Summer is almost here and my most awaited 2019 list of summer workshops, sports clinics, classes, and activities for kids in Metro Manila is finally here!  As a tradition, this will be updated regularly as more and more establishments create their own programs for toddlers, kids, teens, and even adults!
Get your kids off gadgets where they could chance upon terrible and inappropriate content and get them up and active by enrolling them in classes this summer.  Let's not keep their minds idle this upcoming vacation!

My kids are products of these summer activities and it worked well for them, especially my now teenager whom I enrolled in basketball clinics since he was 7 years old.  Now he's a high school basketball varsity player and I can't believe how much he's grown and developed his skills in this sport.  My second child was enrolled in arts and reading programs and he hasn't stopped drawing and reading since then.  My toddler is showing great interest painting, playing ball, and reading too.

Just make sure that you know which interests your children are leaning to so you'll be able to enroll them in workshops they will love and pursue growing up.  You may choose to enroll them to any on my list in this post.

MCDONALD'S KIDDIE CREW 2019
WHAT: The Kiddie Crew Workshop is an annual summer program run by McDonald’s where participants gain new skills, meet new friends, and experience a whole lot of learning and fun!
WHEN/Schedule: Weekday workshop runs for 5 days and each day will last for 2 hours each. While the new weekend workshop option is a 2-day workshop made of 3 hours each.  Time schedule: 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.  Workshop will run from April 8 to July 7, 2019
WHERE: Participating McDonald's branch nationwide, see links below for reference.
RATES: P695 (for 5-day workshop) and P595 (for 2-day workshop) inclusive of the workshop uniform (t-shirt, cap, bag, ID with lace), daily workshop materials, and daily meals!
LINKS: For more information, visit the McDonald's branch nearest you or check their website: https://mcdonalds.com.ph/content/page/kiddie_crew_2019 and Facebook Page for updates.

JOLLIBEE MINI-MANAGERS CAMP 2019
WHAT: 6-day workshop for kids aged 4-6 years old to learn about Jollibee values, store practices, arts and crafts, Yumberger making, ice cream making, dancing, and many more.
WHEN: Starts April 1, 2019
WHERE: All participating Jollibee branches nationwide.
RATES: Php 650 inclusive of  inclusive of 1 set of Mini Managers Uniform with Name Plate, Camp Bag, Daily Snacks, Activity Materials
LINK: For more information, please visit their Facebook Page Notes


BEST CENTER SPORTS INC.
WHAT: BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL and other sports
For Preparatory level, Levels 1 - 5)

BASKETBALL
WHERE/WHEN:
ATENEO COLLEGE COVERED COURTS
APRIL 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29, MAY 2
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS
8:00 – 11:30 AM -
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD)
LEVEL 1, 2 (9 - 11 YEARS OLD), and 5
1:00 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1, 2 (12 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE), 3, 4, and 6

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Extra Ext. Fourth Estate Subdivision, Sucat, Paranaque
APRIL 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29
MONDAY AND THURSDAY
1:30 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1 and 2

STARMALL ALABANG
South Super Highway, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
APRIL 2, 9, 12,16, 23, 26, 30 
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1, 2 (9 - 11 YEARS OLD)
1:00 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1 and 2 (12 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE), and 3

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MINOR SEMINARY
EDSA corner Bernardino st., Guadalupe Viejo, Makati
APRIL 5, 9, 12, 16, 23, 26, 30
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1, and 2

CHRIST THE KING SEMINARY
E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City
APRIL 5, 9, 12, 16, 23, 26, 30
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY
1:00 – 4:30 PM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1 and 2

ST. PATRICK SCHOOL
43 General Avenue, Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City
APRIL 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 27, MAY 1
WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1, 2
1:00 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1

MALATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Madre Ignacia, Manila
APRIL 6, 10, 13, 17, 24, 27, MAY 1
WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD)
LEVEL 1, 2 (9 - 11 YEARS OLD)
1:00 – 4:30 PM

LEVEL 1 and 2 (12 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE), 3, 4

VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE AND VENUES
Please click HERE
LINK: For more information, check their Facebook page BEST CENTER SPORTS Notes or call them at Tel Nos.: 411-6260 3723066

AQUA LOGIC SWIM CO.
WHAT: AquaBabies (6 to 35 mos), AquaTots/AquaKids (2.5-14yo), AquaTech (15 and above)
WHEN: Year-round
WHERE: See poster for details
RATES: Starting at P7590 (see price matrix on their website)
LINKS: For more information and updates, check their website or follow them on Facebook
THE ARCHERY ACADEMY MANILA
WHAT: Archery lessons for beginners or returning students aged 9 years old and above.
WHEN: Batch 1 on-going/ Batch 2 to start on March 29, 2019| Total of 8 sessions of 2 hours each per batch.  There's 15 minute FREE trial before enrolling.
WHERE: 5F Intrawest Centre, #33 Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan Cit
RATES: Php 8,500 (this is inclusive of arm guard, string, TAA Shirt, and finger tab) New Students' rate/ Php 6,500 Returning Studetns' rate
LINKS: For more information, follow them on Facebook.
WHAT: Ballet and Football classes for kids
WHEN: Classes start April 8 for Blue Bay Walk and April 11 for Binondo
WHERE: CAMBRIDGE Blue Bay Walk, Pasay City and State Centre Bldg., Binondo, Manila
RATES: Call 845 2944 . 0917 820 1228 (Blue Bay Walk) and 812 0942 (for Binondo) to ask for rates and more details.
LINKS: Follow FitKids on Facebook for updates.

BALAY GABAY
WHAT: Summer workshops for children of all ages (toddlers, kids and teens, and such as Music, Arts, Sports, Painting, Magic, Cooking, Digital Arts, and Science.  Weekend workshops are also available.
WHEN: Beginning April 1, 2019
WHERE: Diliman, Quezon City
RATES: Class rates starting at Php 3,450
CONTACT/LINKS: For more information, call 358 33 38 or visit their Facebook Page for updates.
CONSIS BETTER LEARNING CENTER
WHAT: Consis Summer Learners Lab
Wonder Lab
2-5 years old
T-TH April 11 10AM - 12NN
W-F April 10 10AM - 12NN
Php10,800
(Math Wizards, Little Scientists, Rock On, Attentive Scouts, Doodle Time, Skillfull Communications, World Warriors)

Discover Lab
6-12 years old
30- 45 sessions (2-3 hours a week)
From P19,500
(Attention and Focus Enhancement Program, Personal Development Program, English Enhancement Program, Mathematics Enhancement Program)

Explore Lab
13 years old and up
30, 45, to 60 sessions (2,3, 4 hours a week)
From Php 19,500
Attention and Focus Enhancement Program, Personal Development Program, English Enhancement Program, Mathematics Enhancement Program)

WHEN: April 8 to May 20, 2019
WHERE: 2/F Serendra Retail, BGC, Taguig City
LINKS: Check their website for registration and more details.  You may also follow them on Facebook for updates.

I love Filipino dishes, it's my favorite since I was a child.  Yes, if you're one of those wondering what BENCH Cafe serves, it's all proudly Filipino food.  I cannot think of other local brands that carries Filipino pride like Bench.  I grew up knowing this Pinoy brand through Richard Gomez' TV Commercial back in the 80s. 

Recently, Bench innovated from clothing to a dining concept restaurant called Bench Cafe.  It celebrates its first anniversary at the Bench flagship store in BGC and at the same time launched its second branch in Greenbelt 3.  I was invited to its launch to celebrate their milestone as well as to enjoy a gastronomic experience!  Indeed it was a pleasure being there to taste most of what's in their menu.
First impression of the cafe, sophisticated yet inviting interiors but at the same time casual.  You know it's local but presentation is global.  Ambiance is pretty busy, fun, a place for great conversations among family and friends.  Overall, I like the concept of the restaurant.

Sophisticated yet welcoming interior

#LiveLifeWithFlavor Bench Cafe's overall thrust.  Follow this hashtag for more stories

Here's what I had:
My favorites are the following:

• Bagnet Kare-Kare with Bagoong Rice - It had just the perfect taste of peanut sauce which mixes well with the crisp veggies.  I love that the bagoong we usually pair with Kare-Kare is already cooked with the rice.  It's like a fusion of Filipino and Thai cusine.  I am quite biased to Kare-Kare being my favorite Filipino food since I was younger.
• Pancit Sisig - I've never tasted Sisig the way I tasted it in Bench Cafe.  Surprisingly, it tastes good on pancit!  The flavorful sisig blends well with the humble noodles which is a great alternative to the usual rice.
• Sugpo sa Talangka - I loved this dish!  I wanted more actually!  Please if you have high blood, don't unless you are a risk-taker.  But this dish is deadly delicious and tasty!  Imagine sugpo with talangka?  Ugh!  To die for!
• Turon - I've always loved banana fritters, and this one comes with langka in it.  It's a dessert so expect it to be sweet!  I love that the banana was cooked well with the melted brown sugar glazed perfectly over it.
• Ube Halo Halo - I like this better than its white counterpart.  I tasted and finished the white halo halo, but I like this better because it's different.  One can really taste real deal ube in it.

I can't wait to go back to also try other dishes they recommended such as Sisig Lettuce Cups with Calamansi Foam, the Crispy Lumpia Cones with Tinapa Mousse and Salsa, the Tsoknut Ice Cream Sandwich, and lastly another favorite of mine, Flan B (leche flan with macapuno).

The successful Bench Cafe culinary venture is a partnership between FOODEE Global Concepts and Suyen Corporation.   Bench cafe is located at the second floor of the Bench flagship store at 9th Ave. cor. Lane O BHS, BGC, and second floor of Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center.  For more information and updates, follow Bench Cafe on Facebook and Instagram @benchcafeph.  #LiveLifeWithFlavor

Last January 20, our family was invited to Zed's first birthday party and dedication at Kidzoona Robinsons Galleria.  Only I with Wes and Damien were able to go because Dandre had a basketball game (yes, on a Sunday!) and my husband had to repair his e-scooter.  Daming paliwanag, but the most important thing is, I didn't miss it.  I cannot!  I was made Zed's godmother or ninang by my good friend Omni of #TheClingyFam.

With Omni and my inaanak Baby Zed

Wow, to be invited to be a ninang by someone means a lot to me.  Being a godparent goes beyond material gifts or aginaldo every Christmas season.  I take the role seriously and the gesture of inviting me to be a ninang meant I was given an important role to help them guide Zed to grow up God-fearing, kind, compassionate, good, and a happy child.  Thanks Omni for making me Zed's ninang.

Mars Jaya, Janice, Vanessa, and Gracie

Spotted a very pretty and kind-hearted mom, Nish!

So bakit ba ako kinuhang Ninang?  Not everyone knows about my offline friendship with Omni. After all, not everything is shared online naman.  We used to be colleagues (PLDT - Smart) and were both part of The Asian Parenting PH Tapfluencer.  We first met last year in an event.  We chatted a little bit about what we do online, I blog, they vlog - and shared tips with each other.  The next thing we knew, we met for coffee one afternoon and we cried buckets when we talked about life and how God's grace and love brought us together.  Didn't know that this online/event meeting would blossom into a beautiful friendship that made me worthy to be their son's godparent.  It was an honor to be Zed's ninang.  Thank you Omni and Bryce.  So tama na iyakan, happy part na!

My kumpares and kumares!

It was indeed a #GrandFamilyPlayDate for all invitees who came and celebrated with their family.  Kidzoona was closed for their event. And when you say Kidzoona, no parent of toddlers couldn't keep their attention to the program in front, yeah, referring to myself all right!).  All I remember was it was an awesome Thomas And Friends themed party.

Wes at 8 years old is still very playful and loves indoor playgrounds such as Kidzoona.  Damien is my Mr. Explorer.

Wes who found a buddy during #TheGrandPlayDate

An active toddler made more active during the party!

Happy 1st Birthday and Dedication Day dear Zed!  We love you!

#TheGrandPlayDate

Such an adorable Thomas And Friends birthday cake

While I was still with the children's characters licensing agency, I handled the Thomas And Friends brand.  My eldest was still 2 years old then.  I already grew in love with the brand and for a time collected their toys.  So to see Thomas And Friends themed party from McDonald's was like a trip to memory lane.

The #GrandFamilyPlayDate of Zed's 1st year party and dedication became the launchpad of McDonald's newest party theme, Thomas And Friends.  The other character themed party are Barbie and Hotwheels.  All these brands are handled by Richwell.
Here's what a Thomas And Friends party theme in McDonald's would look and feel like:
For food, you could choose from their party food packages which go as low as Php125/pax and for add ons as low as Php29.

For more information and booking your Thomas And Friends party, visit McCelebrations website: https://www.mccelebrations.com.ph/.

Thank you so much Omni & Bryce of #TheClingyFamily for inviting our family and making me Zed's ninang.  This definitely would make our bond as sisters in Christ stronger.  I pray that I'll be worthy to be Zed's guide as he learns the ways of this temporary world.

Mommies, subscribe to Omni & Bryce's YouTube channel HERE where they share their journey as a family showing you their positive, practical, and inspirational lives as a family.  Watch them fulfill their dreams one at a time, fun unboxing and review of toys, events, brands, and many more.

Watch Zed's 1st Brithday Party video here:

Whole family at the "Magic On Ice" at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Extended until January 6, 2019!

I've been sharing on my social media accounts our awesome experience watching "Magic On Ice" at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.  It was definitely one for the books not only for the kids but also for me and hubby!  I've been raving that the show displays professional magic tricks, jaw-dropping stunts/choreography, and mind-boggling illusions, talented ice skaters (oh my the stunts, their skating muscles are admirable) with a great story line viewers could easily follow and understand. 

We all had a great time watching the show!  Definitely one for the books!  Thank you Araneta Center!

I can only say so many good things about the show and I highly recommend it to families.  Watch it with your kids before they start going back to school That's just what we did!  And guess what?  As if the experience watching the show wasn't enough, the highlight of it was when Wes was invited to be one of the selected few kids to ride a carrier on ice. 

Our dear Wes about to go on the ice to ride the carrier.  An experience he won't ever forget!

Hi my handsome prince!  I am happy this experience made you so ecstatic!  Another awesome childhood memory!

His happiness and my mommy heart joy outburst are PRICELESS and I couldn't thank God enough for this once in a lifetime opportunity for our family to be able to watch such an amazing show. 
We also had a quick photo op with some of the cast after the show.
The new schedule is as follows:

Extended until January6, 2019

• Jan 4, 2019 (7pm)
• Jan 5, 2019 (2pm and 6pm), and 
• Jan 6, 2019 (2pm and 6pm).

To see is to believe.  My mommy friends have said great reviews about the show and word -of-mouth from those that have already watched “Magic On Ice” has been tremendous! Here are some photos from the show:

The Ice Angel, Spirit of Light and The Raven, Keeper of Shadows

The cute Slinkies

The Voyager, in one of the many jaw-dropping illusion acts

The Ice Angel, captured by The Voyager

The Raven, Keeper of Shadows

With “Magic On Ice,” the Big Dome, considered as the Philippines’ mecca of sports and entertainment, is transformed into a giant skating rink complete with lights and effects produced by teams that have worked with international superstars Madonna, Sting and Prince.  Tickets to “Magic On Ice” are now available at popular prices in Ticketnet outlets nationwide. You may also buy your  tickets through www.ticketnet.com.ph or may call 911-5555. 

The show’s creator and main protagonist Steve Wheeler has described “Magic On Ice” as “a unique combination of ice skating and magic. It combines the speed and the elegance, the power and beauty of ice skating with big, theatrical magic illusions.”  Furthermore he notes, “The audience will see lightning fast appearances, vanishes and transformations, beautiful levitations, death-defying escapes, and some real fun, interactive comedy numbers that involve members of the audience.” 

More about Steve Wheeler, the Master Illusionist (The Voyager, Seeker of Dreams):
I invite you to watch with the whole family!  Create wonderful and unforgettable childhood and family memories by watching Magic On Ice!  Catch it while it's still here!  We certainly had a great experience and we are really grateful for the opportunity to have watched it before the kids go back to school!  A perfect way to end their holiday break!

For more updates, visit www.smartaranetacoliseum.com and follow our social media pages:
@TheAranetaColiseum on Facebook and Instagram and @TheBigDome on Twitter.