help a cause, advocate play and tire our kiddos out in one go.

Here is the Play festival brochure:


click on the photo for brochure

To Bring or Not to Bring Strollers to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is generally stroller and wheelchair friendly as there are a lot of special lanes/ramps in a lot of the major tourist attractions and shopping complex if you can't take the stairs. However, it may mean having to go the long way for elevators or these ramps. Bringing a stroller may also mean having to fold/unfold it when going down MTR stairs, buses, etc.

So, to the question of whether to bring a stroller or not with you for your trip to Hong Kong, here are the things you must consider:

1) How old is the child?
Personally, I think an infant will be better off being worn in a carrier or sling or pouch. This way, you don't have to remove them from the stroller when necessary.



For toddlers up to 3-4 years old, strollers may be the best way for you not to lose them in a crowd. Plus, they will still really complain about long MTR walks (where everyone is in a hurry and all you see are people and exits). They don't mind the walk so much if you're not in a hurry and they can stop to check things out along Hong Kong streets.

2) Who will be in charge of the stroller?
Will you have a designated driver for this one? Who will it be and will he be amenable to keep folding and unfolding it when you ride buses, or to carry it down MTR stairs or Ocean Park steps if you cannot be bothered to look for the elevators and special ramps?


Ocean Park has a lot of ascending or descending terrain

3) Where will you be going and how do you plan on getting there?
If you don't intend for the kids to tag along when you brave shopping districts, and would only really need them at amusement parks, then just rent at amusement parks.

If you're going to so many places in a day, and boarding the bus many times, a stroller may prove to be a hassle since you have to fold/unfold it and stow it away properly. You may also have to worry about where to park such things in the general Hong Kong area. Plus, since you're likely to also put your things in there, you may inadvertently leave a valuable behind when you're parking it aside for a show.

But if you're say, staying in the Nathan, Kimberley, Cameron, Granville area and intend to just shop there, and keep utilizing the MTR, then a stroller will help in keeping the "Are we there yet?" and "I don't want to walk anymore." moments to a minimum.

4) What is the purpose of your HK trip?
If you're after visiting as many sights as possible, then you'd probably be in a hurry to get places and a stroller will slow you down. But if it's a leisurely trip with the purpose of delighting the kids you are with, then a stroller would serve you well as you visit parks too.

5) What kind of stroller do you have/plan on bringing?
If you're like us who own a heavy duty one with shocks and a really sturdy body, it just may be impractical and just more work to bring it along.

If you own a lighter model (most umbrollers are) or can borrow one, then taking the stroller up and down some areas may be easy as pie.

* Other notes/tips:
~ you have to carry strollers up and down MTR stairs but there are elevators within the MTR station and spaces inside MTR cars for strollers and wheelchairs

~ Hubs felt we'd have felt bad about a new one getting roughed like ATV Tires at Ocean Park and fully appreciated their heavy-duty rentals.

~ even 6-year olds will benefit from a stroller at Ocean park becase it's really a huge area to cover on foot. However, a stroller may not be maximized as much at Disneyland since the attractions are closer together so the child will be more likely exploring on foot.

~ for those willing to push and carry (up and down steps), a stroller will also accommodate your backpack and shopping as well as provide a place to nap for your tired toddlers/kids



~ there are designated parking spaces for strollers at Disneyland and Ocean Park, just be careful not to leave any valuables (or the umbrella) behind

~ Strollers/wheelchairs may be rented at Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD60/day with HKD100 deposit; HKD200 deposit if weather forecast suggested rain to cover the stroller rain gear) and Ocean Park (HKD40/day with HKD60 deposit). You get the deposit back upon returning the strollers and you get to keep the name card (a sort of ID attached to the stroller, with your child's name written on it) as a souvenir.

~ Strollers aren't allowed inside the Ocean Park cable car but there are special lanes and allocated area for people travelling with kids/strollers inside the Ocean Express (tram).


Kids can remain in strollers inside the Ocean Express and watch the show from the ceiling screens from there.

Ultimately, it is still your call whether to bring your own stroller or just rent from there. People used to be able to rent strollers from YWCA-HK too but nobody responded to my e-mail. You can also shop for umbrollers there for as cheap as HKD250 and dispose of it later if you really don't want to actually bring a stroller and check it at the airport.

LATCH's Get It Off Your Chest Campaign

If you're undecided about going to the All About Baby Fair for fear of going into debt from all the possible purchases you may end up doing (especially if you have a girl and see all the cute, fab outfits being sold there) then I have a wonderful solution for you.

LATCH will kick off their "Get it Off Your Chest" campaign at the fair. One part of the campaign is an exhibit of inspiring moms and their take on breastfeeding. Another is a backdrop to be provided for people (men, women, children alike!) who will pose with their answers to LATCH's breastfeeding-related questions. The shy, on the other hand, will be provided with Post-Its to post on a board for their answers. The pictures will then later be used by LATCH to come up with a hopefully inspiring photoslide on breastfeeding.

So, the solution is simple: hang out at our booth! Answer our questions and ask us about breastfeeding! :) You will also meet a lot of phenomenal women there.

All About Baby Bazaar

Working Mom (and ABS-CBN) has partnered with the Lifestyle Network and LATCH and is bringing you the All About Baby Bazaar on August 13, 2011 at the Rockwell Tent. The bazaar will allow our favorite mompreneurs to have the much needed exposure to boost their businesses while also providing the public with their quality and intentional products.

The usual pregnancy and breastfeeding-related products will be there but there will also be a lot for dressing up your wonderful tots and accessorizing the fabulous Mom. Who knows, there may even be moissanite jewelry sold there, or branded bags (after all, what better opportunity for the father to thank his breastfeeding wife for all the hard work?).

Grab a copy of Working Moms' August Issue and bring it to the bazaar to get your whole family in for free.

There will be short talks as well, on breastfeeding and keeping a life balance.

LATCH will also have a booth to offer free breastfeeding counseling, so do not hesitate to approach their (our) booth.

Enrichment Classes Resource

Mommy Pages is an online resource guide for all parents, especially moms, out there. It offers a directory of everything one might need in raising kids, from products to services. And yes, there's a lot of classes listed in their site (and handbook, which you get for free when you go to a Mommy Mundo event) to occupy and enrich your kids (and yourself) with.

So, if high school wrestling isn't being offered in your son's school, maybe you can find an alternative in Mommy Pages (like wushu, which I intend to enrol my son in when he's older). There are also classes now for budding fashionistas and theater artists. It's really a great time to be a kid for kids now, with all these options, and thankfully, the resources have been consolidated and listed down by Mommy Pages.

Just check out the website and get a free copy :)
http://mommypages.com.ph/

Play Pilipinas - The Philippines' First Play Festival

With gadgets, adults not knowing how nor having the time, unsafe environments, parents' fears, inadequate play spaces, premium on educational achievement and poverty all compromising the quality of play (source), Paul and Sigrid Perez (of Project Brave Kids)> have come up with Play Universal, a coalition whose mission is to 'promote, enrich and cultivate the benefits of play at home, school and in communities.'



As a first major project, Play Universal is bringing the first Play festival in the country.

Play Pilipinas will be a three-day event happening on October 21-23, 2011 at the SMX Convention center. There will be a Play Forum for all three days, targetting educators and school operators as audience, with distinguished experts tackling issues like Magic of Play (Dr. Honey Carandang), Play at Home (CEFAM), Creating Inspiring Play Spaces (Hitoshi Shimamura), Nutrition and Active Play (Kay Gibbons) and many others. The fee for the 3-day conference is P15,000.

There will also be mini workshops on music & play, arts & play, nutrition, traditional Filipino games and many more. These will cost around P3,000. Perfect for homeschooling families, no?

Then, there is the playground design challenge that is open to students and professionals alike. The top ten winning designs will be brought to life at Play Pilipinas for the public to enjoy.

And then there are the fairs: Toy Fair (over 50 booths, each featuring the latest tools and toys for active play organized by age bracket.), Book and Magazine Fair (latest and best titles covering play and child development), Children's Nutrition Fair (sample & shop for food that makes for fun, delicious and healthy eating for kids), Children's Fashion Fair (exhibition of outfits fit for active play and other children's activities), School Fair (a venue for schools or institutions to showcase their programs and the ways they integrate play into their curriculum/activities) and World Toys Exhibit (exhibition showcasing toys and games from around the world).

So, if you're an educator, school owner/administrator, Psych or Early Childhood Education student, parent, doting aunt or kid or vendor who wish to be part of the fair... mark your calendars and come to Play Pilipinas. You may also contact them directly at:
Play Universal Co.
9F Pacific Center, 33 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Telefax: +63 634 0416
Email: playnow@playpilipinas.com
http://playpilipinas.org