MOA Park By the Bay Revamped

I'm not yet sure if I like how they have 'improved' on MOA Park (that side by the bay which they call SM by the Bay). For one thing, there is less empty space for kids to run around in. They have also removed the two playground installations.

But they have installed more carnival rides (a mini Viking ship, a bus, a bee plane, another plane ride... the bumper cars are an old attraction). All cost P50 per ride. The carousel is still there. And the newest installation is a ferris wheel that invokes the idea of The Eye in London, because it's super high.





Yep... it costs P150 per person, and even babies like Yamee pay full price


each car has its own air-conditioner and is sealed on all sides


at first, I wondered about the wisdom of putting such a ride by the bay, where it could get windy during typhoon season. But each car is solid and you don't even feel yourself going up or down while in the ride


the ride is now this imposing structure that you can't miss


so I guess, all balikbayans must now try this


it even provides some sort of light show at night

I think the best time to ride that ferris wheel is at sunset, because you really get a great view of the bay and everything in it. I can't imagine seeing the harbor lights at that height at night will make for the steep fare, but if you're up there at 7 PM, you can watch the fireworks show from great seats.

Forget about taking great pictures of the bay from that height either, because the windows of each car is made from a sort of scratched glass material. Each car seats a maximum of 6.

Yes, a trip there just got more expensive.

(we don't have pics of anything from that height because we took a video instead when we rode the ferris wheel)

Crunchy Turon for your Guests

At my sons' party last November, we served crunchy turon (plantains fried in a wrapper and sprinkled with sesame seeds) because we loved it when hubs' cousin brought some the week before at a family gathering. His wife makes it. At P5/piece, it was a healthier and more homey kind of dessert for our guests.

,img src="http://mecsexy.smugmug.com/Children/Yannis-Mikah-YAMEE/Yamees-1st-Birthday-Party/i-2M8fd46/0/S/Yamee-Yakee-0053-S.jpg">

We also ordered cream puffs but I have no pictures to show for it. Suffice it to say, some guests preferred to take those home because they, too, were a hit.

Hubs' cousin's wife could actually land any Chef de Partie Jobs but she prefers to work from home.

If you want delectable desserts like the ones she offers, you can contact her on Facebook. Just look for Jeanette Cantos. Minimum order for her cream puffs (15 -18pesos each) and butterscotch bars (5-6 pesos each) is 36 pieces.

Stoybooks and Storytelling Party Package from Adarna

If you're looking for something different for your child's birthday party (or any party where children are present) where entertainment goes, why not consider the offering of Adarna Publishing House?

Get storybooks from them as your party giveaways (minimum of 50 books) and they will throw in a storyteller for free. The storybooks will actually come with a pencil, two stickers and a bookmark in a plain brown bag. You also have a choice of stories which allows for a more wonderful storytelling/reading experience for your kiddie guests because you can get the storyteller to 'read' the same storybooks they're taking home. Nothing could be a better way to be introduced to a story.

At my sons' party last November, we had Mr. Nonoy Bonanciar storytell "Ang Mahiyaing Manok" and "Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy". We paid P4,745 for 65 books. The storyteller read the stories in Filipino and the guests just really loved it. Most of our kiddie guests were English-speakers but they still really listened in rapt attention to the storytelling. Their parents appreciated this quieter and more educational form of entertainment, one of which even commented that it was a great review for his daughter's upcoming exams in Filipino.

So, yes.... not only do you entertain your guests and educate them, you also introduce/reinforce Filipino culture and literature when you get this package from Adarna.




I just printed a quote on sticker paper and pasted it on the brown bag the storybooks came in, so as not to waste the bags


my son following the storyteller's instruction to crow like a rooster


kids engrossed in the storytelling


Kuya Nonoy telling the story of the Mahiyaing Manok


he was really a hit among the kids

I especially loved it that Sir Nonoy arrived way early at the party (the caterers were still just setting up and he was there already!).

Adarna Publishing has a pool of professionally-trained storytellers and storybooks for various grade levels. Contact ergoe at adarna dot com dot ph or fax at (+632) 352-6765 local 125 for inquiries and quotations.

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.

Weight Gain During the Holidays

Before you go looking for the best weight loss pills or chugging smilling teas, do take in mind that the weight gain didn't happen overnight, so neither should the weight loss. Sure, it may have happened over 12 days (or a month, depends how early you started merrymaking) but it will always be healthier to do it naturally first.

Start with eating more fruits and vegetables, and ridding your body of toxins.

Drink plenty of water.

Stop slouching.

Engage in more activities.

And start reducing the sweets, the salty, the fatty in your diet.

If you did not gain that much to start with, it shouldn't be a problem losing the gained weight. And until then, you can always dress up in ways that create the illusion of a slim silhouette.

Colonial Experience at Villa Tortuga in Taal

Looking for a different kind of date? What about a cute pre-nuptial photoshoot idea? Wondering how it was in Spanish times? Then, Villa Tortuga's Colonial Experience might just be what you are looking for.

Taal is a whole town of Spanish heritage waiting to be revisited. One of its more prominent attractions is Villa Tortuga which offers the splendor of Spanish times via decor, costumes, accommodations and meals.

The itinerary usually goes as follows:

Departure from Manila
10:00 AM Estimated time of arrival in Taal,
Meeting place will be at the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours and tour begins here in the Basilica proceed to Marcela Agoncillo - the flag maker
11:00 AM then from Agoncillo, proceed to Villa Tortuga for costume pictorial and lunch
12:00 AM lunch at Villa Tortuga,
1:00 PM Our Lady of Caysasay,
1:30 PM Sta. Lucia Well
2:00 PM Proceed to Leon Apacible Ancestral House - the cabinet member of Gen. E. Aguinaldo
2:30 PM Proceed to Galeria de Taal - collection of old cameras and rare pictures
3:00 PM Villavicencio Ancestral House- 100 pesos extra charge to visit the house
3:30 PM Shopping at the Market - the only World Bank funded market
4:00 PM Departure for Manila

The tour costs P1,500 per person for a minimum of 4 people. They also require advance reservations and a 50%DP at least 3 days before the reserved date.

Also note that there is a donation of P100.00 as entrance to the Villavicencio House. Villa Tortuga can also work with you if you need something extra arranged, like a small anniversary cake that you have ordered as a surprise to your special someone or whatever you may have planned.

How cute would it be to dine in those outfits?!

Heck, it would even make teaching your kids about the Spanish times more meaningful and fun if they can see you play pretend in those outfits. Haha. Yes, I am obsessed with the possibility of dressing up in costume.

Know more at http://campsuki.com/ or contact Lito Perez @ 0917824-6900/ 0927-975-1683.

(Personally too, I think now is the best time to do this since it isn't THAT hot. Imagine wearing period costumes in the heat of summer!)

Gifts for the Season

If you're still thinking of what to give to your beloved, why not just play to the season's cooler/cold/frigid weather? Consider giving Dan Post Boots, a multitude of scarves (there are some designs that are reversible, and you can just DIY some too by just buying fabric and sewing it into a tube to make infinity scarves), gloves, heavy jackets or coats and extra pairs of socks.

If you're not comfortable giving clothes, think of warming oils, eucalyptus/peppermint essences, scented candles and lip balm.

You can also order gourmet coffee or special cocoa mixes. All these are sure to be appreciated and used this season and may be given with a note that says, "hope this helps keep you warm."

Enjoy shopping!

Review: Kitchen Treasures Catering

How do you avoid a mass-produced quality to food at a birthday party without getting the services of the really expensive caterers? Get Kitchen Treasures to cater to you instead!

We loved their food at a baptism we went to and guests loved the food we served them at my sons' party.

Miss Mylene Sediaren was very easy to talk to (although it sometimes takes days before she replies to an e-mail). The staff was a little late setting up (based on the agreed time, not the party). They asked me if they could set up as early as 11 AM for my 3:30 PM party but arrived at the venue at 1:00 PM instead since they were caught in traffic. That was stressful, but the staff humored all my requests and was set up in time for the party. They even offered to chop the lechon and put that on a heated serving dish (no extra charge).

And really, the guests LOVED the food :)

We got this menu from them:
Beef Salpicao
Orange Chicken
Fillet Of Fish With Cream of Tartar Sauce
Pasta Marinara
Vegetable Medley
Buko Lychee With Gelatin
Assorted Pastries
Pandan Rice
Iced Tea

And for the kids:
Spaghetti
Chicken Lollipop
Corn Dog
Butterscotch Bar
Orange Juice

Some of the assorted pastries were just ok but some were really great. I think it was also a mistake that we got pasta marinara for the adults (which looked like spaghetti) and spaghetti for the kids, because everyone thought they were the same pasta. Both pasta dishes were great though.





the centerpiece that comes with the package


orange chicken


vegetable medley

;
pasta marinara


fillet of fish


beef salpicao


chicken lollipop


spaghetti


one type of the assorted pastries


corn dog

As of November 2011, their rates are P300/head (plus 10% service charge) and the selection of menu is as follows:

KITCHEN TREASURES
Unit 904 PYP Mansion II 78 I.S. Diaz St., Cubao, Quezon City
Tel. No.: 927-5330 ; 782-6450 Mobile: 0920-932-6682; 0922-8239109
e-mail: maisediaren @ yahoo . com
____________________

LUNCH / DINNER BUFFET MENU at Php 300.00 + 10% Service Charge

AMENITIES
Buffet Table With Attractive Centerpiece
Individual Chairs With Seat Cover
Food Attendants
Trained Waiters In Uniform
Flower Centerpiece For Guest Tables

SET A
Roast Beef With Mushroom Sauce
Chicken Alexander
Prawn Butterfly With Sweet Chili Sauce or Grilled Prawns
Lasagna or Spaghetti Putanesca or Baked Zitti
Assorted Vegetables With Quail Eggs or Green Salad With Crabsticks
Fruit Salad
Assorted Pastries ( Mini Sansrival / Cream Puff / Brownie Bars )

SET B
Lengua Ala Champignon or Grilled Pork With Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Boneless Chicken Teriyaki or Chicken With Ginger Onion Sauce
Fillet Of Fish With Mustard Sauce or Cream of Tartar Sauce
Chicken Baked Macaroni or Tuna Primavera Pasta
Vegetable Continental
White Salad
Fruits In Season

SET C
Beef Salpicao
Orange Chicken
Stuffed Prawns With Chili Coriander Sauce
Spaghetti Putanesca or Pasta Marinara
Vegetable Medley
Buko Lychee With Gelatin
Assorted Pastries

SET D
Continental Beef Roll
Chicken Pastel With Pastry Puff or Baked Chicken Relleno With Gravy
Baked Fish With Spinach Cream Sauce
Lasagna or Baked Zitti or Spaghetti Putanesca
Buttered Vegetables
Assorted Pastries
Fruit Salad

SET E
Beef With Oyster Sauce & Young Corn
Chicken Cordon Blue With Mushroom Sauce
Creamy Pasta With Shrimps & Chicken
Creamy Dory In Olive Oil & Garlic
Assorted Vegetables With 3 Kinds of Mushrooms
Fruits In Season
Banana Crepe

SET G
Beef Caldereta or Kare-Kare (Ox Tail & Tripe)
Boneless Chicken BBQ or BBQ Spareribs
Fresh Lumpiang Gulay With Lettuce Cups or Lumpiang Ubod In Egg Wrapper
Grilled Blue Marlin With Lemon Butter Sauce
Korean Chap-Che Noodles
Buko Pandan Salad
Leche Flan or Banana Con Yelo

SET H
Chinese Style Pok Asado
Fish Fillet In Black Tausi Sauce
Chopsuey
Birthday Noodles
Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce
White Salad
Assorted Pasties

SET I
Baked Chicken Relleno With Gravy
Roast Porkloin In Fruit Cocktail Glaze or Callos Madrilena
Feticinne Alfredo
Prawns With Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce
Mixed Vegetables With Quail Eggs
Fruit Salad
Assorted Pastries

SET J
Beef Morcon
Chicken Pastel With Pie Crust
Korean Chap Che Noodles
Baked Fish With Spinach Cream Sauce
Sauteed Vegetables With Hoisin Sauce
Fruit Platter
White Salad

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
Pandan Rice
One Round Ice Tea
Purified Water
Ice

TERMS OF PAYMENT:
50% Down Payment Upon Confirmation of Order
(Non – refundable if cancellation is made)
50% Full Payment One Week Before The Function

NOTE: Four (4) hours function time, additional Php 500.00/hour for succeeding hours.

I really highly recommend Kitchen Treasures and we cannot wait to get their services again (uhm, after 3 years? haha).

Review of Dazo Hall in Philam Village, Las Pinas

I raved about Dazo Hall back in 2008, when we held my son's first birthday party there. The space and the ventilation is still good to great but I think it's in need of another paint job.





It's not so visible from these pics but the front/stage area was an eyesore with all its little markings. I guess, if metal buildings can rust over time, event halls like Dazo will also show the wear and tear from numerous parties held there.

It was a good idea for us to have a big tarpaulin to cover that area. Future patrons would be well-advised to do the same as well as get their decorator to put huge balloon arrangements and other such stuff in front.

Rental fee is now almost P6,000 (because we also paid for electricity charge for bringing in a sound system, as well as extra hours for setup) with a bond of P3,000 which you can refund a week or two after.

Dazo Hall
Earl Carroll Avenue, Philamlife Village,
Pamplona Dos, Las Pinas City
(871-2285, 872-3596)

Shop Smarter and More Safely this Christmas

On my way to Divisoria last week, a man sat beside me in the jeep egging the driver to go faster. It turned out, he was trying to get away from the man he snatched a cellphone from.

Cases like this are rampant during the Holidays as even the poor and the sinful are intent to give themselves a Merry Christmas. I know, it's not like people will be shopping with gold bars
in bag, but here are some tips for everyone to shop smarter and more safely:

1) Have a separate coin purse for the transport fares so people don't see the thousand peso bills in your wallet.

2) Don't keep all your eggs in one basket, in case you lose a wallet or someone picks your pocket.

3) Leave valuables behind when going into crowded places.

4) If you can, go on leave on a weekday to do and finish all your shopping. Less people about so even the lines at the cashier will be shorter too.

5) Use your debit/credit card instead, if you're not going to flea markets, bazaars, etc so you don't need to carry cash.

6) Try to shop early, when attendants are still alert and fresh. Shopping in the evening when all store clerks are already exhausted may result in wrong change, left purchases and poorer customer service.

7) Think of a theme so you need only go to one or two places for all your gift-giving needs.

8) Don't shop alone, so that someone will always have your back. Or...

9) Divide and conquer with a friend/partner, so that someone else can already get other things in your list.

10) Keep a watchful eye and err on the side of caution.

Prevent more stress from coming into your life this Holiday season.

Wellness Party Before Christmas

How do you prepare yourself for all the partying and merrymaking this Christmas? By attending a Wellness Party, of course.



Take advantage of the free medical and nutrition consultation as well as the foot/back massage. Come with a friend for a chance to win a raffle prize. First 10 early birds also get a surprise.

Mark your calendars... Dec 17, 2011 at One Esplanade at MOA, 9:00-12:00. After the event, you'll be refreshed to shop again!

Continue Looking Good During the Holidays

Some people, in other parts of the world, will have Thanksgiving as a holiday before Christmas. For us here in the Philippines, it will just be a series of Christmas-y merrymaking along with school reunions and year-end parties.

With merrymaking always comes exhaustion, what with the late hours, stress, the sinful stuff you ingest and maybe even the smoke you're exposed to. How do you continue looking good then?

If you can't stick to healthy fare at parties, at least eat healthy when you're not at a party. Immensely enjoying a buffet need not be so bad if you've been subsisting on light salads, high grain fiber, and fruits.

Drink your Vitamin C and E to give you that glow. Use a lot of moisturizers too.

Exfoliate at least twice a week. Use deadsea salt or a homemade concoction of honey, water and sugar.

Drink plenty of water, expecially if you've had a drink, or had coffee or tea.

Get plenty of rest. Nap before having your lunch. Some 15 minutes of zzz's will do your looks, as well as mental health, good.

Bring extra clothes at the office or in the car for wardrobe changes or unwanted wardrobe malfunction moments. Invoke different effects through accessories or invest in multiwear clothing that can take you from work to a party.

Always have baby wipes to clean and spruce yourself up... and a handy makeup kit for touch ups.

Lastly, smile. The Holidays is for merrymaking after all.

Online Christmas Shopping

Who says you have to brave the crowds and the germs they bring just to finish checking that list of people you need to get gifts for? Shopping online is not just convenient but also allows you to give more unique gifts.

Thinking of monogrammed gift ideas for fave aunts or precious little girls? Go to Redenvelope.com.

Thinking of personalized photo gifts like umbrellas and Christmas tree ornaments? heck out Artscow.com.

Got crafty friends? Direct them to digiscrapping sites with coupon codes for the loveliest kits of all.

What's more, sites like these usually offer dicsount or Holiday deals that will help you stretch out your budget as you stretch on your trusty sofa while clicking on that checkout sign.

So, no excuses not to be sharing your blessings through giving gifts, ok?

St. James the Great Bazaar

The biggest bazaar in the South (of Manila) is coming up so make sure you don't spend ll your hardearned money just yet because the vendors here offer truly unique wares and great finds.



Take, for example, my sister-in-law. I know, we're related through marriage but I really absolutely love the smocked dresses she sells. Dainty Closet will be there to offer you these whimsical clothes for little girls (and some jumpers/rompers for boys, with sizes from infant to four, maybe five years old). Just look for outfits like the ones below:





There are also darling sets perfect for christenings, so really check her wares out. She usually carries handmade Christmas Cards too, that are lovingly made by her friend, which will go well with a present of one of her smocked dresses to some dear girl.

Again, do dress comfortably and make sure you have plenty of cash :)

St. James the Great Bazaar
November 26-30, 2011
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Ayala Alabang Village

SuperSale Bazaar Ongoing at WTC

The first day of the SuperSale Bazaar at the World Trade Center was a success and sellers are promising bigger discounts and new stocks for tomorrow and Sunday.

There are plenty of fashion finds, from shoes to bags to other accessories and imported clothes but there are also novelty items perfect for gift giving. You are even sure to find some pieces of rustic bedroom furniture to spice up your abode.

Leave the kids at home so you can better brave the crowds. Dress comfortably, make sure you have enough cash and credit and come with a list of of people you need to buy gifts for.

Entrance to the bazaar costs P100 each, to benefit World Vision. If you want discounted tickets though, just print this flyer to get 20% off.

Rafflecopter: Nifty Tool for Blog Contests

What's one sure thing to perk you up amid those rv financing woes, list of people to shop Christmas gifts for and upcoming flue season? Blog contests made easy courtesy of Rafflecopter! :)

I just saw a friend using it for her blog contest. It allows you to offer a variety of ways for prospective joiners to join, and makes joining so useful because a script just runs from your page. All they really have to do is click, click, click and they're done liking FB pages, or tweeting about your contest or sharing it in Google+. It's so cool, I'm tempted to hold my own blog contest, just to be able to use it.

Next time you're generating contest participants, do try Rafflecopter and have a smoother time at it.

Play Pilipinas Workshop Ensogo Deal

Interested parents, educators and school personnel have only one more day left to purchase the Play Pilipinas Workshop Ensogo Deal which will allow any buyer to attend one of the mini workshops at half price. From P1,000, it is now only P500 inclusive of entrance to the play festival.

Just to remind parents as well, there will be six playground installations at the Play Festival so bringing your child is a must. At least, this is one expo wherein you don't have to worry about them disturbing the Banner stand onstage or other displays because they're sure to get busy with the installations. Meanwhile, you can also shop to your heart's content without worrying if they're getting bored.

See you there!

Send a Sense of Home to Family Abroad

Christmas, they say, is the happiest time of the year in the Philippines. We even start on it early since Christmas decorations go up in malls on the first day of September.

It's also the season that loved ones living abroad miss the most. Some even make it a point that they spend Christmas here every year because Christmas in other countries just really do not compare.

Now, if you're like me who has relatives going abroad in time to spend Christmas there instead, how about remembering to send Christmas care packages?

Send true-blue cacao balls (tablea) for them to turn into hot cocoa, or sotanghon noodles for that Noche Buena soup. Send a Christmas lantern, even the cheap ones, and send Nativity scenes. You can also include recorded messages or pictures of old Christmases stored in memory cards as digital files.

Send dried fish too, if you want. I'm not sure how long puto bungbong lasts but suman (sticky rice) will hold well in long-haul flights. Just send something your family associates with Christmas. I am sure they will appreciate it.

Raising a Healthy Generation with Bella and Jake Tan

Due to numerous requests, this seminar has been moved to a different date and venue to accommodate interested parents in the metro.

Understand the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the child in this 1.5 day seminar with Steiner early childhood education pioneers Bella and Jake Tan of Rudolf Steiner Education in the Philippines. Learn how the quality of nutrition, the type of education, medical interventions, the nature of habits, family issues, and other factors directly impact the health of the child, which in turn influence the health of the adult. Practical tips and suggestions will also be given to address current health and lifestyle issues.

Bella Tan is an early childhood educator, teacher/trainer and mentor for RStEP. She is a pioneer of Steiner/Waldorf education in the country, having introduced it here in 1992. Trained in Australia, Bella initiated the Parent-Toddlers Program in 1997. She also writes children’s books.
Joaquin (Jake) Tan is a natural health practitioner and teacher/trainer for RStEP. He is the author of Healing Ourselves: A Guide to Creative, Responsive, and Self-Reliant Medicine, and of the newly published Healing Ourselves from Medicine: How Anthroposophy can Save Your Life. .

Schedule

Day One
Morning
9:00 Lecture: Childhood & Development Phases
10:30 Break
11:00 Lecture: The Incarnation Process
12:00 Lunch
Afternoon
2:00 Lecture: Re-forming the Inherited Body
(Fevering, Childhood Illnesses)
3:30 Break
4:00 Lecture: Nutrition & Health (Weaning Process, Food, Sleep,
Forming Good Habits)
5:00 End of Day One

Day Two
Morning
9:00 Lecture: Dreamy Consciousness of the Child
(Play & Toys, Imagination & Phantasy)
10:30 Break
11:00 Role of the Adult in Nurturing the Child
12:00 End

Who should attend

Parents, educators, health care practitioners, and anyone with a personal interest in their own health and healing!

Seminar fees

P3,650 (excluding meals)
Family discount!
Bring your spouse, co-parent, or one other person significant in your child’s upbringing and you get 50% off!
Other group discounts (not applicable if Family discount is used)
For groups of 3 to 5, 5% discount per participant
For groups of 6, 10% discount from the 6th participant onward

Organized by the Institute for Steiner's Ideas in Practice (ISIP) Philippines
6241 Palma cor Manalac Sts.
Bgy. Poblacion (near Rockwell and Ateneo Professional Schools)
Makati City

For more information, call (02) 899 4675, text 0947 448 5119, or email ISIP.Philippines@gmail.com

15-Day Intensive Beginner's Course in Waldorf/Steiner Early Childhood Education 2012

just sharing these for possible interested educators and homeschoolers

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15-DAY INTENSIVE BEGINNER’S COURSE IN WALDORF/STEINER
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 2012
(For teachers, parents & individuals interested in self-development)

DATES
January 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18.

TIME
9am - 5pm

VENUE
1086 Del Monte Ave. Quezon City

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS REQUIRED
15 individuals

FEES (non-refundable)
EARLY BIRD FEE - P13,000
REGULAR COURSE FEE (paid after November 15) - P15,000

COVERAGE
-Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy
(the philosophical/spiritual basis of Steiner Education)
-Overview of the Process of Childhood and the Waldorf Curriculum
-Understanding the Development of the Child from Conception to 7 years
-Preparing yourself and your kindergarten
-Biography Work
Introduction to...
-Group singing
-Pentatonic lyre playing
-Recorder playing
-Wet-on-wet painting
-Form drawing
-Story-telling
-Doll/toy-making

FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Visit www.rstep.org.ph
-Email us at rstep07@yahoo.com.ph
-Call Bella or Jake Tan 3715688; 09178386315