Mommies, you've seen in my posts about my latest laundry discovery, yes, ang DOWNY may DETERGENT NA!  Since its discovery, my laundry life has never been the same. When I saw it already available in the supermarket, August pa lang yun, they haven't launched yet online nor sa TV, my first reaction was, "Wow!  Downy Detergent?!  For sure ang bango nito!"

I've always imagined before pa na what if ang Downy magka-detergent na, for sure amoy Downy yun!  Ang funny because I personally replace fresh and good-smelling clothes to Downy na.  Finally, I've got what I've secretly longed for and I could say I've found the ONE I need for laundry. Kilala niyo naman ako mga mommies, I won’t recommend something na hindi maganda, effective, at makakatulong sa ating mga nanay.

I am so happy to be one of the firsts to test the new Downy Detergent.  When I was sent the Hulabada box, I was more than thrilled to give in to that unboxing!


So that weekend, I immediately tried the New Downy Detergent and let me tell you how much I love this newest laundry innovation from Downy!


1.  It has the world’s first-ever Perfume Boosters that gives your laundry an elevated pleasant experience.  The perfume boosters are the reasons for the long-lasting Downy Scent that you will smell all throughout your laundry.  Sabi ko nga diba, when you hear the word DOWNY, ang synonym nito ay MABANGO.

2.  Superior Cleaning Formula.  Not only it leaves your clothes smelling so good but it cleans it really well!  With its superior cleaning formula, your clothes will be sparkling clean. I tried the blue Downy Detergent variant on my yellowish clothes na, and amazing talaga!  Parang magic na naging sparkling clean and pumuti sila.

3.  Mild on hands.  I wash my clothes both via machine and hands.  Nilalabhan ko kasi ang mga intimates ko with hands.  I’ve tried a lot of other detergents and sensitive ang hands ko sa mga masyadong matatapang na mga formula.  But with Downy Detergent, hindi na-irritate ang mga hands ko.  The new Downy Detergent is really mild on hands.  Try it for yourselves mga mommies!
I couldn’t stress how much I love the new Downy Detergent!  Truly, I’ve found the ONE for me!  For me, Downy has all the qualities I am looking for in an effective laundry detergent.  Mabango. Malinis ang mga damit.  Mild sa mga kamay!


After washing our clothes with Downy Detergent, the signature scent of Downy ay amoy na amoy!  Even when you fold it and keep it in the closet, after a week before using yung shirt na nilabhan ko, it still smells as if it's freshly washed!  If you air dry it or leave newly washed clothes sa sampayan, abot hanggang kanto yung amoy.  Hahaha but kidding aside, you'll really smell the perfume boosters that's in the detergent.   Indeed super nakaka-good vibes or good mood maglaba using Downy.

I'm sure many moms who wash regularly would agree to the saying that no matter how tiring cleaning or washing it, it's still therapeutic to us.  The thought of cleanliness and the scent that goes with it spells fulfillment and achievement.  Ito mga mommies, you elevate that sense of fuflfillment when you use this newest from Downy because hindi pa man tapos ang labahin, alam mong achieve na achieve mo na ang clean and perfume smelling clothes that only Downy Detergent could achieve for us mga mommies.

So bago pa magka-ubusan sa supermarket, I really encourage you to try the #NEWDOwnyDETERGENT today and see for yourselves what the buzz is all about!  Mapapa-I've found the ONE ka rin for sure!

Downy Detergent is available in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide in different sizes:

• 1Wash 43g, PHP10

• Jumbo 70g, PHP16

• Small Bag 680g, PHP145

• Big Bag 1410g, PHP295

If natry niyo na mga momsh, tag me in your stories or testimonies about your laundry using Downy Detergent and use the hashtags #MommyPracticality.

For more information, details, and updates, follow Downy Philippines on Facebook and Instagram too!  For more stories, you may follow their hashtags too mga momsh #MayForeverCleanAndFresh #NewDownyDETERGENT

Weekends are precious for our family that's why we make the most out of those two days doing two things:  relax and look for recreational activities.  Recently, we decided to indulge in an opportunity to experience The Garage VR Zone and Food Park plus some Dreamplay time at City of Dreams Manila (will write a separate blog post about this fun experience too!)
It was our first time at The Garage and we were greeted with families enjoying their meals or at least going around the huge food park and kids excitedly playing at the VR Zone. The Garage has a wide range of casual dining choices of food and beverages for the whole family presented in nice-looking trucks and trailers. 
Set in a 2,714-square meter cool and comfortable space located at the upper ground floor, The Garage stands out with its modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity. Designed by award-winning Paris-based creative design agency, Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design, a group known for its strong sensitivity to contemporary design aesthetics, The Garage is further given life and vibrancy with graffiti works of two prominent names in the street art scene: Kookoo Ramos and DeeJae Paste. 
For me, it's a must-experience latest entertainment and dining attraction. The Garage is offering a selection of more than 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers: Chip Shoppe, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster and Juiced. I also love that The Garage is also enhanced with the sustainability drive of City of Dreams Manila, where they used only eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable plates, utensils and take-out bags.

Let me share with you what we had during our family's visit:
We were served food from the Chip Shoppe and we enjoyed the COD Save the Queen (battered COD fish), Calamari, Coco Prawn Fritters, Corn Dog, Spam Fritters and Fries.  For dessert, we tried their Banana Fritters with chocolate ice cream on top.

Calamari, COD Save The Queen, Coco Prawn Fritters, Smap Fritters, Corn Dog, and Fries from Chip Shoppe

Pizza Grigliata Manila

Four Cheese Pizza

Pizza No. Two surprised us with a little kick of spiciness and tanginess with every bite.

Lots of cheese, basil leaves and alfalfa sprouts - THIS is my kind of pizza!

Real deal Carbonara and Tomat0-based

Jasmine Iced Tea

A cup of my favorite Cafe Mocha or was this Capuccino?

The Chip Shoppe

Beverage Bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

The Roaster's giant roasting machine which they actually use but is in a glass case making it look like an exhibit or an artifact.  This is so cool!

The Roaster is the go-to outlet for an array of gourmet coffee creations made from freshly roasted Philippine beans. In keeping with the resort’s sustainability campaign, the beans are sourced from coffee growers and farmers in various communities supported by the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc.

Chocol8 is an award-winning chocolate shop which can be found in The Garage at City Of Dreams Manila

Chocol8 features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms, and are enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.

These chocolates were featured in a number of TV shows, I bet their chocolates are one of the bests in the country!

Farmacy Food Truck

Care for some Soccer game?

The VR zone is not for the faint heart and super full stomach.  It's recommended that you play either before eating or an hour or so after because if it's your first time, chances are you may get nauseated.  How do I know?  I can message it to you privately!  Hahaha!  It was an awesome experience overall especially for first-timers like my husband and me.

After having an awesome experience hanging out at The Garage VR Zone and Food Park, here are some of the reasons why we recommend this to families looking for a new place to comfortably hangout:
1.  It's spacious.  Spend time with the family at ease.  Having a spacious area means kids could run around, you don't worry much that you're disturbing another family, hahaha!  Honestly, this happens to every family with little kids in tow.  I love the high ceiling, and really the big space of The Garage.
2.  It has a wide selection of food choices.  There's literally something for everybody!  If you want finger foods that are easy to eat yet filling and satisfying there's The Chip Shoppe or Pink Hotdogs.  For Japanese or Mexican dish lovers like me, you'll be happy to try Katsu Sora, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka or El Chupacabra. Pizza and Pasta Day?  Then Pizza Grigliata Manila is the right truck destination.
3.  It's well-ventilated.  Space is big yet very cool.. I love the air-conditioning system because it adds up to the total happy customer experience for the whole family.  Indeed, anyone's stay or hangout experience is a comfortable one.
4.  It's clean.  Who wants to dine in with the family in an unkempt place right?  They've got you covered, from the dining areas to each of the food stalls, and especially their comfort rooms, totally clean.
5.  It's child-friendly.  I say this because the couches are perfect for sitting small children safely and comfortably.  Having a spacious area to hangout also is a plus point for being a child-friendly venue.  The selection of food even for our little picky eaters is friendly, so you're assured your little man or little girl will also be filled with food he/she will enjoy.
6.  It's pro-environment.  They use both reusable and biodegradable materials for serving food, from bowls, plates, wooden utensils, they are all impressively sustainable, making love for our planet and the future generation felt as well!  Good job City of Dreams! :)
7.  It's casual.  Lastly, no need to dress to impress!  This casual hangout place for the family makes the experience a lot more carefree, not restricting, and comfortable while making great family memories last a lifetime.  No social pressure, no venue pressure, just come as you are and be REALLY HAPPY with the family!  I love this about The Garage VR Zone/Food Park!

WHAT TO TRY NEXT:
What we want to try the next time we come here are the following:
1. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s well-loved ramen.
2. Katsu Sora's tonkatsu with rice and other side dishes.
3. Pink Hotdogs' intriguing "The Hollywood Legend" hotdogs and their burgers too.
4. Little Flour Café by the highly successful Wildflour Café + Bakery's rice bowls, delicacies, and grilled items.
5.  El Chupacabra's delectable array of Mexican-influenced dishes such as street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken sticks.
6.  Farmacy Ice Cream - all flavors! :)

Operating Hours:
On Sundays to Thursdays, the VR Zone is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., food outlets at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and on Fridays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., the food outlets at 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Rates:
Single VR activity ticket is at Php 380; while packages are available for those playing in pairs or groups: Php 700 for two persons playing Ski Rodeo or Galaga Fever; and Php 1,300 for a group of four playing Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Hospital Escape Terror or Winged Bicycle. For those who want to avail of three or five activities, the ticket prices are Php 1, 300 and Php 1, 650 respectively.

For more information, call (+63 2) 800-8080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

My happy and satisfied student with Coach Sonny Calingo of Ready Steady Go Kids Philippines

Damien is my youngest son who is almost three years of age.  He's in a stage when he's enjoying his independent exploration (or so he thought but my superMOMpower eyes and ears are all on him) and is very hyperactive.

Damien's first-ever mini obstacle course activity

Hop and move!  Finishing the activity during his first day

I really don't want him to go to a formal traditional/progressive/Montessori pre-school at an early stage because I really believe that toddlers should be free to play.  They learn a lot through play.  Play develops children's imaginations, socialization, motor skills, and even critical thinking. Play even teaches them the values of sharing, kindness, openness, and respect.

Until Ready Steady Go Kids (RSGK) Philippines was recommended to me.

Their Ready Steady Go class huddle

At first, I was hesitant but when I researched about RSGK, I was impressed with their program tailor-fit to pre-schoolers age 2.5 to 6yo.  It is a multi-sport and exercise program designed for pre-schoolers that complements academics through benefits derived from active learning.

With Day 1 of Damien's RSGK class, I was already extremely pleased with what both Damien and I discovered, mostly about him.  It's true when they say, never underestimate your children's capabilities even at such a young age.  I am guilty I did and Ready Steady Go Kids proved me wrong about my son's ability to follow other people's instructions.  My son participated, engaged, and followed instructions from the class' head coach, Coach Sonny.

Coach Sonny personally trains these little athletes to finish the courses set for them each class

Damien following simple instructions and participating in his class

THE READY STEADY GO KIDS PROGRAMME:

• For pre-schoolers age 2.5 to 6 years old
• Multi-sport and exercise program
• 10 sessions of 45 to 50 minutes each
• 3 Class types:
• Ready (2 - 3yo)
• Steady (3 - 4yo)
• Go (4 - 6yo)
• Five sports to cover 10 sessions (Ex. Football, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, Athletics)
• Uses sporting equipment designed especially for pre-school aged children

Coach Sonny calls him Spidey, here he is doing his Spider-Man pose

FUN ACTIVITIES
Each class was a unique experience for Damien and the other toddlers.  Yes, different sports were taught in classes.  Basketball or throwing balls is something familiar to my son.  It was easy for him to get the ball, shoot it.  He also experienced golf in a make-up class he attended one time.  Catching rings was one of his favorites too.  But what was consistent in all classes was the mini obstacle course where the kids wait for turns and finish the course.  Physically, the course involved hopping, bending, balancing, use of the whole body (those cute and soft little hands, feet, and legs), and hand-feet-eye coordination.  Mentally, the course taught kids colors, counting, and shapes.

Basketball time.  Damien waiting for his turn.  He waited miraculously! :)

Again with his Spidey signature pose

Valle Verde make-up class where he experienced playing golf

VALUES-FORMING
I love that the classes made my son become familiarized about the environment and the other kids he socialized.  I love that he listened, participated, cooperated, waited for his turn (but honestly still has to be improved, after all, he's the youngest in his class) and finished tasks. I was surprised that he followed instructions, it was easy to teach him.  Damien developed camaraderie and be more helpful.  He was trained to help pack away toys and for any mom, that's an awesome thing to learn in classes such as this.  Life skills learning unfolded right before me!  He responds well to Coach Sonny and coach assistants because he felt safe with them.  He trusted Coach Sonny and I do too!

Let me smell those kili-kili love! :)

SAFETY
Safety is RSGK's priority.  The bunch of equipment they used was safe for preschool-aged children.  To give you a clearer idea, they made use of the following:

Usual sports equipment used in a RSGK class

• Balls (soft basketballs, tennis balls, and plastic golf balls)
• Hoops/rings
• Hurdles
• Silicone hand-shaped markers (as part of obstacle course tasks)
• Stuffed cloth,
• Cones

I am honored to once again participate in the Baby Dove photo shoot with two of my kids.  Hindi ko na pwede isama syempre ang teenager, because hindi na "baby" yun, pang men's na nga ang gamit niya.  I wasn't able to share on the blog about these photos but nevertheless, here it is.
The photo shoots were for Baby Dove's Mother's Day #RealMoms 2018 and 2019 campaigns.  I am really grateful and proud to be part of this project the first time around and also the second time!  I am happy because my little ones are authentic Baby Dove users especially my youngest so these shoots were memorable!

Locations were shot in beautiful houses with huge windows which helped photographers get bright photos of their subjects.  The setups in the houses were done by INCY ROOMS (you could find their pages here, here and here). All photos were captured by Little Heartbeat Photography.

SHOOTING WITH A TODDLER - An AWESOME Experience with Little Heartbeat Photography
Every Baby Dove shoots I had with my toddler was a #RealMom story..eeerr struggle.  All the photos were real!  Little Heartbeat Photography's team was AWESOME!  Hands down to their talented team for still capturing the beauty of motherhood amidst the chaos, the tantrums, and little cranks of my toddler.

Beyond the skills, it's the eye for a magical moment, for the outburst of joy, for the realness of the connection of their subjects that sets them apart.

Little Heartbeat Photography is a young team with absolutely patient photographers.  They understand how short the attention span of little ones is.  They are quick to shoot.  They know what to capture.  They know how to make the subjects smile or laugh or be distracted.  They are also sensitive to the mommy subjects who may be feeling a bit frustrated with their kids who threw tantrums (that's me actually) and probably are a little bit embarrassed.  They make the moms feel comfortable (that's me again) and let them know that it's okay.
They have an eye for what's beautiful, in fact, all the moments captured even the not-so-beautiful scenarios were made beautiful in their lenses.  What magic is that?  Answer me Little Heartbeat Photography, please? :)
The crew was so friendly, always smiling (even if I know they're exhausted from whole day shoot and energies depleted from all the kids who also magically took the energies away from them), and warm.  A lot of help also came from the beauties from Bridges PR.
We had fun with the two shoots we did with Little Heartbeat Photography.  The photos were so wonderful! Thank you, guys! :)

#REALMOMS 
But that's what I love about the Baby Dove campaign.  The more real mom situations from not only me but other participating moms, the better.  Because their message is that there really aren't perfect moms, only real ones.  Social media photos with perfect smiles from kids and well-arranged houses could be deceiving or sometimes could put pressure on many moms like you and me.  It makes you think am I doing it right?  Am I doing enough?  Am I good enough?
YES MOMMY!  You are enough!  You do YOU!  You're the BEST MOM there is for your kids and no one could ever replace you.  Motherhood indeed has no manual, our kids are unique that's why our ways may not be compared with others.  Your children, your choice - how to parent them, how to discipline them, what and how to feed them.

THANK YOU!
Thanks Little Heartbeat Photography and Baby Dove PH for this campaign and for the wonderful gift you've given me as a mother - beautiful pictures capturing real moments of motherhood!  I hope to have more shoots with you!  I am grateful!