I was that mother who worked all her energy and enthusiasm in the office just to be able to provide my children's needs.   I had just one before and was a single mom too, so imagine the roles I had to play and time I had to manage to make him feel secured and loved at the same time.  I was intentional at making everyday moments fun and happy even if I had to do it alone those days.  Jollibee was our ultimate hang out place before I go to work, and as his favorite pasalubong.

Jollibee released their newest heartfelt video which showed how parents making the most of the time they spend with their children by making everyday activities such as playtime, snack time, bath time, and bedtime more fun and memorable.  I totally remembered myself when I was a full-time working mom.  I braved the traffic, the rain, finished deadlines, just to be home on time to make it before my son's bedtime.  Watch this video, for sure many of you can relate to this sweet-sarap moments complemented by a classic favorite that has captured the hearts of Pinoy kids of different generations: Jolly Spaghetti.
“The latest Jolly Spaghetti video is our tribute to Filipino parents who tirelessly find ways to connect and bond with their children, even in the smallest ways like sharing their favorite sweet-sarap treat,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee AVP for Marketing – Flagship Category. “Childhood always goes by so fast and for parents, it’s important to enjoy and cherish every moment with our children.”

(L-R): Jollibee Philippines Brand Engagement Officer Celina Tan; Jollibee Philippines Brand Manager for Jolly Spaghetti Kat Silvoza; Jollibee Philippines AVP and Marketing Head of Flagship Category Cathleen Capati; parent panelists Melissa Ricks, Tina Lata, Japoy Lizardo, and Delamar Arias with their kids; Jollibee Philippines Assistant Brand Manager Rein Locsin; and Johnjo Paje.

For decades, Jolly Spaghetti has always been a delight for Pinoy kids of all ages. A pioneering fast-food offering that perfectly captures the Filipino palate, Jolly Spaghetti boasts of a unique sweet-sarap sauce, meaty hotdog slices, and a generous sprinkling of grated cheese on top of freshly prepared noodles “We at Jollibee hope that this video inspires parents to make even the simplest day-to-day activities, such as enjoying a common favorite like Jolly Spaghetti, a means to connect with their kids for that bonding na walang kasing-sarap,” concluded Capati.

I agree that daily activities with kids make a great bonding time with the kids.  Though I am a full-fledged stay-at-home-mom now since I resigned last February, there are still days that I have to be reminded of this.  Kids first before chores.  Kids first before anything else.  Thanks Jollibee for the simple reminder of how bonding time is important for kids.  They grow up soon and I don't want to miss important years in their lives when I am still needed - I have to be present.
sharing with the family! The Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan is available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery transactions in Jollibee stores nationwide. For more heartwarming stories and information on the Philippines’ number one fast-food brand, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

When I was a little girl, I used to play with dolls and a doll house with an elevator a lot.  It was more of a building than a house, para siyang condo.  So I guess my doll house was way advanced and cooler than others.  Haha!  I love dolls and I am sure if I have a daughter, I would had passed on my fascination with dolls to her.  But I don't have one or she hasn't been given to me yet.  Who knows right?  Konting dasal pa.

If you scan a toy store, you'll see that there are so many doll brands already, in different sizes, different looks, with different accessories and functionalities these days.  But there's one that's new to me and which caught my attention because it stood out from the rest - the LOL Surprise! Dolls.  LOL stands for Lil Outrageous Littles (not Laughing Out Loud, I'm sure if you're not familiar with this doll, you would've thought of that too!).

Recently, Bankee Toys, the official distributor of LOL Surprise! Dolls in the Philippines launched the newest line of the dolls called the LOL Surprise! Under Wraps, which I had the pleasure to host at Toys R Us branches.  During the hosting gig, I developed my curiosity and high interest about the LOL Surprise! Dolls.  Who wouldn't be curious about these cute and mysterious dolls right?

So here's a special toy feature and my short review!  But wait, I still can't stop wishing I had a little girl with me to share my excitement about unwrapping of the LOL Surprise! Under Wraps (see what I did there? LOL! - and that too! Hahaha!)

UNWRAPPING THE LOL SURPRISE! DOLL UNDER WRAPS
At the back of the packaging, it says, there are 15 surprises inside.  Which I got really giddy excited about.  These are:
- Magnifying glass decoder
- Code
- Unlocking codes
- Sippy cup
- The Under Wrap Doll (2 covers to unwrap)
- Shoes (right and left)
- Accessories (its back pack and pacifier)
- Top and Bottom clothes
- 3 things it could do with water

That's 15 in all!  WOW!

There are three layers or wrappers to remove before you see the mysterious capsule itself with the doll.  Each of the wrappers have a a secret message I need to decode.  Gave me the decoder which looks like a magnifying glass.  Second wrapper layer it says "Getting Close!" in the speech bubble and gave me the Codes and Instruction Manual. Lastly, the third wrapper says "Almost There!" and revealed the capsule where the LOL Surprise! Doll with her accessories are!
When I saw this doll wrapped in silicone, I got so excited to unwrap it.  BUT WAIT!  Before I open the capsule, there are things that need to be done:
1. Open the capsule, there are four locks that need correct combinations to unlock the capsule.
2.  To get the codes to the correct combination, refer to the LOL Surprise! Codes.
3.  Use the magnifying glass to see the codes and combinations.  Make sure you have a good eyesight to see these codes. LOL!
4. Beware of too much suspense and excitement because as you uncover the perfect lock combinations, you unravel one surprise after the other!
5.  Uncover the doll's accessories one by one as you unlock the capsule's compartments.  Again, brace your hearts and your eyes because of the cuteness overload that you'll be seeing one by one.  Be ready to be SURPRISED!  Are you ready to see the reveal?  I'm sure you are!
Now let's do the UNWRAPPING ONE BY ONE.....
Starting with the doll...
AAWW... Isn't she cute?  She's "As If Baby" from the Glam Club.  I already love her at first sight because she is sooo like me when I was younger!
I opened the packages one by one to reveal the surprises such as her top and bottom clothes, her shoes, her accessories (bag and bottle), and her baby pacifier.

When it comes to playtime, I don't know anyone who can get more active than my boys.  Playtime is life for them, from my eldest teenager to my youngest toddler. 

As parents, we highly encourage active play among them. Kids these days have to be encouraged to play and it takes intentional parents to make this happen.  Life is so different from how it was when I was a young little girl.  I used to be out with my neighborhood bff with my trusted rubber slippers to play Chinese Garter, Piko, Tumbang Preso, Habulan, and so much more.

Playing at home also means we have to equip them with the right footwear, with enough hydration, and be vigilant that sweat doesn't dry up at their backs.  Kids should be in comfortable clothes and rubber slippers that won't easily break.  We recently discovered Banana Peel's Crewe Junkyard Flip-Flops and found it durable and safe to use for the kids.
My first impression when I got a hold of these flip flops is that, it looks durable and not one that could easily wear even when user is unstoppable in play action.

Next, the Banana Peel embossed print and grids on the flip-flop's soles make it safe to use for kids who may sometimes be not so cautious when running on slippery surface.  The grids would produce friction and get a grip on the floor or wherever kids step on.  Safety first!
Our usual rubber slippers problem is that the strap easily breaks I guess it's mainly because the rubber used has poor quality.  But look at the double or criss-cross stitches on the inner straps of the Banana Peel flip flops, it obviously won't easily break.  Plus, inner strap is made of cloth so less marks and irritation, it's soft to my kids' skin.
I love that it's made of eco-friendly and non-harmful materials which make it environmentally safe.  Truly the brand care for their users' health and our dear Mother Earth.  The Banana Peel Crewe Junkyard Flip-Flops are mader of 100% rubber, and non-toxic paints were used to give colors to their every footwear. 
We got the Junkyard Quafflepockers (blue) and the Junkyard Circuit Breaker (red/maroon).  Here are closer looks of the Banana Peel flip-flops for kids:
Happy to receive these flip-flop for my kids and discover these for them.  It's an all-around cozy fit and soft feel like no other.  Plus, it's also stylish and colorful, definitely attractive to my visually motivated kids.
Happy that it's cruelty-free, it's not tested on animals.  When I tried it, it lathers on my hand easily, it smells good, and it's not sticky.  It made my skin velvety smooth.  So yes, this will be a new addition to my bedtime ritual.
I'd like to say thanks to Banana Peel for letting me and my kids experience their products first hand.  I highly recommend their durable Crewe Junkyard Flip-Flops for kids who are active at play!

For updates, promos and more info, you make follow them on their social media sites: Facebook and Instagram.

• 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.