Rosemont Gardens in Tagaytay

I had the pleasure to see Rosemont Gardens personally after our weekend from Canyon Cove. I decided to take pictures of the place and thought readers will appreciate pictures not taken by a professional photographer (for those of you thinking that those in their website could be misleading or deceiving, haha).



it's a steep climb down to the house (there is parking outside the gate, just after the gate, in front of the house, and further down in the property's gardens


careful does it


the house


the arbor going to the covered veranda that can accommodate around 100


part of the veranda, the water fountain


real spacious for an intimate gathering


the veranda, from the garden


view of the house, from the garden


a gazebo-like arbor in the garden


part of the multi-tiered garden


stairs going to the first floor of the house


the living room


one of the bedrooms in the first floor (child not included)


sitting area in master's bedroom


master's bedroom (2nd floor)


master's bedroom again


area outside the master's bedroom


same area, the bathroom/CR is just behind this wall while the door to the master's is tucked to the right of the other wall

Rosemont Gardens is perfect for small weddings, cocktail parties, other small gatherings or a weekend party with friends/getaway with family. The house has three bedrooms and three toilets and baths. The kitchen is fully equipped for use.

The property is conveniently located along General Aguinaldo Highway so it's also real easy to have things delivered or for quick trips to your usual Tagaytay haunts. And because it's Tagaytay, don't be surprised to be enveloped by fog when you're in the veranda when dusk sets or it's raining.

The place is also perfect for pre-nuptial or other kinds of photoshoots. One other thing it's perfect for is a private date or that venue for a marriage proposal.

Rosemont Gardens is more of a beautiful, luxurious home than a hotel. And they do offer air-conditioning but you might not need it, if you're lucky.

And I hope the pictures I took has you convinced that Rosemont Gardens is really a nice, nice place!

Contact Rosemont Gardens now:
Km 67 General Aguinaldo Highway, Alfonso, Cavite
rosemontgardens@yahoo.com| inquiry@rosemontgardens.net
http://www.rosemontgardens.net/
Mobile/Telephone: (02)348-0116; (0917)8527528 (Globe); (0922)8680116 (Sun)

Summer Program

got in my e-mail

============

Bring happy days to your child this summer at ST MICHAEL PLAYHOUSE!

Reserve now! Call or text 0917 847 0848, or email St.Michael.Playhouse@gmail.com.

Summer is fun and sun and more! We're ready to bring happy days to your child at ST MICHAEL PLAYHOUSE!

Parent-Child Loves Summer Program!
Bond with your baby! Under the guidance of experienced Waldorf teacher Josie Sanchez, you will do meaningful activities with your child, and bond in a loving, nourishing way! This program is for young children to learn to play and interact with each other, with the security of having one of their parents with them in the room.

Age
For children from under a year old to 2 to 3 years old, accompanied by one parent only

Schedule
every Monday, 9am to 11am starting April 25 till May 23, OR
every Saturday, 9am to 11am starting April 30 till May 21.

Fees
attendance to Monday class (5 Mondays): P2,500
attendance to Saturday class (4 Saturdays): P2,000
attendance to both Monday and Saturday classes: P4,500
per class: P800

Day care Does Summer Program
Every week brings something new to your child! In this home away from home, your child will get to do a variety of activities that will stimulate him just the right way, calm her at just the right time. Our gifted Waldorf teachers follow a gentle rhythm balanced with new activities your children are sure to enjoy!!

Age
For children 2 to 3 years old to 5 years old

Schedule
Tuesday to Friday, starting April 26 till May 20
full-day: 8:30am to 5pm
half-day: 8:30am to 12nn OR 2pm to 5pm

Choose your Activity
Schedule
Tuesday to Friday, starting April 26 till May 20
full-day: 8:30am to 5pm
half-day: 8:30am to 12nn OR 2pm to 5pm
Choose your Activity
April 26 to 29
Morning: Bread-baking
Afternoon: Wet-on-wet painting
May 3 to 6
Morning: Cooking
Afternoon: Hand crafts
May 10 to 13
Morning: Wet-on-wet painting
Afternoon: Baking
May 17 to 20
Morning: Hand crafts
Afternoon: Cooking

Fees (includes materials)
weekly fee for half-day: P3,500
weekly fee for full-day: P4,500
entire program, half-day: P10,000
entire program, full-day: P12,900
per class, half-day: P1,000
per class, full-day: P1,500

Activities
Baking (April 25 to 29 Morning OR May 9 to 13 Afternoon)
Learning becomes fun as we educate the head, heart and hands through home activities like baking! Come and enjoy baking cookies, breads, cakes, muffins, pizza! We will use organic ingredients that is healthier and safer for your children.

Wet-on-wet painting (April 25 to 29 Afternoon OR May 9 to 13 Morning)
Let your child discover the magic of color through wet on wet painting. This allows young children an experience of color, not form. The basis of creating wonderful artworks is being able to live in and feel the colors, especially for very young children.

Cooking (May 2 to 6 Morning OR May 16 to 20 Afternoon)
Nourish your child for a healthy mind and body. Your child will learn to make soup, pasta, sandwiches and dessert, and some Filipino delicacies too!
Hand crafts - (May 2 to 6 Afternoon OR May 16 to 20 Morning)
“Nimble fingers, nimble minds” – Children, with the gentle guidance of the teachers, will do age-appropriate handwork activities such as basics of sewing, weaving, beading, and finger knitting. This will be done in a home-like working atmosphere, where children are free to work according to their own abilities and ideas to practice manual dexterity, perseverance and creativity. The objective is not to produce finished products, but rather for the child to experience the activities in the atmosphere of creative freedom.

Parent-child sessions come with a snack for both parent and child. Half-day sessions (day care program) come with one snack and lunch while whole-day sessions come with two snacks and lunch. All healthy, all organic :)

Reserve now! Walk-ins discouraged as teachers need to prepare for class materials and meals accordingly. Call or text 0917 847 0848, or email St.Michael.Playhouse@gmail.com.

All classes to be held at
ST MICHAEL PLAYHOUSE
G/f ISIP Center
6241 Palma cor Manalac Sts.
Bgy. Poblacion, Makati City (near Rockwell)

Nature Appreciation Program for Kids at Ark Avilon

Every day is Earth Day at Ark Avilon and they are also offering a Nature Appreciation Program for Kids this summer.

Check out the classes:
Junior Zoo Chefs
April 30, 1-4 PM

Life in a Shell
May 7, 1-4 PM

Goin' Ape (with Colin)
May 14, 1-4 PM

Friends of the Same Feather
May 21, 1-4 PM

Arthur & Friends (dogs)
May 28, 1-4 PM

Roarin' Time with santiago and the Big Cats
June 4, 1-4 PM

All six sessions is only P5,000. Each session though is P900. The program is open for kids 6 years old to 12 9with kids 9 years old and below requiring a Guardian with them). The fee inclusions are the session materials, nature art module, session badge, zoo entrance plus 1 companion and 3 hours of fun, creative and exciting nature appreciation!!!

Enroll now!!!
Ark Avilon
Frontera Verde, ortigas Ave.
Corner C-5, Pasig City
706-2992
arkavilonzoo@gmail.com

Make Believe Productions: Classes on Fashion, Storytelling, Theater and Many More

One of the booths that appealed to us at the Children's Workshop Expo 2011 last Sunday was the Make Believe Productions booth. There was a shadow theater going on and they were offering face painting so they were really drawing kids and parents to their booth.

Make Believe Productions is offering classes on acting and directing, animation, dance, shadow theater, fashion arts and crafts and storytelling through digital photography.

They offer these classes in the following areas:
•Alabang, Muntinlupa City
•Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
•Ortigas Center
•Parañaque City
•Pasay City
•Quezon City

For more info, just contact:

Marika Mercado | Marketing Officer
Make Believe Productions
Parties | Events | Workshops
Unit L3 Patricia Building, 1050 EDSA, Magallanes Village
Makati City, 1232, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telefax: (632) 729.5899 || www.makebelieve.com.ph
marika.mercado@makebelieve.com.ph

Canyon Cove Residential Beach Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas - A Review

It's definitely getting harder and harder to enjoy a beach that's clean, if you're living in Manila, without having to fly to it or drive a little farther in the nearby provinces of Cavite and Batangas, and Pangasinan and Zambales.

Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas offers a beach that's clean with sand great for playing in, and a pool area with a magnificent view. I just don't know though if it's La Nina or that area is just really cold... but gosh, was it cold when we were there. The pool water was cold and the buffeting winds were also cold. The beach water was cold too but it's less windy there. The sunset was very beautiful.

The main Canyon Cove hotel offers a great view of the water, rays of the sun to wake you up, and the sunset to make you feel all kinds of sentimental. Hubs said that he read a lot of bad reviews for this resort so our expectations weren't high. But all in all, we also found the resort good in terms of the beach/pool offering and its relative proximity to Manila (because I think Zambales, Bataan and those areas are still farther, and I could be wrong). Yes, we found the rates a little steep, but we were able to get a 20% discount.

Plus, the Superior Unit, the smallest room at 40 sq. m. is a big room.


it essentially has two beds, the other one by the window can easily accommodate kids... and the main bed is a king-sized one




bathroom has a shower area apart from the bathtub (where you can also shower)


but our bathtub's paint was peeling so drawing a bath was out of the question


the bed


Our aircon wasn't busted but it wasn't that cold either. We had to turn the thermostat (the dial of which was broken) to the coolest temp and keep it at that. We were comfortably cold... one of our friends had to call to have their aircon fixed though because it was just not getting cold in their room.

They do offer beach towels and there are enough towels in the room so you need not bring any. They also provide enough shampoo, shower gel and soap for a weekend stay. No toothbrush/toothpaste though.

I think I also should mention that I was expecting rhinitis from my boys, who are very sensitive to dust, because I wasn't sure just how well they clean the rooms. Plus, the pillows on the bay window bed were dusty. However, we all slept like a baby in the main bed, with no sneezing fits even after we got home.


view to the right of Room 408


view to the left, the jogging path


the unfinished buildings greeting you from the entrance to the resort, photo taken from the corridor


I believe this is where the suites are located


front view of this part of the complex


the playground


all rooms, as you can see, have balconies


there are three main pools, the kiddie one being only two feet high


view of the ocean


view of the other buildings from the pool area


the sunset at the beach


another sunset shot


water was clean, the sand taupe and generally fine


feel free to bring your own pools, lifesavers or boats


view of the hotel from the beach


kids love sand


the parking area at night, which can be seen from the corridor leading to our rooms


lobby


ceiling of the lobby


There are two elevators servicing the main hotel. What I also liked about the layout of the hotel rooms is that all rooms are to the right of one long corridor. Then, there are wide gaps leading to two rooms/doors facing each other, affording extra privacy to room occupants from other guests who may be walking the length of the corridor. Plus, the doors, when opened, offer a view of the closet so unless people will be naked at the door, it shouldn't be an issue if both doors open at the same time.

There's a wifi area near the front desk of the lobby.

We didn't really explore Canyon Cove's facilities nor did we dine there. Our discounted room rate also didn't come with breakfast so we just ate the sandwiches we had with us for breakfast. We had lunch at Kainan sa Dalampasigan before checking in, and ate at Mang Inasal (at the town proper, around 10-15 minutes away) for dinner and lunch the next day. Canyon Cove was offering P600/head buffet but since we weren't sure of the food, we found it steep especially since our friends had nannies and drivers to feed too.

There is a general impression that the resort could be greater if its staff were more properly trained and if it paid attention to the fine details. Better management perhaps? Plus, our friends said that the staff didn't seem busy, when there were so many guests, which gave the impression that the resort was overstaffed... because the staff were just standing together in groups.

They also failed to get our Ving cards from us upon checkout and I totally forgot to surrender them.

Would we return? Sure, if we can get discounts again. I think it's a nice getaway for couples too... and a nice prenuptial photo opp location.

Do I highly recommend the place? Not really... but I also am not ranting about Canyon Cove. Our experience there was good.

*~*

Canyon Cove Beach Club
Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines
http://www.canyoncove.com.ph/
Canyon Cove Beach Club
Far East Road, Piloto Wawa
Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines
Phone Number: +632 908 1111
E-mail: info_canyoncove@g2globalinc.com

Main Office
G2 Global Inc.
3rd Flr. ACT Tower, 135 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Phone Number: +632 892 9827
www.g2globalinc.com

For banquet, conference, or other catered affairs, please call:
Phone Number: +632 892 9827
Email: info@g2globalinc.com

Facebook Texting

Facebook has decided to upgrade and revamp its messaging system. Not only do you get messages, you can also get e-mails. And now, it's offering every one of its registered members to update their status and send messages/e-mails within their Facebook network using their cellphones without having to use a third-party provider.

You will see the prompt to edit your preferences when you log in again. I also just tested it using my Sun Cellular network and it works. Micro-blogging at your fingertips indeed!

I guess fathers will be using this one for birth announcements from now on... My husband used Twitter (which was tied to his Facebook account) when I gave birth last November.

Be Wary of Groupon Deals

I get e-mail alerts from different Groupon sites but have only purchased two: one for a dinner date with hubs at Barbara's (which we have yet to enjoy) and one for massage (somewhere in Makati). I feel both are good deals. I'm not sure if these sites are offering phone alerts like SharisBerries Twitter is doing for their promo codes but since a lot of people can access their mails through their phones, I guess these deals are now really that accessible.

And tempting.

However, it seems some Groupon sites are actually being deceitful and misleading. They say you're getting a 50% discount when they're really offering the deal at its original price. Or, it's really a 50% discount if you're getting the service fom a higher-end provider, but the deal's actual original price from the adverising company is way lower. And, in the case of some, travel agencies are giving the same deals or restaurants are actually just throwing in free iced tea :)

So, before you buy... contact the company first or do some research first as to how much the goods really cost. See if you're really going to save money on it before committing your pockets to it. There could be better deals out there.

Storytelling Competition

Readers Digest Philippines, in cooperation with Kumon, will be holding its 1st Storytelling Competition on April 30, 2011 (Saturday) at the Big Red Barn in Fun Ranch. The competition is open to kids 5-6 and 7-8 years old and will start at 1:00 PM. Big Red Barn is located at Frontera Verde Tiendesitas, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

To join, just call 725-9001/725-9002 or e-mail storytelling_ph at readersdigest dot com.

And since you will be in Tiendesitas anyway, it will also be the perfect opportunity to shop for curios and furniture. You can also head over to nearby MC Home Depot to check if there's a laminate flooring sale. And there's always the clothes. One shopping afternoon for the whole family!

Kainan sa Dalampasigan - Nasugbu, Batangas

Kainan sa Dalampasigan was a beautiful way to start our weekend in Nasugbu, Batangas. It was my first time in Nasugbu and travelling in a caravan with kids, with all our stops and starts, added to the exhaustion of the road trip... even if I wasn't the one driving. Kainan sa Dalampasigan provided not just a gastronomic feast but also refreshed our other senses as it was a lovely stop before we went on to Canyon Cove.



My 3-year old son said it best: Kainan sa Dalampasigan was a forest for the eating. It really felt like you were transported in a forest where you can expect elves and fairies. The drive to the parking area already provides ambience with its hanging vines (so sorry, no pics). The restaurant is open, with high ceilings and windows and plants. It's not luxurious in modern standards but more relaxing, rustic, and rejuvenating.

The food was your typical Batangas fare but all were good to great. And the servings were huge! Famished, we were trying to order combo platters (P480 each with baked mussels, shrimps, fish and the tenderest lechon kawali, I think, and mango salad) and four bulalo (bone marrow soup) bowls but the waitress attending to us was good enough to tell us to order so much first and see... because the servings were really huge! Well, I guess if I had my way with the platter, I could eat it all up because everything in it were cooked right and tasted great.

Even the rice (wrapped in banana leaves) servings were big!


part of the restaurant (we ate nearer the counters at the other side)


talk about revitalizing, eh?


I believe the dishes in Kainan sa Dalampasigan are made from the freshest of ingredients and look, they're really very affordable!


that's the men's room behind that door... their ladies room could use some freshening up; it wasn't really dirty but it didn't smell that clean either


bulalo and fish tanigue steak (sorry, some of the pics would be blurry or lacking in composition since I just instructed the hubs to take them, I had an infant who refused to be put down)


the super sized rice


the platter I was telling you about


all meat were soooo tender, I really cannot rave enough about it


none of us tried the halo-halo but we had 3 lyaneras of leche flan, which could have used a little dayap but wasn't really sickening sweet either

Now, the staff were friendly but it also seemed that they weren't used to having guests, haha. Service wasn't slow but wasn't very prompt either. We were kidding about how they seemed surprised even that people were there.

One other great thing about Kainan sa Dalampasigan was the space... which allowed our kiddos to burn off the energy curbed by being cooped up in cars all morning. They just ran and ran and ran around.





But oh, we'd really eat here again if only for the great food and ambience... and mind you, I grew up in Batangas fare and really appreciated how their dishes tasted authentic (well, different towns in Batangas also cook the same dishes differently) and well.

If only Kainan sa Dalampasigan wasn't so far! Then again, if you're in Nasugbu, this is the only seafood place the locals will direct you to. It also seemed like the only one offering 'fine dining' in the area.

I'm not sure I'd recommend it for formal affairs like weddings (but for a typical Batanggenyo, a reception there would already be a grand affair for sure) but it can be great enough for pre-nuptial or some other photoshoot.

It's amazing what you can do with basically a concrete shed and iron roof and still invoke an atmosphere that makes 'oasis' come to mind.

Kainan sa Dalampasigan
R. Martinez St., Brgy. Bucana, Nasugbu, Batangas
Phone: 043.931.1134

If you're coming from Tagaytay, it's past the Azucarera and just near the Boy Scouts HQ. Feel free to ask the locals for directions as well.

Summer Workshops for Kids and Teachers (even Parent Teachers!)

The Learning Library is offering reading programs for kids this summer, for those who are just starting to learn to read and those who want to enrich their reading skills and experience. The programs also offer access to their libraries scattered in the Metro.



Check out http://learninglibraries.com/ or their libraries at the following branches:

LOYOLA HEIGHTS
48 Esteban Abada Street (near RCBC)

SAN JUAN
450 General Lim Street (parallel to Xavier Street, near ICA)

GREENMEADOWS
76 Greenmeadows Avenue (near Christ the King Church)

NEW MANILA
DML Montessori, 7th Street

ORTIGAS
CREATE Pre-School, Alexandra Condominium

The Master's Academy Homeschool
3/F St. Francis Square

GYMBOREE TriNoMa
3/F, TriNoMa Mall. Q.C.

GYMBOREE Serendra
(across Fully Booked)

GYMBOREE Greenbelt 5
(near Fully Booked)

THE LEARNING LIBRARY at Art Camp Bezalel
59 Dona Hemady Street Cor. 9th Street, New Manila, Quezon City

GLOBAL ART MAKATI
2/F Three Salcedo Place Bldg, 123 Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village

COMMONWEALTH
Learning Exchange, Royale Place, Don Antonio Drive (to the right of Ever mall)

Meanwhile, Klasrum Adarna is offering crash courses for teachers. Homeschooling parents are sure to benefit as well from these, as well as those settingg up their own day care/nursery schools.



These workshops will be limited to only 30 pax each so register now!!!

Portable GPS for Expats

Working abroad?

Migrating to another country?

Intimidated about navigating an entirely new city?

Then consider getting a portable gps for your car or a handheld one and don't get lost. Ever. This is also a helpful idea for those who intend to backpack their way across countries and continents. Spend the time getting lost in enjoying your intended destination instead.

Travel Healthy

Since summer is upon us and people everywhere are making plans on where to go, I hope we also will take the time to schedule well-baby, well-adult checkups, dentist appointments as well as shots (flu, or otherwise). All kinds of people will be converging in the same cities and beaches and towns so the virus and bacteria in such places will be there to stay.

Consult your BCBSNC, Intellicare, Maxicare or whatever HMO you have and schedule these appointments. Be in the pink of health to really enjoy the sun and sea... and company!!!

Summer Reading Program in U.P.

as shared in our ygroups

================

*U.P. College of Education*
*Reading Education Area*

*READING LINK SUMMER PROGRAM 2011*
(April 25 to May 25, 2011)

*A. Beginning Reading Program*
-Open to incoming KINDER to GRADE 2 students

*B. Enrichment Remedial Program*
-Open to incoming GRADE 3 to 2nd YEAR HIGH SCHOOL students

Placement Test: April 8 (Friday) at UPIS Grade School (3-6) Building
Class Days: Monday, Wed and Friday from 8-10:30am
Registration Fee: P1,000 ONLY!

The registration period if from Feb. 1 to April 7, 2011. There are only
limited slots. Please register early.

For inquiries, you may call 981-8500 local 2818, call/text 0927-6202439,
email reading.diliman@... or visit Room 200, Reading Deparment,
College of Education, UP Diliman.

Brandsfever Discounted Goods

Brandsfever is like a groupon site too where you can get accessories, clothes, even home decor at discounted prices. And we're talking branded stuff that one would not normally buy because of the cost and they're really just nice to have.

One of the things on sale there are Mothers en Vogue nursing and maternity clothes. These average P3,000 normally but can be grabbed from their site for P2,000 and less. So, what are you waiting for? Go to http://www.brandsfever.ph and register, then shop to your heart's delight!!!

Spend Summer in the Mountains

No need to be able to afford real expensive mountainside resorts like the Eden one in Davao. You just have to be willing to be adventurous and rough it up a little bit. Go mountain climbing with your family and bond under the stars in the cool night air. You don't even have to join open climbs, you can do it on your own. Of course, I am recommending minor climbs like Daguldul or Gulugod Baboy or Batulao (where the views are breathtaking and only about two hours of slow ascent).

The Metropolitan Mountaineering Society is a great resource for itineraries. You won't need Black Diamond Z-Poles for minor climbs but you still have to prepare and have the right gear (sturdy backpack) and shoes. You should also do your research about the area and mind advisories and local customs in deference to people living there.

Good luck. The beaches will be teeming with people so head to the mountains instead for the rest and relaxation you need.

ABCD + E of Parenting

A breastfeeding, Child care, Diet, etc course for parents by Prepimom.


*click the photo for a bigger copy

Registration fee for the 3 courses is P2,400 (P1,000 if attending only one). Fill up the form here to register.

============

UPDATE, MARCH 18
We are still targeting to reach the required headcount to para we have a healthy discussion and active participation. We moved our sessions to a later date to accommodate moms/ couples who have not yet finalized the topics they wish to take.

The new schedules are as follows:

Breastfeeding 101 - April 2, 2011 9am-12noon
Child Care by Breastfeeding - April 9, 2011 9am-12noon
Diet for Wellness - April 16, 2011 9am-12noon

Another development po, the registered participant can now bring one companion to join him/her to the workshop. Which means, the rate P2,400 bundle (for the three sessions) or P1,000 (for individual session) is already for a pair.

Details attached as e-flyer at prepimom.multiply.com

Private Warehouse Sale of Mommy and Baby Products

Popular brands like Mamaway, Next9, Babymama, Mama.Baby.Love and other brands are having a private warehouse sale this March 26-27, 2011 at the 1st Floor Function Room of the Renaissance 3000, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

Print this flyer (click on the photo for a bigger copy) and get in for free. However, either bring cash or enroll your credit card in a Paypal account first before going. They won't have a credit card machine to swipe in.

Expo Kid 3

Mommy Mundo brings EXPO KID 3 as a great way to start summer, showcasing fun activities for kids of all ages. It's a one-stop shop for everything you might want your child to learn, even if he's only a baby. Think music and art classes as well as physical ones like swimming.

There will also be a bazaar for mommy and baby essentials as well as party planning booths, preschools, etc. There will be activity stations and onstage activities from Camp Explore, Aqualogic, My Masterpiece,
Gymboree.

Mommy Mundo is also launching their Mommy Mundo Privilege Passport at Expo Kid 3. Apply now at http://www.mommymundo.com/passport and get a P50 discount then claim at the expo.

Prepare those wallets Mommies :) Here is the lineup of activities at Expo Kid 3:

10am- Formal Opening
10:30-11am- Kindermusik Philippines (tentative)
11:15-11:45- GSK sponsors portion
12:45-1:15- Cooking with Chef Golda Laurel-Liamzon
1:30-2:00- Fashion Show feat. Elle Apparel
2:15-2:45- Gymboree's Parachute Time
3:00-3:30- Camp Explore
3:45-4:15- Talk for moms: The Stork Studio: "How to take better
photos of your kids"
4:30-5:15-Musik Garten
6:15-6:45-My Masterpiece Movement

See you there!!!

Scarecrow Festival in Manila

In celebration of the National Trade Fair's 20th year, the Cagayan Valley Region is holding a Scarecrow Festival in Manila at SMX Convention Center this March 17-20, 2011. Aside from the scarecrows in elaborate costumes, Cagayan Valley will also be exhibiting their culture though food and crafts.

Expect a lot of hats, local delicacies and even furniture.

There will be a grand scarecrow parade, dances, regional crafts demo and also a cooking demo by Cook magazine. The National Trade Fair will also offer the following free seminars/workshops to be held at Seminar Room 1 & 2 from March 18-20 March 2011:

•Design and Market Trends
•Demonstration on Perfume Making
•Globalization Trend: How does it affect the Industry and Leveling up the Supply Chain
•Financing and Lending Programs by SMEs
•Putting your Business Online
•Demonstration on Fashion Accessory Making
•Recycling for Business
•Business Options


For more details, contact CITEM's Special Projects Division at (02) 831-2336 or e-mail sprojects@citem.com.ph.

Cheap Medical Uniforms

Many people in the country think that cheap medical uniforms can only be found in Divisoria because everything is supposedly sold there. Possibly, there are sellers of healthcare uniforms there but the scrubs I always see being sold there are the printed ones usually worn by nannies, not nurses.

If you're looking for hospital scrubs, then it's Bangbang (in Sta. Cruz) where you should go. It's really the area where medical uniforms are sold along with all those other medical equipment (from nebulizers to hospital beds and wheelchairs). They come in many colors too and cost around P300 a pair (top and pants).

Gifts for Babies and Tots

The usual gifts are clothes and toys and books. But if you're looking for gifts for baby boys and girls that will be a little unique, foster imaigination and last longer, then how about giving locally made wooden toys designed by a Waldorf Mom?

One Planet Noah is selling toys like a marble lane (which my son loved at St. Michael Playhouse), castanets (if you want something noisy), a wooden horse and a boat (that functions more like a seesaw), finger puppets, playing house stuff like cooksets and wooden blocks and bricks. One Planet Noah even has these horses that are only horse heads and a pole, and a shield and sword set, perfect for toddlers pretending to joust!

Be a more intentional gift giver! :)

Free Fonts

If you're still digiscrapping those holiday and Valentine photos so as not to have any back logs when summer comes, and you need cool fonts for your layouts, then just check out Kevin and Amanda's free fonts :)

I especially love the Fontmoochers one :) Get creating with these too and turn them into alphas.