I remember when my 2 older kids were toddlers and were still like huge sponges absorbing all the learning they could ever get. apart from ABCs and 123s, one of their interests is learning about animals.  This is the same with my youngest too.  There is something about the world of animals that definitely catches children's attention and imagination too.  The variety of their sizes, the way they move, and their different sounds, make animals very fascinating among kids.  I remember when I was little, I used to watch a local channel daily and I was so in love with Kiko Matsing and Pong Pagong.

Happy that ZooMoo, the first preschool channel which is all about wildlife and conservation, is now available on Solar Entertainment's latest digital platform, EasyTV.  ZooMoo brings funny and adorable puppet characters, stunning animation, breathtaking nature videos and interactive games that will help young children develop a love for animals. 
A collaboration between wildlife filmmakers and early childhood education experts from the University of Otago, New Zealand, ZooMoo features a lineup of more than 1,500 standalone episodes that are organized to make learning fun, easy, and effective for very young viewers.
The highlight of each show is the channel’s cast of funny animal puppet characters. Each furry friend has a unique personality, strength, and weakness the cast is able to overcome through teamwork. Some of these animal pals include the optimistic photographer Flash the dog, the wise and pedantic Owl, the skillful and expressive Ninja Gorilla, the inventive and adventurous Piglet, and the gentle giant Panda.
For additional content, the channel comes with a companion ZooMoo App that can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app lets kids explore a wildlife sanctuary called ZooMoo Island where they can look for and interact with up to 300 animals. Through the app, parents and their little ones can team up to complete games, puzzles, and other activities.

No Internet connection is required after the initial download, and parents don’t have to worry about in-app advertisements and purchases. ZooMoo’s ZooSync technology also enables users to sync their apps with the channel for more free content. Just run the app when a show flashes ‘ZooSync’ to receive gifts from the channel.

As a young child, I grew up knowing I have parents who love me and give everything I need and some wants.  I have brothers and cousins I used to play with.  I remember feeling secured and happy.  Until I went to school.
I still vividly recall up to this day how a classmate in Kinder teased and insulted me for not knowing what the color of the tree was.  I knew it was green, but I colored the leaves blue.  Not because I didn't know it should be green, but because I couldn't find the color green in my set of crayons.  That was the first time I felt disliked, rejected, unsafe, and insecure.
Unknowingly, it was the start of finding and shaping my identity through others' opinion and set of standards.  Call it peer pressure or pleasing others or just plain desire to be accepted and liked by people outside the family.  And I was just four years old then.

I have a morena skin and was sporting a short hair.  My classmates were mestizas and had long hairs adorned with pretty ribbons.  THEY became my standard of beauty.  So I asked my mom's help to grow my hair (used a lot of Gee! Your Hair Smells Terrific shampoo thinking it would help grow my hair faster) and put the nicest ribbons.  I had always felt ugly and insecure back then.

Looking back, and now that I am a mom myself, I realized how important it is to fill the LOVE TANK of our kids at home so that when they go out there in the wild (the unsure, the unknown, the critics, and the unforgiving real world) they are sure of themselves, they know they are loved, they know they are pretty or handsome, they know they are kind, talented, smart, they know they are enough being themselves because he/she is unique, and that he/she is fearfully and wonderfully created by God.

I used to blame my parents, especially my mom, for not making me feel beautiful or not doing everything she can to protect me, especially I am the only daughter, the only rose among thorns.  But now that I've come to know Jesus and that I've become older and a lot wiser through God's grace, everything was clearer to me - and I don't blame anyone at all.

NOT EVERYBODY WILL LIKE YOU - And that's okay.  That's what I have come to realize and this is what I also want to teach my children.  I know God's purpose for my resignation is to prioritize my ministry which is my family - my children.  He gave me a chance to correct my mistakes, make up for lost times and opportunities to show and tell them how much they are loved, and that they are enough.

Here are some things in my heart to teach and tell my boys:
To my teenager:

• You are good looking and those pimples will eventually go away. 
• You are making big progress in your basketball skills and that's something to be proud of.
• It's okay not to have a girlfriend or an MU even if your peers are already into a relationship.
• Never let clothes, new phone, new shoes or any material things define you.
• It's okay to not have too many friends.
• You are a responsible child and a good brother, keep it up.
• You have been very helpful to us, thank you.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

To my grade-schooler...

• You are making progress in socializing with other kids in Sunday school, keep it up.
• You have a big and wild imagination, keep on creating things.
• You have an exceptional drawing skills for your age.
• You are so different from your Kuya, but we love you just the same, like how we also love your baby brother.
• You have a big, kind, and compassionate heart.
• It's okay to not be like others, because you are special, you are unique in your own way.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

To my toddler...

• You bring joy to our family, you are like a glue which makes us all stick together.
• You are a good entertainer and you amaze us each day.
• Your learning skills in speech is so cute, you will learn to talk eventually.  Know that whatever you say, we understand you, your needs and wants.
• You have an exceptional driving and running skills.
• Your imagination this early is wild, keep on exercising your mind.
• You are the only one who exclusively breastfeeds from Mommy.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

MY CHILDREN - the world will have many expectations from you.  Expectations to keep up with the latest fashion and even gadget trends. Expectations to like what they like such as music artists, games to play or cartoon characters.  Expectations to have a girlfriend or a crush at a young age and engage in things (worse, vices) not appropriate for your ages.  Expectations to be cool or popular or stand out but not by doing what is good but what is different and harmful or hurtful to other people.

Mga anak, you don't need to meet those expectations.  You don't need to say, do, act, or have things just to be LIKED or to be popular.  Because honestly, you don't really have to make an effort to meet expectations just to be liked.  The fact is, not everybody will like you, and be rest assured, that is okay.

In our eyes, in our thoughts, in our hearts - YOU ARE ALL ENOUGH, and YOU ARE ALL LOVED.  We appreciate your presence in our lives.  We are thankful to God for bringing us such wonderful gifts that we don't deserve.  We are proud of who you all are.  We also acknowledge that no child is perfect and that's why we accept and love you just as you all are.  BUT as imperfect parents, it's our duty to raise up God-loving young men who will start their own families in the future and lead their children through their examples.  May we be able to show and teach you those examples well, through God's grace, even if we are imperfect parents to all of you.

But you know who accepts and not only likes but loves you the most?  God.  And He is enough.  Remember, not everybody will like you - and that is OKAY.

I cannot stress enough how important play is for children.  In fact, I have written about it countless times on this blog.  During Warble's official opening of its first branch at 4th Floor of Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, I learned that while play is important in the lives of our children and it is work for them as how our jobs are to us, the toys and environment should still be carefully and intentionally selected and prepared for them.
According to Karen Pacia of projectmommyger.net, a well-prepared environment for play which teaches them life skills is a place where it's safe for our children to move around, explore, and experience real world.  This area should be clutter-free so the kids could focus on their tasks, teach them independence and self-discipline.
I honestly still have a long way to go in arranging the kids' room into a Montesorri-type area.  In fact, there are so many toys around the house that I know do not contribute a lot to valuable learning through play for my toddler.  I believe some of them may be overstimulating pa nga.  Too much colors, too much buttons, too much noise.  Kahit ako nadidistract na rin.  I should start sorting and storing soon.  Glad that I was able to learn this real play concept from Karen (and more!)
Warble, the newest concept store, offers kids creative and functional gear to make learning a fun experience.  Looking at the well-thought pieces of furniture from brands which encourage movements in a safe environment, Warble makes it possible for kids to develop their creativity, social skills, and motor skills as well.  Having safe kids' furniture for play maximizes their capacity to learn.

Iya Villania-Arellano, one of the brand’s ambassadors shared “We love the foldaway mats! Primo is such an active and curious kid so we’ve really “nested” a space where he can enjoy play time safely
and as creatively as he wants!”
My kids were able to experience playing and socializing with other kids using the furniture and equipment available for display during the opening of its first branch. My toddler spent most of his play time in the ball pit with mini-slide.
During the event, the kids were busy with activities prepared for them and this helped us moms become attentive to the talk made by Karen.  But in my case since I have a super active toddler that time who loved roaming around the place and enjoyed the Fold Away mats a little bit too much, I wished that I had a clone that day (eerr.. make that every day please!).

You'll see the kids all had so much fun.  Thanks Warble for this.
Warble introduces a selection of kids’ furniture and equipment specifically designed to integrate play with everyday living. Their product lines are dedicated to nurturing and encouraging innate curiosity in the early years. From furniture for indoor fun like multiple use foldaway mats, convertible chairs, and dollhouse or adventure themed furniture to world-renowned strollers and car seats by Babyzen for outdoor adventures, Warble truly puts to heart the value of play. “Creative play is critical to children’s development. We started Warble hinged on the idea that play ensures holistic development in children. We worked with other moms and did some research to curate a selection of furniture and equipment that can provide play spaces that are practical but also stylish and fun,” says owner Claudine Chan-Cobankiat.

As you can see in the next photos, my toddler enjoyed and got to try almost all the wooden kiddie furniture on display at Warble which made him really happy.  This little one loves exploring and is not afraid to try new things, and so DID HE! :)

Damien enjoying himself as if riding a real jeep in this Warble Jeep Table and Chair.

This Convertible Cube Chairs are available in three (3) sizes JULIE (infant), CASSIE (toddler), and KARA (pre-school)  Damien sat on this chair while Karen was demonstrating in front how this converts.  She got herself an instant demo kid. :)

This boy is full of imagination and I don't stop him when he takes interest in dollhouses, cooking or kitchen toys, cake decorating toys or even some girl toys.  This one below is dollhouse chair which makes part of the whole Warble Dollhouse Collection (Table, Shelf, and Chair).

Warble Dollhouse chair which doubles as a dollhouse toy already, better to get the whole set! :)

Warble is now open on the 4 th Floor, East Wing, Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, you may email them at warblekids@gmail.com, check them on Facebook and Instagram or follow their stories via hashtag #WarbleKids.

Since the time when online shopping became popular in the Philippines, I've become a fan of it for many reasons and one of them is convenience.  But I make sure that I only transact or purchase from trusted and secure online shops or those recommended by family and friends.

Sa totoo lang there's a very popular (I'm sure you've shopped from there countless times too) one which carries thousands of brands from official brand stores and also from small-medium-enterprises.  But sa dami ng products, items, it gets too overwhelming sometimes.  I end up confused and frustrated or buying things I don't really need.  When most of the time I only look for Mommy/Baby/Kids stuff.  So for these items, one of my go-to online shop is Kids Company.

As a practical mom shopper, I like shopping at Kids Company for the following reasons:

1. Convenience.  Online shopping for me spells convenience especially now that I cannot leave the house anytime I want to since I became a stay-at-home-mom.  Having an online store such as Kids Company saves me travel time (and you know how worse our traffic has become), expense for gas or cab, effort to dress and make up.  With just few clicks and minutes, shopping for mom and baby essentials, and toys is done.  Time is not wasted on traffic but spent with what matters most, my family.

2. Availability of over 50 trusted licensed brands.  There are more than 50 available, popular, and authentic brands and products such as Mega Bloks, VTech, Chicco, Bright Starts, Barbie, Ben10, Cars (my sons' favorite), Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Disney, MiFold,Sanosan, Joie, and many more!  And what gives you peace of mind pa is that you're assured they are ALL AUTHENTIC.  So sure ka of what you buy and that you are buying your money's worth, lalo kapag naka-SALE.  Unlike buying from the popular online store I mentioned earlier, sometimes even if it's posted as authentic, when you get the item, you still doubt if it really is.

3. There's something for every family member.  This is so true because though it's called Kids Company, hindi lang naman pang-kids ang available items.  Mom care brands are available, baby gears (cribs, carriers, strollers, car seats) and feeding/nursing items (baby bottles, sterilizers, nursing pillows) are there too.  Developmental toys,infant toys, play mats, and toys for collectors are available as well.  Pati clothes and costumes available din.  And again, everything is authentic.  Matunog sa atin yan mga momsh right?

4. Regular SALE of items all year-round.  Practical moms represent.  Naku yang ang favorite word natin when we shop.  Better that the things we need are on sale.  You don't need to wait for the quarterly mall sales, at Kids Company, regular ang sale nila.  In fact, as I write this, overlapping ang Back-To-School sale nila (June 1 - July 31, 2018) and Mid-year Sale (July 25 - August 3, 2018).  In fact, even when these two sales are done, they have a year-round sale if you don't mind dented boxes of the items you need but still brand new.  They also have clean-up promos and marked-downs promos.  So meaning, all year they have SALEs and this is a feature that's close to every moms on a budget but still want to give their best to themselves and their family.

5. FREE shipping option nationwide.  You read that right!  Free shipping if you order Php1000 and above for Metro Manila and Php2000 and above provincial.  Imagine how much it would cost you to ship a big item let's say a stroller or a crib right?  This feature makes online shopping a lot more inviting especially if you want to practically save as much pesos as you can.

6. Multiple payment methods including COD.  For those who are quite skeptical about using online payment channels whenever you shop online, there's a Cash On Delivery (COD) option when you purchase at Kids Company.  Happy ako also that you can pay electronically via VISA, MasterCard, mobile payment, online banking, 7-Eleven, M.Lhuiller, and even 0% installment on selected credit cards.  Kahit payment is so convenient and secure.

7. There's Loyalty/Rewards Program.  Alam ng mga practical mommies that we really use the points in our loyalty or rewards cards.  Ako personally, I've used my loyalty points in my numerous rewards cards such as in groceries, department stores, drug stores, and also gas stations!  Every time you purchase at Kids Company for mom, baby, kids, and gifts needs, you earn points which of course you could use in the future to purchase stuff for FREE!  Love talaga ng mga practical mommies and rewards program. Agree?

NOW, Here are what I don't Like about Kids Company
Of course I meant this as an exaggeration of all the things I love about Kids Company.  Because, it's too much that I couldn't handle it.  Haha!  Share ko muna some of the brands I have with me from Kids Company:

VTech Playtime Bus with Phonics which is currently on sale on the website! :)

Hot Wheels Speedtropolis Set

1.  The year-round SALE make sends me indescribable feeling.  You know the excitement feeling as if seeing your crush whenever you're browsing through their site, ganun!  The kilig feeling makes me eat more kasi.  That means more pounds added to my weight!

2.  Too convenient. The convenience makes me tired - pero happy.  Because I can shop even when at home without any worry, then I get to do more at home - more time to do the laundry, wash dishes, clean the house.  But though I get tired, I feel accomplished and happy to be able to fulfill and spend my time to things that matter more rather than the traffic or the hassle of commute or finding an available parking space.

Do take a look and experience the convenience of shopping.  My reviews are just words you read it's better if you experience them yourselves (lalo na yung SALE!)  For more information, visit their website: www.kidscompany.com.ph/  and follow their updates and stories on social media:

As parents we all want to raise a happy and healthy child.  Personally, when I became a new mom, I would do endless research on how to make this happen.  There were so many parenting and nutritional tips to achieve raising a happy and healthy child.  But it all boils down to keeping kids active at play and giving nutritious drinks and food.  PLUS a lot of love and bonding time with the kids and that equally means they grow up in a healthy and happy environment.

NESTOKID® FOUR advocates the importance of providing children not only with the right nutrition needed to support their crucial developmental years, but also a happy environment where they can grow, flourish, and enjoy time with the family.  That's why, last weekend, they had a Grow Happy Nation event at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Place Manila.

Grow Happy Nation event at Robinsons Place Manila

With Ms. Melai Cantiveros, Nestokid Four Brand Ambassador

With mom blogger friends Serene and Nerissa

Nice to see you again Serene! :)

Entrance to the grand Grow Happy event by NESTOKID® FOUR

Be part of the Grow Happy Nation!

• Laro (Play) allows kids to be physically active through a friendly game of ring toss
• Likha (Art) gives participants the freedom to express themselves through lines and colors.
• Musika (Music) challenges kids to a fun game of musical chairs with a twist. 
• Nutrisyon (Nutrition) NESTOKID® FOUR reminds parents about the importance of raising happy, healthy kids with a storytelling video.

LARO Station

Challenges the kids to shoot the giant rings to the poles

LIKHA Station

Get coloring materials before entering the area.

Color with your child in this station.

MUSIKA Station

A musical chair game with a twist

Nutrisyon Station where both parents and children learn about eating right and drinking milk AND how to raise happy and healthy kids as well.

NESTOKID® FOUR believes that raising happy and healthy children can start with something as simple as with choosing the right milk, as nutrition is vital for good health and well-being. NESTOKID® FOUR is specially formulated with L. Comfortis, a probiotic that helps strengthen tummies to provide better digestion and help in absorption of nutrients, making sure that kids get the nutrition they need during their growing-up years. It is also packed with Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and DHA for overall growth and development.


NESTOKID® FOUR, however, acknowledges that milk is just one of the key components to raising a happy and healthy child, and therefore encourages parents to complement proper nutrition with providing their children a nurturing environment where they can play, imagine, and bond with loved ones.

The brand’s newest endorser and proud mommy of two, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco agrees saying, “I learned from my experience with Amelia that proper nutrition should go hand-in-hand with a happy home talaga. I really think it makes all the difference, lalo na ngayon na nakikita ko kung gaano siya ka-confident sa school at kung gaano kadali sa kanya makipagkaibigan. Daig pa ako sa pagiging Ms. Congeniality!”

Be part of the movement and drop by one of the two NESTOKID® FOUR Grow Happy Nation runs. Get a chance to also win a 1-year supply of NESTOKID® FOUR when you post photos from inside the Grow Happy Nation activity area using the hashtags #GrowHappy and #NESTOKID. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/NESTOKIDPH

My kids are spaced pretty well, 7 and 6 years apart.  It is an ideal spacing for us and indeed helped ease our budgeting and other financial needs for each child.  I said this because, belonging in different childhood stages mean they have different needs tied with financial needs.  Hindi sabay sabay ang gastusin for school or milk and diaper needs.  While it helped us personally, I didn't know that in the business world Family Planning Programs are being taken seriously by some business organizations in our country.

According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at the 1st National Conference on Family Planning in the Workplace, Family planning makes good business sense as it urged companies to start implementing family planning programs. 

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Usec. Atty. Claro Arellano talked abut the role of the government sector in advocating reproductive health and rights across all workplaces and encouraged employers to be part of the initiative for the growth of the country.

The conference, the first-ever to tackle the private sector’s role in supporting the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, brought together the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Commission on Population (POPCOM). The event also gathered 200 participants from a wide variety of industries who shared their experiences and learned best practices from UNFPA’s Business Action for Family Planning Access (BAFP) project.

A total of 200 delegates from a wide variety of industries and regional chapters of ECOP, DOLE, and POPCOM joined the 1 st National Conference on Family Planning in the Workplace.

Launched in 2014, the Business Action for Family Planning Access (BAFP) project encourages private sector engagement in family planning either in the workplace, community-based or as a core business.  Thirteen companies are currently enrolled in the program, representing various sectors such as export garment manufacturing, microfinance, canning, semi-conductor production for export, pastries, agro-industries, automotive and high-end aerospace products.

The program has been able to reach almost 1.4 million individuals through family planning sessions in the workplace and in communities.

Business benefits from family planning
ECOP President Donald G. Dee discussed how the topic was quite timely as businesses aim to remain
competitive amidst a changing labor and employment landscape.

Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Donald G. Dee as he delivered his opening remarks about ECOP’s initiative on mainstreaming reproductive health in the corporate agenda as a tool for business productivity and competitiveness

In the Philippines, the entrance of new young workers has significantly affected the current working
environment. According to 2015 labor force survey (LFS 2015), almost half of the labor force population consists of young workers. Over 42 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above are part of the labor force, 47.1% of which are workers in their prime reproductive age.

Meanwhile, one in ten young Filipino women aged 15-19 have begun childbearing, with 8 per cent of
these age groups already mothers and another 2 per cent already pregnant with their first child, according 'to the results of the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
“As young people, particularly women, move into wage labor they are faced with larger difficulties
associated with pregnancy and later on caring for their infants and young children. Women in the formal sector, the wage and salary workers, are sometimes ill-equipped and unable to provide the proper health care especially during stages of pregnancy,” said Dee.

In tough economic times, Dee said, “it’s important to remember that the absence of concrete workplace health program costs money. What’s more, our case studies show that a sound health program including family planning program in the workplace is linked to improved performance and profitability.”

Dee cited the benefits companies can gain through better policies and practices such as improved
productivity through less sickness absence, cutting healthcare costs, keeping skilled workers in employment and reducing the number of people who have to cut their working hours to care for more
family members.

Bridging the Gap in Access

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Klaus Beck emphasizes how investing on workplace family planning makes good business and how companies can help employees plan the timing and size of their family.

According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey in the Philippines, 49 per cent of
unmarried, sexually active women and 17 per cent of married women still have an unmet need for family planning “Today, working couples are faced with the challenge of a lack of time to access quality family planning and reproductive health services, especially in public health centers that provide these services only during working hours,” shared UNFPA Country Representative Klaus Beck in his talk.  “A workplace program ensures that these services are available where the employees are, and that they are closely supported by their co-employees on a regular basis. Workplace programs are intended to reach the working couples at their work places,” he added.
Through the BAFP program, the UNFPA hope to provide further speed to a nascent movement on family planning in the workplace so that more companies join in helping their employees, themselves and the country in the process.

My Family Planning and Work Experience
I used to be in the work force in all my three pregnancies, though spaced ideally for us, it still somehow affected my productivity at work.  It's may seem unfair or may look as if it's a discrimination to women giving birth, but it actually makes sense and it's the economic reality.  So, it's either mothers quit their jobs to focus on caring for their children (especially when there was not family planning) or continue with affected productivity and performance. 

It makes sense, business or not.  It does.