• Communication
• Cooperation
• Problem-solving

• Obesity
• Diminished performance in education
• Troubles in dealing with emotional and social situations, as well as attention disorders
• Disturbed sleep
• Reduced time spent playing

• Capable
• Lovable
• Unique

I grew up reading fairy tales with my mom not only at bedtime but even in the middle of the day or whenever I feel like I want to hear a story.  When I was in preschool, I used to sport a really short hair.  I don't know why it was short but I definitely wanted to grow it long so I would look more girly AND because I want to look like my influencer back then, who else but Princess Rapunzel!

I love classic fairy tales up to this day but too bad I cannot share the same magical feeling to any of my kids because I have no princess, they're all boys.  So, to all who also love and was influenced by the beautiful Rapunzel to grow her hair, I am so excited to let you know that she will come to life - on stage!

Catch Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale from September 15, 2018 to January 27, 2019 at the OnStage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

I love theater!  I miss theater!  Did I tell you that I used to be a part of a theater group back in college and performed in different schools?  But wait this isn't about my love story with theater!  I am excited to tell you that REP’s Theater for Young Audiences reinvents the classic, whimsical adventure of Princess Rapunzel in Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale from September 15, 2018 to January 27, 2019 at the OnStage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

Based on the story, music, and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, the play opens with the beautiful, extremely long-haired Princess Rapunzel (Cara Barredo, Mikkie Bradshaw, Justine Narciso and Alyssa Rosa) being kidnapped and trapped inside a tower as the evil Lady Za Za (Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Liesl Batucan) tries to seize the entire kingdom and place it under her rule.

Hans Eckstein as Sir Roderick, Steven Hotckiss as Edgar, Cara Barredo as Rapunzel, Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Lady Za Za, and Kenny Isidro as  Socrates

While on the quest to find the perfect head of hair, Sir Roderick (Hans Eckstein, Andres Borromeo and Brendon Banares) and his hairstylist friend Edgar (Steven Hotchkiss, Chino Veguillas, and Kenny Isidro) find their way to the tower in the middle of the dark forest to rescue Rapunzel with the help of a slightly neurotic Gypsy Woman (Bituin Escalante and Naths Everett) and witty, old dragon Socrates (Arnel Carrion, Raymund Concepcion and Jamie Wilson).

Joy Virata directs the cast of this magical retelling of a classic fairytale with its fair share of twists and turns.

Interested organizations and schools may now reserve slots for fundraising purposes. For the available show dates and tickets, call REP at 843-3570 or Ticketworld at 891-9999, or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.

Having a husband whose asthma only developed in adulthood means the kids are also at risk of developing this condition once the allergen triggers set in.  Mostly, these allergens come from dust or polluted areas.  That's why, we have a regular cleaning routine to avoid the accumulation of dirt and dust.

But as much as we want to protect our kids from the pollutants that may possibly trigger their asthma attacks, I really cannot be with them 24/7. I also can't ensure that they will be pollutant-free all the time.  For one, we live in the very heart of Metro Manila with outside pollution practically coming from everywhere:  smoke from vehicles, dust on the streets, garbage, etc. My eldest commutes already, my second though takes a bus service going home and is still exposed to outdoor pollutants day in day out.

Concrete example are the invisible specks from food we cook, it’s not enough that we eliminate the smell but we make sure that there are no  lingering particles in the air.
Allow me to share with you some of the things we do at home to protect kids from these harmful indoor pollutants.

Tips to To Protect Kids from Indoor Pollutants

• Invest in air purifier such as Dyson Pure Cool. They say, prevention is better than cure. TRUE!  These things we do regularly are to clean the things we can see that are dirty or dusty, but what about the pollutants we don't see?  How do we clean them? How do we protect the kids from these? The answer is air purifiers, but not just any air purifier, make that Dyson Pure Cool.  

• NO smoking rule in the house. Thankfully, none of us smoke. But for our visiting relatives and friends in the house, we really impose a NO SMOKING rule, especially in enclosed spaces such as the toilet as secondhand smoke may trigger asthma attacks (which we are trying our best to avoid), coughing/wheezing, and other lung problems 

• Wash and change sheets often. Dirt and dust accumulate in our pillowcases and bed sheets.  Bed sheets should be replaced every week while pillow cases every three to four days. These sheets are what we lie down on every night and the dirt (sweat, dead skin cells, and more) from our own bodies gets trapped or accumulates over time. If we don't change the sheets regularly, pimples, eczema flare ups, itchiness, skin irritability, asthma (our fear) could be among the bad effects. 

• DAILY CLEAN UP is necessary, use natural cleaners Cleaning surfaces, (like tables, kitchen counters, etc), items we often touch (door knobs, staircase rail, closet handles, etc) and the floor is a big help in protecting the whole family from buildup of bacteria, mold and dirt - which are harmful and could make us sick.  As a stay-at-home mom since February of this year, I've never cleaned so much.  I realized how much I relied on the household help, who might not have the same concern for my child as much as I do. I use natural ingredients such as baking soda paste to clean ovens, sea salt and lemon juice for pots and pans, and more.  Less chemicals mean less exposure to indoor pollutants.  A cleaner home means fewer chances of kids getting sick due to pollutants.

Why Dyson Pure Cool?
I found out in the first few days how "polluted" our room is through Dyson Pure Cool Air's reports. The good thing about having an app to capture the condition of the air we regularly breathe is that I can access it anywhere, and it gives me some peace of mind that the once unclean air is now being purified.  This then relieves my usual fear of bad air circulation, especially in our room which usually has poor ventilation (it’s always enclosed). I get to know the room's temperature, the quality of air in the room, the humidity level, which are all vital in ensuring that my family is protected.
        


See the spikes in these graphs? I noticed whenever we open the windows in the morning, it spikes to that level. I figured it must be the dust in the wind from outside upon opening the windows plus the smoke coming from the cars’ engine pipes along our common garage. I also noticed there’s spike in the afternoon at early evening when I cook our meals.

We badly needed this technology at home. My husband, who regularly couldn't breathe properly at night, now has a more peaceful sleep. My kids, who I fear might acquire asthma if allergens like dust and dirt trigger it, are a little bit safer now can be protected from these indoor air pollutants. Thanks to the technology of Dyson Pure Cool, I can finally say that HOME is not only where the heart is, but also where the health is.

To know more about Dyson Pure Cool, like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DysonPH/ or visit their website https://www.dyson.ph/fans-and-purifiers/purifiers/dyson-pure-cool/overview.aspx.

This blog also appears on theAsianparent PH

Wes Santos, Noa Tominio, and Team Yey kids Lady Pipay Navarro and Lukas Magallano try out the new Disaster Preparedness Training Center.

Introduction of Disaster Preparedness Training Center by Mr. Ikey Canoy, Kidzania Manila's Content Manager

Dr. Renato Solidium, Jr., stressed the importance of educating every Filipino about Disaster Preparedness

KidZania Manila Mayor EO Masilungan officially opens the new Disaster Preparedness Training Center with special guest DOST Usec. Renato Solidum.

Taguig Bureau of Fire Protection SINSP. Jessie James Samaniego, KidZania Manila Mayor EO Masilungan, BFP HQ Chief Inspector Glezie Dauz, DOST Undersecretary for Risk Reduction and Climate Change Dr. Renato Solidum, and KidZania Manila COO Tourino Dilaga at the opening of KidZania Manila’s Disaster Preparedness Training Center.

But during the opening of the newest attraction of Kidzania Manila, the kids were taught more than that.  Children get to experience responding to disasters while learning basic survival skills.  They were taught different types of natural dangers and the threats these pose to citizens in a community.  The Disaster Preparedness Training Center is an all-in simulation facility to learn and have fun at the same time that's great for kids and even kids-at-heart!

Disaster response trainees Lukas Magallano, Noa Tominio, Lady Pipay Navarro, and Wes Santos.

The latest establishment adds another thrilling role play activity at KidZania Manila, which is celebrating its third year in the country. It teaches young disaster response trainees, aged seven to 17 years old, how to plan, prepare for, survive and recover from natural disasters. 

Team Yey kids Lukas Magallano and Lady Pipay Navarro with KidZania Manila's EO Masilungan and Tourino Dilaga.

Aside from the training, the young trainees also undergo a lifelike disaster scenario which will challenge them to:

• ·         Assess the emergency situation and secure the area.

• ·         Find survivors and help carry them to safety.

• ·         Locate exits and escape safely.

Inside the new Disaster Preparedness Training Center.

The new KidZania Manila establishment aims to promote disaster preparedness and resiliency among children, while seeking to develop their collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, when disaster strikes.
After my son experienced his Disaster Preparedness Training, I asked how was it, he said

"It was awesome Mom!  It's like real life disaster!  I only knew - Duck, Cover, and Hold because it was also taught in school.  But this time, I learned more!  We should prepare our GO Bag now when we get home!  I should bring a whistle with me all the time, is that okay mommy?  Also, we saved somebody during the disaster and carried the body outside.  It was freaky especially when the elevator broke and the emergency started, but at least I know what to do now!"  

Here's how it looks inside, it looks so real!  That's why kids would really love to try this simulation.  As a parent, this is a good educational attraction because they come out with new learning and bing home confidence because they know better when they leave the Disaster Preparedness Training Center door.

Got to wear the hard hat while the kids were inside during the simulation.

What we should pack in our GO BAGS: First-aid kids, water, a big Go Bag

GO-Bag content: flash light, extra cellphone, charger, can opener, battery operated radio, canned goods, other food.

Canned goods, biscuits, and more foods. We don't want to get hungry when disaster strikes.

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.