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.

Recently, Honestbee announced its newest partnership with S&R Membership Shopping.  Honest bee is a shopping mobile app and Asia's leading online concierge and delivery service which helps people who are looking for convenience to shop without leaving the house and with just the use of their smartphones.  And  I really think the best people who appreciate this all the more are the super busy and intentional full time moms - that's US!

I cannot stop raving about this on my IG stories when I shopped some groceries at S&R via the Honest Bee App, not only once, but twice!  I've been saying that convenience could be so addicting.  Don't worry, I bought everything I really needed.  If there was a want, I guess that would be just the can of chips.
In this post, I will take you through my personal experience, what I like about Honestbee, and my S&R shopping haul.  Are you ready?  I am giddy excited too!

DOWNLOAD THE HONESTBEE APP AND SHOP AT S&R MEMBERSHIP SHOPPING
First of all, when you download the Honestbee app for free via Play Store or Apple Store, you'd be asked to sign up.  It's so easy to sign up, just input your name, your address, your email address and your mobile phone.  Once done, you'll see the two main shopping/delivery categories - GROCERIES and FOOD.
S&R as I've mentioned is now the newest partner of Honestbee among others like Robinsons Supermarket, Farmers Market, SouthStar Drug, The Parenting Emporium, Mustela, Tiny Buds, La Petite Parisienne, and many more.  But with S&R now among them, I said, I've got to really try this because at S&R Membership Shopping, through Honestbee, you may now also access high-quality and hard to find merchandises only made available to its members (with a minimal 5% non-member fee.)  Now even if you're not a member, you get an access to world-class products, high quality wines and spirits, your favorite imported chocolates, and many more!  You may even shop for fresh produce which I tried as well.  Oh important notice to S&R members, please make sure you input your membership number on your Honestbee profile (look for the Your Store Memberships tab).

Not only that, you may also avail of their famous New York style pizza, chicken and churros through their app. “We are always looking for establishments to partner with to deliver your favorite food and grocery items straight to your doorstep,” said Crystal Gonzalez, Managing Director.
“We’re happy to have found one in S&R which allows you to enjoy its world class and high quality products and the freshest seafood, meats and vegetables to you with just a press of a button.”  Ang saya diba?  This was announced during the Honestbee - S&R Membership Shopping partnership launch.

Here are some photos from the launch:

1. It's not complicated.  Imagine yourself breezing through each numbered grocery isle.  The Honestbee app will take you through the departments and even filter categories in each department.  Let's say you choose Baby Care department, you may filter what you need from that section such as diapering, feeding, etc.
2. Enjoy lower prices.  In my personal experience, I bought the 68 pack of Pampers Baby Dry Diaper for only Php599 on my first shopping and Php 649 (but with free 4 pc pack bundled) on my second grocery.  Both prices still cheaper compared to other supermarkets where a 68 pack Pampers Baby Dry L costs Php679.
3. Availability of items not found anywhere.  There are many unique items in S&R Membership Shopping we all know that that's why members pay for a fee to shop there right?  You get that same access now through Honestbee.  I was able to buy S&R  Baker's Bread Pullman loaf (which is one of the best loaf of bread we've ever tried kasi it's soft, it's fresh, hindi siya mahangin, and with spread or not, masarap siya!), S&R 1 Gal Fabric Conditioner, and a big 5kg S&R Laundry Detergent, to name a few - which you cannot find elsewhere of course.  But knowing they come from S&R, you're assured of their quality.  
4. Friendly Honestbee shopper. Professional and well-trained.  All my orders were picked correctly.  It felt as if I had a clone.  Ang saya!
5. On-time and even early delivery.  If you order via Honestbee in the morning, you may have your groceries delivered within the day.  You may choose from the delivery schedules which will appear on your app once you finalize all your orders.  In both of my experiences, my orders came earlier than expected.  
   
6. Merchandise packed properly in nice eco bags.  My orders came to me in bright yellow and thick Honestbee eco-bags which are reusable.  Savings din yun because imagine how much each eco bag costs in other supermarkets right?  The fresh produce and food are separate from non-food.  My breads weren't dented/be-dimpled.  
7. Regular shopping and delivery updates via text.  My concierge updated me one time when one of my orders were not available, so she asked if I want to cancel or replace.  She also updated me on the delivery schedule and if I am amenable to an earlier delivery.  She was pleasant and professional as well.  I felt like I have an assistant, for a SAHM, parang naging donya ako for a moment.  The rider was also pleasant and presentable. 
8. Justifiable fees.  As mentioned, if you are not a member, you pay for 5% surcharge fee, so it's really better if you're a member.  You also pay for concierge fee (I paid Php120.00) and if your order is below Php2500, you pay for the delivery fee (I paid for Php99).  These fees are justifiable and I would say convenience fee.  I would definitely spend more if I did the grocery myself because Grab or gas fee, parking fee, food because grocery could make me hungry, and I am tired pa.  Plus my time and energy spent grocery shopping is priceless - happy that I was able to "do" my grocery while staying at home with my kids.
9. COD as payment option.  For most who are skeptical about technology shopping or online/mobile shopping, having COD as one of payment options would make them shout Hallelujah!  You pay when your merchandise arrives.  But you may also pay with card.
10. Convenience guaranteed.  No wasted time.  No traffic horror stories.  No transportation hassles.  No long queues.  No distracted nor out of budget purchases.  Get groceries done right at the convenience of your home with your loved ones.  

MY S&R SHOPPING HAULS
You can say that I was a satisfied Honestbee customer. 

WHO WOULD LIKELY TO SHOP VIA HONESTBEE?

If you are a busy mom like me who:

• Wants to spend their time for more important matters like their kids/family rather than the traffic
• Is not up to driving and look tirelessly for a parking space
• Doesn't like the hassle of commuting or spending for surged transportation fee
• Doesn't like going out when rain is heavily pouring
• Is tired and would rather relax while still doing an errand
• Is tech-savvy and take advantage of the convenience of shopping via mobile

For more information, visit https://www.honestbee.ph/ for more information.  Enjoy shopping!

If you've been a long time follower of my blog, thank you so much for your continuous support throughout the six years that I have been sharing my life online.  I pour out my heart in every milestone that I've shared on this cyber space where I feel safe and happy most of the time if not all the time.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You are one of the reasons why I am still blogging.

If you're a new follower or reader, thank you too for the 1.20 minutes (average reading time) you've spent on my blog. I sincerely hope that I was able to give you the information you need and inspire you as well.  I hope you stick around until I type the last word of my last blog entry (we can never can tell ika nga nila!)

So as my way of thanks, I am celebrating this with a simple giveaway, which I first ran a short and sweet survey among you guys on my Facebook Page.  Please do follow if you haven't (Mommy Practicality On Facebook).

I am giving away THREE (3) Packages to my lucky followers which will be randomly drawn via Google .Number Randomizer.

Here are the simple mechanics:

1. Follow/Subscribe to Mommy Practicality on:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mommypracticality
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mommypracticalty
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/ldfandino
2. Like my IG feed post/photo and do the following:
1. Comment how many items in total I am giving away (combination of three packages) shown in the photo.
2. Repost the photo with this caption: "I am a loyal follower of @mommypracticality and she's celebrating her 6th year in blogging with a giveaway!  A chance to win one of the three packages by guessing how many items in all is she giving away in this photo.  Join her celebration giveaway too @TaggedFriend1 @TaggedFriend2.
3. Make sure you include the hashtag #MommyPracticalityTurns6 and make your IG profile public so I may track all your entries.
4. This celebration giveaway is happening until end of August.

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:

Who doesn't love food?  We all do right?  So why not go ahead and show some love to your favorites in this year's THE CHOICE.

In the first six months of this year alone, over 500 new restaurants opened … and that’s only all over Metro Manila!

Every month, every week, and almost every day it seems, there’s a new restaurant opening its doors. There are a lot of great new dining choices, side by side with the perennials, the classics that we grew up with.

As food bloggers, writers, and members of the F&B industry, we’re always very curious about the crowd favorites. The popular vote, if you will.  What are the beloved favorites? Let the voice of the people be heard!

ABOUT THE AWARDS
Together, Our Awesome Planet, the country’s #1 food blog and one of the Top 50 travel blogs in the world;  the Blogger and Influencer Collective known as the KTG (Kain Tulog Gang); and the prestigious World Food Expo (WOFEX), have partnered to conduct the People’s Choice for their Favorite Food, Restaurants, Hotels, and Chefs …. or simply, “The Choice”.
We conducted an intense first round of voting among ourselves, and our resulting Finalist Lists have made us very pleased:  we feel it’s a very diverse and fair representation of all our favorites from many diverse categories.

However, we’d like to emphasize that this is NOT a “Best of…” list. Taste, after all, is subjective. This is a vote for YOUR FAVORITES.

The Choice 2018 voting will be for two weeks starting on July 15, Sunday and ends on July 30, Monday. Awarding Ceremonies will be at the SMX Mall of Asia on Saturday, August 4, 2018, from 2pm to 5pm.


The Survey Parameters

1. For the Favorite New Restaurant category, our coverage period includes restaurants that opened between July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018.
2. There are 40 questions in this survey and answering this survey should take only around 10-15 minutes. It is best to give a definitive answer to each question and feel free to skip if you can’t decide.
3. All answers are treated as confidential and final once you click on the submit button.
4. One survey response for one person only.
5. Please give us your name and email address for our random validation of the survey responses.

Here’s the link to the survey:  https://awesm.pl/TheChoice2018

The Hall of Fame Awardees

Consecutive Winners in their respective categories in 2015, 2016, and 2017, the following establishments have now been elevated to The Choice Hall of Fame, and thus, will not be eligible for further awards this year and in the years ahead. Congratulations to the Hall of Famers!!!

Food Favorites

• Fast Food Burger: Burger King
• Gourmet Burger : 8 Cuts
• Fried Chicken : KFC
• Sisig : Gerry’s Gril
• BBQ : Aristocrat
• Hotdog/Sausage : S&R
• Ramen : Ramen Nagi
• Donut : Krispy Kreme
• Ensaymada : Mary Grace
• Frozen Dessert : Dairy Queen
• Pastries/Cakes: Conti’s
• Coffee :  Starbucks

Restaurant Favorites

• Chinese : Gloria Maris
• Thai : People’s Palace
• Korean : Bulgogi Brothers
• Mexican : El Chupacabra
• Fine Dining : Antonio’s
• 24/7 Dining : North Park
• Family Dining : Chili’s
• Hotel Buffet: Spiral
• Fast Food : Jollibee

Peanut butter is one of our staple spreads at home and is always in our grocery list.  I don't remember a day without peanut butter in sight, Lily's Peanut Butter to be exact, since I was a child.  Good memories abound when I think about peanut butter.  My mom used to prepare me peanut butter sandwich as baon in all my school years and during my summer swimming lessons when I was an incoming grade 5 student.  Being a mom myself, I know how important it is to pass on good traditions and create happy memories for the kids.  Even when there was a craze in imported peanut butters, our family stayed loyal to that familiar, nutty yet creamy, and classic Lily's Peanut Butter.
This is the important message during the event I attended with other moms and kids last weekend at Warehouse 8 Makati of Lily's Peanut Butter, to create fab meals and lasting family memories.

My family's favorite, Kare-Kare using Lily's Peanut Butter

Lily's Peanut Butter Lite for health conscious like us

Lily's Peanut Butter Chocolate, my panganay's favorite

Lily's Peanut Butter Crunchy

Yes, myth debunked that peanut butter, especially those with pool of oil on top of a newly opened jar/bottle, is unhealthy.  In fact, the reason that it has that oil is evidence that the product is free from chemicals, emulsifiers or stabilizers.  Lily's Peanut Butter is made from carefully selected premium peanuts, and its Lily's Crunchy Peanut butter is 100 percent natural and free from harmful additives.  Only natural sugar and iodized salt are added to the main ingredient to create that wonderfully creamy and sweet peanut spread that Filipinos love.

Research shows that peanut butter contains brain-boosting vitamins and minerals to keep one's memory sharp.  It also contains protein, dietary fiber, potassium ans iron, which makes for a healthy go-to food for the whole family.

Now I understand better why it's a brain food and a healthy alternative to other commercial cookies for baon.  Happy that my school-aged son's favorite snack is peanut butter sandwich that I shape into bite-sized stars. 

Making Family Memories
Like my mom who had impressed so many good childhood memories in me through food, I am doing that for my kids as well by serving them healthy and savory dishes,like my special Kare-Kare, they will want to come home to and serving them their favorite peanut butter sandwich - both through the help of the family's all-time and only favorite, Lily's Peanut Butter.

Baon and Snacks Idea with pastries and cookies using Lily's Peanut Butter which the whole family will enjoy!

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